Tennessee House Bill HJR0967

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/24
• Engrossed: 2/27/24
• Enrolled: 3/28/24
• Passed: 4/4/24

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor the importance of advocacy in the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities and in improving access to equal opportunities across the State of Tennessee.

Impact

The resolution proposes commemorating March 11, 2024, as Disability Advocacy Day in Tennessee, thereby creating a dedicated time for reflection and awareness of the issues faced by individuals with disabilities. This observance is intended to encourage advocacy efforts that can lead to positive social and political change, similar to milestones achieved through landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Tennessee Disability Act. By formalizing this day, the resolution intends to inspire ongoing dialogue and action regarding accessibility and equal opportunities for all Tennessee residents.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 967 (HJR0967) seeks to honor the importance of advocacy in the lives of Tennesseans with disabilities and promote awareness on the challenges they face. The resolution acknowledges the existence of approximately 1.7 million individuals with disabilities in Tennessee who encounter barriers in accessing essential services such as education, housing, healthcare, and transportation. By recognizing the significance of advocacy, both individual and collective, the resolution aims to highlight the role such efforts play in enhancing the quality of life for these citizens and fostering equity within the community.

Contention

While HJR0967 serves mainly a symbolic role by honoring advocacy efforts, it reflects broader discussions on the rights of people with disabilities and the importance of continued legislative support for accessibility initiatives. Some stakeholders may argue that while symbolic gestures are valuable, there remains a need for more substantive policy changes and funding to effectively address the barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Thus, the resolution may open discourse on the necessity of balancing symbolic recognition with tangible improvements in legislative action.