Tennessee House Bill HB0622

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Refer: 3/7/23
• Refer: 3/22/23
• Chaptered: 4/25/23
• Passed: 4/25/23

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1, Part 3, relative to state symbols.

Impact

The passage of HB 0622 involves a relatively straightforward amendment to the state law on symbols, which influences the way that Tennessee acknowledges its artistic and cultural heritage within the legislative framework. Legislative amendments like this tend to engender a sense of pride among residents, highlighting the importance of culture while potentially attracting tourism and enhancing cultural initiatives.

Summary

House Bill 0622, introduced in the Tennessee General Assembly, focuses on amending the existing TCA (Tennessee Code Annotated) relating to state symbols. Specifically, the bill aims to include a new designation of cultural significance, namely 'The Tennessee in Me' by Debbie Mathis Watts, thereby expanding the array of state symbols to reflect local culture and contributions. This act represents a legislative recognition of artistic and cultural expressions relevant to the identity of Tennessee.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 0622 appears to be positive, with no recorded opposition in its voting history. The unanimous support (91 yeas with 0 nays) demonstrates a collective appreciation for promoting state pride through cultural recognition. Lawmakers seem to agree on the importance of acknowledging local contributions, thus reflecting unity on cultural matters within the legislative body.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the nature of what constitutes state symbols and what criteria should be used for their acceptance. Although HB 0622 experienced smooth passage, discussions around state symbols can sometimes evoke debates on identity, representation, and the selection process for such acknowledgments. The inclusion of specific works, such as 'The Tennessee in Me,' may open dialogue regarding the balance between various cultural expressions and the representation of Tennessee's diverse heritage.