Tennessee House Bill HJR0101

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/30/23
• Refer: 2/1/23
• Failed: 3/8/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Dr. Lisa Piercey to the state university board of East Tennessee State University.

Impact

The resolution does not introduce new legislation but acts as a confirmation of existing procedures related to appointments within the state university governance framework. By confirming Dr. Piercey’s position, the bill reinforces the role of the state university board in overseeing educational governance and ensuring that the board is composed of qualified individuals who meet specific criteria outlined in state law. This resolution aligns with provisions that mandate gubernatorial appointees to be residents of Tennessee and to have a connection to the institution they represent.

Summary

HJR0101 is a resolution aimed at confirming the appointment of Dr. Lisa Piercey to the state university board of East Tennessee State University. Dr. Piercey has a notable background, having served as the Commissioner of Health and leading the Governor's Pandemic Task Force during the COVID-19 response. The resolution seeks to affirm her appointment, which was made by Governor Bill Lee for a term that will end on June 30, 2025. The bill highlights the legal requirements set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the governance of the university board and the qualifications required for appointees.

Contention

The discussions surrounding HJR0101 may include debates about the qualifications of Dr. Piercey and her fit for the role on the university board, given her background in health rather than traditional educational settings. The voting history indicates a significant division of opinions, as the resolution failed in the Education Administration Committee, which may reflect concerns from lawmakers about her appointment, educational policies, or broader implications for governance within the university system.