Tennessee Senate Bill SJR0277

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Engrossed: 3/30/23
• Enrolled: 4/4/23
• Passed: 4/10/23

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Tom Smith to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Impact

The passage of SJR0277 serves to formally validate Tom Smith’s role on the advisory board until June 30, 2026. By confirming his appointment, the resolution is significant as it ensures that qualified individuals are positioned to contribute to the oversight and strategic direction of Tennessee's higher education institutions. The inclusion of members with diverse backgrounds in real estate and business could provide valuable perspectives in guiding the university's future.

Summary

SJR0277 is a Senate Joint Resolution aimed at confirming the appointment of Tom Smith to the advisory board for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. The resolution underlines the process by which the governor appoints members to such boards, highlighting that the governor's appointments require confirmation by the General Assembly. This reinforces the balance of powers between the executive and legislative branches, particularly in the realm of higher education governance in Tennessee.

Contention

While SJR0277 appears to have passed without opposition, the underlying discussions surrounding such appointments can often be contentious. Issues of transparency, diversity of experience, and potential political motivations behind appointments can provoke debates among legislators. Although this particular resolution did not present significant opposition, the dynamics of advisory board selections can often reflect broader discussions about governance and accountability in public education.

Voting_history

The resolution saw a strong bipartisan agreement during the voting process, with a notable 90 yeas and no nays on April 3, 2023. This overwhelming support indicates a collaborative effort among lawmakers to endorse governance in education, suggesting that SJR0277 aligns with the broader legislative agenda focused on supporting higher education institutions.