Tennessee Senate Bill SJR1022

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/26
• Engrossed: 4/16/26
• Refer: 4/17/26
• Refer: 4/22/26
• Enrolled: 4/29/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION providing for the installation of a bust in the State Capitol to honor Anne M. Davis, the founding mother of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Impact

The resolution underscores the importance of recognizing individuals who have played pivotal roles in state and national conservation efforts. By honoring Davis, the resolution seeks to inspire future generations about the value of local activism and dedication to conservation. It proposes the creation and installation of a bust that will be situated near the Senate chambers, ensuring that her memory is preserved within the halls of Tennessee's legislative process. This tribute is expected to enhance public awareness of the state's historical figures in environmental stewardship.

Summary

SJR1022 is a Senate Joint Resolution that seeks to honor Anne M. Davis, who is widely recognized as the founding mother of Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP), by facilitating the installation of a bust in the State Capitol. The resolution highlights Davis's significant contributions, including her role in initiating the concept for the park, gathering public support, and successfully sponsoring legislation to procure land for its establishment. This act serves not only as a historical tribute but also aims to solidify Davis's legacy within Tennessee's cultural and environmental history.

Contention

While the resolution primarily seeks to celebrate Anne M. Davis, the discussions surrounding it may raise questions about the allocation of state resources for artistic projects. The bill addresses potential funding concerns and outlines that the costs associated with the bust's creation may be covered through state appropriations or private donations. This stipulation could provoke debate about public funding for memorial projects versus pressing state needs, which is a common point of contention in legislative discussions about art and honorific installations.