House passes Bill 1092 and honors musicians Kenneth and Cameron Whalen

House Bill 1092 passed decisively in the Tennessee Senate, receiving a constitutional majority with 25 votes in favor and none opposed during the session on April 22, 2025. The swift approval marks a significant step forward for the legislation, which now moves closer to becoming law.

Following the successful vote, discussions shifted to House Bill 979, which faced complications as the House refused to recede. A conference committee was appointed, including Senators Bailey, Briggs, Johnson, and Yarbrough, with Senator Hale designated as chairman. This committee will work to resolve the differences between the two chambers on this contentious bill.

In a notable moment of recognition, Senator Ackberry proposed the immediate consideration of Senate Resolution 243, honoring Kenneth Whalen III of Memphis. Whalen, a talented saxophonist, has performed with renowned artists such as Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. The resolution was adopted without objection, showcasing the Senate's commitment to celebrating local talent.

Senator Ackberry also introduced Senate Resolution 244, honoring Cameron Whalen, a member of Bruno Mars' Grammy-winning band Silk Sonic. This resolution was similarly adopted, reflecting the Senate's ongoing efforts to acknowledge the achievements of Tennessee's artists.

The session highlighted both legislative progress and a commitment to honoring the state's cultural contributions, setting a positive tone for future discussions and initiatives.