Texas Senate adopts a slate of ceremonial resolutions honoring universities, cities and state programs

The Texas Senate on Feb. 18, 2025, adopted a package of ceremonial resolutions recognizing universities, cultural organizations, local delegations and state programs, and a memorial honoring former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

The actions were taken largely by unanimous consent or voice vote. The floor recognized guests and delegations from Prairie View A&M University, the Texas chapter of the Recording Academy, the Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Kaufman County, Edinburg, Mission and delegations representing Texas manufacturers, Meals on Wheels Texas and Texas game wardens.

Senator Kolkhorst introduced a resolution honoring Prairie View A&M University and invited the university's delegation, including Tamika LeGrand, identified in remarks as the campus's president, to the gallery. "Welcome to your Texas senate," Kolkhorst said as the body adopted the resolution by unanimous consent. Senator Alvarado led the floor recognition for Texas Music Advocacy Day and introduced musicians and industry representatives on the floor. Senator Flores led the recognition of Texas Game Wardens, describing their long service and their role in flood, search-and-rescue and coastal patrols.

The Senate also adopted a memorial resolution commemorating Eddie Bernice Johnson, who served in the Texas Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives; Senator West and Dean Zaffirini each offered remarks recalling her legislative career and community service. The chamber took voice votes on a group of additional resolutions listed later in the session.

Votes at a glance - SR 97 (Colchorst/Colchorse): Recognizing Feb. 18, 2025, as Prairie View A&M University Day — adopted by voice consent (no objection recorded). - SR 61 (Alvarado et al.): Recognizing Feb. 18, 2025, as Texas Music Advocacy Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 91 (Nichols): Recognizing Alabama Coushatta Tribe of Texas Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 112 (Hall): Recognizing Kaufman County Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 115 (Hinojosa of Hidalgo): Recognizing Edinburg Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 103 (King): Recognizing Texas Manufacturers Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 104 (Hinojosa of Hidalgo): Recognizing Mission Day — adopted by voice consent. - SR 116 (West et al.): Memorial for Eddie Bernice Johnson — adopted (members rose in favor; resolution adopted per floor action). - Additional resolutions (SR 48, SR 49, SR 50, SR 53, SR 60, SR 79, SR 80, SR 90, SR 93, SR 94, SR 96, SR 100, SR 101, SR 102, SR 107) were read and adopted by a collective voice vote noted by the presiding officer.

What the recognitions said and why they were on the floor Senator Kolkhorst said Prairie View A&M is the largest HBCU in Texas and emphasized the university's research centers and STEM degree production as part of remarks delivered while the university delegation was on the floor. Senator Alvarado described the state's music incubator program and the 2021 funding enacted for it, noting a $20 million allocation and the program's rapid uptake by venues and performers. Senator Flores, speaking for the game wardens recognition, described the wardens' history dating to 1895 and their role as peace officers and first responders in rural and coastal areas.

Ceremonial recognitions formalize the legislature's acknowledgements of institutions, local delegations and contributions to statewide culture and public service. While the adoptions do not create statutory obligations or appropriations, they put the named groups on the legislative record and provide public acknowledgement from the Senate.

Ending Most resolutions were adopted without recorded roll-call votes after the presiding officer asked if there was objection and none was voiced on the floor. Several delegations — including university leaders, musicians, tribal representatives, county delegations, game wardens and nonprofit representatives — were recognized in the gallery during the session.