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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
With the approach of the 2026 legislative session lawmakers have already started filing their bills to secure an early consideration slot, and so far, three resolutions honoring the late Charlie Kirk have been proposed by Republicans desiring to memorialize the conservative martyr.
The first resolution, HJR0709, was filed on Sept. 16, just days after Kirk’s assassination on Sept. 10, and is sponsored by Rep. Lee Reeves (R-Franklin-District 65).
HJR0709 seeks to designate Sept. 10, 2026, as “Charlie Kirk Day” in “remembrance of the life and legacy of that singular conservative icon, whose life was cut short far too soon.” It further recognizes Kirk as a “gifted orator and debater,” and an “outstanding individual, a devoted family man, and a pillar of the American conservative movement.”
Second to be filed was SJR0539 by Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23) to honor the memory of Kirk. Kerry’s Senate Joint Resolution was filed on Oct. 23 and shares much of the same language with Reeves’ HJR0709.
It also states the members of the General Assembly were “greatly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Charlie Kirk” and reflects “fondly upon his life of purpose, his commitment to others, and his excellence as a conservative activist, podcaster, public servant, family man and human being.”
Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby-District 11) filed the third bill, HJR0711, on Nov. 19, and it has picked up Republican four co-sponsors including Justin Lafferty (Knoxville-District 89), Michele Reneau (Signal Mountain-District 27), John Crawford (Bristol-District 1), and Jay Reedy (Erin-District 74).
This resolution calls Kirk a “distinguished American whose legacy of unwavering dedication to faith, freedom, and family will endure for generations.” It honors his devotion “to the service of his country, to advancing the cause of freedom, and to inspiring young Americans to embrace civic duty, responsibility, and opportunity.”
HJR0711 is the only resolution of the three to firmly acknowledge Kirk’s courageous faith, for which Kirk himself wished to be remembered, noting “he was guided by his deep Christian faith, which shaped his vision, informed his leadership, and sustained him in his work of mentoring, educating, and encouraging young men and women to pursue truth and live lives of purpose.”
It extolls his exemplification of resilience and resolve in the face of adversity and praises his commitment to family virtues in both his public and private lives. “We reflect fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction,” the resolution concludes.
All three bills express condolences to Kirk’s widow, Mrs. Erika Kirk, and their two young children.
It is unknown if any of the lawmakers are aware of the other resolutions’ existence or if any of them plan to withdraw their legislation in favor of another before the session begins. If none withdraw their bills, all three will be discussed when the General Assembly reconvenes in January of 2026.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
