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TN HJR0847
Joint Resolution
Status
2/2/2026
Primary Sponsor
Jeremy Faison
Click for details
AI Summary
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Affirms Tennessee's support for the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA), which protects incarcerated individuals from unjustified government burdens on religious exercise in facilities receiving federal funds
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Recognizes Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary (2026), the nation's largest Christian nonprofit serving prisoners, reaching over 600,000 individuals annually with 200,000+ volunteers
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Highlights Prison Fellowship's Academy program showing over 60% reduction in recidivism among participants, based on evaluations by Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Baylor University, and Minnesota Department of Corrections
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Notes Prison Fellowship currently operates the "Grow" program at Tennessee's Debra K. Johnson Rehabilitation Center for women and served 4,488 Tennessee children through Angel Tree Christmas gifts in 2024
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Encourages Tennessee correctional agencies to continue policies consistent with RLUIPA protections and support access to faith-based and volunteer-led programs
Legislative Description
A RESOLUTION to affirm the importance of religious liberty protections for incarcerated individuals under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000 (RLUIPA) and to recognize the contributions of Prison Fellowship.
General Assembly, Statement of Intent or Position
Last Action
Assigned to s/c Departments & Agencies Subcommittee
2/4/2026