SJR9 Alabama 2025 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: J.T. WaggonerSenator
Republican
Session: 2025 Regular Session
Title: Robert Andrew Ferguson, death mourned
Summary: SJR9 is a ceremonial Alabama Senate Joint Resolution mourning the death and celebrating the life of Robert Andrew “Drew” Ferguson and recognizing his contributions to sports medicine and athlete safety.
What This Bill Does
The resolution records Ferguson's death, honors his life and work in athletic training and sports medicine, and highlights his leadership and advocacy for athlete safety. It notes his education, career milestones, and roles in various organizations and safety initiatives, including efforts to place AEDs in schools. It also states that the resolution will be communicated to the Alabama House, presented to Ferguson's family, and that the Senate will adjourn in respect.

Who It Affects
Family and close friends of Robert Andrew Ferguson, who receive a formal tribute and expression of sympathy from the Legislature.
Alabama athletic trainers, sports medicine professionals, athletes, safety advocates, and the broader Alabama sports community, who recognize Ferguson's leadership, advocacy, and contributions to athlete safety and policy.

Key Provisions
Declares the death of Robert Andrew Ferguson and offers deep sadness and tribute to his life and dedication to others.
Acknowledges Ferguson's education (UGA and UAB) and a long career in sports medicine, including roles with the World Football League, UAB, and the Sports Medicine Institute of Alabama, now part of Children's of Alabama Sports Medicine.
Highlights his leadership positions in organizations such as the Alabama State Board of Athletic Trainers, Alabama High School Athletic Association Medical Advisory Board, Alabama Concussion Task Force, CoachSafely Foundation, and UAB Sports & Exercise Medicine.
Notes Ferguson's advocacy and instrumental role in passing key safety and licensure laws: the 1993 Athletic Trainers Licensure Act, the 2011 Sports Concussion Act, and the 2018 Coach Safely Act.
Describes his efforts to place automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County schools to protect young athletes.
States that the resolution will be communicated to the Alabama House of Representatives, an enrolled copy presented to Ferguson's family, and that the Senate adjourns in respect.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Resolutions