Senate Joint Resolution 571, sponsored by Massey, urges the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) to establish habitat and no-mow areas along highway rights-of-way to support the survival of monarch butterflies. The resolution highlights the critical role of monarch butterflies in the ecosystem and their alarming decline due to habitat destruction, particularly the loss of milkweed, which is essential for their reproduction and the nourishment of caterpillars. It notes that frequent mowing and herbicide use have further diminished available habitats in Tennessee, and emphasizes the potential benefits of utilizing highway rights-of-way for planting milkweed and wildflowers.

The resolution advocates for the dedication of significant sections of these rights-of-way to create a sustainable environment for monarch butterflies, which could also lead to cost savings in mowing expenses. Additionally, it suggests that such plantings would enhance the aesthetic appeal of highways, potentially attracting tourists and residents alike. The resolution calls on TDOT to identify existing areas of milkweed and wildflowers and to refrain from mowing those sections, thereby promoting the conservation of this vital species. A certified copy of the resolution is to be sent to the Commissioner of Transportation.