House Joint Resolution 870 honors Larry Bushart, a retired police officer from Henderson County, who faced false charges related to a political meme he posted on social media. On September 21, 2025, he was arrested under a warrant issued by Perry County for allegedly "threatening mass violence at a school." Unable to pay the $2 million bond, Bushart spent thirty-seven days in jail, during which he lost his job and missed significant personal milestones, including his wedding anniversary and the birth of his grandchild. After extensive media coverage, all charges against him were eventually dismissed.
The resolution commends Bushart for his steadfast defense of the First Amendment and his refusal to succumb to censorship. It recognizes his dedication to law enforcement over his three-decade career and highlights the importance of protecting individual rights. The resolution concludes with a directive for an appropriate copy to be prepared for presentation.