A RESOLUTION to honor the memory of Robert Cooke Irwin of Knoxville.
Summary
House Joint Resolution 112 is a memorial resolution honoring the life and memory of Robert Cooke “Bob” Irwin of Knoxville. The resolution recounts biographical details about Mr. Irwin, including his birth in Knoxville in 1951, his graduation from Seymour High School, and his interests in golf, camping, and the University of Tennessee Volunteers. It also highlights his reputation as a gifted storyteller, his devotion to family, and the many relatives and friends who survived him.
The resolution does not create or amend any state law, appropriate funds, or direct state agencies to take action. Its purpose is ceremonial: to formally recognize Mr. Irwin’s life, extend condolences to his family and friends, and direct that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation. As with other honorary resolutions, its effect is symbolic rather than regulatory, and it has no direct statutory impact on Tennessee law or private rights.
Impact
HJR 112 has no substantive legal effect and does not amend the Tennessee Code or alter state policy. Its impact is limited to legislative recognition and commemoration, with the General Assembly expressing sympathy and honoring an individual Tennessean through an official resolution. The only practical consequence is the preparation and presentation of the resolution in an official form.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill is uniformly positive and respectful. The resolution passed both chambers overwhelmingly and without opposition, including a 89-0 House floor vote on third consideration and a 31-0 Senate motion to adopt. The vote history indicates broad bipartisan agreement and no recorded controversy.
Contention
There is no notable substantive contention in the available record. Because the measure is a memorial resolution, discussion and voting appear to have been routine and consensual, with no committee debate provided and no recorded dissent. Any differences would likely have been limited to procedural handling rather than the merits of the resolution itself.