Tennessee House Bill HJR0123

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/5/25
• Engrossed: 2/6/25
• Enrolled: 2/14/25
• Passed: 2/21/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION to honor and commend the Honorable Norma McGee Ogle for her distinguished service as a member of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 123 is a ceremonial resolution honoring the Honorable Norma McGee Ogle for her distinguished judicial service, particularly her more than 23 years on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. The resolution recounts her education, legal career, public service roles, and community involvement, and it highlights that she was the first female judge to serve on that court. It also recognizes her retirement on June 30, 2022, and commends her for her mentorship, leadership, and lasting contributions to Tennessee. The resolution does not create or amend any statutes, appropriate funds, or change state policy. Its legal effect is limited to formally expressing the General Assembly’s appreciation and directing that an appropriate copy be prepared for presentation. As a joint resolution, it functions as a legislative tribute rather than substantive law, with no direct impact on regulated parties or state agencies beyond the symbolic recognition of Judge Ogle’s service. The overall sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and unanimous. The voting history shows overwhelming support in both chambers, with the House passing it 89-0 on consent calendar third consideration and the Senate adopting it 31-0. The absence of committee transcripts suggests there was little or no controversy and that the measure was treated as a routine commendation. There is essentially no substantive contention in the bill itself, since it is an honorific resolution. Any discussion would likely center only on the appropriateness of the tribute and the breadth of Judge Ogle’s accomplishments, all of which are presented favorably. The resolution emphasizes her trailblazing role as the first female judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals, her service in local government and judicial ethics, and her community involvement, reinforcing the broad consensus behind the commendation.

Impact

HJR0123 has no effect on Tennessee statutes, regulations, or court procedures; it is a nonbinding commemorative resolution. Its impact is limited to official recognition by the General Assembly of Judge Norma McGee Ogle’s career and service, including her tenure on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and her broader public and community roles.

Sentiment

The sentiment is uniformly favorable. The resolution was adopted with unanimous votes in both chambers, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and no visible opposition. The bill was treated as a ceremonial commendation, reflecting respect for Judge Ogle’s long judicial career and public service.

Contention

There is no notable policy contention because the measure is honorary rather than substantive. The only possible point of discussion is the scope of the tribute—particularly the emphasis on Judge Ogle’s status as the first female judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals and her extensive service in law, education, and community organizations—but the available record shows no disagreement or dissent.