Tennessee House Bill HJR0177

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 2/19/25
• Refer: 2/25/25
• Engrossed: 3/4/25
• Enrolled: 2/20/26
• Passed: 2/27/26

Caption

A RESOLUTION to urge the naming of the Blue Springs Boat Ramp in Speedwell in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Terry William Prater.

Summary

HJR0177 is a joint resolution urging the naming of the Blue Springs Boat Ramp in Speedwell in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Terry William Prater. The resolution is largely commemorative and recites Prater’s military service, including his death in Iraq in 2007, his Silver Star and Purple Heart, and his act of heroism in saving another soldier during combat. It also highlights his ties to Claiborne County and his love of fishing at Norris Lake, especially the Blue Springs Boat Ramp. The measure does not create a new law or regulate conduct; instead, it expresses the General Assembly’s support for a memorial naming to recognize Prater’s sacrifice and local connection. Its practical effect would be to encourage or support the designation of the boat ramp in his honor, likely involving state and local naming practices rather than statutory changes affecting private parties. The resolution is aimed at public recognition and remembrance. The overall sentiment around the bill is strongly positive and respectful. The bill passed committee and floor votes unanimously in both chambers, indicating broad bipartisan agreement and little to no opposition. The tone of the bill text itself is solemn and laudatory, emphasizing military service, sacrifice, and community pride. There is little visible contention in the available record. No committee transcript is provided, and the recorded votes show no nays at any stage. Any discussion appears to have centered on honoring a local war hero and recognizing a place that held personal significance for him and his family, rather than on policy disagreement or fiscal concerns.

Impact

This resolution would not amend the Tennessee Code or impose legal obligations; it functions as a legislative recommendation to honor Staff Sergeant Terry William Prater by naming the Blue Springs Boat Ramp in Speedwell after him. Its effect is symbolic and commemorative, potentially influencing state or local naming decisions and public signage, but it does not directly alter substantive law or rights of any person or entity.

Sentiment

The sentiment is overwhelmingly supportive and reverent. The bill’s purpose is to honor a fallen servicemember with strong ties to Claiborne County, and the recorded votes in committee and on the floor were unanimous or near-unanimous with no opposition. The absence of recorded dissent suggests broad agreement that the naming is an appropriate tribute.

Contention

No notable contention is evident in the available materials. There are no committee transcript excerpts showing debate, and every recorded vote was unanimous in favor. If any issue existed, it was not reflected in the voting record; the measure appears to have been treated as a straightforward honorary resolution recognizing military sacrifice and local heritage.