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HJR 1543

Memorials, Recognition - Igor Babailov -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Gino Bulso

Tennessee recognizes Igor Babailov for his international acclaim and lifetime achievements in portrait and figurative art, including Pope portraits and honors.

Signed by Senate Speaker
#memorials #recognition
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Bill Summary · HJR 1543

Summary of HJR 1543 (Session 114, Tennessee)

Purpose

  • A House Joint Resolution recognizing and honoring Igor Babailov, a Brentwood-based portrait and figurative artist, for his lifetime achievements and international renown in the arts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Formal recognition by the Tennessee General Assembly of Igor Babailov’s contributions to portrait and figurative art.
  • The resolution documents Babailov’s notable accomplishments, including:
    • Portrait commissions for high-profile figures such as Pope St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, Pope Francis.
    • A Vatican Splendors international museum tour showcasing his portrait of Pope Benedict XVI (2010), during which he was identified as “Maestro.”
    • A commission to paint a portrait of Pope Leo XIV.
    • Induction of his portrait of George Washington into the Mount Vernon Museum.
    • Hereditary nobility and an official Coat of Arms granted in 2020 by The Imperial House of Romanov for lifetime achievements in the arts.
    • The Ellis Island Medal of Honor (awarded in 2022), noted as one of the nation’s prestigious honors.
    • Portraits of other prominent individuals, including U.S. and international figures (e.g., George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton, Samuel A. Alito, Vladimir Putin, Brian Mulroney, Jean Chretien) and sports figures.
    • Early start as a child prodigy (first portrait at age four); formal training beginning at age nine; more than 2,000 portraits and works created, with many in public, private, and corporate collections worldwide.
  • The resolution invites the language to appear on an appropriate copy presented in acknowledgment of Babailov’s achievements, with standard formatting exceptions noted.

Who or what is affected

  • Igor Babailov is the primary subject of recognition.
  • The Tennessee General Assembly’s official records and communications acknowledge and memorialize his contributions to the arts.
  • There is no regulatory or fiscal impact reported in the text of the resolution; the action is ceremonial and commemorative.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative status: Passed the House and Senate in April 2026 as part of the concurrent resolution process; transmitted to the Governor for action on May 4, 2026; Governor’s signature anticipated/required for final enactment.
  • Schedule highlights:
    • Adopted in the House (April 21, 2026) with unanimous support (Ayes 87, Nays 0, PNV 1).
    • Concurred by the Senate (April 23, 2026) with unanimous support (Ayes 33, Nays 0).
    • Enrolled and prepared for the Governor’s signature (April 30, 2026); signed by the Senate Speaker (May 4, 2026) and by the House Speaker (April 30, 2026), and transmitted to Governor for action on May 4, 2026.

Notes

  • The bill is strictly ceremonial, recognizing artistic achievement and international stature without creating new laws, regulations, or funding.
  • The memorialized language is standard for recognizing notable citizens and does not imply ongoing commitments by the state beyond formal commendation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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