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House recognizes Tennessee State University basketball and honors departing legislators
Summary
The House opened with ceremonial business on April 20: members honored Tennessee State University's men's basketball team, and the chamber paid tribute to outgoing members including Representatives Caleb Hemmer, Mary Littleton and Johnny Shaw.
The House began the morning session with ceremonial recognitions.
Clerk read House Joint Resolution 12-36 honoring the Tennessee State University (TSU) Tigers for winning the Ohio Valley Conference tournament and earning a berth in the 2026 NCAA Division I mens basketball tournament. Representative Love, a TSU graduate, introduced head coach Nolan Smith and the university's athletic leadership; Coach Smith thanked the chamber and praised his players.
The chamber also read resolutions honoring Representatives Caleb Hemmer, Mary Littleton and Johnny Shaw for their service. Each honoree received multiple floor tributes: colleagues praised their legislative records, mentorship and constituent service. Representative Hemmer reflected on his time in office, thanked family and mentors and told members he was stepping away for personal reasons; Representative Littleton thanked colleagues and emphasized her work on child-protection and human-trafficking legislation; Representative Shaw delivered remarks emphasizing humility and gratitude after 26 years of service.
These ceremonial items occupied the opening portion of the day's calendar and concluded before the House moved to legislative business.
