Memorials, Government Officials - Urges Governor and State Capitol Commission to name new entrance to Motlow Tunnel "Heritage Gateway Entrance" in honor of workers who helped build Tennessee State Capitol. -

HJR 318 is a symbolic resolution (not a law) sponsored by Representative Shaw. It urges the Governor and State Capitol Commission to name a new entrance to the Motlow Tunnel "Heritage Gateway Entrance" in honor of the workers who built Tennessee's State Capitol, specifically recognizing 15 enslaved African Americans (with 12 named: Lewis, Daniel, Robert, Nelson, John, Parker, Dang, Bill, John G., John, Andrew, and Jim) and other laborers like prisoners and skilled masons. The resolution also requests a monument or plaque at the entrance listing all known worker names. This resolution was passed by both legislative chambers and signed by the Governor on May 2, 2025, but it does not create new legal requirements or funding.