House Joint Resolution 1222, sponsored by Harris, aims to commemorate National Pencil Day in Tennessee on March 30, 2026. The resolution highlights the pencil's significant role in human expression, education, and creativity, tracing its origins back to the sixteenth century with the discovery of graphite in England. It acknowledges the evolution of the pencil from basic writing tools to the modern wooden graphite pencil, emphasizing the importance of innovations such as the attachment of an eraser, patented by Hymen Lipman in 1858, which enhanced its functionality.

The resolution underscores the pencil's enduring relevance in education, art, and daily life, celebrating its versatility and accessibility even in a digital age. By recognizing National Pencil Day, the General Assembly seeks to raise public awareness about the pencil's impact as a symbol of imagination and innovation, reinforcing the value of the written word.