(a) Tributes are nonlegislative actions that do not require introduction, calendaring, or floor action. While the House is in session, no member shall present on the floor of the House any House tribute or any House or Senate joint memorial tribute; except that a member may present on the floor of the House a House tribute or a House or Senate joint memorial tribute regarding an individual who died in combat while serving in the military or who died while serving in a law enforcement or firefighting capacity.
(b) Tributes issued by the chief clerk of the House shall be of the following classes:
(1) House joint tributes or House tributes, which shall:
(A) Offer congratulations for significant public achievement;
(B) Recognize meritorious individual achievement;
(C) Express appreciation for service to the state or the General Assembly;
(C.5) Except as otherwise provided in House Rule 26 (a) (2) (C), recognize an individual's service in the military;
(D) Extend greetings to prominent visitors to the state;
(E) Recognize or commemorate any individual, organization, or group for a significant event or accomplishment;
(F) Congratulate the members of any academic or athletic organization for achieving a specific historical, scientific, educational, or athletic goal, such as winning a league, state, or national title, competition, or championship;
(G) Designate a specified day for observing any of the achievements, events, service, or accomplishments set forth in this rule.
(2) House joint memorial tributes or House memorial tributes, which shall express sentiment on the death of a person who has not served as a member of the General Assembly.
(c) The chief clerk of the House shall not issue:
(1) A House tribute or memorial tribute unless the Representative requesting the issuance of such tribute has obtained the permission of the Speaker;
(2) A House joint tribute or joint memorial tribute unless the Representative requesting the issuance of such tribute has obtained the permission of the Speaker, and a Senator has obtained the permission of the President of the Senate.
(d) A copy of each House tribute or memorial tribute and each House joint tribute or joint memorial tribute issued shall be retained by the chief clerk of the House for a period of at least two years.