Rep. Scott Holcomb

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to procedure for sentencing and imposition of punishment, so as to authorize the sentencing court to review and resentence certain cases where the punishment of life without parole was imposed; to provide for a petition; to provide for a hearing; to provide for the right to counsel; to provide for notice to the victim; to provide for an appeal process; to provide for limitations; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution compensates Mr. Michael Woolfolk for 18 years of wrongful imprisonment following his exoneration in 2021. It authorizes $1.35 million in total payments - $445,500 upfront plus a 10-year annuity starting in 2026 - to cover his losses from being wrongfully convicted of a murder he did not commit. Georgia lacks a statutory compensation system for exonerated individuals, making this a one-time resolution for Woolfolk, who was the first person exonerated by Fulton County’s Conviction Integrity Unit. The payment is tax-exempt for state income tax purposes.

A RESOLUTION creating the House Study Committee on Exploring the Potential for Humanoids and Robotics in Georgia Workforce Development; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 557 creates a temporary House Study Committee on Georgia's Investment Funds to examine existing investment programs, including the 2013 Invest Georgia fund. The committee, composed of five House members (three appointed by the Speaker, two by the Minority Caucus), will study investment needs and recommend potential policy changes. It must file a final report by January 14, 2026, and will dissolve on December 31, 2025. This resolution does not change existing laws but establishes a process to evaluate Georgia's investment strategies.

Maddy summaryThis resolution compensates Mario Stinchcomb for his wrongful conviction and 17 years of imprisonment after being exonerated in 2021. It authorizes $975,000 in total payments - $321,750 upfront and the remainder in monthly installments over ten years via an annuity - based on Georgia's lack of a statutory compensation system for exonerees. The payment structure includes tax exclusion for state income tax and provisions for potential future liability credits if Stinchcomb recovers damages from lawsuits. It directly affects Stinchcomb, who was wrongfully convicted of murder despite new evidence proving self-defense. The resolution addresses Georgia’s absence of a legal framework for compensating exonerees, making it a one-time case rather than a policy change.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 5 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to searches and seizures, so as to authorize the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to create and operate a state-wide sexual assault kit tracking system; to amend Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to law enforcement officers and agencies, so as to provide for the creation of the Forensic Medical Examination Advisory Committee; to provide for composition; to provide for rules; to provide for training protocols regarding forensic medical examinations; to provide for forensic testing; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 17 and 28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure and General Assembly, respectively, so as to allow for wrongful conviction compensation claims; to provide for a short title; to provide for notice of claims; to require administrative law judges within the Office of State Administrative Hearings to hear and evaluate such claims; to provide for the burden of proof and evidence to be considered by an administrative law judge; to require the Supreme Court of Georgia and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to provide certain individuals with a copy of this Act; to provide for definitions; to exclude wrongful conviction compensation claims from the purview of the Claims Advisory Board; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 40 creates a House Study Committee on Reinsurance for Essential Industries to examine Georgia's commercial property and casualty reinsurance market. The 7-member committee, appointed by the Speaker with input from insurance and agriculture officials, will study how public-private partnerships could reduce insurance costs for essential industries. It will identify funding needs, criteria for essential industries, and potential premium reductions to benefit small businesses and the state economy. The committee must report its findings and recommendations by December 1, 2025.

A RESOLUTION honoring the life, leadership, and legacy of Gail Hirschorn Evans and recognizing her for her extraordinary contributions to journalism, civic life, and mentorship in Georgia; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) passed by the Georgia House of Representatives to honor Hope Atlanta's 125th anniversary. It commends the organization for its long history of serving vulnerable populations in metro Atlanta, including veterans, families, and people experiencing homelessness, through services like housing assistance, family reunification, and disaster relief. The resolution celebrates Hope Atlanta's work since its founding in 1900 (as Travelers Aid Atlanta) and its role in community support during events like Hurricane Katrina and the pandemic. It does not create new programs or alter existing laws.