Rep. Karlton Howard

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that recognizes Dr. Neal Weintraub, a cardiovascular researcher and academic at the Medical College of Georgia. It formally acknowledges his contributions to medical education, including teaching over 225 courses and publishing more than 250 peer-reviewed papers on cardiometabolic disease. The resolution also highlights his role in launching the cardio-oncology program and his receipt of multiple National Institutes of Health research grants. The bill directs the House Clerk to provide a copy of the resolution to Dr. Weintraub as a gesture of appreciation for his work.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution honoring Juliet Obi, an entrepreneur and social leader recognized for her work in sustainable fashion and youth economic empowerment. It formally acknowledges her achievements through House of Ebony Fashion Limited and Kidpreneur Africa, which have provided financial and digital literacy training to over 200,000 children across multiple African countries. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the document to Obi as a gesture of recognition for her contributions to education and entrepreneurship.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 1439) formally recognizes and commends Ashley Rodriguez, founder of Columbus, Georgia’s "Throw It In The Bag" community initiative. It highlights her work mobilizing volunteers for quarterly environmental cleanups in underserved neighborhoods, providing youth service opportunities, and fostering community partnerships. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is purely ceremonial, expressing the House’s appreciation for her civic leadership. It specifically acknowledges her initiative’s focus on environmental stewardship, youth development, and community revitalization. The House adopted this resolution on February 20, 2026.

Maddy summaryHR 1327 is a House resolution recognizing Liberty Ministries Family Worship for its 25th anniversary. It commends the church's community service, including its food pantry (Liberty Helping Hands, Inc.), summer camps, and educational tutoring programs, as described in the resolution's preamble. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the House's appreciation for the church's "dedicated service to the Lord and community." The resolution was adopted by the House on February 10, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) honoring George and Sally Lauderdale, a Georgia couple known for decades of religious, educational, and community service. The resolution recognizes their 67-year marriage, Reverend Lauderdale's ministry and radio work in the Philippines, Sally's role as a community leader and educator, and their global mission efforts. It does not create new laws or affect any policies - it simply expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' tribute to their legacy. The resolution was adopted by the House on February 6, 2026, and directs the Clerk to share a copy with their family.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1A of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to early care and learning, so as to establish a grant program to supplement the reimbursement rates paid by the Department of Early Care and Learning to providers participating in the Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS) program; to provide requirements for such grants; to provide definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for contingent effectiveness upon appropriation of funds; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs in elementary and secondary education, so as to enact the "Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act"; to provide definitions; to require an evaluation of a blind or visually impaired student to determine such student's need for Braille instruction; to require Braille instruction in the Individualized Education Program of a blind or visually impaired student as appropriate; to provide additional requirements for the Individualized Education Program of a blind or visually impaired student; to provide requirements for textbook publishers relating to electronic materials; to provide license requirements relating to Braille for certain teachers; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) designating November 3, 2025, as "Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. Day" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of YAP's founding. It recognizes YAP's history of providing community-based youth and family services since 1975, including its "no eject, no reject" policy and work reducing reliance on institutional placements. The resolution has no policy effects or direct impact on individuals - it solely serves to honor the organization's anniversary through symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 1037 is a commemorative resolution honoring Elizabeth Lloyd Smith, a Georgia resident known for her work as a foster grandparent caring for children with AIDS and her role in creating the AIDS quilt. The resolution expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' condolences upon her passing and formally recognizes her contributions to her community, family, and advocacy. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a ceremonial acknowledgment intended for her family and the community she served. The bill was adopted by the House on January 16, 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the State Board of Education, so as to require the Georgia Department of Education to complete a study within 90 days of any action by any branch of the federal government that results in certain reductions of the scope, workforce, or budget of the United States Department of Education to determine the impact on public schools in this state; to provide for reporting; to authorize the department to contract with a nonpartisan independent entity to conduct such study; to provide definitions; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.