A RESOLUTION commending Georgia Community Service Boards and recognizing February 16, 2025 as Community Service Boards' Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 586) passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 11, 2025. It formally recognizes and commends Dr. Jeffery D. Cooper and his practice, Cooper Pediatrics, PC in Duluth, Georgia, for their community service and professional achievements. The resolution highlights Dr. Cooper's work as a pediatrician, educator, and community health advocate, including awards like "Best Pediatric Practice Atlanta" (2020) and "Best of Gwinnett" (2021-2024). It has no policy impact - it solely expresses legislative appreciation and will be delivered to Dr. Cooper as a formal commendation.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions of health, so as to provide for certain placement procedures for children upon discharge from a hospital or psychiatric residential treatment facility in certain circumstances; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 20A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to patient protection, so as to provide for per diem payments to hospitals or psychiatric residential treatment facilities in certain circumstances; to amend Chapter 21A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Medicaid Care Management Organizations Act," so as to provide for per diem payments to hospitals or psychiatric residential treatment facilities in certain circumstances; to provide for related matters; to provide for applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 48 of the O.C.G.A., relating to revenue and taxation, so as to enact the "Georgia Nicotine Vapor Products Directory Act"; to provide for related matters; to provide for contingent effectiveness upon appropriation of funds; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution compensates Joseph Samuel Watkins for his wrongful conviction and 22 years of incarceration following his exoneration in 2023. It directs the state to pay $1,688,527.40 total - $535,000 as an initial lump sum and the remainder as a 10-year annuity starting in 2026 - to Watkins for his losses. Watkins must sign a waiver releasing Georgia from all future claims related to his case. The resolution applies solely to Watkins and does not establish a general compensation program for exonerees in Georgia.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding the administration of mental health, developmental disabilities, addictive diseases, and other disability services, so as to add a member to the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council; to establish a parity compliance review panel; to provide for its composition and duties; to require health care providers to report suspected mental health parity violations to the panel; to provide for evaluation of complaints; to provide for recommendations for punitive actions; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to repeal in its entirety Chapter 26, relating to the practice of midwifery; to revise provisions relating to peer review to include midwives; to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to provide for the licensure and regulation of midwives; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for an exception under the "Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act"; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) that formally recognizes the Georgia Beverage Association for its recycling initiatives. It specifically commends the Association's "Made to be Remade" program, which focuses on education, infrastructure improvements, and creating 100% recyclable beverage containers. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or requirements - it is a non-binding expression of support. It directly affects the Georgia Beverage Association by honoring their efforts, with no impact on state regulations or the public.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 4 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to vocational, technical, and adult education, so as to authorize the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to establish the adult workforce high school diploma program; to provide for the selection of third-party providers to administer the program; to provide requirements for approved program providers; to provide for disbursement of funds to approved program providers; to provide for reporting; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 376) is a ceremonial House of Representatives commendation honoring HOPE AACR, a nonprofit organization that provides animal-assisted crisis support. It recognizes HOPE AACR’s work deploying trained handlers and therapy dogs to assist individuals affected by disasters, such as hurricanes, and to support agencies like FEMA and the Red Cross. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses formal recognition of the organization’s volunteer service. It was adopted by the House on February 24, 2025, with no new requirements or funding.
