Rep. Carmen Rice

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to require local school systems and public schools to enact policies and procedures for use of personal electronic devices at school and school sponsored events by students in grades nine through twelve; to revise provisions relative to permissible student use of personal electronic devices; to revise a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 10 of Article 17 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professional standards, so as to require the Professional Standards Commission to develop and report annual performance measures that evaluate the performance of each educator preparation provider (EPP) in the state; to provide for minimum contents of EPP performance measures; to provide for definitions; to provide for 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 Code Section 20-3-634 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to savings trust accounts, availability, and terms and provisions under the "Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Act," so as to raise the maximum amount of contributions allowed per beneficiary for savings trust accounts for higher education expenses; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-5-48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to homestead exemption by qualified disabled veteran, filing requirements, periodic substantiation of eligibility, persons eligible without application, and retroactive award, so as to extend a homestead exemption for unremarried surviving spouses or minor children of a disabled veteran to include any future homestead; to clarify language; to provide for related matters; to provide for compliance with constitutional requirements; to provide for a referendum, effective dates, and automatic repeal; to provide for applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally congratulates and commends the Muscogee County School District's 2026 Teachers of the Year. It directly affects over 60 educators from various schools in the district by officially recognizing their individual achievements and dedication to student success. The key provision authorizes the House Clerk to distribute copies of this resolution to each named teacher as a gesture of appreciation. This action serves as an official acknowledgment of the educators' contributions rather than enacting new laws or policies.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other educational programs relative to the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to expand which healthcare professionals may conduct preparticipation physical examinations; to provide for the period of validity for such examinations; to require healthcare professionals to include a cardiovascular prescreening as part of such examinations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, so as to establish the offense of traveling to meet a minor for indecent purposes; to provide penalties; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that recognizes and commends Bruce Huff for his outstanding public service to the state of Georgia. It directly affects Bruce Huff by formally honoring his contributions, particularly his 15 years of service on the Columbus City Council where he helped secure over $300 million in infrastructure investments. The resolution highlights his leadership roles in various community organizations and acknowledges his retirement from public office. The House of Representatives passed this measure to officially congratulate him and extend well wishes for his future health and happiness.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes and commends Senator Ed Harbison for his outstanding public service to the State of Georgia. It directly affects Senator Harbison by honoring his leadership, dedication, and contributions to the state and his community, particularly as he retires from the Georgia State Senate. The resolution expresses appreciation for his integrity, vision, and commitment to citizens while extending best wishes for his future health and happiness.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a House Study Committee on Veteran Teacher Compensation to examine how to better reward and retain experienced teachers in Georgia. The committee, consisting of six House members appointed by the Speaker, will investigate why veteran educators often receive no additional salary increases after 21 years of service and how this affects teacher retention during the state's ongoing staffing shortage. The group will study the issue and submit recommendations for potential legislation before being dissolved on December 1, 2026, with its work funded through existing House appropriations.