Rep. Bethany Ballard

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions of professions and businesses, so as to provide for the issuance of digitally verifiable licenses for spouses of military service members, spouses of transitioning service members, and transitioning military service members; to provide definitions; to provide for the adoption of rules and regulations; to provide for the issuance of physical licenses upon request; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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 regarding health, so as to provide for the right to contraception for individuals; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Clarence "Ed" Barker, a former Georgia state senator who served the 18th District from 1973-1991. It commemorates his public service, community leadership, and family legacy without creating any new laws or policy changes. The resolution expresses the House's condolences to his family following his passing and directs the Clerk to share a copy with them. As a commemorative measure, it has no substantive legislative impact.

Maddy summaryThis House resolution (HR 870) symbolically honors Jade Thomas, a fourth-grade English language arts and social studies teacher at Lake Joy Elementary School, as one of 10 finalists for Georgia's 2026 Teacher of the Year. It recognizes her teaching excellence, military service as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, and founding of the school's Military Kids Club, but contains no new policies, funding, or binding requirements. As a ceremonial resolution, it serves only to commend her work without altering any laws or affecting any regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 685 creates a House Study Committee on Mental Health Workforce Development to address Georgia's shortage of mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas. The committee will study current undergraduate mental health degree programs, workforce needs, and employment opportunities to recommend solutions. It has no authority to pass laws but will report findings and potential policy recommendations by December 2025. This resolution focuses solely on gathering data and analysis, not implementing new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 694) formally commends Sheriff Terry Deese for his retirement from the Peach County Sheriff's Department after 40+ years of service (1983-2025), including 21 years as sheriff. It recognizes his dedication, leadership, and awards like "Sheriff of the Year" (2017), highlighting his commitment to community safety and public service. The resolution expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' appreciation for his "care, courage, and selfless dedication" but contains no policy changes or funding provisions. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws or directly impact any group beyond honoring the retiring sheriff.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 564), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes and commends Mesha Mainor for her service as a Georgia state representative. The resolution highlights her achievements, including authoring bipartisan workforce legislation and serving as the first African American woman Republican in the Georgia General Assembly. It has no policy impact or binding effect - it is solely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for her public service.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates October 6-10, 2025, as Georgia Pre-K Week to honor the state's early childhood education program. It recognizes the program's role in serving over 73,000 children annually across all 159 counties, highlighting its national ranking and impact on school readiness. The resolution does not create new policies, allocate funds, or change program requirements - it is a ceremonial acknowledgment of the program's achievements and educators. It follows annual recognition efforts by Voices for Georgia's Children and the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

A RESOLUTION recognizing March 20, 2025, as Buc-ee's Day at the state capitol and celebrating Buc-ee's and its presence in Georgia; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 483 is a symbolic resolution commending Christy Todd, Georgia's 2024 Teacher of the Year, for her contributions to education. It recognizes her work as a classroom teacher, her statewide advocacy through 125+ presentations, her leadership in teacher recruitment at the Georgia Department of Education, and her efforts to support educators. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' formal honor and directs a copy be given to Ms. Todd. This is a ceremonial gesture, not a legislative action affecting laws or funding.