Rep. Bill Werkheiser

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding state government, so as to designate the City of Incheon, South Korea as the sister city-state of the State of Georgia; to provide legislative findings and declarations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 368 creates a Joint Study Committee to examine unregulated intoxicating cannabinoids in consumable hemp products, such as delta-8-THC and HHC, which current Georgia laws do not restrict despite their potential dangers. The committee, appointed by the House Speaker, will study regulatory gaps, health impacts, and whether an excise tax should apply to hemp beverages, with a deadline of December 2025. This procedural resolution does not impose new laws but will gather input from industry, law enforcement, and the public to inform future policy. It directly affects Georgia's hemp industry, consumers, and government agencies by addressing a gap in existing hemp product regulations.

Maddy summaryHR 987 is a ceremonial resolution commending Jackie Trim for his public service upon his retirement. It formally recognizes his 20+ years of dedicated work as Tattnall County Commissioner Chairman, his service in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War (including combat injuries), and his personal resilience, such as attending meetings while battling cancer. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it simply expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' appreciation and includes a copy for Trim. As a non-binding tribute, it directly affects only Trim and the House's ceremonial record.

Maddy summaryHR 989 is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) recognizing and commending Gloria Dubberly for her retirement after over 20 years as Tattnall County Probate Judge in Georgia. It formally praises her public service, leadership, and community involvement, including her prior role as Chief Clerk and volunteer work. The resolution directs the House Clerk to provide Dubberly with a copy of the resolution. This is a purely symbolic gesture with no legal effect or policy changes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the imposition, rate, computation, exemptions, and credits for state income tax, so as to exclude up to $10,000.00 of overtime wages per employee from taxation; to provide for reporting by employers; to provide reporting by the department to the General Assembly; to provide for a sunset date; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative purpose; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 700 is a House resolution commending the Happy Hitters of North Atlanta pickleball team, which supports athletes with special needs. The resolution recognizes the team's founding by Karla Blaginin and Arthur Jackson, its 12-member roster, and its community partnerships with ACE Pickleball and local volunteers. It specifically highlights athlete Mimi Ngo's advancement to mainstream tournaments and the team's role in promoting inclusivity. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution directs the House Clerk to provide the team with a copy of the resolution, with no new policies or funding created. (Bill: HR 700, Title: Happy Hitters of North Atlanta; commend)

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employment security, so as to revise certain notice provisions relating to benefits and appeals; to provide a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 427 is a commemorative resolution designating a specific segment of State Route 15 in Appling County (from mile points 76.17 to 76.716) as the "Dr. Esco Hall, Jr. Highway." It directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs recognizing this dedication. The bill honors Dr. Esco Hall, Jr., a pioneering Black veterinarian and longtime Baxley City Council member who served for over 46 years, with no substantive policy changes beyond the road naming.

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 provide for limitations on bars to first offender treatment for certain minor offenders adjudicated as adults; to amend Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to first offenders, so as to provide for retroactive first offender treatment under certain circumstances for offenders who were adjudicated as minors; to revise sentencing laws in conflict with these provisions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 473) is a ceremonial commendation by the Georgia House of Representatives. It formally recognizes the Miss Georgia Peach Scholarship Pageant and congratulates the five 2024 Georgia Peach Queens (including Charleigh Harper as Miss Georgia Peach). The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely expresses legislative support for the pageant's role in promoting Georgia's peach industry and community engagement. It does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this symbolic recognition.