Rep. Bill Hitchens

A BILL to be entitled an Act to create the Interagency Council on Homelessness for Chatham-Savannah; to provide for a short title and definitions; to provide for findings; to confer powers and impose duties on the authority; to provide for the membership of the authority and their terms of office; to provide for meetings; to provide for a quorum; to provide for venue; to provide for tax exemptions from levy and sale; to provide for liberal construction; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act creating the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, approved March 30, 1989 (Ga. L. 1989, p. 4701), as amended, so as to provide for membership; to provide for meetings; to provide for purposes; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapters 14 and 41 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors and residential and commercial general contractors, respectively, so as to revise provisions relating to the issuance of certain professional licenses based on specialties or certifications obtained during service in the military; to provide for the issuance of additional professional licenses based on such specialties or certifications; to streamline the process of identifying such specialties or certifications that qualify for the issuances of such licenses; to provide 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 35-8-7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the powers and duties of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, so as establish basic and in-service training courses on de-escalation techniques and methods; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 and Code Section 17-6-12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to offenses against public order and unsecured judicial release, requirement, effect of failure of person charged to appear for trial, and consideration of criminal record, respectively, so as to provide for the crime of interference with a first responder; to provide for penalties; to include such offense in the list of bail restricted offenses; to provide for definitions; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a law) commending the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) for its 198 years of service as a trusted news source for African Americans. It recognizes the NNPA’s role in supporting over 200 Black-owned newspapers and media companies, serving 27+ million weekly readers, and celebrating its 2025 convention in Savannah, Georgia. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals or communities - it is purely symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryHR 988 is a commemorative resolution recognizing The Savannah Tribune, a newspaper founded in 1875 by African American leaders that has operated continuously for 150 years (with brief pauses). The resolution celebrates its historical role as one of the first African American-owned newspapers in the U.S., highlighting its coverage of civil rights issues and community advocacy during segregation and Jim Crow eras. It formally commends the Tribune's legacy of uplifting African Americans through journalism and directs the House Clerk to share the resolution with its publisher, Shirley Barber James. This is a ceremonial resolution with no policy or legal effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 849) is a symbolic House commendation for Trooper First Class Mapes of the Georgia State Patrol. It recognizes his specific act of bravery on November 30, 2024, when he pursued a fleeing suspect who fired a handgun at him, continuing to engage the suspect despite being shot while protecting the public. The resolution also notes his prior recognition, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police South Region Trooper of the Year Award. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact and serves only to formally express the House's appreciation for his service.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 813) honors Trooper Jimmy Cenescar by dedicating a specific bridge in his memory. It directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to name the bridge on State Route 324 over Interstate 85 in Gwinnett County as the "Trooper Jimmy Cenescar Memorial Bridge" and to install appropriate signage. The resolution commemorates Trooper Cenescar, a Georgia State Patrol officer who died in the line of duty in January 2024, following a career that included service with the Atlanta Police Department. This is a commemorative resolution, not a law affecting policy or funding, solely focused on naming the bridge.

Maddy summaryHR 821 is a House resolution honoring Loretto Bobo, a Georgia resident who passed away on February 13, 2025. The resolution expresses the House's condolences for her death, recognizing her career as a nurse and chiropractor, her family ties, and her community contributions. It directs the House Clerk to provide a copy of the resolution to her family. The resolution was adopted by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 27, 2025.