Rep. Ron Stephens

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to ad valorem taxation of property, so as to provide for an extension of preferential assessment periods for certain historic properties; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Subpart 2 of Part 1 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compulsory attendance for students in elementary and secondary education, so as to provide that student performers shall not be counted absent from school due to performing in certain productions, subject to certain conditions, for no more than all or part of 25 school days; to authorize the Department of Labor, in consultation with the Department of Education, to develop such certification forms and promulgate rules and regulations; to provide for authorizations by parents or guardians relating to the education records of student performers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 304 creates a temporary House Study Committee on the Costs and Effects of Smoking to examine smoking-related health impacts and economic costs. The committee, appointed by the Speaker with five members, will study medical expenses, Medicaid/Medicare burdens, childhood health effects from secondhand smoke, and productivity losses. It must file a report by December 1, 2025, with findings potentially leading to future legislation. This is a procedural resolution focused on research, not immediate policy changes.

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 883 creates a House Study Committee focused on identifying strategies to make Georgia the top tourism destination. The committee, composed of 10 members including legislative appointees and industry representatives, will examine tourism challenges and opportunities to boost overnight hotel stays and economic growth. It will operate until December 1, 2025, and may recommend policy changes based on its findings. This bill does not enact new tourism policies but establishes a formal process to study and potentially advance tourism initiatives.

Maddy summaryHR 847 creates a House Study Committee to examine Georgia's public health funding structure. The committee, composed of five House members appointed by the Speaker, will study current funding levels, services provided by public health agencies, and whether additional state support is needed - addressing that less than 10% of health agency funds currently go to public health. It cannot change funding directly but will recommend potential legislative actions. The committee must complete its work and submit a report by December 1, 2025. This resolution does not allocate new funds or alter existing budgets.

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 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 is a commemorative resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring Joan Quaterman's retirement. It formally recognizes her 52 years of service with Savannah's Leisure Services Bureau, particularly her work managing Hull Park recreation programs and distributing meals through the city's summer lunch program. The resolution, passed by the Georgia House of Representatives, commends her dedication to children's welfare and community service. It has no policy impact or financial effect - it is solely a ceremonial expression of appreciation.