Rep. Jaclyn Ford

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other state symbols, so as to designate cotton as the official state fabric; to provide legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes and commends Wellspring Living, a nonprofit organization in Georgia, on its 25th anniversary. The legislation highlights the organization's work since 2001 in providing housing, therapy, education, and job training to survivors of sexual exploitation. By passing this resolution, the House of Representatives acknowledges the group's contributions to fighting human trafficking and supporting vulnerable individuals. The bill does not create new laws or change policies; it serves as an official statement of appreciation from the state legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution expressing support for termed and perpetual conservation easements on private lands. It highlights how these voluntary agreements allow landowners to protect natural, agricultural, and historical resources while retaining ownership and monetizing environmental values. The resolution emphasizes that conservation easements help maintain wildlife habitats, support agricultural operations, and enable landowners to pass land to heirs. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative backing for these conservation tools.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-5C-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to alternative ad valorem taxation of motor vehicles and title ad valorem tax fee, so as to eliminate the title ad valorem tax fee requirement for certain inherited vehicles; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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 for ad valorem taxation of property, so as to limit exceptions to the breach of covenants for bona fide conservation use and forest land conservation use related to the solar generation of energy to existing contracts and to provide for applicability; to provide for sunsets; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 1416 creates a Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms in Georgia. The committee, composed of nine members (including legislative leaders and the Agriculture Commissioner), will study challenges facing family farms such as economic pressures, rising input costs, declining farmer numbers, and mental health impacts. It aims to evaluate these issues and recommend policy solutions to support farm sustainability, develop domestic markets, and prepare the next generation of farmers. The committee must report its findings by December 1, 2027, and will not enact new laws itself. This is a procedural resolution to conduct research, not a legislative action affecting specific policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill dedicates a bridge on State Route 20 over Ty Ty Creek at the Worth-Tift County line as the Bryce Johnson Memorial Bridge in honor of Mr. Bryce Alan Johnson. The legislation recognizes Johnson's life achievements, including his education, legal career, and service as solicitor-general of Worth County and district attorney of the Tifton Judicial Circuit. It authorizes the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs for the memorial bridge and directs the Clerk of the House to provide copies of the resolution to Johnson's family and the Department of Transportation.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 3-5-24.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exception to three-tier system, transfer of liquids, sales at brewer's licensed premises, taxing, regulatory authority, and conditions or limitations, so as to provide for satellite tasting rooms operated by brewers; to provide for limitations; to provide for an exception to a transfer limitation; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a policy bill) designating March 3, 2026, as "Georgia Peanut Day" at the state capitol. It formally commends the Georgia peanut industry for its economic contributions, citing its role as the nation's top producer (51% of U.S. peanuts in 2025) and its $2 billion impact on Georgia's economy. The resolution has no binding policy changes or funding provisions - it solely recognizes the industry through a symbolic day at the capitol. It directly affects the Georgia peanut industry by honoring its economic significance through official state acknowledgment. The resolution was adopted by the Georgia House of Representatives on February 19, 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding aviation, so as to prohibit the launch or intentional landing of unmanned aircraft systems from or on agricultural land; to provide for penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.