Rep. Esther Panitch

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 24-5-501 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to certain communications privileged, so as to exclude from evidence certain communications made between attorney and client when the client is in a penal institution; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a House Study Committee on Criminal Post-Conviction Litigation to examine delays and inefficiencies in Georgia's system for handling claims that criminal defendants received inadequate legal representation. The committee will consist of 12 members, including legislative representatives and non-legislative experts such as the state attorney general, chief justice, and leaders from defense and prosecution organizations. Its primary function is to study the current post-conviction process, identify problems causing years-long delays, and recommend potential legislative changes to improve how these cases are handled. The committee will produce a report with findings and recommendations before it is dissolved, though this bill does not enact immediate policy changes itself.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to children, so as to provide for the offense of possession of a controlled substance in the presence of a child; to provide for definitions; to provide for penalties; to provide for limitations on the merger of other offenses arising from the same conduct; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes and commends Shanita Evans for her work in the fitness industry. It honors her 14 years of experience founding 4Ts Fitness LLC, where she uses dance fitness and coaching to help women and girls build confidence and self-esteem. The resolution acknowledges her contributions to creating supportive environments and expresses well wishes for her continued success. As a ceremonial measure, it does not change laws or policies but serves to publicly acknowledge her achievements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House resolution honoring the life and memory of Ricardo "Ric" Hubler, a distinguished citizen of Georgia who passed away at age 51. The resolution formally acknowledges his achievements, including his education, community leadership roles, and successful career in business and corporate engagement. It directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Hubler's family as a gesture of respect. The measure does not create new laws or policies but serves as a commemorative tribute to his contributions and character.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution honoring the life and memory of Major William "Rusty" Furman Jr., a former Georgia law enforcement officer who passed away on February 22, 2026. It recognizes his 28 years of service across the Dunwoody, Marietta, and Cobb County police departments and expresses the state legislature's condolences to his family. The resolution directs the House Clerk to provide a copy of the document to Furman's family as a formal tribute to his dedication and integrity in public service.

A RESOLUTION expressing support for the designation of a State Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day to raise awareness of and promote research on the disorder; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution that formally recognizes the achievements of the Yeshiva University Maccabees men's basketball team. It honors the team for their historic NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen run, which included a conference championship and a notable victory over Bates College. The resolution specifically acknowledges standout performances by players like Zevi Samet and Max Zakheim, as well as the coaching staff and the university's athletic department. The House of Representatives authorized the distribution of copies of this resolution to the university and team members as a gesture of official recognition.

A RESOLUTION commending the Vietnamese-American Community of Georgia and recognizing March 11, 2026, as Vietnamese-American Community Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 17 and Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure and subpoenas and notice to produce, respectively, so as to modify provisions relating to motions and discovery in criminal cases; to modernize discovery processes; to revise provisions relating to service of subpoenas; to amend Code Section 35-3-151 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to responsibilities of the Division of Forensic Sciences, so to correct a cross-reference; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.