Rep. Johnny Chastain

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 27-2-6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to trout license, Georgia waterfowl and migratory bird stamp, big game license, and alligator harvest permit, so as to provide for Georgia turkey stamps; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 713 is a resolution urging Georgia healthcare providers to include information about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in their patient call recordings. It asks providers to add this national mental health crisis resource (which connects callers to Georgia’s 24/7 Georgia Crisis and Access Line) to existing recorded messages, similar to how they currently direct patients to 911 for emergencies. The resolution also requests the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health to develop a standard script for providers to use. This is a non-binding recommendation, not a law, and directly affects healthcare facilities across Georgia that use automated phone messages for patients.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a House Study Committee on Local Government Financial Audits to investigate compliance issues with audit requirements for local governments. The seven-member committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House, will examine why many local governments fail to submit required financial audit reports and explore state-level solutions to help struggling municipalities. The committee has the authority to conduct meetings, receive standard legislative allowances for its members, and submit a final report with recommendations to the House. This is a study and research measure rather than a law that directly changes financial rules or imposes new requirements on local governments.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary House Study Committee to examine alternative investment options for local governments in Georgia. The seven-member committee, appointed by the Speaker of the House, will study current investment practices and identify new investment opportunities that maintain safety and liquidity while potentially increasing returns on public funds. The committee will submit a report with findings and recommendations before being abolished on December 1, 2026, and its members will receive standard legislative allowances for their service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding resolution that formally recognizes the importance of regulated trapping as a tool for wildlife conservation and ecosystem management. It highlights how trapping helps control predator populations, protects endangered species, and supports the recovery of overabundant wildlife like beavers and river otters. The resolution also notes economic benefits, including $884 million in GDP contributions and $16.5 million in taxpayer savings from nuisance animal control. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or change existing regulations but serves to acknowledge trapping's role in wildlife management.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific intersection in Fannin County, Georgia, as the Howell and Jane Teasley Memorial Intersection to honor the couple's contributions to their community and state. The legislation directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs at the intersection of State Route 515 and the Hemptown Connector bearing the memorial name. It also authorizes the House Clerk to provide copies of the resolution to the Teasley family and the Department of Transportation for record-keeping purposes. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the Teasleys' long-standing involvement in leadership, education, and faith within Georgia.

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 prohibit the disclosure of taxpayer telephone numbers in property tax records sold, transferred, or shared with third parties; to provide for penalties for violations; to provide for complaints; to provide for policies and procedures; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings and purposes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the intersection of State Route 400 and State Route 136 in Dawson County, Georgia, as the General Wallace Intersection to honor the Wallace family's historical contributions to the community. The legislation authorizes the Georgia Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs marking the dedication, which recognizes the family's long-standing presence in the area since the 1880s. The bill also directs the House Clerk to provide copies of the resolution to the Wallace family and the Department of Transportation. This measure is a commemorative resolution that does not alter existing laws or create new regulatory requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution honoring Corporal Daniel Baldino and Corporal Dylan Warren of the Telfair County Sheriff's Office for their heroic actions during a rescue operation. It recognizes their decision to remove their protective gear and enter dangerous water to save a victim trapped in a vehicle submerged in a creek on March 5, 2026. The resolution formally expresses appreciation for their courage, dedication to public service, and commitment to citizen safety. The House of Representatives authorized the Clerk to distribute copies of this commendation to the two officers.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 8 and 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to buildings and housing and fire protection and safety, respectively, so as to improve government efficiency by updating provisions of the office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; to provide for procedures for rules promulgation, hearings, and appeals; to provide for the appointment of a deputy commissioner of safety fire; to provide for certain powers in suspected arson investigations; to provide for immediate reporting of fatalities caused by fire or smoke; to provide for suspension or revocation of a license; to provide for an increased reinspection fee; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.