Rep. Johnny Chastain

A BILL to be entitled an Act to close for new applications certain homestead exemptions for senior citizens from Dawson County ad valorem taxes for county purposes and homestead exemptions for senior citizens from Dawson County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; to provide for a referendum, effective dates, automatic repeal, mandatory execution of election, and judicial remedies regarding failure to comply; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to abolish the office of elected county surveyor of Gilmer County; to provide for the appointment of a county surveyor by the governing authority of the county; to provide that the person currently serving as elected county surveyor shall serve out the remainder of his or her term; to provide for successors; to provide for qualifications; to provide for an effective date; 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 a board of elections and registration for Dawson County, approved April 23, 1998 (Ga. L. 1998, p. 4680), as amended, to provide for staggered terms of the board; 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, so as to provide for public school students to be permitted to attend courses in religious moral instruction provided by a person or organization independently of a public school, subject to certain conditions; to provide for such conditions; to provide for students to receive academic credit for such courses; to require local education agencies to adopt certain policies; to prohibit students who participate in such courses from being counted as absent from school; to provide for responsibilities of the Department of Education; to provide for definitions; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 132 creates a joint commission to resolve long-standing border disputes between Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. The commission - composed of nine members appointed by Georgia's governor, Senate, and House - will work with the other states to accurately resurvey and mark the disputed boundary lines, which have been in question since a flawed 1818 survey. This bill directly affects the border regions of these three states and follows decades of unsuccessful attempts to settle the issue. The commission will conduct surveys, issue reports, and recommend solutions, but does not alter existing laws or boundaries.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to primaries and elections generally, so as to provide for preferential treatment during advance voting and during certain hours on election day to voters who are blind, deaf, an amputee, pregnant, accompanied by children of five years of age or younger, or accompanied by children with special needs regardless of age; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 878 is a formal resolution commending the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline for its national service in mental health crisis support. It recognizes the 988 three-digit number as a direct connection to suicide prevention and mental health resources (distinct from 911), highlighting its role in reducing emergency room visits and law enforcement burdens. The resolution specifically acknowledges Georgia's Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) as the local provider handling 988 calls 24/7. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy or funding changes - it solely expresses legislative support for the lifeline service.

Maddy summaryHR 796 is a symbolic resolution passed by Georgia's House of Representatives to recognize and honor the victims of communist regimes worldwide. It commemorates over 100 million people who suffered under communist governments, citing historical oppression and denial of basic rights. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is purely commemorative, with no direct impact on individuals or communities. It directs the House Clerk to distribute copies publicly, affirming the House's acknowledgment of this historical injustice. As a procedural resolution, it does not alter laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 657) names a specific bridge on State Route 52 East over Owl Town in Gilmer County as the "Emma Lou Stover Bridge" to honor her community service. It directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs identifying the bridge, recognizing her work with the Elijay Lions Club, founding the Special Friends Program for people with disabilities, and advocating for veterans. The bill does not create new laws or policies, but formally commemorates her contributions to Gilmer County and Georgia.

A RESOLUTION congratulating the Fannin County Lady Rebels basketball team for winning the 2025 GHSA Class A Division I State Basketball Championship; and for other purposes.