Sen. Ben Watson

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 568) is a symbolic recognition of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program by the Georgia Senate. It acknowledges the program's establishment in 2009 as the first of its kind in the U.S., its 18-month dog training process, and how 16 facility dogs provide comfort to young patients at four Atlanta hospitals. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's support for the program's role in helping children cope during medical care. The Senate passed it unanimously on January 14, 2026.

A RESOLUTION recognizing Kenny Stone for his outstanding legacy of leadership and congratulating East Georgia Regional Medical Center upon 25 years of service; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Cartrelia Denese Sampson on her outstanding service as a legislative assistant, serving many senators over the years with the Georgia Senate, and now, as the Director of Constituent Services with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 8 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to State Board of Education under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to require local school systems to maintain and publish a registry of all contracts worth more than $10,000.00 involving the use of any state funds; to provide for such information to be included on the contract registry; to require local boards of education to adopt policies; to provide for enforcement; to prohibit waivers; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration and licensing generally, so as to revise the authorized use of money distributed from the Back the Blue Fund; to revise collection procedures; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 14 of Title 40 of the O.C.G.A., relating to use of speed detection devices and red light cameras, so as to provide for standards for signs warning of a reduced speed limit in a school zone and signs warning of the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to amend Title 15 of the O.C.G.A., relating to courts, so as to authorize district attorneys, solicitors-general, and prosecuting attorneys to enforce civil monetary penalties relative to the enforcement of laws regarding speeding in a school zone using recorded images; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Joint Study Committee to examine Georgia's outdated 9-1-1 funding system, which dates to 1977 and was designed for landline phones. The committee, composed of legislative members from public safety and utilities committees plus state agency directors, will study how modern mobile/VoIP technology impacts 9-1-1 funding needs and recommend potential reforms. It will report findings by December 2025 but does not enact new funding or laws itself. The study directly affects Georgia's 9-1-1 centers and public safety infrastructure, as the current $1.50 per landline fee model no longer aligns with today's communication technology.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 13 of Title 45 and Chapter 3 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Capitol Art Standards Commission and state flag, seal, and other symbols, respectively, so as to provide for duties and responsibilities of the commission; to provide for the placement of a monument in honor of the Honorable Clarence Thomas within the Nathan Deal Judicial Center; 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 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.

Maddy summarySB 291 creates a new "America First" specialty license plate in Georgia, featuring an American flag and the phrase "America First" to promote patriotism. Georgia drivers who choose this plate will pay an additional fee, with all proceeds deposited into the state's general fund. The bill requires 1,000 prepaid applications to continue manufacturing the plate after 2027; if this threshold isn't met by January 1, 2028, production stops. The plate becomes available starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting laws. This is a standard specialty plate with no direct funding for specific organizations.