Sen. Ben Watson

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 and Article 1 of Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of hospitals and related institutions and the Georgia Composite Medical Board, respectively, so as to prohibit prescribing or administering certain hormone therapies and puberty-blocking medications for certain purposes to minors; to provide for definitions; to provide for limited exceptions; to provide for a remedy for a parent or guardian of a minor; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, so as to provide for the preservation of religious freedom; to provide for the granting of relief; to provide for definitions; to provide for construction; to provide for statutory interpretation; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings and determinations; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 531 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate to honor Freedom, the live bald eagle mascot of Georgia Southern University. The resolution recognizes Freedom - a rescued male Southern bald eagle with a permanent beak injury - who served as the university's mascot since 2004, inspiring thousands through sporting events, educational programs, and community appearances. It commemorates his role in promoting wildlife conservation and university spirit, following his passing on March 29, 2025. As a symbolic gesture, the resolution has no policy impact and directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy to Georgia Southern University.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 487) symbolically supports the Ray City Community Library's application to join the Coastal Plain Regional Library System, which would grant it membership in Georgia's state-supported public library network. If approved, the library would gain access to state and federal funding opportunities, the PINES catalog, interlibrary loans, and professional development resources - currently unavailable as a standalone municipal library. The resolution specifically urges relevant state library authorities to grant this membership to enable the library to modernize facilities and expand services for Ray City residents. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but formally recommends support for the library's eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 521) passed by the Georgia Senate to recognize NFL player Leonard Floyd. It commends his athletic career, including his Super Bowl LVI victory with the Los Angeles Rams, his record as a pass rusher, and his return to Georgia as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. The resolution formally honors his achievements and leadership, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. It serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation for his contributions to football and his community.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 514) formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote inclusion for individuals with autism. The resolution highlights the importance of early intervention and support services while shifting focus from awareness to acceptance. It was adopted by the Senate on April 2, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to distribute copies to the public and press.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate committee to study whether Georgia should adopt the FairTax - a national proposal to replace income taxes with a sales tax. The committee, led by the Senate Finance Committee chair and composed of five senators, will examine the FairTax's potential impact on Georgia's tax system and report findings by December 1, 2025. It does not change tax law but directs a formal review of this specific reform idea. The committee’s work is limited to analysis and recommendations, with no authority to implement changes. This procedural resolution affects Georgia legislators involved in the study, not the general public or tax rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate Study Committee on Franchise Fees to examine how electricity utility providers pay fees for using county rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. The committee will study current fee structures, including how residents in unincorporated areas pay municipal franchise fees to cities they don't reside in, and assess the impact of growing large electricity customers. It will recommend potential policy changes but cannot enact laws itself. The committee must report its findings by December 1, 2025, before disbanding. This is a procedural resolution focused on research, not immediate policy change.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Senate Study Committee on Recovery Residences to examine unregulated sober housing facilities in Georgia. The committee will study safety concerns, service quality, and oversight gaps affecting approximately 256 recovery residences (which provide housing but not treatment) and recommend improvements. Composed of five Senate members and the Behavioral Health commissioner, the committee must report findings by December 1, 2025, without implementing new regulations itself. The resolution is procedural, focusing solely on gathering information to inform future policy.

A RESOLUTION congratulating the Savannah State University men's basketball team for winning the 2025 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament Championship; and for other purposes.