Sen. Ben Watson

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 235) is a ceremonial recognition by the Georgia Senate, not a law with policy changes. It formally commends the Georgia Beverage Association for its "Made to be Remade" initiative, which focuses on improving beverage container recycling through consumer education, infrastructure upgrades, and industry partnerships. The resolution highlights the association's work alongside major beverage companies (like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo) and their "Every Bottle Back" program, which aims to boost recycling rates and reduce plastic waste. It has no binding effect or new requirements - it simply expresses the Senate's support for these voluntary industry efforts.

A RESOLUTION commending Georgia's trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation and recognizing February 26, 2025, as Trauma Awareness Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 and Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance and the state employees' health insurance plan and post-employment health benefit fund, respectively, so as to require coverage for healthcare services for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) and pediatric acute onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) in accordance with nationally recognized clinical practice guidelines; to provide for definitions; to allow for deductibles; to prohibit special deductibles; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 195 is a symbolic resolution recognizing March 2025 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. It does not create new laws or requirements but highlights the importance of colorectal cancer screening through referenced statistics on mortality rates and follow-up care challenges. The resolution encourages the public to consult healthcare providers about screenings. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct policy impact or funding changes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from sales and use taxes, so as to exempt sales of firearms, ammunition, gun safes, and related accessories during an 11 day period each year; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION commending the impact of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), community service boards (CSBs), and first responders; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION commending the contributions of the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association and its commitment to delivering evidence-based practices to individuals with substance use disorders through recognized standards of education, training, and competencies as it celebrates 45 years of service to Georgia; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to authorize the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists to establish a professional health program to provide for monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired healthcare professionals; to authorize the Georgia Board of Nursing to establish a professional health program to provide for monitoring and rehabilitation of impaired healthcare professionals; to provide for definitions; to provide for funding or gifts in kind; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 127) designates February 6, 2025, as "Dental Hygienists Appreciation Day" in Georgia. It recognizes dental hygienists' role in promoting oral health, preventing disease, and providing essential services to Georgians, including special needs communities. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, encouraging public acknowledgment of their work. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 5, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 125 is a symbolic resolution recognizing the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia (SILCGA), a nonprofit organization established under federal law to support people with disabilities. It commends SILCGA for its work developing state plans, removing societal barriers, operating community centers, and advancing accessibility in housing, healthcare, education, and transportation. The resolution has no new policy requirements or funding provisions - it is purely ceremonial. Adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 5, 2025, it formally honors SILCGA's service to Georgians with disabilities and their families.