Sen. Sam Watson

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 9, 13, 40, and 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to civil practice, contracts, motor vehicles, and torts, respectively, so as to provide for substantive and comprehensive revision of provisions regarding civil practice, evidentiary matters, damages, and liability in tort actions; to provide limitations relative to pain and suffering testimony; to provide for timing of answers and discovery; to provide for dismissals of civil actions; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 551) symbolically recognizes and commends the Country of Bangladesh for its 53 years of diplomatic relations with the United States. It acknowledges Bangladesh's socioeconomic progress, strong bilateral ties, and contributions to regional stability, including trade valued at $10.6 billion in 2024. The resolution has no legal effect or direct impact on individuals or policies; it is purely a formal expression of support.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 538) is a ceremonial commendation by the Georgia Senate for PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia medical schools. It recognizes their 20th anniversary (PCOM Georgia) and 5th anniversary (PCOM South Georgia), their role as Georgia's second-largest medical school (enrolling 1,226 students total), and their impact in training over 3,100 physicians who serve rural and underserved communities. The resolution specifically highlights their 100% postgraduate placement rate and contribution to expanding Georgia's healthcare workforce. As a symbolic gesture, it does not create new laws or policy changes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to gambling, so as to revise provisions relative to dogfighting; to prohibit fighting of dogs and game cocks; to prohibit possession or sale of fighting related objects; to provide for punishment; to provide for definitions; to amend Code Section 4-8-27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to certificates of registration, requirements for issuance of certificate, individuals excluded from receiving registration, limitation of ownership, and annual renewal, so as to make conforming changes; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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 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 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 summarySR 515 is a Georgia Senate resolution expressing condolences for the passing of Larry Wayne Grogan, a U.S. Air Force veteran and community member who died on March 20, 2025. The resolution honors his life, military service, family, faith, and contributions to his community in Camilla, Georgia. It does not create new policy or affect any laws, as it is a ceremonial expression of the Senate's sympathy. The resolution was adopted by the Georgia Senate on April 2, 2025.

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.