Sen. Sam Watson

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 23 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Hemp Farming Act," and Chapter 3 of Title 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of alcoholic beverages generally, so as to prohibit the issuance of wholesale consumable hemp licenses to wholesale dealers of alcoholic beverages; to prohibit wholesale dealers of alcoholic beverages from selling or otherwise distributing consumable hemp products; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to labor and industrial relations, so as to provide for the creation of the Peach State Saves program, a defined contribution retirement program; to provide for definitions; to provide for appointment of a board of trustees; to provide for limitations on liability; to provide for the confidentiality of program participants; to provide for a date for the establishment of the program; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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 BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 16-11-173 of the O.C.G.A., relating to legislative findings, preemption of local regulation and lawsuits relative to firearms, and exceptions, so as to limit liability of a weapons, firearms, or ammunition manufacturer, trade association, owner or operator of a sport shooting range, or dealer for unlawful, intentional, or negligent acts of a third party involving the use of a weapon, firearm, or ammunition or activities relating to such that occur at a sport shooting range; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 211) honoring Charles Tamlin Hall Jr., a Georgia resident who passed away on January 20, 2025. It commemorates his life, highlighting his service as a UGA alumnus, founder of Association Services Group, longtime church leader, and devoted family man. The resolution formally expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy of the resolution to them. As a memorial resolution, it has no policy impact or binding provisions.

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 summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 210) recognizing Kent Todd Hamilton as the 2025 Georgia Farmer of the Year. It formally honors Hamilton, president and CEO of Southern Valley Fruit and Vegetable Inc., for his leadership in Georgia agriculture and his family's farming legacy, including overcoming personal losses. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the Georgia Senate. It directly affects Hamilton personally, acknowledging his contributions to the state's agricultural community.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 14 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to speed detection devices, so as to repeal all laws relative to enforcement of speeding violations in school zones through the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to provide for conforming changes; to prohibit a local governing body or law enforcement agency from entering into or renewing a contract that provides for enforcement of laws relative to speeding violations in school zones through the use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 189) formally recognizes Mercer University and designates February 20, 2025, as "Mercer University Day" at the Georgia state capitol. It commends the university for its 192 years of educational service in Georgia, including its campus in Macon, its 12 schools enrolling over 9,200 students, and its community impact. The resolution has no policy or funding changes - it is purely ceremonial, honoring the university's contributions to Georgia.