Sen. Freddie Sims

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 33-9-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to standards applicable to making and use of rates, so as to add census tract to the categories upon which insurers may not consider when promulgating standards or rating plans; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general insurance provisions, so as to broadly address insurer premium rate increases; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 170) designates February 18, 2025, as "Clark Atlanta University Day" at the Georgia state capitol. It formally recognizes the university's historical significance as the nation's first four-year liberal arts college serving a primarily African American student population, its current contributions to Georgia's economy ($541 million annual impact), and its academic programs and community engagement. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a commemorative gesture honoring the institution's role in education, research, and community service. The Senate directs the Secretary to provide copies to Clark Atlanta University and its president.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 146), not a law with policy changes. It formally recognizes February 13, 2025, as "Lupus Advocacy Day" at the Georgia state capitol. The resolution acknowledges the work of the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America and highlights lupus as a significant health issue affecting thousands of Georgians. It has no direct policy impact or funding provisions, solely serving to honor advocacy efforts on that date.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs in elementary and secondary education, so as to enact the "Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act"; to provide license requirements relating to Braille for certain teachers; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, so as to repeal Chapter 2B, relating to promise scholarship accounts, including both Articles 1 and 2 of said chapter, relating to the Georgia Education Savings Authority and the "Georgia Promise Scholarship Act," respectively; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide for grants to eligible local units of administration for students living in poverty; to provide for definitions; to provide for the calculation of grant amounts; to provide that a minimum required portion of grant funds be used by local units of administration for direct program expenditures for the benefit of students living in poverty; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 152) is a symbolic gesture recognizing the Georgia Academy of Audiology (GAA), a nonprofit organization representing licensed audiologists in Georgia. It commends the GAA for its work in advocating for hearing healthcare policies, providing continuing education, and raising public awareness about hearing loss prevention and treatment. The resolution does not create new laws or funding; it simply honors the organization’s service to Georgians affected by hearing and balance disorders. The GAA supports audiologists who diagnose and treat hearing issues in settings like hospitals, schools, and clinics across Georgia. The Senate passed this resolution on February 11, 2025, as a formal expression of appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 151) formally recognizes February 26, 2025, as "Self-Direction Day" in Georgia. It highlights self-direction - a service model allowing individuals with disabilities to control their home and community-based care, including decisions about who provides services and when. The resolution notes Georgia has used this approach since 2005 across five waiver programs, emphasizing benefits like greater independence, improved satisfaction, and reduced costs compared to traditional systems. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or alter existing programs.

Maddy summarySR 144 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 3-7, 2025, as National School Counseling Week. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it formally acknowledges the role of school counselors in supporting student success. The resolution highlights counselors' contributions to students' academic, career, and social development without implementing any concrete changes. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 10, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to share a copy with the Georgia School Counselor Association.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding the General Assembly, so as to provide certain procedures for redistricting of the General Assembly and congressional districts in this state; to provide for certain hearings, information availability, procedures, and notifications; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.