Sen. Josh McLaurin

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to criminal procedure, so as to provide for pretrial proceedings in capital offense cases where the death penalty is sought when the accused has intellectual disability; to provide for a definition; to provide for notice of intent to claim intellectual disability; to provide for pretrial determination of intellectual disability; to provide for verdicts; to provide for capital case procedures; to provide for reports investigating reversible error; to provide for a standard of review; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to handicapped persons, so as to create the Commission for Blind and Visually Disabled Persons; to transfer the direction and supervision of the Georgia Industries for the Blind from the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to the commission; to provide for a short title; to amend Chapter 9 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, so as to establish the role of the commission in facilitating the operation by blind persons and other persons with disabilities of vending facilities on state property; 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 commemorative resolution (SR 172), not a policy bill. It formally honors Paul Zucca, a longtime community advocate in Southeast Atlanta, following his death on October 31, 2024. The resolution recognizes his work leading the Grant Park Neighborhood Association, supporting neighborhood schools, advocating for Zoo Atlanta, and his dedication to family and community. It expresses the Georgia Senate's condolences to his family and community.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 168) is a ceremonial Senate commendation for Jeffrey Cohen, a retired public accountant and financial planner. It recognizes his career, including founding accounting firm Bromberg & Cohen, PC and financial planning company Nova Wealth Management Group LLC, and his sale of the business to ensure continued service to clients. The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely honors his professional contributions. It was adopted by the Senate on February 12, 2025.

A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to repeal the recognition of marriage as only the union of man and woman; to provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; 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.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 149) formally recognizes and commends the Shepherd Center for its 50 years of service as a rehabilitation provider in Atlanta. It highlights the center's mission to support individuals with neurological conditions like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and multiple sclerosis, as well as its role in community initiatives such as the 1996 Paralympics and the Peachtree Road Race wheelchair division. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's appreciation for the center's work. It directly affects the Shepherd Center by honoring its anniversary.

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 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to alcoholic beverages, so as to provide for regulation of the manufacture, distribution, and sale of malt beverages; to provide for definitions; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.