Sen. Ed Harbison

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate Study Committee focused on examining unscrupulous companion animal breeding practices, such as puppy mills and backyard breeding operations. The committee, composed of five appointed Senate members, will study issues including animal welfare concerns, enforcement gaps in existing laws, and impacts on shelters and communities. It will issue recommendations by December 1, 2025, but does not enact new laws or directly affect any specific group. As a procedural resolution, it solely establishes a study body with no immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (SR 474) creating a Senate committee to study higher education affordability in Georgia. It establishes a 5-member committee (appointed by the Senate President) to examine issues like Georgia's high student loan debt, low college completion rates, and the lack of a means-tested scholarship program - while noting $1.6 billion in education lottery reserves. The committee must report findings and potential legislative recommendations by December 1, 2025. The resolution itself does not enact policy changes but directs the committee to investigate solutions for making college more affordable for Georgians.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate committee to study the history and impact of Rosenwald schools in Georgia. The committee will examine how these schools, built in the early 1900s for Black students in rural areas, affected education and economic opportunities for African Americans. The committee must complete its work and submit a report by December 1, 2025, focusing on the schools' legacy and potential lessons for today. This is a procedural resolution establishing a study group, not a law changing policies.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 485), not a substantive bill. It honors the late Clarence "Ed" Barker, a former Georgia State Senator who represented the 18th District for nine terms (1973-1991) and was active in community service, business, and civic leadership. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences for his passing and formally recognizes his life and contributions to Georgia. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on March 28, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 492) passed by the Georgia Senate to honor Hattie B. Dorsey, a prominent Atlanta housing advocate and community leader who died on May 29, 2024. It recognizes her founding role in the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership, her work advancing affordable housing and minority participation in redevelopment, and her legacy of breaking racial and gender barriers. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences to her family and commemorates her contributions to Atlanta communities. As a purely commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or affect policy.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Reverend Darion Hutcherson upon being named the 2025 Counselor of the Year by the Atlanta Public School System; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 468) honors the life and memory of Lottie Watkins, a former Georgia House of Representatives member (1977-1980) and founder of Lottie Watkins Enterprises, Inc. (founded 1960), who advanced Black real estate ownership and civil rights. It commemorates her legacy through a 2023 marker at her Atlanta building and recognizes her contributions to economic development, social justice, and community leadership. The resolution serves as a ceremonial tribute, expressing the Senate’s condolences to her family and affirming her impact on Georgia. It has no policy or legal effect beyond this symbolic recognition.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the Aligarh Alumni Association of Atlanta (AAAA) and its contributions to education, community service, and Atlanta's largest Muslim community gathering on Eid-ul-Fitr; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 465), not a policy bill. It formally commends and congratulates Calvin George Kemp Sr. on his 102nd birthday, recognizing his service as a U.S. Navy veteran in World War II, his decades of community involvement (including church leadership, mentoring youth as a scoutmaster, and teaching brick masonry), and his family legacy. The resolution has no policy impact; it solely offers words of praise and best wishes. It was adopted by the Senate on March 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis resolution dedicates the intersection of State Route 400 and Whelchel Road/Burnt Stand Road in Lumpkin County as the "Trooper First Class 2 Chase W. Redner Memorial Intersection" to honor Georgia State Patrol Trooper Chase Winston Redner, who died in the line of duty on February 20, 2024. The bill directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to erect and maintain appropriate signage at this location. It is a commemorative resolution with no substantive policy changes, solely recognizing Trooper Redner's service and sacrifice.