Sen. Ed Harbison

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative Senate resolution (SR 248) honoring civil rights activist Charles Person, a 1961 Freedom Rider who joined the movement at age 18 and dedicated his life to advancing racial equality. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions to the civil rights movement, his role in challenging segregation, and his later work in education and mentorship. It extends condolences to his family and directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy of the resolution to them. As a procedural resolution, it does not create new laws or policies but serves to memorialize Person's legacy following his death on January 8, 2025.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 1 of the O.C.G.A., relating to persons and their rights; to amend Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the O.C.G.A., relating to the Juvenile Code; to amend Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to offenses against public health; to amend Title 19 of the O.C.G.A., relating to domestic relations; to amend Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to education; to amend Title 31 of the O.C.G.A., relating to health; to amend Title 33 of the O.C.G.A., relating to insurance; to amend Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the O.C.G.A., relating to physicians and others; to amend Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the O.C.G.A., relating to insurance; to amend Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the O.C.G.A., relating to taxes; to amend Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the O.C.G.A., relating to public assistance; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 239) honoring Nolan Sental Smith Jr., a former University of Georgia football player and NFL draft pick. It recognizes his athletic achievements - including leading Georgia to two national championships, being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, and his community work through the Nolan Smith Foundation. The resolution has no policy impact; it solely expresses the Senate's admiration for his career and community service. The Senate adopted it on February 24, 2025, and will provide a copy to Mr. Smith.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 243) formally recognizes Reverend Lee C. Franklin for his 30+ years of community leadership in Atlanta. It specifically commends his work as Senior Pastor of Mount Ephraim Baptist Church, his roles as Fulton County Government Chaplain and NAACP Religious Affairs Liaison, and his founding of the Greater Atlanta Congress of Black Men. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a ceremonial honor with no legislative effect. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 24, 2025.

Maddy summarySR 238 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Cynthia Robinson Alexander for her service as interim president of Savannah State University (SSU). It commends her leadership in stabilizing SSU's budget, increasing enrollment for the first time since 2019, securing $900 million in federal funding for the Forensic Science program, and overseeing campus improvements like stadium renovations. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it solely expresses the Senate's formal praise for her contributions to SSU and higher education. This is a standard commemorative resolution, not a substantive bill.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 240) formally recognizes and honors the Jonesboro Majestic Marching Cardinals, a high school band from Clayton County, Georgia. It acknowledges their contributions to music education, student opportunities (including scholarship assistance), and community representation through performances at events like the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade and the National Fourth of July Parade. The resolution does not create new policies, funding, or legal requirements; it is purely a ceremonial expression of appreciation. The Senate passed this resolution to commend the band's achievements and extend best wishes for their future success.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to education, so as to prohibit discrimination on the basis of an individual's race due to a protective hairstyle, or length thereof, in any student dress or grooming policy, program, or activity conducted by an educational institution that receives or benefits from state financial assistance, or enrolls students who receive state student financial aid; to provide for definitions; 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.

Maddy summarySR 212 is a Senate resolution honoring the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (nicknamed the "Six Triple Eight"), an all-Black Women's Army Corps unit that processed millions of undelivered military mail overseas during WWII. The resolution recognizes their service in clearing massive postal backlogs (processing ~65,000 pieces daily) despite facing racial and gender discrimination, and acknowledges their lack of public recognition upon disbandment. Adopted by the Senate in February 2025, it formally extends gratitude for their contributions without creating new laws or affecting any individuals or policies.

A RESOLUTION urging the General Assembly to appropriate an additional $2 million annually to the Georgia Pregnancy and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, in lieu of all moneys currently being appropriated to fund crisis pregnancy centers; and for other purposes.