Sen. Blake Tillery

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to justification and excuse in defenses to criminal prosecutions, so as to provide for an additional justification for use of force in defense of self or others; to amend Code Section 51-11-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to no duty to retreat and immunity in certain instances of threat or use of force, so as to extend immunity from civil liability in justified use of force cases to legal representatives and heirs of the person against whom force was used; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to ad valorem taxation of property, so as to make the state-wide base year homestead exemption mandatory for all political subdivisions; to repeal a related tax bill requirement; to make conforming changes; to amend Article 2B of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to special district option sales and use tax, so as to remove a condition precedent to the call for a referendum for such tax; to provide for effective dates and applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 6 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the O.C.G.A., relating to delinquency, so as to provide for additional offenses over which superior courts are authorized to exercise exclusive original jurisdiction for the trials of children 13 to 17 years of age to include the offenses of certain terroristic threats or acts involving public and private schools and attempt or criminal conspiracy to commit certain offenses; to provide for which such cases shall be subject to the class A designated felony act provisions of Code Section 15-11-602 upon transfer to a juvenile court; to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to elementary and secondary education; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the O.C.G.A., relating to Department of Economic Development, so as to create the Central State Hospital Redevelopment Authority; to confer powers and impose duties on the authority; to provide for membership and appointment of members of the authority; to provide for terms of the members; to prohibit employees and members from having certain interests; to provide for revenue bonds; to provide for venue and jurisdiction; to provide for the authority's purpose; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for tax exemptions; to provide for supplemental powers; to provide for liberal construction; to provide for successor interests; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors the memory of Jason Hughes, a mathematics teacher and golf coach at North Hall High School who passed away. The bill formally recognizes his contributions as a husband, father, and community member, directing the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to his family. It expresses the state's condolences and acknowledges the support extended to the Hughes family following his death.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a 20-member Joint Study Committee to examine Georgia's rapidly rising foster care costs, which have increased 159% since 2022 (from $141 million to over $164 million projected for 2026). The committee includes state agency leaders, legislative members, and child welfare representatives to assess service costs, funding sustainability, and potential efficiencies in the foster care system. It will operate until December 2026, with the goal of identifying recommendations for future legislative action to address cost challenges. The study focuses on analyzing current costs and system operations, not implementing immediate policy changes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law regulations, so as to revise standards for bringing an action against the government for an unauthorized act relating to regulation of weapons; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION commending the East Laurens Lady Falcons basketball team for their victory in the GHSA Class A/Division I Girls State Championship; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones for her extraordinary service to the State of Georgia upon the occasion of her retirement; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commendation resolution recognizing the 2026 Senate Aides and Senate Academic Aides for their exemplary service to the Georgia Senate. It directly affects the named individuals who have worked as legislative assistants for Senate committees and leadership during the 2026 regular session. The resolution formally acknowledges their dedication to ensuring efficient administration of Senate committee hearings and expresses appreciation for their contributions to the legislative process. The Senate has authorized the distribution of copies of this resolution to the recognized aides as a gesture of recognition for their hard work.