Sen. Max Burns

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 15-16-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to qualification requirements for sheriff and exemptions, so as to require that candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to competencies and core curriculum, so as to require all schools that receive state funding with students in any of grades three through five to provide instruction in cursive handwriting to all students by no later than third grade; 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.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to waive sovereign and governmental immunities for local governments and their officials and employees for a violation of the prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 4 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding jails, so as to require sheriffs, jailers, and deputies to honor immigration detainer requests issued by the Department of Homeland Security; to provide a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 19, 2026, as Golf Day in Georgia to honor the sport's significant economic contributions to the state. The resolution recognizes golf's role in supporting over 24,000 jobs and generating billions in economic activity, including major events like the Masters Tournament and TOUR Championship. It encourages citizens to participate in or watch golf while authorizing the Senate Secretary to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and media. The measure is a symbolic recognition rather than a policy change, with no new regulations or funding attached.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to prohibit the Board of Community Health from entering into, executing, or renewing a contract or contracts with any pharmacy benefits manager that owns or has an ownership interest in any retail pharmacy or any legal entity that contracts with or uses such pharmacy benefits manager; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally recognizes and commends Pastor Dr. Brad Whitt for his 30 years of pastoral service and leadership. The bill honors his work leading congregations in Tennessee, Ohio, and South Carolina, including his current role at Abilene Baptist Church, where he has helped grow the church and establish community programs. It also acknowledges his service as president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention's Pastors' Conference and his authorship of three books on faith. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy of the document to Pastor Whitt.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 697) honors Jason Colbert, a nursing student at Southeastern Technical College, for winning Georgia's 2025 Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL). It commends him for his academic achievement and leadership, recognizing his role as an ambassador for technical education representing over 149,000 TCSG students. The resolution formally invites him to address the Georgia Senate but contains no binding policy changes or legal requirements. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any individual's rights.