Sen. Donzella James

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state's Employee Benefit Plan Council, so as to require such council to establish health savings accounts and to continually provide for education or salary reductions for such accounts; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold, a former Fairburn city councilwoman and longtime community volunteer who was the first African American on Fairburn's city council. It expresses the Georgia Senate's condolences for her passing and formally commemorates her 50 years of service to the community, including her historic council tenure and recognition as a Legacy Trailblazer. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy to her family. (Procedural resolution; no policy changes enacted.)

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 15 and 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to courts and penal institutions respectively, so as to provide for substance abuse programs and mental health treatment programs in county and municipal jails for inmates and applicants to such programs; to provide for drug court divisions and mental health court divisions to establish procedures for voluntary admission into such programs; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding landlord and tenant, so as to prohibit landlords from requiring tenants to provide income information; to authorize tenants to withhold rent payments under certain conditions; to provide for liability of landlords; to prohibit certain late fees; to provide for habitability; to prohibit retaliation; to provide for fair housing; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 276 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Dr. Layli Maparyan for her appointment as the 16th President of the University of Liberia. It formally commends her leadership, highlighting her academic background, prior service as a Fulbright Specialist in Liberia, and commitment to the university's "Five Es" (Education, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Excellence, Ethics). The resolution has no policy impact or funding provisions - it solely expresses the Senate's honor and best wishes. This procedural resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 27, 2025.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 278) recognizing Dr. Mike Looney as Georgia's 2025 Superintendent of the Year. It honors his service as superintendent of Fulton County Schools (Georgia's fourth-largest district, serving over 87,000 students) and cites his leadership in academic initiatives, pandemic response, and the "Bridge to Success" plan that improved graduation rates and student outcomes. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes; it is purely symbolic recognition. The Senate formally adopted it on February 27, 2025, to commend Dr. Looney for his contributions to education.

A RESOLUTION congratulating the University of Georgia women's tennis team for winning the 2025 ITA National Team Indoor Championship; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 31-9-6.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to disclosure of certain information to persons undergoing certain surgical or diagnostic procedures, failure to comply, exceptions, and regulations establishing standards for implementation, so as to prohibit certain examinations on an anesthetized or unconscious patient without prior informed consent; to provide that informed consent shall be deemed valid consent for other medical personnel under certain conditions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to codes of ethics for government service, so as to provide a definition of "formal charges" regarding ethical violations by members of certain boards, commissions, or authorities; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (SR 249) passed by the Georgia Senate to honor the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) on its 50th anniversary. It recognizes the GMSDC's role as Georgia's leading supplier diversity organization, highlighting its work connecting over 400 corporations with 1,400+ small and minority-owned businesses that generate over $11 billion annually in revenue. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's commendation for the council's economic contributions and community support.