Sen. Mike Hodges

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 9 of Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to child custody proceedings, so as to provide for joint legal and physical custody as the default child custody arrangement; to provide for the presumption that joint legal and physical custody is in the best interests of the child; to provide for an exception; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden for his outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to the City of Valdosta and the State of Georgia; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and honoring the life, service, and legacy of Representative Mandi L. Ballinger, devoted public servant, faithful advocate, and cherished resident of Cherokee County; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the Georgia Independent College Association for its leadership in private higher education and its enduring commitment to making Georgia the top state for talent and economic development; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 568) is a symbolic recognition of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Canines For Kids Program by the Georgia Senate. It acknowledges the program's establishment in 2009 as the first of its kind in the U.S., its 18-month dog training process, and how 16 facility dogs provide comfort to young patients at four Atlanta hospitals. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's support for the program's role in helping children cope during medical care. The Senate passed it unanimously on January 14, 2026.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Cartrelia Denese Sampson on her outstanding service as a legislative assistant, serving many senators over the years with the Georgia Senate, and now, as the Director of Constituent Services with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding public officers and employees, so as to provide a misdemeanor offense for violations regarding complaints by public employees; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration and licensing generally, so as to revise the authorized use of money distributed from the Back the Blue Fund; to revise collection procedures; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the imposition, rate, computation, exemptions, and credits for state income tax, so as to exclude tips from taxation; to provide for reporting by employers; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Joint Study Committee to examine Georgia's outdated 9-1-1 funding system, which dates to 1977 and was designed for landline phones. The committee, composed of legislative members from public safety and utilities committees plus state agency directors, will study how modern mobile/VoIP technology impacts 9-1-1 funding needs and recommend potential reforms. It will report findings by December 2025 but does not enact new funding or laws itself. The study directly affects Georgia's 9-1-1 centers and public safety infrastructure, as the current $1.50 per landline fee model no longer aligns with today's communication technology.