Sen. Mike Hodges

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices, so as to repeal the prohibition on possessing a silencer; to provide for conforming changes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 5 of Title 16 of the Official Georgia Code Annotated, relating to stalking, so as to provide for the offense of doxxing; to provide for penalties; to provide for a protective order; to provide for a civil action; to provide for venue; to provide for definitions; to provide for statutory construction; 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 Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income taxes, so as to increase the amount of a tax credit based on the federal tax credit for certain child and dependent care expenses to 40 percent of such federal tax credit; to provide for a child income tax credit; to provide for definitions; to provide for limitations and proration; to provide for rules and regulations; to revise a tax credit for employers providing child care; to decrease the number of children who use the facility that are required to be children of employees to qualify for such credit; to increase the amount of the credit; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

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 Senate resolution formally commends John Allen Stevens for his honorable retirement after a distinguished career in public service across Georgia. The bill recognizes his 23 years as a security director, six years as an Atlanta police officer, and 13 years as a Fayette County Sheriff's lieutenant, highlighting his contributions to law enforcement and community safety. It directs the Senate Secretary to provide a copy of the resolution to Stevens as a formal acknowledgment of his service and retirement on April 27, 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 5 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to government transparency and campaign finance, so as to provide for transparency in foreign funded political activities within the state; to require agents of hostile foreign principals and foreign supported political organizations to register with the State Ethics Commission; to provide for registration requirements; to provide for definitions; to provide legislative findings; to provide for civil penalties; to authorize the Attorney General to bring civil actions or criminal investigations for violations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its efforts in preparing Georgia to host matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The bill recognizes the committee's work alongside partners like the Atlanta Sports Council and various state agencies in securing the event, which will feature eight matches in Atlanta starting in June 2026. The resolution highlights specific achievements including over $5 billion in private development, $100 million in infrastructure investments, and plans for community programs through partnerships with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia. Additionally, it acknowledges the support from local businesses, over 3,000 volunteers, and projected economic benefits for the state. The Senate formally recognizes these contributions through an official commendation that will be distributed to the committee.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Georgia Senate study committee to examine adoption affordability and permanency systems. The committee will study cost drivers (like home studies and fees), regulatory barriers, financial incentives (such as tax credits), and access challenges - especially for middle-income families and children with special needs. It does not make new laws but will evaluate Georgia's current adoption framework across state laws and agency practices. The committee, composed of five Senate members, will report findings by December 2026 to inform potential future policy changes. This affects prospective adoptive families, child welfare agencies, and children in foster care seeking permanent placements.