Sen. Sonya Halpern

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 818 formally recognizes Commissioner Walter Rabon of Georgia's Department of Natural Resources as the recipient of the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award from the Dallas Safari Club. The resolution highlights his decades-long career in wildlife conservation, including roles as a Conservation Ranger, Deputy Commissioner, and current Commissioner, as well as his leadership in initiatives like the DNR Career Academy and Outdoors Beyond Barriers. It expresses the Senate's appreciation for his contributions to protecting Georgia's natural resources and expanding outdoor access opportunities for all citizens.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 815) is a symbolic recognition, not a law. It formally designates February 23, 2026, as "Georgia Hearing Day" at the state capitol to raise public awareness about hearing health. The resolution cites statistics on hearing loss impacts (like cognitive decline and income effects) and promotes seeking care from licensed professionals like audiologists. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 19, 2026, and directs the Senate Secretary to distribute the resolution publicly.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to negligent security, so as to exempt certain victims from using an exclusive remedy; to provide for a conforming change; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 21-2-216 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to qualifications of electors generally, reregistration of electors purged from list, eligibility of nonresidents who vote in presidential elections, retention of qualification for standing as elector, evidence of citizenship, and check of convicted felons and deceased persons databases, so as to provide that convictions for offenses involving the purchase, possession, or control of certain controlled substances shall not prevent persons from registering, remaining registered, or voting; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 5 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to excise taxes on rental motor vehicles, so as to provide for a fee on rental motor vehicles; to provide a definition; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide funding for tourism; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 788) formally recognizes and commends the City of Social Circle, Georgia, for opposing a proposed federal detention facility. The resolution highlights the city's concerns that the facility would triple its population, strain infrastructure, and pose safety risks near an elementary school. It specifically notes the city's stand against perceived federal overreach, aligning with principles of local sovereignty and limited government. The resolution has no binding effect - it is purely ceremonial, expressing support through a formal commendation to the city's leadership.

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 imposition, rate, computation, exemptions, and credits relative to state income taxes; to amend Code Section 48-11-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to excise tax imposed, rates for tobacco and vaping products, exemptions, collection and payment, and tax separately identified; to amend Chapter 2A of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to student scholarship organizations, so as to repeal and reserve Code Section 20-2A-4, relating to list of student scholarship organizations to be provided to the General Assembly; 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 Chapter 3 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of specialized land transactions, so as to establish a residency requirement for board members and officers of condominium associations and property owners' associations; to require the instruments and bylaws of each condominium association and property owners' association to provide for such residency requirement; to provide for construction; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 46 of the O.C.G.A., relating to public utilities and public transportation, so as to reestablish a consumer utility counsel to represent consumers in matters before the Public Service Commission or other agencies concerning public utilities; to create the Office of the Consumers' Utility Counsel; to provide for statutory construction; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 765) is a symbolic gesture recognizing and commending law enforcement officers in Georgia and the U.S. It does not create new laws or allocate funding. The resolution cites statistics about officer safety, casualties, and mental health challenges to honor current and fallen officers, and to support their well-being. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate with no binding policy changes.