Sen. Sonya Halpern

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Edward "Eddie" Crook, Jr., a Columbus, Georgia native who won Olympic gold in boxing (1960), served 30 years in the U.S. Army with military honors (including the Silver Star), and supported community initiatives like the "Smokers" boxing program at Fort Benning. The Georgia Senate expresses condolences for his passing and directs the Secretary to share the resolution with his family. It is a commemorative measure with no policy or financial impact.

A RESOLUTION commending the Georgia Council on Aging and recognizing Wednesday, February 11, 2026, as Senior Day at the Capitol as part of Senior Week; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties only, so as to revise provisions relating to ordinances for governing and policing unincorporated areas of counties; to amend Chapter 60 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to authorize enhanced monetary penalties for repeated violations of certain county and municipal codes or ordinances; to provide for a definition; to provide limitations on such penalties; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 708) formally recognizing Dr. Randy Kluender for his professional contributions. It commends him for his career as a dental educator, administrator, and advocate - highlighting his leadership at the Georgia School of Orthodontics, $2.5 million in grant funding secured for dental programs, and efforts to advance oral health policy, including funding for dental schools and underserved communities. The resolution has no policy impact; it simply expresses the Georgia Senate’s formal appreciation and will be sent to Dr. Kluender.

Maddy summarySR 710 is a Senate resolution recognizing rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross (born William Leonard Roberts II) for his music career, business ventures, and cultural impact in Georgia. The resolution formally commends him for achievements including Grammy nominations, platinum albums, founding Maybach Music Group, and business partnerships with brands like AutoZone and WingStop. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it is purely ceremonial. The Senate adopted the resolution on February 6, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes Christopher M. Lazzara for his work as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader, including founding MountainStar Partners and the Isa Elaine Foundation to support pediatric disease research. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 6, 2026, as a non-binding expression of commendation. The resolution does not create legal obligations or policy changes but serves to honor Lazzara's contributions to business and community initiatives.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 19, 2026, as "Alpha Day at the Capitol" to recognize Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and its Georgia District. It formally urges citizens to acknowledge the fraternity's 119-year history of community service, leadership development, and contributions - such as $2.3 million in scholarships and 850,000 community service hours - without creating new laws or altering policy. The bill is purely ceremonial, with no direct impact on legislation or funding.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 704) is a ceremonial Senate measure congratulating the nonprofit organization Raising Expectations on its 30th anniversary of serving youth in Georgia. It specifically recognizes the organization's work supporting over 3,500 first-generation college students from low-income backgrounds through year-round academic, leadership, and college-to-career programs. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it solely expresses the Senate's commendation for the organization's community contributions. As a procedural resolution, it does not affect any laws or individuals beyond this formal acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 695) commending the Georgia Aquarium for its 20th anniversary. It recognizes the aquarium as a major cultural institution, tourist attraction, and leader in education, animal welfare, and conservation since opening in 2005. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers formal praise for the aquarium’s community and environmental contributions. (Note: This is a procedural resolution, not a bill with legislative changes.)

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, so as to promote and advance state-wide literacy and reading education efforts; to include Quality Basic Education funding for school based literacy coaches in each public school in this state with students in any of grades kindergarten through three; to require all children to attend kindergarten prior to enrolling in first grade, subject to exception; to provide for consideration of such recommendations by the State Board of Education; to provide for a comprehensive state-wide promotional campaign for literacy awareness; to provide a short title; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.