Sen. Sonya Halpern

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to ad valorem taxation of property, so as to provide for an extension of preferential assessment periods for certain historic properties; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conditions of detention generally relative to correctional institutions of state and counties, so as to provide consent for the release of certain criminal history, vocational, and educational information for inmates upon release; to provide for issuance of an identification card and a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to labor and industrial relations, so as to phase out the payment of subminimum wage to persons with disabilities; to repeal provisions concerning exemptions to the state minimum wage law for persons with disabilities; to provide that no employer shall utilize a certificate issued by the United States Department of Labor pursuant to 29 U.S.C. Section 214(c) to pay individuals with disabilities less than the federal minimum wage; to provide exceptions; to provide for related matters; to provide a short title; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 20-2-153.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Early Literacy Act," so as to prohibit the three-cuing system from inclusion in high-quality instructional materials or structured literacy; to prohibit public schools from employing the three-cueing system or visual memory as a basis for teaching word reading; to provide for criteria for core curricula for state approved educator preparation programs; to provide for and revise definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 37 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to acquisition and disposition of real and personal property generally, so as to provide for conveyance of municipal property interests to independent school systems; to provide for municipal replacement of such conveyed property; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 25 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to life insurance, so as to prohibit a policy of group life insurance from excluding or restricting liability for certain deaths occurring while an individual is an active duty service member; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to provide a homestead exemption from City of Atlanta independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $50,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city who are 65 years of age or older with an aggregate maximum of $487,804,878.00; to provide for definitions; to specify the terms and conditions of the exemption and the procedures relating thereto; to provide for applicability; to provide for compliance with constitutional requirements; to provide for a referendum, effective dates, automatic repeal, mandatory execution of election, and judicial remedies regarding failure to comply; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 547) formally recognizes Shelly-Ann Simpson, Executive Director for Field Operations and Appeals at Georgia's Department of Veterans Service, for her service to veterans. It commends her military background (including Army Reserve service and NATO deployment in Bosnia) and her work as a Women Veterans’ coordinator and advocate. The resolution, adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2025, includes no new laws or policy changes - it is purely ceremonial, directing the Senate Secretary to provide Simpson with a copy of the resolution.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution (not a policy bill) adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2025. It formally recognizes Master Sergeant (Ret.) Nikki Glanton for her 21-year U.S. Army Reserve service, including five combat tours and 25+ awards, and her current role as Vice President of Communications for the Atlanta Police Foundation. The resolution commends her contributions to public safety and community trust in Atlanta and honors her as an exemplary veteran. It has no binding effect and serves solely to publicly acknowledge her service.

Maddy summaryThis ceremonial resolution (SR 546) recognizes Nyala Allen, a U.S. Army veteran (1996-2012) and founder of veteran-focused businesses (Key Coaching & Consulting, ACE Veteran Realty), for her military service and entrepreneurship. It formally commends her contributions on Women Veterans Appreciation Day, highlighting her President’s Lifetime Achievement Award and work supporting military families through real estate and wellness programs. The resolution has no policy impact - it is purely honorific, with no new laws or financial obligations. It was adopted by the Senate on April 4, 2025.