Sen. Drew Echols

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 570), not a policy bill. It honors the late Claire Ann Bartlett, a Fulton County Republican community leader and volunteer who passed away in December 2025. The resolution commemorates her life, family, service with the Fulton County Republican Party, Georgia Life Alliance, and Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, and her community impact. Adopted by the Georgia Senate on January 14, 2026, it has no legislative effect beyond expressing condolences.

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 Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the State School Superintendent, so as to require the Department of Education to publish relevant and applicable federal guidance documents and related information; to provide for definitions; to require annual notice from the State School Superintendent to designated committees and offices of the General Assembly and the Office and Planning and Budget; to authorize the State Board of Education to adopt rules; 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.

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 Titles 2 and 4 of the O.C.G.A., relating to agriculture and animals, respectively, so as to enhance transparency with respect to the marketing of produce and meat in this state; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes

Maddy summarySB 291 creates a new "America First" specialty license plate in Georgia, featuring an American flag and the phrase "America First" to promote patriotism. Georgia drivers who choose this plate will pay an additional fee, with all proceeds deposited into the state's general fund. The bill requires 1,000 prepaid applications to continue manufacturing the plate after 2027; if this threshold isn't met by January 1, 2028, production stops. The plate becomes available starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting laws. This is a standard specialty plate with no direct funding for specific organizations.