Sen. Steve Gooch

A RESOLUTION urging the Professional Standards Commission, in collaboration with the Department of Education, the Department of Early Care and Learning, the Office of Student Achievement, the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Student Finance Commission, to provide recommendations to support the state's K-12 education workforce and teacher and school leader pipeline; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate committee to study whether Georgia should adopt the FairTax - a national proposal to replace income taxes with a sales tax. The committee, led by the Senate Finance Committee chair and composed of five senators, will examine the FairTax's potential impact on Georgia's tax system and report findings by December 1, 2025. It does not change tax law but directs a formal review of this specific reform idea. The committee’s work is limited to analysis and recommendations, with no authority to implement changes. This procedural resolution affects Georgia legislators involved in the study, not the general public or tax rates.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a Senate Study Committee focused on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Georgia. It addresses rising pedestrian and cyclist fatalities (with Georgia ranked 6th most dangerous state for pedestrians in 2022), current laws that often treat pedestrian strikes as minor offenses, and gaps in enforcement and reporting. The committee will study these issues and recommend legislative changes to strengthen penalties, improve enforcement, and prioritize safety infrastructure. The committee, composed of five Senate members appointed by the President, must submit findings by December 2025. This is a procedural step to research solutions, not a law that changes policy directly.

Maddy summaryThis resolution creates a temporary Senate Study Committee focused on examining unscrupulous companion animal breeding practices, such as puppy mills and backyard breeding operations. The committee, composed of five appointed Senate members, will study issues including animal welfare concerns, enforcement gaps in existing laws, and impacts on shelters and communities. It will issue recommendations by December 1, 2025, but does not enact new laws or directly affect any specific group. As a procedural resolution, it solely establishes a study body with no immediate policy changes.

A RESOLUTION applauding Senator Brandon Beach for his exceptional service in the Georgia State Senate, his leadership in both public and private sectors, and congratulating him on his recent appointment as United States Treasurer in the current Trump Administration; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 217 creates a Senate Study Committee focused on addressing chronic absenteeism (students missing 10% or more of school days) affecting over 21.7% of Georgia students. The committee, composed of six Senate members appointed by the President, will study causes like health issues, transportation barriers, and family instability, then recommend solutions by December 1, 2025. This procedural resolution does not enact new laws but directs the committee to gather input from schools, families, and communities to inform future policy.

Maddy summarySR 494 is a Senate resolution (commemorative) recognizing Daniel O'Connor for his decades of service in Georgia redistricting. It specifically honors his work with the Georgia House Reapportionment Office and Georgia Republican Party, including contributions to redistricting cycles after 2010 and the 2006 transition to single-member districts. The resolution formally commends his role in ensuring fair representation and extends birthday congratulations for his March 25 birthday. As a non-binding resolution, it has no legislative effect beyond the ceremonial recognition.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 497) honoring the late Michael Ernest Sumner, a Georgia resident and legal professional who died on February 22, 2025. The resolution expresses the Georgia Senate's condolences for his passing and recognizes his contributions, including 16 years of service on the Coweta County Board of Education and his community and church involvement. It was formally adopted by the Senate on March 31, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to share a copy with his family. As a commemorative resolution, it has no policy impact or binding effect.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Norma Haynes, a Coweta County resident known as the "Mother of Public Safety," for her decades of service including founding the Newnan Coweta Public Safety Foundation and establishing an annual appreciation event for first responders. It commemorates her legacy as Coweta County's first female bailiff (1980), her role in community initiatives like the 1996 Olympic Torch Relay coordination, and her receipt of the Georgia Sheriffs' Association Meritorious Award. The resolution expresses the Senate's condolences for her passing and formally recognizes her contributions to public safety and civic life. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or policies.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution honors William Edwards, a University of North Georgia student and Army ROTC cadet, for being named a presidential fellow at the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. It recognizes his academic achievements (including a perfect 4.0 GPA), military leadership roles, ROTC scholarship, and participation in programs like the Russian language scholarship. The resolution is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's congratulations and best wishes without creating any new policies or obligations.