Sen. Chuck Payne

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary school students, so as to require written notification to a parent when a student receives certain noninstructional services from certain school employees; to provide for exceptions; to provide for education records of such noninstructional services; to revise the "Parents' Bill of Rights" to provide for such written notification; to require local education agencies to adopt policies, rules, or regulations; to provide for definitions; to provide for construction; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to require submission of proof of completion of certified DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs by certain applicants to obtain limited driving permits; to require completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program for acceptance of a reduced plea for a charge of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol; 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 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state flag, seal, and other symbols, so as to revise provisions for the protection of government statues, monuments, plaques, banners, and other commemorative symbols; to provide for construction; to provide for severability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the Atlanta Children's Day Shelter for 40 years of service to Georgia's children and families; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 17 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to notaries public, so as to provide for members of the armed forces on active duty to use online notaries public for certain matters; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Senate Parent Accountability for Student Success Study Committee to investigate issues related to student misconduct, declining parental engagement, and rising absenteeism in schools. The committee will consist of five Senate members appointed by the Senate President, who will also serve as chairperson, and will meet to study these problems and recommend potential actions or legislation. Committee members will receive standard legislative allowances for up to five days of service, with funding coming from Senate appropriations, and must submit an approved report or meeting minutes before the committee is abolished on December 1, 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the "Budget Act," so as to provide for the application of zero-base budgeting to the budget process; to provide for intent; to provide for analysis of departmental and program objectives; to provide for consideration of alternative funding levels; to provide for departmental priority lists; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to provide for short titles; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 855) is a ceremonial recognition of the Georgia Academy of Audiology by the Georgia Senate. It commends the organization and its members for their work providing hearing and balance disorder evaluations, treatments, and public education across Georgia. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any policies or individuals - its sole purpose is to honor the group's contributions to healthcare. It was formally adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 869), not a law-changing bill. It formally recognizes and commends Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross, Georgia, for his public service, including being the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County (2017) and serving over 20 years in local government. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation through words of commendation. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 26, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 854) formally recognizes Kay Pippin for her public service as mayor of Jackson, Georgia. It highlights her achievements including installing new water/sewer infrastructure, removing blighted properties, securing $8 million in grants, and maintaining the city's historic policy of no property taxes. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers formal commendation for her work with the city, Henry County, and Georgia. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate in February 2026.