Sen. Chuck Payne

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 4 of Article 17 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to sick, personal, and maternity leave for teachers and other school personnel, so as to increase from three to five the number of accumulated sick leave days teachers and other school personnel may take each school year for personal or professional reasons; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally recognizes February 7-14, 2026, as Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week at the state capitol. It directs the Senate to acknowledge this week to raise public awareness about congenital heart defects, which affect approximately 40,000 newborns annually in the U.S. and can lead to undiagnosed health risks, including sudden cardiac death in young athletes. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial observance to honor affected families and health professionals.

A RESOLUTION recognizing February 3, 2026, as Girl Scout Day at the state capitol and commending the Girl Scouts as a national leader in providing the best leadership development experience in the world to American girls; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to landlord and tenant in general, so as to limit the monthly income requirement for disabled veterans to qualify as tenants; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION honoring and commending the firefighters of Georgia and recognizing February 3, 2026, as Firefighters Recognition Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to obscenity and related offenses, so as to repeal and replace Code Section 16-12-80, relating to obscene material, distribution, and penalty; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to procedure for sentencing and imposition of punishment, so as to provide for sentencing of defendants who utilize artificial intelligence in the commission of certain crimes; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution designating January 29, 2026, as "Strolling Thunder Day" at Georgia's state capitol. It recognizes the annual Strolling Thunder event organized by the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), where families share experiences about supporting young children with lawmakers. The resolution has no policy requirements - it solely honors this event to highlight early childhood development priorities.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 578) is a Senate recognition of Al Ciraldo Jr. for his over 50 years of service as a spotter for Georgia Tech football broadcasts. It specifically honors his role since 1975, including his multi-generational legacy (starting at age 16 with his father) and contributions to over 500 games. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it simply commends his work in sports broadcasting and his dedication to Georgia Tech athletics. It was adopted by the Senate in January 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other educational programs under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide that local boards of education shall be required to provide instruction in firearm safety in kindergarten through grade 12; to provide that such instruction may be incorporated into a course of study in health and physical education; to provide for the adoption of content standards by the State Board of Education; to provide that local boards of education may establish a curriculum in firearm safety; to provide requirements for such curriculum; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates the intersection of State Route 92 and Cedarcrest Road in Paulding County as the "Sgt. Major John Barry Dean Memorial Intersection." It directs Georgia's Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage at this location, honoring Sgt. Major John Barry Dean's 36-year Marine Corps service, his work on the F-22 Raptor program, and his six years serving on the Paulding County School Board. The bill has no policy or funding implications - it is purely a commemorative gesture.