Sen. Chuck Payne

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 Senate resolution (SR 514) formally recognizes April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month and April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day. It does not create new laws or policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote inclusion for individuals with autism. The resolution highlights the importance of early intervention and support services while shifting focus from awareness to acceptance. It was adopted by the Senate on April 2, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to distribute copies to the public and press.

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 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.

Maddy summarySR 429 creates a Senate study committee to examine Georgia's felony disenfranchisement laws, which deny voting rights to people with felony convictions even after they've completed prison sentences. The committee, composed of six senators appointed by the Senate President, will study the current constitutional clause, assess its impact on reintegration, and recommend potential reforms by December 1, 2025. It will specifically evaluate whether to allow voting rights restoration for individuals serving community supervision post-incarceration, considering economic, legal, and societal effects. This resolution does not change voting rights directly but sets up a process to review and potentially reform Georgia's approach to felony disenfranchisement.

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 summaryThis resolution honors Judge Reuben Green, a Cobb County Superior Court judge who established Georgia's Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court, after his passing following a battle with cancer. It expresses the Senate's condolences to his family and recognizes his legacy of service, including his military career, legal work, and dedication to veterans and community support. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no policy changes or direct impact on constituents. It was adopted by the Senate in March 2025.

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.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 13 of Title 16 and Chapter 4 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to controlled substances and pharmacists and pharmacies, respectively, so as to provide for ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication in this state; to remove ivermectin from the definition of, exceptions to, and exemptions from dangerous drugs; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 488 is a ceremonial Senate resolution recognizing Jim Battles for his 40+ years of service in vocational ministry, including his work at churches in Florida and Georgia, mentorship of future youth ministers, and dedication while battling leukemia. The resolution formally commends his retirement and acknowledges his educational background and impact on congregations. It has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a symbolic tribute from the Senate.