Sen. Nikki Merritt

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 170) designates February 18, 2025, as "Clark Atlanta University Day" at the Georgia state capitol. It formally recognizes the university's historical significance as the nation's first four-year liberal arts college serving a primarily African American student population, its current contributions to Georgia's economy ($541 million annual impact), and its academic programs and community engagement. The resolution does not create new laws or policies; it is a commemorative gesture honoring the institution's role in education, research, and community service. The Senate directs the Secretary to provide copies to Clark Atlanta University and its president.

A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to repeal the recognition of marriage as only the union of man and woman; to provide for related matters; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs in elementary and secondary education, so as to enact the "Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights and Education Act"; to provide license requirements relating to Braille for certain teachers; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to education, so as to repeal Chapter 2B, relating to promise scholarship accounts, including both Articles 1 and 2 of said chapter, relating to the Georgia Education Savings Authority and the "Georgia Promise Scholarship Act," respectively; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 149) formally recognizes and commends the Shepherd Center for its 50 years of service as a rehabilitation provider in Atlanta. It highlights the center's mission to support individuals with neurological conditions like spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and multiple sclerosis, as well as its role in community initiatives such as the 1996 Paralympics and the Peachtree Road Race wheelchair division. The resolution has no policy or funding impact - it is purely ceremonial, expressing the Senate's appreciation for the center's work. It directly affects the Shepherd Center by honoring its anniversary.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide for grants to eligible local units of administration for students living in poverty; to provide for definitions; to provide for the calculation of grant amounts; to provide that a minimum required portion of grant funds be used by local units of administration for direct program expenditures for the benefit of students living in poverty; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION commending the contributions of the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association and its commitment to delivering evidence-based practices to individuals with substance use disorders through recognized standards of education, training, and competencies as it celebrates 45 years of service to Georgia; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 144 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 3-7, 2025, as National School Counseling Week. It does not create new policies or affect specific groups; instead, it formally acknowledges the role of school counselors in supporting student success. The resolution highlights counselors' contributions to students' academic, career, and social development without implementing any concrete changes. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 10, 2025, and directs the Senate Secretary to share a copy with the Georgia School Counselor Association.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding the General Assembly, so as to provide certain procedures for redistricting of the General Assembly and congressional districts in this state; to provide for certain hearings, information availability, procedures, and notifications; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 141) dedicates a specific segment of State Route 139/Riverdale Road in Clayton County as the "Honorable Valencia Seay Highway" to honor Senator Valencia Seay's service. It directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to install and maintain signage identifying this road section. The resolution recognizes her 17-year tenure in the Georgia Senate, community leadership, and awards, but does not create new laws or affect policy. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no substantive policy impact beyond naming the road.