Sen. Nikki Merritt

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from sales and use taxes, so as to exempt sales of clothing and school related supplies during the second week of August each year; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 123) affirming that birthright citizenship - established by the Fourteenth Amendment and Supreme Court precedent like *Wong Kim Ark* - is a constitutional right. It does not change any law or policy, as birthright citizenship is already protected under existing constitutional law. The resolution expresses the Senate's support for this principle and references historical legal foundations, but it has no binding effect on government actions or immigration policy.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 4 Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices, so as to enact the "Georgia Red Flag Protective Order Act"; to provide definitions; to provide for risk protection order hearings and issuance; to provide for temporary ex parte risk protection orders; to provide for service of notice; to provide for the termination and extension of orders; to provide for surrender and return of firearms, ammunition, and weapons carry licenses; to provide for the reporting of orders; to provide for penalties and liability; to provide for instructional and informational materials to be produced by the Administrative Office of the Courts; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 10, 2025, as "Blue and White Day" at the Georgia state capitol to honor the community service work of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. It recognizes their efforts in Georgia, including projects addressing health inequities, voter mobilization, and social justice initiatives. The resolution is purely ceremonial, with no new policies or funding, and commends these organizations for their community impact.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 126) formally recognizes February 13, 2025, as World Refugee Day at the Georgia state capitol. It honors the contributions of immigrants and refugees to Georgia’s economy, workforce, and community, citing their roles in key sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture, as well as their tax contributions and pandemic-era frontline service. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a ceremonial acknowledgment of these groups' impact on the state. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 5, 2025.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 31-8-9.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to eligibility to receive tax credits, so as to revise the definition of "rural hospital organization"; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 98) formally commends the Paine College women's golf team for their 2023-2024 national tournament victories, including the Division II Women in Golf National Championship and the Stitch Invitational. It highlights their historic achievements, such as Ashley Michel and Helena Rios earning the first-ever All-American honors in Paine College golf history, and recognizes Head Coach Andre Lacey II's leadership. The resolution aims to honor the team's success in elevating HBCU representation in collegiate golf and inspiring future athletes. As a symbolic gesture with no binding policy impact, it does not alter laws or directly affect any government programs.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 86) designates February 4, 2025, as "Dyslexia Day" at Georgia's state capitol. It symbolically recognizes dyslexia as a neurological learning disability affecting approximately one in five people, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and support. The resolution has no policy impact or direct effect on individuals; it is purely a commemorative gesture. The Senate adopted it on February 4, 2025, to highlight awareness of dyslexia's educational impact.

A RESOLUTION recognizing February 6, 2025, 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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution (SR 104) designates February 10, 2025, as "Georgia Hearing Day" to raise public awareness about hearing health. It recognizes the importance of hearing care, citing statistics on hearing loss impacts (like reduced income and underutilized hearing aids), but does not create new laws or funding. The resolution encourages Georgians to seek regular hearing checks from licensed professionals like audiologists. As a symbolic gesture, it has no direct policy or financial impact on individuals or programs.