Sen. Nikki Merritt

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to the department of public safety, so as to provide for the establishment of a program to educate the public on safe storage of firearms, contingent upon funding; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 53) recognizing Children's Healthcare of Atlanta for opening its new Arthur M. Blank Hospital in Georgia. It formally commends the hospital system for its role as the state's only freestanding pediatric healthcare provider, highlighting its new 19-story facility with 446 beds (70% for critical care) and its historic patient move. The resolution has no policy impact - it is a symbolic gesture with no new laws or funding, solely celebrating the hospital's service to children. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate in January 2025.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide for Medicaid expansion; to provide for the submission of a waiver request, necessary amendments, and other documents; to provide for savings to be deposited into the Indigent Care Trust Fund; to create the Advisory Commission on the PeachCare Plus Program; to provide for members and duties; to provide for definitions; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to provide for legislative notification and approval; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 9-15, 2025, as Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week at Georgia’s state capitol. It symbolically recognizes the impact of multiple sclerosis (affecting nearly 1 million people in the U.S.) and acknowledges the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s work. The resolution encourages Georgians to learn about MS and support those affected by the disease and their families. It has no binding policy effects or funding changes - it is purely a ceremonial observance.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to grants of pardons, paroles, and other relief, so as to provide for procedures when a person is denied parole after completing certain prerequisites; to provide for a video conference hearing where prospective parolees can be heard and seek information from the board; to provide that the board submit written findings if the tentative parole month is delayed; to provide notice to members of the board when a majority votes to deny or delay release; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION congratulating the Brookwood High School girls swimming and diving team for winning the 2023-2024 GHSA Class 7A State Swimming and Diving Championship; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic Senate resolution (SR 37) commending Martha Haythorn for her 25th birthday and community service. It recognizes her work with the ARC of Georgia, her role on the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities, and her advocacy for disability policy. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation through words of praise and best wishes. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any specific policies or individuals beyond this acknowledgment.

A RESOLUTION congratulating the Grayson High School football team for winning the 2024 GHSA Class 6A State Football Championship; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 5 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Brady Law Regulations, so as to require a ten-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of certain firearms; to provide for exceptions; to provide for criminal penalties; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 6, 2025, as "Strolling Thunder Day" at the Georgia state capitol. It symbolically recognizes the importance of early childhood development, referencing Georgia's efforts and challenges in supporting young children and families. The resolution does not create new laws or allocate funding; it is purely ceremonial, encouraging lawmakers to acknowledge early childhood priorities. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on January 16, 2025.