Sen. Ben Watson

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2026, as "Self-Direction Day" to raise awareness about self-direction in home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities. It does not create new policies or change existing programs, but instead recognizes the self-direction model where individuals control their own care services and support choices. The resolution highlights Georgia's use of self-direction in five HCBS waiver programs, emphasizing its benefits like improved quality of life, reduced costs, and greater independence. It is purely ceremonial, intended to honor the concept through public recognition on the designated date.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Subpart 1 of Part 6 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, relating to certificated professional personnel, so as to provide a pathway to certification by the Professional Standards Commission for experienced teachers; to provide requirements for such certification; to prohibit discriminatory or disparate treatment of teachers and candidates for such certification; to provide a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION recognizing February 11, 2026, as Kia Day at the state capitol and commending Kia's vehicle manufacturing and impact to the state; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a commemorative resolution, not a bill with policy changes. It formally recognizes February 12, 2026, as "New Americans Day" at the Georgia state capitol to honor immigrants' contributions. The resolution cites statistics on immigrant tax contributions, entrepreneurship, and workforce roles but does not create new laws or obligations. It serves only as a symbolic gesture of recognition, with no direct impact on individuals or policy.

A RESOLUTION recognizing February 26, 2026, as Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at the state capitol and commending law enforcement officers in Georgia; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors Jesse and Emily Cole, the Savannah Bananas baseball team, and the Bananas Foster nonprofit for their national campaign to raise awareness about foster care. It recognizes their efforts in highlighting Georgia's 9,500 children in foster care through media coverage and their "Bananas Foster Family" program, which provides foster families with game-day experiences. The resolution expresses the Georgia Senate's gratitude for their work in promoting foster parenting opportunities without creating new laws or obligations.

A RESOLUTION commending Georgia's trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation and recognizing February 24, 2026, as Trauma Awareness Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

Maddy summarySR 705 is a resolution passed by the Georgia Senate to formally commend Georgia's Community Service Boards (CSBs) for their work in providing behavioral health and developmental disability services. The resolution recognizes CSBs' role in serving vulnerable Georgians - including over 320,000 with serious mental illness and more than 145,000 with intellectual or developmental disabilities - especially those without insurance or with limited means. It does not create new policies or alter existing laws but instead expresses legislative appreciation for CSBs' contributions to Georgia's public safety net. The resolution directs the Senate Secretary to distribute copies to all 22 CSBs and the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards (GACSB).

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates February 11, 2026, as National Guard Day at the Georgia state capitol to honor the Georgia National Guard's service. It recognizes the Guard's contributions to homeland defense, emergency response, and deployments since 2001, including their 2025 support for border security and the nation's capital. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it serves as a ceremonial honor, directing the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies to the public and press. It does not impose new requirements or affect any individuals or organizations.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 31 and Chapters 2 and 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Community Health, Department of Human Services, and public assistance, respectively, so as to provide for the Department of Community Health to determine and verify eligibility of Medicaid applicants and Medicaid recipients and to manage Medicaid enrollment; to transfer certain powers, functions, and duties from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Community Health; to provide for referral for prosecution; to provide for related matters; to provide for a state plan amendment or waiver request; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.