Sen. Sonya Halpern

Maddy summaryThis bill is a resolution that formally recognizes and commends Senator Freddie Powell Sims for her public service. It honors her contributions to the Georgia State Senate, including her leadership in various committees and her work on education and infrastructure projects. The resolution also congratulates her on her retirement and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to her.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 20-2-2068.1, relating to charter school funding, so as to require local boards of education to treat local charter schools no less favorably than other local schools with respect to the expenditure of the proceeds of a special purpose local option sales tax for education; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 16, 19, 31, 48, and 49 of the O.C.G.A., relating to crimes and offenses, domestic relations, health, revenue and taxation, and social services, respectively, so as to modernize and update provisions relative to duties or functions of the Department of Public Health; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to ad valorem taxation of property, so as to authorize certain local governing authorities to provide temporary tax relief from the taxes levied for the harvest or sale of standing timber in certain disaster areas;to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for a short title and legislative findings and intent; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Senate study committee to investigate pharmacy benefits managers and their impact on prescription drug costs and consumer access. The committee will examine practices such as steering patients to affiliated pharmacies, drug price markups, and reimbursement manipulation that critics say harm patients and independent pharmacies. The committee consists of Senate committee chairs and appointed experts, and it will hold meetings, receive funding for its work, and submit a report with findings and potential legislative recommendations before being abolished on December 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes and commends Austin Trott for completing a 10-year work anniversary with the Georgia State Senate. The document highlights his career progression from a senate aide in 2015 to his current role as deputy director of the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office, noting his academic background and contributions to legislative operations. The resolution authorizes the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the document to Trott as an official acknowledgment of his service and leadership.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a Senate resolution that formally recognizes and commends Ellen Schornstein Williams for her public service to the state of Georgia. The resolution highlights her role as Chief of Staff for Georgia Senator Elena Parent and her volunteer work with humanitarian and civil rights organizations. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Williams as an official acknowledgment of her contributions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Senate Study Committee to examine market competition and antitrust enforcement in Georgia. The five-member committee will investigate economic concentration in sectors like housing, technology, agriculture, healthcare, and retail, and compare Georgia's policies with those of other states. Funded through Senate appropriations, the committee will hold meetings and submit a final report by December 1, 2026, which may include recommendations for new legislation. The bill does not change any existing laws but establishes a study group to evaluate potential policy improvements.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a temporary Senate Study Committee to research and recommend plans for a Museum of African American History and Culture in Georgia. The committee will consist of five senators, including the Senate Majority and Minority Leaders and the chair of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, who will study the needs and conditions for establishing such a museum. The group will meet over time and receive funding from Senate appropriations, with the goal of collecting historical materials, coordinating with institutions, and developing strategies to promote African American history and culture in the state. The committee is authorized to submit a report with findings and legislative recommendations before it dissolves on December 1, 2026.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Jennifer Boger for her distinguished career in public service and her time in the Georgia State Senate Budget and Evaluation Office; and for other purposes.