Sen. Bill Cowsert

Maddy summaryGeorgia's SR 262 is a resolution applying for an Article V convention of states to propose a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget, with exceptions for emergencies and national defense. It directly affects the federal government by seeking to impose fiscal restraints on Congress through a constitutional amendment. The resolution specifies this application should be counted toward the two-thirds state requirement for convening such a convention, joining existing applications from 25 other states focused solely on budget balancing. This is a procedural application - not a law - and does not change current federal spending authority.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the "Budget Act," so as to provide for the application of zero-base budgeting to the budget process; to provide for intent; to provide for analysis of departmental and program objectives; to provide for consideration of alternative funding levels; to provide for departmental priority lists; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to provide for short titles; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 855) is a ceremonial recognition of the Georgia Academy of Audiology by the Georgia Senate. It commends the organization and its members for their work providing hearing and balance disorder evaluations, treatments, and public education across Georgia. The resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect any policies or individuals - its sole purpose is to honor the group's contributions to healthcare. It was formally adopted by the Senate on February 26, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 869), not a law-changing bill. It formally recognizes and commends Mayor Craig L. Newton of Norcross, Georgia, for his public service, including being the first African American mayor elected in Gwinnett County (2017) and serving over 20 years in local government. The resolution has no policy impact - it simply expresses the Senate's appreciation through words of commendation. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate on February 26, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SR 854) formally recognizes Kay Pippin for her public service as mayor of Jackson, Georgia. It highlights her achievements including installing new water/sewer infrastructure, removing blighted properties, securing $8 million in grants, and maintaining the city's historic policy of no property taxes. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely offers formal commendation for her work with the city, Henry County, and Georgia. It was adopted by the Georgia Senate in February 2026.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Titles 12 and 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to conservation and natural resources and state government, respectively, so as to reserve to the state certain PFAS claims; to provide for enforcement of such claims by the division; to provide for definitions; to provide for statutory construction; to provide for the receipt and administration of lawsuit and settlement proceeds by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; to provide for reporting; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings and intent; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION expressing support for the designation of a State Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day to raise awareness of and promote research on the disorder; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates March 18, 2026, as "Georgia Runs on Trucking Day" at the Georgia state capitol. It recognizes the trucking industry's economic importance - supporting over 333,000 jobs, moving 70% of domestic freight, and contributing $19.3 billion in annual wages - without creating new laws or policies. The resolution formally commends Georgia's trucking professionals and companies for their role in the state's economy and logistics network. It includes no concrete policy changes, as it is purely ceremonial, directing the Senate Secretary to share the resolution with the Georgia Trucking Association.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the 1980 and 2026 United States Olympic Men's Hockey Teams for their historic achievements and contributions to national unity; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SR 831), not a policy bill. It formally congratulates Charlie and Haley Barrett on the birth of their son, Charles "Beau" Donald Barrett IV, and extends well-wishes for his life. The resolution acknowledges both parents' state government roles - Charlie as Senate Chief of Staff and Haley as Communications Director for the Ethics Commission. It contains no policy provisions or funding changes; it is solely a symbolic gesture of Senate recognition.