Georgia House Bill HR1823

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/26
• Enrolled: 3/19/26
• Passed: 3/19/26

Caption

Hays, Linda; 50 years of service to the Newton County Government; honor

Summary

House Resolution 1823 is a commemorative resolution honoring Linda Hays for 50 years of service to Newton County Government. The resolution recounts her career beginning in the Clerk of Courts office in 1976, her election as Clerk in 1982, and her distinction as the longest-serving elected official in Newton County history. It praises her leadership, patience, diplomacy, integrity, fairness, and dedication to public service, and formally commends her for her contributions to the county and the state of Georgia. The resolution does not create new policy, amend statutes, or change any state or local law. Its practical effect is ceremonial: it authorizes the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to Linda Hays and serves as an official legislative recognition of her service. The bill affects no regulated parties beyond the symbolic acknowledgment of Ms. Hays and the Newton County Government community. Because the measure is an honorific resolution and there are no recorded committee transcripts or votes, there is no evidence of substantive debate or opposition. The overall sentiment is strongly positive and appreciative, with the House expressing respect and commendation for Hays’s long tenure and public service. The language is entirely celebratory, and the resolution appears to have been intended as a unanimous or noncontroversial recognition measure. The only possible point of discussion is the appropriateness of legislative time devoted to ceremonial resolutions, but no such objection is reflected in the available record. In substance, the resolution is focused on recognition rather than policy, and there is no indication of disagreement among legislators or stakeholders.

Impact

HR 1823 has no effect on state law, does not amend any code sections, and imposes no duties or rights on the public. Its impact is limited to formal legislative recognition of Linda Hays and the preservation of that honor in the House record, with a directive to distribute a copy of the resolution to her.

Sentiment

The sentiment around the resolution is uniformly positive and congratulatory. The bill text uses highly laudatory language to emphasize Linda Hays’s long service, leadership, and integrity, and there are no recorded votes or committee remarks suggesting opposition or controversy. It appears to be a routine ceremonial measure intended to honor a respected local official.

Contention

There is no notable substantive contention in the available materials. Because the resolution is purely honorary and no committee transcripts or vote history are provided, no legislator, committee member, or stakeholder is identified as opposing or questioning it. Any potential concern would be limited to the general practice of passing ceremonial resolutions, but that is not reflected in the record for this bill.