Georgia House Bill HR602

Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/25
• Enrolled: 3/13/25
• Passed: 3/13/25

Caption

Yi, Hyong Kun "Sam"; trailblazing and extraordinary contributions to Georgia's jazz community; commend

Summary

House Resolution 602 is a commemorative resolution honoring Hyong Kun "Sam" Yi for his longstanding and influential role in Georgia’s jazz community, particularly in Atlanta. The resolution recounts his life story, including his immigration from South Korea, his settlement in Georgia, and his work as a patron and promoter of jazz music. The resolution highlights Yi’s co-founding of Churchill Grounds, a celebrated Atlanta jazz club in the Fox Theatre building, and describes how the venue became a major gathering place for established and emerging jazz artists. It also notes his later efforts to sustain jazz programming through jam sessions and pop-up performances at other venues, and it recognizes his death on February 3, 2025. The House formally commends him posthumously and directs that a copy of the resolution be provided to his family.

Impact

This resolution does not change state law, create new programs, or appropriate funds. Its legal effect is limited to an official expression of recognition by the Georgia House of Representatives and authorization for the Clerk to distribute a copy to Yi’s family. The practical impact is symbolic, preserving legislative acknowledgment of Yi’s contributions to Atlanta’s cultural life and Georgia’s arts community.

Sentiment

The tone of the resolution is strongly positive and respectful, emphasizing gratitude, admiration, and loss. The bill text presents Sam Yi as a trailblazer, a community builder, and a central figure in keeping jazz alive in Atlanta. No votes or committee transcripts are provided, but the resolution itself reflects unanimous celebratory sentiment and a formal expression of condolence.

Contention

There is no apparent controversy in the bill text or available legislative history. Because this is a nonbinding commemorative resolution, it does not appear to have generated policy disagreement or substantive debate. The only notable focus is on honoring Yi’s legacy and recognizing his family’s loss, rather than on any contested legislative issue.