Georgia CommonsSR83: SR83 Morehouse School of Medicine; commend
Last action February 3, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution commends Morehouse School of Medicine on its 50th anniversary, recognizing its history and impact on healthcare in the state.
In plain language
This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate marking the 50th anniversary of Morehouse School of Medicine, an Atlanta institution that grew out of a 1969 idea for a new medical school and opened in 1978 with 24 students. The resolution recounts the school's history, including its 1977 state operating grant of $1 million, its founding leaders, and its growth into a four-year medical school in 1985. It notes that thousands of students have graduated and that many practicing physicians remain in Georgia. The Senate formally commends the school and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the school.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Morehouse School of Medicine by name for its 50th anniversary and its role in medical education in Georgia.
- Recounts the historical founding and growth of the school from a 1969 proposal to its current status as an independent medical school.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Morehouse School of Medicine.
- Creates no new law, funding, or enforceable requirement, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than legislation.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Morehouse School of Medicine, its leadership including President Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, and its graduates and students. It has no legal effect on other institutions, agencies, or individuals.
Why it matters
Because this is a commendatory resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, funding, or requirements for Georgians. Its practical effect is limited to public recognition of Morehouse School of Medicine's history and contributions to healthcare and medical education in the state.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe the school's founding in 1969, its 1977 state operating grant of $1 million, and its opening in 1978 with 24 students.
- The whereas clauses note the school became independent in 1981 and established a four-year medical program in 1985 under the name Morehouse School of Medicine.
- The resolved clause formally commends the school on its 50th anniversary for its contributions to education, research, and healthcare access in Georgia.
- The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Morehouse School of Medicine.
From the bill
“the members of this body32 commend Morehouse School of Medicine upon its 50th anniversary celebration in the State33 of Georgia”
“in 1977, the State of Georgia appropriated $1 million as a state operating grant13 to support the operations of the new program at Morehouse College”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
- Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
- Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
- Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
- Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
- Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
- Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
- Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
- Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
- Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
- Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
- Colton Moore (R, SD-053)
- Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
- Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
- Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
- Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
- David Lucas (D, SD-026)
- John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
- Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
Topics
- Morehouse School of Medicine
- medical education
- healthcare workforce
- Georgia Senate resolutions