SR146: SR146 Lupus Advocacy Day; recognize February 13, 2025

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a law that changes rights or requirements. It recognizes February 13, 2025, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol, timed to an event hosted by Senator Gail Davenport and the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America. The resolution describes lupus as a chronic autoimmune disease affecting an estimated 55,000 Georgians, discusses its health effects including kidney disease known as Lupus Nephritis, and notes the 2014 creation of the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Advocacy. The Senate commends the Lupus Foundation of America and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the foundation's Georgia chapter.

• Formally designates February 13, 2025, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Commends the Lupus Foundation of America and other groups working on lupus research and patient support.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.
• Does not create any new law, funding, or requirement; it is a symbolic statement by the Senate.

The resolution mainly affects the Lupus Foundation of America's Georgia chapter and Georgians living with lupus, an estimated 55,000 people, along with the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Advocacy and lawmakers participating in the capitol event.

While the resolution does not change any law or provide funding, it publicly highlights lupus awareness and directs formal recognition to advocacy groups, which can support visibility efforts and legislative attention to issues like Medicaid screening for Lupus Nephritis.

• The whereas clauses describe lupus as a chronic autoimmune disease affecting about 1.5 million Americans and 55,000 Georgians.
• The text notes that Lupus Nephritis, a kidney complication, requires early screening and mentions a potential role for Georgia Medicaid in improving screening.
• References the 2014 creation of the Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Advocacy by Governor Nathan Deal.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes February 13, 2025, as Lupus Advocacy Day at the state capitol and commends advocacy organizations.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

1. 2025-02-11Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-02-10Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)Primary sponsor
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)

• lupus awareness
• public health
• Georgia Senate resolution
• Medicaid
• autoimmune disease