SR149: SR149 Shepherd Center; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes the Shepherd Center, a private not-for-profit hospital in Atlanta founded on August 18, 1975, as it marks 50 years of operation. The resolution describes the hospital's mission of helping people with brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and other neurological conditions rebuild their lives, and highlights its role in leading the 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games Organizing Committee and founding the wheelchair division of the AJC Peachtree Road Race. The Senate formally commends the center and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to the Shepherd Center as a keepsake.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Shepherd Center on the occasion of its 50th anniversary as a rehabilitation hospital.
• States the Senate's praise for the center's work treating brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, and chronic pain.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Shepherd Center.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than a bill.

The resolution directly names the Shepherd Center, its patients, families, and staff. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, businesses, or government agencies beyond the ceremonial gesture.

The resolution carries no legal or financial consequence; it does not change any Georgia law or provide funding. Its practical effect is a public, official statement of appreciation from the Georgia Senate that will be delivered to the Shepherd Center as a commemorative document.

• The whereas clauses describe the Shepherd Center's founding in 1975, its mission, and its work in neuro-rehabilitation.
• The resolved clause has the Senate formally recognize and commend the Shepherd Center on its 50th anniversary.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Shepherd Center.

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

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)

• Shepherd Center
• disability rehabilitation
• Senate resolution
• Atlanta hospitals