HR227: HR227 Gavalis; Joseph; condolences

This resolution is a memorial passed by the Georgia House of Representatives to honor Joseph Gavalis after his death. It recounts his career as a federal agent fighting organized crime and labor racketeering, and his later work in Cobb County, where he led his homeowner's association, served on the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission, and helped found the Cobb County Elder Abuse Task Force and the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force. The resolution formally expresses the House's regret at his passing and directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for his family. It does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement of remembrance.

• Formally expresses the House of Representatives' regret over the death of Joseph Gavalis and honors his life and memory.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Gavalis's family.
• Recounts his career fighting organized crime as a federal agent and his volunteer work on elder abuse prevention in Cobb County.

This resolution directly concerns the family of Joseph Gavalis, who will receive the official copy, and the Cobb County community groups he worked with, including the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission and the elder abuse task forces he helped found.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect and changes no Georgia law. Its practical significance is symbolic: it creates an official legislative record honoring Gavalis's public service and provides his family a formal document from the state.

• The whereas clauses describe Gavalis's career as a federal agent combating organized crime and labor racketeering.
• The whereas clauses describe his volunteer leadership in Cobb County, including his homeowner's association and the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission.
• The resolving clause has the House join in honoring his life and expressing regret at his passing.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2025-02-11House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-11House Hopper (House)

• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)Primary sponsor
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)
• Don Parsons (R, HD-044)
• John Carson (R, HD-046)
• Ginny Ehrhart (R, HD-036)

• memorial resolution
• Cobb County
• elder abuse prevention
• law enforcement legacy