HR310: HR310 Veal, Judge Holly W.; outstanding public service; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Judge Holly W. Veal. It does not change any law. Instead, it formally recognizes her career on the Superior Court of Henry County, where she was the first Guyanese/African American and the first woman to serve as a judge. The resolution highlights her work arguing cases before the Supreme Court of Georgia, her service on the State Bar of Georgia's Formal Advisory Opinion Board, her oversight of the Henry County Adult Felony Drug Court Program, her community work with the Hands of Hope Clinic, and past recognition from the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The House directs its Clerk to prepare a copy of the resolution for presentation to Judge Veal.

• Formally commends Judge Holly W. Veal for her public service to the State of Georgia, without altering any statute.
• Recognizes her as the first Guyanese/African American and first woman to serve as a judge on the Superior Court of Henry County.
• Notes her oversight of the Henry County Adult Felony Drug Court Program, which helps drug offenders reintegrate into society.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Judge Veal.

The resolution directly names Judge Holly W. Veal of the Superior Court of Henry County. It also references the State Bar of Georgia, the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Hands of Hope Clinic, where she serves on the Board of Directors.

This resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect; it is a formal statement of appreciation. Its practical impact is limited to publicly recognizing Judge Veal's career and providing her with an official copy of the House's commendation.

• The whereas clauses recount Judge Veal's judicial career on the Superior Court of Henry County and her status as the first Guyanese/African American and first woman to hold that judgeship.
• The whereas clauses note her advocacy before the Supreme Court of Georgia and her service on the State Bar of Georgia's Formal Advisory Opinion Board.
• The whereas clauses describe her leadership of the Henry County Adult Felony Drug Court Program and her community service with the Hands of Hope Clinic.
• The resolving clause has the House of Representatives commend Judge Veal for her public service and wish her continued health and happiness.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to make a copy available for distribution to Judge Veal.

1. 2025-02-19House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-19House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-19House Hopper (House)

• Mary Ann Santos (D, HD-117)Primary sponsor
• El-Mahdi Holly (D, HD-116)
• Demetrius Douglas (D, HD-078)
• Robert Flournoy (D, HD-074)
• Noelle Kahaian (R, HD-081)
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)

• ceremonial resolution
• Henry County courts
• judicial recognition
• drug court programs