HR356: HR356 Georgia State University College of Law; paragon of excellence in clinical legal education in and beyond the State of Georgia; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes the Georgia State University College of Law, which opened in 1982, for combining classroom theory with hands-on legal training through its clinics. The resolution highlights specific programs, including the Health Law Partnership Clinic, the Phillip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, the Immigration Clinic, the Community Development and Entrepreneurship Clinic, the Mediation Clinic, the Capital Defender Clinic, and the Olmstead Disability Clinic. It directs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the college's interim dean and to the directors of each clinic. It creates no new legal requirements, funding, or penalties.

• Formally commends the Georgia State University College of Law's clinical legal education program for its work in access to justice.
• Recognizes seven specific clinics by name for their services to low-income Georgians, immigrants, small businesses, and people with disabilities.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the interim dean and clinic directors.
• Creates no statutory changes, funding, or enforceable obligations, since it is a commendatory resolution rather than a law.

The resolution names the Georgia State University College of Law, its interim dean, and the directors and students of its clinics, including those serving low-income taxpayers, immigrants, capital defense clients, and people with disabilities who rely on those clinics' services.

Because this is a commendatory resolution rather than legislation, it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to formal recognition and distribution of copies to the college and its clinic directors.

• The whereas clauses describe the college's history since 1982 and its student practice rule goals tied to the Georgia Supreme Court.
• The whereas clauses cite specific results, including over $1,000,000 in benefits obtained by the Health Law Partnership Clinic and over $55,000 in tax refunds recovered by the Phillip C. Cook Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic.
• The resolving clause formally commends the college's clinical legal education program for its accomplishments and commitment to experiential learning.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to Interim Dean Courtney L. Anderson and each clinic's director.

1. 2025-02-21House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-21House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-21House Hopper (House)

• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)Primary sponsor
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Trey Kelley (R, HD-016)
• Charles Martin (R, HD-049)
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)

• legal education
• Georgia State University
• law school clinics
• access to justice