HR435: HR435 Allen, Judge John; condolences

This resolution is a ceremonial tribute from the Georgia House of Representatives to Judge John Allen, a Columbus native who served as an Air Force fighter pilot before becoming a judge in Muscogee County's Recorder's Court, State Court, and Superior Court over a combined 26 years. It recounts his military honors, his 1965 march in Selma for voting rights, his co-founding of Columbus's first integrated law firm, and his community service on several local boards. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It 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 distribution to Judge Allen's family.

• Formally honors the life and memory of Judge John Allen on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Recites his military service, legal career, and civil rights involvement as findings within the resolution.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for his family.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, serving only as a ceremonial tribute.

The resolution directly names Judge John Allen and his family, who will receive a copy of it. It has no regulatory effect on the public, businesses, or government agencies.

The resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians generally; its significance is symbolic, recording the legislature's formal recognition of a judge's military and legal career and providing his family an official memorial from the state.

• The whereas clauses recount Judge Allen's Air Force service, six Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 23 Air Medals, and his 26 years as a Muscogee County judge.
• The whereas clauses also note his 1965 march in Selma and co-founding the first integrated law firm in Columbus in the 1970s.
• The first resolving clause states the House's formal expression of regret at his passing.
• The final resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to produce a copy for distribution to his family.

1. 2025-02-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-27House Hopper (House)

• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)Primary sponsor
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)

• memorial resolution
• Georgia judiciary
• civil rights history
• Columbus Georgia
• military veterans