Georgia CommonsSR354: SR354 Smith, Ms. Catherine Ann; condolences
Last action March 10, 2025 · Senate Read and Referred
A Senate resolution honors the life of Ms. Catherine Ann Smith, a longtime Democratic Party organizer in Michigan and Georgia who died on February 25, 2025.
In plain language
This is a memorial resolution from the Georgia Senate, a formal statement rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Ms. Catherine Ann Smith, who was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1957 and passed away on February 25, 2025. The resolution describes her decades of political organizing work with the Democratic Party and progressive causes in Michigan and Georgia, noting she learned the craft from her mother. The Senate expresses condolences to her family and directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to them.
What the bill does
- Formally honors the life and memory of Ms. Catherine Ann Smith on behalf of the Georgia Senate.
- Expresses the Senate's regret at her passing and offers condolences to her family.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.
- Creates no new law, funding, or regulation; it is a ceremonial statement rather than a legislative mandate.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names the family and friends of Ms. Catherine Ann Smith, who will receive a copy of it. It also reflects on her impact on Democratic Party activists and organizers she trained in Michigan and Georgia.
Why it matters
The resolution has no legal or regulatory effect on Georgians generally. Its practical significance is limited to a formal, public acknowledgment of Ms. Smith's community and political organizing work and an official expression of sympathy delivered to her family.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses recount Ms. Smith's birth in 1957, her parents, and her death on February 25, 2025.
- The whereas clauses describe her decades of work training activists and organizers for the Democratic Party in Michigan and Georgia.
- The first resolving clause has the Senate formally join in honoring her life and expressing regret at her passing.
- The second resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to her family.
From the bill
“she learned the art of political organizing from her m other, who turned their6 basement into a call center for the Democratic Party”
“the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed23 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the family”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-035)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
- Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
- Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
- Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
- Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
Topics
- Georgia Senate resolution
- memorial resolution
- Catherine Ann Smith
- Democratic Party organizing