HR796: HR796 Victims of communism; honor

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives acknowledging the harms caused by communist governments around the world since the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia. The resolution recites the history of communist rule under leaders such as Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, and others, and states that more than 100 million people have died under communist regimes. It notes that Georgia is home to many people and families who fled such regimes. The resolution formally resolves that House members recognize and honor these victims, and it directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and the press.

• Formally states that the House of Representatives recognizes and honors victims of communist regimes worldwide, without creating any new law or program.
• Recites historical claims about communist governments, naming leaders such as Stalin, Lenin, Mao Zedong, and Castro, among others.
• States that more than 100 million people have died under communist rule around the world.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.

This resolution mainly affects the House of Representatives itself and the Clerk of the House, who must prepare and distribute copies. It also speaks to Georgia residents and families who are descendants of people who fled communist countries.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill that amends Georgia law, it has no direct legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its practical impact is symbolic: it puts the legislature's recognition of communism's victims on the official record and makes that statement publicly available.

• The whereas clauses lay out the historical basis for the resolution, including references to the Bolshevik Revolution and named communist leaders.
• The first resolving clause has House members formally recognize and honor victims of communist regimes worldwide.
• The second resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

1. 2025-03-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-03-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-27House Hopper (House)

• Reynaldo Martinez (R, HD-111)Primary sponsor
• Matt Reeves (R, HD-099)
• Rob Clifton (R, HD-131)
• Sandy Donatucci (R, HD-105)
• Johnny Chastain (R, HD-007)
• Steven Sainz (R, HD-180)

• communism history
• House resolution
• human rights
• Georgia legislature