HB 881: Holidays; first day of the legislative session each year as Civility Day; designate

Georgia law currently lists various official holidays and observances in Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, but has no day recognizing civility in public life. This bill would add a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27, naming the first day of the legislative session each year as 'Civility Day' in Georgia. The bill opens with a long list of legislative findings that describe what civility means, cite historical figures like George Washington and organizations like the Institute for Civility and the Georgia Municipal Association, and list practices such as managing emotions and listening respectfully. These findings do not create legal requirements; they explain the General Assembly's reasoning for the designation. The bill does not create penalties, funding, or enforcement mechanisms tied to the new observance.

• Adds a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 1-4-27, designating the first day of each year's legislative session as 'Civility Day' in Georgia.
• Includes legislative findings describing the meaning and importance of civility, without creating any enforceable rule or requirement.
• Repeals any existing laws that conflict with the new designation, though the bill does not identify specific conflicting statutes.

This bill primarily affects the Georgia General Assembly itself, since it applies the 'Civility Day' label to the legislature's own opening day each year. It has no direct effect on private citizens, businesses, or other state agencies.

The bill would not change any legal rights, obligations, or funding; it simply attaches a symbolic name to the first day of each legislative session. Its practical effect would be limited to public recognition and any related ceremonial or educational activities lawmakers choose to hold.

• Section 1 lists legislative findings on the meaning of civility, citing historical and organizational sources, without creating binding law.
• Section 2 adds new Code section 1-4-27 to Chapter 4 of Title 1, stating that the first day of the legislative session each year is designated 'Civility Day' in Georgia.
• Section 3 repeals any conflicting laws, a standard closing provision with no specific statutes named.

1. 2025-04-02House Second Readers (House)
2. 2025-03-31House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-03-28House Hopper (House)

• Lisa Campbell (D, HD-35)Primary sponsor
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Sheila Jones (D, HD-60)
• Shea Roberts (D, HD-52)
• Billy Mitchell (D, HD-88)

• state holidays
• legislative conduct
• Georgia General Assembly
• civility