HR 1007: House of Representatives; effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving mental health outcomes; acknowledge

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a statement from the House of Representatives recognizing arts for health initiatives, meaning programs that use artistic activities as part of mental health treatment or support, as helpful tools for addressing stress, anxiety, trauma, and related conditions. The resolution cites data on rising mental health challenges nationally and in Georgia, notes that federal veterans and defense agencies use creative arts therapists to treat PTSD, and states that such programs can also reduce burnout among healthcare workers. It resolves that House members acknowledge the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and these initiatives in supporting trauma recovery, addressing mental health, building community resilience, and increasing public safety. It directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Has the Georgia House of Representatives formally acknowledge the role of artists, arts organizations, and art therapists in supporting mental health recovery.
• States that arts for health initiatives help address trauma, mental health conditions, and community resilience, and may increase public safety.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new funding, program, agency requirement, or change to Georgia statutes; it is a statement of position, not a law.

Artists, arts organizations, and art therapists operating in Georgia are named and recognized by the resolution. It also references healthcare professionals, veterans, military personnel, and Georgians experiencing mental health challenges, though it creates no binding obligations for any of these groups.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it carries symbolic rather than legal weight. It signals House support for arts based mental health approaches, which could inform future funding or policy debates, but it does not itself create programs, spend money, or change any statute.

• The 'whereas' clauses cite Kaiser Family Foundation and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data on mental health prevalence nationally and in Georgia.
• The resolved clause has House members acknowledge the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts for health initiatives in trauma recovery, mental health, community resilience, and public safety.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.
• The resolution contains no appropriations, deadlines, or enforcement mechanisms.

1. 2026-03-31House Passed/Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-31House Third Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-11House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
4. 2026-01-14House Second Readers (House)
5. 2026-01-13House First Readers (House)
6. 2026-01-12House Hopper (House)

• Todd Jones (R, HD-025)Primary sponsor
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Angie O'Steen (R, HD-169)
• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 31, 2026

   168 yea, 0 nay (1 not voting, 7 absent)

   Adopt: House Vote #821

• mental health
• arts and health
• veterans health
• healthcare workforce
• legislative resolutions