---
title: HR 1300. Representative Penny Houston Roundabout; Cook County; dedicate
collection: bills
id: 2025-2026/hr1300
cite_as: HR 1300, 2025-2026 Regular Session (Ga.)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1300
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1300.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1300/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73073
date: 2026-05-12
status: passed
corpus_version: bills-2026-09-13
license: Public record of the Georgia General Assembly, via LegiScan; see about.md
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1299.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1301.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/index.md
omitted: votes and history
omitted_chars: 1516
omitted_url: https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1300.md?full=1
bill_number: HR 1300
session: 2025-2026 Regular Session
session_slug: 2025-2026
chamber: House
bill_type: resolution
status_date: 2026-05-12
last_action: Effective Date 2026-05-12
sponsors:
  - Jaclyn Ford
  - Charles Cannon
  - James Hatchett
  - Jan Jones
  - Gerald Greene
  - Katie Dempsey
  - Greg Dolezal
text_version: Enrolled
has_text: true
legiscan_url: https://legiscan.com/GA/bill/HR1300/2025
upstream_id: 2113630
summaries_model: claude-sonnet-5
topic_tags:
  - highway naming
  - Cook County
  - state highway system
  - memorial dedications
  - Penny Houston
---

# HR 1300. Representative Penny Houston Roundabout; Cook County; dedicate

## Text

House Resolution 1300 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representatives Ford of the 170th, Cannon of the 172nd, Hatchett of the 155th, Jones of
the 47th, Greene of the 154th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Dedicating certain portions of the state highway system; and for other purposes.
PART I
WHEREAS, the Honorable Penny Houston was raised in Leary, Georgia, and graduated
from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, and from the University of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, she was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1997 and tirelessly
represented the interests of her constituents in District 170 for nearly three decades; and
WHEREAS, Representative Houston served as chairperson of the Appropriations
Subcommittee on Economic Development and Tourism and on the Ways and Means, Banks
and Banking, Economic Development and Tourism, Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight,
and Appropriations committees and the House Rural Development Council; and
WHEREAS, a woman of deep and abiding faith, Representative Houston is an active
member of the Nashville United Methodist Church and is a board member of the Methodist
Home in Macon, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, her leadership and guidance have been instrumental for numerous
organizations, including the Nashville Woman's Club and the Berrien, Tift, and Cook County
chambers of commerce; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong advocate for children, Representative Houston has been involved with
the Georgia Sheriffs' Youth Homes for more than 30 years, is a member emeritus of the
Georgia Sheriffs' Boys Ranch Board in Hahira, and serves on the advisory board of the
Atlanta Speech School; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating a roundabout in her honor.
PART II
WHEREAS, Mr. John L. Williams has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for
the vital role that he played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare
of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams diligently and conscientiously devoted innumerable hours of his
time, talents, and energy toward the betterment of his community and state as evidenced
dramatically by his work as an entrepreneur in Cook County, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams' significant organizational and leadership talents, his remarkable
patience and diplomacy, his keen sense of vision, and his sensitivity to the needs of the
citizens of this state earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and associates;
and
WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating an interchange in his memory.
PART III
WHEREAS, Mr. John A. Williams was a visionary civic leader, philanthropist, and real
estate developer whose leadership and investment profoundly shaped the economic, cultural,
and infrastructure development of Cobb County, Fulton County, and the greater metropolitan
Atlanta region; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams played a pivotal role in transforming the Cumberland area into
one of Georgia's most significant employment and commercial centers, helping to establish
the Cumberland Community Improvement District, which has served as a model for
public-private cooperation and infrastructure investment throughout this state; and
WHEREAS, through his leadership and advocacy, Mr. Williams helped secure critical
funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements along the U.S. Route 41 corridor
and throughout the Cumberland area, strengthening connectivity between Cobb and Fulton
counties and enhancing regional mobility; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williams was instrumental in the creation and success of landmark
developments that elevated the quality of life in Cobb County, including his generous
$10 million philanthropic contribution to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, a premier
cultural venue that has become a cornerstone of the region's arts and economic vitality; and
WHEREAS, he demonstrated a deep and abiding commitment to public service, historic
preservation, and community investment, including efforts to preserve treasured local assets
such as Glover Park in the City of Marietta, ensuring that growth was balanced with respect
for history and community character; and
WHEREAS, widely regarded as one of the most influential civic and business leaders in
metro Atlanta, Mr. Williams was known for his bipartisan leadership, forward-thinking
approach to urban planning, and dedication to strategic infrastructure development that
continues to benefit Georgia's citizens and economy; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his memory.
PART IV
WHEREAS, Ms. Cara Jaden Atkins was born on April 27, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, the
beloved daughter of Perry and Christy Atkins; and
WHEREAS, an exceptional athlete, Ms. Atkins graduated from Etowah High School and
continued her education at Georgia Highlands College, where she excelled academically,
graduating with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, earning repeated spots on the Dean's List,
and was a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa honor society; and
WHEREAS, she graduated from dental hygienist school and was eagerly pursuing her
bachelor's degree in science, driven by her passion for helping others achieve better health
and confidence; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Atkins spent her time giving back to local charities and causes that uplifted
others in need, including Jamie's Hope, the Cherokee Humane Society, and Locks of Love;
and
WHEREAS, she coached gymnastics to young children and touched the lives of many with
her smile that was like sunshine, instantly filling any room with warmth, joy, and positivity;
and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this encouraging, kind, and selfless
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating an interchange in her memory.
PART V
WHEREAS, Mr. Andrew "Drew" Keith Slay was born on February 24, 1999, in Austell,
Georgia, the beloved son to Amanda and Jerry Slay; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Slay was a talented graphic designer and an accomplished art major at the
University of West Georgia when his life was tragically cut short in a traffic accident on
April 8, 2023; and
WHEREAS, known for his positive attitude, creativity, and willingness to support others,
Mr. Slay gave inspiration to many through his high ideals, morals, and deep concern for his
fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his family
and friends were admired by others; and
WHEREAS, a compassionate and generous man, Mr. Slay was deeply loved by all who
knew him, from professors to colleagues at the Farmer's Table, where his positive impact was
felt; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in his memory.
PART VI
WHEREAS, Mr. William Brown Lovett was born on October 6, 1824, in Montgomery
County, Georgia, the eldest son of Joshua and Elizabeth Lovett; and
WHEREAS, he grew up on the family farm in Adel, Georgia, learning the trade from his
parents, spent his life in Lowndes County, Georgia, and later became known as one of the
leading farmers of Berrien County, where his talent and efficiency in growing corn was
widely recognized; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lovett was united in love and marriage to his wife, Eliza, and was blessed
with eight children; and
WHEREAS, an advocate for education, Mr. Lovett had the Lovett School built on his land,
which eventually became known as the Pine Bloom School; and
WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating an interchange in his memory.
PART VII
WHEREAS, Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon was born on August 30, 1960, and grew up in
Lincoln, Maine, before joining the United States Army at the age of 18; and
WHEREAS, Master Sgt. Gordon was serving as sniper team leader for the United States
Army Special Operations Command with Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia, when
his unit was subjected to intense enemy fire while attempting to rescue the crew of a downed
helicopter; and
WHEREAS, Master Sgt. Gordon volunteered to be inserted to protect four critically
wounded personnel, despite the risk to his own safety; and
WHEREAS, he and a fellow sniper fought through intense small arms fire and a maze of
shanties and shacks to reach the critically injured crew members; and
WHEREAS, after depleting his ammunition and losing his fellow sniper to enemy fire,
Master Sgt. Gordon recovered weapons and ammunition from the crashed helicopter and
elected to give the last five rounds of recovered ammunition to the pilot of the crashed
helicopter; and
WHEREAS, Master Sgt. Gordon gave the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man and his
selflessness embodied the spirit of service; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
American be recognized appropriately by dedicating a road in his memory.
PART VIII
WHEREAS, Mrs. Edna Sirmans Sessoms was born on October 16, 1892, the beloved
daughter of State Senator Frank B. Sirmans and Amanda Strickland Sirmans, and passed
away on September 18, 1994; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sessoms grew up on her family's land in Sirmans, Georgia, near Camp
Creek Missionary Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 1913, she married Alexander Kelly Sessoms and the couple
moved to Cogdell, Georgia, where they opened a large general store; and
WHEREAS, the Sessoms went on to become the largest landowners and operators of naval
stores in the entire State of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, after her husband's passing in 1944, Mrs. Sessoms continued to oversee the
family's timber holdings and business interests; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Sessoms was involved in the early pioneering of the modern day forest
industry in south Georgia, ensuring that the family's sprawling acreage was improved,
contained as one functioning unit, and maintained as sustainable forests for more than five
generations; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a bridge in her memory.
PART IX
WHEREAS, Zander Trayvon Whatley was born on May 11, 2012, the beloved son of
Shareeda Dorsey and Jermaine Whatley, and his life was tragically cut short on April 29,
2024, when he became an innocent bystander in a senseless act of violence within his own
home; and
WHEREAS, Zander was 11 years old and a vibrant fifth grade student at Hal Hutchens
Elementary School, where he proudly served on the student council; and
WHEREAS, a talented athlete and competitor, Zander excelled at soccer, baseball, and
football; and
WHEREAS, Zander had an infectious spirit that shined brightly through his love of the Lord
and was demonstrated through his weekly worship; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating an intersection in his memory.
PART X
WHEREAS, Representative James A. "Bubber" Epps, Jr., has long been recognized by the
citizens of this state for the vital role that he plays in leadership in this state and his deep
personal commitment to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Representative Epps served on the Twiggs County Board of Commissioners
from 1983 to 1992 and on the Middle Georgia Regional Development Center Board from
1989 to 1992; and
WHEREAS, he served as a member of the Georgia General Assembly from 2009 to 2019,
representing the citizens of House District 144, and served as chairman of the House
Committee on Motor Vehicles and House Committee on Small Business Development and
secretary of the House Committee on Transportation during his tenure; and
WHEREAS, in 2019, Representative Epps was appointed to the Middle Georgia Regional
Commission Council, where his leadership and guidance earned him the respect and
admiration of his colleagues and associates; and
WHEREAS, Representative Epps has been known for his collaborative approach, steady
leadership, consistent support of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission Council's staff
and mission, and his enduring commitment to public service, regional cooperation, and the
advancement of Middle Georgia communities through leadership in both the public and
private sectors; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating an
interchange in his honor.
PART XI
WHEREAS, Reverend James H. Miller has demonstrated his commitment to teaching the
Gospel, witnessing Christ through word and deed, and addressing the physical,
psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs of others; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Miller attended Turner Theological Seminary at Morris Brown
College and the Interdenominational Theological Center Extension in Griffin, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, as a young man, he served as an assistant pastor at Mount Carmel and at Shoal
Creek Baptist Church in Locust Grove, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, in 1960, he began his first pastorship at Rocky Mount Baptist Church in Rex,
Georgia, where he served for nearly 29 years; and
WHEREAS, Reverend Miller went on to serve as pastor of Holly Grove Baptist Church in
Griffin, Georgia; pastor of Zion Grove Baptist Church in Ellenwood, Georgia; and pastor
emeritus of both Holly Grove and Zion Grove; and
WHEREAS, whether the task is preparing a sermon, visiting the sick, counseling the
troubled, baptizing a new believer, or acting as a theologian, educator, administrator, or
humanitarian, Reverend Miller serves as a shining example of God's righteous path; and
WHEREAS, the unmatched spiritual assistance offered by Reverend Miller is a source of
strength and direction for persons in all walks of life and from all economic strata; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a road in his honor.
PART XII
WHEREAS, Mr. Ellis Crook has long been recognized by the citizens of this state for the
vital role that he has played in leadership and his deep personal commitment to the welfare
of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, a lifelong resident of Senoia, Georgia, Mr. Crook began working in his father's
business, founded in 1913, at the age of 12, which started his distinguished journey as a local
businessman and community leader; and
WHEREAS, he served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with the United
States Army during the Korean War and continued his service as secretary and treasurer of
the Senoia Veterans Association; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Crook purchased Crook's Grocery on Highway 16 in Senoia in 1960,
founded Crook's Tire & Auto in 1966, and in 1990 founded McIntosh Finance, an installment
lending company that has grown to include multiple offices across Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cook's leadership has been instrumental to numerous organizations,
including Senoia Methodist Church, Flint River Academy, the Coweta County Zoning
Appeals Board, the Coweta County Hospital Authority, the Georgia Food Industry
Association, and the Associated Grocers of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, he founded and served as first president of the Senoia Area Business
Association, authored Senoia Boy and generously donated all of the rights and proceeds to
the Senoia Historical Association, and played an instrumental role in raising funds to retire
the debt on the community building in Senoia State Park; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be recognized appropriately by dedicating a road in his honor.
PART XIII
WHEREAS, Mr. Kevin "Catfish" Jackson graduated from Cartersville High School and
attended the University of Georgia where he was a three year letterman on the University of
Georgia football team, a member of the 1980 National Championship team, the 1982 and
1983 Southeastern Conference Championship teams, and voted co-captain of the 1983 team;
and
WHEREAS, his athleticism and leadership were recognized with the prestigious Wallace
Butts Award and he served as a graduate assistant coach under Vince Dooley; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson's vision and guidance were instrumental to numerous
organizations, including United Community Bank, Bethesda Academy, CURE for Childhood
Cancer, Savannah Technical College, the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and
Rotary Club of Savannah; and
WHEREAS, he was honored with numerous awards and recognitions, including the
Savannah State Award of Excellence for Noteworthy Entrepreneurship, the Sheriff's Award
of Excellence, the Savannah Business Hall of Fame Junior Achievement Award, and
Dancing with The Stars "People's Choice Award" for Alzheimer's; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Jackson served on the Georgia Economic Development Board, the Lottery
Board, the Georgia Ports Authority Board, and the Department of Natural Resources Board;
and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating an intersection in his memory.
PART XIV
WHEREAS, Mr. Robert Daniel Lockhart was born in Junction City, Georgia, and received
his early education at the County Line School of Taylor County, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lockhart dedicated 24 years to Central of Georgia Railroad and worked for
26 years with Murphy and Orr, Inc., of Forest Park, Georgia; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Mr. Lockhart was an active member of Forest
Chapel Baptist Church, where he served as deacon for more than 50 years, served as assistant
chairperson on the board of deacons, sang in the chorus, and served on the trustee board; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lockhart was a great supporter of athletics, founding the Atlanta Spartans
Athletic Club and helping to lead the Forest Park Braves and Decatur Spartans to years of
success; and
WHEREAS, the community of Forest Park was blessed to have Mr. Lockhart's vision and
engagement and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Forest Park's youth through fund
raisers for their extra curricular activities; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating an intersection in his memory.
PART XV
WHEREAS, Mr. Jimmy Neal Lawson, Sr., graduated from Swainsboro High School and
attended the University of Georgia's College of Pharmacy; and
WHEREAS, he cofounded Lawson & Cromer Pharmacy and dedicated over four decades
of his life to serving his customers with professionalism, compassion, and kindness; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Lawson was a consistent and consummate presence in the civic life of the
City of Forsyth, serving on numerous boards and committees over the years; and
WHEREAS, a man of deep and abiding faith, Mr. Lawson was an active member of Forsyth
United Methodist Church; and
WHEREAS, he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpeachable reputation
for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he
made this world a better place in which to live; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating a bridge in his memory.
PART XVI
WHEREAS, Mrs. Neva Jane Langley Fickling has long been recognized for her musical
talent and grace; and
WHEREAS, raised in Lakeland, Florida, Mrs. Fickling began playing the piano at the age
of seven and studied music at Florida Southern College and Wesleyan College; and
WHEREAS, at the age of 19 she won the Miss Macon pageant and went on to win Miss
Georgia and Miss America in 1953, holding the prestigious honor of being the only woman
to win all three titles; and
WHEREAS, after completing her studies at Wesleyan College in 1955, Mrs. Fickling
continued sharing her talents on the piano at public performances, including events with the
Macon-Wesleyan Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra; and
WHEREAS, she devoted her time and talents to the boards of numerous organizations,
including Wesleyan College, Georgia Women of Achievement, the Georgia Trust for
Historic Preservation, the Gina Bachauer Piano Competition, Keep America Beautiful
Commission, Georgia State Clean Community Commission, the State Botanical Garden of
Georgia, the Macon Symphony Orchestra, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia,
the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and the Georgia Council for the Arts; and
WHEREAS, Mrs. Fickling played a vital role in saving the Grand Opera House in Macon
from demolition through her fundraising and public awareness efforts; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that this remarkable and distinguished
Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating a road in her memory.
PART XVII
WHEREAS, Senator Horacena E. Tate has long been recognized by the citizens of this state
for the vital role that she plays in leadership in this state and her deep personal commitment
to the welfare of the citizens of Georgia; and
WHEREAS, Senator Tate graduated from Frederick Douglass High School, earned a
bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, a master's degree from Atlanta University
Center, and a Doctor of Education degree from Clark Atlanta University; and
WHEREAS, succeeding her father, the late State Senator Dr. Horace Tate, she served with
distinction as the Georgia State Senator for District 38, representing portions of Fulton and
Cobb Counties, from 1998 to 2024; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure with the Senate that spanned over two decades, Senator Tate
served as member of the Senate Appropriations, Education and Youth, Rules,
Reapportionment and Redistricting, State and Local Governmental Operations, and Urban
Affairs Committees; and
WHEREAS, her leadership and service has been recognized with numerous awards,
including Legislator of the Year from the National Association of Social Workers Georgia
Chapter; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating an
interchange in her honor.
PART XVIII
WHEREAS, Captain Helio Armando Garcia III was a devoted public servant whose life was
marked by bravery, integrity, and a steadfast dedication to the safety and well-being of the
community; and
WHEREAS, Captain Garcia served as a guardian of this nation's freedom and liberty with
the United States Marine Corps; and
WHEREAS, he played a pivotal role in the South Fulton Police Department's growth and
advancement from its inception as one of the founding officers of the department; and
WHEREAS, Captain Garcia exhibited extraordinary devotion to public service, outstanding
loyalty, fine leadership, and meticulous attention to detail in all of his duties and was highly
regarded as a person of unquestioned integrity and dedication to the sound principles of law
enforcement; and
WHEREAS, Captain Garcia led an exceptional career of public of service, always putting
public safety and the citizens of South Fulton first, and his inspiring commitment to the
welfare of others stands as a shining example of the positive effect law enforcement
professionals have on the lives and well-being of others; and
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this
remarkable and distinguished Georgian be appropriately recognized by dedicating an
interchange in his memory.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AND ENACTED BY THE GENERAL
ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the roundabout at State Route 76 and State Route 37 in
Cook County is dedicated as the Representative Penny Houston Roundabout.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of State Route
401/Interstate 75 and State Route 37 in Cook County is dedicated as the John L. Williams
Memorial Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the bridge on U.S. Route 41/State
Route 3 over the Chattahoochee River in Cobb County is dedicated as the John A. Williams
Memorial Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of Interstate 75 and
State Route 92 in Cherokee County is dedicated as the Cara Jaden Atkins Memorial
Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the bridge on State Route 8CO over
I-20 in Douglas County is dedicated as the Andrew "Drew" Keith Slay Memorial Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of State Route
401/I-75 and Barneyville Road in Cook County is dedicated as the William Brown Lovett
Memorial Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the portion of U.S. 78/U.S. 278/State
Route 10 from Willhaven Drive eastward to Belfair Lakes Drive in Augusta-Richmond
County is dedicated as the Master Sgt. Gary I. Gordon Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the bridge on State Route 168 over
Camp Creek in Clinch County is dedicated as the Edna Sirmans Sessoms Memorial Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the intersection of State Route 92 and
Sweetwater Church Road in Paulding County is dedicated as the Zander Trayvon Whatley
Memorial Intersection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of I-16 and State
Route 96 in Twiggs County is dedicated as the Representative Bubber Epps Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the portion of State Route 155 from
State Route 401/I-75 to State Route 42/US-23 in Henry County is dedicated as the Reverend
James Miller Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the portion of State Route 16 in
Coweta County from the roundabout intersection with State Route 54 to the intersection with
Broad Street in Senoia is dedicated as the Ellis Crook Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the intersection of State Route
26/US-80 and Johnny Mercer Boulevard in Chatham County is dedicated as the Kevin
"Catfish" Jackson Memorial Intersection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the intersection of State Route 138
Spur and State Route 3 in Clayton County is dedicated as the Robert Daniel Lockhart
Memorial Intersection.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the bridge on State Route 83 over
Tobesofkee Creek in Monroe County is dedicated as the Jimmy N. Lawson, Sr. Memorial
Bridge.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the portion of State Route 87 from
Elbert Jackson Road to Marvin Circle in Monroe County is dedicated as the Neva Langley
Fickling Memorial Highway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of State Route 402
(I-20) and State Route 407 (I-285) in Fulton County is dedicated as the Senator Horacena E.
Tate Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED AND ENACTED that the interchange of State Route 403
(I-85) and Flat Shoals Road in Fulton County is dedicated as the Captain Helio Armando
Garcia III Memorial Interchange.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Department of Transportation is authorized and
directed to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the road facilities named in this
resolution.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the
Department of Transportation; to the Honorable Penny Houston, Representative James A.
"Bubber" Epps, Jr., Reverend James H. Miller, Mr. Ellis Crook, and Senator Horacena E.
Tate; and to the families of Mr. John L. Williams, Mr. John A. Williams, Ms. Cara Jaden
Atkins, Mr. Andrew "Drew" Keith Slay, Mr. William Brown Lovett, Master Sgt. Gary I.
Gordon, Mrs. Edna Sirmans Sessoms, Zander Trayvon Whatley, Mr. Kevin "Catfish"
Jackson, Mr. Robert Daniel Lockhart, Mr. Jimmy Neal Lawson, Sr., Mrs. Neva Jane Langley
Fickling, and Captain Helio Armando Garcia III.

## Summaries written by Georgia Commons

The following was written by claude-sonnet-5 from the text above and is not part of the resolution. Quote the text, not the summary.

House Resolution 1300 would name 18 different Georgia roads, bridges, interchanges, and intersections across the state after honorees such as former Representative Penny Houston, veterans, and community members, living and deceased.

### Plain-language summary

This resolution does not change any law or spend new money. It directs the Department of Transportation to name specific pieces of the state highway system after people the General Assembly wants to honor or memorialize. Each dedication is tied to a precise location, such as a road, bridge, interchange, or intersection identified by route numbers and county.

The honorees include former state Representative Penny Houston, whose name goes on a Cook County roundabout, along with local business leaders, a Medal of Honor recipient, a pastor, a beauty pageant winner, a former state senator, a police captain, and several private citizens including young people who died in accidents or violence. The resolution also directs the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs marking each dedication, and instructs the Clerk of the House to send copies of the resolution to the honorees or their families.

### What it does

- Dedicates a roundabout at State Route 76 and State Route 37 in Cook County as the Representative Penny Houston Roundabout.
- Names 17 additional highway facilities (interchanges, bridges, intersections, and highway segments) across multiple Georgia counties after specific individuals.
- Directs the Georgia Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs marking each of the 18 dedications.
- Instructs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the Department of Transportation, living honorees, and families of deceased honorees.
- Creates no new spending, regulations, or legal requirements beyond the naming and signage directives.

### Who it affects

The Georgia Department of Transportation, which must install and maintain the new signage, and the named honorees or their surviving family members, including former legislators, a Medal of Honor recipient's family, a pastor, business leaders, and families of young people who died in accidents or violence.

### Why it matters

While the resolution carries no legal or financial consequences beyond signage costs, it gives permanent public recognition to specific Georgians on the state highway system, meaning drivers in counties like Cook, Cobb, Cherokee, Douglas, Fulton, and others will see these names on road signs.

### Key provisions

- Part I through Part XVIII contain the biographical background explaining why each honoree is being recognized.
- The operative resolving clauses name each specific highway facility being dedicated, identified by route numbers, counties, and cross streets.
- The final resolving clauses direct the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain signs for all 18 dedications.
- The last clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Department of Transportation and to the honorees or their families.

## Status

- Status: Passed (2026-05-12)
- Last action: Effective Date 2026-05-12 (2026-05-12)
- Sponsors: Jaclyn Ford, Charles Cannon, James Hatchett, Jan Jones, Gerald Greene, Katie Dempsey, Greg Dolezal
- Official page: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73073

> The history, votes, and amendments (1,516 characters) are at https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1300.md?full=1