HR 1345: Boynton, Nicole; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any law. Instead, it recounts the story of Nicole Boynton, who was sentenced to life in prison at age 18 and later became the first person in Georgia re-sentenced under the Survivor Justice Act, a law that allows courts to consider whether abuse contributed to a survivor's offense when determining sentences. The resolution describes how Boynton was paired with pro bono lawyers through the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, had her life sentence vacated, and was released after serving 23 years. It also notes her educational and vocational achievements while incarcerated and her work supporting other incarcerated survivors. The House directs the Clerk to provide Boynton with a copy of the resolution as a keepsake.

• Formally recognizes and commends Nicole Boynton by name for her resilience and advocacy work.
• Recounts her case as the first person in Georgia re-sentenced under the Survivor Justice Act, without creating any new legal rule.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Boynton.
• Does not amend, create, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a symbolic honor rather than a change to law.

The resolution directly names and honors Nicole Boynton. More broadly it references domestic violence survivors in Georgia's prison system, the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the law firm Alston & Bird, which represented her pro bono.

While the resolution itself changes no law, it publicly highlights the Survivor Justice Act's use in a real case, drawing attention to how Georgia courts can weigh a history of abuse in sentencing decisions for domestic violence survivors involved in the justice system.

• The whereas clauses describe Boynton's case, including her life sentence at age 18 and her re-sentencing after 23 years of incarceration.
• The whereas clauses explain that the Survivor Justice Act allows reduced or new sentences when abuse was a significant contributing factor in the offense.
• The resolved clause states that House members recognize and commend Boynton's commitment to justice.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide a copy of the resolution to Boynton.

1. 2026-02-11House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-11House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-11House Hopper (House)

• Mary Ann Santos (D, HD-117)Primary sponsor
• Stan Gunter (R, HD-008)

• domestic violence
• criminal justice reform
• Survivor Justice Act
• commendation resolution