Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 1681: Atlanta World Cup Host Committee; commend
Last action March 12, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its work preparing Atlanta and the state to host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Introduced version, the latest the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizes the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its efforts leading up to the FIFA World Cup 2026, in which Atlanta will host eight matches, including a semi-final, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between June and July 2026. The resolution recounts the bid process, the committee's community partners, state investments including a sales tax exemption for event tickets and a $25 million appropriation for public safety and infrastructure, and community programs tied to the event such as a StationSoccer hub at a MARTA station and partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs across Georgia. It does not create any new law, funding, or requirement; it simply directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.
What the bill does
- Formally commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its preparation work ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee.
- Recites background facts about the World Cup bid, matches, sponsors, volunteers, and community programs without creating any new legal requirement or funding.
Who it affects
The Atlanta World Cup Host Committee and its partners, including the Atlanta Sports Council, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the City of Atlanta, and business sponsors, receive formal recognition. The resolution has no direct legal effect on other Georgians.
Why it matters
The resolution carries symbolic weight, giving official state recognition to the organizers of a major international sporting event expected to bring large crowds and economic activity to Georgia. It does not change any law, tax, or spending, so it has no direct practical effect on residents.
Key provisions
- Recites the history of Atlanta's selection as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host city and the eight matches awarded to it.
- Notes the state's sales tax exemption on tickets for major sporting events and a $25 million appropriation for public safety, security, and infrastructure tied to the event.
- Describes community programs such as a StationSoccer hub at the Hamilton E. Holmes MARTA Station and partnerships with Boys and Girls Clubs of Georgia in multiple cities.
- Resolves that the House commends the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its preparation efforts.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to the Host Committee.
From the bill
“the members of this body commend the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee for its efforts to prepare Atlanta and the State of Georgia to welcome national and international visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Discussed in meetings (1)
The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.
House floor session, March 16, 2026 (legislative day 32)
From 0:42:32 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The clerk read HR 1681, commending the Atlanta World Cup Host Committee. The presenting member said Atlanta would host eight matches, including a semifinal, and described expected benefits for tourism, hospitality and businesses across Georgia. A host committee representative said the first Atlanta match was 91 days away and thanked legislators for supporting four years of preparation. The representative said planning was on track according to FIFA and discussed future major sporting events. The chair thanked the committee and members for their support. No vote was shown.
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Matt Hatchett (R, HD-155)
- Chuck Efstration (R, HD-104)
- Jon Burns (R, HD-159)
- Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
- Matthew Gambill (R, HD-15)
- Kasey Carpenter (R, HD-4)
Topics
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Atlanta sports
- state commendation resolution
- tourism and economic development