HR 1702: General Assembly; protection of constitutional conscience, rule of law, and lawful exercise of conscientious objection; urge

This resolution, titled 'The Constitutional Conscience Objectors and Guardians of the Rule of Law Resolution,' does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it states the Georgia House of Representatives' position on a set of national issues: the constitutional right to freedom of conscience and religion, the historical and legal tradition of conscientious objection to military combat, and the importance of transparency and rule of law in decisions about war and military engagement. The resolution recognizes that individuals whose deeply held moral, ethical, or religious beliefs prohibit them from participating in armed conflict may lawfully seek conscientious objector status through the federal Selective Service System. It also affirms support for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans, and directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• States the Georgia House's position urging protection of the constitutional right to conscientious objection to military combat.
• Recognizes that conscientious objection should be pursued through lawful federal channels such as the Selective Service System, not outside established procedures.
• Calls for transparency and accountability from public officials in decisions about war authorization and military engagement.
• Affirms support for U.S. service members and veterans who served under their constitutional oath.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

This resolution primarily addresses members of the United States Armed Forces, veterans, and individuals who might seek conscientious objector status. It also speaks to federal officials involved in decisions about war and military engagement, though it creates no legal obligations for them.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill, it does not create, change, or repeal any Georgia law or federal policy. Its practical effect is limited to publicly recording the Georgia House's stance on conscientious objection and government transparency in military matters.

• The whereas clauses lay out the constitutional and historical basis for conscientious objection, citing groups like the Quakers, Mennonites, and Church of the Brethren.
• The first resolving clause urges protection of constitutional conscience and recognizes the lawful right to seek conscientious objector status.
• The second resolving clause calls for lawful procedures, rule of law adherence, and transparency in decisions about war authorization and military engagement.
• The third resolving clause affirms support for the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-19House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-18House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)Primary sponsor
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Eric Bell (D, HD-075)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)

• conscientious objection
• military and veterans
• rule of law
• constitutional rights