Georgia CommonsHR 1723: Cochran, Pastor Raymond; retirement; commend
Last action March 16, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution formally commends Pastor Raymond Cochran of Phenix City, Alabama on his retirement after 54 years leading Franchise Missionary Baptist Church.
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 LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Pastor Raymond Cochran on his retirement. It recounts his life story, from accepting Christ at age seven in Lee County, Alabama, through decades of pastoral service at multiple Baptist churches in Alabama and Georgia, including 54 years at Franchise Missionary Baptist Church of Phenix City, Alabama. The resolution lists his community service, civic leadership roles, and awards, including being named 2018 Citizen of the Year and having a street dedicated in his honor. It does not change any Georgia law. The House resolves to recognize and commend Pastor Cochran and directs the Clerk of the House to provide him a copy of the resolution.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Pastor Raymond Cochran by name for his career and retirement.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Pastor Cochran.
- Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement; it is a ceremonial statement of the House's sentiment.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Pastor Raymond Cochran. It has no regulatory or financial effect on other Georgians, businesses, or government agencies.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect and changes no Georgia law. Its significance is symbolic, giving official recognition from the Georgia House of Representatives to an individual's decades of religious and civic service.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses recount Pastor Cochran's biography, his church leadership positions in Alabama and Georgia, and his community awards.
- The resolving clause states the House recognizes and commends him upon his retirement and extends wishes for his health and happiness.
- A further resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Pastor Cochran.
From the bill
“Pastor Cochran has served with honor and distinction and his vision and unyielding commitment will be sorely missed upon the occasion of his retirement.”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
- Al Williams (D, HD-168)
- Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
- Vance Smith (R, HD-138)
- Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
Topics
- ceremonial resolution
- Georgia House of Representatives
- community recognition
- faith leaders