HR 1859: Capitol Art Standards Commission and the Governor; place a portrait of Governor Rufus Bullock in the state capitol; urge

This resolution addresses the fact that Rufus Bullock, Georgia's 46th governor and the state's first Republican governor, is the only Georgia governor since at least 1850 without a portrait displayed in the state capitol. The resolution does not create new law or spend state funding. Instead, it formally urges the Capitol Art Standards Commission, the body responsible for approving artwork placed in the capitol, and the Governor to place a portrait of Bullock in the building. The resolution also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send copies of the resolution to the Capitol Art Standards Commission and the Governor so they are aware of the House's request. Because it is a resolution rather than a bill, it expresses the House's position and request but does not require any action to be taken.

• Formally urges the Capitol Art Standards Commission and the Governor to place a portrait of Governor Rufus Bullock in the state capitol.
• States findings that Bullock is the only Georgia governor since at least 1850 without a portrait in the capitol.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send copies of the resolution to the Capitol Art Standards Commission and the Governor.
• Does not appropriate funding or require the Commission or Governor to act, since it is a request rather than a binding mandate.

The Capitol Art Standards Commission, which oversees artwork displayed in the state capitol, and the Governor's office are directly named as recipients of this request. The resolution also concerns the historical legacy of former Governor Rufus Bullock.

If the Commission and Governor act on this request, a portrait of Rufus Bullock, Georgia's first Republican governor, would be added to the capitol's collection, filling what the resolution describes as a historical gap among governor portraits dating back to at least 1850.

• The whereas clauses state that nearly all Georgia governors since the early 19th century have capitol portraits and that Bullock, the 46th governor, is a notable exception.
• The resolved clause urges the Capitol Art Standards Commission and the Governor to place a Bullock portrait in the capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of the resolution to the Commission and the Governor.

1. 2026-03-27House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-25House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-23House Hopper (House)

• Gerald Greene (R, HD-154)Primary sponsor
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)
• James Burchett (R, HD-176)
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Ginny Ehrhart (R, HD-036)

• state capitol
• Georgia history
• Rufus Bullock
• capitol artwork