HR 1984: Laremont, Dr. Benjamin; honoring life, legacy, and service; condolences; Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day; designate October18, 2026
Last action March 27, 2026 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution honors the life and medical career of Dr. Benjamin Laremont, a longtime Duluth physician, and designates October 18, 2026 as Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day.
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 commemorative resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recounts the life of Dr. Benjamin Laremont, who was born in Panama, trained at Meharry Medical College, became the first Black doctor at Peoria Methodist Medical Center, served as a military physician, and later established a medical practice in Duluth, Georgia, treating patients across DeKalb County jails, nursing homes, hospitals, and clinics until his retirement in 2021. The resolution formally states that the House honors his life and legacy and designates October 18, 2026 as Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to his family.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends the life, medical career, and community service of Dr. Benjamin Laremont.
- Designates October 18, 2026 as Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day in Georgia.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Dr. Laremont's family.
- Does not create any new law, funding, or ongoing legal obligation, as resolutions of this type are symbolic and do not amend the Georgia Code.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names Dr. Benjamin Laremont and his family, including his wife Dr. Sylvia Laremont. It also references Meharry Medical College, Peoria Methodist Medical Center, DeKalb County Jail, and Beulah Missionary Baptist Church as institutions connected to his life and service.
Why it matters
The resolution has no legal effect on Georgians generally; it is a formal statement of recognition. Its practical effect is limited to designating a commemorative day and providing an official record and keepsake copy for Dr. Laremont's family.
Key provisions
- The resolved clauses honor Dr. Laremont's life and legacy and commend his contributions to medicine, public service, and community uplift.
- The resolution designates October 18, 2026 as Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day.
- The Clerk of the House is directed to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Dr. Laremont's family.
From the bill
“the members of this body honor the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Benjamin Laremont and commend his enduring contributions to the fields of medicine, public service, and community uplift.”
“the members of this body recognize October 18, 2026, as Dr. Benjamin Laremont Day.”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Eric Bell (D, HD-075)
- Park Cannon (D, HD-058)
- Jasmine Clark (D, HD-108)
- Anissa Jones (D, HD-143)
- Michelle Au (D, HD-050)
Topics
- commemorative resolution
- Georgia House of Representatives
- Duluth Georgia
- medical history