HR 380: Gant, James and Patricia; retirement; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes James and Patricia Gant of Columbus, Georgia for their long careers with State Farm Insurance Company. James worked 46 years for State Farm, starting as a claims adjuster in 1978 and becoming the first African American to open a State Farm agency in Columbus in 1983. Patricia worked alongside him as office manager for 41 years, starting when the agency opened and retiring together with James on July 31, 2024. The resolution has the House commend the couple for their service, congratulate them on retirement, and wish them continued health and happiness. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for the Gants, a standard step for this type of honorary measure.

• Formally recognizes and commends James and Patricia Gant for their decades of combined service to State Farm Insurance Company.
• Congratulates the couple on their joint retirement, which took effect July 31, 2024.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to James and Patricia Gant.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change since it is a ceremonial resolution rather than legislation amending Georgia code.

The resolution directly names and honors James and Patricia Gant, a Columbus, Georgia couple who worked for State Farm Insurance Company. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, businesses, or government agencies beyond the House Clerk's office, which handles distribution.

This resolution carries symbolic rather than legal weight. It does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to a formal, public statement of recognition and a printed copy presented to the honorees.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe James Gant's 46-year State Farm career, including opening the first State Farm agency run by an African American in Columbus in 1983.
• The whereas clauses also describe Patricia Gant's 41 years as the agency's office manager, ending with their joint retirement on July 31, 2024.
• The resolving clause has the House commend and congratulate the Gants and wish them continued health and happiness.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to the Gants.

1. 2025-02-24House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-24House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-24House Hopper (House)

• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)Primary sponsor
• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)

• honorary resolution
• Columbus Georgia
• retirement recognition
• State Farm