Georgia CommonsHouse · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
HR 849: Mapes, Trooper First Class; commend
Last action March 28, 2025 · House Read and Adopted
A Georgia House resolution formally commends Trooper First Class Mapes of the Georgia State Patrol for his actions during a shooting on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County in November 2024.
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 the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This House resolution honors Trooper First Class Mapes for his conduct during a November 30, 2024 incident on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County, where he and a trainee, Trooper Cadet South, pursued suspects fleeing a suspected street race. According to the resolution, one suspect opened fire on TFC Mapes, who returned fire and continued to engage the suspect even after being shot himself, while Cadet South ran toward the gunfire to help. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the House of Representatives recognizing TFC Mapes' actions and awards, including recognition as Trooper of the Year for the United States. It directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to him.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Trooper First Class Mapes for his actions during a November 30, 2024 shooting incident on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County.
- Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Trooper First Class Mapes.
- Recites the House's account of the incident and TFC Mapes' prior awards, including the Trooper of the Year for the United States honor.
- Creates no new law, funding, penalty, or ongoing program; it is a ceremonial recognition only.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Trooper First Class Mapes and references Trooper Cadet South, both of the Georgia State Patrol. It has no legal effect on any other group of Georgians.
Why it matters
Because this is a commendation resolution rather than a law, it does not change any rights, duties, funding, or penalties for anyone. Its practical effect is limited to a formal, public statement of appreciation and a printed copy given to the honoree.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe the November 30, 2024 incident on Interstate 20 in Rockdale County involving suspected street racing, a foot chase, and gunfire exchanged between a fleeing suspect and TFC Mapes.
- The resolving clause has the House of Representatives commend TFC Mapes for his care, courage, and dedication.
- A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to TFC Mapes.
From the bill
“without hesitation, with complete disregard for his own life, and with only the safety of the general public in mind, TFC Mapes began to engage the violent suspect with his service weapon”
“the members of this body commend the care, courage, sympathy, and selfless dedication exhibited by Trooper First Class Mapes”
Status timeline
- House Read and Adopted (House)
- House First Readers (House)
- House Hopper (House)
Sponsors
- Bill Hitchens (R, HD-161)
Topics
- law enforcement commendation
- Georgia State Patrol
- Rockdale County
- legislative resolution