Georgia CommonsSR 1027: Gilliard, Representative Carl Wayne Scott; recognize
Last action March 27, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Senate resolution honors outgoing Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard of Savannah for his service in the Georgia House of Representatives and his community work.
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 Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard, who represented District 162 in the Georgia House of Representatives starting in 2016. It recounts his background growing up in Savannah, his time at Morris Brown College, his mentorship under Reverend Hosea Williams, and his early work using music and media, including founding the rap group Candy Love, to address violence in his community. The resolution also credits Gilliard with championing legislation such as the Blind Bill protecting blind parents' rights, a bill creating the Chatham County Legislative Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission, and House Bill 479, which repealed Georgia's Citizen's Arrest Law. The resolution formally commends his service on the occasion of his retirement and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send him a copy as a keepsake. It does not change any Georgia law.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard for his service in the Georgia House of Representatives.
- Recounts his biography, community work in Savannah, and legislative record without creating or changing any law.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Representative Gilliard.
- Extends the Senate's best wishes to Gilliard for health and happiness upon his retirement.
Who it affects
This resolution directly concerns Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard, who is honored by name. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, agencies, or businesses since it is a ceremonial statement rather than a binding law.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial consequences for Georgians; it is a symbolic gesture by the Senate marking the retirement of a sitting House member and publicly acknowledging his legislative record and community contributions in Savannah.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Gilliard's biography, including his upbringing in Savannah and mentorship by Reverend Hosea Williams at Morris Brown College.
- The resolution credits him with the Blind Bill, House Bill 750 creating the Chatham County Legislative Gang Prevention and Intervention Commission, and House Bill 479 repealing Georgia's Citizen's Arrest Law.
- The resolving clause formally commends his service and wishes him continued health and happiness.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to Gilliard.
From the bill
“House Bill 479 which repealed Georgia's Citizens Arrest Law”
“recognize and commend Representative Carl Wayne Scott Gilliard for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of and extend the most sincere best wishes for continued health and happiness”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Donzella James (D, SD-028)
- Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
- David Lucas (D, SD-026)
Topics
- legislative honors
- Georgia House of Representatives
- Savannah
- citizen's arrest law