Georgia CommonsSR 200: HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response); recognize
Last action February 19, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes and commends HOPE AACR, an animal-assisted crisis response organization, for its disaster relief work involving trained canine teams.
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 resolution from the Georgia Senate honors HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response), a nonprofit that has provided comfort to people affected by crises and disasters through trained handlers and canines since it was incorporated in 2001. The resolution describes the group's training, its partnerships with agencies like FEMA and the American Red Cross, and its work responding to hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, including support in South Georgia and at coordination centers in Atlanta and Tallahassee. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states the Senate's recognition of the organization's volunteers and canines and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to HOPE AACR as a formal token of appreciation.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes and commends the volunteers and canines of HOPE AACR for their disaster response work.
- States the Senate's appreciation without creating any new law, funding, or regulatory requirement.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to HOPE AACR.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names HOPE AACR, its volunteer handlers and crisis-response canines. It has no binding effect on the general public, state agencies, or Georgia residents beyond the symbolic recognition.
Why it matters
This is a ceremonial statement rather than a change to Georgia law or policy. Its practical effect is limited to a formal expression of appreciation from the Senate and delivery of a commemorative copy to the organization.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe HOPE AACR's history, training, and partnerships with agencies such as FEMA, the American Red Cross, and the Salvation Army.
- The resolved clause formally commends HOPE AACR's volunteers and canines for their service.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to HOPE AACR.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize and commend the volunteers and canines of HOPE AACR (Animal-Assisted Crisis Response) for their dedicated, effective, and selfless service on behalf of those in need”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
- Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
- John Albers (R, SD-056)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
Topics
- disaster relief
- animal-assisted crisis response
- legislative honors
- emergency response