Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 313: Cohen, Lawrence J. "Doc"; recognize
Last action March 3, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution formally recognizes and commends Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen, a franchise industry leader, for his career achievements in the franchising business.
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 the General Assembly's website lists.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate honoring Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen, an entrepreneur who built a large franchise business around the Great American Cookie Company and became a prominent leader in the International Franchise Association. The resolution lists his business accomplishments, leadership roles, advocacy work for small businesses, and philanthropic contributions. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply states the Senate's recognition of Cohen's career and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for him. Resolutions like this one are symbolic gestures rather than binding legislation.
What the bill does
- Formally states that the Georgia Senate recognizes and commends Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen for his career in the franchise industry.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Cohen.
- Creates no new law, funding, requirement, or penalty; it is purely a ceremonial statement by the Senate.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names and honors Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen. It has no regulatory or practical effect on any other individuals, businesses, or government agencies in Georgia.
Why it matters
Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than binding legislation, it does not change anyone's rights, obligations, or funding. Its practical effect is limited to an official Senate statement of recognition and a commemorative copy given to Cohen.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Cohen's business career founding Great American Cookie Company franchises and his leadership roles in franchise industry associations.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's recognition and commendation of Cohen and extends best wishes for his future health.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Cohen.
From the bill
“the members of this body recognize and commend Lawrence J. "Doc" Cohen for his many outstanding career contributions to the franchise industry as well as extend best wishes for future health and happiness”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
- Nan Orrock (D, SD-36)
- Josh McLaurin (D, SD-14)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
- Emanuel Jones (D, SD-10)
- Donzella James (D, SD-28)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-34)
Topics
- ceremonial resolution
- franchise industry
- Georgia Senate honors
- small business advocacy