Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 499: Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week; recognize April 20-26, 2025
Last action March 31, 2025 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution recognizes April 20-26, 2025 as Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week, honoring the fraternal organization's history in Georgia.
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 from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It designates the week of April 20 through April 26, 2025 as Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week, marking the fraternal organization's 206th anniversary in North America and its 180th anniversary in Georgia. The resolution notes that April 26 is the founding date of the organization 206 years ago. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Georgia. The resolution creates no new requirements, funding, or penalties; it is a formal statement of recognition.
What the bill does
- Formally designates April 20-26, 2025 as Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week in Georgia.
- Recognizes the organization's 206th anniversary in North America and 180th anniversary in Georgia.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Georgia.
Who it affects
This resolution mainly touches the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Georgia, a fraternal and charitable organization, and the Secretary of the Senate, who must prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the group.
Why it matters
The resolution carries no legal or financial effect; it does not change Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is symbolic recognition, giving the organization an official acknowledgment from the state Senate of its history and community work.
Key provisions
- The resolution states the Senate's recognition of April 20-26, 2025 as Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week.
- It notes the organization's 206th anniversary on the North American continent and 180th anniversary in Georgia.
- It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the organization.
From the bill
“NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body recognize April 20-26, 2025, as Independent Order of Odd Fellows Week.”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Jason Esteves (D, SD-35)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-39)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-38)
Topics
- Independent Order of Odd Fellows
- ceremonial resolution
- Georgia Senate
- commemorative week