Georgia CommonsSenate · Passed · 2025-2026 Regular Session
SR 567: State Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day; express support for the designation
Last action February 26, 2026 · Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute
A Georgia Senate resolution expresses support for designating a Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day at the Capitol to raise awareness of the genetic disorder and encourage research.
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 resolution does not create new law. Instead, the Georgia Senate uses it to state its support for setting aside a day at the Capitol to recognize Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes extreme hunger, obesity, cognitive and behavioral difficulties, and a need for lifelong supervision. The resolution recites background on the disorder, including its rarity, its health effects, and the lack of a cure, then formally resolves that Senate members support the awareness day designation. It also directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and the press. It does not fund programs, create legal requirements, or change any Georgia statute.
What the bill does
- States the Senate's support for designating a Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day at the Georgia Capitol.
- Recognizes advocates and organizations that promote research, education, and support for people affected by Prader-Willi syndrome.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
- Creates no funding, legal requirement, or change to Georgia statute; it is a statement of the Senate's position.
Who it affects
The resolution mainly speaks to people living with Prader-Willi syndrome and their families, along with advocacy organizations and health professionals who support them. It does not impose any obligations on state agencies, businesses, or the general public.
Why it matters
While the resolution carries no legal force, it signals official recognition from the Georgia Senate of Prader-Willi syndrome and the challenges it causes, which can raise public awareness and support the visibility of advocacy and research efforts tied to the disorder.
Key provisions
- The whereas clauses describe Prader-Willi syndrome's prevalence (about 1 in 15,000 births), its link to morbid obesity, and its cognitive and behavioral effects.
- The resolved clause states the Senate's support for designating a Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day at the Capitol.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for distribution to the public and press.
From the bill
“Prader-Willi syndrome is the most commonly known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity, affecting males and females with equal frequency across all races and ethnicities”
“the members of this body express their support for the designation of a Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day at the Capitol”
Discussed in meetings (5)
The House and Senate meetings that took this bill up, from their machine transcripts. Each account was written by Georgia Commons with AI and is not part of the record; the video is what was said.
Senate Health and Human Services Committee, February 23, 2026
From 0:06:21 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The chair initially moved the resolution to the end of the agenda, then brought it forward before the final bill. The sponsor described an awareness day for Prader-Willi syndrome and requested changing it from a state day to a day at the Capitol. A witness representing the Georgia Association for Prader-Willi Syndrome described lifelong medical needs, an uncontrollable drive to eat and constant food supervision. The witness sought diagnosis-based service eligibility, respite care and safeguards against coverage losses caused by administrative errors. A young sibling expressed hope for access to services and medication. Another parent, a physician, urged automatic Katie Beckett eligibility, saying early treatment improves children's futures. That witness reported two denials and paying $1,500 for an advocate to obtain approval. Asked about eligibility, the witness described therapy documentation and evaluation requirements that had created barriers. An adult with the syndrome described living with roommates and support staff and urged greater access to Medicaid waivers. The committee unanimously adopted the amendment making the designation a day at the Capitol, then unanimously approved the resolution as amended.
Senate Rules Committee, February 25, 2026
From 0:39:03 · Watch on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel
Summary by Georgia Commons: The sponsor said the resolution would raise awareness of Prader-Willi syndrome, describing it as a rare genetic disorder. The chair supported increasing awareness. The committee unanimously moved the resolution to the consent calendar together with another recognition resolution.
Status timeline
- Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute (Senate)
- Senate Read Second Time (Senate)
- Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (Senate)
- Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-32)
- Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-52)
- Ben Watson (R, SD-1)
- Max Burns (R, SD-23)
- Bo Hatchett (R, SD-50)
- Carden Summers (R, SD-13)
- Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-31)
- John Albers (R, SD-56)
- Shawn Still (R, SD-48)
- Randy Robertson (R, SD-29)
- Greg Dolezal (R, SD-27)
- Larry Walker, III (R, SD-20)
- Blake Tillery (R, SD-19)
- Clint Dixon (R, SD-45)
- Bill Cowsert (R, SD-46)
Votes
- Senate voteFebruary 26, 2026
48 yea, 0 nay (5 not voting, 2 excused)
Topics
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- disability awareness
- genetic disorders
- Georgia Senate resolutions
- public health