SR 634: Lung Cancer; recognize burden in the United States and State of Georgia; support prevention, early detection, and timely intervention to improve patient outcomes

This resolution does not change Georgia law. It is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate acknowledging that lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and that Georgia's survival and early-detection rates lag behind the national average. It cites statistics on smoking and non-smoking cases, veterans' higher diagnosis rates, and racial disparities in diagnosis and treatment. The resolution states the Senate's support for improving prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer while addressing disparities in care. It also commends Intuitive, a medical technology company, for its Ion robotic endoluminal system and da Vinci surgical system, which are used to biopsy hard-to-reach lung nodules. The Secretary of the Senate is directed to send a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.

• Formally recognizes lung cancer as a critical public health concern in the United States and Georgia, citing mortality and diagnosis statistics.
• States Senate support for improved prevention, early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer.
• States Senate support for addressing racial and other disparities in lung cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survival.
• Commends the company Intuitive for its Ion robotic endoluminal system and da Vinci surgical system used in lung cancer care.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.
• Creates no new law, funding, or requirement; it is a statement of the Senate's position rather than a binding rule.

The resolution speaks to lung cancer patients in Georgia, including veterans and people of color who face documented disparities in diagnosis and survival, Georgia healthcare providers, and the medical technology company Intuitive, which is publicly commended by name.

Because this is a resolution rather than a law, it does not require any agency to act, fund any program, or change any patient's care. Its practical effect is a public statement of concern about lung cancer outcomes in Georgia and recognition of a specific company's technology.

• The preamble cites national and Georgia-specific statistics on lung cancer deaths, diagnosis rates, survival rates, and disparities by race and veteran status.
• The first resolving clause states the Senate's recognition of lung cancer as a public health concern and support for prevention and early detection efforts.
• The second resolving clause commends Intuitive specifically for the Ion robotic endoluminal system and da Vinci surgical system.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to Intuitive.

1. 2026-01-29Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-28Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)Primary sponsor
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)

• lung cancer
• public health
• cancer disparities
• veterans health
• medical technology