Georgia CommonsSR 679: Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day; recognize February 17, 2026
Last action February 3, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution honors the late Bishop William "Bill" Harris, a civil rights activist and pastor, and designates February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day.
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 Senate resolution recognizes the life of Bishop William "Bill" Harris, who died on December 9, 2025. Harris was born in Albany, Georgia, became a pastor and church leader, and worked as a civil rights activist in the 1960s alongside figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis, and Rev. Hosea Williams. He also had a career as a recording artist and performer. The resolution formally designates February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day in Georgia and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to his family. It does not change any Georgia law; it is a ceremonial statement by the Senate expressing condolences and recognition.
What the bill does
- Formally recognizes February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day in Georgia.
- Expresses the Senate's condolences over the death of Bishop Harris and honors his life and legacy.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Harris's family.
Who it affects
The resolution most directly affects the family of Bishop William "Bill" Harris, who will receive a copy of it. It also reflects recognition by the Georgia Senate of his role in the civil rights movement and his religious ministry work.
Why it matters
While the resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect, it provides an official state acknowledgment of Bishop Harris's civil rights activism and religious leadership, offering his family and community a formal public tribute recorded in Georgia's legislative record.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses detail Bishop Harris's biography, ministry work, and civil rights activism, including his time with SNCC and SCLC.
- The resolved clause formally designates February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to Harris's family.
From the bill
“the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Bishop William "Bill" Harris; recognize February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
- Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
- RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
- Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
- Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
- Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
- Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
Topics
- civil rights history
- Georgia Senate resolutions
- commemorative days
- Albany Georgia