Georgia CommonsSR 916: Skin Cancer Awareness Day; recognize March 9, 2026
Last action March 9, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution designates March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the state capitol, highlighting the risks of melanoma and other skin cancers.
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 is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the state capitol, citing statistics on melanoma's prevalence and cost, and the work of groups like the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Atlanta Dermatological Association, and the Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation. The resolution encourages Georgians to become more aware of skin cancer risks and the importance of early diagnosis. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the three named dermatology and skin cancer awareness organizations.
What the bill does
- Formally designates March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the Georgia state capitol.
- Encourages all Georgians to be more aware of skin cancer risks and the importance of early diagnosis.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to three named dermatology and skin cancer organizations.
- Does not create any new law, funding, or enforceable requirement, since it is a ceremonial resolution.
Who it affects
The designation mainly involves the Georgia Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, the Atlanta Dermatological Association, and the Skin Cancer Awareness Network Foundation, along with the general public the resolution encourages to learn about skin cancer risks.
Why it matters
While the resolution carries no legal force, it publicly spotlights skin cancer prevention and early detection, potentially raising awareness among Georgians about sun safety and encouraging attention to a disease the resolution says is highly preventable but still fatal for thousands each year.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses cite that skin cancers account for more than half of all cancers combined and that melanoma treatment costs exceed $290 million annually.
- The resolved clause has the Senate recognize March 9, 2026, as Skin Cancer Awareness Day at the state capitol and encourage public awareness of skin cancer risks.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to three named dermatology and skin cancer awareness organizations.
From the bill
“one American dies of melanoma every 67 minutes, and the estimated total direct annual cost of melanoma treatment exceeds $290 million”
“the members of this body encourage all Georgians to have a greater awareness of the risks of skin cancer and the need for early diagnosis of skin cancer”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
- Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
- Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
- Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
- Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
- Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
- Steven McNeel (R, SD-018)
- Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
Topics
- skin cancer awareness
- public health
- melanoma
- state capitol recognition