SR 970: Colvin, Justice Verda M.; honor

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing Justice Verda M. Colvin's career in the legal profession. It recounts her education, her work as a prosecutor and attorney in several roles, her nearly six years as a Superior Court judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit, and her appointments first to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2020 and then to the Supreme Court of Georgia in 2021 by Governor Brian Kemp. The resolution notes that her appointment made her the first African American woman appointed to Georgia's highest court by a Republican governor. It does not change any Georgia law. Its only operative effect is that the Senate formally commends Justice Colvin and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for her.

• Formally states the Georgia Senate's recognition and commendation of Justice Verda M. Colvin's legal career and achievements.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and make available a copy of the resolution for distribution to Justice Colvin.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is a ceremonial statement rather than binding legislation.

This resolution directly names and honors Justice Verda M. Colvin of the Supreme Court of Georgia. It does not impose obligations on the public, businesses, or other officials beyond directing Senate staff to prepare a commemorative copy.

Ceremonial resolutions like this one do not change Georgia law or policy. Their significance is symbolic, publicly recording the Senate's recognition of a judicial figure's career and historic appointment for the public record.

• The whereas clauses recount Justice Colvin's education, early legal career, and nearly six years as a Superior Court judge in the Macon Judicial Circuit.
• The whereas clauses note her 2020 appointment to the Georgia Court of Appeals and her 2021 appointment to the Supreme Court of Georgia by Governor Brian Kemp.
• The resolved clause formally has the Senate honor and commend Justice Colvin for her achievements and service.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to her.

1. 2026-03-19Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-18Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)

• Georgia Supreme Court
• judicial appointments
• legislative honors
• Georgia courts