Georgia CommonsSR 980: Boston, District Attorney Sherry; honor
Last action March 19, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Georgia Senate resolution honors DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston for her legal career and her role as the first African American woman elected to that office.
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 from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Sherry Boston, the District Attorney of DeKalb County, for her educational background, her rise through the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office, and her 2016 election as the first African American woman to hold that office. The resolution praises her leadership on victim advocacy, community partnerships, accountability courts, and youth intervention programs. It formally commends her for her service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for her. It does not create any new requirement, program, or funding.
What the bill does
- Formally commends Sherry Boston for her career and her historic election as DeKalb County's first African American woman District Attorney.
- Recites her educational background at Spelman College and Emory University School of Law and her rise through the DeKalb County District Attorney's Office.
- Praises specific initiatives credited to her tenure, including accountability courts, youth intervention programs, and victim advocacy partnerships.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and deliver a copy of the resolution to District Attorney Boston.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names District Attorney Sherry Boston of DeKalb County. It also involves the Georgia Senate and its Secretary, who must prepare the ceremonial copy, but it creates no obligations for the public, other officials, or agencies.
Why it matters
The resolution has no legal effect on Georgia law, budgets, or criminal justice procedure. Its significance is symbolic: it is a formal, public statement from the Georgia Senate recognizing a sitting prosecutor's career and a historic milestone in DeKalb County's legal history.
Key provisions
- The resolved clause states the Senate 'honor and commend' Boston for her leadership and commitment to justice and public safety as DeKalb County's District Attorney.
- A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy of the resolution available for distribution to Boston.
- The whereas clauses, while not operative law, detail her biography, career milestones, and initiatives, forming the resolution's stated basis.
From the bill
“in 2016, Sherry Boston was elected District Attorney of DeKalb County, becoming the first African American woman to hold the office, marking a historic milestone in the county's legal and civic history”
“the members of this body honor and commend District Attorney Sherry Boston for her historic achievements, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice and public safety as District Attorney of DeKalb County”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
- Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
- Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
- Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
- Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
- Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
Topics
- DeKalb County
- district attorney
- ceremonial resolution
- Georgia Senate honors