SR 984: James Warren Spires Day; recognize March 15, 2026

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes March 15, 2026, as James Warren Spires Day, marking 50 years since Spires answered a call to ministry in 1976. The resolution describes his career as a pastor and teacher, including his current pastorate of more than 29 years at Hatley Baptist Church. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Spires, but it creates no new rights, duties, or funding.

• Formally designates March 15, 2026, as James Warren Spires Day in recognition of his 50 years of ministry.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute an official copy of the resolution to James Warren Spires.
• Creates no changes to Georgia law, funding, or regulations since it is a ceremonial recognition.

This resolution primarily affects James Warren Spires, a pastor, and the congregation of Hatley Baptist Church, along with his friends and family who plan to celebrate the occasion. It has no broader effect on other Georgians.

The resolution has no practical legal effect on Georgians generally. Its significance is symbolic, giving official state recognition to a local religious leader's 50-year ministry and providing a keepsake document for the honoree and his community.

• The resolution recites Spires' background, including his call to ministry in 1976 and his more than 29 years pastoring Hatley Baptist Church.
• The operative resolving clause designates March 15, 2026, as James Warren Spires Day.
• A further clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Spires.

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

• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)Primary sponsor
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Jason T. Dickerson (R, SD-021)
• Steven McNeel (R, SD-018)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)

• ceremonial resolution
• religious leaders
• Georgia Senate
• community recognition