HR1007: HR1007 House of Representatives; effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving mental health outcomes; acknowledge

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. Instead, it is a statement from the House of Representatives recognizing that participation in the arts, including art therapy and community arts programs, can help address mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The resolution cites data showing high rates of mental health struggles in Georgia and nationally, and notes that federal veterans' health programs already use creative arts therapists to treat PTSD. It states that the House acknowledges the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts for health initiatives in supporting trauma recovery, addressing mental health conditions, building community resilience, and increasing public safety. The resolution also directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies of it to the public and the press.

• Formally acknowledges, on behalf of the House of Representatives, the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts for health programs in supporting mental health recovery.
• States that these initiatives help address trauma, mental health conditions, and build community resilience, without creating any new legal requirement or funding.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and the press.
• Cites statistics on mental health rates in Georgia and nationally as the basis for the resolution's statement.

The resolution most directly names artists, arts organizations, and art therapists, as well as healthcare professionals and veterans receiving care through federal programs. It also references Georgians experiencing mental health conditions, anxiety, depression, or trauma more broadly.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill that changes law, it creates no new programs, funding, or legal obligations. Its practical effect is symbolic: it puts the Georgia House of Representatives on record supporting arts based approaches to mental health.

• The whereas clauses cite Kaiser Family Foundation and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration data on mental health rates in Georgia and the United States.
• The resolution notes that the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense already use creative arts therapists to treat PTSD among veterans and military personnel.
• The resolved clause has the House acknowledge the role of artists, arts organizations, art therapists, and arts for health initiatives in trauma recovery, mental health, community resilience, and public safety.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available for distribution to the public and the press.

1. 2026-03-31House Passed/Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-31House Third Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-11House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
4. 2026-01-14House Second Readers (House)
5. 2026-01-13House First Readers (House)
6. 2026-01-12House Hopper (House)

• Todd Jones (R, HD-025)Primary sponsor
• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)
• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Angie O'Steen (R, HD-169)
• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 31, 2026

   168 yea, 0 nay (1 not voting, 7 absent)

   Adopt: House Vote #821

• mental health
• arts and health
• art therapy
• veterans health
• public health