SR576: SR576 Harden, Nicholas "Big Nick"; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden of Valdosta for his volunteer disaster relief efforts, including feeding thousands of residents after Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and providing meals after Hurricane Helene in 2024. The resolution also credits Harden with hosting an emergency preparedness town hall, serving as a Valdosta City Councilman focused on civic engagement, running a restaurant called Big Nick's Juke Joint, supporting entrepreneurship through the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, mentoring students, and formerly working as a radio DJ. The Senate directs its Secretary to prepare a copy of the resolution for Harden as a keepsake. It does not create any new requirement, funding, or penalty under Georgia law.

• Formally commends Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden for disaster relief efforts after Hurricanes Idalia and Helene and other community service.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Harden.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, as a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia statutes.

The resolution directly names and honors Nicholas "Big Nick" Harden, a Valdosta City Councilman and business owner. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, agencies, or institutions.

The resolution has no practical effect on Georgia law, funding, or residents beyond Harden himself. Its significance is symbolic: it places the Senate's formal recognition of his hurricane relief work and community leadership in the official record.

• The whereas clauses recount Harden's volunteer disaster relief work after Hurricane Idalia in 2023 and Hurricane Helene in 2024.
• The resolving clause formally commends Harden for his leadership and service to Valdosta and the State of Georgia.
• A further resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy for distribution to Harden.

1. 2026-01-16Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-15Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)Primary sponsor
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)

• Valdosta
• legislative honors
• disaster relief
• local government