SR588: SR588 Strolling Thunder Day; recognize January 29, 2026

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol, marking an annual event where the Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), a nonprofit focused on young children, brings families to meet with lawmakers. The resolution's preamble describes statistics about early childhood in Georgia, such as nearly 640,000 children under age 5 in the state, and notes existing programs like Georgia's Lottery-Funded Pre-K and a state child tax credit. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to GEEARS. It does not create any new program, funding, or legal requirement.

• Formally designates January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the Georgia state capitol.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to GEEARS.
• States the Senate's recognition of early childhood issues without creating new funding, programs, or legal requirements.

The resolution mainly concerns GEEARS, the nonprofit organization that receives the recognition, and families with young children who participate in the Strolling Thunder event. It has no direct legal effect on other Georgians.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution, it does not change any Georgia law, create funding, or impose requirements. Its main practical effect is an official Senate acknowledgment of an advocacy day and the issues it highlights, such as early childhood poverty and access to pre-k.

• The resolution recognizes January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol.
• It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available for distribution to GEEARS.
• The preamble cites statistics on childhood poverty, low birthweight, and existing state programs like Lottery-Funded Pre-K and the state child tax credit, but these are background context rather than new policy.

1. 2026-01-27Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-01-22Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)Primary sponsor
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)

• early childhood education
• state resolutions
• GEEARS
• child poverty
• Georgia legislature