HR1080: HR1080 Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol; January 29, 2026; recognize

This resolution designates January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the Georgia State Capitol. It does not change any law; it is a ceremonial statement from the House of Representatives. The resolution's preamble describes why lawmakers are recognizing the day: brain development happens fastest in early childhood, nearly 640,000 children under age 5 live in Georgia, and many young families face challenges such as poverty and low birthweight babies. It credits Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), a nonprofit, with organizing Strolling Thunder, an event where families share their experiences raising young children with state lawmakers. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the Georgia State Capitol.
• States the House's support for prioritizing early childhood issues in public policy discussions.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare copies of the resolution for distribution to the public and press.
• Does not create any new program, funding, or legal requirement; it is a symbolic recognition only.

The resolution mainly affects members of the Georgia House of Representatives, the nonprofit organization GEEARS, and families with young children who participate in the Strolling Thunder event at the state capitol.

While the resolution carries no legal force, it gives formal recognition to an advocacy day highlighting early childhood needs in Georgia, potentially drawing legislative attention to issues like child poverty, early education, and family support services.

• The whereas clauses cite statistics on early childhood in Georgia, including that nearly 640,000 children under age 5 live in the state and about one in five live in poverty.
• The resolved clause formally designates January 29, 2026 as Strolling Thunder Day at the state capitol.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies of the resolution available to the public and press.

1. 2026-01-27House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-27House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-27House Hopper (House)

• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)Primary sponsor
• Leesa Hagan (R, HD-156)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Bethany Ballard (R, HD-147)
• Will Wade (R, HD-009)

• early childhood education
• child poverty
• state capitol recognition
• family policy