HR1171: HR1171 Georgia Aquarium; 20th Anniversary; recognize

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives recognizing the Georgia Aquarium's 20th anniversary since it opened in 2005 as a gift to Atlanta from Bernie Marcus. The resolution lists reasons for the recognition, including the aquarium's role as a tourist attraction and economic driver for downtown Atlanta, its STEM education programs for students, its animal rescue and conservation research, its accessibility efforts (including recognition as a Certified Autism Center), and its Veterans Immersion Program offering therapeutic dives for veterans and patients. The House formally congratulates the aquarium and directs the Clerk of the House to send it an official copy of the resolution.

• Formally congratulates the Georgia Aquarium on its 20th anniversary and commends its work in education, animal care, inclusion, and conservation.
• States the House's recognition that the aquarium benefits Georgians and Atlanta's national profile, without creating any new law or funding.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Aquarium.

The resolution directly names the Georgia Aquarium and its staff, and references groups tied to its programs, including students, veterans, patients from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Shepherd Center, and Atlanta area tourism and businesses.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its main practical consequence is that the House Clerk will send an official copy to the Georgia Aquarium as a formal acknowledgment of its anniversary and community programs.

• The whereas clauses describe the aquarium's 2005 opening, its economic role in downtown Atlanta, and its education and conservation programs.
• The resolved clause has the House congratulate the Georgia Aquarium on its 20th anniversary and commend its leadership in education, animal care, inclusion, and conservation.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Aquarium.

1. 2026-01-29House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-01-29House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-01-29House Hopper (House)

• Ron Stephens (R, HD-164)Primary sponsor
• Gerald Greene (R, HD-154)
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)
• Butch Parrish (R, HD-158)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Samuel Park (D, HD-107)

• Georgia Aquarium
• legislative resolution
• Atlanta tourism
• STEM education