HR1196: HR1196 Koehler, Don; outstanding public service as an Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission; commend

This resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honors Don Koehler, who has served as Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission since 1986, making him the longest serving director in the Commission's history. The text recounts his work advising federal trade policy through the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Tobacco, Cotton, and Peanuts, his roles with the Southern Peanut Growers and Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, and specific accomplishments such as overseeing construction of a new office and education center, securing disaster relief funding after Hurricane Michael, and helping pass a five-year federal farm bill. The resolution formally recognizes and commends Koehler for his public service, congratulates him on his retirement, and wishes him continued health and happiness. It also directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Koehler. It does not change any Georgia law.

• Formally recognizes and commends Don Koehler for his service as Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission since 1986.
• Congratulates Koehler on his retirement and extends best wishes for his health and happiness.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Koehler.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory change; it is a ceremonial statement by the House of Representatives.

The resolution directly names and honors Don Koehler. It also references the Georgia Peanut Commission, Georgia's peanut farmers, and organizations such as the Southern Peanut Growers and Southern Peanut Farmers Federation, though it imposes no obligations on any of them.

Because this is a commendation resolution rather than a law, it has no direct effect on state programs, funding, or regulations. Its practical effect is symbolic: a formal record of the House of Representatives honoring Koehler's career and retirement.

• The preamble (whereas clauses) recounts Koehler's tenure since 1986 and his roles advising federal trade policy and peanut industry organizations.
• The resolved clause formally commends Koehler for his public service and congratulates him on his retirement.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to provide Koehler with a copy of the resolution.

1. 2026-02-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-02House Hopper (House)

• Jaclyn Ford (R, HD-170)Primary sponsor
• Angie O'Steen (R, HD-169)
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)
• Steven Meeks (R, HD-178)
• David Huddleston (R, HD-072)

• Georgia Peanut Commission
• agriculture
• legislative commendation
• peanut farming