SR679: SR679 Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day; recognize February 17, 2026

This resolution is a ceremonial measure from the Georgia Senate honoring Bishop William "Bill" Harris, who died on December 9, 2025. Harris was born in Albany, Georgia, became a minister in 1977 and founded Bethel Church Ministries in Monroe, Georgia. He was also active in the Civil Rights Movement, working with groups like the Student Non-violent Coordinating Committee and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and marching alongside figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Congressman John Lewis. The resolution formally recognizes February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to Harris's family. It does not change any Georgia law or create any new program; it is a statement of tribute passed by the Senate.

• Recognizes February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day in Georgia through a Senate resolution.
• Formally honors the life and memory of Bishop William "Bill" Harris, who died on December 9, 2025.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Harris's family.
• Expresses the Senate's regret at Harris's passing, without creating any new law, funding, or legal requirement.

The resolution directly affects the family of Bishop William "Bill" Harris, who will receive a copy of it, and reflects recognition by the Georgia Senate. It does not impose obligations on any other group, agency, or member of the public.

This is a symbolic honor rather than a policy change; it does not alter any Georgia statute, create funding, or impose requirements. Its practical effect is limited to formal recognition of Harris's civil rights legacy and a keepsake resolution for his family.

• The resolution's whereas clauses recount Harris's biography, including his ministry, civil rights activism, and involvement with SNCC and SCLC.
• The resolved clause designates February 17, 2026, as Bishop William "Bill" Harris Day and honors his life and memory.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to provide a copy of the resolution to Harris's family.

1. 2026-02-03Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-02Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)Primary sponsor
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)

• civil rights history
• Senate resolution
• commemorative day
• Georgia history