HB1167: HB1167 Sleep Health Awareness Week; second week in March of each year; designate

Georgia law does not currently set aside a week to focus on sleep health. This bill would add a new section to the state's holidays and observances law designating the second week of March, starting on the second Sunday of the month to align with the start of daylight saving time, as 'Sleep Health Awareness Week.' The bill also adds a new section directing the Department of Public Health to consider incorporating sleep hygiene education into its existing public health programs as a way to prevent chronic disease and support mental health. During the designated week, the department would be allowed, but not required, to share information and best practices on topics such as drowsy driving, workplace safety, infant sleep safety, and the link between sleep and mental health. The bill opens with legislative findings describing sleep as essential to health and well-being.

• Creates a new Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 1-4-28) naming the second week of March each year 'Sleep Health Awareness Week.'
• Ties the observance to the second Sunday of March, coinciding with the start of daylight saving time.
• Adds a new Code section (O.C.G.A. § 31-2A-21) encouraging the Department of Public Health to integrate sleep hygiene education into its existing public health work.
• Allows, but does not require, the department to voluntarily share information on seven topics including drowsy driving, workplace safety, infant sleep safety, and suicide prevention during the awareness week.
• States legislative findings that sleep is essential to health and that poor sleep is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immunity.

The Department of Public Health, which is encouraged (but not required) to develop and share sleep-related educational materials, and Georgia residents generally, who may see public awareness efforts tied to the designated week.

The bill does not create any new mandates, funding, or penalties. Its practical effect would be a symbolic weeklong observance and optional public health outreach on topics like drowsy driving, workplace safety, and infant sleep safety, without requiring the department to take any specific action.

• Section 1 lists legislative findings about the health importance of sleep and risks tied to chronic sleep loss.
• Section 2 adds O.C.G.A. § 1-4-28, designating the second week of March, starting the second Sunday, as Sleep Health Awareness Week.
• Section 3 adds O.C.G.A. § 31-2A-21, encouraging the Department of Public Health to integrate sleep hygiene education and listing seven areas where it may voluntarily share information during the awareness week.
• Section 4 repeals any conflicting laws.

1. 2026-03-04House Postponed (House)
2. 2026-03-03House Postponed (House)
3. 2026-02-25House Committee Favorably Reported (House)
4. 2026-02-05House Second Readers (House)
5. 2026-02-04House First Readers (House)
6. 2026-02-03House Hopper (House)

• Robert Dawson (D, HD-065)Primary sponsor
• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)
• Gerald Greene (R, HD-154)
• Trey Kelley (R, HD-016)
• Lydia Glaize (D, HD-067)
• Jan Jones (R, HD-047)

• sleep health
• public health awareness
• Department of Public Health
• state observances
• chronic disease prevention