SR695: SR695 Georgia Aquarium; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution passed by the Georgia Senate marking the 20th anniversary of the Georgia Aquarium, which opened in 2005 in Atlanta. The resolution recounts the aquarium's history, its economic role as a tourism draw, its education and STEM programs for students, its animal rescue and conservation work, its accessibility recognitions, and its Veterans Immersion Program for wounded veterans and patients. The resolution does not change any Georgia law or create any new program or funding. It simply states the Senate's congratulations to the Georgia Aquarium and directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare a copy of the resolution for the aquarium to keep.

• Formally congratulates the Georgia Aquarium on its 20th anniversary through an official Senate resolution.
• Commends the aquarium for its work in education, animal care, accessibility, and ocean conservation.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and deliver a copy of the resolution to the Georgia Aquarium.
• Creates no new law, funding, or regulatory requirement, as it is a ceremonial resolution rather than legislation.

This resolution directly names and honors the Georgia Aquarium and its staff. It has no legal effect on other individuals, businesses, or government agencies since it does not change any statute or create any obligations.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it has no direct practical effect on Georgians' daily lives. Its main significance is symbolic recognition by the state Senate of the aquarium's economic, educational, and conservation contributions.

• The whereas clauses describe the aquarium's 2005 opening as a gift from Bernie Marcus and its growth into a major Georgia tourist attraction.
• The whereas clauses cite the aquarium's role in STEM education, animal rescue, conservation research, and accessibility recognitions such as its Certified Autism Center designation.
• The resolved clause has the Senate congratulate the Georgia Aquarium and commend its leadership in education, animal care, inclusion, and conservation.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to the Georgia Aquarium.

1. 2026-02-05Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)Primary sponsor
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)

• Georgia Aquarium
• legislative commendation
• tourism
• conservation