SR705: SR705 Georgia Community Service Boards; commend

This resolution recognizes Georgia's Community Service Boards (CSBs), public entities created under O.C.G.A. § 37-2-6 that provide services for mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and addictive diseases. There are 22 CSBs statewide, with boards of directors appointed by county governments in each service area. The resolution notes that CSBs serve as part of Georgia's public safety net, treating people who lack insurance or have limited ability to pay, as well as those on Medicaid or with other coverage as capacity allows. It cites statistics on the scope of mental illness, addiction, and developmental disabilities in Georgia, and highlights the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards as the group's statewide advocacy voice. The Senate formally commends the CSBs and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the boards and their association.

• Formally commends Georgia's 22 Community Service Boards for their work providing behavioral health and developmental disability services.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the CSBs and the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards.
• Does not create new law, funding, or requirements; it is a statement of recognition rather than a change to the Georgia Code.

Georgia's 22 Community Service Boards and their appointed county boards of directors, the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards, and the Georgians who rely on CSBs for mental health, intellectual and developmental disability, or addiction treatment services.

While the resolution does not change any law or funding, it publicly recognizes organizations that serve as a safety net for Georgians with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or addiction, including many who are uninsured or underinsured.

• Cites O.C.G.A. § 37-2-6 et seq. as the legal basis for Community Service Boards as public corporations and instrumentalities of the state.
• Notes there are 22 CSBs across Georgia with boards of directors appointed by county governing authorities.
• States that nearly two million Georgians experienced mental illness or addictive disease in the past year, with over 320,000 experiencing serious mental illness and over 145,000 adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
• Resolves that the Senate commends the CSBs for their contributions to Georgia citizens.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to CSBs and the Georgia Association of Community Service Boards.

1. 2026-02-05Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-04Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)Primary sponsor
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)

• mental health services
• developmental disabilities
• addiction treatment
• community service boards
• legislative commendation