HR1250: HR1250 Mathis, Chief Stone; Columbus Police Department; named the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates' Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring the Columbus Police Department (CPD) and its chief, Stone Mathis, after the department received the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates' Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award. The resolution lists reasons for the honor, including reductions in crime, improved staffing and officer pay, new technology like a Real Time Crime Center, expanded cameras and license plate readers, and a case clearance rate above the national average. It does not change any Georgia law. It simply directs the House to formally congratulate CPD and asks the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to the department.

• Formally congratulates Chief Stone Mathis and the Columbus Police Department for receiving the Phyllis Goodwin Agency of the Year Award from the Georgia Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates.
• Recites CPD's recent achievements, including a more than 30 percent drop in Part I crimes and a 29 percent drop in violent crimes.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to the Columbus Police Department.
• Creates no new law, funding, or penalty; it is a symbolic honor rather than a change to the Georgia Code.

The resolution directly names Columbus Police Department Chief Stone Mathis and the department's officers and leadership. It has no legal effect on other Georgians, agencies, or law enforcement departments statewide.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it does not change any rules, funding, or enforcement in Georgia. Its practical effect is limited to publicly recognizing the Columbus Police Department's recent performance and providing an official record of that recognition.

• The whereas clauses describe why CPD was selected, citing leadership, staffing gains, and modernization efforts such as a Real Time Crime Center and drone capabilities.
• The resolved clause formally states that House members congratulate Chief Stone Mathis and CPD for the award.
• A further resolved clause instructs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the Columbus Police Department.

1. 2026-02-05House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-05House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-05House Hopper (House)

• Teddy Reese (D, HD-140)Primary sponsor
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Carmen Rice (R, HD-139)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Vance Smith (R, HD-138)

• law enforcement recognition
• Columbus Police Department
• police performance
• legislative commendation