HR1291: HR1291 Pethel, Eden; commend

This resolution honors Eden Pethel, an eighth grade home schooled student from Pendergrass, Georgia, who won a statewide license plate design competition tied to the United States semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) celebration. The competition was open to sixth through eighth grade students across Georgia, and Pethel's winning design will be produced as an actual license plate available for Georgia drivers. The resolution's operative language has the House of Representatives formally recognize and commend Pethel for the achievement. It also directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for her. The resolution does not create any new law, funding, or ongoing program; it is a ceremonial statement.

• Formally recognizes and commends Eden Pethel for winning the State of Georgia's United States semiquincentennial license plate design competition.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Eden Pethel.
• States as fact that Pethel's design will be produced as a real license plate to be displayed on Georgia vehicles.

The resolution names Eden Pethel, an eighth grade home schooled student from Pendergrass, Georgia. It also touches the Clerk of the House of Representatives, who must prepare the commemorative copy, and indirectly Georgia drivers who may eventually see the commemorative plate.

The resolution has no legal or financial effect beyond a ceremonial honor; it does not change any Georgia law or spend state money. Its practical significance is that it publicly credits a Georgia student's design, which is set to appear on an actual state license plate marking the nation's 250th anniversary.

• The preamble explains that Georgia held a license plate design competition for sixth through eighth grade students to mark the United States semiquincentennial anniversary.
• The preamble states Eden Pethel, an eighth grade home schooled student from Pendergrass, Georgia, won the competition.
• The resolving clause has the House of Representatives recognize and commend Pethel for the win.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide a copy of the resolution to Pethel.

1. 2026-02-09House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-09House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-09House Hopper (House)

• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)Primary sponsor
• Karen Mathiak (R, HD-082)
• Beth Camp (R, HD-135)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)
• Lynn Smith (R, HD-070)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)

• license plates
• commemorative resolution
• Georgia students
• semiquincentennial