SR729: SR729 Obama, Former President Barack; commend and condemning racist attacks and rhetoric directed toward him

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a statement from the Georgia Senate honoring former President Barack Obama's life and career during Black History Month, recounting his biography, his election as the first Black president, and his post-presidency. The resolution also condemns racist attacks and rhetoric aimed at Obama, including the 'birther' movement and a 2026 video posted by the sitting President that drew criticism, including from U.S. Senator Tim Scott. The Senate resolves to recognize Obama's legacy, condemn racist rhetoric and conduct from any source, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

• Formally commends and honors former President Barack Obama's life, career, and legacy during Black History Month.
• States the Senate's condemnation of racist rhetoric and conduct 'from any quarter,' including from the President of the United States.
• Affirms the Senate's stated commitment to principles of equality, justice, and respect.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Creates no new statutes, funding, penalties, or enforceable legal requirements, as a resolution has no binding legal effect.

This resolution primarily affects the Georgia Senate itself as a formal statement of its members' views; it does not impose obligations on state agencies, local governments, or private individuals. It references former President Barack Obama and the current sitting President of the United States.

Because this is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it carries no legal force and creates no enforceable rights or obligations. Its practical effect is symbolic: it places the Georgia Senate's position on record and directs the resolution's text to be publicly distributed.

• The whereas clauses recount Obama's biography, education, Senate service, presidency, and Nobel Peace Prize, providing the resolution's factual basis.
• The whereas clauses describe recurring racist attacks against Obama, including the 'birther' movement and a 2026 video from the sitting President criticized by Senator Tim Scott.
• The first resolving clause has the Senate recognize and celebrate Obama's life, legacy, and service during Black History Month.
• The second resolving clause has the Senate condemn racist rhetoric and conduct from any source, including from the President of the United States.
• The final resolving clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-02-10Senate Read and Referred (Senate)
2. 2026-02-09Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)Primary sponsor
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)

• Black History Month
• Barack Obama
• racism condemnation
• Georgia Senate resolutions