HR1353: HR1353 Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence (GCADV), which began in 1980 as the Georgia Network Against Domestic Violence with five founding member organizations. The resolution describes the coalition's role providing support and resources to local groups, promoting public awareness of domestic violence, and serving as a legislative resource for the state. It also credits GCADV, working with partners like the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, with helping pass laws such as the Survivor Justice Act, allowing pets on protective orders, creating an address confidentiality program, letting domestic violence victims break leases without penalty, and treating domestic violence as good cause for unemployment benefits. The resolution formally commends the coalition and directs the House Clerk to send it a copy, but does not create, change, or fund any law.

• Formally recognizes and commends the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence on behalf of the House of Representatives.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the coalition.
• Does not amend any Georgia statute, create new programs, or provide state funding since it is a commendation, not operative legislation.

The Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence and its member organizations are the direct subject of this honor. It also touches survivors of domestic and sexual violence, advocacy partners like the Georgia Commission on Family Violence, and lawmakers who have worked with the coalition on prior legislation.

While the resolution itself changes no law, it publicly documents the legislature's recognition of the coalition's advocacy history, including past laws on protective orders, lease breaking, and unemployment benefits for domestic violence victims, giving the organization formal acknowledgment from the General Assembly.

• The whereas clauses recount GCADV's founding in 1980 as the Georgia Network Against Domestic Violence and its five charter member organizations.
• The whereas clauses describe GCADV's role in public education, prevention, and serving as a legislative resource on domestic violence issues.
• The whereas clauses credit GCADV with helping pass laws such as the Survivor Justice Act, pet inclusion in protective orders, an address confidentiality program, and lease termination protections for victims.
• The resolving clause formally commends the Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the coalition.

1. 2026-02-12House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-12House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-12House Hopper (House)

• Mary Ann Santos (D, HD-117)Primary sponsor
• Kimberly New (R, HD-040)
• Beth Camp (R, HD-135)
• Stan Gunter (R, HD-008)
• Omari Crawford (D, HD-089)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)

• domestic violence
• victim advocacy
• legislative commendation
• survivor services