SR818: SR818 Rabon, Commissioner Walter; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, for being named the recipient of the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award by the Dallas Safari Club, an organization focused on wildlife conservation and hunting advocacy. The resolution recounts Rabon's career, starting as a Conservation Ranger in 1993, serving as Deputy Commissioner from 2015 to 2023, and being appointed Commissioner in August 2023. It credits his leadership with expanding outdoor access and education programs, including the DNR Career Academy and Outdoors Beyond Barriers. The Senate formally resolves to recognize his service and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send him a copy of the resolution.

• Formally recognizes Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, for receiving the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award.
• States the Senate's appreciation for Rabon's decades of service to conservation in Georgia, without creating any new law or funding.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Commissioner Rabon.

The resolution directly names Commissioner Walter Rabon and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. It has no regulatory effect on the public, businesses, or other state agencies since it is a symbolic honor rather than a change in law.

Because this is a commemorative resolution rather than binding legislation, it does not change any rights, duties, or funding for Georgians. Its practical effect is limited to a formal statement of recognition and a keepsake copy given to Commissioner Rabon.

• The resolution recites the Dallas Safari Club's naming of Rabon as the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award recipient.
• It summarizes Rabon's career history at the Department of Natural Resources, from Conservation Ranger in 1993 to Commissioner in August 2023.
• The resolving clause formally recognizes Rabon and expresses the Senate's appreciation for his service.
• A further resolved clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Rabon.

1. 2026-02-19Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-18Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)Primary sponsor
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Jason T. Dickerson (R, SD-021)
• Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)
• Ricky Williams (R, SD-025)
• Kay Kirkpatrick (R, SD-032)
• Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Shawn Still (R, SD-048)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)
• Kim Jackson (D, SD-041)
• Kenya Wicks (D, SD-034)
• Bill Cowsert (R, SD-046)
• Randy Robertson (R, SD-029)
• Marty Harbin (R, SD-016)
• Mike Hodges (R, SD-003)
• Billy Hickman (R, SD-004)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Josh McLaurin (D, SD-014)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Brian Strickland (R, SD-042)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)
• Sonya Halpern (D, SD-039)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Emanuel Jones (D, SD-010)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• John Albers (R, SD-056)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• Ed Setzler (R, SD-037)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• RaShaun Kemp (D, SD-038)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)

• wildlife conservation
• Georgia Department of Natural Resources
• legislative honors