SR833: SR833 Burns, Honorable Willie E.; recognize

This resolution is a ceremonial honor from the Georgia Senate, not a change to any law. It recognizes Willie E. Burns of Washington, Georgia, for his career of public service, including time in the United States Army, the Elberton Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol. The resolution highlights his election in 2003 as the first Black mayor of Washington, Georgia, and his work founding the Wilkes County Community Development Corporation, developing affordable housing, and building a multipurpose event venue. It also notes his community involvement, including membership in the NAACP, the American Legion, and past leadership of the Georgia Conference of Black Mayors. The Senate directs its Secretary to provide him a copy of the resolution as a keepsake.

• Formally recognizes and commends Willie E. Burns for his public service in the U.S. Army, the Elberton Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol.
• States the Senate's recognition of his 2003 election as the first Black mayor of Washington, Georgia.
• Commends his role in founding the Wilkes County Community Development Corporation and developing affordable housing and an event venue in Washington, Georgia.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to Willie E. Burns.
• Creates no new law, funding, or penalty; it is a ceremonial statement of praise adopted by the Senate.

The resolution directly concerns Willie E. Burns, a former mayor of Washington, Georgia, and public servant. It has no regulatory or financial effect on any other Georgians, businesses, or government agencies.

This resolution has no legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its significance is symbolic: it places an official Senate record of praise for a local leader's career in public safety and community development into the state's legislative history.

• The whereas clauses recount Burns's service in the Army, the Elberton Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol, and his 2003 election as Washington, Georgia's first Black mayor.
• The whereas clauses describe his founding of the Wilkes County Community Development Corporation and his development of affordable housing and a multipurpose venue.
• The resolving clause formally commends Burns for his public service and wishes him continued health and happiness.
• A final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to make a copy available for distribution to Burns.

1. 2026-02-24Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-02-20Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Tonya Anderson (D, SD-043)Primary sponsor
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Harold Jones (D, SD-022)
• Gail Davenport (D, SD-017)
• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)
• Derek Mallow (D, SD-002)
• Freddie Sims (D, SD-012)
• Nikki Merritt (D, SD-009)
• Sheikh Rahman (D, SD-005)
• Nabilah Islam Parkes (D, SD-007)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Donzella James (D, SD-028)
• Randal Mangham (D, SD-055)

• ceremonial resolution
• Washington Georgia
• local government leaders
• community development