HR1435: HR1435 Aten, Judge Phinia; distinguish service and judicial leadership; commend

This resolution is a formal statement from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring Judge Phinia Aten. It recounts her career, including becoming the first African American woman to serve as a judge in the Rockdale Judicial Circuit in 2012, her leadership as Chief Judge of the Rockdale County Magistrate Court, and her work developing court programs focused on community engagement, trauma-informed practices, and reducing repeat offenses. The resolution does not change any Georgia law. It simply has the House formally recognize and commend Judge Aten for her service, and it directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for her.

• Formally recognizes and commends Judge Phinia Aten for her public service to the State of Georgia.
• Recounts her history as the first African American woman to become a judge in the Rockdale Judicial Circuit in 2012.
• Credits her with developing court programs involving family violence and behavioral health assessments and mental health stabilization protocols.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to Judge Aten.

The resolution directly names and honors Judge Phinia Aten. It also references the Rockdale Judicial Circuit, the Rockdale County Magistrate Court, and the National Association of Women Judges, where she holds leadership roles.

This is a ceremonial resolution rather than a change to Georgia law. Its practical effect is limited to an official House record of recognition and a commemorative copy given to Judge Aten; it does not alter court operations, funding, or legal procedures.

• The whereas clauses describe Judge Aten's role as Chief Judge of the Rockdale County Magistrate Court and her 2012 milestone as the first African American woman judge in the Rockdale Judicial Circuit.
• The resolved clause has the House recognize and commend her for efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to make a copy available for distribution to Judge Aten.

1. 2026-02-20House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-02-20House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-02-20House Hopper (House)

• Doreen Carter (D, HD-093)Primary sponsor
• Rhonda Taylor (D, HD-092)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Angela Moore (D, HD-091)

• judicial recognition
• Rockdale County courts
• commemorative resolution
• Georgia judges