HR1643: HR1643 Bobby Dodd Institute; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives honoring the Bobby Dodd Institute, an organization named after the former Georgia Tech football coach that helps people with disabilities gain job skills and economic independence. The resolution recounts the institute's work in 2025, including assisting nearly 3,500 individuals through career planning, job training, and case management, launching a paid internship program called Elevate Academy for young adults aged 18 to 30, and helping people secure over $232 million in cumulative potential lifetime public benefits through its Benefits Navigation program. It notes the institute operates nearly 50 worksites with more than 375 employees, 43 percent of whom have a diagnosed disability. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy to the institute; it does not create any new law, funding, or requirement.

• Formally commends the Bobby Dodd Institute for its work supporting people with disabilities and their families.
• Recounts specific 2025 program outcomes, including services to nearly 3,500 individuals and over $232 million in benefits secured through its Benefits Navigation program.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to the institute.
• Does not change any Georgia statute, create funding, or impose any legal requirement, since it is a ceremonial resolution.

The resolution directly names the Bobby Dodd Institute and its staff and clients, including people with disabilities and their families who use its employment, job training, and benefits navigation services. It has no legal effect on the general public.

Because this is a ceremonial resolution rather than a law, it carries no binding legal effect. Its main real-world consequence is symbolic recognition, giving the Bobby Dodd Institute a formal statement of praise from the Georgia House of Representatives for its disability services work.

• The resolution's whereas clauses describe the institute's history, its founding inspiration from coach Bobby Dodd, and its growth into a workforce support organization.
• States the institute assisted nearly 3,500 individuals in 2025 through empowerment and employment services such as career planning and job training.
• Describes the Elevate Academy internship program for individuals aged 18 to 30 developed with local businesses.
• Notes the Benefits Navigation program helped secure over $232 million in cumulative potential lifetime public benefits.
• The resolving clause formally commends the institute and extends best wishes for continued success.
• A further resolved clause directs the Clerk of the House to distribute a copy of the resolution to the institute.

1. 2026-03-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-03-06House Hopper (House)
3. 2026-03-06House First Readers (House)

• Kim Schofield (D, HD-063)Primary sponsor
• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)

• disability services
• workforce development
• legislative recognition
• Bobby Dodd Institute