HR1702: HR1702 General Assembly; protection of constitutional conscience, rule of law, and lawful exercise of conscientious objection; urge

This resolution does not change any Georgia law. It is a statement of position by the Georgia House of Representatives, titled 'The Constitutional Conscience Objectors and Guardians of the Rule of Law Resolution.' It recites the constitutional and historical background of conscientious objection, the practice of declining military combat service because of deeply held religious, moral, or ethical beliefs, and federal law's process for seeking that status through the Selective Service System. The resolution then states that House members urge protection of this right, affirm that objectors should use lawful federal channels, call for transparency and rule-of-law adherence in decisions about war and military engagement, and express support for U.S. service members and veterans. It directs the Clerk of the House to distribute copies to the public and press. It has no binding legal effect.

• Declares the House's support for protecting the right of individuals to seek conscientious objector status based on religious, moral, or ethical beliefs.
• States that conscientious objection should be pursued only through lawful federal channels and established procedures, not outside legal process.
• Calls for transparency and accountability from public officials in decisions about war authorization and military engagement.
• Affirms support for members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans who served under their constitutional oath.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

The resolution speaks broadly to the American public, members of the U.S. Armed Forces and veterans, and individuals who might seek conscientious objector status under federal Selective Service rules. It has no direct legal effect on any Georgia agency, business, or resident.

Because it is a resolution rather than a bill amending Georgia law, it creates no new rights, requirements, or penalties. Its practical effect is limited to publicizing the House's stated position on conscientious objection and military accountability through distribution by the Clerk's office.

• The preamble ('WHEREAS' clauses) recites the constitutional basis for conscientious objection, historical religious traditions recognizing it, and the federal Selective Service process for claiming the status.
• The first resolving clause urges protection of constitutional conscience and recognizes the lawful right to seek conscientious objector status.
• The second resolving clause states that objection must be exercised through lawful federal channels and calls for rule-of-law adherence and transparency in war-related decisions.
• The third resolving clause affirms support for U.S. Armed Forces members and veterans.
• The final clause directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-19House Second Readers (House)
2. 2026-03-18House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-03-16House Hopper (House)

• Viola Davis (D, HD-087)Primary sponsor
• Sandra Scott (D, HD-076)
• Eric Bell (D, HD-075)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Floyd Griffin (D, HD-149)

• conscientious objection
• military service
• constitutional rights
• veterans
• rule of law