HR2093: HR2093 Hutchings, Jacob "Jake"; commend

This resolution is a ceremonial honor passed by the Georgia House of Representatives. It does not change any law. Instead, it recognizes Jacob "Jake" Hutchings, who was born into slavery in Virginia in 1831 and later elected as the first Black state representative for Jones County in 1868. The resolution notes that Hutchings is considered the 34th African-American member of the Georgia General Assembly, just after the historically recognized group known as the "Original 33." It also recalls that he worked as a stone mason before his election, cutting granite used in the Jones County Courthouse retaining wall. The resolution directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and press.

• Formally recognizes and commends Jacob "Jake" Hutchings as the first Black state representative elected for Jones County in 1868.
• States that Hutchings was the 34th African-American member of the Georgia General Assembly, following the historically recognized "Original 33."
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.
• Does not create, amend, or repeal any Georgia statute; it is a ceremonial honor only.

This resolution mainly affects the historical record and public recognition of Jacob "Jake" Hutchings and his descendants or community in Jones County. It also directs a task to the Clerk of the House of Representatives, but does not impose obligations on the general public.

While the resolution carries no legal or regulatory effect, it formally adds Jacob "Jake" Hutchings to the state's recognized history of early Black legislators, giving public acknowledgment to a figure not included in the traditionally cited "Original 33."

• Recites Hutchings' biography: born enslaved in Virginia in 1831, elected as Jones County's first Black state representative in 1868.
• Notes he was the 34th African-American member of the Georgia General Assembly, distinct from the formally remembered "Original 33."
• Describes his work as a stone mason, including cutting granite used in the Jones County Court House retaining wall.
• Resolves that House members recognize and commend Hutchings.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to make copies available to the public and the press.

1. 2026-04-02House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2026-04-02House First Readers (House)
3. 2026-04-02House Hopper (House)

• Carl Gilliard (D, HD-162)Primary sponsor
• Eric Bell (D, HD-075)
• Derrick Jackson (D, HD-068)
• Long Tran (D, HD-080)

• Georgia history
• Black history
• Jones County
• legislative commendation