HR 227: Gavalis; Joseph; condolences

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives rather than a law that changes any statute. It recognizes Joseph Gavalis, a retired federal agent who fought organized crime and labor racketeering before settling in Cobb County, Georgia. The resolution recounts his volunteer work, including serving on the Cobb Neighborhood Safety Commission, co-founding the Cobb County Elder Abuse Task Force, and founding the North Georgia Elder Abuse Task Force. It notes he ran workshops for about 10,000 seniors over ten years on elder abuse prevention. The House resolves to honor his memory and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to his family.

• Formally expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' condolences on the death of Joseph Gavalis.
• Recounts his career as a federal agent and his volunteer work in Cobb County on elder abuse prevention.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to send a copy of the resolution to Gavalis's family.
• Does not change any Georgia law, create any program, or spend any state funds.

This resolution directly affects the family of Joseph Gavalis, who will receive an official copy. It does not impose obligations on the public, businesses, or government agencies beyond the House Clerk's task of distributing the document.

The resolution has no legal effect beyond formally recording the House's tribute and providing a keepsake document to Gavalis's family. It reflects a common legislative practice of honoring constituents' public service and does not alter any Georgia statute or program.

• The resolution's preamble ('WHEREAS' clauses) describes Gavalis's career fighting organized crime and his later volunteer work on elder abuse prevention in Cobb County.
• The operative resolving clause states the House joins in honoring his life and memory and expresses regret at his passing.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to his family.

1. 2025-02-11House Read and Adopted (Cámara de Representantes)
2. 2025-02-11House First Readers (Cámara de Representantes)
3. 2025-02-11House Hopper (Cámara de Representantes)

• Sharon Cooper (R, HD-045)Patrocinador principal
• Devan Seabaugh (R, HD-034)
• Don Parsons (R, HD-044)
• John Carson (R, HD-046)
• Ginny Ehrhart (R, HD-036)

• memorial resolution
• Cobb County
• elder abuse prevention
• Georgia House of Representatives