Summary — H.R. 586 (House Resolution)
Title and purpose
H.R. 586 is a simple House resolution recognizing and commending Dr. Jeffery D. Cooper and his practice, Cooper Pediatrics, PC, for their public service in Georgia. The resolution honors Dr. Cooper’s professional achievements, community health efforts, and service as a pediatrician and educator.
Key provisions
- Formally recognizes and commends Dr. Jeffery D. Cooper for “efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia.”
- Recites Dr. Cooper’s roles and accomplishments, including:
- Operating Cooper Pediatrics, PC in Duluth, Georgia.
- Serving as Clinical Assistant Professor of Community Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine.
- Community health initiatives (noted examples at Graves Elementary School and Luck Shoals Park, including providing staff, equipment, and facilitating vaccine distribution).
- Awards and honors cited (e.g., Atlanta BestSelf Magazine’s Best Pediatric Practice — Atlanta, 2020; Nicholas E. Davies Award for Excellence in Primary Care; Gwinnett Magazine’s Best of Gwinnett, 2021–2024).
- Directs the Clerk of the House to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to Dr. Cooper.
Who is affected
- Primarily honorary: Dr. Jeffery D. Cooper and Cooper Pediatrics (recipient of formal commendation).
- No regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic impact on state law, agencies, or private parties — the resolution is ceremonial and symbolic.
Legislative status and timeline (selected actions)
- Introduced in the House: January 21, 2025.
- House committee referrals: House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (Jan 21); Subcommittee on Health (Feb 25).
- Placed on Local & Consent Calendars: March 21; Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar: March 28.
- Considered and adopted in the House: referred to adoption actions March–April 2025. On April 7, 2025, the House agreed to suspend the rules and passed the resolution (as amended) by recorded vote — Yeas 411, Nays 0 (Roll No. 89).
- Reported/enrolled: April 1, 2025.
- Received in the Senate: April 8, 2025; read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Sponsors
Primary sponsors include Representatives Nick LaLota, Jasmine Clark, Matt Reeves, Scott Hilton, Marvin Lim, Arlene Beckles, and Katie Dempsey. Several members are listed as cosponsors (e.g., Michael Lawler, Patrick Ryan, Donald G. Davis, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Juan Ciscomani, Josh Riley, Josh Gottheimer, Brian K. Fitzpatrick).
Practical effect
H.R. 586 is a non-binding, ceremonial resolution that publicly recognizes and commends Dr. Cooper’s contributions. It does not create legal obligations, appropriate funds, or change policy. The primary outcome is formal recognition and an official copy to be provided to Dr. Cooper.
