Summary — H.R. 226 (House Resolution 226)
Status: Adopted and transmitted to the Secretary of State (presented by the Clerk of the House on May 30, 2025)
Classification: House resolution (ceremonial / memorial)
Note on source material: The bill packet includes an initial title referencing commendations to Louisiana chapters of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women and additional extraneous text from other resolutions. The operative text of H.R. 226 (LC 112 2905) is a Georgia House resolution honoring Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold; this summary addresses that memorial resolution.
Purpose and intent
- To honor the life, public service, and community contributions of Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold (1930–2025) and to formally express the Georgia House of Representatives’ regret at her passing.
Key provisions and content
- Recital of biography and public service:
- Born April 10, 1930, in Newnan, Georgia; passed January 26, 2025.
- Early and lifelong faith commitment: baptized at Dent Chapel A.M.E., long‑time member of Saint John A.M.E. Church; served as stewardess, Steward Board officer, and member of the Missionary Board Society.
- Nearly 50 years of service to the City of Fairburn through work, volunteerism, and contributions to local schools, churches, and nonprofits.
- Historical milestone: first African American city councilwoman of Fairburn, serving 12 years.
- Recognitions: Council Member Outstanding Service Award, Legacy Trailblazer Award, invited to multiple presidential inaugurations (Clinton, G.W. Bush, Obama), recipient of the Commemorative Presidential Print Award and the National Resource Defense Council Award.
- Personal details: noted for hospitality, community gardening (multiple “Yard of the Year” awards), married to Lawrence Arnold, seven children (Lawrence, Alford Sr., Jane, Shanterria, Cheryl, Bobby, Kimberly), 22 grandchildren, and 4 great‑grandchildren.
- Formal legislative actions included:
- The resolution expresses deep regret at her passing and honors her memory.
- Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare and make available an appropriate copy of the resolution for distribution to Arnold’s family.
Who is affected / impact
- Primary impact is ceremonial and symbolic: recognition of Essie Arnold’s contributions to Fairburn and the State of Georgia, and provision of an official commemorative document for her family and community.
- No regulatory, fiscal, or programmatic effects; does not create obligations or change law.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Introduced: January 7, 2025 (sponsored in text by Representatives Lydia Glaize and Derrick Jackson; packet lists Vanessa Caston LaFleur as an additional sponsor).
- Considered under suspension of the rules and passed in the House (voice vote / actions recorded February–March 2025).
- Enrolled March 14, 2025; signed by the Speaker (May 28, 2025); presented to the Secretary of State May 30, 2025.
- As a House memorial resolution, it follows an expedited, non‑controversial process typical for commendatory and condolence measures.
Bottom line
H.R. 226 is a ceremonial Georgia House resolution that formally honors Essie Frankie Mae Stegall Arnold for her civic leadership, faith‑based service, and community impact, and directs that a copy of the resolution be provided to her family.
