Bill
HR 488
House resolution commends SOWEGA-AHEC for boosting healthcare access and workforce across 38 Southwest Georgia counties; ceremonial, with no legal effect.
Status: Resolution Adopted (final listed action 2025-10-14)
Introduced: January 16, 2025
Classification: House resolution (honorary/commemorative)
Note on source material
- The version text provided appears to contain two distinct resolution drafts merged into one document:
1. A commendation of the Southwest Georgia Area Health Education Center (SOWEGA‑AHEC) (detailed accomplishments and leadership).
2. A condolence/memorial resolution mourning the death of Cordell Byron Smith of Chicago (biographical/memorial language).
- The bill metadata and sponsors also mix names from multiple jurisdictions. Because the measure is a non‑binding resolution, the substantive impact is honorary/ceremonial. Verify the official legislative record for the authoritative final text.
Purpose and intent
- The primary substantive text commends SOWEGA‑AHEC for its contributions to healthcare workforce development and for improving access to care across 38 counties in southwest Georgia.
- The alternate text expresses condolences and memorializes Cordell Byron Smith of Chicago, noting his life, service, and family.
Key provisions / notable language
- Commendation of SOWEGA‑AHEC:
- Recognizes SOWEGA‑AHEC as a nonprofit whose mission is to increase access to healthcare by improving the number and equitable distribution of providers across 38 southwest Georgia counties.
- Praises leadership and long‑term staff: Dr. Winston Price (Chairman), Laura Calhoun (Executive Director), Zina Whittaker (Administrator — 25 years service), Dr. James Hotz (Co‑Founder/34 years, Emeritus).
- Cites 2024 activity metrics: engaged >5,800 participants, recruited 3,898 students, facilitated retention of 1,266 healthcare providers, and conducted >2,000 classroom presentations (AHEC Scholars IPE, Pathway to Med School, high school camps, shadowing).
- Notes programs: Community Paramedicine Program (since 2022; lists participating hospitals) and RN Reentry Program (active since 2007).
- Directs the Clerk to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available to SOWEGA‑AHEC.
- Memorial for Cordell Byron Smith:
- Recites biographical details (South Side of Chicago upbringing, education at De La Salle Institute and DePaul University, transportation work, church service, personal interests) and extends condolences to family and friends.
Who is affected
- Honorary recognition for SOWEGA‑AHEC and its staff; symbolic support for healthcare workforce development in southwest Georgia communities.
- Bereavement acknowledgement for the family and community of Cordell Byron Smith.
- No regulatory, appropriations, or statutory changes; it is purely ceremonial.
Procedural/timeline highlights
- Introduced: 2025‑01‑16.
- Various referrals listed (Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence; Committee on the Judiciary; and additional committees per the Speaker).
- Read and adopted in the House on 2025‑03‑04; listed as “Adopted” 2025‑03‑31 and “Reported enrolled” 2025‑04‑01 in the provided actions; final “Resolution Adopted” noted 2025‑10‑14.
- Companion bill listed: S.150.
Practical impact
- The resolution confers formal recognition and expresses condolences; it creates no legal rights, obligations, or funding changes. It serves to document legislative appreciation for SOWEGA‑AHEC’s work and to memorialize an individual.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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