WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HR 811

Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge; Chatham County; dedicate

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carl Gilliard

Designates a Chatham County bridge on SR 405 over SR 204 as the Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell Jr. Memorial Bridge and directs DOT to install and maintain memorial signage.

House Second Readers
#highways #bridges #andferries
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 811

Summary — H.R. 811 (Georgia House Resolution 811)

Title: Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge; Chatham County; dedicate
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Chief sponsor (bill text): Representative Carl Gilliard (162nd)
Classification: House resolution (honorary/dedicatory)

Purpose

To honor and recognize the life and community contributions of Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr., by dedicating a specific bridge in Chatham County in his memory.

Key provisions

  • Designates the bridge on State Route 405 over State Route 204 in Chatham County as the “Rev. Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. Memorial Bridge.”
  • Authorizes and directs the Georgia Department of Transportation (DOT) to erect and maintain appropriate signage reflecting this dedication.
  • Directs the Clerk of the Georgia House of Representatives to provide copies of the resolution to Reverend Mitchell’s family and to the DOT.

Background on Reverend Dr. Bennie R. Mitchell, Jr. (as recited in the resolution)

  • Born in Edgefield, South Carolina.
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedict College and a Master of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center at Morehouse School of Religion.
  • Served as pastor of Rockhill Baptist Church (Saluda, SC) and, beginning in 1974, as pastor of Connor’s Temple Baptist Church in Savannah, GA.
  • Led community initiatives including purchase and renovation of the historic McKelvy‑Powell Building as a community hub.
  • Recipient of honors including Omega Man of the Year, the Ivan Allen, Jr. Award for Excellence in Human Relations, a WSOK Image Award, and a Fannie Lou Hamer Award.

Who is affected / impact

  • Primary effect is honorary: the bridge will carry an official commemorative name.
  • Georgia DOT will incur modest costs related to producing, installing, and maintaining the signage.
  • The designation provides public recognition for Reverend Mitchell and his family and creates a permanent local memorial in Chatham County that may be referenced for civic, historical, and wayfinding purposes.

Procedural status and timeline (from provided actions)

  • Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce: 2025-01-28.
  • House First Readers: 2025-03-27; Second Readers: 2025-03-28.
  • Referred to Local & Consent Calendars: 2025-04-14; Considered in Local & Consent Calendars: 2025-05-22.
  • Placed on Congratulatory & Memorial Resolutions Calendar and laid before the House: 2025-05-23.
  • Adopted by the House and reported enrolled: 2025-05-23.

Notes

  • The resolution is ceremonial/dedicatory in nature and does not create a new regulatory framework or authorize substantive programmatic changes beyond the sign installation and maintenance direction to DOT.
  • A companion Senate bill is noted as S 299.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.