Georgia · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 417: Public Officers and Employees; public employees to self-organize or to be represented by a labor organization and bargain collectively with the state; authorize
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 417 is a bill introduced in the Georgia Senate on January 16, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Public Officers and Employees; public employees to self-organize or to be represented by a labor organization and bargain collectively with the state; authorize. Primary sponsor: Nikki Merritt (Democratic), Harold Jones (Democratic), Nan Orrock (Democratic), Sheikh Rahman (Democratic), Kenya Wicks (Democratic), Donzella James (Democratic), Sally Harrell (Democratic), Kim Jackson (Democratic), Jaha Howard (Democratic), Nabilah Parkes, RaShaun Kemp (Democratic), Elena Parent (Democratic), Freddie Powell Sims. Most recent recorded action (January 27, 2026): Senate Read and Referred.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 19 of Title 45 of the O.C.G.A., relating to labor practices of public officers and employees; to amend Code Section 16-8-16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to theft by extortion; to repeal and reserve Code Section 20-2-989.10 of the O.C.G.A., relating to collective bargaining not permitted or fostered; to repeal and reserve Chapter 5 of Title 25 of the O.C.G.A., relating to resolution of wages, hours, and working conditions of firefighters; to amend Code Section 45-7-54 of the O.C.G.A., relating to voluntary contributions by state employees through payroll deductions to certain not for profit organizations; to amend Chapter 19 of Title 45 of the O.C.G.A., relating to labor practices of public officers and employees; provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 11
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikki Merritt | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 9 |
| Harold Jones | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 22 |
| Nan Orrock | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 36 |
| Sheikh Rahman | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 5 |
| Kenya Wicks | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 34 |
| Donzella James | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 28 |
| Sally Harrell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 40 |
| Kim Jackson | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 41 |
| Jaha Howard | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 35 |
| Nabilah Parkes | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| RaShaun Kemp | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 38 |
| Elena Parent | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 44 |
| Freddie Powell Sims | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Senate Read and Referred
- Senate Hopper