23 LC 55 0023
H. B. 326
- 1 -
House Bill 326
By: Representatives Reeves of the 99
th
, Hilton of the 48
th
, Kennard of the 101
st
, McClain of
the 109
th
, Mughal of the 105
th
, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
1
holidays and observances, so as to designate January 17 as "Muhammad Ali Day"; to provide2
legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other3
purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
The General Assembly finds that:7
(1) Muhammad Ali, through his unrelenting spirit to dream, bravery, humility, and8
inspiring work ethic, committed himself to his passion for boxing and became, after9
winning the heavy weight title three times, an Olympic gold medal, and a total of 5610
matches during his 21-year professional career, the "Greatest Boxer of All Time";11
(2) Mr. Ali was a dedicated philanthropist who helped battle hunger around the world,12
worked with the Special Olympics and the Make A Wish Foundation, and vocalized13
support for Parkinson's disease research;14 23 LC 55 0023
H. B. 326
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(3) Mr. Ali devoted himself to service and faith and brought honor to our nation by
15
relying on the courage he found in his faith to stand up against injustice;16
(4) Mr. Ali, through his faith and love, committed himself to uniting our nation;17
(5) Mr. Ali's dedication and perseverance continued throughout his life, even after he18
was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease;19
(6) Mr. Ali has a special connection with the city of Atlanta, where he not only lit the20
cauldron at the 1996 Olympic Games but also, 26 years earlier, staged his comeback to21
the ring in the old Atlanta Municipal Auditorium against Jerry Quarry;22
(7) Mr. Ali is a source of inspiration for Georgia, the United States of America, and the23
entire world; and24
(8) It is abundantly fitting and proper that the State of Georgia appropriately recognize25
and honor the life of Muhammad Ali by designating his birthday as "Muhammad Ali26
Day" in Georgia and encouraging Georgians to remember his legacy and derive27
inspiration from the six core principles that fueled his journey: confidence, conviction,28
dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality.29
SECTION 2.30
Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and31
observances, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:32
"1-4-15.2.
33
(a) January 17 of each year is designated as 'Muhammad Ali Day' in Georgia.34
(b) Officials and departments of the state, educational institutions, members of the35
media, and all citizens of Georgia are encouraged to participate in programs, displays,36
and activities that pay tribute to the legacy of Muhammad Ali and derive inspiration from37
his incredible life and the six core principles that fueled his journey: confidence,38
conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality."39 23 LC 55 0023
H. B. 326
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SECTION 3.
40
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.41