23 LC 55 0025/AP
H. B. 373
- 1 -
House Bill 373 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE)
By: Representatives Jones of the 60
th
, Sainz of the 180
th
, Sharper of the 177
th
, McCollum of
the 30
th
, and Scott of the 76th
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 September 11 of each year as "First Responders2
Appreciation Day" in Georgia; to provide legislative findings; to provide for related matters;3
to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5
SECTION 1.6
The General Assembly finds that:7
(1) On September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked the United States, killing 2,977 people8
and injuring thousands more at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and in Somerset9
County, Pennsylvania;10
(2) First responders risked and sacrificed their lives on September 11, 2001, in order to11
render aid to victims of the terrorist attacks;12
(3) The sacrifice made by those first responders on September 11, 2001, exemplifies the13
heroic and dangerous work that first responders carry out every day in their communities;14
(4) Throughout the country, courageous and dedicated men and women work to protect15
and aid the public during emergencies as both professional and volunteer first responders,16 23 LC 55 0025/AP
H. B. 373
- 2 -
risking their own safety in the performance of their duty to protect the citizens of their
17
communities;18
(6) First responders are the first and best defense against all emergencies that threaten19
communities around the country and in this state; and20
(7) It is abundantly fitting and proper that the State of Georgia appropriately recognize21
and honor the sacrifices made by first responders in the service of their communities by22
designating September 11 of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Day" in23
Georgia.24
SECTION 2.25
Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and26
observances, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:27
"1-4-25.1.
28
(a) September 11 of each year is designated as 'First Responders Appreciation Day' in29
Georgia.30
(b) Officials and departments of the state, educational institutions, members of the media,31
and all citizens of Georgia are encouraged to participate in programs, displays, and32
activities that show appreciation to Georgia's first responders and the sacrifice they make33
in the service of their communities."34
SECTION 3.35
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.36