06 LC 38
0098S
The
House Committee on State Institutions and Property offers the following
substitute
to HB 1292:
A
BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
AN ACT
To
amend Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating
to holidays and observances, so as to create a prison chaplains appreciation
day; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
studies prove chaplaincy and faith based programs have the strongest capacity
for redeeming, rehabilitating, and successfully moving inmates back into
society; and
WHEREAS,
with over 50,000 incarcerated, Georgia leads the nation in the percentage of its
population in prison; and
WHEREAS,
Georgiás
state and county prisons are served by dedicated prison chaplains who bring hope
into very difficult circumstances; and
WHEREAS,
Georgia prison chaplains are asked to meet the spiritual and physical needs of
thousands of inmates and staff with very limited resources; and
WHEREAS,
chaplains positively impact inmate behavior and reduce recidivism rates, thereby
contributing to the safety and well-being of Georgia.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Chapter
4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and
observances, is amended by adding a new Code Section 1-4-16 to read as
follows:
"1-4-16.
The
fourth Monday in March of each year is designated and shall be observed as
'Prison Chaplains Appreciation Day' in all state and private correctional
institutions in
Georgia."
SECTION
2.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.