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Georgia House opens with prayer, multiple recognitions and announcements; member raises a fatality allegation
Summary
The House began with an invocation by Pastor George Dillard, recognized numerous civic and professional groups, heard committee meeting announcements, and recorded an allegation on the floor by Representative Sam Park that Alex Preddy was shot and killed by federal immigration agents; the record shows no response or verification during the session.
The Georgia House opened its legislative day with a prayer delivered by Pastor George Dillard and proceeded through a series of morning orders and recognitions that included student groups, professional associations and community organizations.
Pastor George Dillard, introduced by Chairman Josh Bonner, offered a personal reflection on simplifying priorities and appealed to lawmakers to "let go of the stuff the world tells you that you need," concluding the invocation with a prayer for cooperation and wisdom. "Love God, love people," he said.
Members recognized a variety of delegations in the gallery: the Sisters in Law student organization at Georgia State University; neurotherapy practitioners led by Dr. Clay; community violence intervention groups that work on preventing gun violence; a delegation marking Addiction Recovery Awareness Day; youth civic leaders from College Park; the Viningle junior boys all-star baseball team; optometrists; Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters; and the Georgia Business Aviation Association. Several members used the well to thank and acknowledge these visitors and to invite colleagues to related events and meetings.
On the floor, Representative Bell apologized for violating chamber decorum by draping a flag over his back during the pledge the prior day. "I apologize to my colleagues, speaker of the house, the staff, and other members," he said.
Representative Sam Park made a serious allegation while recognizing the life of Alex Preddy, stating that Preddy "was shot and killed in broad daylight by federal immigration agents while exercising his constitutional rights." The House transcript records the remark as delivered from the well and does not include a response, verification, or further inquiry in the session's floor record.
Chairs and committee leaders announced multiple committee meetings and schedules for the following day, including subcommittee and full committee gatherings on health, natural resources, appropriations and small business development.
The House completed morning and afternoon orders and, after a motion by the majority leader, adjourned until 10:00 a.m. on Jan. 29, 2026.
Sources: Invocation and recognitions by Pastor George Dillard and multiple members; floor remarks by Representative Bell and Representative Sam Park.
