Rick Townsend
Contact
Email · rick.townsend@house.ga.gov
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29
Bills sponsored
this session · 78 all-time
49
Bills co-sponsored
this session · 49 all-time
4
Enacted into law
this session · 8 all-time
2548
Recorded votes
99%
Vote participation
voted in 99% of 2548 recorded votes
Voting scorecard
unknown session · computed from recorded roll-call votes
Party unity
99.5%
based on 1143 votes
Votes with own party's majority
Independence
0.5%
based on 1143 votes
Votes against own party's majority
Participation
99.7%
based on 1143 votes
Roll calls where a yes/no was cast
Sponsored (introduced)
78 billsCurrent session 29 bills
- HR 1747 House Study Committee on Restoring Georgia's Salt-Water Ecosystems; create Introduced
- HR 1665 House Study Committee on Environmental Protection Division Permit and Variance Procedures and Rights to Review; create Introduced
- HR 1378 Donor Day at the state capitol; February 20, 2026; recognize Introduced
- HR 916 Marshburn, John "JT"; election as Secretary of the College Republican National Committee; commend Introduced
- HR 915 Young, Celia; commend Introduced
- HR 525 Crew, Community Supervision Officer John; Department of Community Supervision's 2024 Officer of the Year; commend Introduced
- HR 335 Donor Day at the state capitol; February 13, 2025; recognize Introduced
- HB 1445 Juvenile proceedings; authorize sharing of GPS monitoring with law enforcement and school districts Introduced
- HB 1104 Health; prohibit certain examinations on an unconscious patient or a patient undergoing anesthesia without prior informed consent or authorization Introduced
- HB 1072 Environmental Protection Division; authorize director to investigate and consider out-of-state regulatory history when processing applications for certain permits Introduced
- HB 1056 Education; replace term auto-injectable epinephrine with epinephrine and consolidate provisions relating to epinephrine and schools Introduced
- HB 971 Quality Basic Education Act; home study students and private school students to enroll in college and career academies located in certain RESA service areas and adjacent local school systems; provide Introduced
- HB 970 Quality Basic Education Act; expand which healthcare professionals may conduct preparticipation physical examinations Introduced
- HB 969 Georgia State Employees Post-employment Health Benefit Fund; certain fund beneficiaries to not be disqualified from postretirement health benefits; provide Introduced
- HB 968 Controlled substances; mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are Schedule I; provide Introduced
- HB 873 Education, Department of; employ beneficiaries of Teachers Retirement System of Georgia; allow Introduced
- HB 793 Home Ownership Municipal Exemption (H.O.M.E.) Act; enact Signed
- HB 732 Glynn County; levy an excise tax Signed
- HB 644 Environmental Protection Division; authorize director to investigate and consider out-of-state regulatory history when processing applications for certain permits Introduced
- HB 643 Education; install key boxes at each school building in locations determined in collaboration with local law enforcement; provide Introduced
- HB 565 Income tax; increase annual aggregate limit for tax credits available for qualified education donations Introduced
- HB 554 APEX Now Program; enact Introduced
- HB 269 Education; revise requirements of child care learning centers and family child care learning homes Introduced
- HB 235 Georgia Supporting Living Donor Educators Act; enact Signed
- HB 234 Income tax; commercial pilot, aircraft mechanic, or an aircraft technician; exempt taxable net income as a sign-on bonus or retention bonus Introduced
Historical 49 bills
- HR 1031 Cockeram, Toni; commend Died
- HR 1027 Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE); PAGE Day at the state capitol; 02/20/24; recognize Died
- HB 1131 Education; evidence based suicide awareness and training programs; provide Died
- HB 941 Education; capital outlay funds may be used for educational facilities for voluntary pre-kindergarten programs provided by the school system; provide Died
- HB 1168 Motor vehicles; notation of certain medical conditions and disabilities on driver's licenses; provide Died
- HB 1167 Georgia Foundation for Public Education; prioritizing low-performing schools applicable to the award of grants to public schools by a nonprofit corporation; remove a provision Died
- HB 1098 Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act of 2024; enact Died
- HB 925 Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act; enact Died
- HB 1022 Colton-McNeill Act; enact Died
- HB 1384 Education; number of accumulated sick leave days for teachers and other school personnel; increase from three to five Died
- HR 1287 King & Prince Seafood®; commend Died
- HB 1350 Education; students shall not be counted absent from school due to performing in certain productions; provisions Died
- HB 1341 State symbols; white shrimp as official state crustacean; designate Signed
- HB 1338 Georgia Surface Mining Act of 1968; three-year moratorium on acceptance of applications for new permits; provisions Died
- HB 957 Water, ports and watercraft; penalties for failing to remove abandoned vessel; revise Died
- HB 1431 Income tax credit; film; certain qualified productions that are shot in certain rural counties; provide additional credit Died
- HR 1140 Donor Day at the state capitol; February 15, 2024; recognize Died
- HB 244 Board of Natural Resources; effective date for certain rules and regulations; extend Signed
- HB 181 Controlled Substances; mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine are Schedule I; provide Signed
- HR 719 Crews, Brandy; going above and beyond to save the life of a citizen in need; commend Died
- HR 119 Joint Study Committee on Censorship by Social Media Platforms; create Failed
- HR 740 Wickersham, Dr. Mary Eleanor; commend Died
- HB 349 Barbers and cosmetologists; repeal Chapter 10 and enact a new chapter that reorganizes, modernizes, and clarifies current regulation Died
- HB 273 Board of Natural Resources; extend date by which rules and regulations must be in effect for purposes of establishing criminal violations Died
- HR 690 Hooks, Jekyll Island Authority Executive Director Jones; outstanding public service and retirement; recognize Died
Co-sponsored
49 billsCurrent session 49 bills
- HR 1771 Goodman, Patricia; receipt of a Lifetime Achievement Award; commend Introduced
- HR 1427 Congress; pass Thiokol Memorial Gold Medical Act; urge Introduced
- HR 1420 Harrell, Anthony Trey; honoring the life and memory; condolences Introduced
- HR 1318 Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE); PAGE Day on Capitol Hill; recognize Introduced
- HR 1116 Cancer Action Day; February 4, 2026; honoring all cancer patients, survivors, and their families; recognize Introduced
- HR 1098 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies; work in supporting students and families across the state of Georgia; recognize Introduced
- HR 1016 Executive director, staff, and members of the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council; commend Introduced
- HR 1015 Seminole County Youth Poll Worker Initiative; commend Introduced
- HR 1008 State-wide water management plan; ratify amendments Signed
- HR 421 Charter Schools Day at the state capitol; February 26, 2025; recognize Introduced
- HR 416 Georgia's trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation; Trauma Awareness Day at the state capitol; February 26, 2025; recognize Introduced
- HR 368 Joint Study Committee on Intoxicating Cannabinoids in Consumable Hemp Products; create Introduced
- HR 308 Multi-Agency Alliance for Children; commend Introduced
- HR 272 Congress; U.S.D.A. modify eligibility requirements for SNAP Program; adopt legislation Introduced
- HR 179 Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE); 50th anniversary; PAGE Day at the state capitol; February 18, 2025; recognize Introduced
- HR 87 Keep Georgia Beautiful Day at the state capitol; February 6, 2025; recognize Introduced
- HR 43 Johnson, Bryce Alan; condolences Introduced
- HR 36 Ahmaud Arbery Foundation; commend Introduced
- HB 1429 Courts; juvenile court clerks collect and submit data regarding monetary sanctions assessed for juvenile offenders to the Administrative Office of the Courts; require Introduced
- HB 1294 Education; grace period of up to 180 days for transfer students to be evaluated for and receive medical and education services based upon medical forms executed by out-of-state physicians; provide Introduced
- HB 1271 Education; revise definition of education record to correct a cross-reference; provisions Introduced
- HB 1269 Quality Basic Education Act; content standards for digital literacy instruction; provide Introduced
- HB 1206 Education; require local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to consider total cost of ownership and related factors when purchasing school technology devices Introduced
- HB 1204 Employment; age discrimination; change age of individuals protected Introduced
- HB 1179 Revenue and taxation; excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations; provisions Introduced
Voting record
Historical 50 votes
| Bill | Vote | Result | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
|
HB 279
Insurance; discount for property owners who build a new property that better resists tornado, hurricane, or other catastrophic windstorm events; provide
House Vote #886 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
HB 1019
Revenue and taxation; statewide homestead exemption from certain ad valorem taxes; increase
House Vote #890 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
SB 195
"Freedom to Work Act"; enact
House Vote #885 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
HB 1049
Insurance Business Transfer Act; enact
House Vote #883 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
HR 854
Keith Jackson Memorial Intersection "Whoa Nellie"; Carroll County; dedicate
House Vote #889 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
HB 300
Solar Technology Trust Fund; fund within state treasury; establish
House Vote #884 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
HB 1292
Property; clerks of superior courts obtain photographic identification cards of individuals who present deeds or other instruments for recording; require
House Vote #888 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
SB 37
Sheriffs; qualification requirements for the office of sheriff; revise
House Vote #887 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 29, 2024 |
|
SB 347
Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit; additional judge of the superior courts; provide
House Vote #822 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 926
Second Chance Workforce Act; enact
House Vote #880 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 473
House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection in the Tree Care Industry; create
House Vote #828 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 499
Domestic relations; authorize child support and insurance policies for certain disabled children; provisions
House Vote #864 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 206
Local government; creation of Commercial Property Assessed Conservation, Energy, and Resiliency Development Authorities; provide
House Vote #837 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1432
House Disaster Mitigation and Resilience Study Committee; create
House Vote #854 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 76
State Employees' Health Insurance Plan; state health benefit plans to cover insulin medication at a reduced rate; provide
House Vote #859 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 542
Water Rights; the public trust doctrine; remove references
House Vote #823 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 580
City of Madison; mayor's vote when the city council is electing a mayor pro tempore; revise provisions
House Vote #832 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 584
City of Stockbridge; new homestead exemptions; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for residents, certain seniors, and residents with septic systems; provide
House Vote #832 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1360
House Study Committee on Alternatives to Opioids for Pain Management; create
House Vote #849 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1229
United States Department of Veterans Affairs; additional resources for elder care, nursing home access, and expanded disabled residential programs; urge; provide
House Vote #851 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 351
"Protecting Georgia's Children on Social Media Act of 2024"; enact
House Vote #817 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 916
General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
House Vote #865 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 157
Professions and Businesses; preclearance process in the licensing of individuals with criminal records who make an application to or are investigated by certain licensing boards and commissions; create
House Vote #875 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 495
Low THC Oil Patient Registry; term of validity of a registration card; provide
House Vote #868 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SR 609
Princess Trahlyta; dedicate a roundabout in her memory
House Vote #826 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 574
Alcovy Judicial Circuit; counties that make up said judicial circuit to provide additional investigators to the district attorney; authorize
House Vote #832 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1554
House Study Committee on Navigable Streams and Related Matters; create
House Vote #857 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1022
Local government; option to offer a state-wide homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes when current year assessed value exceeds the inflation rate; provide - CA
House Vote #833 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1435
Economic Development, Department of; support Vince Dooley Battlefield Preservation Fund; urge
House Vote #855 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1384
House Study Committee on Assessing the Semester and Quarter Systems at USG and TCSG Institutions; create
House Vote #850 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 1504
Griffin-Spalding County Area Regional Airport Authority; create and establish
House Vote #881 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 409
Local government; authorize local authorities to dispose of real property in the same manner as county governing authorities
House Vote #872 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 451
Public officers and employees; supplemental, illness-specific insurance for certain first responders with occupational post-traumatic stress disorder; require provision
House Vote #836 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SR 158
Northwest Georgia Logistics Corridor; designate as an official logistics growth corridor in Georgia
House Vote #827 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 349
Ad Valorem Taxation of Property; setting of millage rates; revise provisions
House Vote #861 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 189
Elections; text portions of ballots shall be counted for vote tabulation and recounts purposes; provide
House Vote #866 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 905
Zoning procedures; provisions authorizing administrative officers to exercise zoning powers; repeal
House Vote #876 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | fail | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 1450
Henry County Airport Authority; provide for ex-officio member
House Vote #881 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SB 479
Secondary Metals Recyclers; applicability of the definition of the term "used, detached catalytic converters" to said article; provide
House Vote #830 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 1303
Special license plates; Shepherd Center; establish
House Vote #835 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SR 189
General Assembly; development impact fees for educational purposes; provide -CA
House Vote #852 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 220
Property; means of enforcement of condominium and property owners' association instruments, rules, and regulations; provide
House Vote #839 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 302
General Assembly; appropriation of funds received from certain legal judgments or settlements; provide - CA
House Vote #863 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 1073
Local government; zoning; repeal additional hearing and notice provisions regarding halfway houses, drug rehabilitation centers, or other facilities for treatment of drug dependency
House Vote #873 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1166
House Study Committee on the Exchange, Storage, and Bond Coverage of Agricultural Products, Grain, and Livestock; create
House Vote #847 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 1207
Elections; proofing of ballots by local superintendents in certain races; provide
House Vote #844 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1042
Joint Study Committee on Judicial System Compensation; create
House Vote #831 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HR 1135
House Study Committee on Credit Card Fee on State Sales and Excise Tax and Their Impact on Georgia Merchants and Consumers; create
House Vote #846 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
HB 994
Torts; negligent operations of a vessel; revise liability
House Vote #842 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
|
SR 189
General Assembly; development impact fees for educational purposes; provide -CA
House Vote #853 - 2023-2024 Regular Session |
Yea | pass | March 28, 2024 |
Career history 2 past roles
- Lower chamber District 179 Republican
- Lower chamber District 179 Republican