Georgia HR1496: Nichols, Robert Elmo, Sr.; honoring the life and legacy; condolences

What the bill says

A resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A RESOLUTION Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, from 1798 until 1942, African Americans were denied the opportunity to serve in the United States Marine Corps; and WHEREAS, in 1942, under a presidential directive issued by Franklin D. Roosevelt, African American men were finally allowed to enlist in the Marine Corps, becoming known as the Montford Point Marines-the first Black Marines in American history; and WHEREAS, Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr. was born on September 23, 1923, in Norfolk, Virginia, to the late Jeffrey Napoleon Nichols and Maggie Sykes Nichols; and WHEREAS, a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Class of 1943, Robert, affectionately known as "Elmo," answered the call to serve his country during World War II and became one of the pioneering African Americans recruited into the Marine Corps; and WHEREAS, he was assigned to the 54th Defense Battalion at Montford Point, the segregated training facility established for Black Marine recruits in Jacksonville, North Carolina; and H. R. 1496 LC 129 1269 WHEREAS, following his honorable service in World War II, Robert continued his pursuit of excellence by attending Virginia State College, where he earned a degree in Business Administration and received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army Reserve through the Reserve Officers' …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Eric Bell (D) · primary sponsor
• Angela Moore (D, HD-091)
• Dexter Sharper (D, 177)
• Gabriel Sanchez (D, 42)
• McClain, Dewey (D, 109)

Latest actions

1. February 25, 2026: House Read and Adopted
2. February 25, 2026: House First Readers
3. February 25, 2026: House Hopper

Common questions

What is HR1496?

HR1496 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Nichols, Robert Elmo, Sr.; honoring the life and legacy; condolences.

What does HR1496 do?

In its own words: A resolution Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols, Sr.; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HR1496?

Passed both chambers as of February 25, 2026. Latest action: House Read and Adopted (February 25, 2026).

Who sponsored HR1496?

Eric Bell (D), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HR1496?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73686