Judge Stephen Dillard (Courtesy photo)

Georgia Court of Appeals Chief Judge Stephen Dillard has a new official job.

Twitter laureate.

The Georgia House of Representatives gave Dillard that title in its first week of business for the year. House Resolution 35 was read and adopted Wednesday, “commending Chief Judge Dillard on his use of social media as a tool of civic engagement.”

The authors said Dillard “has been using social media to connect with the Georgians he serves, to educate them about the judicial process, and to promote civility, kindness, and compassion.” They made particular note of his standard Friday weekend wishes: “be good to each other.”

Dillard is approaching 15,000 Twitter followers. He had 10,000 by the time he was sworn in as chief judge. He invited all of them to watch his investiture, either in person or a live streamed broadcast. He frequently takes “judicial notice” of his followers' birthdays. He engages in lively discussions with them about college football, the Constitution, legal writing and the art of oral argument. He keeps the conversation upbeat and nonpolitical. He does show a bias in favor of footnotes and the Oxford comma—and his beloved Samford University. He also loves dogs.

“This distinguished gentleman has given inspiration to many through his high ideals and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and it is abundantly fitting and proper that his outstanding accomplishments and contributions be appropriately recognized,” the legislators said.

The resolution has a bipartisan group of lawyer-legislator named sponsors. They are Reps. Scott Holcomb, D-Atlanta, Chuck Efstration, R-Gwinnett, Robert Trammell, D-Luthersville, Matthew Wilson, D-Brookhaven, and Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs.

“Be it resolved by the house of representatives that the members of this body recognize Chief Judge Dillard for his efficient, effective, unselfish, and dedicated public service to the State of Georgia and commend him for his efforts at civic engagement as the 'Twitter laureate' of Georgia,” they said.

“Congrats, your honor!” @RepScottHolcomb tweeted Thursday.

“Very proud to co-sponsor this resolution,” @mwilsonGA tweeted.

Dillard responded on Twitter. “This is amazing,” @JudgeDillard replied. “Thank you @RepScottHolcomb and everyone else who made this happen. I am truly honored.”