Week Nine at the Capitol

By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)

Last week in the Senate, we got to work vetting, amending and passing legislation sent to us from the House. Much of that legislation has to do with taxes, as all tax legislation must originate in the House, so I will be updating you in the next few weeks on what tax legislation we’ll be hearing on the Senate floor.

Last week, we took up six pieces of legislation on the Senate floor, one of which has to do with updates to our election voting machines. House Bill 316 makes improvements to our current machines in several areas, but the one you will most likely notice is the way the machine lets you cast your ballot. These new machines will work almost the same as the ones we have now, as they’ll still employ touch screen technology to select the candidates you would like to vote for, however the difference is the machines will print off a paper receipt of your selections after so you can confirm your ballot before scanning a barcode on the paper receipt to officially submit your ballot. This is a little different than years past, but is just as easy and user friendly. Several other states use this kind of voting machine and it has proven an efficient and easy way for everyone, regardless of age or a disability, to vote.

Additionally, a hearing was held on House Bill 481, which would make it a crime to perform abortions after a heartbeat is detected at six weeks. It is a pro-life measure aimed at ensuring that more innocent children are not aborted before they are born, and that they are protected people under Georgia law. We want every child to have the opportunity to live, as life is precious. I will continue to update you on the progress of this legislation.

Lastly, I sponsored a resolution to commend Smokey Bear, the mascot of the U.S. Forest Service, for his 75th birthday. Smokey Bear’s mission is to encourage people to be cognizant of wildfires and the risk they pose to our forests. It is the longest running public service campaign in the United States. With Smokey were representatives from the Georgia Forestry Commission who work hard to prevent and fight wildfires, as well as educate people on the benefit of prescribed fires. Remember, only you can prevent wildfires!

Thank you again for trusting me to represent you at the state Capitol. As we move into the last few weeks of the legislative session, please do not hesitate to reach out if there is anything you feel strongly about. My door and phone lines are always open. Also, if you’d like to visit the Capitol soon, please reach out to my office. Things are busy, but I love the opportunity to visit with people from home.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Caucus Vice Chairman for the Majority Party.  He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Houston, Laurens and Pulaski counties.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov