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Senate Passes Legislation to Fight Against Human Trafficking in Georgia

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) — Sen. Shawn Still (R–Johns Creek) proudly carried critically important legislation focused on Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes pass with unanimous, bipartisan support on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 512 and Senate Resolution 616.

“Today’s passage of SB 512 and SR 616 marks a pivotal moment in our fight against human trafficking in Georgia,” said Sen. Still. “With the creation of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and Commission, we’re taking proactive measures to support and empower survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future exploitation. Together, we’re sending a clear message: in Georgia, we stand united against human trafficking, and we’ll continue working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Legislation for SB 512 aims to create a Human Trafficking Victims Fund for people of all ages, whereas current laws only support minors with victim fund support. Further, it would shift the burden of accountability from minors convicted of misdemeanor sexual solicitation to the adult in respective scenarios. Lastly, this measure pushes Georgia hotels and motels to efficiently train their employees — specifically housekeeping and temporary employment agency staffers — by utilizing materials published by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The CJCC training package includes educational material on identifying and reporting signs of human trafficking.

Also attached to SB 512 is a Human Trafficking Victims Fund constitutional amendment, SR 616, which would activate SB 512’s fund for victims to receive care, rehabilitative and social services for individuals in Georgia. This constitutional amendment would need to be approved by Georgia voters on the ballot in November.

Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) applauded the passage of these measures, stating, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I am proud to see SB 512 and SR 616 pass with unanimous support. These critical measures represent a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in Georgia, addressing everything from victim support to law enforcement tools. I commend Sen. Shawn Still for his leadership on this important issue, and I’m confident that we will continue to make strides in safeguarding our state from these heinous crimes.”

“Both of these bills meet a crucial need in Georgia,” said Bob Rodgers, the President & CEO of Street Grace — a nationwide anti-trafficking organization that utilizes evidence-based demand reduction strategies to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children through prevention, protection, policy and pursuit. “Traffickers will find it much harder to operate if we train hotel staff, adult survivors will have access to resources through the Fund, and accountability will be placed where it should be when it comes to the exploitation of minors—on the adult exploiter. I appreciate Sen. Still for his work on these measures.”

You can find more information on SB 512 here and more information on SR 616 here. These measures will now be sent to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

More information on the CJCC can be found here; and more information on Street Grace can be found here.

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Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett County. He may be reached by email at shawn.still@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Passes Resolution to Honor Cherokee Princess Trahlyta in Dahlonega

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Senate Resolution 609, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), was unanimously passed with bipartisan support on Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. The resolution commemorates the life of Cherokee Princess Trahlyta by dedicating a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 60, State Route 9, and U.S. Highway 19 — known as Stone Pile Gap north of Dahlonega in Lumpkin County.

Traditionally, the intersection has been a site of homage to Princess Trahlyta, where passersby would leave small stones for good fortune and to honor the memory of the Cherokee tribe leader at her grave. With the dedication of the roundabout, the Georgia Department of Transportation is authorized to install and maintain a historical marker commemorating the Circle of Princess Trahlyta at Stone Pile Gap. This resolution addresses a longstanding issue in the area stemming from the removal of the former historical marker originally located there.

“Princess Trahlyta holds significant importance in the history and folklore of North Georgia, Lumpkin County and Dahlonega,” remarked Sen. Gooch. “Her deep affection for the North Georgia Mountains and her compassionate leadership exemplify the cherished qualities of this beautiful region. By marking her grave with the dedication of this traffic circle and historical signage, her memory will endure for generations to come.”

The legend of Princess Trahlyta is a tale kept alive by the descendants of her tribe, who believe that her eternal youth and beauty were bestowed by the magical springs of the mountain, now known as Porter Springs. In her later years, Trahlyta was abducted and held captive by a spurned admirer named Wahsega, who forcibly took her away from her family, her people, and the springs. In her weakened state, far from her homeland, she passed away, but not before expressing her final wish to be returned and laid to rest in the serene mountain forests of her birthplace.

Read more about Senate Resolution 609 here.

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov

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Senate Passes the “Boundless Opportunities for Georgia Students Act”

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) — On Tuesday, the Georgia State Senate granted full passage to Senate Bill 147. Sponsored by Sen. Shawn Still (R–Johns Creek), this measure, known as the “Boundless Opportunities for Georgia Students Act,” enables student transfers between public school systems.

Senator Still expressed his satisfaction with the bill’s passage, stating, “I am pleased that my Senate colleagues approved this straightforward school transfer bill, which offers additional public options for all students. With approximately 1.8 million children enrolled in K-12 education in our state, and one-third of those students attending failing schools, this legislation opens doors for more of Georgia’s children to thrive. It’s a win-win situation, retaining funds within the public education system while empowering parents to choose the best school for their child, regardless of zip code or economic status. I am grateful to my colleagues for recognizing the significance of this bill and voting in favor of it.”

The bill will now proceed to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

Read the full text of SB 147 here.

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Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett County. He may be reached by email at shawn.still@senate.ga.gov.

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Statement from Sen. Tim Bearden Regarding Senate Passage of Legislation to Deter Drug-related Deaths

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Sen. Tim Bearden (R- Carrollton) made the following statement regarding the Georgia Senate Passing Senate Bill 465 on Feb. 27, 2024:

“This crucial legislation, aimed at curbing the distribution of deadly fentanyl, aligns perfectly with the reasons I chose to run for office in the 30th Senate District. Fentanyl abuse has plagued our state for far too long, devastating families and communities alike.

I am excited to have voted in favor of Senate Bill 465. By imposing harsher penalties on those involved in fentanyl distribution and tightening regulations, this legislation will bolster our efforts to combat the epidemic of drug abuse and save countless lives.

I want to extend my gratitude to my colleague, Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), for sponsoring this legislation and to the rest of my Senate colleagues for their support in prioritizing public safety. SB 465 marks a significant step forward in our efforts to safeguard the health and well-being of all Georgians, and I am honored to have played a part in its passage.”

For more information on SB 465, you may read here.

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Sen. Tim Bearden represents the 30th Senate District which includes Carroll, Douglas, Haralson, and Paulding counties. He can be reached at (404) 463-5257 or via email at tim.bearden@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Matt Brass Celebrates Self-Direction Day

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Sen. Matt Brass (R–Newnan) proudly recognized February 15, 2024, as Self-Direction Day in the Georgia State Senate, marked by the adoption of Senate Resolution 492. This legislation celebrates Self-Direction, a program for people with developmental disabilities that gives individuals the opportunity to choose their own services, select staff members they’d like to work with and determine the organizations providing support, all on a schedule that suits them best. Sponsored by Sen. Brass, this resolution represents a significant milestone in advocating for individuals’ independence and self-determination in their communities.

Senator Brass emphasized the importance of celebrating this day, stating, “This is a day that highlights the significance of empowering individuals to make choices about their long-term services and support. Through self-direction, individuals gain greater control over their resources and staffing, leading to improved outcomes and reduced costs compared to traditional provider-directed services.”

Since its implementation in Georgia in 2005, Self-Direction has expanded to five different Home and Community-Based Waiver Programs, providing essential medical care and services to the elderly and disabled. Senator Brass commends the progress made in promoting self-direction and looks forward to further advancing policies supporting individual choice and control over long-term care.

You can find more information on SR 492 here.

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Sen. Matt Brass serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules. Sen. Brass represents the 28th Senate District, which includes Coweta and Heard, as well as parts of Douglas and Fulton County. He can be reached by email at matt.brass@senate.ga.gov.