ATLANTA (March 12, 2024) — Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13th, Democratic Caucus Chair Sen. Elena Parent (D–Atlanta) and Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) will hold a press conference to discuss Senate Bill 522, also known as Donna’s Law. Senators Parent and Harrell will be joined by Chelsea Piatt from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Dr. Peter Ash from Emory University’s Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The press conference will follow a hearing on the measure in the Senate Committee on Public Safety.
Continue reading “Senators Elena Parent and Sally Harrell to Hold Press Conference on Legislation to Establish Voluntary “No Sell” Firearms List”Sen. Ed Harbison to Host Special Ceremony in honor of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame
ATLANTA (March 12, 2024)— Today, Sen. Ed Harbison (D–Columbus)will preside over a distinguished ceremony today, paying tribute to the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame (GMVHOF). The event will feature a dedication ceremony for the GMVHOF and the unveiling of the Class of 2023. Distinguished guests include Governor Brian P. Kemp and Speaker Jon Burns.
EVENT DETAILS:
• Date: Tuesday, March 12th, 2024
• Time: 1:30 p.m.
• Location: North Atrium Stairs, Georgia State Capitol, 206 Washington St., Atlanta, GA 30334
• This Event is Open to the Public.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
The ceremony will commence with the dedication of the Georgia Military Veterans’ Hall of Fame, followed by the induction of 15 veterans. These new inductees will join the ranks of 177 remarkable Georgians previously honored for their bravery and selflessness. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy and valor of Georgia’s military veterans.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
We kindly request members of the media to confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Sam White at the Senate Press Office (Sam.White@senate.ga.gov).
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Sen. Ed Harbison serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on State Institutions and Property. He represents the 15th Senate District, which includes Chattahoochee, Macon, Marion, Schley, Talbot and Taylor counties, as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0074 or via email at ed.harbison@senate.ga.gov.
Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus Honors 31 Women with 2024 Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award
ATLANTA (March 12, 2024) –Today, the Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus, co-chaired by Sen. Sally Harrell (D–Atlanta) and Rep. Kimberly Alexander (D–Hiram), honored 31 women from around the State of Georgia with the Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award during its annual Yellow Rose Ceremony.
Continue reading “Georgia Women’s Legislative Caucus Honors 31 Women with 2024 Nikki T. Randall Servant Leader Award”Sen. Sonya Halpern to Host Fourth Annual HBCU Heritage Day
ATLANTA (March 11, 2024) — On Wednesday, March 13th, Sen. Sonya Halpern, (D–Atlanta) will host a press conference in honor of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Heritage Day in partnership with Governor Brian P. Kemp.
Continue reading “Sen. Sonya Halpern to Host Fourth Annual HBCU Heritage Day”Capitol Recap – Week Nine
By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)
Following the conclusion of Crossover Day, which marked the final opportunity for Senate and House Bills to proceed through their respective chambers, the Senate is now dedicated to refining House bills as they advance through Senate committees. With only a few weeks remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, it has been a busy week in committees as we’ve deliberated legislation that seeks to amplify the voices and concerns of all Georgians.
We also dove back into Appropriations subcommittees to further discuss the budgetary needs of various state agencies. I was proud to chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture & Natural Resources. I also served as a member of the Subcommittee on Education & Higher Education. Through these presentations and discussions, we were able to assist in the creation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The FY 2025 Budget was passed by the House on Thursday of this week and is one step closer to being signed by Governor Brian P. Kemp.
While we have spent most of our time vetting House legislation this week, I was proud to see my legislative priorities continue to move in the House chamber. First, I am pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 345 through the House of Representatives. This bill will authorize the Probate Court of Dooly County to assess and collect a technology fee, and awaits signage by Gov. Kemp. Additionally, Senate Bill 390 is currently awaiting a hearing by the House Committee on Higher Education. Georgia libraries should no longer accept and use funds from the American Library Association, an organization which has lost its way and has no business providing educational materials to Georgians, especially young Georgians. I will not allow the liberal left’s dangerous agenda to creep into local libraries across our state. These are areas where our citizens, especially our children, should feel comfortable learning and opening their minds. I look forward to updating you further on this bill’s progress as makes its way through the remainder of our legislative process.
On another note, this week saw the Georgia Senate exercise its subpoena powers to uncover crucial information pertaining to the allegations directed at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The Georgia Senate took proactive measures to investigate these claims by summoning defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant to testify before the Senate Special Committee on Investigations. I have full confidence in the leadership of committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cowsert, and I am proud of the valuable information we were able to glean this week for the benefit of the people of Georgia. As a legislative body, we are committed to utilizing every available resource to uncover the truth.
I enjoyed spending time with a few of Georgia’s Boy Scouts from across the state. There are over 40,000 Boy Scouts currently in our state committed to responsible citizenship, character development and participation in outdoor activities. I look forward to hearing about these young men as they take the mantle and become future leaders in our great state.
Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session enters its final weeks.
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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and Secretary of the Senate Republican Caucus. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski, and Wilcox counties as well as portions of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.