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COLUMN: Walker: Week One Capitol Recap

By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Brian P. Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

One of my biggest priorities in this session is to address the occupational licensing processes here in Georgia. During the interim, I served on the Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee on Licensing Issues, where we identified significant challenges within our state’s licensing system. This session, I’m continuing that work as a member of the Special Joint Committee Investigating Licensing Issues. Our goal is to reform outdated non-renewal and inspection policies, paving the way for businesses to open and thrive more easily here in Georgia.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Gov. Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp also highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. As the head of my own insurance agency, I wholeheartedly agree with the governor that change is needed to benefit Georgians statewide. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that businesses are not weighed down by frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs.

Lastly, I am excited to announce I am returning as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor this session. In this role, I aim to help Gov. Kemp’s tort reform legislation proceed swiftly through the Senate. I will also serve as Secretary of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Rules and an Ex-Officio member on the Senate Committees on Health and Human Services and Retirement. Lastly, I have been re-elected as Secretary of the Majority Caucus, where I will support my fellow Republicans as they lead the caucus to craft legislation to benefit all Georgians.  

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 20th Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. 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.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Brian Strickland Reappointed as Chairman of Senate Committee on Judiciary

ATLANTA (January 17, 2025) — This week, Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) was reappointed as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The committee oversees legislation related to judicial proceedings in both civil and criminal practice, as well as matters concerning civil liberties, constitutional issues and general governmental information.

“I’m honored to serve another biennium as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary,” said Sen. Strickland. “The bills and resolutions that come before this committee require thorough and detailed deliberation. I am grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Committee on Assignments for entrusting me with the responsibility of leading these proceedings. Georgians deserve to know that the legislation impacting our civil and criminal justice system and our Constitutional rights is carefully considered. I’m committed to achieving that goal this session.”

Sen. Strickland, a practicing attorney with Smith, Welch, Webb & White in McDonough, has chaired the Senate Committee on Judiciary since 2021. In addition to being Chairman, he has been appointed to serve on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Banking and Financial Institutions, Ethics, and Health and Human Services. He will also be an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committees on Children and Families and Public Safety.

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Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. He represents the 42nd Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton counties. He may be reached at 404.463.6598 or by email at Brian.Strickland@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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COLUMN: Anavitarte: Week One Under the Gold Dome

The first week of the 2025 Legislative Session has officially come to a close. It is a privilege to return to work under the Gold Dome, where I remain steadfast in my commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to Georgians across our great state.

This legislative session is already off to a strong start. Governor Kemp has laid out a bold vision, focusing on initiatives that include increasing funding for school safety, enhancing our skilled workforce, providing aid to families impacted by Hurricane Helene, and continuing to expand access to affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians. By investing in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage career opportunities, we are taking critical steps to secure Georgia’s economic future.

In service of the 31st Senate District, I’m proud to have already introduced four pieces of legislation. These bills and resolutions address key priorities for the state of Georgia and, specifically, communities within my district. My first bill this session is incredibly close to my heart. Entitled “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,” it is named after two victims of horrific school shootings: Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, the defensive coordinator at Apalachee High School, and Alyssa Alhadeff, a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. This legislation will require all Georgia public schools to be equipped with mobile panic alarm systems, which enhance communication between school staff and first responders. Additionally, it mandates that every local school system catalog school mapping data for all public and private schools within its boundaries. I hope this legislation will honor Ricky and Alyssa’s memory by ensuring the security of our schools and providing them the justice they deserve.

While the first week has been productive, much work remains. Among the most pressing issues is supporting recovery efforts for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene. Many families, farmers, and small businesses are still grappling with the aftermath of this catastrophic storm. Governor Kemp’s announcement of $100 million in initial funding is an essential first step, but we know the road to recovery will be long and require sustained effort.

The Senate is committed to ensuring these communities have the necessary tools to rebuild. This includes expediting financial assistance, streamlining permitting processes for rebuilding critical infrastructure and working with federal and local partners to address gaps in relief. The resilience of these communities is a testament to the strength of Georgians, and we will do everything in our power to support those they represent.

During his annual “State of the State” address, Gov. Kemp highlighted the urgent need for tort litigation reform. Unfortunately, according to the American Tort Reform Foundation, Georgia has earned a reputation as having one of the most challenging legal climates in the country. We must work to reduce skyrocketing insurance premiums and ensure that frivolous lawsuits or excessive litigation costs do not weigh down businesses.

On a personal note, I’m pleased to share that the Senate has referred Senate Resolution 8 to the Senate Committee on Transportation. This resolution fulfills the promise I made in October to rename the intersection of State Route 92 and State Route 120 in Paulding County in honor of Deputy Brandon Cunningham, who gave his life in the line of duty. In Paulding County, we take pride in supporting our own, especially the brave men and women who serve on the front lines of our community. I am proud that Deputy Cunningham will be memorialized for his courage and sacrifice.

It is an honor beyond measure to serve the people of the 31st Senate District. Please don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns, and I look forward to seeing many of you soon under the Gold Dome.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Majority Caucus Chair. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached at 404.656.0085 or by email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Introduces “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” to Promote School Safety

ATLANTA (January 16, 2025) — This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, introduced Senate Bill 17 to improve school safety. The legislation honors Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. It is also named after Coach Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, defense coordinator at Apalachee High School, killed during a tragic shooting last September. This bill would require all Georgia public schools to install mobile panic alarm systems directly linked to emergency responders and state and local law enforcement. Additionally, the bill mandates that each local school system procure school mapping data for each public and private school within its boundaries.

“I’m determined to see Ricky and Alyssa’s Law reach the Governor’s desk,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “As the husband of a teacher and father to three school-aged daughters, I feel an obligation to ensure the protection of families across our state. This legislation will help law enforcement respond swiftly in times of crisis. I believe public support is strong, and I’m confident we can pass Ricky and Alyssa’s Law this session, providing our schools and law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent future tragedy.”

Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, voiced his support for the bill. “This legislation is deeply personal to me, as I serve the families of Barrow County who were impacted by the tragic school shooting at Apalachee,” said Sen. Dixon. “This bill directly benefits students, their families and our school systems by strengthening safety measures in Georgia’s learning environments. I applaud Sen. Anavitarte for his dedication to creating a more secure environment for schools statewide.”

“I believe that the safety of our students is a critical issue that requires our immediate attention and commitment,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Having an alert system, like the one used in Barrow County and proposed in ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,’ will ensure security and well-being of Georgia’s students and teachers. I want to thank Senator Anavitarte for prioritizing this important issue.”

Similar legislation bearing the name Alyssa’s Law has been enacted in New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Oklahoma. With Sen. Anavitarte’s proposal, Georgia joins more than ten other states actively working to pass this critical school safety measure.

You can find more information on SB 17 here.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Sam Watson Appointed Chairman of Senate Committee on Ethics

ATLANTA (January 16, 2025)—This week, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie) to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. The committee is responsible for overseeing ethical issues affecting the Senate, governmental entities, public officials and election and voting officials.

“It is a true privilege to be appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics,” said Sen. Watson. “Defending our democracy is a constitutional obligation, and I’m deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Committee on Assignments for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will work to hold our public officials accountable and preserve the integrity of our state institutions throughout my tenure as chairman.”

Sen. Watson, a farmer and agribusinessman, has served in the Senate since 2023. In addition to chairing the Senate Committee on Ethics, he has been appointed to serve as a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, and State and Local Government Operations. He will also be an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and Natural Resources and the Environment.

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Sen. Sam Watson serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 11th Senate District, which includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole and Thomas counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0065 or by email at Sam.Watson@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.