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Senators Jason Anavitarte and Brian Strickland Introduce Legislation Regarding Illegal Immigration

ATLANTA (February 29, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, and Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, unveiled two new legislative initiatives addressing criminal procedure concerning individuals who immigrate to the state illegally.

The first proposal is a resolution amending the Constitution of Georgia, which would empower the Georgia General Assembly to either outlaw parole for undocumented immigrants or establish specific parole terms and conditions for those who fall into this category. The second initiative is a bill delineating the criteria for bail hearings concerning undocumented immigrants, as well as individuals charged with a felony punishable by imprisonment for one year or more and deemed removable or dismissible aliens.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to our legislators for tackling this vital issue,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “As a former police chief, Army officer, and Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide constitutional officer, I deeply value law and order. The proposed measures introduce strict bail conditions and revise parole rules, which demonstrates Georgia’s dedication to these values, addresses federal immigration policy flaws, and enhances the safety and welfare of all Georgians.”

Sen. Anavitarte commented on the two proposed pieces of legislation, stating, “I felt compelled to introduce these measures as they aim to enhance the protection of our state’s citizens. I approached the drafting of these bills with a balanced perspective, recognizing the importance of upholding the rule of law, while also addressing our broken immigration system. These measures reinforce our commitment to cultivating a judicial system that is both fair and just, prioritizing the security of our state and the welfare of our communities.”

“Immigration reform should start with enforcing the laws we already have on the books,” said Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), who partnered with Sen. Anavitarte to draft this legislation. “While we wait for Washington to address our broken system, this legislation makes certain that Georgia is protecting our citizens from those in our country illegally that choose to commit crimes. Georgia should remain a welcoming place for all immigrants that are following the rules and attempting to navigate our broken system but stand up against those few that choose to ignore our laws and commit crimes against our citizens.”

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31 which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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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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Sen. Russ Goodman Celebrates Senate Passage of “Austin’s Law” to Strengthen Laws Regarding Drug-related Deaths

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2024) – On Tuesday, Senate Bill 465 sailed through the Senate floor with nearly unanimous bipartisan backing. Commonly referred to as “Austin’s Law,” the bill tackles revisions to legislation concerning controlled substances and fentanyl-related fatalities. Sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell), the bill secured passage with a resounding 49-3 vote.

“Keeping Georgians safe is my top priority,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “While gridlock and backroom politics in Washington have limited movement of legislation in regard to fentanyl trafficking, here in Georgia, we are dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of our citizens. ‘Austin’s Law’ will hold fentanyl dealers and manufacturers accountable and will help prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians.”

“This bill bears the name of one of my constituents, a talented young man. Unfortunately, like many we know, Austin battled anxiety and depression, self-medicating with Xanax purchased off the streets,” remarked Sen. Goodman. “Tragically, one of those pills was tainted with fentanyl, costing him his life. This legislation is a shield for individuals like Austin, shielding them from those who poison our communities and claim the lives of our loved ones. There’s nothing more paramount than safeguarding our families, friends, and neighbors, and that’s precisely what ‘Austin’s Law’ seeks to achieve. I deeply appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for making this issue a priority.”

Named after a Georgian who unwittingly ingested a fentanyl-laced pill and subsequently lost his life, “Austin’s Law” establishes a new category of offense: felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, under which drug dealers and distributors can be prosecuted.

This legislation will now go to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

More information on SB 465 can be found here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents the 8th Senate District which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes counties and portions of Ware County. He may be reached via email at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov.