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Walker: Week Twelve Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The 2024 Legislative Session has officially wrapped up, and from the get-go, Senate Republicans set ambitious goals for the session—to expand economic opportunities, fostering an educated workforce and enhancing community safety, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of Georgians. I couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishments this session.

We wasted no time in tackling a range of legislative priorities, from tax relief to education, workforce development, and public safety. The Georgia Senate successfully provided $2 billion in tax relief for state-income taxpayers and homeowners through SB 349, putting money directly back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Additionally, SB 426, our tort reform legislation, safeguards Georgia businesses and curbs frivolous lawsuits that drive up insurance costs and hinder economic growth. We also took significant action by unanimously supporting Sen. Greg Dolezal’s SB 233, which offers school choice to students stuck in underperforming public schools.

Furthermore, we worked diligently to streamline regulations, passing several workforce development measures to expedite employment for various professionals and military spouses. And we didn’t stop there—we took a strong stance against gangs, violent criminals and rogue prosecutors with legislation like the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act” and the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” as well as various bills addressing illegal immigration.

Our commitment to Georgia’s future was evident this week, with the passage of several crucial bills. Most notably, we came together with the House to approve the state FY 2025 budget, ensuring essential funding for education, law enforcement, and mental health programs. Crafting this $36 billion budget was no small feat, but it reflects Georgia’s steadfast fiscal conservatism amidst federal spending recklessness. This budget prioritizes our children, allocating significant funds for literacy programs, pupil transportation, and school security grants. After all, our children are the future of Georgia, and they deserve nothing but the best from this body.

In addition to passing the budget, Senate Republicans passed legislation protecting vulnerable minors, Georgia elections, law enforcement vehicles, firearms carriers and motorists. House Bill 993 would create the felony offense of grooming a minor punishable by one to five years in prison. It also protects against the sexual exploitation of minors using digitally altered material. House Bill 959 would create the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission. House Bill 974 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a state-wide system for the posting of scanned paper ballots and expand the number of risk-limiting audits of races. House Bill 500 would create the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle. House Bill 1018, titled the “Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act” would require the use of a firearms code that distinguishes firearms retailers from other retailers. Lastly, House Bill 617 would develop and maintain a state-wide freight and logistics implementation plan. Each of these pieces of legislation serves a significant purpose in protecting Georgians every day, and I was proud to support them in the Senate chamber.

I am also proud to announce the passage of additional legislative priorities which I have either authored or carried, through both the House and Senate chambers. These priorities include House Bill 1049 and Senate Bills 105, 110, 195, 240, 322, 354 and 449. I am especially proud to have sponsored and voted in favor of Senate Bills 195 and 322. SB 195, titled the Freedom to Work Act, will expedite the license-to-work process by reducing the issuance timeline from 90 to 30 days. This is an important piece of legislation as we strive to continue supporting both our military and workforce development. Additionally, SB 322 would provide for an increase in dues to the Sheriff’s Retirement Fund, further supporting our men and women in blue by taking steps to provide for their future success. These legislative priorities will now advance to the desk of Governor Brian P. Kemp for a signature.

In summary, the 2024 Legislative Session was marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly make Georgia stronger for generations to come. Thank you for your support and concern—it’s because of you that we can continue to work towards a better future for our state.

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

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Sen. John Albers Applauds Senate’s Passage of HB 808

ATLANTA (Mar. 27, 2024) — On Tuesday, Mar. 26th, House Bill 808 garnered unanimous approval from members of the Georgia Senate. Carried in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell), the bill aims to alleviate tax burdens on small businesses in Georgia. Specifically, it seeks to reduce taxes on tangible personal property, items that have traditionally been subjected to annual taxation, posing financial strains on businesses across the state.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the Georgia economy,” said Sen. Albers. “I was so proud to work with NFIB and Rep. Cheokas to pass House Bill 808. This legislation lowers the tax burden, allowing our businesses to grow and thrive.”

Rep. Mike Cheokas (R–Americus), the bill’s sponsor, said, “This is a great day for business in Georgia. I want to thank Shaw Blackmon, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, for his continued support and guidance in getting this measure passed in the Georgia House of Representatives. I am equally grateful to the hard work of Sen. John Albers for navigating H.B. 808 through the Senate. This was a team effort. I hope this will be the first step in reducing the burden of high taxes and prohibitive regulations that adversely affect businesses in Georgia.”

The timing of the legislation is noteworthy, coinciding with record levels of inflation and government expenditure. Sen. Albers underscored the bill’s relevance in addressing the escalating costs associated with business ownership and operation, attributing these challenges to federal fiscal policies.

NFIB State Director Hunter Loggins released the following statement yesterday on HB 808.

“House Bill 808 raises the threshold for paying this onerous tax,” Loggins said. “Small businesses already pay sale taxes on equipment, desks, and other property. The tangible personal property tax means they’re paying taxes on the same items year after year. Raising the threshold for paying this tax would ease the financial pressure on employers struggling with inflation that continues to drive up the cost of owning and operating a small business.

With the bill awaiting Governor Brian P. Kemp’s signature, its journey is far from over. Given its implications for the State’s Constitution, the measure will undergo scrutiny from Georgia citizens in November, as it necessitates a constitutional amendment for enactment.

You can find more information on HB 808 here.

Quotes sourced from the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

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Sen. John Albers serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of Cherokee, Cobb and North Fulton counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Celebrates Final Passage of Legislation to Ban Foreign Ownership of Georgia Agricultural Land

ATLANTA (Mar. 26, 2024) – Legislation aimed at safeguarding Georgia’s agricultural interests, food supply and national security has been forwarded to Governor Brian P. Kemp for signage into law. Sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Senate Bill 420 aims to prohibit perilous foreign adversaries from owning agricultural land or land within a 10-mile radius of a military base, installation, or airport in Georgia.

Senator Anavitarte, reflecting on the passage of this pivotal legislation, stated, “the Chinese government essentially validated our longstanding suspicions of their willingness to undermine our national security, as evidenced by their deployment of spy balloons over military installations just last year. I take great pride in authoring this legislation, and I am confident that it will shield all Georgians while prioritizing homeland security.”

SB 420, was crafted in response to a 2021 Department of Agriculture report revealing that China possessed 384,000 acres of American agricultural land, marking a 30% surge from 2019 to 2020. An illustrative instance of China’s strategic land acquisition emerged in 2022 when Fufeng Group, a Chinese entity linked to the Chinese Communist Party, sought to purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Apart from jeopardizing economic stability and overall security at both state and national levels, foreign dominion over such assets imperils the nation’s food supply and the livelihoods of Georgia farmers.

SB 420 complies with federal fair housing regulations by exempting primary residences from its purview and stipulates timeframes for covered nonresident aliens to divest agricultural properties they presently own or may acquire in the future through debt settlement or inheritance.

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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.

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Capitol Recap – Week Eleven

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

As the 2024 Legislative Session nears its conclusion, the Georgia Senate is in the midst of its final days, with only one week left to address legislative matters. This last week marked the culmination of our collective efforts as a caucus and as individual legislators.

I’m pleased to announce the passage of the “Back the Blue Act”, originally conceived by Lt. Governor Jones when he served in the Senate.  With his encouragement, I introduced the concept again last session and finally got it through both bodies last week. This measure offers an opportunity for Georgians to contribute to the Back the Blue Fund, when they renew their vehicle registration. This Fund will provide Georgia Sheriffs with the ability to award merit bonuses to their deputies and jailers. We’ve done a lot in the way of increasing compensation for state law enforcement, and it’s time we enhance compensation for local law enforcement. 

Furthermore, the Georgia Senate has taken significant steps regarding various tax-related proposals. I am delighted to have supported House Bill 808, which raises the statewide ad valorem tax exemption for tangible personal property. This property tax cut with help Georgia small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, reinvest their hard-earned dollars to grow their business instead of growing government. I also voted in favor of House Bill 1015, a priority for Governor Brian P. Kemp. This bill accelerates the phase-in of the historic state income tax reduction we passed in 2022, thereby leaving more money in your pocket, sooner.

We have also taken further action against individuals seeking to harm Georgia communities and countries aiming to undermine our national security. Senate Republicans passed House Bill 301 and House Bill 1105 this week, reaffirming our commitment to public safety. HB 301 enables residents to seek declaratory judgments against local governments that enact dangerous immigration sanctuary policies, while HB 1105 mandates local law enforcement cooperation with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws.

Furthermore, Senate Republicans passed multiple pieces of legislation specifically targeting foreign adversaries seeking to compromise our national security and financial stability. Earlier this week, we passed House Bill 185, which mandates Georgia’s University System to report certain funding received from foreign adversaries. Additionally, Senate Republicans were pleased to see the House pass Senate Bill 420, which prohibits enemies of the United States from acquiring land near secure areas, including military bases.

I am also pleased that my legislative priorities are continuing to move in the House chamber. Specifically, I am proud that the House passed SB 373 unanimously. This bill allows marriage and family therapists, holding a valid license in another state, to receive expedited licenses by endorsement to practice here.  Thereby easing our shortage of mental health professionals.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters as the 2024 Legislative Session enters its final week.

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

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Sen. Russ Goodman Celebrates Final Passage of “Austin’s Law”

ATLANTA (Mar. 20, 2024) — Today, the Georgia State Senate agreed to the House Substitute to Senate Bill 465, sponsored by Sen. Russ Goodman (R–Cogdell).

Senate Bill 465, known as “Austin’s Law,” is named after a Georgian who unwittingly ingested a pill laced with fentanyl and subsequently lost his life. This measure establishes a new category of offense, felony aggravated involuntary manslaughter, under which drug dealers and distributors can now be prosecuted. Following consideration by the Georgia House of Representatives, the bill will now also provide for the offense of unlawfully possessing a pill press, tableting machine, encapsulating machine or other controlled substance counterfeiting materials.

“Today, the Georgia General Assembly made a tremendous step in combatting the fentanyl crisis in our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “I am proud that the Senate and the House recognize the seriousness of this crisis, and I am hopeful that the passage of ‘Austin’s Law’ will help to prevent the senseless deaths of Georgians. With the passage of this bill, those who traffic illicit substances like fentanyl will be held accountable for their deadly actions.”

“I am beyond pleased that the SB 465 is now headed to our Governor’s desk for signage into law. This legislation is of utmost importance to me and many others as it will protect people like Austin from those who would harm our communities and kill our loved ones. This measure is a true testament to the Georgia General Assembly’s commitment to protecting the lives of Georgians,” said Sen. Goodman.

Sen. Goodman furthered his statement by saying “I would like to extend my thanks to our Lieutenant Governor. Burt Jones who made this issue a priority. Lt. Gov. Jones has been a vocal advocate for increased legislation regarding the war against fentanyl trafficking. Furthermore, I would like to thank Austin’s parents, Gus and Beth Walters, who brought this important issue to my attention and made several trips up from Valdosta to the Capitol to continue to advocate for their son Austin.”

SB 465 will now head to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.

Read the full text of SB 465 here.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents Senate District 8 which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, Lowndes and Pierce Counties and a large portion of Ware County. He may be reached at 404.656.7454 or at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov