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Anavitarte: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas)

Happy New Year, West Georgia! I hope that 2024 is finding you both happy and healthy. Each new year brings with it new challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to represent Georgia’s 31st Senate District during this year’s Legislative Session. The time between each session, often referred to as the interim, has finally come to a close. I’m looking forward to working on your behalf over the course of our remaining legislative calendar days.

The Georgia State Senate kicked off the Second Session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly on Monday, January 8, 2024. This legislative session is sure to be important as we continue to pass effective legislation for Georgians, while specifically prioritizing issues important to the 31st District.

We began the week by passing Senate Resolution 431, officially convening the General Assembly for the 2024 Regular Session. On Thursday, I listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s joint State of the State address to the House and Senate.  While we already agree on numerous items, it remains encouraging to see that we each remain committed to specific conservative principles such as backing the blue, ensuring that our communities are safe and keeping the scope of government small.

Next week, I look forward to listening to Gov. Kemp, various State officers and numerous state agency heads as we take time to carefully discuss our state’s budget throughout several subcommittee hearings. I’m excited to support Gov. Kemp’s priorities to strengthen rural Georgia and promote West Georgia businesses. I will always lead the charge when it comes to promoting rural broadband, dismantling Common Core and cutting unnecessary burdens for local entrepreneurs.

Finally, I’d like to express my sincere sympathy and support to recently passed Polk County Commissioner Scotty Tillery’s family, friends, and the entire Polk County community. Commissioner Tillery’s dedication to the City of Cedartown, its residents and citizens such as myself represent his unwavering dedication to service. May we all find strength and solace in the cherished memories of a dedicated public servant and a beloved community leader.

The next few weeks will surely be busy and I am excited for the impactful work that is yet to be done. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns about matters relating to the Georgia Senate.

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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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Hatchett: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Bo Hatchett (R–Cornelia)

The New Year signals the start of another Legislative Session here under the Gold Dome, and I’m enthusiastic about representing the hardworking constituents of the 50th Senate District once again. Throughout this session, my commitment remains unwavering—to serve the people of District 50 and contribute to making Georgia the best place to live and work.

During the interim, I had the honor of chairing the Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment. Being a rural Georgia native, I’ve witnessed firsthand the negative impact of a shortage of medical personnel on families outside metro Atlanta. While the committee has concluded its work, its recommendations will form the basis for various measures to be considered by the Senate. Additionally, as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, I’m eagerly anticipating positive reforms resulting from the actions taken by this committee.

The 2024 Session holds significant importance as we continue to pass effective legislation, prioritizing the hardworking citizens of Georgia. The first week kicked off with the Senate convening on the Senate floor and concluded with Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State address. The address served as a platform for the Governor to outline his legislative and budgetary priorities, emphasizing public safety, school choice, and pay raises for teachers. I am eager to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle throughout this session in support of Gov. Kemp.

Next week marks the beginning of Budget Week. I look forward to collaborating closely with Gov. Kemp and State Departments as we discuss and amend the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and outline the Fiscal Year 2025 budget in several subcommittee hearings. It’s our responsibility to ensure your tax dollars are allocated fairly.

While this session promises to be fast-paced and busy, rest assured that I will keep your needs and concerns at the forefront of every decision I make. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for any questions or concerns. Together, let’s navigate this session for the betterment of Georgia.

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Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. He can be reached by phone at 404.651.7745 or by email at bo.hatchett@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Kirkpatrick Selected as Vice Chair of NCSL Committee on Children, Families and Human Services

ATLANTA, GA (Jan. 5, 2024) — Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R–Marietta) was recently selected to serve a two-year term as vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Children, Families, and Human Services Committee.

This newly established committee, previously part of the Health and Human Services Committee, focuses on advocating for states’ interests in federal decisions related to various issues affecting children and families. These matters include child welfare, child support, early learning, youth homelessness, and aging services. Additionally, the committee plays a crucial role in safeguarding vital federal programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, and the Child Care Development Block Grant.

Sen. Kirkpatrick expressed her gratitude for the appointment, stating, “I am deeply honored to extend my work on behalf of children and families to this esteemed national position. The challenges and opportunities we face in these areas are significant, and I am eager to represent and safeguard the interests of Georgia in this new capacity.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), founded in 1975, stands as a pivotal organization tailored for state legislators and legislative staff across the nation. It offers a comprehensive range of bipartisan resources, including research, training, and technical assistance, transcending geographical boundaries to support legislators in all 50 states, commonwealths, territories, and the District of Columbia.

NCSL not only serves as a hub for information exchange among state legislators but also actively contributes to enhancing the role of states and state legislatures within the federal system. This involves direct engagement with members of Congress and the administration on NCSL’s state-federal priorities, solidifying the organization’s commitment to fostering collaboration and effective governance.

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Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Children and Families Committee. She represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of East Cobb and Cherokee County. She may be reached by phone at 404.656.3932 or by email at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov.

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Statement Regarding Passing of Polk County Commissioner Scotty Tillery

ATLANTA (Jan. 2, 2024) — Please see below for a statement on behalf of Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) regarding the recent passing of Polk County Commissioner Scotty Tillery:

“It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and constituents of Commissioner Scotty Tillery, who passed away last night. Commissioner Tillery’s unwavering dedication and service to the community of Cedartown have left an indelible mark, and his absence will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him. Commissioner Tillery’s commitment to public service, his passion for the betterment of Cedartown and Polk County, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of its residents have earned him the respect and admiration of many.

During this challenging time, I want to express my sincere sympathy and support to Commissioner Tillery’s family, friends, and the entire Polk County community. May they find strength and solace in the cherished memories of a dedicated public servant and a beloved community leader.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

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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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Georgia Senate Leaders Affirm their Commitment to Prosecuting Attorneys Commission

ATLANTA (Jan. 2, 2024) — Today, Senator Randy Robertson (District 29 – Cataula) and Senator John F. Kennedy (District 18 – Macon) pre-filed legislation to address the Georgia Supreme Court’s November 22, 2023 finding that approving the standards of conduct for the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC) is outside the Court’s authority. The new legislation is consistent with many state commissions and will allow the PAQC to adopt its internal guidelines and rules. This simple remedy will allow the Commission to commence its important work.

“We have seen theatrics take hold in Georgia over the safety and welfare of our communities as some prosecutors promise ‘reform’ and then deliver nothing but ineffectiveness and blatant disregard of the law,” stated Senator Robertson, the chief sponsor of SB 92. “Most of the state’s prosecutors follow the law, adhere to their duties, and their communities remain safe and prosperous, and those individuals should be celebrated. On the other hand, you have a few rogue prosecutors that refuse to prosecute violent criminals, lead defunct and understaffed offices, and impose blanket policies for non-prosecution of crimes.”

The PAQC was created after the enactment of Senate Bill 92, which was signed into law by Governor Kemp on May 5, 2023. Modeled after the Judicial Qualifications Commission, which enforces standards of conduct for the state’s judiciary, SB 92 was the culmination of years of work to address the duties that prosecutors are required to carry out under state law.

“My concerns have been and always will be the safety of our communities and justice for victims of crime,” said Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy. “Unfortunately, we’re seeing the exact opposite in jurisdictions across the state, resulting in unmanageable backlogs in our court system, delayed justice for victims, mismanagement of criminal records, and a perversion of the doctrine of ‘prosecutorial discretion.’ These are dangerous practices in misconduct and must stop.”

The President Pro Tempore added: “I respect the Supreme Court’s narrow opinion on this specific issue and appreciate the limits of their authority. We recognize the important role that prosecutors play in our communities and, by prefiling this bill, affirm our intent to hold rogue prosecutors accountable. We believe this bill reinforces the need for Georgia prosecutors to focus on achieving results in the courtroom, not legislating from the desk to appease fringe constituencies.”

Article IV, Section VIII of the state Constitution states that prosecutors can be “disciplined, removed or involuntarily retired as provided by general law,” and further lays out the minimum duties for prosecutors while adding that they must “perform such other duties as shall be required by law.” Among their various duties required by law, prosecutors must review cases and make a prosecutorial decision based on the individual case. Additionally, prosecutors must update criminal records based on their charging decisions, as well as assist victims and witnesses of crime. The PAQC specializes in understanding these duties, guiding prosecutors’ performance of these duties, and disciplining prosecutors who fail to carry out such duties. A full list of a prosecutor’s duties can be found at O.C.G.A. § 15-18-6 and O.C.G.A. § 15-18-66.

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Sen. Randy Robertson serves as Senate Majority Whip. He represents the 29th Senate District which includes Meriwether and Harris County, and Troup County as well as a portion of Muscogee County. He may be reached at 404.656.0045 or by email at randy.robertson@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, and portions of Bibb and Houston Counties. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.