Jason Anavitarte – Page 3 – Georgia Senate Press Office

February 1, 2024

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Introduces Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Possessing Georgia Land

ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2024) – This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) introduced Senate Bill 420, which would prohibit foreign adversaries from acquiring through purchase, lease or “any possessory interest” agricultural land or land within 25 miles of a military installation.

The bill was presented, read on the Senate floor, and will now proceed to the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.

“Georgia’s military installations are currently vulnerable to foreign adversaries, a crisis that could be exacerbated by a single bad actor at any moment,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “This Bill, its regulations and penalties aims to prevent that scenario by limiting the exposure experienced by Georgia’s agricultural land and these military installations. Alongside the other 33 sponsors of this Bill, I am pleased to see it make progress toward becoming a law.”

SB 420 includes language and regulations regarding currently held interests, residential properties, and the current economic importance of agricultural product testing sites.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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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.

January 23, 2024

Sen. Jason Anavitarte Proposes Tort Reform Protections for Gun Manufacturers and Property Owners

ATLANTA (January 23, 2024) — Today, Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas) announced his intention to introduce the “Second Amendment Lawsuit Protection Act.” This legislation aims to provide liability protection to property owners and gun manufacturers against frivolous lawsuits. Anavitarte issued the following statement:

“When Georgia passed my Constitutional Carry legislation last session, I promised Georgians that the only permit they’ll need to carry a weapon in the State of Georgia is the 2^nd Amendment. To make that promise a reality, we must ensure Georgia businesses and property owners can allow citizens to exercise their 2^nd Amendment rights without fear of being sued solely because they permitted individuals to exercise those rights. With the increasing number of liberal local and state governments trying to roll back the immunity protections for gun companies, it is also important to send a strong message to gun manufacturers that Georgia is the right place to do business. To that end, The Second Amendment Lawsuit Protection Act aims to protect gun manufactures domiciled in Georgia so they can continue to build these constitutionally protected tools unmolested by trial lawyers. This legislation will provide strict immunity protection under state law to protect against changes in federal law or out of state lawyers looking to harm Georgia’s businesses. I don’t believe you need a permit to exercise your 2^nd Amendment rights and business owners and gun manufacturers certainly shouldn’t have to have a special insurance policy. The 2^nd Amendment is nonnegotiable, and we are going to make sure Georgia is the best place in the country to exercise your God given right to build, sell and carry a weapon.”

Anavitarte plans to introduce the Second Amendment Lawsuit Preservation Act in early February. The 2024 Georgia Legislative Session ends March 28, 2024.

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January 12, 2024

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 31^stSenate 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 157^thGeorgia 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 31^st 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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January 2, 2024January 2, 2024

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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December 5, 2023

Senate Study Committee on Truck Driver Shortages Concludes with Recommendations for Georgia’s Transportation Industry

ATLANTA (Dec. 5, 2023) — The Senate Study Committee on Truck Driver Shortages, established by Senate Resolution 155 and chaired by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), successfully concluded its final meeting with recommendations to address the critical shortage of truck drivers in the state of Georgia.

Formed in response to the growing truck driver shortages that are affecting industries across Georgia, the committee played a key role in facilitating dialogue among stakeholders, industry leaders, and educators. Sen. Anavitarte sponsored SR 155, which received bipartisan support during the 2023 Legislative Session. The resolution mandated the committee’s creation to develop strategies for meeting the increasing demand for skilled truck drivers.

“Through extensive hearings and discussions, we have formulated recommendations that aim to bridge the gap between industry needs and workforce development. I appreciate the bipartisan effort displayed by the committee, as well as Senate Committee on Transportation Chairman Dolezal and Majority Leader Gooch in delving into the complexities of this issue,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “Georgia can lead the nation in tackling the truck driver shortage and I am confident that our recommendations will set the stage for positive change.”

“Effectively addressing and resolving the truck driver shortages impacting our state is imperative to maintaining Georgia’s role as a vital economic hub in the Southeast,” stated Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega). “I appreciate Majority Caucus Chair Anavitarte and the committee members for their efforts, which have provided valuable insight into the intricacies of the transportation industry. This brings us one step closer to ensuring that the workforce demand in our state is fulfilled.”

“I express my gratitude for Sen. Anavitarte’s leadership in his role as the chair of this committee,” remarked Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming). “Our committee has fully achieved its goal to diligently investigate and develop strategies to tackle the truck driver shortage. These efforts will form the basis for well-crafted future legislation aimed at lowering the cost of business, barriers to entry, and ultimately the cost of living for all Georgians.”

The committee’s findings and recommendations will be made available to the public in a detailed report, providing a roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and educators to collaboratively implement solutions to the truck driver shortage in Georgia. More information about all 2023 Senate Study Committees can be found here. Read the full text of SR 155 here.

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