Larry Walker III – Georgia Senate Press Office

August 8, 2024

Senator Larry Walker Elected to NCOIL Executive Committee

ATLANTA (August 8, 2024) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) recently attended the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) 2024 Summer Meeting in Costa Mesa, California. The event, which gathered 344 participants, including 66 legislators from 30 states, featured robust discussions on a variety of insurance-related topics and saw the development and continuation of several model laws. In addition, Sen. Walker was elected to the organization’s Executive Committee.

Sen. Walker highlighted the importance of these gatherings, stating, “NCOIL meetings provide a crucial platform for legislators to collaborate on significant insurance issues that affect all states, share best practices and develop effective model legislation that benefits both consumers and the insurance market. I’m proud to contribute to these important discussions and to play a role in crafting insurance legislation for consideration by state legislative bodies across the nation.”

Key topics covered included insurers’ use of aerial images when underwriting properties, regulation of third-party litigation financing, preventive medicine, earned wage access providers, value-based purchasing agreements, and health care facility site-neutral payment reforms. Additionally, discussions on the NCOIL Mental Health Parity Model Act and the establishment of Catastrophe Savings Accounts were continued.

NCOIL is a national legislative organization composed of legislators from all 50 states, principally those serving on their states’ insurance and financial institutions committees. Founded in 1969, NCOIL aims to create model laws in insurance and financial services, preserve state jurisdiction over insurance as established by the McCarran-Ferguson Act, and serve as an educational forum for public policymakers and interested parties. The organization works to assert the prerogative of legislators in making state policy on insurance and educate state legislators on current and longstanding insurance issues.

**Attached is a photo for your use.**

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

August 1, 2024

Sen. Larry Walker – Interim Committee Work

ATLANTA (July 30, 2024) – As summer progresses and the Georgia Senate remains out of session, much of our work continues behind the scenes through various study committees. These committees play a crucial role in addressing key issues and developing informed policy recommendations that can significantly impact our work when we reconvene in January. I’m honored to serve on two of these important committees: the Joint Senate and House Blue Ribbon Study Committee on Investigating Licensing Issues and the Senate Study Committee on Advancing Forest Innovation.

The Joint Senate and House Blue Ribbon Study Committee, chaired by Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin), has been diligently working to evaluate and improve the state’s licensing processes. Our first meeting took place on June 26 at Middle Georgia State University, where we received an in-depth presentation from the Secretary of State’s office on our current licensing process. This presentation provided a foundational understanding and helped us identify areas needing improvement to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic red tape.

Our second meeting, held on July 25 at the Georgia State Capitol, was equally insightful. We heard from several licensing boards, including those for nursing, residential and general contractors, private detectives and security agencies, massage therapy, cosmetology and barbers, and funeral directors. Each board offered valuable insights into their specific challenges and opportunities, and their input will be instrumental in shaping our recommendations. Moving forward, the Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee will continue to gather information and feedback from various stakeholders. Our goal is to create a more efficient and effective licensing system that meets the needs of professionals while ensuring the highest standards of service and safety for all Georgians.

In addition to my work on the Joint Blue-Ribbon Committee, I am also a member of the Senate Study Committee on Advancing Forest Innovation, chaired by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon). Our first meeting is scheduled for August 13 at the Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters in Forsyth, GA. I look forward to beginning discussions on leveraging Georgia’s rich forest resources to drive sustainable economic growth.

Forestry has long been a cornerstone of Georgia’s economy, providing jobs and supporting our communities. However, to remain competitive in the face of changing environmental and economic conditions, we must continuously innovate. This committee will explore new technologies, best practices, and policies that can advance our forest industry while preserving our natural resources for future generations.

The work of these committees is vital to our state’s continued progress. Your input and support are invaluable as we strive to create policies that benefit all Georgians. Thank you for your continued trust and for allowing me to serve you in the Georgia Senate.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. He also serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.

May 15, 2024

Senator Larry Walker Appointed to Joint Committee Investigating Professional Licensing Issues

ATLANTA (May 15, 2024) – Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) has been appointed to a crucial role on the joint Blue-Ribbon Committee, brought forth by Speaker of the House Jon Burns and Lt. Governor Burt Jones, tasked with investigating licensing issues within the Secretary of State’s Professional Licensing Boards Division. His appointment underscores his commitment to addressing critical issues affecting small businesses and communities across Georgia.

As the champion of professional licensing legislation during the last legislative session, Sen. Walker’s appointment to this committee signals a continuation of his dedicated advocacy for the benefit of all Georgians. Reflecting on his appointment, Sen. Walker shared, “I am deeply honored by the Lt. Governor’s appointment to serve on this committee. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring efficient licensing processes is crucial for their success. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to identify areas for improvement and enact reforms that will benefit all Georgians.”

With his expertise and passion for improving licensing processes, Sen. Walker’s involvement in this committee promises to provide much-needed clarity and accountability surrounding licensing issues in Georgia. His appointment reflects a commitment to ensuring that the government supports, rather than impedes, the growth and prosperity of businesses statewide.

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May 13, 2024

Senator Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Revise Georgia’s Public School Employee Retirement System

ATLANTA (May 13, 2024) – Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp signed into law Senate Bill 105, a measure aimed at revising the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). This significant development underscores the state’s commitment to ensuring the financial security and well-being of Georgia’s dedicated classified public-school employees.

Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), the sponsor of SB105, expressed his gratitude for the passage of this critical legislation, stating, “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Governor Brian Kemp, Lt. Governor Burt Jones and my Senate colleagues for their unwavering support of SB 105. This measure represents a crucial step forward in addressing the retirement needs of our valued Public-School Employees.”

SB 105 aims to support the classified employees at Georgia’s public-schools by enhancing their retirement benefits. With its enactment, current and future participants in PSERS will see an increase in the multiplier for each year of creditable service, thus increasing their monthly retirement benefit and ensuring greater financial security during their retirement years. This increase signifies a much-deserved boost in monthly retirement income for the frontline workers who have dedicated their career to the wellbeing of our children, providing safe transportation, nutritious meals and a clean and safe learning environment.

“Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and maintenance workers have too often been overlooked, while we have prioritized teacher pay raises and elevating the teaching profession,” Sen. Walker III remarked. “I am proud to have played a part in advancing this legislation, which will provide much-needed support and recognition to the unsung heroes of our K-12 school systems.”

“It has been a pleasure to work with Sen. Walker for the last two years on legislation for the betterment of public education,” said Lisa Morgan, President of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and DeKalb County kindergarten teacher. “Were it not for Chairman Walker’s bill, SB 105, and his leadership, retirement benefits for these employees, who play an essential role in the education of our children, would have remained permanently capped in state law and could have never been increased. SB 105 eliminated that cap on future increases and provided a small, current increase, and we are grateful to Sen. Walker for making this possible.”

GAE is the oldest association of public-school educators in the state, representing classroom teachers, school bus drivers, administrators, para-professionals, school nurses, counselors, nutrition workers … essentially anyone in public education who comes in contact with the 1.75 million public school students in Georgia.

With the signing of SB 105 into law, Georgia reaffirms its commitment to prioritizing the well-being and financial security of its public-school workforce. This legislative milestone represents a significant victory for Georgia’s Public-School Employees, ensuring that their contributions are valued and respected.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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May 6, 2024

Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Workforce

ATLANTA (May 6, 2024) – Today, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) expressed his gratitude for the signing of three critical pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering Georgia’s workforce. Senate Bill 354, Senate Bill 373 and Senate Bill 195, all sponsored by Sen. Walker, were signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp after receiving bipartisan support in the Georgia General Assembly.