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Walker: Week Ten Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

With only five legislative days remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, Georgia Senate members are diligently working both within their respective committees and on the Senate floor to propel House bills forward.

This week, Senate Republicans attended the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Unveiling Ceremony, paying tribute to Georgia’s veterans for their selfless sacrifices to our nation. Year after year, this profoundly moving ceremony is one of the highlights of session. I am proud to support legislative initiatives that positively impact those who have devoted their lives to protecting freedoms that we often take for granted.

We have also continued our legislative efforts on the Senate floor by passing House Bill 244, a bill which will introduce important rules and regulations across Georgia’s fish and game industries. More specifically, the legislation would take further steps to protect Georgia’s oyster population and aquaculture industry.  Our coastline has unlimited potential, and it is good to see the General Assembly taking steps to better equip our Department of Natural Resources for future success.

I was honored to carry House Bill 880, which furthers our commitment to enhancing Georgia’s workforce development by enabling military spouses to utilize an existing license in good standing from another state to secure employment at a Georgia business. Georgia’s military spouses often lose valuable working time between relocations. This game-changing legislation would expedite their journey into the workforce simultaneously easing their overall transition into our great state. Our military spouses sacrifice a great deal for our nation, and I am delighted to have authored and advocated on behalf of one of the strongest military spouse license bills in the nation.

Senate members also joined Governor Brian P. Kemp on the steps of the Capitol as he signed Senate Bill 332 into law. This legislation empowers the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to begin its crucial task of holding District Attorneys accountable if they fail to uphold the law. I take pride in our collective efforts as members of the General Assembly to advance this bill, confident that it will provide essential oversight.

In regards to our committee work, House Bill 1185 passed favorably out of the Senate Committee on Finance this week. This bill, aims to reduce inflated homestead taxes, thereby easing the burden on working Georgians. It offers our citizens the opportunity to reinvest in our economy now or save for the future.

I was also proud to see my legislative priorities continue to move in the House chamber. Specifically, I am honored to see my “Back the Blue Act” from the 2023 Legislative Session resume its progression through the legislative process. This bill will establish the Back the Blue Fund via voluntary contributions made through motor vehicle insurance policies. Supporting our men and women in law enforcement has and always will be one of my foremost priorities.

Each week under the Gold Dome, constituents, associations, and organizations alike come to the Capitol to speak to legislators and host events with public officials. This week, the Senate Chamber had the honor of welcoming my dad, Larry Walker II, and his good friend Judge Bryant Culpepper, former House member, back to the Senate. My father served in the Georgia General Assembly for 32 consecutive years, and for 16 of those years, he served as House Majority leader. Following his time as a legislator, he served as a Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner and as Regent on the University System of Georgia Board. In 2022, my father retired from his law practice. He now enjoys working on the farm with his wife of 59 years, watching his grandchildren participate in their many and varied extracurricular activities, and following Georgia politics. It was great to have my father and Judge Culpepper in the chamber with us this week as they represent generations of public service. 

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session enters its final weeks.

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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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Capitol Recap – Week Nine

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Following the conclusion of Crossover Day, which marked the final opportunity for Senate and House Bills to proceed through their respective chambers, the Senate is now dedicated to refining House bills as they advance through Senate committees. With only a few weeks remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, it has been a busy week in committees as we’ve deliberated legislation that seeks to amplify the voices and concerns of all Georgians.

We also dove back into Appropriations subcommittees to further discuss the budgetary needs of various state agencies. I was proud to chair the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture & Natural Resources. I also served as a member of the Subcommittee on Education & Higher Education. Through these presentations and discussions, we were able to assist in the creation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Budget. The FY 2025 Budget was passed by the House on Thursday of this week and is one step closer to being signed by Governor Brian P. Kemp.

While we have spent most of our time vetting House legislation this week, I was proud to see my legislative priorities continue to move in the House chamber. First, I am pleased to announce the passage of Senate Bill 345 through the House of Representatives. This bill will authorize the Probate Court of Dooly County to assess and collect a technology fee, and awaits signage by Gov. Kemp. Additionally, Senate Bill 390 is currently awaiting a hearing by the House Committee on Higher Education. Georgia libraries should no longer accept and use funds from the American Library Association, an organization which has lost its way and has no business providing educational materials to Georgians, especially young Georgians. I will not allow the liberal left’s dangerous agenda to creep into local libraries across our state. These are areas where our citizens, especially our children, should feel comfortable learning and opening their minds. I look forward to updating you further on this bill’s progress as makes its way through the remainder of our legislative process.

On another note, this week saw the Georgia Senate exercise its subpoena powers to uncover crucial information pertaining to the allegations directed at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The Georgia Senate took proactive measures to investigate these claims by summoning defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant to testify before the Senate Special Committee on Investigations. I have full confidence in the leadership of committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cowsert, and I am proud of the valuable information we were able to glean this week for the benefit of the people of Georgia. As a legislative body, we are committed to utilizing every available resource to uncover the truth.

I enjoyed spending time with a few of Georgia’s Boy Scouts from across the state. There are over 40,000 Boy Scouts currently in our state committed to responsible citizenship, character development and participation in outdoor activities. I look forward to hearing about these young men as they take the mantle and become future leaders in our great state.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session enters its final weeks.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and Secretary of the Senate Republican 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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Walker: Capitol Recap – Week Eight

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The frenzied pace of this week culminated with a significant milestone, the completion of “Crossover Day” on February 29th. This day marks the deadline for all Senate bills to cross over to the House chamber and vice versa. Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans have experienced considerable success, advancing every priority established by our caucus on to the House of Representatives. Despite this achievement, we continued to work diligently for all Georgians, as evidenced by our late-night on the Senate floor Thursday, during which we passed several additional measures to benefit the citizens of this state.

I had the privilege of standing alongside my Senate colleagues to support various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Georgians from domestic swatting and foreign threats. Notably, Senate Bill 421, which enhances penalties for false public alarms, commonly known as swatting, received unanimous approval from the Senate this week. This bipartisan effort underscores the seriousness of this offense and our commitment to holding swatters fully accountable.

The Georgia Senate also took decisive action to safeguard Georgians from foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on protecting our agriculture lands and national security. I proudly supported Senate Bill 420, which prohibits certain foreign individuals and entities from acquiring possessory interests in specific farmland and land in proximity to our military installations. Georgia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, generating $83.6 billion annually and sustaining countless jobs and communities. Given the threats posed by foreign actors, it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to safeguard our farmlands and military bases. Food security is national security, and I was pleased to join Governor Brian P. Kemp in celebrating the vital contributions of Georgia’s farmers at the State Capitol this week.

In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working on my individual legislative priorities. Specifically, I am proud to announce that Senate Bill 390 gained Senate passage on “Crossover Day” this week. This bill takes important steps to prohibit the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and certain other libraries from using public funds for services offered by the American Library Association. This radically liberal organization, headquartered in Chicago, will no longer be allowed to indoctrinate our children as we strive to provide them with a sanctuary for reading, imagination, inspiration and learning. Literacy is the foundation for success throughout life, and our librarians are on the frontline of our efforts to improve literacy and foster a love of reading. In today’s world of culture wars, we won’t subject our librarians and local library boards to the undue influence of a private entity intent on advancing a socialist, “queer the catalog” agenda. Additionally, this bill would dissolve the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians, transferring its responsibilities to the Georgia Council of Public Libraries.

Our week began on a somber note following the tragic passing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia. Laken’s untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and the Athens community. What’s even more heartbreaking is that she was taken from us by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released back into our society multiple times. It’s alarming to think that, in Joe Biden’s America, every state has become a border state, vulnerable to illegal alien criminals and deadly illicit drugs pouring into our communities. Here in Georgia, Senate Republicans are working tirelessly to ensure that every legal citizen feels safe. I personally pledge to continue fighting, at the state level, against the careless and dangerous impact of a failed Federal immigration policy.

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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 most 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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Georgia Capitol Recap – Week Seven

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Week seven under the Gold Dome has concluded, and we’re swiftly approaching an important milestone known as “Crossover Day” on February 29. This marks the deadline for all bills to pass through their originating chamber, commonly referred to as the house of origin. Our advocacy for Georgians has yielded significant accomplishments, including property tax relief, tort reform, reduction of regulatory burdens, enhancements in public safety, and much more. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my Senate colleagues, particularly those within the majority caucus, for their unwavering dedication to advancing legislation on behalf of all Georgians.

As a member of the Senate Republican Caucus, I’m delighted to announce the successful passage of all priority bills of the majority caucus out of the Senate, highlighted by the approval of Senate Bill 449. This bill, aimed at exempting certain military medical personnel from examination requirements, eliminates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and bolsters Georgia’s reputation as the premier state for business.

The Georgia Senate also discussed and passed its amended budget for Fiscal Year 2024. This budget increases funding for maintaining safe and efficient road infrastructure and provides essential support for industries such as agriculture, manufacturing and logistics. It also allocates resources to enhance retirement and healthcare benefits, vital for retaining our state’s workforce. Our commitment to a balanced budget ensures Georgia’s efficiency, fiscal conservatism and attractiveness for investment.

In addition to advocating for the priorities of our majority caucus, I dedicated my efforts to advancing my individual legislative agenda. I’m delighted to announce that two bills aimed at aiding Georgia workers successfully passed on the Senate floor this week.

Additionally, Senate Bill 449 has also been referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries. This bill aims to exempt certain military medical personnel from an examination requirement. It’s an honor for me to sponsor this bill on behalf of our brave servicemen and women. Moreover, I’m proud to present this legislation as part of Governor Brian P. Kemp’s initiative to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

Lastly, I’m thrilled to report progress in our efforts to ensure accountability in libraries. Senate Bill 390 has passed through the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. This bill proposes prohibiting the Board of Regents, the University System of Georgia, and certain other libraries from allocating funds toward materials, services, or operations offered by the American Library Association (ALA). It’s imperative that we remain vigilant in combating the spread of misinformation, especially as more organizations become accustomed to disseminating half-truths and even outright falsehoods.

Furthermore, I joined my Senate colleagues in passing several bipartisan pieces of legislation aimed at supporting both veterans and families. The Georgia Senate approved multiple measures designed to offer essential services to our state’s veterans, and I was privileged to endorse this legislation. Having dedicated their lives to defending our country, it’s crucial that we fulfill our commitment as legislators. Additionally, the Senate body voted on a series of legislative bills relating to children and families. Thursday, I was proud to join my Senate colleagues in voting unanimously to pass Senate Bill 376, a bill which improves the timely permanent placement of a child removed from their home. Protecting Georgia’s next generation of leaders is an idea we can all get behind, and I will always fight for their future.

Furthermore, my colleagues and I were delighted to be present on Wednesday for the swearing-in of Georgia’s newest Republican senator, Tim Bearden (R-Carrollton). Senator Bearden joins us at an important time for our state and I look forward to serving alongside him throughout the remainder of our legislative session.

Each week under the Gold Dome, constituents, associations and organizations alike come to the Capitol to speak to legislators and host events with public officials. I was personally honored to recognize State Officers of the Georgia FFA Association during FFA Day at the Georgia State Capitol. Any opportunity I have to recognize our youth is an opportunity I welcome. I enjoyed spending time with some of Georgia’s best and brightest young agricultural minds, and I am confident that Georgia’s farming future is safe in their hands!

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/news/senate/page-program-2024.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as the Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. 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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Senate Passes Bill Revising Public School Employee Retirement System

ATLANTA (Feb. 1, 2024) – On Wednesday, Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) celebrated the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 105, which would revise the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees in the Public-School Employees Retirement System.

With its passage, current and future Public-School retirees will see the minimum monthly retirement payment increase to $17 — multiplied by the “member’s years of credible service.” This increase represents a jump of more than $2 per year worked as Public-School Employees before retirement, contributing a significant take-home financial increase for Georgia Public-School Employees that are currently receiving retirement benefits and those that will in the future.

“Taking charge of the retirement benefits of our Public-School Employees to make sure that those individuals can contribute and save for their futures is a key priority, and having this bill pass is a positive step,” said Sen. Walker. “Georgia school bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians and maintenance workers have by and large been left behind compared to everything we’ve done for teachers. I am looking forward to seeing the progression of this bill through the remainder of the legislative process and these much-needed changes made for the benefit of one of the most deserving sectors of our state.”

SB 105 passed by a vote of 49 to 1, following its favorable report from the Senate Committee on Retirement.

Read the full text of the legislation here.

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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.