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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.

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Walker: Budget Week Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

Budget week, as it is coined under the Gold Dome, is a tremendous opportunity for legislators to dialogue with these leaders and learn how their needs correlate with the needs of hardworking Georgians. During our second week of the 2024 Legislative Session, I welcomed the opportunity to listen to budget presentations from various state agencies. I would like to first thank Budget Chairmen Sen. Blake Tillery (R–Vidalia) and Rep. Matt Hatchett (R–Dublin) for their continued discernment as Chairmen of the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations. I would also like to thank each agency head for their hard work year-round and their willingness to answer our questions this week. Passing a balanced state budget is the sole constitutional obligation of the Georgia General Assembly each session, and I appreciate the hard work of committee members from both sides of the aisle throughout this process.

When I began to read through this year’s budget, I couldn’t help but be proud of our state’s commitment to spending wisely. We didn’t count our chickens before they hatched, and we are now getting to reap the benefits of fiscal conservatism. We are currently sitting on a $16 billion surplus, which has provided us with a solid financial foundation. The proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget aims to reward hardworking Georgians with tax rebates and reductions while also providing a four percent cost-of-living adjustment for state employees and our educators. Georgia is celebrating 27 consecutive years of a AAA bond rating, which is the highest attainable credit rating for a state government.

These are not the only investments that I look forward to celebrating, however. I’m greatly appreciative to Gov. Brian P. Kemp for his allocation of $21.54 million for a new goat, sheep and swine barn at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. I’m grateful for investments such as the $250 million proposed to support water and wastewater infrastructure development via low-interest loans. These loans encourage county governments to build toward a brighter tomorrow and provide Georgia with additional leverage when persuading businesses to set up shop in the Peach State. Lastly, I am energized by Gov. Kemp’s tough-on-crime proposals, including over $807 thousand in funding to expand the Gang Prosecution Unit to all corners of our state.  

As we look to our third week of the 2024 legislative session, I assure you that I am keeping the interests of Georgia’s citizens and the 20th Senate district at the forefront of my mind. There is still much work to do, and I appreciate any feedback you might have concerning current or future legislation. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns regarding legislative matters.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutien, 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: Week One Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The 2024 Legislative Session is in full swing, and I’m excited to dive back into work for the 20th Senate District. We officially kicked off the Second Session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. I anticipate a busy and productive few months, and I’ll be working hard on legislative initiatives that contribute to a brighter future for our great state. Additionally, I’m continuing in my role as Secretary and Treasurer of the Majority Caucus. It’s an honor to have been elected by my peers to serve in this capacity.

As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor I’ll be vetting bills related to insurance, finance and commerce.  I’ll hold hearings on those bills that appear to have merit and the support of my colleagues. Collaborating with members of my committee, we will endeavor to pass meaningful legislation that benefits the people of Georgia.

A significant moment of last week was the joint session of the Georgia Senate and the House of Representatives in the House chamber, where we listened to Governor Brian P. Kemp’s State of the State Address on Thursday. The Governor utilized this annual speech to outline his legislative and budgetary priorities for the upcoming session. I commend his focus on health insurance as a crucial need for Georgia families, and I also support his other priorities, which include accelerating planned state income tax rate reductions, investments in infrastructure, pay raises for state employees, teachers and law enforcement officers, funding for school resource officers, shoring up state employee retirement systems, and updating key technology in state agencies.

The coming months are expected to be fast-paced and eventful as we diligently work towards a better and brighter Georgia. Your input is valuable, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office throughout the session with any questions, comments or concerns. Together, let’s shape a prosperous future for our state.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutien, 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. Larry Walker III Commends Committee’s Recommendations as Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing Concludes

ATLANTA (November 30, 2023) | The 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing, under the leadership of Chairman Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry), has successfully wrapped up its examination of occupational licensing in the state. The committee’s diligent efforts culminated in a series of impactful recommendations aimed at fostering a dynamic and responsive regulatory environment.

During the final meeting, the committee passed several key recommendations, each designed to enhance efficiency, promote economic growth, and ensure public safety. Sen. Walker III expressed his satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “These recommendations represent a crucial step towards a more adaptive and effective regulatory framework for Georgia’s workforce. I am proud of the collaborative effort put forth by this committee to address the needs of our state.”

“I am proud to have been a part of this committee, working alongside Chairman Walker III and our dedicated colleagues,” said Majority Caucus Chairman Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas). “By embracing innovation and efficiency, we are shaping a regulatory landscape that safeguards public interests and fosters economic growth. I look forward to the positive impact these recommendations will have on each of Georgia’s industries.”

Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough) reflected on his experiences as a member of this study committee, stating, “It was great working with Chairman Walker III and my other colleagues on this committee to learn more about the occupational licensing structure in our state and areas where the system in place is causing unnecessary barriers to employment. We have set forth some concrete recommendations to make meaningful change in this area and I am proud to share our findings with the other members of the Senate as we prepare for the 2024 legislative session.”

The following recommendations were approved:

  1. Pass Senate Bill 157: The Committee advocates for the passage of SB 157, reflecting a commitment to legislative measures that address evolving workforce needs and industry dynamics.
  2. Implement Changes Requested by The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia: Endorsed by the Georgia State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, the committee supports implementing changes proposed by The Surveying and Mapping Society of Georgia to streamline processes and uphold professional standards.
  3. Transfer Georgia Board of Registration for Foresters Operations to Georgia Forestry Commission: Recognizing the need for efficiency, the committee recommends moving the operational function and revenue generation responsibilities of the Georgia Board of Registration for Foresters from the Georgia Secretary of State to the Georgia Forestry Commission.
  4. Sunset Licensing Requirements: In alignment with legal considerations (Jackson vs. Raffensperger), the committee recommends sunset provisions for licensing requirements for occupations, such as makeup artists, librarians, low-voltage contractors, and manicurists, where licensing has not proven necessary for public health, safety, or welfare.
  5. Fully Support SOS Modernization Initiative: The Committee wholeheartedly endorses the Secretary of State’s Modernization Initiative, recognizing the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
  6. Adequately Fund the Board of Nursing: To ensure the effective regulation of nursing practices, the committee recommends adequate funding for the Board of Nursing.
  7. Adequately Fund Composite Medical Board: Recognizing the critical role of the Composite Medical Board, the committee advocates for sufficient funding to fulfill its regulatory responsibilities.
  8. Advanced Nursing Protocol Agreements Approval: The Committee recommends approving advanced nursing protocol agreements within 30 days from the date of submission of a fully complete application, streamlining the approval process.
  9. Move to Universal Recognition of Out-of-State Licenses: Emphasizing reciprocity, the committee recommends moving towards universal recognition of out-of-state licenses where reasonable.
  10. Shorten 90-Day Deadline for License Issuance: In line with HB 155 signed into law on April 27, 2023, the committee proposes shortening the 90-day deadline for issuing an expedited license or a license by endorsement to 30 days, promoting a more expeditious licensing process.

Find more information on the outcomes and details of the 2023 Georgia Senate Study Committee on Occupational Licensing 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 Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a portion of Houston County. He can be reached at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov 

Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Majority Caucus Chair. He represents the 31st Senate District which includes portions of Paulding and Polk County. He may be reached via email at jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov

Sen. Brian Strickland serves as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. He represents the 17th Senate District, which includes Morgan County and portions of Henry, Morgan, Newton, and Walton County. He may be reached by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.