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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.

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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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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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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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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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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.

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Walker: Week Twelve Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

The 2024 Legislative Session has officially wrapped up, and from the get-go, Senate Republicans set ambitious goals for the session—to expand economic opportunities, fostering an educated workforce and enhancing community safety, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of Georgians. I couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishments this session.

We wasted no time in tackling a range of legislative priorities, from tax relief to education, workforce development, and public safety. The Georgia Senate successfully provided $2 billion in tax relief for state-income taxpayers and homeowners through SB 349, putting money directly back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Additionally, SB 426, our tort reform legislation, safeguards Georgia businesses and curbs frivolous lawsuits that drive up insurance costs and hinder economic growth. We also took significant action by unanimously supporting Sen. Greg Dolezal’s SB 233, which offers school choice to students stuck in underperforming public schools.

Furthermore, we worked diligently to streamline regulations, passing several workforce development measures to expedite employment for various professionals and military spouses. And we didn’t stop there—we took a strong stance against gangs, violent criminals and rogue prosecutors with legislation like the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act” and the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” as well as various bills addressing illegal immigration.

Our commitment to Georgia’s future was evident this week, with the passage of several crucial bills. Most notably, we came together with the House to approve the state FY 2025 budget, ensuring essential funding for education, law enforcement, and mental health programs. Crafting this $36 billion budget was no small feat, but it reflects Georgia’s steadfast fiscal conservatism amidst federal spending recklessness. This budget prioritizes our children, allocating significant funds for literacy programs, pupil transportation, and school security grants. After all, our children are the future of Georgia, and they deserve nothing but the best from this body.

In addition to passing the budget, Senate Republicans passed legislation protecting vulnerable minors, Georgia elections, law enforcement vehicles, firearms carriers and motorists. House Bill 993 would create the felony offense of grooming a minor punishable by one to five years in prison. It also protects against the sexual exploitation of minors using digitally altered material. House Bill 959 would create the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission. House Bill 974 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a state-wide system for the posting of scanned paper ballots and expand the number of risk-limiting audits of races. House Bill 500 would create the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle. House Bill 1018, titled the “Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act” would require the use of a firearms code that distinguishes firearms retailers from other retailers. Lastly, House Bill 617 would develop and maintain a state-wide freight and logistics implementation plan. Each of these pieces of legislation serves a significant purpose in protecting Georgians every day, and I was proud to support them in the Senate chamber.

I am also proud to announce the passage of additional legislative priorities which I have either authored or carried, through both the House and Senate chambers. These priorities include House Bill 1049 and Senate Bills 105, 110, 195, 240, 322, 354 and 449. I am especially proud to have sponsored and voted in favor of Senate Bills 195 and 322. SB 195, titled the Freedom to Work Act, will expedite the license-to-work process by reducing the issuance timeline from 90 to 30 days. This is an important piece of legislation as we strive to continue supporting both our military and workforce development. Additionally, SB 322 would provide for an increase in dues to the Sheriff’s Retirement Fund, further supporting our men and women in blue by taking steps to provide for their future success. These legislative priorities will now advance to the desk of Governor Brian P. Kemp for a signature.

In summary, the 2024 Legislative Session was marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly make Georgia stronger for generations to come. Thank you for your support and concern—it’s because of you that we can continue to work towards a better future for our state.

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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.