By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)
We’re almost down to the final week of the 2025 Legislative Session, and what’s happening at the Capitol right now affects your family, your livelihood and your well-being. That’s why I’m working hard to ensure our values and needs are front and center as we finish strong.
This past week was the last chance for legislation to make it out of committee and still have a shot at becoming law. Several key bills moved forward toward the Senate floor that I believe will make a real difference in the lives of working Georgians.
House Bill 56 is one of them. It provides tuition grants to the spouses of public safety officers, law enforcement, firefighters, and prison guards who are killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect us. The least we can do is make sure their families have the opportunity to keep moving forward. Whether it’s a young widow trying to go back to school or a spouse training for a new job, this bill helps them find stability after unimaginable loss.
One of the most significant school safety measures advancing through committee this week is House Bill 268. This bill would require every public school to implement a mobile panic alert system that connects local and state emergency responders in real-time during a crisis and mandates that schools provide digital mapping data to help first responders quickly navigate campuses. It also directs GEMA to establish rules for this process and create a statewide alert system to track verified threats against schools. The bill allows school systems to be reimbursed for hiring student advocacy specialists and supports evidence-based programs for suicide awareness, youth violence prevention, and anonymous threat reporting. Additionally, it updates Georgia’s juvenile code to bring serious school-related crimes, like terroristic threats or acts, under the jurisdiction of superior courts, strengthens penalties for firearm-related offenses committed by minors, and establishes consequences for disrupting schools, buses, or bus stops. HB 268 gives our schools the tools they need to respond to emergencies and prevent them in the first place, all while keeping our children’s safety the top priority. I hope to see this measure on the Senate floor soon.
On the Senate floor, we passed House Bill 340, known as the Distraction-Free Education Act. This bill tackles something many parents and teachers are already worried about: kids glued to their phones during school. HB 340 will require public schools to set rules that keep personal devices out of reach during the school day for students in grades K–8. That might mean phones stay in lockers, locked pouches, or are temporarily disabled using school-approved apps. The goal is simple: fewer distractions, fewer discipline issues and more time spent learning. Schools that have already tried this approach are seeing real improvements in student behavior and grades. This bill gives local schools the flexibility to set the policy that works best for their community.
Our work on the state budget continued as well. In the Senate Appropriations Committee, we reviewed House Bill 68, the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2026. I’m proud to say we’re holding the line on debt and cutting wasteful spending, while still making smart investments where they matter most: education, public safety, economic growth, and mental health services. We’re keeping Georgia the No. 1 state to do business, but we’re also making sure families in rural Georgia aren’t left behind. The full Senate body passed the FY 26 budget on Friday, and once the House agrees to our changes, it will head to Governor Kemp’s desk for his consideration.
I’m proud to report that Senate Bill 72, the “Hope for Georgia Patients Act,” which I co-sponsored to support Georgians battling life-threatening or debilitating conditions, has passed the House and is now headed to the Governor’s desk. This important legislation expands access to investigational drugs, medical devices, and treatments for patients who have exhausted other options and desperately need hope. For many families, this bill could mean one more chance—one more treatment—when traditional medicine has fallen short. It’s about compassion, medical innovation, and doing the right thing for those who need it most. Whether we’re backing law enforcement, investing in education, or making government work better for our most vulnerable neighbors, I’ll always stand up for policies that put people first.
I’m also incredibly proud to have carried House Bill 579 through the Senate. This bill tackles outdated and unnecessary red tape that has blocked too many skilled Georgians from putting their talents to work. HB 579 reforms our occupational licensing laws by streamlining how licenses are issued—allowing the licensing board division to grant licenses expeditiously when an applicant meets all licensing requirements. This means faster entry into the workforce for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other tradespeople whose services are essential to our communities. It’s a common-sense fix that helps workers get on the job quicker, supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, and boosts our economy—especially in rural and growing areas like the 20th Senate District.
My office is here to help with any questions or concerns as we approach the finish line. Don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re working for you.
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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the 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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