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.