ATLANTA (Jan. 25, 2024) – Yesterday, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 323 with bipartisan support. SR 323, sponsored by Democratic Whip Sen. Harold Jones II (D-Augusta), would create a Senate Study Committee on Improving Caregiver Services to enhance caregiver services throughout the state of Georgia.
Continue reading “Senate Adopts Senate Resolution 323 to Improve Caregiver Services Across the State”President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Applauds Final Passage of Legislation to Combat Antisemitism
ATLANTA (January 25, 2024) — On Thursday Jan. 25, House Bill 30 received final passage by substitute through the Georgia General Assembly during the 2024 Legislative Session. Sponsored by Rep. John Carson (R–Marietta) and carried through the Senate by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), this significant legislation addresses the escalating issue of antisemitism in Georgia.
The bill, which received support from both sides of the aisle, is poised to make a substantial impact on combating antisemitic acts and harassment within the state. Sen. Kennedy, who served as the author to the bill’s substitute, commented, “This is a meaningful and effective bill that provides a guide to the government as to what antisemitism looks like. This bill sends a message to bad actors that, when committing an already illegal act discriminating against the Jewish community in Georgia, the state is equipped to discern and address this form of discrimination effectively. I appreciate Lt. Governor Burt Jones for prioritizing this legislation and look forward to seeing HB 30 signed into law in the coming months.”
“I applaud President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy and the Senate for Passing HB 30,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Antisemitic speech and hate will not be tolerated in Georgia. Today and every day, we stand with Georgia’s and our nation’s Jewish Community.”
Georgia has witnessed a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents, with citizens facing harassment and discrimination based on their religious identity, as well as their perceived national original and race. The substitute introduced by Sen. Kennedy requires government agencies to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when enforcing anti-discrimination policies. The latest push to pass this legislation comes in response to incidents like the hanging of an effigy at a local synagogue in Macon, where congregation members fear attending services due to such acts of hate. Moreover, the substitute outlines the government’s duties, requiring state agencies to consider the IHRA definition when determining sentencing enhancements related to hate crimes. The legislation respects existing criminal procedure and the adjudicatory process.
This measure has now been sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature. You can find more information on HB 30 here.
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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.
Senate to Vote on Senate Resolution 465 Tomorrow
ATLANTA (Jan. 25, 2024) – Tomorrow, Jan. 26th, the Georgia State Senate is set to vote on the adoption of Senate Resolution 465, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Chief Deputy Whip. The resolution aims to establish a Senate Special Committee on Investigations in response to numerous allegations of misconduct that involve Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. If adopted, the special committee would include nine members with a purpose to conduct a legislative investigation and call any party to testify under oath at such investigations, among several other responsibilities.
Continue reading “Senate to Vote on Senate Resolution 465 Tomorrow”Sen. Jason Anavitarte Proposes Tort Reform Protections for Gun Manufacturers and Property Owners
ATLANTA (January 23, 2024) — Today, Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, Senator Jason Anavitarte (R – Dallas) announced his intention to introduce the “Second Amendment Lawsuit Protection Act.” This legislation aims to provide liability protection to property owners and gun manufacturers against frivolous lawsuits. Anavitarte issued the following statement:
“When Georgia passed my Constitutional Carry legislation last session, I promised Georgians that the only permit they’ll need to carry a weapon in the State of Georgia is the 2nd Amendment. To make that promise a reality, we must ensure Georgia businesses and property owners can allow citizens to exercise their 2nd Amendment rights without fear of being sued solely because they permitted individuals to exercise those rights. With the increasing number of liberal local and state governments trying to roll back the immunity protections for gun companies, it is also important to send a strong message to gun manufacturers that Georgia is the right place to do business. To that end, The Second Amendment Lawsuit Protection Act aims to protect gun manufactures domiciled in Georgia so they can continue to build these constitutionally protected tools unmolested by trial lawyers. This legislation will provide strict immunity protection under state law to protect against changes in federal law or out of state lawyers looking to harm Georgia’s businesses. I don’t believe you need a permit to exercise your 2nd Amendment rights and business owners and gun manufacturers certainly shouldn’t have to have a special insurance policy. The 2nd Amendment is nonnegotiable, and we are going to make sure Georgia is the best place in the country to exercise your God given right to build, sell and carry a weapon.”
Anavitarte plans to introduce the Second Amendment Lawsuit Preservation Act in early February. The 2024 Georgia Legislative Session ends March 28, 2024.
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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents Senate District 31 which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.anavitarte@senate.ga.gov
Sen. Islam-Parkes Commemorates 51st Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade Decision Alongside Democratic Colleagues
ATLANTA (Jan. 23, 2024) — In a compelling gathering yesterday afternoon, Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Lawrenceville) stood alongside her Democratic peers to mark the 51st anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe vs. Wade.
Continue reading “Sen. Islam-Parkes Commemorates 51st Anniversary of Roe vs. Wade Decision Alongside Democratic Colleagues”