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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Introduces “Ricky and Alyssa’s Law” to Promote School Safety

ATLANTA (January 16, 2025) — This week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, introduced Senate Bill 17 to improve school safety. The legislation honors Alyssa Alhadeff, a victim of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in 2018. It is also named after Coach Richard “Ricky” William Aspinwall, defense coordinator at Apalachee High School, killed during a tragic shooting last September. This bill would require all Georgia public schools to install mobile panic alarm systems directly linked to emergency responders and state and local law enforcement. Additionally, the bill mandates that each local school system procure school mapping data for each public and private school within its boundaries.

“I’m determined to see Ricky and Alyssa’s Law reach the Governor’s desk,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “As the husband of a teacher and father to three school-aged daughters, I feel an obligation to ensure the protection of families across our state. This legislation will help law enforcement respond swiftly in times of crisis. I believe public support is strong, and I’m confident we can pass Ricky and Alyssa’s Law this session, providing our schools and law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent future tragedy.”

Sen. Clint Dixon (R–Gwinnett), former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, voiced his support for the bill. “This legislation is deeply personal to me, as I serve the families of Barrow County who were impacted by the tragic school shooting at Apalachee,” said Sen. Dixon. “This bill directly benefits students, their families and our school systems by strengthening safety measures in Georgia’s learning environments. I applaud Sen. Anavitarte for his dedication to creating a more secure environment for schools statewide.”

“I believe that the safety of our students is a critical issue that requires our immediate attention and commitment,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Having an alert system, like the one used in Barrow County and proposed in ‘Ricky and Alyssa’s Law,’ will ensure security and well-being of Georgia’s students and teachers. I want to thank Senator Anavitarte for prioritizing this important issue.”

Similar legislation bearing the name Alyssa’s Law has been enacted in New Jersey, Florida, New York, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, and Oklahoma. With Sen. Anavitarte’s proposal, Georgia joins more than ten other states actively working to pass this critical school safety measure.

You can find more information on SB 17 here.

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

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Sam Watson Appointed Chairman of Senate Committee on Ethics

ATLANTA (January 16, 2025)—This week, Lt. Governor Burt Jones appointed Sen. Sam Watson (R–Moultrie) to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. The committee is responsible for overseeing ethical issues affecting the Senate, governmental entities, public officials and election and voting officials.

“It is a true privilege to be appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics,” said Sen. Watson. “Defending our democracy is a constitutional obligation, and I’m deeply grateful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Committee on Assignments for entrusting me with this responsibility. I will work to hold our public officials accountable and preserve the integrity of our state institutions throughout my tenure as chairman.”

Sen. Watson, a farmer and agribusinessman, has served in the Senate since 2023. In addition to chairing the Senate Committee on Ethics, he has been appointed to serve as a member of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, Economic Development and Tourism, and State and Local Government Operations. He will also be an Ex-Officio member of the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs and Natural Resources and the Environment.

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Sen. Sam Watson serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics. He represents the 11th Senate District, which includes Brooks, Colquitt, Cook, Decatur, Grady, Seminole and Thomas counties. He may be reached at 404.656.0065 or by email at Sam.Watson@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte Introduces Resolution to Rename Intersection After Fallen Deputy Brandon Cunningham

ATLANTA (January 15, 2025) — This week, Majority Caucus Chairman, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), introduced Senate Resolution (SR) 8, which would officially designate the intersection of State Route 92 and State Route 120 in Paulding County as the “Deputy Brandon Cunningham Memorial Intersection.” ­

“Back in October, I promised to prioritize Deputy Cunningham’s memorial for the 2025 legislative session,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “With this in mind, I am proud to author SR 8, an impactful piece of legislation that will honor Deputy Cunningham for his life of service. Deputy Cunningham went above and beyond while wearing the uniform, so we should remember and commemorate his extraordinary sacrifice.”

In August 2024, Deputy Brandon Cunningham lost his life in the line of duty. Before his tragic passing, Deputy Cunningham was well-regarded by his community. Cunningham, a thirty-year-old father of two, had been with the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office since 2020. His fellow officers described him as a passionate and dedicated worker who excelled in his profession.

“Deputy Cunningham laid down his life to keep Paulding County safe, a sacrifice we will never forget,” said Rep. Joseph Gullett (R–Dallas). “Naming this intersection after him is a way to ensure his bravery and dedication to our community will always be remembered by those who pass by.”

SR 8 can be found here.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chair of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Paulding and Polk Counties. He can be reached at 404.656.9221 or at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Sen. Larry Walker III Sworn in for Sixth Term, Begins 10th Legislative Session

ATLANTA (January 15, 2025) — Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry) proudly announced his sixth swearing-in as Senator for Georgia’s 20th District and began his 10th legislative session under the Gold Dome. Senator Walker, re-elected by his colleagues to serve as Majority Caucus Secretary, will again bring his leadership and dedication to various important committee roles.

Sen. Walker will continue to serve as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. His committee assignments include membership in the Senate Committees on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations, Retirement, and Rules.

“I’m deeply honored and humbled that the citizens of the 20th District have once again placed their trust in me to represent them under the Gold Dome,” said Sen. Walker. “I also want to thank Lt. Governor Burt Jones and the Senate Committee on Assignments for entrusting me with these committee roles and chairmanship, which allow me to work on behalf of Georgia’s families, businesses and communities. Serving as Majority Caucus Secretary is a privilege, and I’m grateful for the support of my Senate colleagues.”

Sen. Walker has strongly advocated for Middle Georgia’s values and priorities, championing policies promoting economic growth, supporting farmers and strengthening local communities. As the 2025 session begins, he remains committed to delivering results for the citizens of the 20th Senate District.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as 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.

For all media inquiries, reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.