#gapol – Page 86 – Georgia Senate Press Office

March 17, 2020

Sen. Jeff Mullis and Members of the Senate Ratify Public Health Emergency Order

ATLANTA (March 16, 2020) | On Friday, March 13, 2020, Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan and Speaker of the House David Ralston agreed to temporarily suspend the 2020 regular session due to concerns regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). In addition, Gov. Brian Kemp has issued an executive order declaring a public health emergency in Georgia and called for a special session to be convened Monday, March 16, 2020, in order to ratify the order.

March 16, 2020March 16, 2020

Capitol Recap: Crossover Week

By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)

Legislative activity and productivity in the Senate has reached an all-time high for the session this week and with the successful completion of Crossover day, we have been able to pass around 60 bills and resolutions that tackle some of the most pressing challenges affecting our state. This signifies a rather meaningful turning point in our legislative process, as my colleagues and I will now focus our efforts on discussing and vetting House bills. As we have done through previous committee work and Chamber voting, I remain confident that the progress we have achieved up to this point will be matched through similar efforts to evaluate House bills. It is our duty to represent the values most important to our constituents. With this, I would like to highlight a few of the bills this week that will impact the people of Georgia.

March 12, 2020

Sen. Elena Parent and Sen. Sally Harrell Introduce Senate Bill 507

ATLANTA (March 12, 2020) | Sen. Elena Parent (D – Atlanta), Sen. Sally Harrell (D – Atlanta) and Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D – Decatur) released the following statement on Senate Bill 507, which was filed today to consider bringing the Vista Grove area of DeKalb county under municipal ownership:

March 9, 2020

Capitol Recap: Week 8

By: Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry)

Activity in the Senate has been on a steady rise over the past few weeks and this week saw an expansion of that given that the legislation’s Crossover Day deadline is next Thursday. As a result, committees have held longer meetings, filled with extensive public testimony, to ensure we are crafting legislation that most effectively meets the needs of the people of Georgia. We have listened to your concerns, as well as your proposals, and have made good progress this week on bills that address these areas and will help local businesses and communities thrive.

March 9, 2020

Sen. John Albers Leads Passage of Legislation Enhancing Retirement Benefits for First Responders

ATLANTA (March 7, 2020) | Thursday, Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) presented two bills which will provide greater retirement benefits for Georgia’s Firefighters and Peace Officers. Senate Bill 248 and Senate Bill 249, which both received favorable passage in the Senate, would increase the monthly retirement benefits payable to members of the Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund and The Georgia Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund, respectively.