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Walker: Week Ten Under the Gold Dome

By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)

With only five legislative days remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, Georgia Senate members are diligently working both within their respective committees and on the Senate floor to propel House bills forward.

This week, Senate Republicans attended the Georgia Military Veterans Hall of Fame Unveiling Ceremony, paying tribute to Georgia’s veterans for their selfless sacrifices to our nation. Year after year, this profoundly moving ceremony is one of the highlights of session. I am proud to support legislative initiatives that positively impact those who have devoted their lives to protecting freedoms that we often take for granted.

We have also continued our legislative efforts on the Senate floor by passing House Bill 244, a bill which will introduce important rules and regulations across Georgia’s fish and game industries. More specifically, the legislation would take further steps to protect Georgia’s oyster population and aquaculture industry.  Our coastline has unlimited potential, and it is good to see the General Assembly taking steps to better equip our Department of Natural Resources for future success.

I was honored to carry House Bill 880, which furthers our commitment to enhancing Georgia’s workforce development by enabling military spouses to utilize an existing license in good standing from another state to secure employment at a Georgia business. Georgia’s military spouses often lose valuable working time between relocations. This game-changing legislation would expedite their journey into the workforce simultaneously easing their overall transition into our great state. Our military spouses sacrifice a great deal for our nation, and I am delighted to have authored and advocated on behalf of one of the strongest military spouse license bills in the nation.

Senate members also joined Governor Brian P. Kemp on the steps of the Capitol as he signed Senate Bill 332 into law. This legislation empowers the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission to begin its crucial task of holding District Attorneys accountable if they fail to uphold the law. I take pride in our collective efforts as members of the General Assembly to advance this bill, confident that it will provide essential oversight.

In regards to our committee work, House Bill 1185 passed favorably out of the Senate Committee on Finance this week. This bill, aims to reduce inflated homestead taxes, thereby easing the burden on working Georgians. It offers our citizens the opportunity to reinvest in our economy now or save for the future.

I was also proud to see my legislative priorities continue to move in the House chamber. Specifically, I am honored to see my “Back the Blue Act” from the 2023 Legislative Session resume its progression through the legislative process. This bill will establish the Back the Blue Fund via voluntary contributions made through motor vehicle insurance policies. Supporting our men and women in law enforcement has and always will be one of my foremost priorities.

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. This week, the Senate Chamber had the honor of welcoming my dad, Larry Walker II, and his good friend Judge Bryant Culpepper, former House member, back to the Senate. My father served in the Georgia General Assembly for 32 consecutive years, and for 16 of those years, he served as House Majority leader. Following his time as a legislator, he served as a Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner and as Regent on the University System of Georgia Board. In 2022, my father retired from his law practice. He now enjoys working on the farm with his wife of 59 years, watching his grandchildren participate in their many and varied extracurricular activities, and following Georgia politics. It was great to have my father and Judge Culpepper in the chamber with us this week as they represent generations of public service. 

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 enters its final weeks.

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Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus. 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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Sen. Steve Gooch Applauds Legislation Establishing an “America First” Specialty License Plate

ATLANTA (Mar. 1, 2024) — Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega) recently celebrated the Senate’s passage of Senate Bill 507, which aims to establish a specialty “America First” license plate.

Leader Gooch expressed his support for the legislation, stating, “This license plate represents the tangible expression of patriotism and putting the needs of our country at the forefront. It provides Georgians with an opportunity to express their national pride, and underscores the importance of emphasizing domestic concerns like economic stability, national security, strong borders, and the protection of the rights of our citizens. I eagerly anticipate traversing the State of Georgia and witnessing fellow Georgians proudly celebrating our nation.”

The “America First” license plate would pay homage to the United States of America, with all proceeds directed toward the state’s general fund.

More information on the legislation can be found here.

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov

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Senators Jason Anavitarte and Brian Strickland Introduce Legislation Regarding Illegal Immigration

ATLANTA (February 29, 2024) — Today, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas), Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus, and Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, unveiled two new legislative initiatives addressing criminal procedure concerning individuals who immigrate to the state illegally.

The first proposal is a resolution amending the Constitution of Georgia, which would empower the Georgia General Assembly to either outlaw parole for undocumented immigrants or establish specific parole terms and conditions for those who fall into this category. The second initiative is a bill delineating the criteria for bail hearings concerning undocumented immigrants, as well as individuals charged with a felony punishable by imprisonment for one year or more and deemed removable or dismissible aliens.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to our legislators for tackling this vital issue,” said Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King. “As a former police chief, Army officer, and Georgia’s first Hispanic statewide constitutional officer, I deeply value law and order. The proposed measures introduce strict bail conditions and revise parole rules, which demonstrates Georgia’s dedication to these values, addresses federal immigration policy flaws, and enhances the safety and welfare of all Georgians.”

Sen. Anavitarte commented on the two proposed pieces of legislation, stating, “I felt compelled to introduce these measures as they aim to enhance the protection of our state’s citizens. I approached the drafting of these bills with a balanced perspective, recognizing the importance of upholding the rule of law, while also addressing our broken immigration system. These measures reinforce our commitment to cultivating a judicial system that is both fair and just, prioritizing the security of our state and the welfare of our communities.”

“Immigration reform should start with enforcing the laws we already have on the books,” said Sen. Brian Strickland (R–McDonough), who partnered with Sen. Anavitarte to draft this legislation. “While we wait for Washington to address our broken system, this legislation makes certain that Georgia is protecting our citizens from those in our country illegally that choose to commit crimes. Georgia should remain a welcoming place for all immigrants that are following the rules and attempting to navigate our broken system but stand up against those few that choose to ignore our laws and commit crimes against our citizens.”

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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. Brian Strickland serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. He represents the 17th Senate District which includes all of Morgan and portions of Henry, Newton and Walton County. Sen. Strickland may be reached by phone at 404.463.6598 or by email at brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Passes Legislation to Fight Against Human Trafficking in Georgia

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) — Sen. Shawn Still (R–Johns Creek) proudly carried critically important legislation focused on Human Trafficking and Sex Crimes pass with unanimous, bipartisan support on the Senate floor, Senate Bill 512 and Senate Resolution 616.

“Today’s passage of SB 512 and SR 616 marks a pivotal moment in our fight against human trafficking in Georgia,” said Sen. Still. “With the creation of the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and Commission, we’re taking proactive measures to support and empower survivors, hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future exploitation. Together, we’re sending a clear message: in Georgia, we stand united against human trafficking, and we’ll continue working tirelessly to protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Legislation for SB 512 aims to create a Human Trafficking Victims Fund for people of all ages, whereas current laws only support minors with victim fund support. Further, it would shift the burden of accountability from minors convicted of misdemeanor sexual solicitation to the adult in respective scenarios. Lastly, this measure pushes Georgia hotels and motels to efficiently train their employees — specifically housekeeping and temporary employment agency staffers — by utilizing materials published by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). The CJCC training package includes educational material on identifying and reporting signs of human trafficking.

Also attached to SB 512 is a Human Trafficking Victims Fund constitutional amendment, SR 616, which would activate SB 512’s fund for victims to receive care, rehabilitative and social services for individuals in Georgia. This constitutional amendment would need to be approved by Georgia voters on the ballot in November.

Sen. John Albers (R–Roswell) applauded the passage of these measures, stating, “As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Safety, I am proud to see SB 512 and SR 616 pass with unanimous support. These critical measures represent a comprehensive approach to combating human trafficking in Georgia, addressing everything from victim support to law enforcement tools. I commend Sen. Shawn Still for his leadership on this important issue, and I’m confident that we will continue to make strides in safeguarding our state from these heinous crimes.”

“Both of these bills meet a crucial need in Georgia,” said Bob Rodgers, the President & CEO of Street Grace — a nationwide anti-trafficking organization that utilizes evidence-based demand reduction strategies to eradicate the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children through prevention, protection, policy and pursuit. “Traffickers will find it much harder to operate if we train hotel staff, adult survivors will have access to resources through the Fund, and accountability will be placed where it should be when it comes to the exploitation of minors—on the adult exploiter. I appreciate Sen. Still for his work on these measures.”

You can find more information on SB 512 here and more information on SR 616 here. These measures will now be sent to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

More information on the CJCC can be found here; and more information on Street Grace can be found here.

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Sen. Shawn Still represents the 48th Senate District which includes portions of Fulton, Forsyth, and Gwinnett County. He may be reached by email at shawn.still@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Passes Resolution to Honor Cherokee Princess Trahlyta in Dahlonega

ATLANTA (Feb. 29, 2024) – Senate Resolution 609, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch (R–Dahlonega), was unanimously passed with bipartisan support on Tuesday in the Senate Chamber. The resolution commemorates the life of Cherokee Princess Trahlyta by dedicating a roundabout at the intersection of State Route 60, State Route 9, and U.S. Highway 19 — known as Stone Pile Gap north of Dahlonega in Lumpkin County.

Traditionally, the intersection has been a site of homage to Princess Trahlyta, where passersby would leave small stones for good fortune and to honor the memory of the Cherokee tribe leader at her grave. With the dedication of the roundabout, the Georgia Department of Transportation is authorized to install and maintain a historical marker commemorating the Circle of Princess Trahlyta at Stone Pile Gap. This resolution addresses a longstanding issue in the area stemming from the removal of the former historical marker originally located there.

“Princess Trahlyta holds significant importance in the history and folklore of North Georgia, Lumpkin County and Dahlonega,” remarked Sen. Gooch. “Her deep affection for the North Georgia Mountains and her compassionate leadership exemplify the cherished qualities of this beautiful region. By marking her grave with the dedication of this traffic circle and historical signage, her memory will endure for generations to come.”

The legend of Princess Trahlyta is a tale kept alive by the descendants of her tribe, who believe that her eternal youth and beauty were bestowed by the magical springs of the mountain, now known as Porter Springs. In her later years, Trahlyta was abducted and held captive by a spurned admirer named Wahsega, who forcibly took her away from her family, her people, and the springs. In her weakened state, far from her homeland, she passed away, but not before expressing her final wish to be returned and laid to rest in the serene mountain forests of her birthplace.

Read more about Senate Resolution 609 here.

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Sen. Steve Gooch serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 51st Senate District which includes Dawson, Fannin, Gilmer, Lumpkin, Union and Pickens counties and a portion of White County. He may be reached at 404.656.7872 or via email at steve.gooch@senate.ga.gov