press release – Page 14 – Georgia Senate Press Office

February 11, 2022

Legislation to Support Law Enforcement Sponsored by Sen. Larry Walker Unanimously Passes Senate

ATLANTA (February 11, 2022) | Yesterday, Senate Bill 361, known as the Law Enforcement Strategic Support (or LESS Crime) Act, sponsored by Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry), was successfully passed by the Georgia Senate with bipartisan support.

“The safety and security of their families and property are some of the most basic, fundamental needs of every Georgian,” said Sen. Walker. “SB 361 seeks to secure those needs by supporting our law enforcement through the implementation of a tax credit for contributions made to qualified law enforcement foundations. These funds can be used to hire new officers, purchase equipment or go towards establishing a mental health co-responder program. I am pleased that SB 361 passed the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support and I especially would like to thank Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan for his leadership on crafting this innovative and forward-thinking legislation. I look forward to continuing to support this measure as it makes its way through the House and, eventually, on to the Governor’s desk.”

The LESS Crime Act would allow individual taxpayers and businesses to claim a tax credit for directly supporting local public safety efforts through contributing to qualified law enforcement foundations. Specifically, SB 361 would permit single filers to claim a tax credit of up to $5,000, while joint filers and qualified businesses may claim up to $10,000 for qualified contributions, with total contributions being capped at $5 million per foundation each year and at $100 million annually.

You can read the full text of SB 361 here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61292

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For Immediate Release:

Feb. 11, 2022

Andrew Allison, Director

andrew.allison@senate.ga.gov

404.656.0028

February 9, 2022

President Pro Tempore Butch Miller Issues Statement on Immigration Bill

ATLANTA (February 9, 2022) | Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller (R – Gainesville) today said the Biden administration’s failure to address the southern border crisis heightens the need for legislation such as Senate Bill 448, which would empower Georgia law enforcement to check the citizenship status of detainees during reasonable stops and lawful investigations.

February 7, 2022

Senator Donzella James Presented a Resolution Honoring The Rosa Project

ATLANTA (February 3, 2022) | Today, Senator Donzella James (D – Atlanta) held a private event for her constituents and colleagues at the Capitol to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks. Sen. James presented The Rosa Project, a foundation formed to raise funds in honor of Rosa Parks, with a resolution recognizing the many accomplishments of Rosa Parks as she is a fundamental contribution to Black History in the United States.

February 7, 2022

Sen. John Albers Named 2021 State Lawmaker of the Year by LSCU

ATLANTA (February 7, 2022) | In December of 2021, the League of Southeastern Credit Unions (LSCU) Board of Directors met to approve strategic plans for 2022 and discuss a number of other business items. Included in items for discussion were 2021 lawmakers of the year. During the nomination and approval process, legislator’s contributions to, and support for, credit unions were discussed at length.

The Georgia Advocacy Policy Committee voted to nominate State Senator John Albers (R – Roswell) as the 2021 State Lawmaker of the Year, which was later approved by the LSCU Board of Directors.

“I am pleased to have been named the 2021 State Lawmaker of the year by LSCU,” said Sen. Albers. “The LSCU does an exception providing advocacy, compliance, education, professional networking, communications and other support resources to assist its members. I look forward to working with them in the future on bills that have the potential to positively impact the people of Georgia.”

“During the 2021 legislative session, Senator Albers single-handedly saved House Bill 334, the Remote Online Notarization bill, which significantly benefits credit unions by reducing loan turnaround times, increasing operational efficiencies, and further launching member services into the twenty-first century,” noted Patrick La Pine, CEO of LSCU & Affiliates. “Senator Albers serves as a watchdog over tax issues that could negatively impact financial institutions, and we commend him for his dedication to protecting Georgia consumers and credit unions.”

The League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates represents 321 credit unions throughout Alabama, Florida, and Georgia and has a combined total of more than $137 billion in assets and more than 10.6 million members. LSCU provides advocacy, compliance services, education and training, member engagement, and communications.

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For Immediate Release:

Feb. 7, 2022

Andrew Allison, Director

andrew.allison@senate.ga.gov

404.656.0028

January 20, 2022

“Giving the Gift of Life Act” to Receive First Committee Hearing

ATLANTA (January 19, 2022) | Senator John Albers (R – Roswell) has announced that Senate Bill 330, known as the “Giving the Gift of Life Act”, will be heard in the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor on Tuesday, January 25^th at 1:00 p.m. in the state Capitol.

“I am thrilled that Senate Bill 330 will be receiving its first committee hearing,” said Sen. Albers. “After serving as a kidney donor for my son, Will, I was inspired to make adjustments to the donation process to ensure more Georgians have the ability to donate or receive vital organs. This legislation has the potential not only to save lives by ensuring donors will not be denied life insurance and through creating a tax credit to assist employees with organ donation, but it also has the potential to reduce the overall financial burden on the state. I am excited to see SB 330 take this next step in the legislative process and I look forward to working with the Insurance and Labor Committee to add any necessary improvements to the bill.”

WHO: Sen. John Albers

WHAT: Committee Hearing on Senate Bill 330, the “Giving the Gift of Life Act”

WHEN: Tuesday, January 25th, 2022
1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Georgia State Capitol – Senate Mezzanine

206 Washington St SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

You can also watch online by viewing the Senate Schedule here: https://www.legis.ga.gov/schedule/senate

The full text of Senate Bill 330 is available to view here:
https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/61078

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For Immediate Release:

Jan. 19, 2022

Andrew Allison, Director

Andrew.Allison@senate.ga.gov

404.656.0028