ATLANTA (January 31, 2012) –Senate Bill 309, “Taylor’s Law,” passed the Georgia State Senate today by a vote of 53 to 1. Introduced by Senator Rick Jeffares (R-Locust Grove)), SB 309 allows state officials to grant special hunting privileges to anyone 21 years or younger with a terminal illness, provided they have proper supervision and abide by state hunting rules and regulations.
“I am pleased with the overwhelming support that SB 309 received in the Senate today,” said Sen. Jeffares. “This legislation will provide young people like Taylor, who are diagnosed with terminal illnesses, a chance to live out their dreams and fulfill their last wishes.”
Bill sponsor Rick Jeffares named SB 309, “Taylor’s Law,” in honor of Taylor Gramling, the 18-year old inspiration for the bill who passed away from leukemia.
Current law requires residents and non-residents, age 16 years and older, to purchase a license from the Department of Natural Resources to hunt in Georgia. In addition to a regular hunting license, any person age 16 years or older hunting an alligator or big game must purchase a separate license from the Department of Natural Resources.
Under SB 309, a person who receives special authorization must hunt only under the direct supervision of a licensed adult hunter.
SB 309 received overwhelming support from several members of the Senate, including Sen. John Bulloch, Sen. Bill Heath, Sen. David Shafer and Sen. Cecil Staton.
Taylor Gramling’s family and friends were present in the Senate Gallery today as SB 309 passed the Senate.
SB 309 will now head to the Georgia House of Representatives for a vote.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028