By: Sen. Larry Walker III (R–Perry)
The frenzied pace of this week culminated with a significant milestone, the completion of “Crossover Day” on February 29th. This day marks the deadline for all Senate bills to cross over to the House chamber and vice versa. Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, Senate Republicans have experienced considerable success, advancing every priority established by our caucus on to the House of Representatives. Despite this achievement, we continued to work diligently for all Georgians, as evidenced by our late-night on the Senate floor Thursday, during which we passed several additional measures to benefit the citizens of this state.
I had the privilege of standing alongside my Senate colleagues to support various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Georgians from domestic swatting and foreign threats. Notably, Senate Bill 421, which enhances penalties for false public alarms, commonly known as swatting, received unanimous approval from the Senate this week. This bipartisan effort underscores the seriousness of this offense and our commitment to holding swatters fully accountable.
The Georgia Senate also took decisive action to safeguard Georgians from foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on protecting our agriculture lands and national security. I proudly supported Senate Bill 420, which prohibits certain foreign individuals and entities from acquiring possessory interests in specific farmland and land in proximity to our military installations. Georgia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, generating $83.6 billion annually and sustaining countless jobs and communities. Given the threats posed by foreign actors, it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to safeguard our farmlands and military bases. Food security is national security, and I was pleased to join Governor Brian P. Kemp in celebrating the vital contributions of Georgia’s farmers at the State Capitol this week.
In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working on my individual legislative priorities. Specifically, I am proud to announce that Senate Bill 390 gained Senate passage on “Crossover Day” this week. This bill takes important steps to prohibit the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and certain other libraries from using public funds for services offered by the American Library Association. This radically liberal organization, headquartered in Chicago, will no longer be allowed to indoctrinate our children as we strive to provide them with a sanctuary for reading, imagination, inspiration and learning. Literacy is the foundation for success throughout life, and our librarians are on the frontline of our efforts to improve literacy and foster a love of reading. In today’s world of culture wars, we won’t subject our librarians and local library boards to the undue influence of a private entity intent on advancing a socialist, “queer the catalog” agenda. Additionally, this bill would dissolve the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians, transferring its responsibilities to the Georgia Council of Public Libraries.
Our week began on a somber note following the tragic passing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia. Laken’s untimely departure has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and the Athens community. What’s even more heartbreaking is that she was taken from us by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released back into our society multiple times. It’s alarming to think that, in Joe Biden’s America, every state has become a border state, vulnerable to illegal alien criminals and deadly illicit drugs pouring into our communities. Here in Georgia, Senate Republicans are working tirelessly to ensure that every legal citizen feels safe. I personally pledge to continue fighting, at the state level, against the careless and dangerous impact of a failed Federal immigration policy.
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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 most of Houston County. He may be reached by phone at 404.656.0095 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.