Following the conclusion of Crossover Day, which marked the final opportunity for Senate and House Bills to proceed through their respective chambers, the Senate is now dedicated to refining House bills as they advance through Senate committees. With only a few weeks remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, it has been a busy week in committees as we’ve deliberated legislation that seeks to amplify the voices and concerns of all Georgians.
We dove back into Appropriations subcommittees to further discuss the budgetary needs of various state agencies. I was proud to serve as a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittees on Government Operations, as well as Economic Development.
Through these presentations and discussions, we were able to assist in the creation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. The FY 2025 budget was passed by the House on Thursday of this week and is one step closer to being signed by Gov. Brian P. Kemp.
Although our focus this week has primarily been on vetting House legislation, I take pride in seeing the advancement of my legislative priorities within the House chamber. Firstly, I am delighted to announce that several pieces of legislation I have authored recently gained passage in their respective House committees.
Senate Bill 351, known as the “Protecting Georgia’s Children on Social Media Act 2024,” was approved by the House Committee on Education & Youth. This straightforward bill would empower entities such as local boards of education to adopt, implement, and enforce social media policies for children. Additionally, Senate Bill 420, aimed at safeguarding Georgia’s military institutions and agricultural lands from foreign adversaries, received approval from the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Furthermore, Senate Resolution 721, which includes a constitutional amendment authorizing the General Assembly to prohibit parole for illegal aliens, has been referred to the Senate Committee on the Judiciary. If passed, this measure would be subject to a vote by the people of Georgia in November.
Similarly, Senate Bill 568 would enable courts to inquire into and consider the legality of a prisoner’s presence in the United States. These measures are of utmost importance, particularly in light of the tragic death of University of Georgia student Laken Riley.
Although the traditional legislative deadline of “Crossover Day” has officially passed, there are still pathways for the Georgia Senate to advance such crucial legislation through both chambers.
Finally, the 31st District is one step closer to benefiting from an additional superior court judge on the Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit. Senate Bill 347 was recently recommitted to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
On another note, this week saw the Georgia Senate exercise its subpoena powers to uncover crucial information pertaining to Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The Georgia Senate took proactive measures to investigate these claims by summoning defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant to testify before the Senate Special Committee on Investigations.
I have full confidence in the leadership of committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cowsert, and I am proud of the valuable information we were able to gather this week for the benefit of the people of Georgia. As a legislative body, we are committed to utilizing every available resource to uncover the truth.
It was an honor to host students from Cedartown Middle School here at the State Capitol. I am continually amazed by the knowledge and exceptional abilities that our young people demonstrate. Furthermore, I had the pleasure of cheering on the North Paulding Lady Wolfpack basketball team in their state championship game this weekend. I am thoroughly impressed by the talents of these young ladies on the court.
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.
