The Georgia State Senate was hard at work this week as we push towards Crossover Day on March 6. During the seventh week of session, I am happy to report that 11 pieces of legislation were passed on to the State House from the State Senate for further consideration.

The Senate body carefully considered each bill presented this week, with a few measures of note. Senate Bill 110, which was passed out of the Senate to the House for further consideration this week, would provide financial support for Georgia Sherriff’s Departments by allowing Georgians to contribute voluntary donations on automotive insurance premium invoices to law enforcement. This bipartisan legislation passed the Senate unanimously and has been sent to the House for further consideration. It is wonderful to see that the entire Senate is working to ensure that law enforcement continues to receive the support it needs in our state.

Along with backing the Blue, the Senate passed House Bill 18, the Amended FY 2023 Budget. Over the past several weeks, the House and Senate have properly assessed and analyzed each component of the 2023 Amended Budget. Senate Leadership aimed to craft a proposal that puts hardworking Georgians first knowing that the budget is composed of your tax dollars. Governor Kemp and Senate Republicans have prioritized putting budget surplus dollars back in the hands of Georgians. A few highlights in the Amended FY 2023 Budget that will fund the state for the remainder of this fiscal year includes:

· $1 billion in property tax relief for Georgia homeowners, averaging $500 per homestead
· $1 billion in tax refunds to Georgia taxpayers; $250 for single filers and $500 for joint filers
· $138.8 million to provide every public school in the state a $50,000 grant to enhance school security measures
· $25 million for learning loss grants to public schools to assist with students performing below grade level following the COVID-19 pandemic

I want to congratulate my colleague and friend, the Senate Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) for his steadfast work to ensure that Georgia’s budget is as effective as it is balanced. I look forward to the impact this legislation will have on middle Georgia and our State as a whole.

In addition, Senate Bill 50, sponsored by Senator Max Burns (R - Sylvania) would allow for each local board of education for grades 9 through 12 to provide instruction for lifeguarding and aquatic safety, beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This legislation would not require that students in grades 9 through 12 need to obtain a certification in lifeguarding and aquatic safety. The measure passed with a vote of 54 to 1 and has been sent to the House for consideration. Keeping our children safe is of the utmost importance, and I am proud that Sen. Burns is a leader in this policy arena.

I’d also like to provide an update on two items of legislation that I have introduced this session. Senate Bill 148 would update and modernize the nonprofit corporate code for the state to bring it more in line with the Model Nonprofit Corporation Act and the Georgia Business Corporation Code. Nonprofit organizations contribute roughly 8 billion dollars to Georgia’s economy, and I am excited to see these entities reach their full potential with these new tools at their disposal. I am thankful to have worked closely with the State Bar to draft this legislation and look forward to guiding SB 148 further through the legislative process in the weeks ahead. This measure has been favorably reported out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and awaits consideration by the Senate Committee on Rules.

Additionally, Senate Bill 178 passed unanimously through the Senate body on Wednesday. This legislation would amend the “Macon Water Authority Act” established in 1992. The measure would provide a code of conduct for board members, officers, and employees within the reach of the Macon Water Authority. The goal of this legislation is to ensure that those who serve in these capacities are held to a higher standard to better serve middle Georgia. I want to thank the local leaders and government officials for their partnership on this matter and for bringing this issue to my attention. SB 178 has been assigned to the House Committee on Intragovernmental Coordination and will be presented in the coming days.

I was also pleased to visit with members of Peach County’s FFA program earlier last week. These fine young men and women represent Georgia’s 18th District well in their various focuses within agriculture. This week, I look forward to honoring Mercer University Law School’s moot court team for bringing home the 2022 National Moot Court Advocacy Championship. I always feel at home being surrounded by middle Georgians at the Capitol!

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns as my door is always open. It is an honor to continue to serve Georgia’s 18th district as the 2023 Legislative Session marches on.