An Update From Under the Gold Dome
Tuesday, March 21st, 2023
The tenth week of the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session brought forth a multitude of committee meetings filled with House Bills, with their sponsors all vying for the chance to see a vote on the Senate floor. With only five legislative days left, things under the Gold Dome are ramping up with each passing day. There were 18 House Bills passed this week, with a few measures of note pertaining to the safety of Georgia students.
House Bill 402, carried by Sen. Shawn Still (R - Johns Creek), would require public schools and local school systems to annually provide aquatic safety information to parents and guardians as well as students. The information must be available to be distributed via hard copy or online. It must also include courses and swimming lessons that result in certification upon completion and includes courses and lessons that are offered for free or at a reduced price.
House Bill 147, carried by Sen. Mike Hodges (R - Brunswick), is known as the “Safe Schools Act.” The measure would require school safety plans to be submitted to the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency by December 31, 2023. Additionally, it also requires that public schools participate and complete intruder alert drills by October 1 of each year. Furthermore, it allows parents or guardians to opt their child out of such drills as they see fit.
Along with increasing the safety of Georgia Schools, last week Governor Kemp signed the amended FY23 budget into law with House and Senate Leadership by his side. The priorities put forward in the amended budget highlight rewards for hardworking Georgians including a one-time $500 homeowner tax credit and a roughly 1-billion-dollar income tax refund for all Georgians. These measures recognize that your state’s unused tax dollars are best suited back in the pocket of Georgians. I commend Governor Kemp for delivering on this promise to help provide relief during these tumultuous financial times.
I’d also like to note that my legislation, Senate Bill 148, has been favorably reported out of the House Committee on Judiciary. The measure 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. SB 148 has now been sent to the House Committee on Rules for the chance to be considered by the full House body.
The Senate welcomed many visitors to the State Capitol this week. I was honored to recognize Irish Minister Darragh O’Brien of Ireland for his outstanding public service with Senate Resolution 260. Appointed in 2020, Minister O’Brien has played a vital role in leadership and has a deep personal commitment to bettering the lives of his fellow citizens. It was a pleasure to commend his efforts before the entire Senate body during a special presentation, and I look forward to continuing the strong relationship that Georgia has with the people of Ireland.
It was also a pleasure to welcome the Consul General of Taiwan to the State Capitol on Wednesday. Senate Resolution 176, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass (R – Newnan), commends Taiwan for its relations with the United States and the state of Georgia. Georgia's exports to Taiwan in 2021 increased .3% more than that of 2021 and imports from Taiwan in 2021 increased 17.2% more than that of 2020. Economic ties between Georgia and Taiwan continue to prosper, and I hope it continues to do so for many years to come.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns regarding legislative matters. As always, it is an honor to serve Georgia’s 18th Senate District, and my door is always open as the 2023 Legislative Session enters its final days.
