Walker: Georgia Capitol Recap, Week Five

We have officially completed five weeks of legislative business under the Gold Dome, and it’s hard to believe that we are nearly halfway through the 2024 Legislative Session. While I am proud of the legislative progress we have made as a Senate body, we have plenty of work left to do for both the 20th Senate District and our state. I am excited to work with my fellow senators and Republican caucus members to continue our mission of passing meaningful legislation for Georgia. As a majority, we have enjoyed a highly effective session and biennium, and it’s important that we finish the drill.

Since the start of the legislative session, I have been drafting and advocating for conservative legislation to reduce the burden of government on hard working Georgians, expand our workforce and eliminate barriers to work, improve access to healthcare in rural Georgia, honor our responsibility to state retirees, support law enforcement and safe communities, and to protect our children. Specifically, I am proud to announce that Senate Bill 206 was brought back from the previous legislative session and discussed in the Senate Committee on Retirement. The bill seeks to ensure local school districts provide social security or a qualified alternative to social security for their cafeteria workers, school bus drivers, custodians and maintenance personnel. This meaningful legislation affirms the Senate’s appreciation of these dedicated, non-certified employees and recognizes the important role these hard-working employees play in the education of our children by keeping them safe and healthy. Additionally, Senate Bill 332 was passed by committee substitute out of the Senate Committee on Retirement this week. The bill would revise provisions relating to the Sheriff’s Retirement Fund, increase several items such as the cost for members wishing to purchase prior creditable service, active members’ monthly membership dues, the multiplier for years of service, and the death benefit paid to survivors. The Sheriff’s Retirement Fund is funded by member dues and court fees, not state appropriations. By bringing this bill forward, we once again show our support for law enforcement, and I eagerly await the passage of this bill by the full Senate as the legislative process continues.

I was also pleased to see two of my bills – aimed at cutting through unnecessary red tape – move further through the legislative process. Senate Bill 373 passed in the Senate and was referred to the House Committee on Regulated Industries. This bill would allow for expedited licenses to be issued by endorsement in Georgia, to marriage and family therapists, already licensed in another state. Moreover, Senate Bill 449 was referred to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries. Dedicated to removing barriers for certain military veterans that served honorably as medics or corpsmen, the bill would exempt these personnel from unnecessary examination requirements, if they pursue certain licenses in the medical field, such as paramedic, emergency medical technician, licensed practical nurse or nurse aide. I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue cutting needless red tape, making it easier for Georgians to work in their chosen field and support their family. Lastly, I am happy to announce that Senate Bill 345, a local bill relating to Dooly County was passed and adopted.

In addition to passing legislation, I was happy to see two resolutions I sponsored gain adoption in the Senate. Senate Resolution 512 honoring Georgia PlanFirst communities was adopted and Senate Resolution 555, recognizing FFA Day on February 20, 2024, was also adopted.

Additionally, my colleagues and I joined members of the House to hear from Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs as he delivered the State of the Judiciary address. During the address, Chief Justice Boggs updated the Georgia General Assembly on several meaningful judicial efforts, including judicial security and retention. As lawmakers, we must protect our law enforcers both in the line of duty and on the bench. By protecting our law enforcers, we can play a key role in retaining judges who are committed to preserving justice in our great state.

This week, Senators took part in their respective appropriations subcommittees. In these hearings, members listened to budget requests from state agencies related to the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. As I mentioned in our week two update when legislators participated in “Budget Week,” these meetings are essential as we continue to prioritize spending, balance the budget and maintain our AAA bond rating – all guided by fiscal conservatism. Unlike Congress and the bloated deficit spending in DC, we manage our money responsibly and practice diligence at every level: from subcommittees, full committee and ultimately the Senate floor. Georgia’s working-class families deserve legislators that are good stewards of their hard-earned dollars and cents, and the Senate’s Republican majority is proud to continue leading this charge.

As always, I want to invite students between the ages of 12 and 18 to serve as a Capitol Page. This program encourages Georgia’s next generation of leaders to participate in the legislative process by providing a front-row seat to observe a day’s work in the Georgia Senate. Many of our current legislators participated in this program and first became interested in serving Georgia citizens because of their time spent as a Capitol Page. I encourage any students interested in the legislative process who want to spend a day at our Capitol to apply for our program using the link: https://www.legis.ga.gov/senate/staffing.

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 continues.

Sen. Larry Walker serves as Chairman of the Insurance and Labor Committee and Secretary of the Senate Republican Caucus. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes all of 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.

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