The 2024 Legislative Session has officially wrapped up, and from the get-go, Senate Republicans set ambitious goals for the session—to expand economic opportunities, fostering an educated workforce, and enhancing community safety, all aimed at ensuring the well-being of Georgians. I couldn’t be prouder of our accomplishments this session.
We wasted no time in tackling a range of legislative priorities, from tax relief to education, workforce development, and public safety. The Georgia Senate successfully provided $2 billion in tax relief for state-income taxpayers and homeowners through SB 349, putting money directly back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians. Additionally, SB 426, our tort reform legislation, safeguards Georgia businesses and curbs frivolous lawsuits that drive up insurance costs and hinder economic growth. We also took significant action by unanimously supporting SB 233, legislation I was proud to sponsor, which offers school choice to students stuck in underperforming public schools.
Furthermore, we worked diligently to streamline regulations, passing several workforce development measures to expedite employment for various professionals and military spouses. And we didn’t stop there—we took a strong stance against gangs, violent criminals and rogue prosecutors with legislation like the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act” and the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” as well as various bills addressing illegal immigration.
Our commitment to Georgia’s future was evident this week, with the passage of several crucial bills. Most notably, we came together with the House to approve the state FY 2025 budget, ensuring essential funding for education, law enforcement, and mental health programs. Crafting this $36 billion budget was no small feat, but it reflects Georgia’s steadfast fiscal conservatism amidst federal spending recklessness. This budget prioritizes our children, allocating significant funds for literacy programs, pupil transportation, and school security grants. After all, our children are the future of Georgia, and they deserve nothing but the best from this body.
In addition to passing the budget, Senate Republicans passed legislation protecting vulnerable minors, Georgia elections, law enforcement vehicles, firearms carriers and motorists. House Bill 993 would create the felony offense of grooming a minor punishable by one to five years in prison. It also protects against the sexual exploitation of minors using digitally altered material. House Bill 959 would create the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission. House Bill 974 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a state-wide system for the posting of scanned paper ballots and expand the number of risk-limiting audits of races. House Bill 500 would create the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle. House Bill 1018, titled the “Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act” would require the use of a firearms code that distinguishes firearms retailers from other retailers. Each of these pieces of legislation serves a significant purpose in protecting Georgians every day, and I was proud to support them in the Senate chamber.
I am also proud to announce the passage of additional legislative priorities which I have either authored or carried, through both the House and Senate chambers. Specifically, I am proud of the passage of HB 617, HB 912 and HR 854. HB 617 provides for the development and maintenance of a state-wide freight and logistics implementation plan, and sets the responsibilities and duties of the Planning Division and Director. Further, it would provide for standards and considerations for such a plan and require annual reporting to the General Assembly. It also provides for the creation of the Georgia Freight 2050 Program, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly. HB 912 defines “multipurpose off-highway vehicle” and subclassify such vehicles for ad valorem taxation purposes. Additionally, it would provide that such vehicles shall not be returned or taxed for ad valorem taxation purposes. I am pleased to have witnessed the passage of these two bills and believe that they will further enhance our state’s transportation systems.
In summary, the 2024 Legislative Session was marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly make Georgia stronger for generations to come. Thank you for your support and concern—it’s because of you that we can continue to work towards a better future for our state.