UNDER THE GOLD DOME

WEEK 1 -- BACK TO WORK

THE 2024 SESSION BEGINS

The 157th Georgia General Assembly convened for the 2024 legislative session on Monday, January 8, 2024. This marked the start of the second year of our biennial General Assembly. With only 40 legislative days to accomplish the people’s business, my colleagues and I did not waste any time at the State Capitol this week. In addition to convening in the House Chamber each day this week, our House committees also began holding meetings to consider legislation that carried over from the 2023 legislative session as well as new legislation that has been introduced. Also this week, many of my colleagues and I attended the Georgia Chamber’s annual Eggs & Issues legislative event, and Governor Brian Kemp presented his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the House and Senate. We ended the week by picking up our copies of The Governor's Budget Report to study over the weekend. On Tuesday, January 16 we will begin Budget Week and hear from the governor and all the agency heads as we begin the process of setting our state's budget.

SPONSORED LEGISLATION

I am proud to be sponsoring or co-sponsoring the following legislation. My colleagues and I are working tirelessly on other pieces of legislation, and they will be filed with the Clerk of the House as soon as they are completed.

HOUSE BILL 880 -- This bill will allow military spouses in Georgia to get to work immediately in their chosen field using their existing professional license from another state. This will free our military spouses from cumbersome regulatory burdens and red tape.

HOUSE BILL 896 (co-sponsor) -- This bill will make it easier for a woman to change her married surname following a divorce.

You can click the button below to follow legislation as each bill makes its way through the House and Senate.

THE STATE OF THE STATE

On Thursday, members of the House and Senate gathered in the House Chamber to convene for a joint session to welcome Governor Kemp as he presented his assessment on the current condition of our state government in his annual State of the State Address. This gathering provides a unique opportunity for our governor to reflect on the foundation of the state as well as to present his legislative priorities for the year ahead which include implementing tax cuts, fostering a strong workforce through enhancing educational opportunities, as well as maintaining safe, effective learning environments for all Georgia students and teachers, among other things. You can watch a video archive of the governor’s address by clicking the button below.

REMEMBERING ROY H. "SONNY" WATSON

This week we lost a great man, Sonny Watson, who was a leader both in our state and in Houston County. His colleagues and I remembered him this week from the House floor. He truly touched many lives, and we stand in sympathy with his wife and family.

HOUSE PAGE PROGRAM

If your child is interested in becoming a House Page, please contact my administrative assistant at chelsea.bell@house.ga.gov and she will help you with your request.

LINKS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Thank you for allowing me to represent you in the General Assembly. Below are some links you may find helpful and informative as well as my contact information. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or requests for assistance.