UNDER THE GOLD DOME

WEEK 4

THE WORK CONTIUES

On Monday, January 29, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened at the State Capitol for the fourth week of the 2024 legislative session. This week, the House convened for four days and reached Legislative Day 14 by the end of our week, which means we are now more than a quarter of the way through the legislative session. Perhaps the most significant news this week came on Tuesday morning when my colleagues and I learned the heartbreaking news that we had lost one of our own, a dedicated statesman, the honorable House Rules Chairman, Richard Smith (R-Columbus). While we mourned the loss of our friend and colleague, we continued our legislative work as Chairman Smith would have wanted and gave passage to several bills this week and also saw Governor Kemp sign one of the first bills into law from this session.

SPONSORED LEGISLATION

I am proud to be sponsoring the following legislation. My colleagues and I are working tirelessly on other bills that will support our communities and will make Georgia a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

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. This bill received a hearing this week in a Regulated Affairs subcommittee.

HOUSE BILL 1027 -- This bill would require all Georgia high school students to take a computer science class as a half credit course for graduation. This is literacy for the 21st century and will equip our state's children with the knowledge to enter into our increasingly high tech workforce. I'm working with the Department of Education to make sure this will work for all our students.

HOUSE BILL 1121 -- This bill protects private property rights by allowing citizens to keep their short term rental properties if a municipality or county prohibits the registration of new short term rental properties.

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

THE PASSING OF RULES CHAIRMAN RICHARD SMITH

Born in Wrightsville, Georgia, Chairman Richard Smith was no stranger to public service, serving in numerous roles throughout his career, both at the local and state levels. Our colleague was a member of the Georgia General Assembly for 20 years and a dedicated representative to his constituents. On Tuesday morning, Governor Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp joined us in the House Chamber to reflect on Chairman Smith’s life and service to our state and his community. Speaker of the House Jon Burns also recounted his admiration and respect for Chairman Smith, and members of the Columbus House Delegation reflected on his leadership and service to the community. With a heavy heart, we bowed our heads to remember Chairman Smith and his family during this time.

STANDING UP TO ANTISEMITISM

My colleagues and I also joined Governor Brian Kemp as he signed House Bill 30, legislation addressing antisemitism in our state and adding antisemitism as a category covered by our hate crimes law, on Wednesday. This was an important step for the Jewish community in Georgia, many of whom were on hand at the Capitol for this historic bill signing ceremony. This bill immediately became law upon Governor Kemp’s signature.  

HOUSE PAGE PROGRAM

If your child is interested in becoming a House Page, please contact my administrative assistant at alana.lund@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.