UNDER THE GOLD DOME

WEEK 7

WE'RE ALMOST TO CROSSOVER DAY

On Tuesday, February 20, my House colleagues and I reconvened for another productive week of the 2024 legislative session. During week seven of the session, we met in the House Chamber for three days and continued to do the people’s business by voting on key legislation that aims to better the lives of Georgians. It was a short but packed week as we continued to prepare for the “Crossover Day” deadline on February 29, which is the last day that legislation can be passed out of its chamber of origin and remain eligible to be signed into law this year. With that in mind, we continued to make significant progress this week by voting on legislation to enhance public safety, behavioral healthcare and education in Georgia.   

This week, my colleagues and I voted on legislation to protect some of Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens. On Thursday, the House unanimously passed House Bill 993, which would introduce criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly and intentionally groom minors and use electronic means to persuade, induce, entice or coerce them into committing sexual offenses or acts of human trafficking. Perpetrators of this crime would face felony imprisonment ranging from one to five years, and those who commit these heinous acts could be charged regardless of whether crimes are committed within or outside of our state if it involves a minor who lives in Georgia. The General Assembly has taken decisive action in recent years to combat human trafficking in our state. By addressing the growing threat of online exploitation, HB 993 would reinforce our commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our minors and upholds the state’s dedication to justice, dignity and the protection of human rights for all Georgians.

This week, Chairman Penny Houston announced she would not be seeking another term in the House after 26 years. She is a trailblazer, and I'm proud to call her a mentor and friend. She will be missed, but I know she will enjoy being back home in South Georgia full time.

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 passed out of both the Regulated Industries committee and the House Rules committee. I look forward to it being heard on the House floor this week.

HOUSE BILL 1027 -- This bill would require all Georgia students to take a computer science class before 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. This bill passed out of both the Education Curriculum subcommittee and the full Education Committee. You can watch the video of the hearing at this link. HB 1027 was the last bill presented and begins at 2:53:03 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zL_bqen_O68&t=7376s

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. I am hopeful this bill will get a hearing this week in a Governmental Affairs subcommittee.

HOUSE BILL 1161 -- This bill would exempt all income received as retirement benefits for our retired military service members.

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

Law Enforcement Day

We celebrated Law Enforcement Day at the Capitol this week. We enjoyed honoring those who keep us safe

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.