UNDER THE GOLD DOME

WEEK 10

CRACKING DOWN ON "SWATTING"

The House of Representatives got back to work on Monday, March 11 for the tenth week of the 2024 legislative session. Throughout the week, our focus remained on advancing pending Senate bills, with our committees convening frequently to review and refine proposed legislation from our Senate colleagues. With Sine Die approaching on March 28, 2024, there is growing anticipation as we near the conclusion of this session, marking the end of months of dedicated legislative work and decision making on behalf of the citizens of this state.

My House colleagues and I began the week by taking up a bipartisan effort to enhance public safety and impose stricter penalties for criminal offenses, particularly those associated with the act of “swatting” and gang activity. Senate Bill 421 would increase penalties for repeated unlawful emergency service requests, also known as “swatting.” Swatting refers to an unlawful request for emergency service assistance that an individual knowingly and intentionally makes to a public safety agency when there is no reasonable ground for such a request to be made. Initial violations of swatting instances that occur at homes or places of worship would be classified as felonies, punishable by one to 10 years imprisonment, a minimum $5,000 fine or both. If an individual is convicted of a third or subsequent conviction, he or she would be subject to a sentence of 10 to 15 years imprisonment, a minimum $25,000 fine or both. Those convicted of this crime would be automatically liable for restitution for damages, including property damage and expenses to treat bodily injuries. SB 421 would also outline criminal offenses for when someone discharges a firearm toward another vehicle or an occupied building, without legal justification, after immediately exiting a vehicle; the bill would also outline criminal offenses for when someone discharges a firearm while inside a vehicle or after immediately exiting, without legal justification, and when that person causes damage to a building. Further, the bill would introduce the separate offense of drive-by shooting crimes when a person who is in or close to a motor vehicle that they used to drive to the location discharges a firearm at another person, motor vehicle or occupied dwelling with the intent to injure someone or cause damage to someone’s property; someone convicted of this crime would face a penalty of imprisonment between five and 20 years. Many elected officials in Georgia and across the country have been victims of swatting, and these swatting calls not only impact the victims but also take resources away from first responders and local law enforcement officers when responding to unnecessary and unlawful requests for emergency service assistance. By addressing unlawful emergency service requests and firearm-related crimes, this legislation aims to deter illicit behaviors, support our law enforcement and foster safer communities across Georgia. 

HONORING SPEAKER DAVID RALSTON

In addition to voting on legislation this week, we also took time to commemorate the life and legacy of the late House Speaker David Ralston on what would have been his birthday. Speaker of the House Jon Burns and other leaders unveiled a portrait in his honor, which will be permanently displayed outside of the House Chamber in the Capitol. Accompanied by his family and esteemed guests, the House held a ceremony on the House floor to honor Speaker Ralston's enduring legacy and impact on our state. The unveiling event included remarks by former governors Sonny Perdue and Nathan Deal, as well as remarks from the current governor, Brian Kemp. The portrait will be positioned to the right of the center entrance, on the opposite side of former House Speaker Thomas Murphy's portrait. Speaker Ralston's legacy will live on for many generations, and the permanent placement of his portrait outside of the House Chamber is an abundantly fitting tribute to our former colleague.   

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. Senator Larry Walker carried this legislation in the Senate, and it received unanimous passage with an amendment. This week, HB 880 will return to the House floor so we can formally agree to the amendment. Then, it will be on its way to Governor Kemp's desk.

SENATE BILL 464 -- I will be carrying this bill, authored by Senator Clint Dixon, in the House. It will require the State Board of Education to establish a program for the Department of Education to allocate funds for eligible educators to purchase school supplies online so that teachers will not have to spend so much of their own money on classroom supplies. It will also revise the "Georgia Early Literacy Act" to provide for the identification of up to five universal reading screeners, one of which shall be a free universal reading screener.

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

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.