SR810: SR810 Federal Immigration Detention Facilities; the importance of transparency, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and congressional oversight; recognize

26 LC 129 1152 Senate Resolution 810 By: Senators Kemp of the 38th, Jones II of the 22nd, Howard of the 35th, Rhett of the 33rd, Mangham of the 55th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing the importance of transparency, community engagemen t, environmental1 stewardship, and congressional oversight regarding the proposed development or expansion2 of federal immigration detention facilities in the State of Georgia and expressing support for3 federal efforts to ensure accountability in the siting of such facilities; and for other purposes.4 WHEREAS, communities across the State of Georgia have expressed concerns regarding the5 potential development or expansion of large-scale federal immigration detention facilities,6 including proposals affecting communities in Walton County and Hall County; and7 WHEREAS, local leaders and residents have raised questions rega rding infrastructure8 capacity, water and energy usage, environmental impacts, economic consequences, and the9 long-term effects such facilities may have on surrounding neighborhoods; and10 WHEREAS, transparency, public input, and respect for local comm unities are essential11 principles that should guide decisions impacting the health, safety, and well-being of Georgia12 residents; and13 S. R. 810 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1152 WHEREAS, the Georgia State Senate recognizes the federal govern ment's authority over14 immigration policy while affirming that major projects affectin g Georgia communities15 should be pursued with openness, accountability, and meaningful consultation; and16 WHEREAS, United States Senator Raphael Warnock has proposed federal legislative action17 to prohibit the use of certain federal funds for the construction, acquisition, or expansion of18 immigration detention facilities in Georgia, absent of explicit congressional authorization and19 appropriate oversight measures; and20 WHEREAS, such efforts emphasize the importance of environmental review, fiscal21 responsibility, and community engagement, values shared by many Georgians regardless of22 political affiliation; and23 WHEREAS, the Georgia State Senate has a long-standing interest in protecting local24 infrastructure, supporting responsible development, and ensuring that Georgia communities25 are not subjected to large-scale projects without adequate transparency and safeguards.26 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body27 express support for federal efforts that promote transparency, environmental stewardship, and28 meaningful community input regarding the siting or expansion of federal immigration29 detention facilities within the State of Georgia.30 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Georgia State Senate encourages the United States31 Congress and relevant federal agencies to ensure that any proposed detention facility projects32 include robust public disclosure, environmental review, and clear authorization by Congress33 prior to the obligation or expenditure of federal funds.34 S. R. 810 - 2 - 26 LC 129 1152 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this body affirms the importance of collaboration among35 federal, state, and local leaders to ensure that decisions impa cting Georgia communities36 reflect responsible governance and respect for the voices of residents.37 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed38 to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the39 press.40 S. R. 810 - 3 -