Sesión en el pleno de la Cámara de Representantes, 24 de febrero de 2026 (día legislativo 23)

Transcripción

749 turnos. Seleccione un tiempo para reproducir ese momento del video.

1. 0:14:22

   All members. All members will please come to the floor. All members.

2. 0:14:32

   Because the hour convening having arrived, all members will please come to the floor and take their seats. Mr. Clerk, will you ring that bell?

3. 0:16:02

   We're going to have the morning roll call. Morning roll call. All members present will please vote green to signify their presence in the chamber. Mr. Clerk will unlock the machines.

4. 0:17:01

   All members voted?

5. 0:17:27

   Have all members now voted? All members voted themselves in? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machines?

6. 0:17:42

   Doorkeepers, will you please close the doors and keep them closed?

7. 0:17:54

   As is our custom, we will begin our day with scripture reading and prayer by the chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. Our chaplain this morning will be introduced by the lady from the 141st House District, Leader Carolyn Hugley. Representative Hugley, you are recognized to introduce our guest and our chaplain. Thank you very much.

8. 0:18:19

   Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen of the House. It is truly a joy and my honor to introduce a woman whose life reflects faith, scholarship, service, and love in action. The Reverend Sheryl King is an itinerant elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and she's the devoted senior pastor of Peters Chapel AME Church in Columbus, Georgia. For 21 years, she has faithfully shepherded that congregation, answering God's call with the simple but powerful words from Isaiah, "Here am I.

9. 0:19:00

   Send me." Reverend King, before devoting herself full time to ministry, spent 30 years shaping minds as a professor at Darton College, now Albany State University. And even after her retirement, her passion for learning continued. She earned her Master's of Divinity from the International Theological Center, graduating with honors. But what makes Rev- Reverend King so special is not her titles or her accomplishments.

10. 0:19:33

    It is her heart. Under her leadership, Peters Chapel feeds the hungry. It supports veterans. It ministers to young men. It provides health education and creates space for those living with dementia and chronic diseases to feel seen, supported, and loved. She is also a devoted wife to Mr. Willie King, and we would like to recognize him for joining her this morning.

11. 0:20:07

    She's the proud mother of eight, a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Reverend King leads with grace, wisdom, and quiet strength, and I would be remiss if I didn't give her a shout-out for being a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated. So please join me in warmly welcoming Reverend Cheryl King.

12. 0:20:34

    It's good to have you. Thank you. You won't hurt anything here. You can

13. 0:20:41

    wait right there.

14. 0:20:42

    Good morning.

15. 0:20:43

    Morning.

16. 0:20:44

    I greet you in the joy of Jesus, and I thank you, Representative Huguley, uh, for that introduction, and thank you, Speaker Burns, for the invitation to come and share with you this morning. The passage I chose is Mark 2:1-12, and this passage exemplifies the concept of teamwork. First, Mark starts out by telling us about this man named Jesus. He tells us that Jesus leaves Galilee and comes back to Capernaum.

17. 0:21:20

    When the people heard that Jesus was back in town, they came in crowds and filled the house where he was. There was no room in the house, not even outside the door. Everyone had shown up to see this man named Jesus, who then preaches the word to them. But then Mark tells us something else. He tells us about four men.

18. 0:21:51

    These men, like everyone else, had heard about Jesus, and like everyone else, these four men come, but they come carrying a paralyzed man. The man couldn't get to Jesus by himself, but they cared enough to get together to do what was necessary in order to get the man to where Jesus is. And they knew it would not be easy, and it was not just a matter of getting the man there, but getting him there would involve the four of them working as a team in order to achieve their purpose in getting this man to Jesus.

19. 0:22:35

    They had to collaborate, join forces. They had to team up. They had to coordinate. Each person had to be willing to do his part, and they had to communicate. They had to talk with one another, and they had to listen to one another. And just think, these four men had to decide to put their own personal interests aside, had to agree with one another, had to work with one another, had to talk and listen to one another.

20. 0:23:11

    But look at what they had to do. First, they had to agree to go in the same direction. You couldn't have the two at the front trying to go forward and the two at the back trying to go backwards. They all had to agree to go in the same direction. No one is arguing about which direction to go. No one is arguing about who is right and who is wrong. They had to agree to go in the same direction, and they had to agree to walk at the same speed.

21. 0:23:47

    They would not have been successful if one was walking slower or faster than the others. They all had to step the same, just like a soldier. Forward march, half step march, right step march, left step march. They had to all step at the same speed. And then they had to agree to go to the same place. One could say, "Well, let's take him to the synagogue because that's where I heard where Jesus is." And the other one said, "No, no, no, we need to go to Peter's house because that's where I heard where Jesus is." They had to agree as to the place where they were going.

22. 0:24:33

    And then each man had to commit to carry his corner. It took the four of them doing their part in order to accomplish their goal. Each man had to be a team player. If one of them dropped his corner, they would not have been able to accomplish their goal. But then there's one other thing that's really important. When the four men arrived at the house where Jesus was, they encountered an obstacle, but they did not let that obstacle get in their way.

23. 0:25:13

    When they couldn't get in the door because of the crowds, when they couldn't get through the windows because of the crowd, they didn't throw their hands up and decide to leave. So what did they do? These four climbed the stairs that were on the outside of the house, carried the man on the stretcher up those stairs, and tore through the roof. These four were determined to get their friend to Jesus, and they didn't care how it looked.

24. 0:25:44

    They didn't care what the crowd thought. They didn't care what the crowd said. They just tore off the roof, lowered the mat right in front of Jesus. And as ones representing the people you have been elected to serve, like these four, you must be willing to communicate with one another You must be willing to coordinate sometimes with one another. You must be willing to collaborate with one another.

25. 0:26:17

    And then sometimes when you encounter an obstacle, you must be willing to tear the roof off of some things. You must be willing to step up and do what is right regardless of what anyone else does, regardless of what anyone else says, regardless of what anyone else thinks, working as a team to get the job done. One of my favorite movies is Coach Carter, the true story of Ken Carter, who in 1999 became the head basketball coach for a high school in a poor city suburb.

26. 0:26:56

    He was tough. He was strict, trying to teach these boys more than just how to play basketball. But there was one player, Timo, and he thinks that this is just all over the top, that he's just not going to do what the coach says he should do. So he quits the team, only to return later with a desire to be reinstated. So he asked Coach Carter, "What must I do to be able to play?" And Carter deliberately sets him an impossible task.

27. 0:27:30

    He must complete 2,500 pushups and 1,000 suicide drills by Friday. Friday comes. He has tried, but he has not completed the task the coach set him. So although impressed by his effort, Carter asked him, "Y- hey, you gotta leave the gym. You failed. You are not successful." Unexpectedly, another player, Jason, who previously had a personality conflict with Timo, he steps forward and he tells the coach, "I will do pushups for him.

28. 0:28:11

    You said we're a team. One person struggles, we all struggle. One person triumphs, we all triumphs, right?" So Coach Carter watches Jason drop to the floor and begin doing pushups. And then one by one, each team member steps forward, drops to the floor, and starts doing pushups until Timo reaches his goal.

29. 0:28:43

    They had been acting only as individuals, but now they're working together as a team. And a point for you today as you gather to do what's best for the state of Georgia is to work together as a team to get the job done. Please stand for prayer.

30. 0:29:11

    Let's bow our heads. Lord God, we thank you for these servant leaders who have come together in a spirit of teamwork to do what you have called them to do in representing your people. Bless them to keep that fire burning that gave them that initial desire to be a servant leader, to serve the people in the state of Georgia. Lord, be their GPS, directing and guiding them when they need to yield, when they need to stop, but most of all, when they need to go.

31. 0:29:44

    Keep them, Lord, cover them, protect them, and continue to bless them. It is in Jesus' name that we pray, and everyone said amen.

32. 0:29:56

    Amen.

33. 0:29:56

    Amen.

34. 0:29:56

    Amen.

35. 0:29:57

    Amen.

36. 0:29:58

    Amen.

37. 0:29:58

    And if you would join me now in the Pledge of Allegiance.

38. 0:30:03

    I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

39. 0:30:20

    Preach.

40. 0:30:21

    Preach, girl. You did it.

41. 0:30:26

    Doorkeepers, you may open the doors. Members, you may join Reverend King and Mr. Willie in the South Anney Room and show your respect and your appreciation for her being here today.

42. 0:32:10

    Members, our doctor of the day today is brought to us by Representative Demetrius Douglas. Thank you, Representative Douglas. Uh, it's Dr. Jamila Goldsmith. So thanks for bringing Dr. Goldsmith. If you need Dr. No- Goldsmith, you know where to find her.

43. 0:32:28

    Chairman Hilton, the chair on the Committee on Information and Audit is recognized. Chairman Hilton.

44. 0:32:32

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The state of your journal is good. Your Committee on Information and Audit has read the journal of the previous legislative day, and we have found it to be correct.

45. 0:32:40

    Chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information Au- Audits reports that journal of the previous legi- legislative day has been read and found to be correct. Is there any objection to dispense with the reading of the journal? Hearing none, the reading of the journal is dispensed with. Is there any objection to the confirmation of journal? Hearing none, the journal is confirmed.

46. 0:33:06

    Mr. Clerk will read the resolution establishing the order of business for the day.

47. 0:33:11

    Representative Efstration and the 104th moves following me establishes the order of business during the first part of the period. Unanimous consent. Introduction of bills and resolutions. First reading and reference of House bills and resolutions. Second reading of bills and resolutions. Reports of standing committees. First reading and reference of Senate bills and resolutions. Morning orders.

48. 0:33:38

    Is there any objection to adopting the resolution establishing the order of business for the day? Hearing none, the resolution's adopted.

49. 0:33:54

    First reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read. House Bill 1403 by Representative Martinez of the 111th, Reeves of the 99th, Leverett of the 123rd, Bonner of the 73rd, Scoggins of the 14th and others. Bill be titled, entitled, Act to Amend Chapter 1 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relative to courts. Judiciary. House Bill 1404 by Representative Stevens of the 164th. Bill be entitled, An Act to Authorize the Governing Authority of the City of Pooler to Levy an Excise Tax.

50. 0:34:29

    Intergovernmental coordination. House Bill 1405 by Representative Hon of the 103rd, Rice of the 139th, Ballard of the 147th, Crowe of the 118th, Holcomb of the 101st. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Article 6 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to delinquency.

51. 0:34:52

    Judiciary, juvenile. House Bill 1406 by Representative Medina of the 110th, Anderson of the 10th, Jones of the 25th, Holly of the 116th, Barnow of the 77th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Code Section 21-2-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to definitions regarding elections and primaries. Governmental affairs. House Bill 1407 by Representative Leverett of the 123rd, Gullett of the 19th, Reeves of the 99th, and Gunter of the 8th.

52. 0:35:23

    Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Article 6 of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to trials under the Civil Practice Act.

53. 0:35:34

    Judiciary. House Bill 1408 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Hagan of the 156th, Cooper of the 45th, Cox of the 28th, Jasperse of the 11th and others. Bill be entitled, An Act to Amend Chapter 19 of Title 31 and Chapter 50 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the control of rabies and veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Agriculture and consumer affairs. House Bill 1409 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Persinger of the 119th, Dempsey of the 13th, Hatcher of the 155th, Rice of the 139th and others.

54. 0:36:11

    Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to provisions relative to parent and child relationship. Judiciary, juvenile. House Bill 1410 by Representative Cummings of the 39th, Schofield of the 63rd, Davis of the 87th, Scott of the 76th. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 and Chapter 2A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elementary and secondary education.

55. 0:36:42

    Education. House Bill 1411 by Representative Glaize of the 67th, Neal of the 79th, Irvin of the twen- of the 32nd, Hagan of the 156th, Stevens of the 164th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to other educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act.

56. 0:37:08

    Education. House Bill 1412 by Representative McDonald of the 26th, Efstration of the 104th, Hitchens of the 161st, Burchett of the 176th, Hatcher of the 155th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Article 1 of Chapter 21 of Title 15 and Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relative to payment and disposition of fines. Public safety and homeland security.

57. 0:37:39

    House Bill 1416 by Representative Horner of the 3rd, Ridley of the 22nd, Ridley of the 6th, Persinger of the 119th, Barrett of the 24th. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to imposition rate computation, exemptions and credits for state income tax. Ways and means. House Bill 1417 by Representative Campbell of the 35th, Lupton of the 83rd, Irwin of the 32nd, Wilkerson of the 38th, Carter of the 93rd and others.

58. 0:38:10

    Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Code Section 20-2-157 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to uniform reporting system for certain purposes. Education. House Bill 1418 by Representative Medina of the 110th, Jones of the 25th, Schofield of the 63rd, Beckles of the 96th, Davis of the 87th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 60 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations.

59. 0:38:41

    Technology and infrastructure innovation. House Bill 1419 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gullett of the 19th, Gambill of the 15th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 6 and 34 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to unfair trade practices and motor vehicle accident reparations.

60. 0:39:08

    Insurance. House Bill 1420 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gullett of the 19th, Gambill of the 15th and others. Bill be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 6 and 34 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to unfair trade practices.

61. 0:39:27

    Insurance. Mr. Clerk, suspend just for a minute.

62. 0:39:42

    This cold weather, weather's got us all charged up, so, uh, y'all let's take it down a couple octaves so we can get these bills in the right committees. Mr. Clerk, proceed.

63. 0:40:01

    Let me finish this, and then we'll, we'll get that worked out.

64. 0:40:07

    House Bill 1422 by Representative Gissler of the 121st, Clark of the 108th, Allen of the 50th, Bazemore of the 69th, Campbell of the 35th, and others. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Article 1, Chapter 20 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding personnel administration."

65. 0:40:25

    Public and Community Health.

66. 0:40:35

    House Bill 1421 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gould of the 19th, Gambill of 15th, and others. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Chapter 6 of 34, Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to unfair trade practices in motor vehicle accident reparations."

67. 0:40:54

    Insurance.

68. 0:40:56

    House Resolution 1427 by Representative Sainz of the 180th, Hitchens of the 161st, Willis of the 55th, DeLoach of the 167th, and Townsend of the 179th. Resolution urging Congress.

69. 0:41:12

    Special Rules.

70. 0:41:14

    Senate Bill 398 by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, Annet of Arday of the 31st, Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Bearden of the 30th, and others. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to wiretapping, eavesdropping, and surveillance."

71. 0:41:36

    Judiciary Non-Civil.

72. 0:41:37

    Senate Bill 409 by Senator Walker of the 20th, Harbin of the 16th, Robertson of the 29th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Harbison of the 15th, and others. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Chapter 9 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to regulation of rates."

73. 0:41:55

    Insurance.

74. 0:41:56

    Senate Bill 427 by Senator Watson of the 1st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Huffstutler of the 52nd, Jackson of the 41st, Senator Arday of the 31st, and others. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Article 2, Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to medical practice relevant to physicians."

75. 0:42:17

    Public and Community Health.

76. 0:42:19

    Senate Bill 440 by Senator Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Watson of the 1st.

77. 0:42:24

    Mr. Clerk, I, I actually assigned that one. That was for... What did I just assign? That should've been in Health. That bill goes to Health. I'm, I apologize.

78. 0:42:38

    Senate Bill 440 by Senator Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Watson of the 1st, Echols of the 49th, Brass of the 6th. The bill will be titled, "An Act to Amend Title 16, 19, 31, 48, and 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to crimes and offenses."

79. 0:42:55

    Public and Community Health.

80. 0:42:57

    That completes first readers.

81. 0:43:29

    Second reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read.

82. 0:43:36

    House Bill 1344, 1384 by Representative Scoggins of the 14th, Efstration of the 104th, Burchett of the 176th, Kelley of the 16th, Cannon of the 172nd, and others. A bill relating to powers relating to administration of government. House Bill 1385 by Representative Chastain of the 7th, Lumsden of the 12th, Cox of the 28th, Barrett of the 24th, Gunter of the 8th, and others. A bill relating to building and housing and fire protection and safety. House Bill 1386 by Representative Dawson of the 65th, Berry of the 56th, Jones of the 60th, Glaize of the 67th, McQueen of the 61st, and others. A bill relating to development authorities.

83. 0:44:08

    House Bill 1387 by Representative Gullett of the 19th, Momtahan of the 17th, Thomas of the 21st. A bill relating to property tax exemptions and deferral. House Bill 1388 by Representative Sanchez of the 117th, Washburn of the 144th, Ridley of the 22nd, Mitchell of the 88th, Cameron of the 1st. A bill relating to state building, plumbing, and electrical codes. House Bill 1389 by Representative Sanchez of the 117th, Mitchell of the 88th, Gilliard of the 162nd, Frye of the 122nd, Bernal of the 77th, and others. A bill relating to dispossessory proceedings. House Bill 1390 by Representative Willis of the 55th, Schofield of the 63rd, McQueen of the 61st, Berry of the 56th, Holland of the 54th, and others.

84. 0:44:45

    A bill relating to reckless stunt driving. House Bill 1391 by Representative Fleming of the 114th, Hitchens of the 161st, Crowe of the 118th, Lumsden of the 12th, Mathiak of the 82nd, and others. A bill relating to license plates promoting or s- supporting certain agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations. House Bill 1392 by Representative Sanchez of the 117th, Griffin of the 149th, and Stinson of the 150th. A bill relating to requirement to only practice at licensed funeral establishment, organic human reduction facility, crematorium, requirements for funeral establishments.

85. 0:45:16

    House Bill 1395 by Representative Mathis of the 133rd, Crowe of the 118th, Washburn of the 144th, Barrett of the 24th, Powell of the 33rd, and others. A bill relating to driver's licenses.

86. 0:45:29

    House Bill 1396 by Representative Efstration of the 104th and Jones of the 25th, a bill relating to general provisions relative to the Department of Community Affairs. House Bill 1397 by Representative Cooper of the 45th, Frye of the 122nd, Reeves of the 99th, Hagan of the 156th, Roberts of the 52nd, a bill relating to investigating a sexual assault. House Bill 1398 by Representative Cooper of the 45th, Franklin of the 160th, Frye of the 122nd, Hagan of the 156th, Carpenter of the 4th and others, a bill relating to arrest by law enforcement officers.

87. 0:45:59

    House Bill 1399 by Representative Gilliard of the 162nd, Tran of the 80th, Adeyina of the 110th, a bill relating to selling and other trade practices. House Bill 1400 by Representative Gilliard of the 162nd, Tran of the 80th, Adeyina of the 110th, a bill relating to selling and other trade practices. House Bill 1401 by Representative Gisler of the 121st, Tran of the 80th, Sanchez of the 42nd, Bell of the 75th, Parker of the 107th and others, a bill relating to general provisions regarding the Department of Public Health. Okay. Don't wait on it.

88. 0:46:34

    15. 15.

89. 0:46:35

    1450.

90. 0:46:36

    House Bill 1402 by Representative Hagan of the 156th, Burns of the 159th, Irwin of the 32nd, Donatucci of the 105th, Ballard of the front- 147th and others, a bill relating to the health of students. House Bill 1413 by Representative Martin of the 49th, Hatchett of the 155th, Evans of the 57th, Newton of the 127th, Irwin of the 32nd and others, a bill relating to Georgia Student Finance Authority. House Bill 1414 by Representative Reeves of the 99th, Efstration of the 104th, Hong of the 103rd, Holcomb of the 101st, Evans of the 57th and others, a bill relating to limited liability companies.

91. 0:47:07

    House Bill 1415 by Representative Seabaugh of the 34th, Sainz of the 180th, Martinez of the 111th, Hong of, Hong of the 103rd, Mitchell of the 88th and others, a bill relating to the Stone Mountain Memorial Association and public property of the state generally. House Bill- House Resolution 1415 by Representative Prince of the 132nd and Richardson of the 125th, a resolution honoring the life of Master Sergeant Gary I. Gordon and dedicating a road in his memory. House Resolution 1416 by Representative Dickey of the 134th, Meeks of the 178th, O'Steen of the 169th, Ford of the 170th, Corbett of the 174th and others, a resolution creating the Joint Study Committee on Generational Sustainability of Family Farms.

92. 0:47:46

    House Resolution 1417 by Representative Wade of the 9th, Evans of the 57th, Smith of the 18th, Gaines of the 120th, Gunter of the 8th and others, a resolution recognizing February 26, 2026 as Dale Murphy Day and urging the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame Committee to induct Dale Murphy into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. House Resolution 1418 by Representative Washburn of the 144th, Dickey of the 134th, Carpenter of the 4th, Corbett of the 174th, Williams of the 148th and others, a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to put- impose a 1% statewide sales and use tax.

93. 0:48:19

    House Resolution 1419 by Representative Martin of the 49th, Hugley of the 141st, Jones of the 47th and Cooper of the 45th, a resolution recognizing February 2026 as Turner Syndrome Awareness Month in Georgia. Through second readers.

94. 0:49:09

    Reports of standing committees, Mr. Clerk will read.

95. 0:49:18

    Representative Robert Dickey of the 134th District, Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, has submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has had under its consideration the following bills of the House. It's instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 158, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1195, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1201, do pass. House Bill 1224, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1301, do pass by substitute.

96. 0:49:48

    Respectfully submitted, Representative Robert Dickey of the 134th District, Chairman. Representative Victor Anderson of the 10th District, Chairman of the Committee on Governmental Affairs, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Governmental Affairs has had under its consideration the following bills and resolution of the House. It's instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1362, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1396, do pass. House Resolution 1348, do pass.

97. 0:50:19

    Respectfully submitted, Representative Victor Anderson of the 10th District, Chairman. Representative Hawkins of the 27th District, Chairman of the Committee on Health, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Health has had under its consideration the following bills of the House and has instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1295, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1275, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1292, do pass. House Bill 326, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1122, do pass by substitute.

98. 0:50:51

    House Bill 1278, do pass. House Bill 1374, do pass. House Bill 1236, do pass. House Bill 1138, do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Hawkins of the 27th District, Chairman. Representative Chuck Martin of the 49th District, Chairman of the Committee on Higher Education, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Higher Education has had under its consideration the following bill of the House. It's instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1293, do pass by committee substitute.

99. 0:51:24

    Respectfully submitted, Representative Chuck Martin of the 49th District, Chairman.

100. 0:51:29

     Representative Lumsden of the 12th District, chairman of the Committee on Insurance, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Insurance has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House, and instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 96- 961, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1058, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1198, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Lumsden of the 12th District, chairman. Representative Gunter of the 8th District, chairman of Committee on Judiciary, submitted the following report.

101. 0:52:00

     Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Judiciary has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 688, do pass. House Bill 1221, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1348, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1364, do pass. House Bill 1365, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Gunter of the 8th District, chairman. Representative Camp of the 135th District, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary Juvenile, submitted the following report.

102. 0:52:33

     Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Judiciary Juvenile has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House and Senate, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1283, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 383, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Camp of the 135th District, chairman. Representative John Corbett of the 174th District, chairman of the Committee on Motor Vehicles, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Motor Vehicles has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House and Senate, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following, following recommendations.

103. 0:53:11

     House Bill 461, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1391, do pass. Senate Bill 160, do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative John Corbett of the 174th District, chairman. Representative Smith of the 18th District, chairman of the Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations.

104. 0:53:41

     House Bill 1196, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1329, do pass. House Bill 1324, do pass. House Bill 1290, do pass. House Bill 11- House Bill 1076, do pass. House Bill 421, do pass by substitute. House Bill 626, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1390, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1303, do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Smith of the 18th District, chairman. Representative Alan Powell of the 33rd District, chairman of the Committee on Regulated Industries, submitted the following report.

105. 0:54:16

     Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Regulated Industries has had under its consideration the following Bills and Resolutions of the House and Senate, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 892, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1197, do pass. House Bill 1254, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1305, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1392, do pass by committee substitute. House Resolution 752, do pass by committee substitute.

106. 0:54:48

     House Resolution 952, do pass by committee substitute. Senate Bill 146, do pass. Senate Bill 239, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Alan Powell of the 33rd District, chairman. Representative Jones of the 25th District, chairman of the Committee on Technology and Infrastructure Innovation, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Technology and, and Infrastructure Innovation has had under its consideration

107. 0:55:19

     the following Bills of the House and Senate, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1230, do pass by committee substitute. Senate Bill 177, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Jones of the 25th District, chairman. Representative Shaw Blackmon of the 146th District, chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Ways and Means has had under its consideration the following Bills of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following, following recommendations.

108. 0:55:53

     House Bill 565, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Shaw Blackmon of the 146th District, chairman. That completes the reading of the report to standing committees.

109. 0:56:28

     Members, if you will come to your desk, come to the floor. We have, um, we're gonna move on to morning orders.

110. 0:56:39

     But I want your attention first. We have a special invite resolution.

111. 0:56:46

     We have an invite resolution.

112. 0:57:00

     I see several conversations occurring, and I know they aren't important. But if you have one that is important, please take it to the ante room so other members may give attention to the lady that's about to be in the well, and then those that will be presenting some morning orders shortly. Thank you, members. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption of House Resolution 1176? 1176.

113. 0:57:28

     House Resolution 1176 by Representative O'Steen of the 169th, Dickey of the 134th, Meeks of the 178th, Corbett of the 174th, and Huddleston of the 72nd. A resolution

114. 0:57:40

     Commending the Georgia Future Farmers of America Association in recognizing February 24th, 2026 as Future Farmers of America Day at the State Capitol. Representative Angie O'Steen from down in South Georgia is recognized to speak to House Resolution 1176. The lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As everybody can tell on their desk that Chairman, uh, Steven Meeks left, it's FFA Day at the Capitol.

115. 0:58:12

     At this time, I'd like to ask all of the FFA students that are in those wonderful blue and gold jackets, y'all please stand up. Y'all, yes. Please give them a round of applause. Welcome to the Capitol. We're glad to have you here today.

116. 0:58:31

     Thank you. Y'all may be seated. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to welcome these exceptional young leaders in agriculture to Georgia FFA Day at the Capitol. There's something special about seeing these blue and gold jackets gathered beneath the Gold Dome. It's only fitting that Georgia FFA stands under the very symbol of our state's leadership. Georgia FFA Association is one of the largest and strongest FFA associations in the nation, with more than 80,000 members across hundreds of middle school and high schools chapters in our state.

117. 0:59:06

     These students embody the knowledge and resilience to lead agriculture, our state's number one industry, into the future which currently contributes over $80 billion annually to our state's economy. Each year, Georgia FFA members log thousands of community service hours, compete in nationally recognized events, and consistently rank among the te- the state's top associations at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. They are scientists, farmers, business owners, educators, policymakers, and public speakers in the making, and today they are here to sh- see firsthand how leadership and service come together in action at our State Capitol.

118. 0:59:51

     Thank you, Georgia FFA, for demonstrating the motto, "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve." Those 12 words reflect exactly why these students are here today. I'm going to be joined in just a second by our State President, Ramiyah Stevens, but I would ... One moment of personal pride. Caitlin Marchant, come up here. Caitlin Butler Marchant is from my hometown of Hazlehurst, Georgia, and she is the daughter of my lifelong friends, Staley and Becky Butler, who are up in the, who are, as a surprise, are up in the, at, up in the gallery today.

119. 1:00:31

     She is Georgia's very first female to hold the positions of agriculture program manager for the Georgia Department of Education, and she is also a state FFA advisor. Congratulations. Thank you. Becky and Staley, y'all stand up.

120. 1:00:56

     Good morning. It is truly an honor to be here today for FFA Day at the Capitol. Alongside me today are three state vice presidents. We have Leighton Morris from Morgan County, we have, um, Quinn Penley from Clarke Central, and we have Anna Grace Hunter from Moultrie. Today, we are so honored to be here with the leaders who truly emphasize the legacy that agricultural education is able to have. On behalf of the 300 FFA members and advisors here for FFA Day at the Capitol, and the 80,000 FFA members across our state, thank you for your commitment and your support of agricultural education.

121. 1:01:35

     At the end of the day, it is so important for every student to know where their food comes from, where the shelter over their head and the clothing on their back is from. And because of you all, we are allowed to grow as leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. So thank you so much.

122. 1:02:05

     Well, what a great day, y'all. I was with them. They were here early this morning down at the depot, and they, they know about working early in the morning and late at night. So they get it done for, um, for their schools and for their communities. They have chapters in urban Georgia, big city Georgias, country Georgias, all bringing the values that comes along with the agricultural community. So, thank you. Congratulations, and

123. 1:02:34

     special ... Caitlin, congratulations to you, and your parents are here as well, so. Her husband and children are at- Husband and children. Whole family affair. Good to have y'all. I know y'all are proud, as we are. So let's give them one more round of applause, y'all.

124. 1:03:18

     Representative Dinya, we're ready to move on to morning orders. The gentleman will have up to two minutes for a moment in Black history. We also have a photo. Yes, we do. The gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Day, it's a day-o. Daylight come and me wanna go home. Day, it's a day-o. Crossover day is coming.

125. 1:03:49

     All right, all right. Good morning, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I'm proud to recognize Harry Belafonte, a renowned singer, activist, and civil leader, civil rights leader of the proud Jamaican heritage, whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations. Harry Belafonte used his voice not only to entertain the world, but to challenge injustice, and the, as the king of calypso, he introduced Caribbean culture to global audiences through timeless songs such as Day-O, The Banana Boat Song, Jamaica Farewell, Matilda, Jump in Line, Shake Senora, and The Island Sun.

126. 1:04:25

     These classics brought sound and the spirit of Caribbean into homes across America and around the world. More importantly, he stood in front of the s- uh, he stood on the front of lines of civil rights movement, working alongside leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., hel- helping to organize the March on Washington, supporting activists, supporting activists, and advancing the cause of equality. He understood that influence was a responsibility. He used his platform to advocate for human rights, dignity, and opportunity, not just in America, but around the world.

127. 1:05:03

     As a Nigerian Caribbean American, a, a representative of one of the most diverse districts in Georgia, I recognize the importance of honoring leaders like Harry Belafonte, whose Caribbean roots and global perspectives remind us of the strength found in our shared heritage and our collective struggle for justice. The Black History, this Black History Month, we celebrate Harry Belafonte's courage, his conviction, and his unwavering commitment to freedom. May his legacy continue to inspire us, to lead us with purpose, serve with humility, and stand firmly on the side of justice.

128. 1:05:38

     Day-O.

129. 1:05:44

     Representative Adeyina, you should have used, uh, Mr. Belafonte's recording when you opened up. Good job. Thank you very much for that morning order. Represent- Representative Omari Crawford is gonna be recognized for our first morning order.

130. 1:06:06

     If you'll give the gentleman in the well your attention. If you'll all join me in standing.

131. 1:06:16

     This is Donna?

132. 1:06:17

     Yeah.

133. 1:06:17

     Is she here? Where is she? Yeah, I see her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friends, I'm standing before you today to honor someone, someone that's very important in DeKalb County. I have not been to everyone's district in this State House, but I know we all have one thing in common, and that is each of us has that one person that's that political connector. He or she may not have a, an elected title, but they're responsible for making sure that each of us are at the table to discuss ideas.

134. 1:06:51

     For us, that was Dr. Thomas Coleman. Thomas Coleman didn't care whether or not you were on the left, the right, liberal, conservative. He cared about sitting at the table discussing ideas because he understood that in order for us to move this state forward, we need to do that. His daughter, the solicitor general of DeKalb County, wrote a few words, and I'm gonna share them briefly. She said about her father that he was a community leader, a political force, an executive, and a Vietnam veteran. He had a rare gift that he can walk inside any room and make people feel heard, valued, and respected.

135. 1:07:23

     He knew politics, but he never forgot people, which is why he believed strongly in the ability to resolve issues coming together, and you can do so over a meal. He believed in us as a team versus me individually. His legacy will live on. It is tough to replace somebody like that in DeKalb County. And Mr. Speaker, I wanna make sure before we take a moment of silence to recognize his daughter, our DeKalb County Solicitor General, Donna Coleman Stribling.

136. 1:07:57

     His legacy will live on. And if you would, would you please take a moment of silence in Dr. Coleman's honor?

137. 1:08:06

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker and friends. I yield the well.

138. 1:08:09

     Tell her come down. Thank you, Representative Crawford. Thanks for recognizing Dr. Coleman. Quite the gentleman.

139. 1:08:15

     Thank you.

140. 1:08:16

     Thank you so much. Okay, members, here is our posture. We have a lot of good friends in the gallery. We wanna recognize them, and you have a lot of colleagues who need to recognize folks, so you're gonna have 30 seconds. So, um, do your best or even do better. I think you can do it. We'll start. We'll see how Representative Bill Werkheiser is recognized for a morning order.

141. 1:08:46

     Thank you.

142. 1:08:47

     Representative Jasmine Clark, you're on deck.

143. 1:08:49

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, as Angie alluded to, we've got, uh, Caitlin Merchant's family here. We've got a resolution we'd like to present to them, if they could make their way over to the gallery. Um, her resume is quite impressive. Uh, she's from Jeff Davis, my district, so thank you for letting us recognize her.

144. 1:09:10

     Thank you. Good to have the family here. Quite the accomplishment. Representative Jasmine Clark

145. 1:09:19

     and friends. Ladies, recognize.

146. 1:09:23

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning I would love to welcome Help for Healthcare Professionals to the Capitol today for Help for Healthcare Professional Day. This is an organization that was started back in 2020 and has served healthcare professionals since then. They are graduating future physicians, nurses, and so much more. They have also been instrumental in reaching back out to the Jamaican community in Jamaica to help them with Hurricane Melissa relief.

147. 1:09:56

     This is an excellent organization. We are so happy to have them here with us. They are up in the gallery. Please stand.

148. 1:10:07

     Thank you so much for your continued advocacy and service to the community and to healthcare professionals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

149. 1:10:18

     Thank you. Always glad to have our healthcare professionals. Thank you for what you all do.

150. 1:10:27

     Representative Mack Jackson, Chairman Blackmon, and Chairman Williams, Noel Williams. Gentlemen are recognized. Representative Glaize, you're on deck.

151. 1:10:44

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, fellow members. We are, uh, very excited and honored to have with us today, uh, on their 60th anniversary this year, the 1966 Perry High School basketball championship team. And I believe along with a very important part of that group, a couple of the cheerleaders as well. Would y'all please stand and let us honor you and, and thank you and, uh, welcome you to the People's House this morning.

152. 1:11:19

     I believe it is the last championship, uh, the basketball program at Perry has had, and we're very proud of it and proud of you. Thank you for being here today. I know we're gonna have them down to have a few pictures here in the Annie Room, uh, upcoming. So, good to be with you.

153. 1:11:37

     Something you never forget, do you?

154. 1:11:40

     Yeah.

155. 1:11:40

     Awesome. Thank y'all for being here.

156. 1:11:41

     Also, Mr. Speaker, I have at my desk a original picture of the original team when they won this 1966 championship, and now I have a picture as they are today. Thank you.

157. 1:11:54

     They look the same to me. Good stuff. Representative Glaize. Ladies recognized and friends. Representative Dawson.

158. 1:12:08

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I hope that, uh, Langston High School has made it in the house, but if not, we wanna recognize Langston High School AP, poli sci, and social studies are with us this morning. Thank you for waving. Not only is this one of the top schools in the s- state for athletics, but they are top in the state for workforce development, and we're so grateful to have them with us.

159. 1:12:41

     They're from South Fulton, as well as Creekside High School, who is doing a great job with athletics, but workforce development is number one as well. Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker.

160. 1:13:00

     Leader Hugley, are you, are you ready? The leader is recognized. Leader Hugley.

161. 1:13:09

     And you got, you have some friends. I see Representative Reese, Representative Buckner joined the representative, uh, the leader for her morning order. Lady's recognized.

162. 1:13:21

     Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, we have with us a group of students from Reese Road Learning Academy. They are the Reese Road Roadrunners, and these young people are learning the values of leadership. So we would like for them to stand, and you all greet them this morning, all the way from Columbus.

163. 1:13:49

     Also, Mr. Speaker, if you would look on your desk, you have a gift from Columbus. It's a coaster. We hope that you will use it and put it in a conspicuous place in your office. Thank you so much. We yield the well.

164. 1:14:06

     I will. I looked at it this morning. It's beautiful. Thanks for that. We appreciate it. Thanks to Columbus. Chairman Hatchett, you have friends, or you're by yourself? Oh, you're by yourself. You're a lone rider there. Chairman Hatchett's recognized.

165. 1:14:21

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friends, we are honored today to have future leaders from Lawrence County in our presence. At this time, I'd like to ask the Lawrence Youth Leadership Group to stand, be recognized, and welcome you to your capital. Thank you.

166. 1:14:45

     Chair Lady Cooper is recognized for a morning order. Y'all are doing good. Keep rolling. Lady's recognized.

167. 1:14:53

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, I rise today to recognize the Georgia Trauma Foundation and the vital role it plays in strengthening trauma care across our state. Uh, statistics will tell you the whole picture. In 2003, we were 16% over the mortality rate for accidents. And trauma injuries are the number one cause of death in Georgia and still under the age of 45. Today, we are 6% below the national average on deaths.

168. 1:15:24

     Because of the trauma center and hospitals across our state joining the trauma sys- system and learning through education and experience, we are getting people to the right care within the golden hour, when it's great, more likely that we will save their lives and reduce the trauma, and reduce the damage from their traumatic experience. So, uh, thank you to all of the people that are here today, they're wearing red jackets, but apparently we're full, that work in the trauma systering, system delivering this very critical care.

169. 1:16:02

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

170. 1:16:05

     Thank you, Representative.

171. 1:16:09

     Representative Alexander, you are recognized. Representative Seabaugh and the Cobb delegation, you're on deck. Representative Alexander and friends, ladies recognized.

172. 1:16:20

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we have the Douglas County Chamber here. They're here with elected officials and other business leaders. We have Sever- Sarah Ray, the president of the chamber. We also have the Commissioner Chair, Ramona Jackson Jones. Commissioners Ma- Martin Raxton, Henry Mitchell III, and Mark Alcaraz. If you guys could stand in the gallery and be recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

173. 1:16:53

     Representative Seabaugh and the Cobb delegation, give him a second then the gentleman will be recognized.

174. 1:17:05

     Gentlemen is recognized.

175. 1:17:36

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the house. Today I am honored to welcome leaders from Cobb County. Leaders who help drive one of our most important economic centers in our state. It is home to major employers like The Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, racetrack, and Metro Atlanta Ambulance Service. Companies that create opportunity, companies that strengthen Georgia's economy, and companies that invest in our future. Cobb is also home to some of our state's world-class destinations, including the Atlanta Braves and the Battery Atlanta, the Cobb Convention Center, and Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

176. 1:18:15

     It is home to Kennesaw State University, Chattahoochee Technical College, Highlands College, and Life University. These institutions drive tourism, they provide education, and are preparing the next generation of Georgia's workforce. The chamber's Government Affairs Committee plays a vital role by connecting the business community with this body, helping to ensure that Cobb County and all of Georgia remains the best place to work, live, and to do business. Please join me, colleagues, in welcoming the Cobb Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs Committee to our State Capitol.

177. 1:18:52

     Will you please stand?

178. 1:18:57

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

179. 1:19:07

     Representative Lisa Campbell

180. 1:19:19

     and friends.

181. 1:19:27

     You get more friends by the minute. That's right. There we go. The lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

182. 1:19:36

     Today I invite all members in this house, both sides of the aisle, who believe in equal rights for women to join me here in the well. Today we celebrate the advancement of equal rights for American women, and we continue to urge to secure equal rights under the law. Did you know that in Georgia and across the United States, unfortunately, women do not enjoy equal rights protection under the law? The last time this question was posed to the General Assembly was 1982.

183. 1:20:06

     I'm wearing a sash to emphasize the 100 years of work that we have been urging for the ratification of the ERA. Today we are joined by many in spirit and in person, including Triana Arnold James, president, Georgia chapter of the National Organization of Women; Sharon Hill, the National Organization for Women; Nicola Hines, the president of the League of Women Voters of Georgia; Han Pham, executive director of Her Term; and equal rights advocates from across the state.

184. 1:20:37

     We invite all legislators to help us and take the step of signing on to the ERA, an affirmation for justice for all. I, I dedicate this morning's order to my mother, Gail, who chose equal. Thank you all. Let's stand and give a r- moment of recognition to our ERA advocates in the gallery.

185. 1:21:04

     Representative Schofield, recognized for a morning order.

186. 1:21:13

     And friends? Yes. No friends. Wait a minute. Are y'all with... No? No friends. Lady suspend. I don't, I don't. No friends. Now, the lady's recognized. Okay. All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the house, I rise and recognize to the Capitol today one of the best JROTC gr- uh, s- groups in the State of Georgia. I'm on red already?

187. 1:21:44

     And, um, and that is from South Atlanta High School, the JROTC, led under the leadership of Principal Philip Brazil Jr. and Captain Maurice Brown, and my junior legislative ambassador, Zaniya Hall. Thank y'all for being at the Capitol People's House. I'm so proud of you. All right, yield the well.

188. 1:22:10

     Thank you, ma'am. Chairman Cheokas, you in the building? Yes, he is.

189. 1:22:17

     Chairman Cheokas is recognized for morning order.

190. 1:22:23

     You, you're, you ... Collapse it. Yes, sir. You don't get 30 seconds for each one.

191. 1:22:33

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my pleasure to welcome the Webster County Middle High School, um, FFA class. They are accompanied by, um, Sarah Lynn Fleming, the agricultural tea- teacher, James Mc- McCullough, who's the principal, Joseph White, and Pamela Aldridge. So if my FFA students from, um, from, uh, Webster County could stand. If y'all are here or there, stand up. Thank you. Go Bobcats.

192. 1:23:06

     All right. We also have the America Sumter County Chamber and other community leaders here. I don't know if they're in the gallery, but they are at the Capitol. I wanna recognize them. Also, um, we are recognizing the Georgia General Aviation Airports Association. There are 95, uh, general aviation airports, and they have o- over a $2.5 billion impact in the state. Their board members are Davin Welter, Dake Shatner, Adam Webb, Amber McCall, Wes McDonald, Calvin Walker, Mario Evans, Sam Malty, and Hope Macaluso.

193. 1:23:50

     So they're here today. So when you fly the skies, land at a local airport. And last, my Slack County Wildcats are here, also representing FFA with Trey Stewart, Eric Sellers. Stand up, guys, if y'all are still in the gallery. Thank you. Thank ... There they are. Thank you. Go Wildcats. We got a bunch of cool cats here this today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor.

194. 1:24:20

     Thank you very much. Chairman Bonner and Chair Lady Mathiak and friends.

195. 1:24:33

     He's got friends. Hey. Hey, good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Representative Bazemore. Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We're, we, we rise to recognize members of the Peachtree City Rotary Club that are visiting with us today. That club was organized in 1967. It's the oldest service organization in Fayette County, and they have over 150 members that are active members of our community there in Peachtree City. And so if y'all could stand that we could recognize y'all. Thanks so much. Yay.

196. 1:25:04

     Woo-hoo.

197. 1:25:13

     Can I say something about Impact citizens real quick? 30 seconds. Or less. We'd also like to, um, to welcome Impact Citizens here today. They're the group that prays for us and keeps us lifted up to the Lord. Thank you, guys. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We certainly need to recognize them. Thank you for your prayers. Representative Burnough.

198. 1:25:41

     I'll give the lady some space. And she's gonna bring some friends. Lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we are here to recognize and commend Deitra Poindexter on being named the Georgia Association of Conservation District's 2025 Supervisor of the Year, and she's right up here in the gallery. Would you all stand and congratulate her?

199. 1:26:12

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Representative Burnough. Thank you for your work. Very important. Thanks for what you're doing.

200. 1:26:25

     Representative Donatucci. Lady is recognized. You'll be next, Representative, Chairman Hilton. Mr. Speaker, members, today we have with us the Mountain View High School Chamber Orchestra. This is a mastery level performing ensemble under the direction of Dr. Ashley Yu. For the past 15 years, this group has received superior ratings at the Georgia Music Educators Large Group Performance Evaluation. And this past Friday was no different, where they received the same award again.

201. 1:27:00

     Um, Mountain View, the Mountain View community is proud of this group, and so am I. Please welcome the Mountain View High School Chamber Orchestra.

202. 1:27:12

     I don't know where they are. Thank you.

203. 1:27:20

     Chairman Hilton's recognized for morning order. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is fitting on Education Day, we have some of the brightest students in our state with us. Uh, these kids can read, write, and do arithmetic. Please join me in welcoming the third grade class from Mount Pisgah. Mount Pisgah Patriots, would you guys please stand up and be recognized? Hey.

204. 1:27:46

     Mr. Speaker, we're gonna do some great work for these students today. Thank you. Third graders. Great. Y'all look sharp, too. Glad to have y'all in the people's house. Representative Santos is recognized.

205. 1:28:03

     And friends? Is that what you're- I have a resolution on my desk. I have a resolution on my desk. It's okay.

206. 1:28:14

     Representative Al Williams and r- and Chairman Hitchens recognized for morning order

207. 1:28:31

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to recognize some folk that are not recognized enough. Chairman Hitchens and I, in January of '24, I lost $1,800 in a money transfer. Had really given up. Called the guy who stole the money, and he told me it was his blessing. Just last week, I was informed by our Georgia Bureau of Investigation that they found him in California.

208. 1:29:02

     And with us today is the director of the GBI, Chris Holsey, and the GBI Cyber Unit. You are not given enough credit. Thank you so much. If you're here, will you please stand? If not, we'll send you a bill. There you go. Thank you. Great job. They're always on the job. Just because you don't hear from them does not mean they're not working. You don't know how much I appreciate you. Mr. Speaker, I yield the floor.

209. 1:29:35

     Thank you, Director. And one of the elite investigative bodies in our country right here, our own GBI. Thank y'all for what you do. We really appreciate you. Chair Lady Lynn Smith.

210. 1:29:51

     Maybe not. Representative Santos has up to 30 seconds.

211. 1:29:58

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to recognize an extraordinary group of Georgia students leaders who are making an impact for far beyond our state through their service with the Boys & Girls Club of Puerto Rico. This past January, more than 165 volunteers from across 13 states, including many from Georgia, traveled at their own expense, raised over 23,000 this year, and more than 40,000 over the last three years. They work directly with young people here in Georgia.

212. 1:30:28

     This initiative is completely grassroots. If you are here, please rise so you can be recognized. Thank you for your service to Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I yield the floor.

213. 1:30:41

     Thank you, Representative Santos. Welcome. Thank y'all for being here. Representative Smith, Representative Lynn Smith is recognized for a morning order.

214. 1:30:50

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members of the House. Um, I seen Northside Elementary School in the balcony up there. Um, I've taught there for a while. This is wonderful. These teachers have taken the time to bring these students up here. I know you're the gifted class and, um, if you can see any way we can improve on the floor, don't tell me. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Oh, a round of applause.

215. 1:31:16

     Great recognition. Good to have y'all. They're doing good even without you. Representative Earhart is recognized. Representative Jenny Earhart's recognized for a morning order.

216. 1:31:28

     Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friends, today we proudly recognize Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Day at the Capitol, and we celebrate the extraordinary professionals who strengthen our healthcare system every single day. Uh, APRNs, if you are, I know you're here. If you're in the gallery, please stand. Um, APRNs bring advanced knowledge, clinical skill, and compassionate care to patients in hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities across our state. They serve as trusted providers, educators, and advocates who improve quality of healthcare in Georgia.

217. 1:32:00

     Georgia is stronger and healthier because of their commitment, leadership, and service. Today, we thank our APRNs, and I'm proud to include my daughter Kelly in that group, for their professionalism, resilience, and unwavering passion. Please join us in honoring and celebrating Advanced Practice Registers Nurse Day and the remarkable difference these professionals make in our communities. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor.

218. 1:32:23

     Absolutely. Thanks for that recognition. They do great work. Big part of our healthcare system. That completes our morning orders. Thank you very much. A lot of good folks recognized here this morning. We're gonna move on to the rules calendar. Mr. Clerk, you ready?

219. 1:32:42

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1193?

220. 1:32:47

     House Bill 1193 by Representative Erwin of the 32nd and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to education so as to promote and advance statewide literacy and reading education efforts to substantially revise the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

221. 1:33:21

     Members, I'll ask you to stay close to the floor this morning. We have a number of important bills that we'll be taking up this morning, and I'm sure you are all are interested.

222. 1:33:47

     We're gonna talking about some education priorities for this state, for this House.

223. 1:34:08

     And we're going to get started here in just a moment. I'm almost ready.

224. 1:34:14

     Getting closer by the minute.

225. 1:34:24

     Thank you, Mr. Clerk. I'm gonna recognize Chairman Erwin in just a second, as he will present House Bill 1193, and I hope all of you will give the gentleman your undivided attention. The gentleman's recognized to present House Bill 1193.

226. 1:34:45

     Great. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, very excited, very motivated to speak to you members this morning, um, and bring House Bill 1193, which we've called the Georgia Early Literacy Act 2026. Let me state that, uh, there was a little bit of anxiety this morning because this is a 43-page bill, and I had prepared to read the entire bill to you this morning so that you understood it, but I left my glasses at home. So immediately it occurred to me that I couldn't read.

227. 1:35:18

     And, uh, anxiety set in that my job was gonna be tougher today in trying to accomplish my job. Uh, so I ran home, I got my glasses. So we're gonna read. No, we're not gonna read 43 pages to you. We're, we're gonna go through it. But, uh, let, let me run off script just for a second to tell you that I, I think this, uh, this effort, there's been a team and a group of people, not only from this chamber, but the chamber across the hall from us here, and, uh, they, they have worked for years trying to create a pivot in learning that we need to happen.

228. 1:35:55

     And that would be towards literacy, and that's reading by third grade for our students. It's something that, uh, I think will be game-changing for this state. I want you to imagine today yourself if you could not read.

229. 1:36:16

     Spend a moment trying to do your job, what we do, and I have looked around the room this morning, and I've looked at all of you, whether it's a computer, your phone, or a piece of paper, everybody in this room is reading. Everybody is accomplishing their job using reading. Now, what I will tell you is storytelling is natural to us. Reading is not natural to you and your brain. It's a skill you acquire. And believe it or not, if you don't remember being taught to read, it's a difficult, uh, skill not only for you to learn, but it's a difficult skill for a teacher to accomplish to give to you, and for then for you to carry on.

230. 1:37:02

     Now, what I want you to do is, uh, listen to somebody who has been in schools for over three decades. And as a high school principal, I remember walking through the high school and talking to students, uh, about their day and what they were doing, and not once did a student that could read well tell me school was hard.

231. 1:37:28

     Conversely, to a student that could not read on grade level or did not read well, they always told me school was hard. What I will say to you is the students that read well would tell me, "School's boring. This is easy. I'm not challenged." The other end, students that didn't read well, they said, "Mr. Erwin, I don't feel like I fit. I'm not getting the job done. I'm afraid. I'm embar- embarrassed." With that, I would tell you, I want you to imagine what our schools would look like if we could all read on grade level.

232. 1:38:12

     Take a moment and think about that. The things that we would not have to do or the things that we could accomplish if all the students sitting in the class in third grade could read on grade level with what we're asking them at their job, much like what's happening with you today sitting here at your job. And that's reading on whatever the administrative level you need to be to be a representative in accomplishing the work that you need to on these bills.

233. 1:38:43

     I'll tell you that reading is fundamental to learning. All subjects require reading. So we've got to set that base. That's what this bill does. It sets the base for kindergarten through third ba- grade for the student to get through third grade and be on grade level.

234. 1:39:10

     Currently, a majority of our third graders are not reading on grade level. So in other words, we must pivot. We have a mission in 1193 that we must accomplish. We must teach our kids in third grade what I'm gonna ask of you, uh, to read on grade level. What I'm gonna ask of you is this has to be an effort out of everyone in this state. This doesn't need to be an effort out of just some people or just our educators.

235. 1:39:46

     We need to have everybody supporting the effort that this is something important. I will give you the exact same thing- ... for when we attacked cancer and we said we were gonna do a better job in the 1960s at researching and preventing cancer and curing cancer. We must have the belief that all of our children can learn to read on grade level, and if we don't all believe that, you know what?

236. 1:40:21

     For some of those kids we don't believe in, they're not gonna get there.

237. 1:40:28

     Let's also have this in mind.

238. 1:40:33

     Reading helps you dream, helps you dream bigger, helps you dream better. It takes you to places that you couldn't necessarily go when you're sitting and reading that book in front of you. So I ask you, have you ever read something and it created ideas in your brain? Did it create wonder and desire? Did it help you build better dreams for you?

239. 1:41:06

     So teaching our children to read on grade level

240. 1:41:11

     will change lives. Teaching our children to read on grade level will change the fabric inside of our school at what we do and what they can accomplish every single day.

241. 1:41:30

     I'll tell you what this bill does. The bill is aimed at promoting and advancing comprehensive early literacy and reading education efforts that are aligned to the science of reading throughout the state. The bill's major points are QBE funding for school-based literacy coaches in each public school with students in kindergarten through third grade. These are literacy teachers inside the classroom with a defined job duty of helping the students and the teachers inside the classroom accomplish their goals of being able to read on grade level.

242. 1:42:15

     It also provides for regional literacy coaches and liter- and leadership literacy coaches based at the 16 RESAs, which are our Georgia Regional Education Service Agencies, and they are side by side not only with our teachers and coaches, what we'll call school-based coaches, but they're side by side with our principals. Just like this chamber, just like that chamber, just like this state, leadership makes a difference.

243. 1:42:50

     That principal inside the school makes the difference for this literacy effort. So we're investing in our leaders that are inside the school about literacy. We're gonna have them in the classroom. We're gonna have them working with the teachers, understand training about literacy. Remember, reading is foundation, foundational to all learning. We're also comprehensive curriculum-based professional learning to support teachers and literacy coaches in applying the science of reading into instructional practices will be available at no cost to K3 teachers and literacy coaches.

244. 1:43:32

     High-quality instructional material, what we call HQIM, aligned to science of reading, is required for K3 literacy and reading instruction. Although the compulsory school attendance age is not lowered from six, families are encouraged to have their children start school by age five. And in most instances, students will attend kindergarten before advancing to first grade. Folks, I'm gonna stop for a second and tell you that Georgia children don't just become our children when they're five years old.

245. 1:44:07

     When they're born, they're our children, and we need to invest in our children. We need to b- we need to make the one-year-old, the two-year-old, the three-year-old, the four-year-old part of the learning. We can do with that by helping parents understand the importance of literacy. We can do it by giving them books and training them how to hold the book, how to read, start, begin to read from the book, recognizing colors and numbers, these type of things before they get to school.

246. 1:44:43

     Require school systems, uh, to adopt unified literacy plans. There's also in the bill new and enhanced rules for placement, promotion, and retention for students in kindergarten and first grade, and families will decide whether their children will start kindergarten as they're advancing to first grade. Establishes the Georgia Literacy Task Force w- within the Office of Student Achievement.

247. 1:45:14

     The standing task force, under the leadership of the new Georgia Director of Literacy, will select high-quality instructional material, again, what we call HQIM, comprehensive professional learning, and universal reading screeners. Requires ongoing evaluation of our educator preparation programs.

248. 1:45:43

     Members, I, I will state to you, this is not a simple bill. This is not a simple mission.

249. 1:45:52

     Members, this is the most meaningful and impactful education legislation the General Assembly has championed since the Hope Scholarship in 1992. I happen to be old enough to have been around since we were debating and talking about the Hope Scholarship. I was not in this position, but I was in this state working in education, saw the value of it. I see the exact same value in what this bill does for our students, and then ultimately what it's gonna do for this state as a whole.

250. 1:46:25

     I've been told many times that one of the places that we have a large group of people that have the lowest reading levels is in our jails and our prison. I want us to imagine if some of those or if all of those could read much better, maybe they would've graduated. Maybe they would've got a good job. Maybe they would've accomplished a lot more. Maybe they would've dreamed bigger.

251. 1:46:56

     We can improve many parts of our society by better educating our children to read better when they come out. Theodore Roosevelt said this, and I believe it, "The worst thing we can do is nothing."

252. 1:47:14

     We'll keep getting the same two-thirds of our kids not reading on grade level if we do nothing. I wanna point out to you there are some states in the South that have made initiatives just like this. I'll give, uh, many groups in here, many members in here a thank you for going and visiting neighboring states that are outrunning us in Georgia in the reading comprehension and the reading levels of our K through 3 students.

253. 1:47:52

     We must catch up. That's what our kids deserve. So with that, Mr. Speaker, uh, I will stand for questions. Thank you for the presentation. You have several questions. Representative Burnough. Do you gentlemen gonna yield? Will he yield? I do. Yes, sir. Representative Burnough to your left is recognized for a question. Yes, ma'am. Thank, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I do. Yeah. As a 30-year, uh, retired educator, would you agree that reading is more than just calling out words?

254. 1:48:23

     It's comprehension. That's what gets them on grade level. Absolutely. Understanding what you've read, just not enunciating it, is very important and a big part of the science of reading. Thank you. Thank you for the question. Representative Al Williams to your left is recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the gentleman yield? Yes, I will. Yes, sir. Is it not true that you and I have spoke, spoken about this bill, and that I visited a school in Bowling Green, Kentucky? And is it not further true that we have fallen behind Mississippi and Alabama?

255. 1:49:00

     Do I need to say that again, sir? We've fallen behind Mississippi and Alabama. Is it not true that if we don't do what we have to do now, we cannot forever be the best state to do business because we will not have a workforce qualified to work in new business? Is that not so? That's true, and thank you for the, the, the comment and the question, Representative. Le- I want you to envision something else, members, before we go on to a quest- another question.

256. 1:49:31

     Imagine that if everybody outruns us on this reading and they start applying for our best jobs, and they're coming from not, not the state of Georgia. Then all of a sudden we haven't done our children a, a justice 'cause they're not ready to compete. They didn't go to the better schools. They weren't prepared. They couldn't fill out the applications like other states can. We must accomplish this m- mission. By the way, I saw a, uh, a text this morning from Mississippi governor.

257. 1:50:04

     You're two times more, two and a half times more likely to read, uh, proficiently in fourth grade in Mississippi than you are in California. Two and a half times more likely to read proficiently in fourth grade. Imagine that. A state that has gone from almost dead last to number nine in the nation in reading proficiency.

258. 1:50:34

     Very proud of their efforts. Very similar to what you have before you and that what you're voting on to change lives. Gentleman has a couple more questions, then we have some speakers on the bill. Representative Barnes is recognized for a question. Representative, Representative Marti Barnes. Thank you. Does the gentleman yield? I do. Thank you. I truly appreciate this bill. I do have some questions about lines five through 11, pretty much on your promotion and retention. Are we leaving this in the hands of the parent to, uh, decide if they wanna promote or re- or keep their child back, or are we relying on, like, a assessment test or something like that?

259. 1:51:13

     It, it, it's a group of, uh, individuals that meet, including the teacher and the, the principal at the school, on promotion and retention, and the parents are part of that group that make that decision, and we've written in the bill it has to be unanimous. Does the gentleman further yield? I do. I appreciate that part, uh, having everybody involved at the table. I think the parent knows their child best. Thank you for this bill. I agree. Thank you. Representative Moore to your left. Representative Angela Moore to your left in the back. Thank you, Mr.

260. 1:51:43

     Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? There we go. Yes, ma'am, I do. Can you tell me if the funding and passing of this bill will be able to help children with dyslexia and older children? The answer's absolutely. Dyslexia is written in there. You'll even see it on the first page. We, we have been down a very good path- Set by this House, ah, three years ago with dyslexia in understanding, uh, those children and how they read.

261. 1:52:14

     This bill enhances all of those efforts, continues us down a very good path. And then let's go to the second part of your question was...

262. 1:52:28

     I, I understood-

263. 1:52:29

     Older children

264. 1:52:29

     Right. You said children K through third grade, but then there are some children, and let's just say that before this bill passes, that have skipped the system, I know lots of them can't read by the time they get to eighth grade. They get held up when they get to the ninth and the 11th grade, find out they can't read at all.

265. 1:52:50

     Let, let's, let, let me answer this with this. This is a K-3 bill. Well, really, let's go zero to third-grade bill that, that you have before you, and that's where this effort and this pivot's gonna happen. Nothing stops a system from taking the good coaching, the good information that we receive for these younger students and apply it to the upper grades. That is another effort at another time to try to work up through the high school for our non-readers that are already currently in high school, but this bill is assigned K-3.

266. 1:53:29

     That at some point that this bill, the legislation here will help the children who cannot read in older grades?

267. 1:53:35

     There's no doubt the intention is to continue to grow this bill and to, as we move it up into middle school and then ultimately in high school. We're just taking the lead from some other states that have been very successful with this effort and how they accomplished it, and that's what you have before you.

268. 1:53:54

     Thank you.

269. 1:53:55

     Thank you.

270. 1:53:55

     Representative Derrick Jackson, sitting next to the lady to your left, is recognized for a question.

271. 1:54:01

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do, gentlemen yield?

272. 1:54:03

     Yes, sir.

273. 1:54:04

     And so I appreciate House Bill 1193, um, but there are some districts outside of 285, specifically in the rural parts of Georgia, will see House Bill 1193 as a unfunded mandate. Can you address that concern?

274. 1:54:20

     Absolutely, and I think we have, uh, a, a couple of speakers that might be addressing this, too. This is not an unfunded mandate. If you heard what I stated here, we're gonna pay for the HQIM, that's the high-quality instruction material. We're writing in QBE for the first time their school-based literacy coach. So we're gonna pay for that, and we're gonna write it in QBE. So be prepared, that's the major bulk of the expense would be, uh, the, the school-based literacy coaches.

275. 1:54:55

     By the way, we're looking at somewhere around 1,300 of those in the state. So there are quite a few, but the money will follow that position from the state just like it would their elementary school teacher, um, or their high school teacher there, so.

276. 1:55:14

     Do, do you further yield?

277. 1:55:15

     I do.

278. 1:55:16

     Uh, so to add to their concerns, specifically they're saying that it's a unfle- unfunded mandate because there are other administrative positions that are required when it comes to reading literacy. And although you address, uh, the QBE, but it doesn't add a poverty weight. Uh, could you address that concern as well?

279. 1:55:38

     Well, the, the poverty weight we're- we've got in the grant program for QBE, and we, we, as you probably know, this is the ye- first year we've done any of that. So State of Georgia has not been funding QBE based on poverty, uh, in history in the past and would need to be, after we get this, um, first pilot done and run, rewritten for poverty. Um, the administrative end, I would tell you, having been an administrator, I'll take a teacher all day that is funded by the state, and I wouldn't have to add an assistant principal.

280. 1:56:14

     I would not have to add a, uh, a- an administrator, um, to, to evaluate that person. Uh, we would be able to absorb that teacher inside our normal working day. Remember, these are classroom teachers, so, uh, there is not administrative cost added to them, um, e- e- especially in the size of elementary schools we have. Most of our elementary schools in the State of Georgia are 1,000 students or less, and we've got a formula for that for administration, how many administrators they have.

281. 1:56:53

     Local systems can add to that, but, uh, generally, we've got a QBE formula for administrative with inside the school.

282. 1:57:02

     One last question, then we have some speakers. Representative Park Cannon, to your left, is recognized for a question.

283. 1:57:08

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Do you yield?

284. 1:57:10

     Yes, ma'am, I do.

285. 1:57:11

     Thank you. At what age or grade level do you believe students are able to learn about race by books?

286. 1:57:20

     Learn about what?

287. 1:57:22

     Race.

288. 1:57:23

     Race. What, what age do they learn about race? I- in a developing mind, um, goodness gracious, I would say that'd be, uh, early middle school probably. Um-

289. 1:57:38

     Do you fur-

290. 1:57:38

     ... sixth grade.

291. 1:57:39

     Mm-hmm. Do you further yield?

292. 1:57:41

     I do.

293. 1:57:41

     Do you know that the American Psychological Association says that children notice race as early as three to six months old, pediatric literacy is important, and that, quote, "Delays in these important conversations can make it more difficult to change misconceptions about race"?

294. 1:58:04

     No, I, I'm, I'm not familiar with that. Um- at all. I do think this bill and the state needs to get into the zero to five, specifically working with these children and, uh, trying to accomplish, um, what we need to to make sure they're prepared to read when they get there.

295. 1:58:26

     Gentleman has no further questions.

296. 1:58:29

     Mr. Speaker, I would, uh, then ask for your favorable consideration. This is, uh, members, again, a mission that we cannot fail and we cannot ignore it. So doing nothing just will not help and be justice to our young people in this state. So I ask for your consideration, uh, favorable in 1193. With that, Mr.

297. 1:59:00

     Speaker, I will yield the will.

298. 1:59:07

     Thank you for your presentation and thanks for your hard work on this most important bill. I wanna recognize Representative Phil Olaleye, speak to the bill. You, you have up to 20 minutes, but we hope we won't take quite that long, sir. Not quite. Okay. The gentleman's recognized.

299. 1:59:25

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, colleagues. Today I rise in support of House Bill 1193, and I, I speak to you this morning not only as a legislator, but as a father. And I know the author, um, knows this to be true, having two and four-year-old grandkids. Uh, but the best time of the day is, uh, my bedtime routine with my two and four-year-old boys. Um, they slip into their PJs and grab a few books off the shelf, and we all pile into the bed and begin to slowly turn pages and trace letters and, uh, form words.

300. 2:00:04

     And, um, it's the coolest thing watching their eyes light up as those little s- uh, squiggly marks and shapes on a page, uh, take meaning, and, and they can read and understand. And, uh, you know, there's nothing like, like watching your child, um, discover language and how literacy can unlock their imagination in real time. Uh, but I also think about my own parents who, uh, did not have much. Uh, they worked really hard, long hours, uh, not having as many books on the shelf, not having as much time after a really long day at work.

301. 2:00:42

     And there are too many of our families, uh, and our parents who wish they had, uh, those same bedtime moments, uh, but can't because they're stretched thin by work, uh, by costs, and, and frankly, by life. And so, uh, that's why House Bill 1193 matters so much. It, uh, strengthens instruction, uh, and I know the author mentioned those critical K through twe- K through three, uh, years. Uh, we're gonna provide support for our educators to receive, uh, coaching and have access to high-quality materials.

302. 2:01:17

     Uh, and we're not leaving anything to chance or family circumstances. We are building a system that prioritizes, uh, literacy and early learning, uh, in reading for every single child. Um, and we know that that reading is, is fundamental, uh, to everything. If you can't read, it's hard to envision, uh, uh, a life of, uh, dignity, purpose, and success. And so, uh, this evening I, I'll go back home and, you know, I'll pull a book off my shelf, and we'll pile into the bed again, and we'll turn pages and sound out some simple words.

303. 2:01:55

     Um, and that's a spark that every single child and parent, uh, should have. Uh, I wanna thank the author for his incredible work, the committee, um, our counterparts, uh, over in the Senate. I know Chairman Hickman's with us. Thank you for your leadership, sir. Our very own, our First Lady of the House, Ms. Dale Burns, uh, who's an incredible champion for children, uh, and all things education. Um, if we can get literacy right during these early years, uh, we can fundamentally, uh, alter the trajectories not only of our children, uh, but our families, uh, as well as our state.

304. 2:02:36

     And so I ask you all, uh, to mash green and, uh, support House Bill 1193. Um, let's pass this bill and put every single child on a pathway to literacy. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

305. 2:02:51

     Gentleman yields the will. Thank you for your work on this bill, and thank you for your devotion to your family as well. Representative Glaize is recognized to speak to the bill.

306. 2:03:09

     Representative Glaize is recognized.

307. 2:03:13

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I stand before you with House Bill 11, uh, 939, 1193, I really stand here as a former teacher and high school counselor knowing that I never had a problem sending my kids to the next level. And you know why that was? Because I had students who could read. And fundamentally, today, as we stand before you, we stand at the precipice of making sure that Georgia continues to progress, that we continue to have not just 12 years of being the best place to do business, but that we have years that w- some of us won't even be here, particularly me, me.

308. 2:04:02

     I have five grandchildren who live in this state, and yes, ma'am, I am concerned, yes, sir, about them reading, and I believe we're doing what we need to do when we start- At kindergarten. And then we've done so much more in bills where we're gonna make sure that kids get books when they are born all the way till three years old. Children must have readers in order to learn to read. And so this bill will not only help our kids with literacy coaches, but we're gonna make sure that books get in their hands from pediatricians.

309. 2:04:41

     We're gonna make sure that those who came through colleges during the time when they didn't have the science for reading, that they are helped and taught to make sure that they teach our children properly. I'm gonna stand here and ask everybody in this assembly that we will not leave here today without having the done the work of tomorrow, and that's making sure our children are literate. This bill and the funding behind it will do it.

310. 2:05:12

     Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

311. 2:05:15

     The lady's yielded the well. Thank you. Representative Floyd Griffin is recognized to speak to the bill. Representative Griffin.

312. 2:05:30

     While the gentleman's coming, we'll have one more speaker after this. Representative Griffin is recognized to speak to the bill. The gentleman's recognized.

313. 2:05:42

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a prepared statement that I wanna make, but before I do that, this is a very, very important bill.

314. 2:05:58

     This, after the session was over, uh, last year, I was reading an article in my local newspaper where one of our schools, and I can't think, it was the third or fourth grade, they were teaching those children how to write with cursive. Now, if you were back in my generation, and that's a long time ago, we learned to write cursive.

315. 2:06:39

     We learned to read. Now I'm gonna date myself, but that, I finished high school in 1962. And when I went off to college, I didn't have to, you know, I did not have to be concerned about reading. And through my military career, going all the way up to being a senior officer, that's a colonel, and working in the Pentagon, and the people who worked with me and worked for me, approximately 50% or better of my day was reading.

316. 2:07:21

     It's the difference between reading and then being able to comprehend what you read, and I would not have been successful if I had not had that early, early learning. And I don't know to read and, and write, I don't know what happened to it. But what I want to kno- what I want to do is thank the speaker and the author of this, of this bill because it is crucial to the success of our future.

317. 2:07:55

     Mr. Speaker, members of the House, I rise today in strong support of this literacy bill because literacy is not just ano- another, uh, another education issue. It is the foundation for every other subject we teach. If a child cannot read proficiently by the end of the third grade, that child is no longer learning to read.

318. 2:08:25

     They are reading to learn. And if they struggle at that point, they'll struggle in math, science, history, and ultimately in life. Literacy determine graduate rates. Literacy affect workforce readiness. Literacy impact economic mobility. This bill is, is, is, is about early intervention, evidence-based instruction, and giving our teachers the tools they need to succeed.

319. 2:09:03

     It strengthens professional development, ensures proven reading strategy are used in our classrooms, and provide target support for struggling readers before they fail to fall behind. And let me say this very clearly. This is not partisan. This is about children. This is about parents who want their sons and daughters to compete and win in a global economy.

320. 2:09:40

     We talk often in this chamber about economic development, but the real e- econom- economic developments begin in the classroom with a child who can read confidently and teach and think critically. As I have often said, leaders solve problems, not create them. Today we have an opportunity to solve one of the most fundamental challenges facing our state.

321. 2:10:14

     An investment in literacy today prevent remediation tomorrow. It strengthen families, supports teachers, and build a strong Georgia. I urge this body to vote yes on this bill because when our children can't read, they cannot achieve anything. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield the well.

322. 2:10:42

     Thank you, Representative Griffin. Your insight is impactful. Thank you. Chairman Dubnik is recognized to speak to the bill. This will be our last speaker on House Bill 1193. The gentleman's recognized.

323. 2:10:55

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I appreciate the opportunity to make a couple of comments on House Bill 1193. There are a couple of, uh, points that I wanna make in regards to some of the questions that have been brought up. First and foremost, we have been very fortunate to work with GOSA, with the PSC, with the Board of Regents and our higher ed entities, with the Department of Education. They've all been at the table, are at the table, and will continue to be at the table to make sure that this is an initiative that's talked about, as Chairman Erwin referenced, uh, for decades to come.

324. 2:11:29

     I, I would also be remiss if I didn't take the chance to, to thank my good friend and partner, Senator Hickman, who has been with us on this bill every step of the way. Uh, but maybe the greatest champion of literacy that this House has is the first lady of this house. Ms. Dale, I can't, can't thank you enough for the, the dozens and dozens of hours and phone calls and text messages that we've spent together, and for your passion for literacy. I thank you for that, and the children of Georgia thank you for that.

325. 2:12:01

     I, I would also point out, and, and here's the thought to, to go home with and to contemplate this week, uh, kind of in totality of what it is that we're doing here today. When we all sit from a business standpoint, we talk about ROI being the return on investment. It would be very easy, as was pointed out by the bill's author, that we can tie literacy rates, proficient literacy rates, to incarceration rates, to mental health challenges, to chronic healthcare issues, to poverty rates, and to financial literacy.

326. 2:12:37

     But I would challenge you with this thought. Uh, my business mentor years ago explained to me that ROI in this setting and in something th- of this magnitude really has to do with the risk of ignoring. I hope in a moment when the clerk unlocks the machine and we all look up at the board, that you can tell your children and grandchildren that you did not ignore the calling that was literacy that is before us here today. I hope you'll answer that call and understand

327. 2:13:12

     that supporting this bill is supporting all Georgians, all families everywhere for generations to come. I'll ask for your favorable consideration of House Bill 1193. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for your time, and I yield the well.

328. 2:13:29

     Thank you, Representative Dubnik. I know you've spent a lot of time on this as well, as many in this House, this body has. That completes our discussion on House Bill 1193. Thank you members for your attention on this very, very important bill. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill?

329. 2:14:04

     Hearing none, the report, report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

330. 2:14:50

     Have all members voted?

331. 2:14:56

     No.

332. 2:14:56

     For what purpose has Representative Carter rise?

333. 2:15:00

     Parliamentary inquiry.

334. 2:15:01

     State your inquiry, ma'am.

335. 2:15:03

     Isn't that true that House Bill 11- 1193 puts Georgia in a place where we will become the number one state to educate our children?

336. 2:15:12

     Yeah. Hey.

337. 2:15:13

     I can't add to that much. Absolutely, and it's about time. Thank you for your question. For what purpose does Representative Carmen Rice rise?

338. 2:15:24

     Parliamentary inquiry.

339. 2:15:26

     State your inquiry.

340. 2:15:28

     Is it not true that Bill 1193, by passing this bill and by voting yes, we are demonstrating that we have not only identified an issue in Georgia, but we are taking strong action and, and providing and equipping the classrooms, the educators, and the students for a brighter future for Georgia?

341. 2:15:48

     The lady knows of what she speaks. There's no doubt about that. For what purpose does Representative Reese rise?

342. 2:15:56

     Parliamentary inquiry.

343. 2:15:57

     State your inquiry, sir.

344. 2:15:58

     Mr. Speaker, isn't it true that today this chamber is sending a strong bipartisan message that we are all concerned about our children, and that we are concerned about their education, and we're gonna do and fight like hell to make sure they have what they need to be successful?

345. 2:16:12

     Well, I think the gentleman knows of what he speaks, too.

346. 2:16:15

     And it is a strong, strong message. Have all members now voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1193, the yeas are 170, the nays are two. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Congratulations to the author, but congratulations to the members of this house.

347. 2:16:51

     Thank you. Thank you all.

348. 2:16:59

     This is a team effort, an investment in Georgia's future. Thank you, members. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

349. 2:17:59

     Thank you, members. That's a historical vote. Thank you ver- thank you all very, very much. Mr. Clerk, would you read the caption to House Bill 372? 372. House Bill 372 by Representative Ballard of the 147th and others to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 to Chapter 3 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to retirement allowances, disability benefits, and spouses benefits. This Bill having been referred to the Committee on Retirement, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

350. 2:18:45

     Representative Bethany Ballard is recognized. A ongoing champion for education. Representative Ball- Bethany Ballard is rep- is recognized to present House Bill 372. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, today I rise to present House Bill 372, uh, that allows our schools to continue a program that helps them, uh, fill gaps in our classrooms. In 2022, this body passed HB 385, which allows retired teachers who have gained 30 years of creditable service to return to the classroom, um, and, and teach in high-need subject areas.

351. 2:19:29

     Um, I've ... This, that program is sunsetting this year, um, in June. And so my bill kicks that sunset date out, uh, to 2030. Um, I have made a couple of changes, uh, to the original bill to make it more flexible for our, um, our classrooms. In the original language, uh, the RESAs picked the high-need subject areas. In this current bill that I'm proposing, it will allow each individual school district to pick their area of high needs, because you know, our RESAs are very diverse, and our school districts need that flexibility.

352. 2:20:12

     Um, we've also ensured in this bill that anyone who is returning in the area of reading or English language arts have that very important dyslexia and reading certification to continue with our literacy efforts. Um, so thank you, Mr. Speaker. That's the bill. I will yield, uh, for any questions. You did an excellent job. You have no questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will. Lady's yielded the will. We do have a speaker in favor of the bill, Representative Carter.

353. 2:20:44

     There she is. I lost you there for a second. Lady's recognized. Good morning. Thank you, uh, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity to speak on this bill. Again, I think we are moving in the right direction to improve education in the state of Georgia, and I am extremely excited that my colleague has picked up something that I was trying to do, and we couldn't get it done, but she's getting it done today, and I hope that everyone will vote yes, because we need to do everything we can to ensure that we have exceptional teachers in our classroom.

354. 2:21:23

     And some of those teachers decided to retire, but now we give them an opportunity to come back, because every child needs an exceptional teacher. And I believe every one of us have a story that we could tell that a teacher made a difference. So thank you, Committee, thank you my leader for bringing this legislation, and let's do what we have to do to improve the workforce development for teachers, even if they gotta come out of retirement.

355. 2:21:53

     Thank you, and I yield the will. Thank you, Representative Doreen Carter. We appreciate your persistence and your stick-with-itness, too, to get, help get this across the finish line. Thank you very much. That concludes the presentation and remarks on House Bill 372. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute?

356. 2:22:20

     Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

357. 2:23:03

     Have all members voted?

358. 2:23:09

     All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 372, the yays are 168, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Members, we have a number of important bills that we need to work on today, but I'm going to, um, let's break for lunch. This House will be in recess until 1:15 PM.

359. 2:23:42

     1:15, this House will stand in recess until 1:15.

360. 2:24:09

     Members, we do have a couple of meetings during lunch. I'm gonna recognize Chairman Blackmon. So we will come back to order. Chairman Blackmon is recognized for an announcement.

361. 2:24:23

     Ways and Means will not meet during lunch. We will meet later upon adjournment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

362. 2:24:36

     These are important. I kind of cut them all off. Sorry about that. Chairman Williamson's recognized for an announcement.

363. 2:24:41

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There'll be a majority caucus lunch right now, Room 403.

364. 2:24:51

     Chairman Carson recognized for an announcement.

365. 2:24:56

     Folks, the House Retirement Committee, as well as the Joint Retirement Committee, that will meet, uh, after session, um, a- after our 1:15 reconvening. Thank you.

366. 2:25:07

     Representative Terry Cummings is recognized for an announcement.

367. 2:25:13

     The Cobb delegation will be meeting in Cobb 514 immediately upon adjournment.

368. 2:25:23

     Representative Cummings, is that upon adjournment or recess for lunch? Recess, right?

369. 2:25:31

     Yeah.

370. 2:25:31

     Lady's announcement is for recess, Cobb delegation will meet. Representative Sheila Jones. Lady's recognized for an announcement.

371. 2:25:43

     The Women's Caucus will meet today at recess in Room 123 of the Capitol. So the notice that you have on your desk has the incorrect room number. So we will be in Room 123 downstairs. Thank you.

372. 2:25:59

     Room 123 downstairs right now.

373. 2:26:06

     Okay, I think we can do it now. This House will be in recess until 1:15 PM.

374. 3:34:13

     Okay, we're right on time. All right, members, if you're in any room or out in the hall, it'd be time to make your way to the chamber. Mr. Clerk, how about give us a ringing of that bell, let everybody, everyone know we're ready to go back to work. Mr. Clerk.

375. 3:37:31

     Members of the House will come to order. Let's go ahead and do some privileged resolutions. Mr. Clerk, would you be in that mode?

376. 3:37:44

     Mr. Clerk, would you read a group of privileged resolutions?

377. 3:37:49

     Honoring the life and memory of John Osher.

378. 3:37:55

     Honoring the life and memory of Eric Randall.

379. 3:38:01

     Honoring the Third Infantry Division and Brigadier General John W. Lubus, and recognizing February 25th, 2026, as Fort Stewart Liberty County Day at the Capitol. Recognizing and commending Liberty County, Fulton County, and DeKalb County Youth Commissions for their continued service and leadership development efforts within the community. Recognizing February 24th, 2026, as Georgia Commission on Women's Champion for Change Day at the State Capitol. Recognizing and commending Scott Tomlinson upon his retirement.

380. 3:38:35

     Commending Adekunle Rasheed Okiki Adegode,

381. 3:38:44

     Senior Advocate of Nigeria, for his distinguished legal service, human rights advocacy, and contributions to democratic governance. Commending and congratulating Clarence Taylor upon his 70th birthday. Recognizing and commending Jackie Lauren. Recognizing and commending Sharita Blair. Recognizing February 24th, 2026, as Advanced Practice Registered Nurses Day at the State Capitol. Recognizing and commending Sher- Sherrod Dixon.

382. 3:39:17

     Recognizing February 26th, 2026, as Dale Murphy Day. Recognizing and congratulating Georgia Louise Kimball. Recognizing July 27th to August 2nd, 2026, as Fertility Awareness Week. Recognizing and commending Jesse Wu. Recognizing and commending Anita Obidi. Recognizing and commending Lynn Baion. Recognizing March 11th, 2026, as Nurses Day at the State Capitol.

383. 3:39:48

     Recognizing and honoring the life and enduring legacy of Alexandra "Alex" Marie Patafio for her indelible contributions to the Georgia legal community while a student at the Georgia State University College of Law. Congratulating and commending Dwayne McCreary, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Chairman Award winner. Congratulating and commending Andrea Woodward, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Volunteer of the Year.

384. 3:40:23

     Congratulating and co- and commending Volstal Alpine Automotive Components, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Manufacturer of the Year. Congratulating and commending Shottenkirch Honda, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Community Partner of the Year. Congratulating and commending Allstar Roofing, the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Small Business of the Year.

385. 3:40:55

     And for other purposes. That completes the reading of the privileged resolutions.

386. 3:41:19

     Is there any objection?

387. 3:41:25

     Is there any objection to adopting the privileged resolutions? Hearing none, the resolutions are adopted.

388. 3:41:44

     Members, if you're, uh, close by, you need to come onto the floor. We're moving on to the rules calendar. Moving on to the rules calendar. We'll try to be done by dark. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1123, 1123.

389. 3:41:59

     House Bill 1123 by Representative Jones of the 47th and others to be entitled an act to amend Part 14 of Article 60, Chapter 2 of Title 20, the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the other educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act, so as to require certain schools that offer after-school programs to make such programs available to pre-kindergarten students. This bill then referred to the Committee on Education. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

390. 3:42:42

     Members, we have an important bill coming to the floor, so I invite all members come to the floor as I recognize the spre- speaker pro tem of this House, a lady who is no stranger to good policy, Pro Tem Jan Jones. The lady is recognized.

391. 3:42:59

     Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you members of the House. Um, wanted to present House Bill twe- 1123, which would expand pre-K after-school services to help working families. So it's narrowly tailored, and it's really a result of a study committee the speaker appointed me to chair and a number of your colleagues to be on two years ago. Um, it would require public schools that offer pre-K within their public schools and that offer the availability of after-school care services to grades K through five students to make them also available to their pre-K students on the same basis.

392. 3:43:44

     Do wanna make clear that these after-school services which assist working parents are not subsidized by ta- state taxpayers or local taxpayers. They're paid for by the parents, uh, and the school systems determine what those fees would be. Sometimes the after-school, after-care services are, um, contracted out to private providers, and oftentimes they are al- offered by the school system themselves.

393. 3:44:15

     And, uh, out of 112 systems that serve pre-K and offer after-school, only 22 do not. The vast majority do offer this, but it became clear in the process of the study committee two years ago that it would be helpful to all families to give them that option if they choose. If they don't choose that option because either, A, they don't need after-school services, or they prefer to have their child transported to a private provider that might better serve their needs because they may have, for example, younger siblings there, they would also have that opportunity.

394. 3:44:53

     And I, with that, I would be happy to answer any questions.

395. 3:44:57

     The lady has no questions.

396. 3:44:59

     Well, thank you, members, and, uh, I ask for your favorable consideration of House Bill 1123.

397. 3:45:06

     Appreciate your work on this important-

398. 3:45:07

     Build the well

399. 3:45:08

     ... important part of our educational process. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machines.

400. 3:46:08

     Have all members voted? All members voted this so. Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of House Bill 1123, the yeas are 162, the nays are zero. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed.

401. 3:46:42

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1009? 1-0-0-9. House Bill 1009 by Representative Hilton of the 48th and others to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2, Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated rela- relating to elementary and secondary education so as to require local school systems and public schools to enact policies and procedures for use of personal electronic devices at school. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Education.

402. 3:47:14

     That committee recommends that this bill do pass. You've worked on this subject before, haven't you? I'm glad to recognize and proud to recognize Chairman Scott Hilton to speak to House Bill 1009. Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have worked on this before, and last year when I introduced this bill, the Distraction Free Act, you guys tried to distract me, and you texted and called me while I was up here. So today, I'm gonna put my phone in my pouch here, and this bl- oh, you're doing it right now.

403. 3:47:45

     I feel somebody texting me. I'm gonna put this right here so I'm not distracted, and all of you guys have a distraction-free pouch. So I'd encourage the whole chamber, put your phone away and let's listen here. I'm seeing it. I love it. I love it. Colleagues, I'm honored to present House Bill 1009. Mr. Speaker, you often remind us that this House makes decisions based off of data and facts. Well, Mr. Speaker, the data is clear. 3,000 teachers across 155 counties told us that 96% of those teachers say cell phones are inter- interfering with learning.

404. 3:48:18

     In this state, we have never spent more money than we do today on education, and that is billions of dollars of our taxpayer money wasted if we are, uh, if those children are spending time on their cell phones. High school teachers tell us that half of their students are off task for large portions of the day. Colleagues, outcomes matter, and our students are suffering academically, but are also missing out on meaningful social and emotional connections with each other. House Bill 1009 builds on the Distraction Free Act from last year, extending the same bell-to-bell no cell phone policies to high school beginning with the tun- 2027-'28 school year.

405. 3:48:57

     Nationwide, 40 states now have a statewide cell phone policy, with more than half of those a best practice of bell-to-bell approach. Georgia's the only state out of all 40 that actually stop at K through 8. We do understand high school differs from K through 8, which is why we have exclusions for dual enrollment, work-based learning, and apprenticeships. It's important to note that about half of our high schools have already adopted some form of a cell phone-free policy. Our e- our educators are not waiting on us. They've seen the benefits, and they are taking action now.

406. 3:49:29

     Overall, 85% of educators support bell-to-bell no cell policies. A statewide survey of Georgia families found that more than 70% of parents support limiting cell phone use during the school day. Mr. Speaker, colleagues, the data across the country and throughout education is clear. Cell phone-free classrooms, cell phone-free classrooms read to, lead to higher grades, better test scores, and better student behavior.

407. 3:50:00

     The working we're doing around education today will truly change lives. Let's restore focus in our classrooms so our teachers can teach and our students can flourish socially, emotionally, and academically. I ask for your support of House Bill 1009, and I will yield for questions. Gentleman has a couple of questions. Representative Jasmine Clark, to your left, is recognized for a question. Lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I do. I completely understand the premise of this bill and what we're trying to go through, but you mentioned cell phones as what's being prohibited, but in fact, it is more than just cell phones that would be prohibited from bell to bell.

408. 3:50:42

     It also includes smart watches and headphones and things like that. A lot of high school students, they might carry their smart watches for any other myriad of reasons. It's very difficult to actually communicate on a smart watch, tracking their steps, you know, keeping... So are we sure that we wanna have this, this open to some devices that are not necessarily used for communication during the school day? So it's a great question.

409. 3:51:13

     We included all devices on line 28 there that are capable of sending and receiving two-way communications. So that's been kind of best practice across the states that we've seen implement something like this. Again, those devices are capable of allowing students to cheat on tests. They're capable of allowing students to record, you know, bullying or fighting with each other. This, it is worth noting, too, these only include the personal devices. Um, schools themselves, a lot of schools around Georgia have devices for learning. Uh, we did, on that line 28, made sure to exclude e-readers, which are often used.

410. 3:51:46

     Um, uh, those are not, a lot of those are not capable, uh, of sending or receiving two-way communication. All right. Um, thank you. Does the gentleman further yield? I do. I'll keep it quick. Um, so I understand that as well, but when you have things like, again, headphones and, um-

411. 3:52:04

     Think that I just feel like the goal of this was for cell phones, and you mentioned cell phones, and the pouches themselves that many schools use are specifically for cell phones. And I just worry about schools now might, um, maybe being responsible for all of these other electronic devices, because we do live in a digital society where a lot of these students have these things on their person, not to be a distraction, but just as part of their daily lives.

412. 3:52:32

     So two thoughts on that. Number one, I'd be hard-pressed to de- determine why in a learning environment a child would need their headphones in a classroom. Um- But you- I've heard from a teacher who said- But why? "... Scott, you know, I'll be teaching a, especially a girl, long hair, and they'll have earbuds in watching a movie or listening to music while I'm teaching, you know, calculus." Um, the bill is intentionally short in that we want schools to determine what's the best policy for them. Some use the pouches. Some put devices on the back of a, a door, you know?

413. 3:53:03

     So I think I trust the local schools to decide, you know, how to handle the, the technology that we outline here in the bill. Thank you.

414. 3:53:10

     Gentleman yield?

415. 3:53:11

     Yes, sir.

416. 3:53:12

     Representative Sandra Scott, to your right. Lady's recognized.

417. 3:53:19

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does gentleman yield?

418. 3:53:21

     Uh, yes I do.

419. 3:53:22

     Yes. I would like to thank you for bringing this bill because I truly, truly believe that it will help our kids to better focus in class, um, and then it cut out a lot of, uh, disruptions that, um, teachers have in class. Because if you ever notice, when one fight break out in one school, it be- it starts in another school, it starts in another school, and that's because of cell phones, and I'm truly glad that you're bringing this bill.

420. 3:53:53

     Thank you.

421. 3:53:54

     That's the best question of the day.

422. 3:53:56

     Representative-

423. 3:53:56

     I don't know if it was

424. 3:53:58

     That was a good question to you.

425. 3:53:59

     That's a great question.

426. 3:54:00

     Representative Jason Ridley, to your right, is recognized.

427. 3:54:04

     Does the gentleman yield?

428. 3:54:06

     Yes, sir, I do.

429. 3:54:07

     All right. You just said, the last, uh, part you said, uh, in the, with the representative before, you said that the teachers manage the classrooms. And so, like my daughter's school, and I think in the last bill it had a choice that they could do it if they wanted to implement it or not, and like my, my daughter's school did, but you talk about a teacher that told you that, you know, they're doing this and doing that. Well, they're not paid just to teach. They're also paid to manage the classroom. That's actually one of the classes they have to take to become a teacher. And I just think we're throwing a bunch of big government on somebody.

430. 3:54:39

     If we're gonna give somebody a choice, then we ought to let it play out longer than a year.

431. 3:54:43

     I, I, I think to address your concern, teachers, to your point, that's what they, they do best, is teach. And, and unfortunately, in today's classroom, they've become the cell phone police. And so, uh, both students and teachers are suffering. Students are, uh, we've seen disciplinary, uh, incidents go up with cell phones in the classroom. Um, but I wanna let teachers do what they do best, and that's teach. And so by getting cell phones out of the classroom, they no longer have to manage all that. It, the, the reason for the policy is we want, we don't want interspersed different policies all, all over the state. Uh, I, I think it helps us to have a, a nice, uh, even policy across the state.

432. 3:55:18

     But we gave them a choice to do that, though, but we didn't let it lay out, and there's no way you got any, enough data from that 'cause it's only been one year. We gave the, the high schools had a choice to do this program if they wanted to, correct?

433. 3:55:29

     Yeah.

434. 3:55:29

     Now we're gonna force them to do it.

435. 3:55:32

     Yeah, I, I think absent policy, many are already moving in this direction. Uh, many want to move in this direction and, and they're looking to us, uh, to, to set that policy. And so, uh, yeah, I think you'll, they'll gladly step into that choice 'cause the data, the research, the families, the teachers all tell us, "This is what we want."

436. 3:55:50

     Okay. Thank you.

437. 3:55:51

     Yeah. Mr. Speaker, I'll yield for one more.

438. 3:55:54

     Whip, Whip Park is recognized for a question. Take one more. You have a bunch of them, but I wanted to recognize him. The gentleman's recognized.

439. 3:55:59

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, Representative Hilton, thank you for the bill.

440. 3:56:03

     Yeah.

441. 3:56:03

     Uh, thank you also for, uh, these cyber pouches. Um, I could not help but notice that they were made in China.

442. 3:56:13

     Um, s- so, uh, I was just wondering, uh, you know, whether or not, uh, there are cyber pouches made in America, and whether or not, uh, schools, once this bill passes, would be able to buy America cr- manufactured cyber pouches.

443. 3:56:31

     I would welcome an American first bill that says, "American-made pouches only." But, um, there, there are a v- variety of, of folks that make, uh, these pouches, uh, Yondr being one. Uh, and really again, we intentionally leave that out of the legislation to allow schools to design a program, uh, that works best for them. I guess since this is made in China, be careful when you put your phone in here-

444. 3:56:52

     That's what I'm saying

445. 3:56:53

     ... um, on who's listening, so.

446. 3:56:54

     Thank you.

447. 3:56:55

     The, I know the gentleman's been communicating with his seatmate, so I'm interested to hear what that question's gonna be about. Representative Williams is recognized, Al Williams, for, for a question.

448. 3:57:05

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the gentleman yield?

449. 3:57:09

     Yes, sir.

450. 3:57:11

     Is it not true that the speaker nor I had cell phones in school?

451. 3:57:19

     And I think you did all right. Yes, sir.

452. 3:57:22

     As a matter of fact, we probably had smoke signals, but-

453. 3:57:28

     But is it not true that we passed a monumental literacy bill just a little while ago?

454. 3:57:36

     Yes, sir.

455. 3:57:36

     And is it not true that we have to use everything at our disposal to make sure that everyone can read, and we don't need distractions, and we don't need games played, and there are a lot of excuses, but everything can't be by choice. If I had my choice, 70 miles per hour would not be the speed limit. Sometimes it's like castor oil, kinda bad going down, but it's very good for you.

456. 3:58:09

     Thank you.

457. 3:58:09

     Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I know we're late in the afternoon here. I'll yield the well unless- It's your choice. I'll take one more from the audience here. This is what happens. When you guys put your cell phones up, see how much more engaged we get as a- Well, we had, let's have- One ... one from another perspective. We had one that didn't have cell phones and one that has dealt with them. Representative Berry is recognized for a question to your left.

458. 3:58:40

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, sir. I asked the same question last year, but I want to ask again this year. What strides has this general assembly done to make digital equity a reality in every single classroom, 'cause not every single classroom is one to one. Our classrooms are very underfunded. So what strides has the general assembly made to make digital equity a reality for every single classroom in the state? Well, I, I'll just, as I mentioned in the presentation, you know, I applaud this, uh, the governor, this body here. Education now is, this is the, the most money we've put toward education in the history of this state.

459. 3:59:10

     Uh, and so I'm proud of the work we've done. And, uh, yeah, I would just say digital equity is, is important, uh, but also removing distractions from our classrooms. And so I ask for your support of House Bill 1009.

460. 3:59:29

     Mr. Speaker, I will leave the well.

461. 3:59:34

     Go check your pouch and check your messages. You have some more questions, but, um, we don't have any speakers on this bill. So is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? The gentleman has yielded the well. Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no.

462. 4:00:05

     Mr. Clerk, will you unlock the machine?

463. 4:00:31

     All members voted. For what purpose does Representative Neal rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can I invoke rule 133 to be excused? The lady has that right, and the journal will so reflect.

464. 4:00:47

     For what purpose does Representative Barnes rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Is it not true that while, uh, I appreciate us, uh, removing the distractions from the classroom that, um, I think we need to, uh, think about the safety measures on taking their phones from bell to bell? Thank you. I appreciate the lady's concern, and I do appreciate the efforts this House has taken on school safety the last year and certainly this year as well.

465. 4:01:20

     But your concern is well noted. Have all members now voted? All, all members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1009, the yays are 145, the nays are 20. This bill having received a requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

466. 4:01:45

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1023? One-zero-two-three. House Bill 1023 by Representative Efstration of the 104th and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Article 27 of Chap- Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to loitering at or disrupting schools so as require local boards of education and other public school governing bodies to utilize weapon detection systems to aid in the prevention of any individual attempting to unlawfully possess or carry a weapon.

467. 4:02:19

     This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute. Leader Efstration is recognized to present House Bill 1023. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, I bring to you today House Bill 1023. Under the leadership of Speaker Burns, Chairman Irwin, Representative Persinger, and many other leaders in this chamber, keeping our students safe in Georgia has been a top priority of the Georgia House of Representatives.

468. 4:02:53

     House Bill 1023 is the next step in that important work by requiring all Georgia public schools to implement one or more weapons detection system at points of entry into school buildings

469. 4:03:10

     where students will be primarily for, for education. This bill does not apply to entrances which are, uh, there or doors there simply for emergency exit use. And there's a requirement for alarms if the student is not to enter in through that door. So my other job is I'm a practicing attorney. And when I have to go to the courthouse, it's very commonplace for me to walk through a weapons detection system when our, when I en- enter into a courthouse.

470. 4:03:44

     Georgia's students and educators deserve similar security with weapons detection systems inside of every Georgia public school. This bill builds on existing school safety plans and legislation that's been passed to provide local school systems with available grants so that these decisions are made on the local level as to what the appropriate system is to utilize and how best it is to be funded.

471. 4:04:14

     The purpose is clear. This is a measure toward ensuring that a, a further step is taken to stop unlawful weapons from being brought into school buildings. This is not a mandate for any specific type of system, and it makes clear that as local school board, school systems implement their safety plans, that they maintain that discretion. Now, last year, this Georgia House passed a landmark bill for school safety authored by Representative Persinger, Chairman Irwin, and others.

472. 4:04:51

     This general assembly has appropriated over $350 million for school security over the past few years.

473. 4:05:03

     This funding even predated the tragedy that occurred at Apalachee High School, which is located in the legislative district that I represent. We had a student from Apalachee High School actually appear in committee in support of this legislation.

474. 4:05:26

     Through continued appropriations funded by the general assembly, I believe that this bill is the next step to ensure that every parent, every grandparent knows that when they drop their child off at school in the morning, they're gonna be able to pick them up safely at the end of the day. And I'd respectfully request your favorable consideration of House Bill 1023. Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to stand for any questions.

475. 4:05:57

     Gentleman has a question or two. Re- Representative Betsy Holland is recognized to your right. Recognized for a question. Lady's recognized.

476. 4:06:04

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

477. 4:06:06

     Yes, ma'am.

478. 4:06:07

     Um, I wanted to say thank you for continuing to make school safety a priority in this body. I'm speaking to schools in my district. Depending on the age or layout of the school, I hear the, the cost of these systems, if they're effective, can be three, $400,000 per building or per school campus. You s- mentioned that there was an opportunity for appropriations to be applied towards this. Do we have money in the budget that will cover this cost for the school districts that will need it?

479. 4:06:36

     So the '27 budget that has been proposed includes the $50,000 for every school in Georgia. And I'll just tell you, there's a multitude of different systems. Because of the definition provided for in this legislation, there are a multitude of systems that would fit within the definition that are affordable. And if a school system decides or the general assembly appropriates further dollars, maybe there could be more advanced systems that could be in place. But it's my belief in bringing this bill that with the school safety grants that have been put in the budget, and which I hope to be put in the budget in the future, that this will not be an unfunded mandate on local school systems, that they will have the financial resources necessary to implement this, understanding that keeping, uh, our students safe is a paramount priority.

480. 4:07:29

     Thank you.

481. 4:07:29

     Gentleman yield for question, Representative Karlton Howard to your left and way in the back. Way in the back on your left.

482. 4:07:36

     Yes, sir.

483. 4:07:37

     Thank you. Thank you. Does the gentleman yield?

484. 4:07:38

     Yes, sir.

485. 4:07:39

     Along those same lines about funding, uh, you mentioned various types of grants that were available. Can you clarify, uh, that, which specific grants are available dedicated t- to that funding? Uh, also not just for the funding of the devices, but for the staffing and training that will be ongoing for the, in years to come.

486. 4:08:02

     Yes, sir.

487. 4:08:03

     I know we, I know we mentioned the $50,000 that's granted per school, but my school systems will spend $135,000 per school to get this done. So I would like to know where, where are those funding sources?

488. 4:08:18

     Yes, sir. Great question. Thank you for asking it. Uh, first of all, the, uh, it's approximately $57,000 has been included in the budget by the general assembly for school security, and that's per school in Georgia. And there's discretion locally about how to utilize those funds. So if it's to be used on the infrastructure for a system or for personnel to implement it, that discretion is, is local, consistent with school safety plans, which are to be, uh, made by the local school system already under existing law.

489. 4:08:50

     The idea here is that there, that flexibility is maintained with local school systems based upon the layout of the school and the particular needs of that, uh, school and, um, existing systems that already are in place. So there are many school systems in Georgia that already have weapons detection systems in place. So allowing for that local discretion and ensuring that not only that we support the funding that we have as we have done so in the past, but that that funding continues to be available, I believe will give the financial resources necessary so that school systems can fund both the infrastructure and the personnel.

490. 4:09:32

     Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to yield for one more question if there are any.

491. 4:09:36

     Uh, Leader Hugley, to your left, right in front of you. I think you know where she sits. Lady's recognized.

492. 4:09:42

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

493. 4:09:44

     Yes, ma'am.

494. 4:09:46

     Are there any penalties for schools if they are unable to meet this requirement? What are we gonna do?

495. 4:09:53

     S- so there's no penalties laid out in the bill, but it would be the law if, uh, this, if the general assembly enacts it, for school systems to have weapons detection, um, systems in place. And, um, and so the definition as, as written there is, would be the requirement

496. 4:10:15

     Does the gentleman further yield?

497. 4:10:16

     Yes, ma'am.

498. 4:10:17

     Have we given consideration to giving them a window of time to come into compliance with this, uh, realizing that it's gonna take some money and we're gonna have to continue to fund, and they gotta have, um, grants and find other resources available to do this?

499. 4:10:36

     Yes, ma'am. Great question. Thank you so much for asking that. So initially, when the bill was proposed, there was a much sooner implementation date that was part of it. I listened to feedback which was brought, and the substitute presented to the Education Committee would delay implementation to allow for a greater amount of time for local school systems to implement, um, these. Ultimately, at the end of the day, this is about keeping Georgia's students safe, and this is a reasonable measure for us to take to ensure that students entering school buildings, um, and, uh, teachers entering school buildings, uh, parents who go to visit their kids at school, that they know that their c- that their kids are in an environment in which a weapons detection system has been in place to prevent the entry of weapons.

500. 4:11:24

     Um, that is a similar process that we have when I go to the courthouse, when we go to, uh, the airport. We see these different places, and it's very reasonable to expend- extend these measures also to Georgia public schools. Uh, I ask for the body's favorable consideration-

501. 4:11:40

     Gentleman has one more question. I mean, he could have whispered to you, but I guess we'll let him ask a question if you'll yield. Whip Burchett recognized for a question.

502. 4:11:49

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

503. 4:11:51

     Yes, sir.

504. 4:11:52

     Isn't it true that you worked to make sure that there was flexibility within the definitions to allow for some very inexpensive, uh, means of detecting weapons?

505. 4:12:02

     Yes, sir, and thank you for the question. With the advancements in technology now and AI, there is, um, there, there is an expand- there's a new way for this to be done in ways which are comparatively less expensive.

506. 4:12:17

     Oh, thank you. Thank you again. Does the gentleman yield for one more?

507. 4:12:19

     Yes, sir.

508. 4:12:20

     Isn't it true that majority of the schools that were, that are, uh, at least in, uh, a majority of Georgia, are already, um, performing this measure under some of the grants that we're already offering?

509. 4:12:31

     So I, I agree with the gentleman's point that this, these have been implemented, rolled out across the state. It's sometimes a little difficult to get the exact number of systems where it is in place, but I, but I, I very much agree that this has been embraced by local school systems across the state.

510. 4:12:47

     It's the last one. And, and i- and if they are instituting, i- instituted already, then that meets the, um, the intent of the bill, is that correct?

511. 4:12:54

     Yes, sir. That's correct. That's correct.

512. 4:12:55

     Thank you for the bill.

513. 4:12:57

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for the House's favorable consideration of HB 1023, and I yield the well.

514. 4:13:03

     Gentleman's yielded the well. We have some speakers that are in favor of and those that are opposed. I'm gonna give 20 minutes to either side. The opposed side will have up to, up to 20 minutes. Those in favor, we have two signed up who will speak in favor. You have up to 20 minutes. Uh, Representative Berry is recognized to speak in opposition to the bill, House Bill 1023. He waives.

515. 4:13:35

     Wait a minute.

516. 4:13:38

     Oh.

517. 4:13:48

     You're opposed, right? I wanna-

518. 4:13:50

     Yes.

519. 4:13:50

     Okay, yes. So that's what I, I think that's what I said.

520. 4:13:52

     Okay, thank you.

521. 4:13:53

     I'll check your tape, though.

522. 4:13:54

     You're good.

523. 4:13:55

     The gentleman's recognized.

524. 4:13:57

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So I rise in opposition to this bill. In my short time here, I've gotten to know everyone in this chamber. I try to speak to everyone I see each morning. That's just how I was raised. And I hope when you speak to me and you get to know me, you see that everything is deeply principled and moral for me. If I vote no on a bill, I do my best to speak to the author first to explain my reasoning and then hear out their reasoning, just like I did today with my friend. No one is opposed to school safety, at least I hope so. In my opinion, there's no greater responsibility before this body than ensuring the safety of our schools.

525. 4:14:29

     We all wrestle with this issue of safety daily. I deal with it each day when I walk into my classroom. But look at it, look at it this way, as my other friend told me. If you're eating McDonald's and see a homeless person on the street, do you offer them that half-eaten burger because, well, at least they got to eat something? No, and that same concept applies to this bill. We shouldn't just be passing bills just to say, "Well, at least it's something," when we know full well there are a slew of other options that are a million times better and more effective.

526. 4:14:59

     We spend so much time beating around the bush that it's actually become embarrassing. I think the president calls it the weave, whatever that means, but really it's just outright insanity. We've allowed guns and weapons of war to become more available than a pack of gum in this state and then act confused when people keep dying. Let's stop hiding behind procedure and politics and pretending that the threat our children face is some vague, mysterious force. It is not a mystery to the parents who drop their kids off when, with a pit in their stomach. It is not a mystery to the students who text, "I love you," before the bell rings just in case.

527. 4:15:33

     It is not a mystery to us teachers who quietly scan the exits while we're trying to teach fractions. When I first read this bill, after banging my head against the wall, I couldn't help but laugh, 'cause at this point, the actions of this body are laughable and embarrassing. We are installing metal detectors in our schools 'cause guns keep ending up in our schools, 'cause we have normalized the unthinkable. We are installing metal detectors 'cause we have refused to even hear common sense democratic bills on gun safety. Advocates sit out there every day asking for everything from safe storage and assault weapons ban, keeping guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.

528. 4:16:11

     D- do we think we have acted? No need to answer that 'cause we are here debating another unfunded mandate. Those ideas here become the legislative graveyard 'cause we think it is wiser to offer thoughts, prayers, and moments of silence, but we cannot seem to offer moments of courage. I am tired. Tired. And I know y'all are tired too. Tired of yelling about something that unfortunately y'all refuse to care or listen to. But I won't stop bringing this up. I won't stop talking about the cowardice that permeates this chamber. I can't, 'cause in my classroom I keep a bag of Dum Dums.

529. 4:16:43

     Why? Because I need something for my students to chew on to stay silent should an armed gunman enter my school. Do any of you have any idea what it's like, the daily trauma that has to be endured to simply train students not to die? To have to explain to impressionable 12-year-olds why they have to endure constant lockdowns. So I won't ever stop talking about this and give into the same cowardice. And while we're hardening schools, let's tell the truth about something else. Our kids don't just face this fear f- between first period and dismissal.

530. 4:17:14

     They face it walking down their streets, sitting in their churches, shopping in their grocery stores. We act urgent when a b- building has a bell schedule, but somehow less urgent everywhere else. That is a hypocrisy our children can see right through. If we admit that the threat is real enough to put a metal detector at the schoolhouse door, then we have to admit it's real everywhere else those same children live their lives. Let me be clear. Metal detectors are not a victory. They are an admission, an admission that we have failed somewhere else, an admission that the adults in the room have not done enough to stop the danger before it reaches the front door.

531. 4:17:50

     Some will say this is dramatic. Tell that to the families who have buried their babies. Some will say that we're overreacting. Tell it to the students who jumps when a locker slams. And some will say this is just the price of living in America. If that is your price of liberty and of freedom, then I reject that. Our children should not pay the price for our inability to act like leaders. We were not sent here to protect our own comfort. We were sent here to protect theirs. So I refuse to vote for another half measure. I refuse to continue to give false hope to the advocates that stand outside that something may happen one day.

532. 4:18:23

     And I refuse to continue to be a pawn in this trap game of policies that won't work. So for the teachers, for the parents, and for every child who deserves to walk into a classroom thinking about their future instead of their survival, let's find some courage. Until that day, I will vote no. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor.

533. 4:18:42

     The gentleman's yielded the floor. We have a couple of speakers in favor. Representative Dot Au is recognized to speak to the bill.

534. 4:18:55

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I rise to speak in support of HB 1023. Yes, I said in support. So I do this as someone who's done work in the area of gun safety legislation and violence prevention for many years now, uh, which I note only because I hope it gives what I'm gonna say next some credibility. Parents are worried about their kids. Right? Parents always worry. Ask me how I know. Uh, but in particular in these times, parents worry that their kids are going to get shot.

535. 4:19:31

     And I invite people to ask why it is that families worry so much about this particular issue and what conditions exist in this state that push us to have to propose bills like this, right? Bills like HB 1023 exist because we can all agree that we want to keep our kids safer from gun violence, right, particularly when they are at school. That agreement is a good thing, right?

536. 4:20:02

     Will metal detectors prevent many weapons from being brought into school buildings? Probably, right? It works at the airport, as we noted. Uh, we have metal detectors in, in this building. And in CLOB, uh, I walk through a metal detector every day at the hospital. We can agree that it's a priority that kids shouldn't have unsupervised access to guns, right? But since we're talking about it, I just want to note that bills like HB 1023 only address school shootings.

537. 4:20:32

     While a form of gun violence that tends to get the most attention, uh, is also the most rare. Metal detectors in schools, uh, won't address teen gun violence outside of schools. It won't address guns being stolen from cars and being used to commit crimes. Uh, the most common form of gun violence is actually suicide, and metal detectors in schools won't address that. And it won't address young children from getting injured or killed in their homes because they gain access to unsecured loaded guns, just like we saw last week when a two-year-old in Sandy Springs shot himself in the face with his father's gun.

538. 4:21:17

     Just as a side note, because people bring this up, some parents don't think a two-year-old is strong enough to pull a trigger on a gun. But I'm just gonna note that a toddler's strongest fingers are his thumbs. So just think for a second what direction a gun is facing when a child is pulling the trigger with his thumbs. So I'm gonna vote yes on HB 1023 because many parents have asked for it, right? Many of my constituents want it.

539. 4:21:49

     And many students, including the students I've worked with from the sponsor's district, Apalachee High School, have advocated for it. But remember why it is that we, some of us, want bills like this to pass. Think about, as we talk about all the time, the root causes of gun violence, right? And recognize that the final common pathway of all gun violence is not the absence of metal detectors, but easy access to a gun.

540. 4:22:23

     So after this bill passes, I hope we can continue to have good faith conversations about how best to keep our kids safe. I hope we can continue to work together on real solutions, and I hope this session we can finally hear and vote on HB 1, the Pediatric Health Safe Storage Act, which addresses this same issue further upstream. I'm gonna vote yes on HB 1023 in addition to, but not in lieu of, further action on gun safety to protect our kids.

541. 4:22:59

     Thank you to the bill sponsor for taking time to talk to our families at Apalachee and for working on this bill. But now let's, let's keep going together. Okay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

542. 4:23:15

     The lady's yielded the will.

543. 4:23:22

     Representative Barnes, you have up to 15 minutes.

544. 4:23:26

     Oh, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

545. 4:23:28

     Well, don't have to use them all, but you do have up to 15 minutes.

546. 4:23:32

     Can y'all see me with this mic?

547. 4:23:33

     You can put them in your pocket and use them next time maybe. You know? Who knows?

548. 4:23:37

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I won't take 15 minutes, but I might. Um, I'm going to... I'm stand- I rise today in support of HB 1023. Um, I rise not only as a legislator, but a mother. So I'm gonna say this several times in my speech so it can, um, be wired in your brain. Prevention before intervention. Prevention before intervention.

549. 4:24:08

     And this is interactive. How many of us have children in school right now? School-aged children. School-aged children? Ooh, it's a few of us. Well, I'm speaking as a mother right now, and I take this bill personally because I have a school-aged child. I have a son in high school. And like so many parents across the state, every single morning I send my son to school, I say a prayer over him, I touch him. It makes me emotional that...

550. 4:24:44

     It makes me emotional as a mother, as a parent, to have to worry about my kid's safety every single freaking day he walks to school, he gets on the bus, or I drop him off at school, because I wanna be worried about his academics, not if he's gonna get in a fight and a kid pulls out a weapon, um, not if someone's gonna come shoot up the school. But those are realities that we deal with.

551. 4:25:13

     My son comes home and he's witnessed a fight, and it traumatizes him every time. And so we're not only parenting, we're being mental health counselors as well to these children, which, prevention before intervention. HB 1023 is an attempt to respond to this reality by preventing weapons entering our school buildings. The intent is clear and, and, and, and I appreciate this bill. We want to protect our children before harm occurs.

552. 4:25:46

     But at the same time, it's important that we acknowledge other concerns that are raised by other members of the caucus. Research so- shows that weapon detection systems alone don't pre- prevent violence. Technology can help intercept a weapon. You know, they're printing guns off 3D printers and they're plastic. These kids are outsmarting us. So I appreciate the effort, um, but we still have to do some prevention before we do this intervention.

553. 4:26:21

     We shouldn't be investing in mental health supports inside of schools, spaces where students can decompress, decompress, regulate their feelings. We're all older and we are kind of creating policy, um, to when we were in school. So we have to begin to think innovatively. We have to involve these children because times have changed. They do use cell phones, and I agree that they're distracting because we didn't have cell phones in school when we were, uh, growing up. I'm a little older than I look.

554. 4:26:52

     But they are distracting, but cell phones exist in their lives today. So how do we remove cell phones from schools, but also, um, get, go along with the times by involving the youth in these decisions that we are making? And again, I bring my son into this because I'm involving my son in this decision on why I'm voting on yes on this bill when he comes home and tells me about, um, a kid that pulled out scissors that didn't get caught in the weapons detection system and still stabbed his classmate.

555. 4:27:25

     That happened probably two months ago. Um, so that brings me back to prevention before intervention. We must also be mindful about the funding. I appreciate the $50,000 that we appropriate, but this d- bill does not provide new state dollars. Um, and districts are expected to use these grants. But maybe we need to do some type of assessment in a few years to see if it worked for the school systems equally.

556. 4:27:56

     Finally, implementation matters. Another complaint from my child who is dealing with a weapon detection system in his school is the long line He has to stand in line for about 30 minutes before he gets to school. Are we penalizing them for being late for class? What are we gonna do about the traffic jam? It's stressful to stand in those lines. My son, the last fight he saw was in the line waiting to get through the detection system. So, um, we have to think about these things as well. Uh, many schools are already making it dif- making, uh, difficult choices, uh, with limited resources.

557. 4:28:32

     So if they can't afford to buy the proper weapons detection system and they're just using a club scanner, are they really catching what needs to be caught? And we must ensure that safety managers do not unintentionally criminali- criminalize our children. So what steps are we taking to, um, provide some type of counseling or therapy if they are bringing weapons to school? Are we just immediately criminalizing them? And, um, again, I am in support of this bill.

558. 4:29:03

     I just want us to be mindful about the, um, things that the youth bring to our attention about this. And I also really do want us to think about the traffic jam in the morning, because, um, it can throw off your mental in the morning if you're ... Like, when we're driving in traffic in the morning and we're all stressed out when we get in here, kids are walking through traffic, and it could be stressful even, um, to those children with, um, disabilities, uh, like, um, having ...

559. 4:29:34

     Stress, stressful environments. So we have to think about that. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am in support of 1023, uh, and I yield the well. Thank you.

560. 4:29:45

     Thank you. The lady has yielded the well. That concludes our members who are speaking in favor of and opposed to. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? We do have a minority report.

561. 4:30:00

     Yes.

562. 4:30:00

     Minority report is waived.

563. 4:30:06

     Hearing no objection, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee's substitute? Hearing none, the committee's substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

564. 4:31:05

     Have all members voted? For what purpose does Leader Huguley rise?

565. 4:31:11

     Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

566. 4:31:12

     State your inquiry, ma'am.

567. 4:31:14

     Mr. Speaker, isn't it true that some of us are voting for this bill in anticipation that we will continue to work on the funding and maybe extend out the time that schools have to be in compliance?

568. 4:31:25

     I think that's a worthy conversation to have. It's true the lady believes in what she just spoke. For what purpose does Representative Clark, Jasmine Clark rise?

569. 4:31:36

     Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker.

570. 4:31:37

     State your inquiry, ma'am.

571. 4:31:38

     Is it not true that while I completely agree with the li- the distinguished leader that I hope that we work on the funding of this, I cannot in good faith vote yes until we absolutely do that? Thank you.

572. 4:31:53

     Understand the lady's position and certainly respect it. Have all members now voted? All members have voted. If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1023, the yays are 151, the nays are 11. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 971, 971.

573. 4:32:23

     House Bill 971 by Representative Townsend of the 179th and others to be entitled an act to amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2, Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to other education programs under the Quality Basic Education Act so as to provide for home study students and private students to enroll in college and career academies located in certain RESA service areas. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

574. 4:32:55

     Representative Townsend, you're ready. The gentleman's recognized. Representative Townsend will present House Bill 971.

575. 4:33:02

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hello, colleagues. I bring you 971. It's a workforce development bill. It's about a, developing a 21st century workforce. It involves young kids. It involves college and career academies. It's where kids are taught to follow their passion. They're taught soft skills. Is it gonna be construction, welding, machining, healthcare, graphic arts?

576. 4:33:32

     Any of your CTAA courses, that's what college and career academies are. S- m- a lot of our communities have them, some don't. Currently, when you're in a college or career academy, if you live inside the county, you can have a private school or home school student attend at no charge. The school system gets the FTE funding or QBE funding for it. Then the, uh, student goes for no charge. Like I said, the parents don't have to pay. And the school systems opt in for this.

577. 4:34:05

     They don't have to opt, opt in if they don't want to. This allows home school kids and private school kids to attend a college career academy. It was brought to me that we had kids in our area from out of county who wanted to come ins- inside our county and go to the College Career Academy to learn those technical skills, to build the Golden Isles 21st century workforce, and we're gonna do that across the state. So this bill allows private school kids, home school kids to attend a College Career Academy in a neighboring county or if you're in their RESA.

578. 4:34:40

     Again, and it's opt-in for the school system. They don't have to opt in if they don't want to. Mr. Speaker, that's the bill. I'll be glad to take any questions. You did an excellent job of explaining the bill, c- because even I understand it, and you don't have any questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well. Gentleman's yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill?

579. 4:35:13

     Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

580. 4:35:42

     Have all members voted?

581. 4:35:46

     For what purpose does Representative Carter rise?

582. 4:35:52

     Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Is it not true that this is a great opportunity for workforce development for students that are in home school, uh, at, or private school, but it also opens the door for an opportunity for students that are in our public schools to also participate in a CA- CA- CAT- E course in an adjoining school district? Is that not also true? Absolutely, if the schools opt in. I think y'all did great work on this bill, you and, and the representative that presented the bill.

583. 4:36:26

     So, uh, I think y'all got it, got it worked out. You and Representative Townsend are onto something here, so. All members voted. All members voted. Thank you for the inquiry, by the way. If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of House Bill 971, the yays are 164, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

584. 4:37:00

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 310? Three one zero. House Bill 310 by Representative Olaleye of the 59th and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Part Nine of Article Six of Chapter Two of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to grants for educational programs so as to establish a program to support recruitment of teachers by providing grant funds to be paid by public schools to student teachers participating in the required student teaching component. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

585. 4:37:36

     Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Representative Phil Olaleye is recognized to present the bill. Representative Olaleye. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and, uh, good afternoon again, colleagues. I bring before you House Bill 310, which creates a pilot program for 500 Pell eligible student, uh, teachers providing a grant up to $5,000 during their unpaid student teaching semester and an additional $2,500 grant if they go on to teach in a Georgia public school.

586. 4:38:08

     Uh, we currently have more than 5,000 teacher vacancies statewide, so this is a real and persistent, uh, issue. Uh, and behind every vacancy are dozens of children, uh, without a prepared and supported educator. And so imagine being a talented college senior in a c- Georgia classroom for your semester long student teaching residency, working before sunrise, planning lessons well into the night, all unpaid. And in today's economy, that means, uh, especially for those working students like I was, you're having to take on a second and a third job just to survive.

587. 4:38:46

     And too often something has to give and, uh, for some, uh, it's your dream to become a teacher. And so, uh, we know that completing student teaching both drives readiness and long-term retention. And if we want teachers who are prepared and who stay in our classrooms, we've gotta lower barriers, uh, that keep them from getting there in the first place. HB 310 does that. It strengthens our teacher pipeline and invests in future educators and in the students they will ultimately serve.

588. 4:39:17

     That's the bill, Mr. Speaker, and I'm happy to yield for any questions. You have no questions, so you did an excellent job and you have- Sounds good ... great policy. So thank you for bringing it. You do have a question now. I knew if I talked long enough you'd get one. Representative Neal, to your left, is recognized for a question. Does the gentleman yield? I do. Is it not true that this is your first bill? That is true.

589. 4:39:48

     Is it true that you laid out that dapper suit you have on, like the first day of school, in preparation for your first bill? Well, uh, apparently feel good, uh, present good. So that was the mindset. Thank you. So you're saying I should call him Dapper Dan? Is that what you're saying? Yeah, I can do that. Uh, Representative, uh, Wade, Will Wade, to your right in the back right-hand corner is recognized. Does the gentleman yield?

590. 4:40:17

     I do, to my friend up in North Georgia. Thank you. North Georgia, God's country. So is it not true that we had great conversations regarding this, and that this is an effort to help fill the gap for our teacher pipeline, and this will hopefully be a first step toward a pilot program that could help not just Pell recipient grants, but in the future help other aspiring teachers? Uh, that is correct. And the gentleman knows of what he speaks, and I appreciate your support.

591. 4:40:48

     How about, uh, how about recognizing Chairman Erwin for a question? He knows a little bit about this subject. The gentleman yield to Chairman Erwin. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I do. First of all, is it not true, Representative, that we currently have over 5,000 certified teacher vacancies in our schools? That is correct. Thank you for this bill and the effort to try to fill those vacancies. Thank you for your support. Representative Reese back in the left-hand corner is recognized for a question.

592. 4:41:21

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Uh, reluctantly, I do. You don't have to yield if you don't want to. He gotta come back and sit beside me, he better yield.

593. 4:41:37

     Uh-oh. I do. Isn't it true that the author of this bill, you sir, have shown great passion toward education since the first day you stepped your foot into these halls, and you've always thought about our children, our educational system, and that it drives you every day, and we're very proud of you for where you are with this legislation and being a voice, and a reasonable voice, to get things done for our school districts? I appreciate that, brother. Thank you. Representative McClain, can you add to that? The gentleman will be recognized for a question.

594. 4:42:09

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm sorry. Does the gentleman yield? I do. Well, thank you. I, I do love the bill. Uh, my only concern was, uh, you said it was only for students, or I'm trying to figure out, uh, can I qualify?

595. 4:42:27

     I mean, they're allowing, uh, athletes back in college at the age of 30 it seems like, so I think you might have a chance, sir. Thank you. G- very good bill. Thank you. And Mr. Speaker, if there aren't any other questions, I'd ask this body for its favorable consideration, and I yield the floor. I have one more question for you. Yes, Representative Derrick Jackson to your left. That'll be the last question if you'll, if you'll yield for that one. Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I do. So this is your first bill? That's correct. So I'm curious why you only stop, stop at $2,500?

596. 4:43:03

     You went and should've shot for the moon and said the bonus should be $5,000, $10,000. Well, well, well I, I'm hoping that we can get there and increase it. We gotta, we gotta get on base first. It's an excellent bill. Thank you, my friend. I appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, uh, I will gladly yield the floor and ask this body for its favorable consideration. You did an outstanding job. Congratulations.

597. 4:43:34

     We'll see how the board does. I mean, you know, every time, even though you get applause, a lot of red, red votes go up. So let's see. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass?

598. 4:44:04

     All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

599. 4:44:44

     All members voted. Mr. Clerk, a lo- Wait a minute.

600. 4:45:00

     All members voted. For what purpose does Representative Berry rise? Parliamentary incremen- inquiry, Mr. Speaker. State your inquiry. Is it not true that my first job as a legislator was an intern for Representative Olaleye, so technically this is my first bill as well?

601. 4:45:15

     You just can't make it up. There you go.

602. 4:45:20

     Good bill, good presentation. Have all members now voted? If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine.

603. 4:45:37

     On the passage of House Bill 310, the yeas are 151, the nays are six. This bill having received a requisite constitutional majority is

604. 4:46:14

     therefore passed. Congratulations.

605. 4:46:29

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 385? 3-8-5.

606. 4:46:35

     House Bill 385 by Representative Holcomb of the 101st and others to be entitled an act to amend Code Section 20-3-519.2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to eligibility requirements for Hope Scholarship and award amount. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Higher Education. That committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

607. 4:47:01

     We're gonna suspend just for a minute before Representative Holcomb presents.

608. 4:47:08

     Representative Olaleye has the fish. The bass.

609. 4:47:17

     Good day in the neighborhood.

610. 4:48:54

     Congratulations, Representative Olaleye. We're proud of you. Good job.

611. 4:49:03

     Chair is gonna recognize Representative Holcomb now to present House Bill 385.

612. 4:49:12

     Give the gentleman your attention, please.

613. 4:49:14

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, some days the stars just line up right. And, uh, it is an absolute privilege for a member to have a child page. It is an even greater privilege to have a child page while one gets to present a bill. Um, my daughter Kirsten is in the back.

614. 4:49:55

     Dad, you just embarrassed her. You're gonna pay for that, I'm sure.

615. 4:50:00

     I can see that, Mr. Speaker.

616. 4:50:01

     Please recognize.

617. 4:50:02

     Um, and she's also here with her friends, Marion and Elsa. They've been childhood friends. And beyond that, what makes this even more incredible is that this bill, which I'll explain the merits in just a moment, is to expand those who are eligible to use the Hope Scholarship. And the idea was brought to me by Anslee Davis, who is a constituent. She is here today and in the gallery with Dogs at the Dome.

618. 4:50:34

     And so, uh, what an incredible, uh, just opportunity. So please, please welcome Anslee.

619. 4:50:50

     And I've enjoyed getting to know her parents, Michael and Laurie, in this process. So Speaker Burns, Chairman Parish, thank you so much for the courtesy you've shown by letting me present this bill today. Uh, it's most appreciated. So what does this bill do? For those of you who were here three years ago, you would be familiar with it. We passed this measure. It was ultimately vetoed by the governor, and that was because there were two other provisions that were added onto it in the Senate. This does not have those provisions. And what this bill would do is it would allow students that have unused credits for their Hope Scholarship to, instead of getting two bachelor's degrees, which there's nothing wrong with that, but instead they would be able to use those unused credits to get started on graduate school or professional school.

620. 4:51:39

     They would have to pay the difference between the undergraduate rate and the graduate or professional rate. But the idea would be that it would keep our most talented students in Georgia, both to continue their educations and then ideally for them to start their careers. One of Governor Kemp's priorities is to both cultivate and keep our talent, and that's something that I think across party lines we can fully support. So that's what this bill does. And then the other issue, which was a wrinkle when we passed this the last time, was that the governor did not feel that there was enough financial data to support it.

621. 4:52:16

     We now have that cured. Uh, we have estimates in terms of what this would cost, and I'll share that with you very briefly. The expected or anticipated utilizations of 5% would be $5.7 million, and then the high-end anticipated utili- utilization of 25% would be about $29 million, which candidly, without being too glib, is a rounding error when it comes to the overall Hope Scholarship writ large. And, uh- This will do just an incredible thing to motivate our most talented students, the students that are working the hardest, and the students that we wanna keep here in Georgia.

622. 4:52:55

     So I'd appreciate your favorable consideration and would be happy to answer any questions.

623. 4:53:04

     I think your daughter has a... Oh, no, sh- I can't call on her. Let's see. Representative Barrett has a question to your left.

624. 4:53:11

     Does the g-

625. 4:53:11

     Well, he does sit right by you, I think, doesn't he? Gentleman's recognized for a question.

626. 4:53:16

     Does the gentleman yield?

627. 4:53:17

     I do.

628. 4:53:18

     Uh, isn't it likely that this entice, th- that this bill will likely entice more excellent Georgia students to choose one of our many excellent edu- uh, institution of higher learning as opposed to possibly going to other states, and thus, by, uh, default, encourage them to stay here professionally and spend their lives in Georgia?

629. 4:53:39

     Absolutely. I thank my seatmate and co-sponsor of the bill, and you're exactly right. Thank you.

630. 4:53:46

     Gentleman, uh, Representative Ali, to your left, is recognized for a question.

631. 4:53:51

     Does the gentleman yield?

632. 4:53:52

     Yes.

633. 4:53:53

     Is it not true that this bill would make Georgia students more competitive in our growing economy and open more pathways to them for, to be successful, especially since a large portion of them often have a large amount of unused credits post-graduation?

634. 4:54:08

     Yes, and it would also, one thing I didn't state, thank you for the question, is this will make higher education more affordable, and that's a big concern for everybody as well.

635. 4:54:17

     Got it.

636. 4:54:17

     Thank you.

637. 4:54:17

     Thank you.

638. 4:54:19

     Gentleman has no further questions.

639. 4:54:22

     I yield the well. Thank you.

640. 4:54:23

     Gentleman's yielded the well. We do have a speaker who will speak in favor, Representative Santos. The lady's recognized to speak to the bill. Please give her your attention, please. It's an important bill.

641. 4:54:35

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise in strong support of House Bill 385. As a first-generation college graduate who went on to earn a master's degree in public administration, I understand how transformative access to education can be, not just for one person, but for an entire family and for the communities that we serve. This bill is about something very simple and powerful.

642. 4:55:05

     When Georgia students work hard, meet the standard, and commit themselves to moving forward, our state should not place unnecessary barriers in the middle of that path. HB 385 keeps faith with the promise that opportunity in Georgia is earned through effort and achievement. It tells the next generation of students from our rural towns to our growing cities that their discipline and their persistence and their goals matter.

643. 4:55:37

     And when those students complete their education, they do not disappear. They become our professionals, our public servants, our healthcare providers, educators, and even legislators,

644. 4:55:53

     leaders who strengthen this state, and they c- they keep our communities moving forward. This is a responsible step, it is a forward-looking step, and it is a statement about who we are as a state, one that believes in developing our own talent and investing in the people who are willing to do the work. I respectfully ask for your favoral c- favorable consideration of HB 385. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

645. 4:57:20

     Is there any objection to the previous question order? The lady yielded the well. Chair hears none. The previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

646. 4:58:07

     Have all members voted? All members voted. Have all members voted? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of House Bill 385, the yays are 160, the nays are two. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

647. 4:58:46

     Members, that completes the rules calendar. Also, we will House Resolution 1000, House Resolution 1049 will be postponed to the next legislative day.

648. 4:59:04

     For what purpose does Representative Townsend rise?

649. 4:59:10

     Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I move that rules be temporarily suspended so that a bill may be read for the first time and assigned to committee.

650. 4:59:17

     I think that's your motion. Um, the gentleman-

651. 4:59:19

     It is a motion.

652. 4:59:20

     That's it. That's the one you wanted to make. Mr. Clerk will read the caption.

653. 4:59:25

     Unnumbered house bill by Representative Townsend of the 179th and others to be entitled an act to amend part 12 of Article 6 of Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to disposition of delinquency in the Juvenile Code.

654. 4:59:42

     On the gentleman's motion that the rules of this House be temporarily suspended so a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection? Judiciary Juvenile.

655. 5:00:14

     For what purpose does Representative Leverett rise?

656. 5:00:17

     To make a motion.

657. 5:00:20

     State your motion.

658. 5:00:21

     I move that the rules be temporarily suspended so that a bill may be read for the first time and assigned to committee.

659. 5:00:27

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption?

660. 5:00:29

     Unnumbered house bill by Representative Leverett of the 123rd and others to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 11 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to emergency medical services, so as to transfer responsibility for the oversight from the Department of Public Health to the Georgia Emergency Medical Services and Trauma Council.

661. 5:00:48

     On the gentleman's motion that the rules of this, this House be temporarily suspended so a bill can re- be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection? Regulated Industries. For what purpose does Chair Lady Camp rise?

662. 5:01:04

     To make a motion.

663. 5:01:04

     State your motion.

664. 5:01:05

     To have the rules temporarily suspended to have a bill read for the first time and assigned to a committee.

665. 5:01:10

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption?

666. 5:01:12

     Unnumbered house bill by Representative Camp of the 135th and others to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 86 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to local government efficiency, so as to provide for a comprehensive efficiency review of local taxing bodies.

667. 5:01:29

     On the lady's motion that the rules of this House be temporarily, temporarily suspended so a bi- a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection? Governmental Affairs.

668. 5:01:45

     For what purpose does Chairman Carson rise?

669. 5:01:49

     To make a motion.

670. 5:01:50

     State your motion.

671. 5:01:51

     Mr. Speaker, I move that House Bill, uh, uh, 1377 be moved from the Committee on Ways and Means to the Committee on Transportation. Both chairmen are in agreement.

672. 5:02:02

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption?

673. 5:02:09

     House Bill 1377 by Representative Carson of the 46th and others to be entitled an act to amend Article 5B of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to special districts for transit purposes sales and use tax.

674. 5:02:25

     On the gentleman's motion that House Bill 1377 be withdrawn from the Ways and Means Committee and recommitted to Transportation Committee. Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

675. 5:03:21

     For what purpose does Chairman Anderson rise?

676. 5:03:25

     To make a motion.

677. 5:03:26

     State your motion.

678. 5:03:27

     I move the rules be temporarily suspended so a bill may be read and assigned.

679. 5:03:32

     For the first time. Yes, sir.

680. 5:03:34

     Yes, sir.

681. 5:03:34

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption?

682. 5:03:36

     Unnumbered house bill by Representative Anderson of the 10th to be entitled an act to amend Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to local government so as to provide for comprehensive regulation of local government as- assets financing.

683. 5:03:50

     On the gentleman's motion that the rules of this House be temporarily suspended so a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection?

684. 5:04:01

     Governmental Affairs.

685. 5:04:18

     Members, you're gonna have about a minute with a little bit of flexibility on our afternoon orders. That completes our... We have completed our rules calendar and any motions that we have and that needed to be made, so we're gonna move on to the afternoon orders. So we're gonna give you a little over a minute if you need it. Um, Representative Ford, Jaclyn Ford, is gonna be recognized for our first afternoon order. Members, will you give the lady in the well your attention, please, and I'm gonna ask you to stand.

686. 5:04:50

     All members stand, please.

687. 5:04:56

     Lady is recognized and Representative Chairman Meeks

688. 5:05:02

     recognized to be with her. Thank you, Speaker. I would like to take a moment to honor the life and memory of Darvin Eason. Whereas the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one its, one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Mr. Eason on February 16th, 2026. He was born December 11th, 1939. A man of deep and abiding faith, he was an active member of Lakeview Baptist Church. He was united in love in marriage to his wife Nancy and they were blessed with two children, Robbie and Wendy, and wonderful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

689. 5:05:38

     He served as Vice President of Water for Life Haiti, where he tirelessly guided the group in its mission to provide clean drinking water, irrigation for farming, education, and other means of assistance to people of Southern Haiti. And Darvin was also, he also served as Chairman of the Board and Director Emeritus of the Georgia Agribusiness Council, President of the Georgia Peanut Producers Association, and Chairman of the Board for South Central Georgia Gin. Whereas deeply involved in and l- loving what he did, Darvin was awarded the Blair W.

690. 5:06:13

     Davis Outstanding Service Award from the Georgia Plant Food Educational Society in 2000, was named Progressive Farmer Magazine Man of the Year in 1996, and a compassionate and generous man, Darvin Eason will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community, and he will be missed by all who knew him.

691. 5:06:38

     Thank you, Representative Ford. As the Bible says, "To be absent with the body is to be present with the Lord", and we know indeed that is where, uh, Darvin Eason, Eason is today. As the many accolades that have been, uh, said by Representative Ford, I just wanna take a moment and say that Darvin, one is, was one of the most, uh, fearless advocates for agriculture and the agriculture industry and the ability for the next generation to return to the family farm. We know as producers today that we stand on the shoulders of those such as Mr.

692. 5:07:09

     Darvin Eason and Mr. Lewis Perry, who we recently honored, and the great work those gentlemen have done in advocating for agriculture. Uh, if you will join us in a moment of silence for Mr. Darvin Eason.

693. 5:07:23

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We yield the will. Thank you for that reme- remembrance and condolences to the family. Representative Westbrook, Anne Allen Rep- Westbrook is recognized for an afternoon order. Give the lady your attention, please. Representative Martinez, you're on deck.

694. 5:07:43

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon, members of the House. Because remembrance is not a violation but the solemn duty of free and hopeful people, I rise to mark four years since Russia's full-scale in- invasion of Ukraine, the largest ground war in Europe since the Second World War. More than a century ago, the Ukrainian poet, Lesya Ukrainka, witnessing the twilight of empires that would reshape Europe, wrote the words, "Contra spem spero", against all hope, I hope.

695. 5:08:18

     Her words call for deliberate hope, one that chooses freedom through the defense of dignity. And so on this somber day, with hope against hope in my heart, I rise out of respect for the people of Ukraine, wherever they may be, from Crimea to Savannah, and their long fight for hope, dignity, and freedom. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield the will. Thank you for that order.

696. 5:08:46

     Representative Ray Martinez is recognized for an afternoon order.

697. 5:08:54

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And friends. I am so, I am so proud to be an American today, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, you guys been watching the Olympics lately? Yes. Yes. What a beautiful, what a game, including record 12 gold medals, including speed skating, freestyle, downhill skiing, bobsledding, our hockey team that beat Canada, Jack Hughes, absolutely. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, but, but my, my personal story is, uh, a lady, a lady, Alysa Liu, American skater.

698. 5:09:31

     Her dad fled communism. She came to this country, and to earn a gold medal in, in, uh, in skiing, in, uh, in figure skating. So we're very proud of our American, uh, Olympics medals. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

699. 5:09:50

     Representative Scott and- Friends. Friend, friend, friends. Wait a minute. Just pause for a moment. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. It is my absolute joy to introduce Homegrown Heroes by Sandra Givens Scott. Homegrown Heroes inspires us to grow what we eat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield the will. Bring it.

700. 5:10:21

     That's a good book. Representative Ali, you're recognized for your traditional afternoon order. Bring it to us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My fellow members, we've done a lot of good for our students and children today, and I wanted to end today by helping one more child who is up for adoption. On the screen is Isa- Isaiah. Isaiah is a 16-year-old who is a comedic genius, Falcons fan, and a studious kid. He's looking to be adopted, and I'm encouraging this body to help one more child before we close out for the day and get Isaiah a family to call home at, at itsmyturnnow.dhs.georgia.gov.

701. 5:11:01

     Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

702. 5:11:05

     Thank you, Representative Olaleye. Chair Lady Taylor.

703. 5:11:11

     Talk. Afternoon order. You wanna talk about the coffee cart? Let's hear it. Lady's recognized.

704. 5:11:21

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm very happy to share with all of y'all this afternoon, um, something special tomorrow. Georgia Corps is going to have a coffee cart out in the, um, street, on Mitchell Street. And between, um, noon and 2:00 tomorrow, stop by. It's still gonna be cold. Get some coffee. They're doing this as part of a promotion about cancer, especially colon cancer. This is a way to get words out. They'll have a few words to speak with you, but you'll have a nice warm cup of coffee.

705. 5:11:51

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

706. 5:12:00

     That concludes our afternoon orders. We'll move ... Let's see. All right, Mr. Clerk, we've already done privileged resolutions. We've done motions. That leaves announcements. Representative Chas Cannon. He's still in town? Recognized for an announcement.

707. 5:12:25

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just a quick reminder, range day is today at the, um, House Sportsman's Caucus event this afternoon at Freedom Shooting Center at 485 Bishop Street Northwest. Starts at 5:00, runs through 7:00. There'll be food, s- gun safety instruction, uh, food, refreshment. It'd be a great time. Come out and support it. Thank you very much. Thanks, Mr. Speaker.

708. 5:12:48

     Representative Cannon, we're gonna move meetings back 30 minutes. Does that include that event, or is it still gonna begin at 5:00?

709. 5:12:56

     Yes, Mr. Speaker. From 5:00 to 7:00 is the block we have reserved for time at the range.

710. 5:12:59

     Understood. Members, as you make your announcements, we will move all meetings and appointments back 30 minutes this afternoon. 30 minutes this afternoon. Representative Adeyina.

711. 5:13:15

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is Afr- Atlanta Caribbean Carnival day at the Capitol in room 216. There is jerk chicken, curry chicken. Uh, no goat, man. No goat. Maybe oxtail, but you need to come down and see for c- Caribbean day at the Capitol. They're also gonna have costumes, so if you're interested in seeing the beautiful colors and taking pictures for the festivities coming up, come down to room 216.

712. 5:13:46

     Pictures are f- at 4:15. Thank you.

713. 5:13:49

     Come on down, have some chicken. No goat, just chicken. Representative Carter.

714. 5:13:57

     Carter. Represent- Doreen Carter.

715. 5:14:02

     Thank you, sir. All right, y'all. It's the last week of February. We have had an amazing time celebrating Black history, and so we are gonna culminate the culture on Thursday. So please wear your African attire or whatever native attire. Just be dressed. But come, come festive Thursday and, uh, it'll, we'll celebrate Black history from the beginning of history. And then for those of you who plan to join us Friday evening at the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus annual gala, I hope you registered, 'cause we have shut down registration.

716. 5:14:41

     So if you are a member and have not registered, please do it today or you will not have a seat. Thank you.

717. 5:14:49

     If you like. If you like.

718. 5:14:56

     Chair Lady Cooper.

719. 5:15:00

     Chair Lady Cooper. Chair Lady Cooper. Y'all be quiet so she can hear. Chair Lady Cooper is recognized for an announcement.

720. 5:15:10

     Okay. Um, I've, members of the health, health, public health and community me- me- me- m- committee, sorry, we will be meeting at 3:30 in 606. A thank you to Representative Tarvin for moving his meeting so that we could both meet, but we will meet at 3:30 in room 606. Please be there. We have some bills on the committee that are really important. Thank you.

721. 5:15:35

     I agree with you, Chair Lady Cooper. Chairman Tarvin is a consummate gentleman. Well, let's see what he's got to say about that. So Chairman Tarvin, see if you're gonna comply. Chairman Tarvin is recognized for an announcement.

722. 5:15:53

     Mr. Speaker, I'm so confused. I'm not sure what we're doing. But w- we've got, we've got a, we've got a very important me- meeting on, uh, budget and physical oversight. Uh, we got two people we're gonna hear bills from, and they want them, both want them passed down, and we got a hearing. So we'll be in 132, 30 minutes after we adjourn, and be there or be square. 132 in the basement. All members. I need all 18 of you there.

723. 5:16:23

     I wanna give these people a fair hearing. Thank you.

724. 5:16:27

     132, Mr. Chairman. Gotcha. Chairman Parsons recognized for an announcement.

725. 5:16:37

     Ah, thank you. Thank you, Speaker. Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications, which is scheduled for 3:00 today, uh, will now be at 3:30 in room, uh, uh, 403 here in the Capitol. Uh, I think there might be a- another meeting in there before us that, um, but as of right now, as far as I know, it'd be at 3:00, 3:30. Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications, I need you to be there. Thank you.

726. 5:17:10

     Representative Gambill recognized for an announcement.

727. 5:17:14

     Thank you, Speaker. Tomorrow morning at 7:00 AM, the fellowship will meet and Chairman Brian Prince will share in the morning. And I know I haven't seen some of y'all in there lately. It's not too late to show up tomorrow. It's gonna be in judiciary. You need the practice or the prayer. I think we need both. So y'all show up for fellowship in the morning, 7:00 AM.

728. 5:17:38

     Chairman Momtahan's recognized for an announcement.

729. 5:17:42

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We have the Code Revision Committee at, uh, upon adjournment. We got one bill, so if you're on the committee, please stop by. Thank you.

730. 5:17:53

     Chairman Carson.

731. 5:17:57

     You weren't done, Gambill, as well.

732. 5:17:59

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Retirement Committee will be meeting, uh, upon adjournment. We have three bills to take up, House Retirement Committee. Once we are done in 406 CLOB, we're gonna go straight into a joint Retirement Committee hearing with the Senate Retirement Committee. Thank you.

733. 5:18:18

     Chairman Bonner recognized for an announcement.

734. 5:18:22

     Defense and Veteran Affairs Committee at 4:00 PM in CLOB 506. Thank you.

735. 5:18:41

     Chairman Parrish recognized for an announcement.

736. 5:18:48

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, Rules Committee meeting in the morning. In the morning at 9:00 AM, Room 341 in the morning. Thank you.

737. 5:18:57

     Chairman Anderson recognized for an announcement.

738. 5:19:02

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, Governmental Affairs Election Subcommittee will meet upon adjournment in CLOB 415, and then the State and Local Subcommittee will meet following that, upon adjournment of the Election Subcommittee. Thank you.

739. 5:19:18

     Chairman Dickey recognized for an announcement.

740. 5:19:23

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs will meet in the morning, 8:00, 606 CLOB. Thank you.

741. 5:20:09

     One correction, or adjustment I should say, Representative Parsons is, Ch- Chairman Parson- Parsons is recognized, so if you're on his committee, you need to listen up. Chairman Parsons.

742. 5:20:21

     Thank you, uh, Speaker. EUT, Energy, Utilities and Cal- uh, Telecommunications, will meet upon adjournment of the Ways and Means meet- meeting that will be in 403 upstairs. I, I think it starts at 3:30, so we'll have to wait a little while. Hopefully not too long, but I do need you there. Just kinda hang around till, uh, we can get in the room. Thank you. Thanks, Speaker.

743. 5:20:42

     Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The majority leader of this House is recognized for a motion.

744. 5:20:50

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Wednesday, February 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

745. 5:20:59

     On the motion of Majority Leader Efstration, this House stand adjourned until 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February the 25th, 2026 at 10:00 AM. All those in favor will say aye.

746. 5:21:15

     Aye.

747. 5:21:16

     Opposed, no.

748. 5:21:19

     No.

749. 5:21:19

     It was clear, the ayes have it. Thank you. We're adjourned.