Sesión en el pleno de la Cámara de Representantes, 9 de marzo de 2026 (día legislativo 29)

Transcripción

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

1. 0:24:00

   Well, good afternoon, all members. I know y'all are still recovering from that late night y'all had Friday night, Saturday morning, so all members will please come to the floor. All members, thank you for being here. Because the hour for convening having arrived, all members please come to the floor. Mr. Clerk, will you ring the bell?

2. 0:26:45

   Okay, we're going to have the afternoon roll call. All members, all members will please vote green to signify your presence in the chamber, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machines.

3. 0:27:23

   Have all members voted? All members voted?

4. 0:27:40

   All members voted if... We got you.

5. 0:27:59

   I think all members now have registered their presence in the chamber. So if they, that's the case, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machines?

6. 0:28:10

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

7. 0:28:22

   As is our custom, we will begin our day with scripture reading and prayer by our chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. Before I introduce Whip Sam Park, I want to, um, members, I'm gonna, I've asked the, uh, our chaplain to mention this in his prayer as well, but, um, if y'all would join me in standing just for a moment. I wanna mention a couple things that are so important to this. So there's some prayers that have been answered. Our own Teddy Reese is back.

8. 0:28:52

   Representative Reese, so glad to have you back.

9. 0:29:03

   I'm not sure you'd have made it if, if it were not for that wonderful pos- position of a wife you have, so, so we're glad to have you back, and glad you're feeling good. Um, let's also remember today in our prayers ongoing the families of the, of the loved ones of the service member that were killed overseas. Um, seven of them at this point, so let's keep them in our prayers and their families as well in, as we remember their service to our country. Representative Angie O'Steen and her father, she's, of course, she's where she should be, um, at the hospital with her family and her dad.

10. 0:29:36

    Continue to keep them and her and them in your prayers. And, uh, certainly Retta Munn, Gerald Greene's sister. She's improving after her accident last week. She's still in the hospital in Dothan. So we'll keep her in our pray- her in our prayers, if you will. So I wanted you to stand for that. I'm gonna introduce, um, Whip Park, and then we'll remember these folks again in our, in our prayer when the chaplain returns, a, a prayer at the end of devotion. So you may be seated again now.

11. 0:30:09

    Our chaplain this morning will be introduced by the gentleman from the 107th house district, uh, Representative Sam Park, Whip Sam Park. Representative Park.

12. 0:30:22

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. It is my honor to introduce our pastor of the day, Reverend Dr. David Gushee. Dr. Gushee is the distinguished university professor of Christian ethics at Mercer University and a leading voice at the intersection of faith and public life. He is one of our nation's most respected Christian ethicists and theologians, previously serving as president of both the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics. He's the author of more than 30 books whose work has sh- has helped shape national conversations about human dignity, moral courage, and the call to love our neighbors.

13. 0:31:01

    What makes Dr. Gushee's voice so important is his, is his commitment to the core teachings of the gospel, that love, mercy, and justice must guide how we treat one another. On a personal note, in her final years, my mother and I read one of his books, Changing Our Mind, that helped heal our broken relationship through truth, grace, and love. Georgia is better because of his work. Dr. Gushee, we are grateful for y- we are grateful you are here today.

14. 0:31:31

    Thank you for your courage and moral clarity anchored in the good news for all. And of course, we also have with us today his wife, Jeannie Gushee. Dr. Gushee.

15. 0:31:43

    It's good to have you. Thank you. Thank you so much.

16. 0:31:51

    It is indeed a high honor to have the chance to address you this morning, or this afternoon now. Thank you for your commitment to public service in our state. There is a Psalm that I find fascinating. It's incredibly relevant to the work that you do. This is Psalm 72. Psalm 72, widely regarded by scholars as a coronation prayer for King Solomon. He may have been as young as 12 and certainly not older than 20 when he became the king of Israel.

17. 0:32:24

    Picture the occasion, the pomp and circumstance, the grandeur of an Israelite king being crowned. Think of the pressure on the psalmist to puff the new king up, to flatter him, to increase the sense of awe in the crowd. "Behold your king." But what the psalmist does is really different. Mainly what he does is to ask for God to bless the new king, but only insofar as he does the work of justice for the people.

18. 0:32:59

    Listen to how this prayer reads. I'll read most of it from Psalm 72. Imagine this being prayed with the, with the, the young king in, in attendance. "Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. May he judge your people with righteousness and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield prosperity for the people and the hills in righteousness. May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.

19. 0:33:35

    May he live while the sun endures, and as long as the moon, throughout all generations. May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass, like showers that water the earth. In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound until the moon is no more. May he have dominion from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. For he delivers the needy when they call, the poor and those who have no helper.

20. 0:34:06

    He has pity on the weak and the needy and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight. Long may he live. May gold of Sheba be given to him. May prayer be made for him continually and blessings invoked for him all day long. May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun. May all nations be blessed in him.

21. 0:34:39

    May they pronounce him happy. Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things." What do you hear in this inauguration psalm? This is what I hear. Bless the king if he does justice, which means if he defends the cause of the poor, if he gives deliverance to the needy, if his heart inclines toward those who have no helper. Bless us with a just king because if the king does justice, God is pleased and the people will flourish.

22. 0:35:16

    Bless us with a king who delivers the needy when they call. Such a king, maybe only such a king, would be worthy of long life, broad dominion, national and international honor. Such a king would be a blessing not just to his own people but to territories far beyond. Friends, while Psalm 72 was about an Israelite king, I suggest that its message may also, in fact does also apply in a democracy to you, the representatives of the sovereign people who have elected you.

23. 0:35:53

    May you be blessed as you do justice for those who need it most. And as you do justice, as your heart inclines toward those who need your help, God will be pleased and God will bring blessing. The work you do is in this sense always every day the work of God in the world, and I know you know that, and I know you don't take it for granted. And we in turn do not take your service for granted. Would you stand for our prayer?

24. 0:36:29

    Friends, let us pray.

25. 0:36:34

    Oh God, on behalf of the State of Georgia, we, and the representatives gathered here, we pray for the entire North Hall community as they face the tragic loss of Coach Jason Hughes in a most unfortunate accident.

26. 0:36:53

    We pray for the families and loved ones of our seven service members who have been killed overseas.

27. 0:37:02

    Be with them in their grief.

28. 0:37:08

    We pray for Representative, Representative Angie O'Steen and her family as they prepare for the loss of her father. There's nothing quite like the loss of parents, Lord. We pray for her and the whole family. We pray for Representative Teddy Reese, for his health and full recovery. We pray for JL Green's sister as she recovers, Sister Retta Munn. And Lord, I pray for these elected representatives of the people of the State of Georgia, may they lead and judge and legislate with righteousness and justice, and may you in turn bless them and their work this day and every day.

29. 0:37:52

    In your name we pray, amen.

30. 0:37:54

    Amen.

31. 0:37:55

    Let us now recite the Pledge of Allegiance.

32. 0:37:59

    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.

33. 0:38:22

    Doorkeepers, you may open the doors. And members, you may join Dr. Gushue and his wife in the South Ante Room. Give him your thanks, and maybe take a photo if you'd like.

34. 0:41:36

    Members, if I can have your attention for a moment.

35. 0:41:45

    Before I'll ann- while I announce the doctor of the day, members, if you would join me just a moment, I'm gonna ask y'all to stand as soon as I tell you who the doctor of the day is. Our doctor of the day is Dr. Kyle Flick, and he's brought to us by Repres- Representative Angie O'Steen. If y'all would join me for a minute, I'll share some news with you.

36. 0:42:14

    So it was a timely prayer that g- Dr. Gushue offered. Angie's father passed about 30 minutes ago.

37. 0:42:23

    Aw.

38. 0:42:23

    We just got news of that. So obviously she was doing what she should've been doing, is being with her family and her mother and comforting them. Let's, let's, um, bow our heads for a moment of silence for the O'Steen family.

39. 0:42:39

    God, we ask that you would wrap your loving arms of comfort and peace around the O'Steen family, Lord. Uh, give them comfort in today and the days to come. A life well lived, Father, Mr. O'Steen. Lord, again, we ask you that you would give them peace and comfort, and Lord, uh, especially with our dear colleague, Angie. Thank you, God. Amen. Thank you, members.

40. 0:43:15

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

41. 0:43:19

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Committee on Information and Audits has read the journal of the previous legislative day and found it to be correct. And Mr. Speaker, if I might?

42. 0:43:28

    Carry on.

43. 0:43:29

    The Georgia Southern Eagles have won four games in four days, and play tonight for the Sun Belt Championship, for a right to play in the NCAA Championship. I've got two words for you, Hail Southern.

44. 0:43:44

    Thank you. Go Eagles, right? Thanks for that update. Chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information and Audits reports that the journal of the previous 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 the journal? Hearing none, the journal is confirmed. Mr. Clerk, will you read the resolution establishing the order of business for the day?

45. 0:44:14

    Representative Efstration of the 104th moves File B, establishes the order of business from the first part of the period. Unanimous consents. Introduction of bills and resolutions. First reading and reference files, bills and resolutions. Second reading of bills and resolutions. First reading of reference of Senate bills and resolutions. Morning orders.

46. 0:44:36

    Is there any objection to the adoption of the roo- resolution establishing the order of business for the day? Hearing none, the resolution is adopted.

47. 0:44:56

    First reading, reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read. House Bill 1516 by Representative Romano of the 97th, Park of the 107th, Pryor of the 122nd, Cannon of the 58th. Bill be titled an act to amend Article 1, Chapter 6 to Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to real estate transfer tax. Public Safety and Homeland Security. House Bill 1517 by Representative Lim of the 98th. Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 1 and Title 41 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding nuisances.

48. 0:45:34

    Judiciary. House Bill 1518 by Representative Lim of the 98th, Lupton of the 83rd, Clark of the 108th. Bill be titled an act to amend Code Section 17-6-11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the issuance of uniform traffic citations. Judiciary Non-Civil. House Bill 1519 by Representative Bonner of the 73rd, Mathiak of the 82nd, Bazemore of the 69th. Bill be titled an act to amend an act creating the City of Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority.

49. 0:46:07

    Intergovernmental Coordination. House Bill 1520 by Representative Miller of the 62nd, Draper of the 90th, Jackson of the 68th, Campbell of the 35th, Cummings of the 39th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Part 2 of Article 15 in Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975. Judiciary. House Bill 1521 by Representative Miller of the 62nd, Draper of the 90th, Jackson of the 68th, Campbell of the 35th, and Westbrook of the 163rd.

50. 0:46:40

    Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 7 and Chapter 5 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to financial institutions and the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008. Banks and Banking. House Bill 1522 by Representative Burnough of the 77th, Scott of the 76th, and Bell of the 75th. Bill be titled an act to amend an act creating the Clayton County Water Authority. Intergovernmental Coordination. House Bill 1523 by Representative Chokas of the 151st and Stinson of the 150th.

51. 0:47:13

    Bill be s- entitled an act to create the Sumner County Public Facilities Authority. Intergovernmental Coordination. House Bill 1524 by Representative Donatucci of the 105th, Efstration of the 104th, Hong of the 103rd, Hilton of the 48th, Reeves of the 99th, and others. Bill be entitled an act to provide a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County School District ad valorem taxes. Intergovernmental Coordination. House Bill 1525 by Representative Efstration of the 104th. Bill be titled an act to amend an act creating a new charter for the City of Auburn.

52. 0:47:48

    Intergovernmental Coordination. House Resolution 1608 by Representative Scoggins of the 14th, Cannon of the 172nd, McDonald of the 26th, Kelley of the 16th, Gullett of the 19th, and others. A resolution creating a House Study Committee on Municipal Electric Franchise Fees. Special Rules. Mr. Clerk, suspend just for a minute.

53. 0:48:28

    Thank you. I'm gonna see who's talking the loudest. I'm probably gonna assign your bill to the wrong committee.

54. 0:48:40

    Thank you, members. If you can finish your conversation, but do it just at a little bit of an octave lower so I can hear the clerk and respond appropriately. Mr. Clerk will continue. House Resolution 1609 by Representative Adeyina of the 110th and Lupton of the 83rd. A resolution honoring the life of Lieutenant Colonel Albert "Butch" S. Welch Jr. and dedicating a bridge in his memory. Transportation. House Resolution 1639 by Representative Neal of the 79th, Scott of the 76th, Douglas of the 78th, Bell of the 75th, Flournoy of the 74th.

55. 0:49:16

    A resolution recognizing Mr. Darrell W. Jordan and dedicating an intersection in his honor. Transportation. Senate Bill 11 by Senator Redd of the 33rd, Harbison of the 15th, Payne of the 54th, Williams of the 25th, Hickman of the 4th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Article 5, Chapter 2, Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to service creditable towards retirement benefits. Retirement. Senate Bill 190 by Senator Wick of the 34th, Merritt of the 9th, Harbison of the 15th, McLaurin of the 14th, Jones of the 10th, and others.

56. 0:49:51

    Bill be titled an act to amend Part 1 of Article 1 and Chapter 3, t- of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions of parks, historic areas, and memorials. Game, Fish, and Parks. Senate Bill 324 by Senator Harmon of the 16th, Williams of the 25th, Albers of the 56th, Gooch of the 51st, Robertson of the 29th, and others. A bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 25 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to life insurance.

57. 0:50:23

    Insurance. Senate Bill 367 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dollasala of the 27th, Watson of the 1st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Robertson of the 29th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Code Section 31-6-47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to exemptions from certificate of need requirements. Health. Senate Bill 410 by Senator Brass of the 6th, Annavarde of the 31st, Hostetler of the 52nd, Albers of the 56th, Walker of the 20th, and others.

58. 0:50:54

    Bill be titled an act to amend Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relative to state sales and use taxes.

59. 0:51:06

    Ways and Means.

60. 0:51:08

    Senate Bill 418 by Senator Burns, the 23rd, Barrett of the 44th, Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Hatchett of the 50th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding torts.

61. 0:51:25

    Technology, Infrastructure, and Innovation.

62. 0:51:30

    Senate Bill 423 by Senator Bearden of the 30th, Watson of the 11th, Williams of the 25th, Echols of the 49th, Hickman of the 4th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to government transparency and campaign finance.

63. 0:51:49

    Governmental Affairs.

64. 0:51:51

    Senate Bill 424 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Anna Stavarda of the thir- 31st, Summers of the 13th, Ras of the 6th, Burns of the 23rd, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 5A of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Office of State Treasurer.

65. 0:52:09

    Banks and Banking.

66. 0:52:10

    Senate Bill 439 by Senator Still of the 48th, Goodman of the 8th, Burns of the 23rd, Echols of the 49th. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Part 2 of Article 15, Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975.

67. 0:52:28

    Health.

68. 0:52:30

    Senate Bill 442 by Senator Dickerson of the 21st, Albers of the 56th, Walker of the 20th, Burns of the 23rd, Hatchett of the 50th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to driver's licenses.

69. 0:52:47

    Public Safety and Homeland Security.

70. 0:52:49

    Senate Bill 445 by Senator Dalzell of the 27th, Roberts of the 29th, Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Walker of the 20th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Code Section 20-14-27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to required reports and publication formats.

71. 0:53:13

    Education.

72. 0:53:14

    Senate Bill 454 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Albers of the 56th, Roberts of the 29th, Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Anderson of the 24th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 2 of Title 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to regulation of fire and other hazards.

73. 0:53:31

    Public Safety and Homeland Security.

74. 0:53:34

    Senate Bill 458 by Senator Goodman of the 8th, Hatchett of the 50th, Echols of the 49th, Jones of the 10th, Lucas of the 26th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 41 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to residential and commercial general contractors.

75. 0:53:51

    Regulated Industries.

76. 0:53:52

    Senate Bill 465 by Senator Gooch of the 51st, Echols of the 49th, Ginn of the 47th, Roberts of the 29th, Goodman of the 8th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Article 2, Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the imposition, rate computation, exemptions, and credits relative to income taxes.

77. 0:54:13

    Ways and Means.

78. 0:54:14

    Senate Bill 475 by Senator Kemp of the 38th, Dixon of the 45th, Payne of the 54th, Halpern of the 39th, Howard of the 35th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Code Section 20-2-2068.1 relating to charter school funding.

79. 0:54:32

    Education.

80. 0:54:33

    Senate Bill 482 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Roberts of the 29th, Bearden of the 30th, Hillery of the 19th, Anderson of the 43rd, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 1 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding law enforcement officers.

81. 0:54:50

    Public Safety and Homeland Security.

82. 0:54:53

    Senate Bill 485 by Senator Payne of the 54th, Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Sessler of the 37th, Roberts of the 29th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Article 1 of Chapter 10A of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to examination regarding professional counselors.

83. 0:55:12

    Regulated Industries.

84. 0:55:13

    Senate Bill 498 by Senator Dixon of the 45th, Hickman of the 4th, Kemp of the 38th, Still of the 48th, and Halpern of the 39th. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend to Article 31B of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to charter school capital finance.

85. 0:55:33

    Appropriations.

86. 0:55:35

    Senate Bill 499 by Senator Ginn of the 47th, Walker of the 20th, Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Payne of the 54th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices.

87. 0:55:55

    Judiciary, Non-Civil.

88. 0:55:57

    Senate Bill 501 by Senator Roberts of the 29th, Albers of the 56th, Bearden of the 30th, Ras of the 6th, Still of the 48th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Titles 8 and 25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to buildings and housing and fire protection and safety.

89. 0:56:16

    Regulated Industries.

90. 0:56:17

    Senate Bill 515 by Senator Hickman of the 4th, Payne of the 54th, Hatchett of the 50th, Perran of the 44th, Dixon of the 45th. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Part 9 of Article 6 of Chapter 2, Title 20 under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to grants for educational programs.

91. 0:56:36

    Education.

92. 0:56:36

    Senate Bill 532 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Perran of the 44th, Anderson of the 43rd, Tom Porter of the 17th, Kemp of the 38th, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Article 2, Chapter 7 of Title of Chapter 11 of Title 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to commencement of action and service of default judgment.

93. 0:56:59

    Judiciary.

94. 0:57:00

    Senate Bill 540 by Senators Anna Stavarda of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, Still of the 48th, Strickland of the 42nd, Watson of the 1st, and others. The bill will be titled, An Act to Amend Chapter 5 of Title 39 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to online internet safety. Technology and Infrastructure Innovation. Senate Bill 552 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Hatchett of the 50th, Strickland of the 42nd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hickman of the 4th and others.

95. 0:57:32

    The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Chapter six of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to sexual offenses. Judiciary. Mr. Clerk, suspend again.

96. 0:57:59

    We must adjourn to early Friday night 'cause y'all still have plenty of energy. Wow.

97. 0:58:08

    We'll get through this. Y'all bear with me a little bit, but we need to, I need to be able to hear.

98. 0:58:16

    Maybe noise is like heat, it rises. I'm not sure.

99. 0:58:52

    Okay, Mr. Clerk, let's try it again.

100. 0:58:56

     Senate Bill 547 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Hatchett of the 50th, Beard of the 30th, Williams of the 25th and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Code Section 16-6-13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to penalties for violating Code Section 16-6-9 through 16-6-12. Judiciary Non-Civil. Senate Bill 551 by Senator Watson of the 11th, Anderson of the 24th, Echols of the 49th, Goodman of the 8th. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Chapter two of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to standard labeling and adulteration of foods.

101. 0:59:34

     Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. Senate Bill 553 by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, Walker of the 20th, Cowser of the 46th, Brass of the 6th, Payne of the 54th and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to professions and businesses. Irregular Industries. Senate Bill 555 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Payne of the 54th, Cow- Cowser of the 46th, Burns of the 23rd, Ginn of the 47th and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Part two of Article two, Chapter four, Title 38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to War Veterans Home.

102. 1:00:13

     Defense and Veteran Affairs. Senate Bill 556 by Senator Payne of the 54th, Still of the 48th, Williams of the 25th, Sims of the 12th and Hickman of the 4th. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Code Section 20-2-157 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to uniform reporting system for certain purposes. Higher Education. Senate Bill 566 by Senator Hofstetter of the 52nd, Anna Stavarin of the 31st, Albers of the 56th, Hickman of the 4th, Still of the 48th.

103. 1:00:43

     The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Chapter five of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to ad valorem taxation of property. Ways and Means. Senate Bill 569 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Jones of the 10th, Summers of the 13th, Mallow of the 2nd and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to motor vehicles and traffic.

104. 1:01:12

     Motor Vehicles. Senate Bill 570 by Senator Still of the 48th, Anna Stavarin of the 31st, Albers of the 56th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Dixon of the 45th. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Article one of Chapter 21 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to rights, duties, and liabilities of innkeepers. Judiciary. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Anna Stavarin of the 31st, Robertson of the 29th, McNeil of the 18th, Hatchett of the 50th and others.

105. 1:01:44

     The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Article two, Chapter three, Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to justification and excuse. Judiciary Non-Civil. Senate Bill 586 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Robertson of the 29th. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Code Section 16-11-107 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to interfering with, harming of, or aggravating harming of a public safety animal.

106. 1:02:15

     Public Safety and Homeland Security. Senate Bill 587 by Senator Still of the 48th, Dickerson of the 21st, Summers of the 13th, Albers of the 56th, Hofstetter of the 52nd and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Article one, Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding offenses against public health and morals. Judiciary Non-Civil. Senate Bill 589 by Senator Brass of the 6th, Hickman of the 4th, Hatchett of the 50th, Anna Stavarin of the 31st, McNeil of the 18th and others.

107. 1:02:49

     The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Part three of Article six of Chapter two, Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act. Education. Senate Bill 591 by Senator Gooch of the 51st, Anna Stavarin of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, Summers of the 13th, Echols of the 49th and others. The bill will be titled Enact to Amend Article two, Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to offenses against public order Judiciary, Non-Civil.

108. 1:03:22

     Senate Bill 593 by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, Tillery of the 19th. Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 71 and Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to development impact fees. Governmental Affairs. Senate Bill 594 by Senator Bearden of the 30th, Strickland of the 42nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Hannan of our day of the 31st, Dixon of the 45th, and others. The bill be titled an act to amend Part four of Article six of Chapter nine of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Internet and email fraud.

109. 1:04:03

     Technology and Infrastructure and Innovation. Senate Bill 602 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Orrock of the 36th, Camp of the 38th, Parent of the 44th, McLaurin of the 14th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend an act to continue the existence of the Atlanta Independent School System. Intergovernmental Coordination. Senate Bill 604 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dollasow of the 27th, Gooch of the 51st. The bill be titled an act to amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to crimes and offenses.

110. 1:04:36

     Judiciary, Non-Civil. Senate Bill 605 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dollasow of the 27th, Gooch of the 51st. The bill be titled an act to amend Article one of Chapter 18 to Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding prosecuting attorneys. Judiciary, Non-Civil. Senate Bill 612 by Senator Walker of the 20th. The bill be titled an act to create the City of Cochran Public Facilities Authority.

111. 1:05:07

     Intergovernmental Coordination. Senate Bill 613 by Senator Davenport of the 17th, Wick of the 34th, Parent of the 44th. The bill be titled an act to amend an act placing the sheriff and clerk of the Superior Court of Clayton County on an annual salary. Intergovernmental Coordination. Senate Bill 614 by Senator Davenport of the 17th. The bill be titled an act to provide a homestead exemption for City of Hampton ad valorem taxes. Intergovernmental Coordination. Senate Bill 616 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Camp of the 38th, James of the 28th, Orrock of the 36th, McLaurin of the 14th, and others.

112. 1:05:45

     The bill be titled an act to amend an act creating one or more community improvement districts in an unincorporated Fulton County. Intergovernmental Coordination. That completes First Readers.

113. 1:06:07

     Second reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read. House Bill 1506 by Representative Clark of the 108th, Park of the 107th, Kendrick of the 95th, Adesanya of the 43rd, a bill relating to prompt payment. House Bill 1507 by Representative Meeks of the 178th and DeLoach of the 167th, a bill to amend an act establishing the State Court of Wayne County. House Bill 1508 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Petrea of the 166th, a bill to amend an act to amend, consolidate, create, revise, supersede the several acts incorporating the City of Pembroke.

114. 1:06:37

     House Bill 1509 by Representative Holley of the 116th, Sanchez of the 42nd, Sanchez of the 117th, Berry of the 56th, a bill relating to zoning procedures applicable to counties and municipal corporations. House Bill 1510 by Representative Holley of the 116th, Adesanya of the 43rd, McClain of the 109th, Bell of the 75th, and Berry of the 56th, a bill relating to qualifications of electors. House Bill 1511 by Representative Douglas of the 78th, Neal of the 79th, Gunter of the eighth, and Flournoy of the 74th, a bill relating to courts. House Bill 1512 by Representative Martinez of the 111th, a bill relating to crimes and offenses.

115. 1:07:10

     House Bill 1513 by Representative Bonner of the 73rd, Mathiak of the 82nd, Bazemore of the 69th, and Jackson of the 68th, a bill to amend an act creating the State Court of Fayette County. House Bill 1514 by Representative Glaze of the 67th, Olaleye of the 59th, Panitch of the 51st, McQueen of the 61st, Dawson of the 65th, and others, a bill to amend an act providing for the number of members of the election of members of the Board of Education of Fulton County. House Bill 1515 by Representative Leopard of the 123rd and Powell of the 33rd, a bill to provide for homestead exemption from Madison County School District ad valorem taxes.

116. 1:07:44

     House Resolution 1583 by Representative Gullett of the 19th, Cheokas of the 151st, Jones of the 25th, a resolution creating a House Study Committee on Small Business Technology Adoption. House Resolution 1584 by Representative Jasperse of the 11th, Thomas of the 21st, Fincher of the 23rd, Ridley of the 22nd, Bard of the 20th, a resolution recognizing Mr. Eric Wilmoth and dedicating a roundabout in his honor. House Resolution 1585 by Representative Holley of the 116th, Bell of the 75th, Adesanya of the 43rd, McClain of the 109th, Berry of the 56th, and others, a resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to remove a conviction of a felony involving moral turpitude as an exception to the right to register and vote.

117. 1:08:21

     House Resolution 1586 by Representative Bonner of the 73rd, Bazemore of the 69th, Mathiak of the 82nd, and Jenkins of the 136th, a resolution honoring the life of Mr. Marvin R. Adams and dedicating an intersection in his memory. Senate Bill 157 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Burns of the 23rd, Harbin of the 16th, Walker III of the 20th, Strickland of the 42nd, a bill relating to qualification for membership and revocable election of certain members of the General Assembly. Senate Bill 198 by Senator Albers of the 56th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Williams of the 25th, Summers of the 13th, Cowser of the 46th, and others, a bill relating to the Georgia Legislative Retirement System.

118. 1:08:55

     Senate Bill 216 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Tillery of the 19th, Strickland of the 42nd, Burns of the 23rd, Setzler of the 37th, and others, a bill relating to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System. Senate Bill 230 by Senator Still of the 48th and Inviarte of the 31st, Harbin of the 16th, Harbeson of the 15th, Walker of the 20th, a bill relating to condominiums. Senate Bill 261 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Strickland of the 42nd, Gooch of the 51st, Hickman of the fourth, Williams of the 25th, and others, a bill relating to the Magistrate's Retirement Fund. Senate Bill 285 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, a bill relating to the Emergency Communications Authority and Emergency Telephone Number 911 System.

119. 1:09:32

     Senate Bill 306 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, a bill relating to preferential assessment for bona fide conservation use property and bona fide residential transitional property. Senate Bill 406 by Senator Brass of the 6th, James of the 28th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Dixon of the 45th, Sims of the 12th, and others, a bill relating to professions and businesses. Senate Bill 425 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Summers of the 13th, Burns of the 23rd, Dickerson of the 21st, Harbin, Hickman of the 4th, and others, a bill relating to competencies and core curriculum.

120. 1:10:02

     Senate Bill 478 by Senator Watson of the 11th, Innamortechi of the 31st, Walker the 3rd of the 20th, Anderson of the 14th, Goodman of the 8th, and others, a bill relating to outdoor stewardship. Senate Bill 489 by Senator Goodman of the 8th, Watson of the 11th, Summers of the 13th, Dixon of the 45th, Hodges of the 3rd, and others, a bill relating to the Judges of the Private Retirement Fund of Georgia. Senate Bill 503 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Walker of the 20th, Innamortechi of the third, 31st, Robertson of the 29th, Scull of the 48th, and others, a bill relating to kinds of insurance, limits of risks, and reinsurance. Senate Bill 523 by Senator Goodman of the 8th, Cowser of the 46th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Albers of the 56th, Tillery of the 19th, and others, a bill relating to education.

121. 1:10:37

     Senate Bill 524 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Walker of the thir- 20th, Parent of the 44th, Halpern of the 39th, Payne of the 54th, and others, a bill relating to license plates promoting or supporting certain agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations. Senate Bill 522 by Senator Watson of the 1st, Strickland of the 42nd, Cowser of the 46th, Innamortechi of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, and others, a bill relating to clubs and organizations. Senate Bill 565 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Innamortechi of the 31st, Albers of the 56th, Strickland of the 42nd, Hatchett of the 50th, a bill relating to definitions relative to employment and training of peace officers.

122. 1:11:10

     Senate Resolution 624 by Senator Setzler of the 37th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Howard of the 35th, Rhett of the 33rd, Albers of the 56th, a resolution honoring the life of Officer Drew Haynes Brown, dedicating an intersection in his memory. Through second readers.

123. 1:11:49

     Reports of standing committees. Mr. Clerk Reilly.

124. 1:11:54

     Representative Matt Hatchett of the 155th District, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, submitted the following report. "Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Appropriations had under its consideration the following bill of the House and instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 974 do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Matt Hatchett of the 155th District, Chairman." That completes the reading of the reports of standing committees.

125. 1:13:37

     All right, members, we'll move on to morning orders. Representative Bernal.

126. 1:13:45

     Representative Bernal. She waves. Chairman Rhodes, you ready for a morning order?

127. 1:13:56

     He waves.

128. 1:14:06

     Representative Herring. I knew I could find her. The lady's got about a minute, a little, uh, something like that. Lady's recognized.

129. 1:14:23

     Mr. Speaker, members of the House, today I rise to recognize an extraordinary entrepreneur and leader, Naja Aziz, owner of Like the River Salon. After a successful 16-year corporate career, Ms. Aziz followed her passion for hairstyling and built what is now known as Atlanta's premier salon. Through her vision, discipline, and commitment to excellence, Like the River has become nationally recognized and has been named Best of Atlanta multiple times.

130. 1:14:56

     But her impact reaches far beyond the salon chair. Ms. Aziz has used her platform to serve others, don- donating service to women's shelters, supporting students in special education programs, and uplifting cancer survivors. Her work has also gained international attention with master classes and professional education reaching stylists around the world. Members of the House, Naja Aziz represents the very best of entrepreneurship, service, and commun- community leadership.

131. 1:15:28

     Please join me in celebrating her success. If you would please stand, Ms. Aziz, we would like to recognize you in the House today. Thank you for your service.

132. 1:15:42

     Good job.

133. 1:15:46

     Good job. Thank you for being with us, but more importantly, thank you for your work. We most appreciate it. You're helping your neighbors, no doubt. Thank you, ma'am. Representative Gambill.

134. 1:15:58

     Gentleman's recognized.

135. 1:15:59

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I have the Cartersville Little League 12U baseball team that won the 2025 Georgia State Championship here today, and I'd like for them to stand in the gallery, uh, at this time so that we can recognize them.

136. 1:16:25

     They're joined by their coaches and many of their parents, who also stand, so w- we can recognize y'all as well. Please stand. We're glad to have y'all here today, and boys, we're real proud of y'all. We did a resolution for you. Thank you.

137. 1:16:50

     Yeah. That's triple A, right?

138. 1:16:53

     Yeah.

139. 1:16:53

     Yes. Congratulations, y'all. I know you're proud. Thanks, parents, for supporting them. Good to have y'all.

140. 1:17:03

     Representative Kelley

141. 1:17:07

     and friends. Friend.

142. 1:17:12

     Come on, Kasey. Hey, good afternoon, colleagues. I'm proud to have in the gallery with us members of the Cedartown High School debate team, Armando Penaloza, Anna Van Rib, and Andy Kate Roper, along with their advisor, Mrs. Jennifer Cupp. Uh, in February, they went to Saitama, Japan, where they competed against 10 teams spread out over six countries and brought home the first place, uh, medal in the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Champion after they beat Hungary- ...

143. 1:17:48

     in the final round. So we're glad to have them here with us today. If y'all please stand up and let us recognize you.

144. 1:18:00

     Good pronunciation.

145. 1:18:02

     Congratulations. That's pretty cool. Hope y'all enjoyed yourself there, and you brought back the gold. That's all right. Way to go.

146. 1:18:13

     Representative Lupton. There she is. They were, you were hiding behind you.

147. 1:18:26

     I might be able to, but how many folks are staying at the Senate? So as soon as they come on board. But I'll do the other one first.

148. 1:18:31

     Get your pen. You need to-

149. 1:18:33

     Thank you.

150. 1:18:33

     You get your pen.

151. 1:18:34

     Okay, thank you.

152. 1:18:36

     Representative Lupton's recognized.

153. 1:18:38

     Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hmm. "The working homeless. In a country where hard work and determination are supposed to lead to success, there is something scandalous about this phrase. But skyrocketing rents, low wages, and lack of tenants' rights have produced a startling phenomenon. People with full-time jobs cannot keep a roof over their heads, especially in America's booming cities. These families are being forced into homelessness, not by a failing economy, but a thriving one." That is a note from the inside jacket cover of There Is No Place For Us, a book written by a DeKalb County author, journalist, and anthropologist named Mr.

154. 1:19:19

     Brian Goldstone. Brian's book, There Is No Place For Us: Working and Homeless in America, was a finalist for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction, a New York Times top 10 book of 2025, The Atlantic top 10 book of the year. Was noted by NPR, The Washington Post, and former President Barack Obama himself. The members of this body recognize and commend Mr. Brian Goldstone for his unwavering commitment to journalism in the state of Georgia.

155. 1:19:50

     Do you wanna go before he stands?

156. 1:19:51

     Yeah.

157. 1:19:51

     Yeah.

158. 1:19:54

     Mr. Goldstone is my constituent from Decatur, and he brought attention to a phenomenon that is a national issue, but particularly focused on Atlanta. We who care about hardworking Georgians know that they're hardworking Georgians making $15 an hour who cannot afford to live anywhere. And the phenomena of the extended-stay hotels has created a new industry that is not totally fair or regulated or successful in providing housing.

159. 1:20:31

     Housing is a gap for the working poor, and this book highlights five families in Atlanta, all of whom work and who are trapped in extended-stay hotels. 1,000 children are picked up in Gwinnett County, school buses at hotels, 800 in DeKalb. It's an issue we need to pay attention to. Thank you.

160. 1:20:56

     Mr. Brian Goldstone and family, please stand to be acknowledged.

161. 1:21:10

     Okay, now we're over.

162. 1:21:13

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

163. 1:21:15

     Thank y'all.

164. 1:21:19

     Representative Park Cannon is recognized for an afternoon order. Give the lady your attention. And she's got some friends going to join her. Lady, we'll suspend just for a moment.

165. 1:21:35

     The lady's recognized.

166. 1:21:37

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members. On the screen here, you'll see Baby Kari Ora Mae Burns. She was born November 30th, 2023, and passed away unexpectedly on March 8th, 2024, to sudden unexpected infant death at three months old. As the Burns family performed CPR and dialed 911, they kept receiving a voicemail.

167. 1:22:09

     Determined to keep their daughter's legacy alive and not wanting to have any other parent experience this, they're currently working to create Kari's Calls, an infant emergency hotline. Their goal is to ensure that hospitals and pediatricians have infant CPR wraps to give to parents for free. Kari's Calls is always looking to give free infant CPR training, whether it's with individual parents or a large gathering, more hospitals or pediatrician offices.

168. 1:22:43

     Please just email them if you'd like to coordinate. As of today, they've given over 1,057 Kari's Calls kits. Please join me in welcoming her parents and her baby brother and sister in the gallery, Brit and Nick, as they stand.

169. 1:23:14

     Thank you. And I ask that you join them in Capitol Room 216 from 3:00 to 5:00 PM today to learn more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield.

170. 1:23:25

     Thank you, Representative Cannon. Our condolences. What a beautiful daughter you had there, and congratulations on that young baby you have. So thanks for being with us. Leader Hugley.

171. 1:23:39

     Oh. She went to a school group.

172. 1:23:46

     Representative Crawford.

173. 1:23:55

     Representative O- Omari Crawford has a special recognition, along with some friends who wanna join him.

174. 1:24:05

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This past Friday, I received a phone call from a constituent. It was crossover day. And when I couldn't pick up, the constituent was a little bothered and asked, "What am I doing that's making me so busy?" So I invited this constituent, "Come down to the State House so you can see what we're doing." He took me up on that offer. Everybody, I wanna recognize my man, my hero, my father, sitting in the gallery. Please stand and be recognized.

175. 1:24:46

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Friends, my dad's gonna come down here. I need you to come meet some friends, take a few pictures, okay? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, friends. I yield the well.

176. 1:24:56

     I was wondering why he was behaving today, Dad. We're glad to have you. You did a great job. You got a fine son there. Thanks for doing that for your dad. Representative Bell waves. Representative Romman, Ali, and Chair Miller.

177. 1:25:21

     And some others are gonna join you. And some others.

178. 1:25:25

     I got friends, Mr. Speaker.

179. 1:25:27

     Yep.

180. 1:25:28

     All right. Y'all good?

181. 1:25:31

     Yep.

182. 1:25:31

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, today is Young Democrats of Georgia Day at the Capitol. Uh, they are actually all around the gallery, so please give them a hand.

183. 1:25:46

     As y'all can see, they are literally here from all around the state, so please take a moment to talk to them about what they are advocating on, um, and what they are working on, and what they really care about. At the end of the day, this, this, we need more young people involved in this work. So I'm gonna, um, yield a little bit of time to Representative Ali as well.

184. 1:26:03

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of this House. Beyond being the gold standard of organizing, this organization right here, being hundreds strong, has held food drives, opened up the legislative process, and building up those in the young generation. On behalf of all the communities that you have touched and will continue to serve, we want to thank you. Please give them a round of applause.

185. 1:26:25

     Welcome to the People's House, y'all.

186. 1:26:28

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

187. 1:26:31

     Hey, good to have y'all. That's what makes our country strong, involvement, young people being involved. Thank y'all for doing that.

188. 1:26:41

     Whip Park is recognized for an afternoon order. M- excuse me, morning order in the afternoon. Let me get that correct.

189. 1:26:50

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I rise to celebrate the life and enduring legacy of Alexandra "Alex" Marie Patuffio, and to honor her contributions to Georgia. Alex enrolled at Georgia State University College of Law in August 2020, and she made an, an immediate impact. She became a champion for healthcare and families at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, earning the Health Legal Services Clinic Award. As a student leader in the Center for Access to Justice, she helped more than 1,000 tenants facing eviction. Through her pro bono work, she helped secure the dismissal of charges against a wrongfully accused person.

190. 1:27:26

     She lived by the motto, "Do it sacred", and she meant it. On October 7th, 2022, just seven years month, seven months shy of earning her law degree, Alex's life was tragically taken as a result of a drunk driver. We want to take a moment to acknowledge her family who are here with us today. To her father, her mo- her father, Chris, her mother, Michelle, and her sister, Mikayla, thank you for sharing Alex with the world. Her spirit lives on through each of you. We also want to recognize the Dean of GSU Law, Courtney Anderson, and the students from GSU's legislative drafting class, whose work made this resolution possible.

191. 1:28:05

     If y'all don't mind, please stand and be recognized. Thank you for being here.

192. 1:28:15

     And, a- and if members would join me for a brief moment of silence.

193. 1:28:22

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

194. 1:28:24

     Thank you, Whip Park, and proud to have anyone from GSU here. Thank you for Georgia State. Appreciate y'all's involvement here.

195. 1:28:35

     Representative Nesa Jones, the lady's recognized for a morning order in the afternoon.

196. 1:28:45

     Where Tangie is. Here she come. Here. Okay.

197. 1:28:47

     And friends.

198. 1:28:48

     There she is. All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize a remarkable woman whose life reflects service, heritage, and leadership, Queen Mother Nana Aduraa Kwadwo II, known to many in our community as Ernestine Wilson. Queen Mother Wilson is a proud member of the royal family and an ancestor of Elmina, Ghana, and she has dedicated her life to uplifting others, both here in Georgia and abroad.

199. 1:29:19

     Through her initiative, Operation Soft Book, she has helped donate books and learning materials to school in Ghana, expanding educational opportunities for children and strengthening the bridge between our communities. Here at home, she has also faithfully served the people of Macon-Bibb County through her work with the Macon-Bibb County Sheriff's Department. Demonstrating a deep commitment to public service and community partnership. Her life is a powerful example of global service rooted in local impact.

200. 1:29:51

     Mr. Speaker, she is present in the gallery today. I would like to ask Queen Mother Nana Aduraa Kwadwo II, better known as Ernestine Wilson, to please rise so the House may recognize and thank her for her extraordinary service. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

201. 1:30:10

     Thank you.

202. 1:30:13

     Wonderful job.

203. 1:30:14

     Thanks for being here. Nice recognition. We're glad to have you in the People's House. Chairman Erwin. The gentleman's recognized.

204. 1:30:23

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, members, we have, uh, some great educators up in the gallery today. Our, uh, CTAE educators, which is our Georgia Career Technological Agricultural and Education educators are up there. That's vocational from some of us that remember the day we used to call them vocation teachers. Stand up for me and let us recognize you, and thank you for what you do for this state. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

205. 1:31:27

     Chairman Noel Williams is recognized for an order.

206. 1:31:34

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today is Scout Day at the Capitol, and I'd like to recognize a group from Cordele, uh, troop number t-270. Um, welcome to the People's House. Thank you all for being here today.

207. 1:31:54

     Good to have scouts in the building. Thank you. Thank you, Representative. Members,

208. 1:32:03

     if y'all will join me in welcoming back a good friend and a former member of this body, Representative William Boddie. Good to have him.

209. 1:32:17

     2016.

210. 1:32:22

     That's right. That's an awesome class.

211. 1:32:22

     They tell me it's an awesome class. I know why.

212. 1:32:38

     I know he didn't.

213. 1:32:57

     Representative Lupton, you ready again? Lady's recognized for an order.

214. 1:33:04

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate your flexibility. Um, I and my friends are here to acknowledge, um... I am proud co-chair of the Taiwan Caucus, and we are here to proudly honor Taiwan's representatives, uh, to the Southeastern United States, Director General Jared Lin of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta.

215. 1:33:33

     The year 2026 marks both the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence and the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's first direct election. So this resolution honors the principle that sovereignty resides with the people. Thank you so much for visiting us, Director General, and your staff. We appreciate you and our very important relationship. Thank you.

216. 1:33:57

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

217. 1:34:01

     I've been there. It's a wonderful place. Thank you to our friends in Taiwan. It's ... Glad to have you in the People's House. Anytime you're welcome.

218. 1:34:34

     Members, that completes our morning orders. In the afternoon, we're gonna move on to the rules calendar. We have one bill on the rules calendar.

219. 1:34:47

     Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Resolution 948? 948.

220. 1:35:21

     Clerk is recognized to read the caption to House Resolution 948.

221. 1:35:33

     House Resolution 948 by Representative Stevens in the 164th creating the House Study Committee on Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

222. 1:35:42

     and consumer access to prescription medications. This resolution having been referred to the Committee on Health, that committee recommends that this resolution be adopted by committee substitute.

223. 1:36:08

     Representative Ron Stephens. Chairman Stephens recognized to present House Resolution 948. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, um, after playing years of whack-a-mole, uh, with the pharmacy benefit managers, I thought it's just about time that we study the issue and got into it a little bit. Uh, we're gonna see if we can find out exactly what employers are being billed versus what they're paying on these self-insurance plans. Uh, we're gonna look a little bit into reverse engineering so that we can get to the bottom of where things are going and how that affects your own taxpayers' health insurance plans and, and their rates.

224. 1:36:45

     A little bit of mail order, uh, mandatory plans, see how those work. We're gonna see how 340B pharmacy works nationally. That's a national plan and some of the shell games that might go on there. And we're really gonna ask some tough questions how chain, um, grocery stores can make a zero profit in their pharmacy while the top three PBMs rake in $17.7 billion in profit. So those are some of the questions we'll be asking on this, uh, study committee, and I'll ask for your favorable consideration.

225. 1:37:20

     I yield the well.

226. 1:37:59

     Gentlemen has 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 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.

227. 1:38:30

     Clerk will unlock the machine.

228. 1:38:38

     I think that's for the next bill.

229. 1:39:06

     Have all members voted?

230. 1:39:15

     All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Resolution 948, the yays are 157, the nays are zero. This resolution having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore adopted. For what purpose does Chairman Erwin rise? To make a motion. State your motion. I motion to recommit HR 145 back to Rules, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Clerk will read the caption.

231. 1:39:46

     House Resolution 145 by Representative Erwin of the 32nd and others urging the Department of Education and Department of Public Health to collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screening.

232. 1:41:29

     On the gentleman's motion that House Resolution 145 be withdrawn from the calendar and recommitted to the Rules Committee. Is there objection? Hearing none, it's so ordered.

233. 1:41:42

     For what purpose does Chairman Powell rise?

234. 1:41:46

     To make a motion. State your motion. Uh, I request that SB 462 be moved from Health to the Insurance committees, and both chairmen are in agreement. Mr. Clerk will read the caption. Senate Bill 462 by Senator Still of the 48th and others to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 20E of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, The Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act.

235. 1:42:14

     On the gentleman's motion that SB 462 be withdrawn from the Health Committee and recommitted to the Insurance Committee. Is there objection? Hearing none, it's so ordered.

236. 1:42:36

     That completes our rules calendars and our actions. We're gonna move on to afternoon orders. Representative Lim.

237. 1:42:46

     Representative Adeyina, you're on deck.

238. 1:42:56

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm happy to announce that working with the Department of Community Affairs and partners, we have both updated and, for the very first time, provided translations, uh, beginning with Spanish, of a most critical DCA resource. That's the Georgia Landlord Tenant Handbook. If you don't already know about this resource, definitely go to the DCA website, familiariz-urize yourself with it, excuse me, and potentially send to c- your constituents. It's a valuable tool for landlords and tenants in Georgia to understand the rights and responsibilities, including, of course, recent revisions to reflect our successful passage of the Safe at Home Act helmed by Chairman Carpenter.

239. 1:43:34

     Quickly, I wanna thank Commissioner Nunn and the team at DCA, the UGA School of Law, the Georgia State College of Center- Center for Access to Justice, and the Latino Community Fund for working with me to get this done and for recognizing the intersection of language accessibility and access to justice in our court systems. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well. Thank you, Representative. Representative Adeyina. Gentleman's recognized. Hey, listen to this one, y'all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House, please look on the screen.

240. 1:44:07

     I'd love to wish my mother a happy 80th birthday. Please, please give me a big round of applause and wish her a happy 80th birthday. She turned 80 years last week Thursday, um, and I went down this weekend to spend some time with her in North Carolina. Believe me, I, I thank her for every day that I breathe and every day that I'm here, because she's one of those who shaped who I am today, like all our mothers have. So once again, happy birthday, Mother, Mrs.

241. 1:44:37

     Leo Lerota Adeyina. Love you. All right.

242. 1:44:52

     Representative Olaleye. The gentleman's recognized.

243. 1:44:58

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the screen is Malachi and Cameron, two brothers who are looking to be adopted. Uh, both get amazing grades in school, both love to socialize, and both play video games together in their free time. As always, we can make their adoption possible at itsmyturnnow.dhs.georgia.gov. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

244. 1:45:23

     Chairman Sainz has a special afternoon order. Give the gentleman your attention, please. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanna take a quick note of personal privilege, privilege to introduce my parents, uh, Patty, my mother, and my stepfather, Mike. Uh, being the mother of, uh, two single high school boys couldn't have been easy, especially with one of them being my brother. But, uh, she handled it with grace, and she, uh, found an incredible partner, someone I look up to greatly in Mike. Uh, they drove my, uh, two nieces and nephews up here to page.

245. 1:45:53

     So, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank y'all for being here.

246. 1:46:02

     And he says his brother was the most difficult? Yeah, I'm wondering about that, too. No doubt about that. Representative Jordan Ridley

247. 1:46:15

     and Representative Olaleye.

248. 1:46:44

     Gentleman is recognized. Members, if you'll give, the members in the well, your attention. I think it'd be appropriate if you all joined us in standing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Saturday, uh, morning around 2:30 in the morning, a security guard at a bar in Acworth was shot and killed after breaking up a fight of a man attacking a defenseless woman. After the fight was broken up, he was returning inside the club, where he was shot in the back and later succumbed to his wound- uh, wounds at Kennestone Hospital. So if we can just have a moment of silence for this man who gave his life in protection of another Georgian.

249. 1:47:20

     Thank you.

250. 1:47:23

     Thank you. Condolences to the family.

251. 1:47:31

     Thank y'all, thank you all for letting us know.

252. 1:47:41

     Thank you, members. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to a group of privileged resolutions?

253. 1:47:49

     Recognizing February 28th, 2026 as Turner Syndrome Awareness Day in honoring the life and memory of Mack Allington Pierce and for other purposes. That completes the reading of the privileged resolutions. Is there any objection to adopting the privileged resolutions? Hearing none, the resolutions are adopted. We have a couple of announcements we'll share with you. Representative Chas Cannon. The gentleman's recognized for an announcement.

254. 1:48:20

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Final reminder, come spend an afternoon with us, a relaxing afternoon with us on the river, Chattahoochee River, this Wednesday afternoon. Uh, we're gonna be trout fishing. Gonna have good weather, good food, all skill levels welcome. It was a great event last year, and, uh, please come and join us. The information is on your desk. I hope to see you Wednesday afternoon. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I have a question. Yes, sir. Do they have to catch their own fish? They do have to catch their own fish. They'll catch their own- But there'll be volunteers there to help you out with that.

255. 1:48:50

     Okay. Maybe they'll be successful then. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Come see us. There's not a lot of patience in this room. I'm not sure how good a fisherman they are. Chairman Gunther.

256. 1:49:07

     Uh, all the members of the Judiciary Committee, if you could come by room 132 after we adjourn, uh, just for a very brief meeting. So, thank you. Thank you, sir. Representative Rhonda Taylor.

257. 1:49:26

     Take your time.

258. 1:49:34

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to remind the ladies that tomorrow morning will be the Nikki T. Randall, um, Yellow Rose Breakfast over at the Freight Depot. We will be meeting there. It starts at 8:00, but if you have an honoree, please meet us there at 7:30 so you can greet your honoree. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor. Oh, we are wearing ... Members, please wear all black and your pearls, and we will have your yellow roses there to pin on you once you arrive. Thank you. Good information.

259. 1:50:05

     Sounds like a good event. Thank you for your announcement and your friend, Representative, Representative Santos. Chairman Hawkins. The gentleman's recognized for an announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Committee on Health will meet in 401 upon adjournment. Anything you wearing is fine.

260. 1:50:29

     Representative Ho-

261. 1:50:34

     That was out of order. I can tell you now. Representative Holley is recognized for an announcement.

262. 1:50:43

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, today, thank you family for being able to join us downstairs for Black Men and Boys Day. One of our honorees, um, we wanted to be able to kinda give person, uh, an honor who was among us. Unfortunately, because there's so many people who are downstairs for different events, um, we wanted, if you could, at the conclusion of this, if we could be able to come into this ante room, um, because of, as part of Black Men and Boys Day, we wanted to give a special recognition to o- our fellow representative, Omari Crawford.

263. 1:51:27

     So, so thank you, Mr. Speaker. Upon, u- upon break, if we could meet in the ante room. Thank you.

264. 1:51:38

     Representative Holley,

265. 1:51:42

     I think there's a ... We're going to have to, uh, hold it just for a moment.

266. 1:52:21

     Representative Holley's- Okay. Representative Holley's recognized for a little change. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, just because there are, um, other activities to go on in the ante room, if you would all, um, be so kind to join us in room 216, where we are currently serving lunch, um, you know, if you can. And I promise you, if you get past the crowds, uh, it would be well worth it. He didn't know that he was going to receive this today, um, but we, uh, we all took a vote and realized that sometimes it's good to be able to give people their flowers while they can breathe them.

267. 1:53:00

     So, thank you. Room 216. Great idea. And lunch and visit with, with Dad. That's awesome. Thank you for doing that. Uh, Representative Hawkins, Chairman Hawkins, I think you said your, your meeting was in 401. It's actually in 403. Room 403 on Chairman Hawkins' meeting.

268. 1:53:27

     That concludes our announcements. We do have a birthday today. Representative Sylvia Baker Wafer has a birthday today. Happy birthday, Representative Baker. Stand up. Yes, ma'am.

269. 1:53:46

     Happy birthday.

270. 1:53:51

     All right, members, if you have a page, they're up on the board. We're gonna take some page photos, and we hope you'll join us down here. We do have a kickball game today as the, uh, House maintains its superiority over the Senate. So, we need all you kickball players.

271. 1:54:15

     Representative Romman, you, are you planning on kicking? Okay. We don't want you to change teams, but anyway. So, we have a kickball. What time does the kickball start?

272. 1:54:29

     5:00 PM, just down the street in the stadium. I think that's, that's all of our announcements.

273. 1:54:40

     The majority leader of this House is recognized for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 10:00 AM. On the motion of Majority Leader Efstration, this House stand adjourned until 10:00 AM in the morning, Tuesday, March the 10th, 2026. All those in favor will say, "Aye."

274. 1:55:10

     Aye. All opposed will say, "No." No. Getting a little closer, but we still have it. The ayes prevail, and this House stands adjourned.