Sesión en el pleno de la Cámara de Representantes, 10 de marzo de 2026 (día legislativo 30)

Transcripción

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

1. 0:18:20

   Good morning. All members, all members will please come to the floor. All members, please come to the floor.

2. 0:19:01

   Well, good morning, members.

3. 0:19:07

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

4. 0:20:03

   We're going to have the morning roll call. All members, all members present will please vote green to signify their pres- presence in the chamber. Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

5. 0:20:46

   All members now voted. All members voted.

6. 0:20:51

   If so, Mr. Clerk-

7. 0:20:55

   Boo!

8. 0:20:55

   Wait a minute. How- Ms- Representative Howard.

9. 0:21:09

   Gotcha, sir. All members, make sure you register yourself to be here today. Big day, a big budget discussion going on today.

10. 0:21:24

    All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machines. Doorkeepers, will you please close the doors and keep them closed.

11. 0:21:36

    We have some very good news for the House before we go onto our chaplain.

12. 0:21:43

    Your kickball team thoroughly dominated the Senate yesterday. It was never in question.

13. 0:22:01

    These members acted just like they do when Senate sends legislation over here. They had no mercy . And so it was, from the very beginning, we dominated them, and, uh, very end, we had a little mercy on 'em, but not much. So, proud of the members. They played hard, played well. We have a very skilled kickball team, I can tell y'all that. So, we're, uh, very proud of them. It was a good ... It was a, it was a great day to be a member of the House, I can assure you of that. And thank you, members, for coming out and participating.

14. 0:22:33

    As is our day, 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. Our chaplain this morning will be introduced by the gentleman from the seventh House district. We've heard of that district before. But, uh, this gentleman's going to introduce our chaplain, is Representative Johnny Chastain. Representative Chastain.

15. 0:22:57

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, everyone. Good morning, colleagues. Who's excited to be here today?

16. 0:23:03

    Whoo.

17. 0:23:04

    Yeah.

18. 0:23:04

    Whoo.

19. 0:23:05

    It's a good Tuesday This is one of my best days of the year every time to be able to, to invite one of our local pastors down, uh, from, from our district, from the seventh district. And today, today's definitely no exception for me and, and our family, uh, as well. But, uh, we have Pastor Daniel Postell with us today and his wife Kelly, and two girls, Abigail and Ga- Gabrielle, right here on the front row. And we're glad to have them with us this morning.

20. 0:23:37

    Thank you. Daniel started Calvary Chapel Church up in Fannin County in 2010, and the, the church has just been a thriving church in our community since, since it opened. Uh, they started a, a, uh, a Christian school there, and they're, they've been adding a year, a, a, a grade on every year. And since they've been there, they're now through, uh, pre-K through sixth grade, and getting ready to add a seventh grade hopefully this, this coming year. Daniel has a pharmacy degree from, from the University of Georgia. He's the director of pharmacy at our local, uh, hospital there in Fannin County, Blue Ridge Medical Center.

21. 0:24:11

    He holds a master's degree from Liberty University. And a- and again, Daniel, Daniel's pastor of Calvary Church in Blue Ridge. We're, we are so blessed to have Daniel and his family here with us, and I know you're gonna be, you're gonna agree with me when you get to hear his devotion this morning. So Daniel Postell.

22. 0:24:30

    Thank you.

23. 0:24:30

    Thank you, brother, for being here.

24. 0:24:33

    Yes. Good morning. Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity to be here. I wanna thank Speaker Burns and Representative Johnny Chastain, who it's a, a blessing to have a friend represent our district here in the State House. For the devotion this morning, I wanna spend our time together speaking about encouragement. To encourage can be defined as to offer strength and hope, to impart courage. Courage is something we all desperately need. In this fallen world, there are so many things that can cause discouragement, despair, and fear.

25. 0:25:10

    When reality does not meet our expectations, we can become discouraged. Often when difficult, unexpected things occur, we experience despair and fear. And it's likely some of you can relate to disappointment, dread, and dismay. Feelings of fear and trepidation can cause us to act irrationally because sometimes when bad things happen, we don't know what to do. As elected representatives of the citizens of this great state, you've been assigned with an extremely important task of creating and passing legislation for the residents of Georgia.

26. 0:25:50

    My desire and prayer for all of you is that you will live and act with integrity, doing what is right in the sight of God according to his holy word. As a member of the clergy, as the chaplain of the day, I think it's important for me to emphasize the right and wrong is to be determined by the word of God, not the opinions of mankind. Those in this world who have not received the light of our Lord Jesus are in darkness.

27. 0:26:22

    Those without faith in Jesus are often offended by claims of scripture and truth given by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, yet it is a relationship with God through Jesus Christ that gives us hope. It's a relationship with God through Jesus Christ who gives us peace and joy, love, kindness, and goodness, to mention some of the characteristics of the fruit of the spirit. As you serve in these positions that God has ordained, through trusting in Jesus as Lord and Savior you can have courage.

28. 0:26:59

    From every circumstance you encounter in your personal lives to every bill that's considered in this house, wherever you go you are commanded to be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid, for the Lord your God is with you. He will not leave nor forsake you. The storms of life will come. Winds and waves may roar, and sometimes there are troubles, trials, and persecutions, and our initial response may be fear.

29. 0:27:32

    I wanna encourage all of you to trust in Jesus. The Gospels record it was often in the darkest times of someone's life that Jesus intervened to impart courage. To a paralytic man unable to walk, dependent on his friends to carry him around, Jesus said to him, "Be of good cheer", and then forgave his sins and healed his body. To the woman who couldn't stop bleeding, she had spent all that she had on physicians, Jesus said to her, "Be of good cheer", and then he healed her.

30. 0:28:08

    When his disciples were in a boat about to sink because of a severe storm on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus came to them and said, "Be of good cheer. It is I. Do not be afraid." When the ruler of the synagogue's young child was at home about to die, and then news was brought that she had died, Jesus told him, "Do not be afraid. Only believe." And then Jesus raised the child. Facing the coming crucifixion, no doubt Jesus' disciples were afraid of what was coming, and in John 14:1 Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled.

31. 0:28:46

    You believe in God. Believe also in me." When facing a difficult challenge, may we be comforted by faith in our Lord, trusting him, knowing he is with us, and that we can be strengthened in the power of his might and be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid. This morning as we pray, I would ask you if you're able, would you please stand to your feet?

32. 0:29:19

    Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you today with a grateful, thankful heart for all that you do for us. Lord, knowing that you are almighty and all-powerful, that you're the creator of the heavens and the Earth, and you've bestowed your love and mercy upon us, we thank you for your grace. We thank you for this day. We thank you for these representatives and all that you have planned for us, oh God. And Lord, as we look around at society, we can recognize that there are many who are walking away from you contrary to your will and your word.

33. 0:30:00

    In the words of the prophet Daniel, we have sinned, God. And Lord, I pray that as we confess our sin to you, that you would forgive us, that you would grant forgiveness to us, that you would send revival upon us. Lord, we desperately need your presence, your blessings, your direction, and I pray, God, for the representatives here as they discuss legislation, as they serve the role that you've called them to serve, Lord, that you would help each of them act and live with integrity, oh Lord.

34. 0:30:32

    That you would give us courage, that you would give us your strength, that you would give us boldness to do what's right in your sight. That we would recognize courage is not the absence of fear, but courage is doing what, what is pleasing to you even though there's reason to fear. Lord, we know that you have not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Lord, I pray that you would be glorified through all we do and say, that you would use us for the furtherance of your kingdom, that you would turn our hearts back to you, and that you would be glorified in this place today and in the days to come.

35. 0:31:11

    Watch over us, keep us safe from the evil one, and have your will. In the mighty name of Jesus, our Lord, Savior, and soon coming King, we pray. Amen.

36. 0:31:22

    Amen.

37. 0:31:23

    At this time, I think we'll do the pledge.

38. 0:31:25

    Do you want us in the pledge?

39. 0:31:27

    Let's-

40. 0:31:28

    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.

41. 0:31:41

    Thank you.

42. 0:31:41

    Thank you.

43. 0:31:42

    Thank you.

44. 0:31:43

    Thank you very much.

45. 0:31:43

    Thank you.

46. 0:31:44

    Right on. Good job. Door keepers may unlock the doors. Members, uh, you can join Brother Daniel in the south ante room and his family and get a photo and thank them for their service to us today.

47. 0:34:09

    Members, our doctor of the day today is Dr. Paul Brock. Uh, he's brought to us by Representative Chair Lady Katie Dempsey. So if y'all need Dr. Brock, you know where he is, so take advantage of hi- him being here. Chairman Hilton, the Chair of Committee of Information and Audits is recognized. Chairman Hilton.

48. 0:34:29

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Committee on Information Audits read the journal of the previous legislative day. We did make one minor edit. We added that the House is back-to-back kickball champions. Wanted to make sure that was in the journal. The rest of it we found to be correct.

49. 0:34:45

    Thank you for the addition. I'll make sure the clerk's office has that addition to the journal.

50. 0:34:54

    Chairman Hilton, the Chair of the m- 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?

51. 0:35:21

    Representative Efstration of the 104th moves file and be established as the order of business under the first part of the period unanimous consents. Introduction of bills and resolutions. First reading and reference of House bills and r- resolutions. Second reading of bills and resolutions. Reports of standing committees. Third reading and passage of uncontested local bills and resolutions. Morning orders.

52. 0:35:46

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

53. 0:36:06

    First reading of bills and resolutions, Mr. Clerk will read.

54. 0:36:10

    House Bill 1526 by Representative Green in the 154th, the bill will be titled an act to repeal a former local constitutional amendment.

55. 0:36:21

    Intergovernmental coordination.

56. 0:36:23

    House Bill 1527 by Representative Powell of the 33rd, a bill be titled an act to provide a homestead exemption from City of Franklin Springs ad valorem taxes.

57. 0:36:33

    Intergovernmental coordination.

58. 0:36:34

    House Bill 1528 by Representative Powell of the 33rd, a bill be titled an act to authorize the assessment collection of a technology fee by the Municipal Court of the City of Franklin Springs.

59. 0:36:45

    Intergovernmental coordination.

60. 0:36:46

    House Bill 1529 by Representative Powell of the 33rd, a bill be titled an act to authorize the assessment collection of a technology fee by the Municipal Court of the City of Cannon.

61. 0:36:56

    Intergovernmental coordination.

62. 0:36:57

    House Bill 1530 by Representative Barton of the fifth and Ridley of the sixth, a bill be titled an act to amend an act to repeal and replace the charter for the City of Fairmont.

63. 0:37:07

    Intergovernmental coordination.

64. 0:37:09

    House Bill 1531 by Representative Jasperse of the 11th, the bill be titled an act to amend an act to provide a new charter for the City of Ball Ground.

65. 0:37:16

    Intergovernmental coordination.

66. 0:37:18

    House Bill 1532 by Representative Carpenter of the fourth and Tarver of the second, bill be titled an act to amend an act to c- continue the existence of the Dalton Independent School System. Intra-governmental coordination. House Bill 1533 by Representative Carpenter IV and Tarver II, a bill being titled an act to amend an act to continue the existence of the Dalton Independent School System. Intra-governmental coordination. House Bill 1534 by Representative Westbrook of the 163rd, Stevens of the 164th, Petrie of the 166th, Jackson of the 165th, and Hitchens of the 161st.

67. 0:37:52

    The bill will be titled an act to amend an act creating the State Court of Chatham County. Intra-governmental coordination. House Resolution 1649 by Representative Hatchett of the 155th. A resolution honoring the life of Sheriff Russell Tanner and dedicating a road in his memory. Transportation. House Resolution 1650 by Representative Bonner of the 73rd and Crowe of the 118th. A resolution creating a House Study Committee on local government emergency disaster relief loans.

68. 0:38:23

    Special rules. House Resolution 1651 by Representative Clifton of the 131st, Powell of the 33rd, Richardson of the 125th, Hawkins of the 27th, Mathis of the 133rd. A resolution honoring the life of Senator Ben Joseph Joey Brush Jr. and dedicating an intersection in his memory. Transportation. That completes first readers.

69. 0:38:54

    Second reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read. House Bill 1516 by Representative Ramani of the 97th, Park of the 107th, Frye of the 122nd, and Cannon of the 58th, a bill relating to real estate transfer tax. House Bill 1517 by Representative Lim of the 98th, a bill relating to general provisions regarding nuisances. House Bill 1518 by Representative Lim of the 98th, Lupton of the 83rd, and Clark of the 108th, a bill relating to issuance of uniform traffic citation failures to appear to dispose of charges, examination of driver's license at motor vehicle accident scene for organ donor designation.

70. 0:39:26

    House Bill 1519 by Representative Bonner of the 73rd, Mathiak of the 82nd, Bazemore of the 69th, Jackson of the 68th, a bill to amend an act to create the Peachtree City Public Facilities Authority. 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, a bill relating to the Fair Business Practices Act of 1975. House Bill 1521 by Representative Miller of the 62nd, Draper of the 90th, Jackson of the 68th, Ca- Campbell of the 35th, Westbrook of the 163rd, a bill relating to financial institutions and the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008.

71. 0:40:00

    House Bill 1522 by Representative Burnough of the 77th, Scott of the 76th, and Bell of the 75th, a bill to amend an act creating the Clayton County Water Authority. House Bill 1523 by Representative Cheokas of the 151st and St- Stinson of the 150th, a bill to create the Sumter County Public Facilities Authority. House Bill 1524 by Representative Donatucci of the 105th, Efstration of the 104th, Holland of the 103rd, Hilton of the 48th, Reeves of the 99th, and others, a bill to provide a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County School District ad valorem taxes. House Bill 1525 by Representative Efstration of the 104th, a bill to amend an act to create a new charter for the City of Auburn.

72. 0:40:35

    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 the House Study Committee on municipal electric franchise fees. House Resolution 1609 by Representative Denya of the 110th and Lupton of the 83rd, a resolution re- honoring the life of Lieutenant Colonel Albert Butch Els- Welch Jr. and dedicating a bridge in his memory. 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, a resolution recognizing Mr.

73. 0:41:06

    Darrell W. Jordan, dedicating an intersection in his honor. Senate Bill 11 by Senator Rhett of the 33rd, Harbison of the 15th, Payne of the 54th, Williams of the 25th, Hickman of the 4th, and others, a bill relating to service creditable toward retirement benefits. Senate Bill 190 by Senator Wicks of the 34th, Merritt of the 9th, Harbison of the 15th, McLaurin of the 14th, Jones of the 10th, and others, a bill relating to general provisions of parks, historic areas, memorials, and recreation. Senate Bill 324 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Williams of the 25th, Albers of the 56th, Gooch of the 51st, Robertson of the 29th, and others, a bill relating to life insurance.

74. 0:41:41

    Senate Bill 367 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dolezal of the 27th, Watson of the 1st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Robertson of the 29th, and others, a bill relating to exemptions from certificate of need pro- requirements. Senate Bill 410 by Senator Brasse of the 6th, Andrea Marchant of the 31st, Huffstutler of the 52nd, Albers of the 56th, Walker of the 20th, and others, a bill relating to general provisions relative to state sales and use taxes. Senate Bill 418 by Senator Burns of the 23rd, Parents of the 44th, Andrea Marchant of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Hatcher of the 50th, and others, a bill relating to general provisions regarding torts. Senate Bill 423 by Senator Byrd of the 30th, Watson of the 11th, Williams of the 25th, Echols of the 49th, Hickman of the 4th, and others, a bill relating to government transparency campaign finance.

75. 0:42:20

    Senate Bill 424 by Senator Harbin of the 16th, Andrea Marchant of the 31st, Summers of the 13th, Brasse of the 6th, Burns of the 23rd, and others, a bill relating to the Office of State Treasurer. Senate Bill 439 by Senator Still of the 48th, Goodman of the 8th, Burns of the 23rd, Echols of the 49th, a bill to amend the Fair Business Practice Act of 1975. Senate Bill 442 by Senator Dixon- Dickerson of the 21st, Albers of the 56th, Walker of the 20th, Burns of the 23rd, Hatcher of the 50th, and others, a bill relating to driver's licenses. Senate Bill 445 by Senator Dolezal of the 27th, Robertson of the 29th, Andrea Marchant of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Walker of the 20th, and others, a bill relating to required reports and publication format relative to education accountability assessment programs.

76. 0:42:59

    Senate Bill 454 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Albers of the 56th, Robertson of the 29th, Andrea Marchant of the 31st, Anderson of the 24th, and others, a bill relating to regulation of fire and other hazards to persons of property. Senate Bill 458 by Senator Goodman of the 8th, Hatcher of the 50th, Echols of the 49th, Jones of the 10th, Lucas of the 26th, and others, a bill relating to residential and commercial general contractors. Senate Bill 465 by Senator Gooch of the 51st, Echols of the 49th, Ginn of the 47th, Robertson of the 29th, Goodman of the 8th, and others, a bill relating to imposition rate, computation exemptions, and credits relative to income taxes.

77. 0:43:32

    Senate Bill 475 by Senator Kemp of the 38th, Dickerson- Dixon of the 45th, Payne of the 54th, Halpern of the 39th, Howard of the 35th, and others, a bill relating to charter school funding. Senate Bill 482 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Barett of the 30th, Hillery of the 19th, Anderson of the 43rd, and others, a bill relating to general provisions regarding law enforcement officers and agencies.

78. 0:43:52

    Senate Bill 485 by Senator Payne of the 54th, Antovarte of the 31st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Sutzler of the 37th, Robertson of the 29th and others. A bill relating to examination regarding professional counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists. Senate Bill 4898 by Senator Dixon of the 45th, Hickman of the 4th, Kemp of the 38th, Still of the 48th, Halpern of the 39th. A bill relating to charter school capital finance. Senate Bill 499 by Senator Gannon of the 47th, Walker of the 20th, Antovarte of the 31st, Still of the 48th, Payne of the 54th and others. A bill relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices.

79. 0:44:23

    Senate Bill 501 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Albers of the 56th, Bearden of the 30th, Brass of the 6th, Still of the 48th and others. A bill relating to buildings and housing and fire protection safety. Senate Bill 515 by Senator Hickman of the 4th, Payne of the 54th, Hatchett of the 50th, Parent of the 44th, Dixon of the 45th. A bill relating to grants and educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act. Senate Bill 532 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Parent of the 44th, Anderson of the 43rd, Davenport of the 17th, Kemp of the 38th and others. A bill relating to commencement of action and service default judgment.

80. 0:44:54

    Senate Bill 540 by Senator Antovarte of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, Still of the 48th, Strickland of the 42nd, Watson of the 1st and others. A bill relating to online internet safety. Senate Bill 542 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Hatchett of the 50th, Strickland of the 42nd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hickman of the 4th and others. A bill relating to sexual offenses. Senate Bill 547 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Hatchett of the 50th, Bearden of the 30th, Williams of the 25th and others. A bill relating to penalties for violating code section 16-6-9 through 16-6-12. Senate Bill 551 by Senator Watson of the 11th, Anderson of the 24th, Echols of the 49th, Goodman of the 8th.

81. 0:45:29

    A bill relating to standard labeling and adulteration of food. 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. A bill relating to professions and businesses. Senate Bill 555 by Senator Williams of the 25th, Payne of the 54th, Cowser of the 46th, Burns of the 23rd, Gannon of the 47th and others. A bill relating to War Veterans Home. 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. A bill relating to uniform reporting system for certain purposes, dual credit courses and academic eligibility requirement to receive HOPE Scholarship.

82. 0:46:04

    Senate Bill 566 by Senator Hofstetter of the 52nd, Antovarte of the 31st, Albers of the 56th, Hickman of the 4th and Still of the 48th. A bill relating to ad valorem taxation of property. Senate Bill 569 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Jones of the 10th, Summers of the 13th, Malo of the 2nd and others. A bill relating to motor vehicles and traffic. Senate Bill 570 by Senator Still of the 48th, Antovarte of the 31st, Albers of the 56th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Dixon of the 45th. A bill relating to rights, duties, liabilities of innkeepers. Senate Bill 572 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd, Antovarte of the 31st, Robertson of the 29th, McNeal of the 18th, Hatchett of the 50th and others.

83. 0:46:40

    A bill relating to justification, excuse and defense to criminal prosecutions. Senate Bill 586 by Senator Williams of the 25th and Robertson of the 29th. A bill relating to interfering with, harming of or aggravated harming of a public safety animal or a search and rescue animal. 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. A bill relating to general provisions regarding offenses against public health and morals. Senate Bill 589 by Senator Brass of the 6th, Hickman of the 4th, Hatchett of the 50th, Antovarte of the 31st, McNeal of the 18th and others.

84. 0:47:12

    A bill relating to educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act. Senate Bill 591 by Senator Gooch of the 51st, Antovarte of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, Summers of the 13th, Echols of the 49th and others. A bill relating to offenses against public order. Senate Bill 593 by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, Hilliard of the 19th. A bill relating to development impact fees. Senate Bill 594 by Senator Bearden of the 30th, Strickland of the 42nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Antovarte of the 31st, Dixon of the 45th and others. A bill relating to intent and email fraud, internet and email fraud.

85. 0:47:46

    Senate Bill 601 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Orrock of the 36th, Kemp of the 38th, Parent of the 44th, McLaurin of the 14th and others. A bill to amend an act to continue the existence of the Atlanta Independent School System under the management and control of the Atlanta Board of Education. Senate Bill 604 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dollinsall of the 27th, Gooch of the 51st. A bill relating to crimes and offenses. Senate Bill 605 by Senator Cowser of the 46th, Dollinsall of the 27th, Gooch of the 51st. A bill relating to general provisions regarding prosecuting attorneys. Senate Bill 612 by Senator Walker of the 20th. A bill to create the City of Cochran Public Facilities Authority.

86. 0:48:21

    Senate Bill 613 by Senator Davenport of the 17th, Wicks of the 34th, Parent of the 44th. A bill to amend an act placing the sheriff and clerk of the Superior Court of Clayton County on an annual salary. Senate Bill 614 by Senator Davenport of the 17th. A bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes. Senate Bill 616 by Senator Halpern of the 39th, Kemp of the 38th, James of the 28th, Orrock of the 36th, McLaurin of the 14th and others. A bill to amend an act creating one or more community districts in the unincorporated Fulton County through second readers.

87. 0:49:37

    Reports of standing committees. Mr. Clerk will read.

88. 0:49:41

    Representative Newton 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 Senate and has instructed me to report same back to the Senate with the following recommendations. Senate Bill 399, do pass. Senate Bill 411, do pass. Senate Bill 427, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 428, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Newton of the 27th District, Chairman. Representative Lauren McDonald of the 26th District, Chairman of the Committee on Intergovernmental Coordination Locals, submitted the following report.

89. 0:50:14

    Mr. Speaker, the Committee on Intergovernmental Coordination Locals had under its consideration the following bills of the House. Instructed me to report same back to the House with the following recommendation. House Bill 1349, do pass. House Bill 1356, do pass. House Bill 1452, do pass. House Bill 1496, do pass. House Bill 1504, do pass. House Bill 1307, do pass. House Bill 1316, do pass. House Bill 1321, do pass. House Bill 1340, do pass. House Bill 1341, do pass. House Bill 1440, do pass.

90. 0:50:45

    House Bill 1491, do pass. House Bill 1492, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Lauren McDonald of the 26th District, Chairman. That completes the reading of the reports of standing committees.

91. 0:51:32

    Members of the House, if you'll find your seats. We have a special guest.

92. 0:51:42

    Before we move on to our business of the day, our, our very special guest in our gallery that we're gonna recognize here in a few moments that have come from near and far to be with us and with some of you special folks in the House as we go on to morning orders. But first, members, if you'll come to the floor and come to order.

93. 0:52:16

    Thank you, members. We, uh, we've been honored to host, uh, our next guest in a couple of different capacities over the last few years. I'm so very proud, and we're so blessed as Georgian, Georgians, that she adopted us. She wanted to be a Georgian, and she is a Georgian, and she has had great impact on our state and our nation and our world, I may expand and say. So it's with great honor that I would, um, welcome to former senator from the state of Georgia, now the administrator of the Small Business, Business Administration, our dear friend, a friend of Georgia, friend, friend of members of this House, and a friend to small businesses across America, the Honorable Kelly Loeffler.

94. 0:53:01

    Let's make her welcome.

95. 0:53:08

    Thank you, guys. Wow, thank you so much. Wow. Well, that's, that's incredibly humbling, and, uh, what a great way to start the day with all of you. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appreciate so much what you're doing. I mean, this is, uh, an incredibly important body. I'm humbled to address you all. Uh, I first of all wanted to come and thank you all for the work you're doing on behalf of Georgians, uh, and the work that you're doing that's helping advance President Trump's economic agenda, that's restoring our great nation's economic strength after four difficult years of Bidenomics.

96. 0:53:43

    Um, but look, I'm excited that this week you actually have three cabinet members from the Trump administration that'll be here. Uh, in addition to myself, uh, obviously Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will be here today. We'll be talking about, uh, the money going out to Georgia, uh, for the block grants. And then, uh, my colleague Doug Collins will be here later this week. So, uh, I'm so honored to work with both of them and, and do the work on behalf of all of you, uh, and across the country. So look, at the Small Business Administration, when I addressed this body last year, we talked about the opportunity we had to grow Main Street again, and that's what we're all fighting for, right?

97. 0:54:22

    For those Main Street opportunities for families, for businesses, for kids, for opportunities. Thank you so much for your work on literacy, for your work on a skilled workforce, for cutting taxes to create affordability after four years of massive regulations under Biden that drove inflation to 40-year highs. I can give you all kinds of numbers, but what I get to do in my job is travel across the country. This week I'll be in my 15th state, or yeah, this year.

98. 0:54:54

    I was in about 35 states last year, and what I get to hear from business owners is how the Trump economic agenda is strengthening the main streets and the families and the workers and the job creators across this country. Like when I was with President Trump up at Coosa Steel in Rome, Georgia, he got to see firsthand that his fair trade agenda, deregulatory agenda, and tax cuts are taking a factory that was down to one shift a week to two shifts six days a week and growing employment in Rome, Georgia.

99. 0:55:27

    It's Eric Williams at Prince Manufacturing in Macon, Georgia, that is gonna double his factory from 500 to 1,000 workers this year and double the size of his manufacturing output. These are the types of pro-growth economic agenda items that lift up all Georgians, that create opportunity, and that's what small business does. Under President Trump, we have record small business formation, 36 million small businesses across this country, and last year when I took control of the agency, we cut headcount in half by 54%, from 8,000 people down to about 4.

100. 0:56:05

     And we did more business than we had ever done in the agency's 72-year history because we run these agencies now for the benefit of taxpayers and those that we serve. And as a result, small businesses on Main Street got $100 billion in capital last year for the first time in history. That's what it is in Washington. That's getting out of their way and letting free enterprise and freedom drive this country forward. So I'm so grateful to be a part of the Trump administration.

101. 0:56:35

     I'm grateful to be a Georgian and for the work that you're doing. Uh, and I just wanna say the work that you're gonna continue to do is gonna make such a big difference. So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Please, uh, continue your great work, and have a wonderful day. God bless you. God bless Georgia. Thank you so much.

102. 0:56:57

     You get going. I wanna leave now and take a photo.

103. 0:57:07

     Okay. Thank you.

104. 0:57:08

     Don't go anywhere yet. Administrator, Administrator Lefler, thank you for what you're doing for, for small businesses across America, but especially what you're doing right here in our state to help our neighbors have a better future for all of us. So thank you so much, and we a- we welcome you back here at any time you can join us. We're always glad to have you.

105. 0:57:28

     Appreciate it.

106. 0:57:28

     Thanks for being home.

107. 0:58:00

     Thank you.

108. 0:58:03

     Members, if you would like to greet the administrator, she'll be in that South Annie room for just a few minutes, and you can thank her for her service to our country.

109. 0:58:15

     Members, if you'll come get close to your desk, we have a local calendar this morning.

110. 0:58:32

     We'll have a local calendar. We'll get to it in just a second. For what purpose does Chairman McDonald rise?

111. 0:58:38

     Mr. Speaker, I'd like to make a motion.

112. 0:58:40

     State your motion.

113. 0:58:41

     I'd like to, at the s- sponsor's request, I'd like to recommit House Bill 1504, uh, back to committee.

114. 0:58:53

     Mr. Clerk will read the caption.

115. 0:58:56

     House Bill 1504 by Representative Crawford of the 89th, DeKalb County. House Bill 1504 authorizes the State Court of DeKalb County to collect a technology fee.

116. 0:59:07

     On the gentleman's motion that House Bill 1504 be recommitted to the Intergovernmental Cordo- Coordination Committee, is there objection? Hearing none, it's so ordered.

117. 0:59:22

     We have eight bills on the local calendar.

118. 0:59:28

     Eight of them on the local calendar relates to homestead exemption, and we certainly will require a two-thirds roll call vote for passage. Third reading and passage of uncontested local bills. If there's no objection, we will vote on the local calendar as a whole with a recorded vote, of course, without House Bill 1504. Hearing none, it is so ordered. Mr. Clerk, will you read the local calendar?

119. 0:59:56

     House Bill 1349 by Representative Glaze of the 67th, Fulton County. House Bill fif- 1356 by Representative Stinson of the 150th, Macon County. House Bill 1452 by Representative Cummings of the 39th, City of Mableton. House Bill 1496 by Representative Campbell of the 35th, City of Acworth. House Bill 1307 by Representative Roberts of the 52nd, City of Brookhaven. House Bill 1316 by Representative Tarvin of the 2nd, Walker County. House Bill 1321 by Representative Gambill of the 15th, City of Cartersville.

120. 1:00:28

     House Bill 1340 by Representative McCollum of the 30th, Hall County. House Bill 1341 by Representative McCollum of the 30th, Hall County. House Bill 1440 by Representative Petrie of the 166th, Bryan County. House Bill 1491 by Representative Scoggins of the 14th, Bartow County, and House Bill 1492 by Representative Flournoy of the 74th, City of Hampton.

121. 1:00:54

     Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered on the local calendar? 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 bills? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall these bills now pass? All those in favor of the passage of the bills on the local calendar will vote yes. Those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machines.

122. 1:01:38

     Have all members voted?

123. 1:01:53

     All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machines. On the passage of the local calendar, the yeas are 159, the nays are 0, without House Bill 1504. These bills have received the requisite constitutional majority and are therefore passed.

124. 1:02:25

     Members, we have a lot of great people up in the gallery with us today, and we want all of them to be recognized. So members, we, um, if we're gonna move forward with the, with our other important business of the day, this is very important, but I'm gonna ask you to hold your recognition of these folks to about 45 seconds, if you will. That's less than a minute, so do your very, very best because you'll be taking away from the next member if you go too far.

125. 1:02:57

     We're gonna begin with, um,

126. 1:03:01

     Rep- Representative Gaines. Coming down front, Representative Houston Gaines for a recognition.

127. 1:03:09

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm excited to honor Logan Crosby, uh, here in the gallery today. Logan is, uh, went to the University of Georgia. That's where we had the chance to first get to know each other. But now he's a superstar, movie famous. He was, uh, came in second on ABC's Claim to Fame. Now travels the country. I think just got off tour. He's done several, several concerts in Athens, sells 'em out in massive arenas. And so, uh, really excited for his career, all he's done, and look forward to watching him continue to grow. He's in Nashville now, uh, but back in Georgia regularly.

128. 1:03:41

     So Logan, if you wouldn't mind, uh, wave your, wave your hand. And his, his family's here with him as well. If y'all would, the whole family say hello.

129. 1:03:52

     And we've got this resolution. Logan'll be down in the Annie Room here after going to the Senate. And again, uh, thank you for being here. Thank you for all you do for our state. Thanks, Logan.

130. 1:04:16

     I'm gonna recognize Representative New and some friends. And members, if I can have your attention. If you give the members in the well your attention. I'm also gonna recognize someone else, a former member of this House who now resides across the way, but he is de- still a very dear friend of this House and a, and a dear friend of mine, and that's Senator Tim Bearden. Former House Mem- Member Tim Bearden. He's associated with this re- with this, and so we want him to be a part of this, uh, recognition. Ladies and friends are recognized.

131. 1:04:49

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, members of the House. Today is a very special day. Members, if you would join me and stand, I'd like to honor-

132. 1:04:57

     Madam

133. 1:04:57

     ... the life and the memory of Representative Bill Hembree. His wife Beth, children Will and Liz, Thomas, and Miles are with us today, if they would stand.

134. 1:05:11

     We'd like to present a resolution to the family. The State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Bill Hembree on January 15th, 2026. Bill was born March 8th, 1966 in Villa Rica, a beloved son of Herman Aubrey Hembree and Monterey Buchanan Hembree. He was united in love and marriage to his wife Beth, and was blessed with three remarkable children, Will, Thomas, and Miles. Representative Hembree faithfully served with the Georgia House of Representatives from 1992 to 2012, holding distinguished roles including Chairman of Higher Education and Chairman of the Rules Committee, where he worked tirelessly to improve Georgia's higher education system and honorably served the citizens of Georgia.

135. 1:05:59

     He was a compassionate and generous man. He will long be remembered for his love of family, friendship, and community. He will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing him. Now therefore, it be resolved by the House of Representatives that the members of this body join in honoring the family and memory and life of Representative Chairman Bill Hembree, and expressing their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing. May we have a moment of silence.

136. 1:06:33

     Thank you.

137. 1:06:36

     Thank you, Representative. Thank you, members.

138. 1:06:38

     You're welcome.

139. 1:06:38

     Family, it's good to have y'all. Uh, we're, we'll ask you in just a moment if you'd come down to the South Annie Room. But let me say this, um, for those of us in this House that had the honor of serving with Chairman Hembree, what a good man he was. He had his priorities straight. First, he was a Christian. He loved the Lord, he loved his family, and he loved this House, and we appreciated his life and his input. For those members that did not have the honor to serve with him, I can assure you, you would have respected and liked him and loved him as we do, and we certainly miss him and all his work for this House and for his neighbors and to further the word of God.

140. 1:07:18

     Thank y'all. We appreciate the life of Bill Hembree. Thank y'all.

141. 1:07:30

     Representative Park Cannon, you have a remembrance as well.

142. 1:07:43

     Yes, sir.

143. 1:07:45

     You have some friends with you as well.

144. 1:07:47

     Thank you.

145. 1:07:48

     Uh, members, if you'll stay in with Representative Cannon. She has another remembrance and some condolences.

146. 1:08:00

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, members, for standing today as we honor the life and memory of Dr. James Matthew Garrett, who you see here on the screen. A native of Turner County and a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to enriching the lives of so many Georgians. He was a proud graduate of the University of Georgia and served in leadership roles. Today he is survived by his family members, his husband and partner, and members of the Deloitte team.

147. 1:08:33

     We ask that you stand.

148. 1:08:39

     We honor Dr. Garrett as he was a transformative force in the field of organizational development, leading strategic initiatives at Emory University and as a principal partner at Deloitte. He further served as a lead volunteer for over two decades with the Human Rights Campaign, advocating passionately for LGBTQ equality, and he was named as one of Georgia's most influential leaders in 2020. Today, we ask for a moment of silence in his remembrance.

149. 1:09:15

     Thank you, and I yield the floor.

150. 1:09:18

     Our condolences to the family, and thank you for being here, friends and coworkers, for celebrating with us for a, a life well-lived. Representative Baker.

151. 1:09:34

     Then we'll have Chairman Carpenter, you'll be on deck.

152. 1:09:53

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

153. 1:09:54

     And friends.

154. 1:09:55

     Members of the House, it is my honor today to recognize members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, the Tri Mu Mu chapter, who are seated with us in the gallery. For more than a century, Omega Psi Phi has exemplified the principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift. Through these guiding ideas, its members have made lasting contributions to communities across the state and throughout the nation. In Douglas, Paulding, and Carroll Counties, Omega men have been steadfast in their service, supporting youth, strengthening families, and uplifting our communities through mentorship, civic engagement, and outreach.

155. 1:10:38

     If you would please stand, the Omega P- Psi Phi Tri Mu chapter in the gallery. And members, please join me in welcoming these outstanding community leaders for their service to the people of Georgia.

156. 1:10:57

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

157. 1:11:00

     Thank you, and welcome to the House. Chairman Carpenter.

158. 1:11:05

     And a couple-

159. 1:11:06

     And at least one friend

160. 1:11:07

     ... and a couple of friends.

161. 1:11:08

     A couple friends, yeah.

162. 1:11:09

     Got a couple of groups c- uh, Speaker. I'm gonna, first thing we're gonna do is we're gonna recognize QCells. Are you guys in the, uh, gallery, if you will stand up. So I don't know if you know this, but, uh, the city of Dalton in Whitfield County has the largest, uh, manufacturer of solar panels in the United States, and they're also expanding down into Cartersville. Over three billion dollars worth of investments in, in solar energy in our state. We appreciate you guys being here.

163. 1:11:39

     As we continue to talk about the need for energy, you guys pl- play a pivotal role in the future of Georgia, and we appreciate you very much for being here. The second group we have today is the Latin American Association. Are you here? Over here. Thank you guys for being here as well. Big day today. LAA day at the Capitol. And I think that'll do it. Thank you for being here. We'll be around. We'll get photos. Thank you.

164. 1:12:05

     Latin American Association, thanks for being here. Appreciate you being here. QCells, thanks for what, thanks for what y'all are doing. We really appreciate what succes- success y'all are having. Uh, Representative Mary Frances Williams right here. Represent Griffin, you're on deck.

165. 1:12:25

     Lady's recognized.

166. 1:12:26

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm here, uh, filling in for Representatives Mary Margaret Oliver and Representative Debbie Buckner. I have a resolution recognizing 2026 as the year of the Georgia Birding Trail and celebrating Birds Georgia on its 100th anniversary. I believe we have some people in the gallery representing Birds Georgia, in addition to several bird board members. Is Executive Director Adam Betuel with us?

167. 1:12:57

     Y'all wanna stand. And board member Mark Goncher with Chick-fil-A. Thank you for being here. Birds Georgia was founded in 1926 as the Atlanta Bird Club, and over the past 100 years, the organization has grown from a small group of birding enthusiasts to a statewide force for bird conservation. Bird watching brings over 10 billion tour- tourist dollars into Georgia each year. Through programs like Project Safe Flight, Lights Out Georgia, Wildlife Sanctuary Certification, and the Bird City Initiative, Birds Georgia is building places across the state where birds and people thrive.

168. 1:13:39

     Please recognize... Well, and I've already, we've recognized the folks in the gallery. So I myself am a beginning birder, so this is a real honor for me. And for any other birders we might have with us, I'm sure there are other birders here, you can join me with our honorees in the anteroom for a picture. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor.

169. 1:14:02

     Thank y'all for being with us. Thanks for protecting the birds. Representative Griffin and Representative Jackson. Who, you gonna bring somebody else with you, too? Oh, yeah, y'all got the man with you. Chairman Hatchett. The gentleman's recognized.

170. 1:14:21

     Sir. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker

171. 1:14:25

     This morning I rise to recognize Georgia College and State University located in my district and a representative from, from the 128th and our great supporter from the, from the 155th. It's located in... And we got an, an alumni from Georgia College?

172. 1:14:46

     Oh, yeah.

173. 1:14:46

     Any of them Geor-

174. 1:14:49

     Me.

175. 1:14:49

     Great. That, that makes it better. Okay. Uh, Georgia College is located in Milledgeville. Founded in 1889, it is the state designated public liberal arts institution which boldly fuse academic excellence with an unwavering commitment to student success to prepare graduates to make a lasting impact on their communities and the world. The university is one of three selected institution in the university system of Georgia, and the students retention and graduate rates, rates are the third highest out of 25 institution in the university system.

176. 1:15:32

     Uh, the uni- uh, US News and World Reports named the university, university number five top public schools among, among all public universities in the 12-state region. Uh, the president is, uh, s- President, uh, Kathy Cox, who served in this body and also was secretary of state. The light is on, so I ask I ask you all to please recognize Georgia's College and State University up in the gallery, I hope.

177. 1:16:06

     There they are.

178. 1:16:06

     There they are.

179. 1:16:07

     There they are.

180. 1:16:11

     Also, you have on your desk, um, a, a brochure, and hopefully, uh, Kathy will be here later this morning, sir.

181. 1:16:20

     Okay.

182. 1:16:20

     Hope so too. Former member. We love to have her.

183. 1:16:22

     You will.

184. 1:16:22

     Thanks for being here. Whip Park is recognized. Representative Rhonda Taylor, you're on deck, then Representative Cummings. Y'all give the gentleman the will of your attention, please.

185. 1:16:34

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, good morning, members. I rise today, I rise today to recognize Larry Lehman for a lifetime of service to public health and the fight against HIV in Georgia. For more than four decades, including 34 years as president and CEO of Positive Impact Health Centers, he has devoted his life to caring for others and strengthening our public health system. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a small nonprofit into one of the leading HIV service providers in Georgia, serving more than 11,000 people living with HIV.

186. 1:17:08

     90% of whom are virally suppressed. Members, please join me in honoring Larry Lehman for his lifetime of leadership and for, and, and service. Larry, if you don't mind standing and being recognized. Thank you so much.

187. 1:17:24

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

188. 1:17:28

     Good to have you, sir, and thanks for what you've done and what you're doing.

189. 1:17:31

     Yeah.

190. 1:17:32

     Pleasure to have you in the house. Representative Taylor. There you are.

191. 1:17:36

     I want to be with.

192. 1:17:38

     Yes, you can have friends.

193. 1:17:40

     Yeah, and friends.

194. 1:17:40

     Can't deny you having friends. You do have friends. The lady's recognized.

195. 1:17:45

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are gathered here today in honor of the 2026 National Women's History Month. The National Women's History Alliance proudly presents the theme this year as Leading the Change, Women Shaping a Sustainable Future. And actually, that expands our understanding of sustainability beyond just environmental concerns. It encompasses financial sus- sustainability, community resilience, leadership succession, and intergenerational equity.

196. 1:18:17

     Whether developing green technologies, advancing economic justice, strengthening education systems, or building civic power, women are designing blueprints for sustainable transformation. This theme affirms that shaping a sustainable future means fostering systems that support both people and the planet. Happy International Women's Day.

197. 1:18:43

     Oh, we have guests in the... I'm so sorry. We have guests in the gallery that joined us this morning for the Nikki Randall Yellow Rose. Would you please stand and, and be recognized? All of you.

198. 1:19:03

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

199. 1:19:06

     Thank you for that recognition. Good to have y'all. Congratulations on this celebration day. Representative Cummings.

200. 1:19:18

     And friends. Representative Cummings and friends, give the lady your attention, please.

201. 1:19:27

     She's got an important morning order here. Lady's recognized.

202. 1:19:31

     Good morning. Today, we welcome 120 students from the Junior ROTC programs at Pebblebrook High School and South Cobb High School. For those students that are, um, here, can you raise your hands or wave? We'd like to welcome you to the house.

203. 1:19:56

     Thank you. I yield the will.

204. 1:20:01

     Members, we're gonna break for mornin', our morning orders, and I'm not gonna limit our next morning order. Who's come to join us? Um, very special guest who recognize the important, who does recognize the importance, and she's a very big supporter and a part of what our number one industry in Georgia is, and that's agriculture.

205. 1:20:25

     Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, maybe you're our favorite right now, but you know there's a guy just down the street we like a lot too. He held your jobs a few years ago, so-

206. 1:20:36

     That's right

207. 1:20:36

     ... uh, former Secretary of Agri- Sonny Perdue. So-

208. 1:20:39

     That's right

209. 1:20:39

     ... so you have big shoes to fill, and I can tell you're doing a great job, by the way.

210. 1:20:43

     Thank you.

211. 1:20:43

     So we appreciate your commitment to Georgia. We, we appreciate what you're doing. The, the funding that we can, that you've, um, allowed, uh, working with our great Commissioner of Agriculture, Tyler Harper-

212. 1:20:54

     That's right

213. 1:20:54

     ... that you're bringing here to Georgia to make a difference for our agricultural folks in this state. So with that, would you come please address the House?

214. 1:21:01

     I sure will. Thank you, sir.

215. 1:21:03

     Thank you.

216. 1:21:03

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hello, Georgia.

217. 1:21:10

     Aw, thank you. What a blessing to be here. Thank you all so much. I will start with a couple quick things, and then I, I'll get down to business. I know we don't have a lot of time 'cause y'all are doing the people's business here in Georgia, but how about your extraordinary Ag Commissioner, Tyler Harper? The best of the best. Look at that, Tyler.

218. 1:21:37

     You know, I know you're in your, your state, you're focused on the people of Georgia, as it should be per our founding fathers' vision from 250 years ago. So you don't see what I see in Washington, and we've got... Listen, we've got 50 states. We've got 50 different agriculture secretaries and commissioners from every state, but there is no one better in the country, and I do not say this lightly. There is no one better in the country than your own Agriculture Representative, Tyler Harper. So what a joy to be here, and he deserves every bit of commendation that you give him.

219. 1:22:09

     Thank you. The second thing I wanna say, and I think the elected officials in here will really appreciate this, but what you may not know about me is that I am the daughter of a state legislator in Texas. My mom is in the Texas Legislature, and at the amazingly young age of 78, she was elected for the first time, the oldest freshman legislator in Texas history. I wanna get that right.

220. 1:22:40

     And, yeah, how about that? So, uh, just elected a couple years ago. Just won her re-election, at least her primary, which is her battle in Texas, just last week. And so I know firsthand, uh, the sacrifice and the work and the time and the treasure and the sacred honor that you all give to these jobs every single day on behalf of our Constitution, on behalf of our beautiful country. And whether you are Republican or Democrat, you are here to fight for the great state of Georgia, and I am so grateful for that.

221. 1:23:10

     So now let's... Thank you. Now let's talk a little agriculture, everybody. Um, again, what a joy to be here. So grateful. I have a couple of quick top lines and then an announcement for you all. Today, my dear friend, Georgia's own Kelly Loeffler, was here earlier. We're gonna be together again in just a moment, so she probably ran through a few, um, of these items. But a couple of quick top lines. I am now just a little over a year and a couple of weeks into this job, and it has certainly been the hardest job I will ever have, but also the greatest blessing and joy to represent our incredible rural America and our awesome farmers and ranchers.

222. 1:23:50

     Uh, here in Georgia, which is a leader in all of the above, we have so much to be proud of. And, and let me say, let me just take a step back and say this as well. When I was first sworn in on February 13th of last year, Justice Clarence Thomas swore me in, which was a big, a big day for a small town girl from Glen Rose, Texas. But I went straight from that swearing in over to the USDA office for the first time, and the very first thing I did was sign a letter to every governor in this country, including Governor Kemp.

223. 1:24:22

     And in that letter, I said that in our founding fathers' vision, the states, the Tenth Amendment, are the laboratories of democracy. They are the laboratories of innovation. And please work with me as we fight to save this country on just that. The answers will not come from Washington, D.C. They will come from houses like this in states like Georgia. And in fact, you already have been a leader in education freedom, in winning transformational economic development projects, a leader in supporting your law enforcement heroes, and certainly a leader in agriculture, which is why I am here today.

224. 1:25:01

     Just last month, Georgia and our Forest Service, USDA has the United States Forest Service, and our NRCS signed a shared stewardship agreement reaffirming our joint commitment to coordinated cross-boundary forest management for your great timber industry in this state. Any of you represent the timber out there? It's one of the greatest industries you have in this state. Employing, oh gosh, what? A couple hundred thousand people. $36 billion a year in sales, and Tyler and I talk about it all the time.

225. 1:25:34

     From timber to cotton, from peaches to poultry to peanuts, Georgia is a leader in this country in agriculture, and frankly, a leader around the world. And for that, I am so grateful. This is my third trip to this state as the Secretary of Agriculture. I don't know that there's any state that I've actually visited more than this one at this point, so I will keep coming back, uh, as long as you will have me. But that brings me to the second piece I want to discuss and announce today. We have finalized our joint agreement between Georgia and USDA, a $531 million block grant agreement to help your producers who are still suffering under Hurricane Helene's damage.

226. 1:26:21

     Oh, thank you.

227. 1:26:26

     Thank you so much. This grant will cover future economic loss to infrastructure, dairy feed, nursery, and timber losses that are not already covered. And Tyler has made it very clear over and over how very, very important this is to so many of your constituents and frankly, to the future of your state's prosperity. Very quickly, um, Kelly may have mentioned it a little bit earlier, the grant, but let me just quickly talk about how it's gonna work, because I think for so many of you, this is important to your constituents.

228. 1:26:58

     This program will be administered through, administered through your Department of Agriculture. Obviously, with Tyler in the lead, you are in great hands. Sign-ups will begin this coming Monday, March 16th, and they will be open through April 27th. So about six weeks of sign-ups. President Trump understands that farmers were so negatively impacted, and of course, we have to continue to stand by them. The only fault now would be us not doing our part to help Georgia's great agricultural and forestry communities.

229. 1:27:32

     These block grants are on top of the assistance that's already moved out in the last 12 months. Over $176 million to more than 4,000 of your Georgia producers through our ECAP program, Emergency Commodity Assistance. Over $61 million just here in Georgia to more than 6,000 eligible ranchers and dairy farmers through the Emergency Livestock Relief Program. Over $87 million to more than 2,000 of our Georgia producers through our marketing assistance for specialty crops.

230. 1:28:10

     I know we've got a lot of specialty crop farmers. And over $115 million to almost 7,000 producers. This is in addition to the block grant we're announcing today for our Supplemental Disaster Relief Program. This timely aid is proof that our administration is committed to making sure that government works faster and better for Georgia and for your agriculture communities from the Piedmont down to the Coastal Plain. This brings me to my third point, how this administration will continue to fight and battle every single day for our US farmers and ranchers and our rural communities throughout this great state, whether it's tax relief, trade deals, targeted programming, and policies that lower the barriers.

231. 1:28:54

     This starts with, I don't want to spend much time on this 'cause I bet Kelly did this morning, but the one big beautiful bill, massive tax cuts, the biggest in American history. The largest investment in rural America in history was in that bill, including, and I know this affects almost every one of you in this room, $50 billion for the modernization of healthcare in rural America, which has so long been overlooked. In rural America, everyone.

232. 1:29:28

     The heart and soul of our country. Opportunity zones in that bill made permanent, specifically for our farmers. Finally, after no new farm bill in Washington, finally in the one big beautiful bill, we increased reference prices for the first time in more than a decade. By this October, ultimately an additional nine to $13 billion just through our reference prices increasing will go into our farming and ranching communities. And not only did the one big beautiful bill make the death tax exemption permanent for two million of our family farmers, it also indexed it for inflation.

233. 1:30:08

     Tyler, I remember being here last spring, and one of the top things your roundtable of farmers told me is that death tax will stop them from being able to pass their farm or their ranch onto their third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generation, sometimes more. So that too was solved in the last bill. Very quickly on H-2A labor, another big issue that Tyler and his team brought up to me when I was first here about a month after I'd been sworn in. I'm sure for those of you that represent agriculture communities, you're hearing about that quite a bit.

234. 1:30:40

     Last year, in 2025, in our first year, our administration issued an interim final rule changing the methodology of the adverse effective wade, wage rate, or the A-E-W-R, AWUR, for the H-2A program. Y'all, this is gonna save our farmers more than $2 billion in labor costs this year alone. $2 billion saved for our farmers this year alone.

235. 1:31:10

     And in Georgia, in Georgia, which is a top 10 state that utilizes the H-2A, the previous average, 2025, the previous average was $16.08. That does not include transportation, housing. That's just the pay, which was crushing our farmers that used it. Under this new rule, we've gone from, again, $16.08 per hour to $12.21, and after a new housing adjustment, it will go down even further to $10.50.

236. 1:31:44

     Y'all, that is a $5.50 savings per hour per worker, 35% lower than it was in 2024 and early 2025. These are real savings for our farmers and our ranchers. This durable long-term prosperity continues to be at the top of our priority list. I'll finish with this. We ended last year with 18 new trade deals, and I'm not getting political here, and I don't want to, but I just wanna compare it to the previous four years where there was not one new trade deal struck in the last administration.

237. 1:32:19

     In this one, in one year, 18 new deals. Y'all, that deserves a big round of applause. That is a massive win for our agriculture exports, a massive win. In just this past year alone, corn exports up 29%, dairy exports up 19%, tree nut exports up 11%, and the wins keep happening. Y'all, we know it is tough time out there in the farm country. We know that the farm economy through the increase of inputs, that's just, uh, out of control for almost all of our agriculture producers.

238. 1:32:55

     We know that with the current Iran situation, fertilizer is a big question right now. We are on it. More announcements to come. What a blessing to be here in Georgia. We will keep fighting for you, for your producers, for your rural America. May God bless you. May God bless this work. May God bless our incredible farmers and our ranchers and the heartbeat of America and the heartbeat of Georgia, and that is our rural communities. Thank you, all. What a joy to be here. We'll see you next time. Thank you so much.

239. 1:33:27

     Awesome.

240. 1:33:27

     No, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

241. 1:33:28

     Thank you.

242. 1:33:28

     Yeah, great to see you.

243. 1:33:29

     Let's take a photo right, come on, Tom.

244. 1:33:30

     All right, we can take a photo.

245. 1:33:32

     I always have to do that, right?

246. 1:33:33

     Gotta take a picture.

247. 1:33:41

     Sorry.

248. 1:33:41

     Got it.

249. 1:33:42

     Perfect.

250. 1:33:42

     Don't, don't walk away yet.

251. 1:33:43

     Okay.

252. 1:33:44

     Secretary Rollins, thank you for being here with us. Thank you for that information. Thank you for that investment in our future, to our farmers, and to our rural way of life. We're so, so critically important to all Georgians. Please, uh, let the president know we appreciate his investments-

253. 1:33:59

     We sure will

254. 1:33:59

     ... in America and, and in Georgia. And our Georgia ports are setting records now with our exports and the policy. It's working great. You're welcome here anytime.

255. 1:34:08

     Thank you.

256. 1:34:08

     And give your mother our regards as she s- begins another.

257. 1:34:11

     I will. I will. Thank y'all so much.

258. 1:34:31

     Members, we're back on morning orders. Chairman Noel Williams. Chairman Werkheiser, you're next. He's on deck. Representative Williams.

259. 1:34:42

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a resolution this morning honoring the life and memory of Mack Allington Pierce, and for other purposes. Whereas the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished citizens with the passing of Mack Pierce, and Mack was born in July the 5th of 1935 in Wilcox County, Georgia, becoming a part of a multi-generational family of Georgia farmers. Whereas for more than 60 years, he independently farmed thousands of acres once maintained by his grandfather, growing and selling watermelons in Cordele, Georgia, the watermelon capital of the world.

260. 1:35:19

     Whereas a man of deep faith, followed biblical principles in the farming practices, honoring the Sabbath by not working on Sundays, following a rotation of planting that allowed his fields to lay fallow every seven years. Whereas he received many honors in recognition of his exceptional watermelons and his dedication to the land he worked and stewarded throughout his life, including King Watermelon, Sweetest Watermelon, The Best Watermelon, and Georgia Soil Conservationist of the Year. Whereas Mack Allington Pierce was united in love and marriage to his wife, Betty Willene Pierce, and was blessed with three remarkable children, Kim, Suzette, and Suzanne.

261. 1:36:00

     And whereas he gave inspirational to many through his ideals, morals, and deep concern for his fellow citizens, and the devotion, patience, and understanding he demonstrated to his family and friends were admired by others. Whereas he was a person of magnanimous strengths with an unimpe- impeccable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness, and by the example he made of his life, he made the world a better place. Now therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives that the members of this body join honoring the life and memory of Mack Allington Pierce, and express their deepest and most sincere regret at his passing.

262. 1:36:38

     And I personally knew this man, and he was a wonderful fellow, and, and words cannot adequately describe him. But thank you for being here today, um, and thank you for his contribution to the great State of Georgia. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

263. 1:36:55

     Thank you, and condolences to the family. Sweetest fruit on, fruit on the vine, watermelons. No doubt about that. Chairman Werkheiser is recognized for a morning order.

264. 1:37:06

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We've got some of your favorite folks here today. It is my pleasure to welcome CSG South to the Georgia House. CSG South is a non-profit, non-partisan member organization that serves 15 southern states. When you got elected, you automatically became a member. They provide policy research, analysis, and leadership development. And they will host our annual Southern Legislative Conference, also known as SLC, next year.

265. 1:37:37

     This year, July 11th through 15th, in Lexington, Kentucky. And then next year, our own very own speaker will serve as conference chair as we host in Savannah. Today, we have our regional director, Lindsay Gray; policy analyst, Cody Allen, Gilda Labuski; Tom and Erin Toomey Parton in program associate; um, and then Tom Opke. I'm sorry. Please give them welcome. Y'all stand up.

266. 1:38:07

     Let's welcome y'all. Thank y'all very much.

267. 1:38:17

     It will. Will.

268. 1:38:18

     Representative Huddleston and friends, uh, recognized for a morning order.

269. 1:38:33

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, today I am honored to recognize an outstanding group of student athletes from University of West Georgia who represented their school and the State of Georgia with tremendous pride. The University of West Georgia cheerleading team has demonstrated exceptional dedication, discipline, and teamwork while competing at the highest level of collegiate cheerleading. The record of success is truly remarkable, having earned 34 team titles, six partner titles, and an incredible 40 national championships, establishing them as one of the premier collegiate cheer programs in the nation.

270. 1:39:09

     Through the House Resolution 1286, we commend the talented young men and women for their hard work, their commitment and excellence, and serving as outstanding ambassadors to their university and our state. Colleagues, please join me in welcoming the University of West Georgia's cheerleading team to the Georgia House of Representatives.

271. 1:39:30

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

272. 1:39:46

     Chair recognizes Chairman McDonald and the Forsyth delegation for a morning order.

273. 1:40:03

     M-

274. 1:40:11

     m- Madam Speaker, uh, ladies and gentlemen of the House, a great day, special day, getting to recognize one of our special Forsythians, a great Georgian, a great educator, and a great friend, um, Steve Miller. Please stand Steve Miller and family. Uh, Steve Miller was an educator in our community for 30 years at Cumming Elementary, then Mashburn Elementary. He's the g- he's the guy that goes and sleeps on top of a school to raise money for the kids. He's a renaissance man, and I just wanna thank him for his years of service and the support his family gives, gives him.

275. 1:40:45

     And of course, we, he's got a, a daughter that hangs out in the hall out there, and she's a great support for us with, with, with, uh, the Hospital Association. And also just wanna have r- have this resolution that I'm gonna give to him, and we had our pictures made with the governor this morning. Steve's now Dean of Students at Marist School here in Atlanta, uh, starting a new chapter in his life. But J- Steve Miller, thank you for all you did for Forsyth County and will continue to do for students in Georgia.

276. 1:41:22

     Chair rec- recognizes Representative Schofield for a morning order.

277. 1:41:31

     Thank you, Madam Speaker Pro Tem. Colleagues, I stand, um, in honor of Women's History Month, recognizing and commending the Women's Entrepreneurial Opportunity Project, or WEOP as they're known, for celebrating 26 years of service advancing economic opportunity, leadership, and entrepreneurship for women in underserved, under-resourced communities, all women. We have with us today Mary and Antoinette Ball, if you would please stand, and members that are here from WEOP, please stand.

278. 1:42:07

     Thank you for your 26 years of service, always being on the cutting edge for women in Georgia. I yield the well.

279. 1:42:18

     Chair recognizes Chairman Taylor for a morning order.

280. 1:42:32

     Thank you, Ma- Madam Pro Tem.

281. 1:42:35

     Thank you. Good.

282. 1:42:36

     I rise in recognition of a group that understands that referees' influence doesn't end with the whistle and the strike calls. The Fellowship of Christian Officials is a 501[c][3] nonprofit organization that recognizes officiating isn't just a job, it's a platform for character. We have with us in the gallery Mike Gammons. He is the leader of this group and has done a wonderful job. The FCO provides a vital infrastructure for spiritual support.

283. 1:43:07

     Officiating can be an isolating profession, one where you are expected to be perfect and then improve from there. By fostering a faith-driven community, the FCOs ensure that these officials have a foundation of mentorship and encouragement that lasts long after the lights of the stadiums go out. Therefore, it is my privilege to present this resolution today recognizing the Fellowship of Christian Officials for their dedication to faith, their commitment to the highest standards of integrity, and their positive influence on the culture of sports across our state.

284. 1:43:41

     Thank you. We appreciate all that you do.

285. 1:43:49

     Thank you.

286. 1:43:52

     Chair recognizes Representative Glaize for a morning order.

287. 1:44:02

     Thank you, Madam Pro Tem. Glaize and friends. So I stand and rise in this wonderful occasion this morning as we congratulate and commend our, my Yellow Rose honoree today, which is Lady Libby Pollard, for receiving the 2026 Randall Servant Leadership Award. And she's with us, if she would stand.

288. 1:44:30

     As we recognize her for 20 years of service. In the medical field, and then having transitioned into full-time ministry with her husband, Pastor Pollard, who is with us today. She is the driving force behind Enon's health and wellness ministry, and partnered with many ministry leaders and professionals in community events providing flu shots, COVID-19 shots, blood s- screenings, as well as health drives and food drives.

289. 1:45:02

     And we honor you today for your labor of love. You're an unsung hero, and a woman of wise- of wisdom, and a woman of God, and we appreciate you and your daughters today, and your entire family. Thank you, Pastor Pollard, for lending us your wife today. God bless you. Thank you. I yield the well.

290. 1:45:25

     Chair recognizes Representative Mitchell and others for a morning order.

291. 1:45:41

     Madam Chair, I take this, this great opportunity to recognize, uh, two great public service organizations that do wonderful work in our community. I first would like to recognize, uh, Representative Cummings, who's a member of the Coalition of 100 Black Women in Metro Atlanta. Derrick Jackson, a member of the ... Representative Jackson, a member of the South Metro, uh, chapter. Tremaine Reese, a member of the Columbus chapter.

292. 1:46:11

     Representative Omari Crawford, member of the DeKalb County chapter. Uh, Rep- uh, Representative Floyd Griffin, a member of the Milledgeville chapter. And I'd like to also recognize the national president of the National Coalition of Black Women, Ms. Virginia Reese, over on the side. And I'd also like to recognize chairman of the board of directors of the National 100 Black Men, Milton Jones. And all the members of the Coalition of W- 100 Black Women and 100 Black Men that stand in the gallery.

293. 1:46:44

     Would you please help me welcome them today?

294. 1:46:50

     They will have a lunch at the sloppy Floyd building. You're welcome to come and join us. Thank you, Madam Speaker Pro Tem.

295. 1:47:04

     Chair recognizes Chairman Hagan for a morning order.

296. 1:47:12

     Thank you, Madam Speaker. I'm not sure if they're still here, but I am excited to welcome the Toombs County High School AP government class to the House this morning. If you are still here, would you stand? There are, there they are up there. Welcome to the House. They have checked off many boxes today. They had a photo with the governor. Some of them went to the Senate. And the most fortunate of them came here to the House. I'm glad you are here today, and I hope you've had a good visit.

297. 1:47:43

     Thank you, Madam Speaker.

298. 1:47:45

     Chair recognizes ... Hang on one second. Representative Clark for a morning order.

299. 1:48:09

     Th- thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize several remarkable Georgians visiting the Capitol as we observe So Everybody Can Move Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the needs of individuals living with limb loss and limb indifference. First, I'd like to recognize Elliot Barrett, a young Georgian living w- with limb loss. Elliot is here today w- with his wonderful family, his parents Suzy and Hamilton, his twin brother Hudson, and his older brother Sebastian. Elliot has courageously shared his story with legislators, and even testified before committees about h- why having a secondary prosthetic device allows him to play and exercise alongside his brothers.

300. 1:48:48

     We're also honored to have Jerad Wallace w- with us today, a four-time Paralympian, a highly decorated track and field athlete-

301. 1:48:59

     ... who has proudly represented our country on the world stage. Jerad continues to compete at the highest level, and is currently training with his sights set on competing in the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles. And joining them today is Hannah Nabors, a special education teacher who was seriously injured-

302. 1:49:20

     ... by an intoxicated driver, and is now advocating to expand coverage for medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic devices for state employees through the state healthcare plan, who, their courage and advocacy reminds us that when we, we remove barriers and expand opportunity, we empower people to live full and active lives. Members, please join me in giving Elliot Barrett and his family, Jerad Wallace, and Hannah Nabors a warm welcome to the Georgia House.

303. 1:49:55

     Thank you, Madam Speaker.

304. 1:51:07

     That concludes our morning orders. We're onto the rules chapter, or the rules calendar. The clerk will read the caption to House Bill 974. House Bill 974.

305. 1:51:23

     House Bill 974 by Representative Burns. The 159th Jones of the 47th Efstration of the 104th and Hatchett of the 155th, be entitled an Act to make and provide appropriations for the state fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2026 and ending June 30th, 2027.

306. 1:51:42

     This bill had been assigned to the Committee on Appropriations. That committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, the Chair resolves the House into a committee of the whole House for the purpose of considering House Bill nine seventy-four, the general appropriations bill. The Chair appoints the gentleman of the one hundred and fourth, Majority Leader Efstration, as chairman to preside over the committee of the whole House.

307. 1:52:24

     All right. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the one hundred fifty-fifth district, Chairman Hatchett, to present the bill.

308. 1:52:40

     Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Didn't know we were gonna have all these speeches this morning or I would've made mine a little shorter. I apologize. But we got a lot to cover, um, in this budget.

309. 1:52:56

     It's my honor to present House Bill nine seventy-four, the fiscal year twenty twenty-seven budget. This budget will be the state spending plan beginning July first, and it's commonly referred to as the big budget. The budget before you today is set by revenue estimate of thirty-eight point five billion dollars. This estimate is an increase of seven hundred and thirty-eight million or two percent over the FY twenty-six original budget.

310. 1:53:28

     Our state has a triple A bond rating, and this budget is what you would expect from such a well-managed, fiscally responsible state. We meet our many obligations in areas like Medicaid and education formula earnings. We provide funds for our correctional system, and we fully fund our pensions. We support economic development and continue to make significant investments in transportation. We fund what is necessary to run our state government, and we continue to live within our means.

311. 1:54:05

     As I like to do, and I hope you appreciate, I'm gonna share some highlights of this budget while you read through all the line items on your hundred and thirty-page tracking sheet. Let's start in the largest area of our state spending in the budget, and that's education. Even though our revenue estimate was tighter this year, the House was able to find additional ways to target significant investments in education, particularly in the early grades.

312. 1:54:38

     Last year, our budget included fifteen point two million dollars to fund a poverty grant to help economically disadvantaged students, these funds impacting students in fifty-nine school systems. We're extremely proud to have been able to provide those pilot funds. A limitation of the program, though, is that while there are children in every system who live in poverty, not every system received additional resources through the program. In lieu of the poverty grant, the budget before you today provides additional targeted resources, resources to every system to address many of the same concerns the poverty grant was designed to address, like nutrition, transportation, and additional student support.

313. 1:55:23

     Specifically, this budget includes two million dollars for the SunBucks program, which will pull down significant federal funds to feed hungry kids over the summer, an eleven percent increase in funds for transportation to help kids get to school, and additional social workers to provide individualized support for struggling kids, and we have additional funds for mental health and social work support grants and the BOOST program. And all of these investments come before we get to the biggest piece of our education package, funding to improve literacy.

314. 1:56:00

     It's no secret that this House is laser-focused on improving literacy in our early grades. When a child shows up to kindergarten behind on reading, it makes catching up even harder. To help in this area, we provided nine point seven million dollars to the Department of Early Care and Learning to support the expansion of pre-K extended day program. This addition fully funds extended day services with lottery funds, providing aftercare and school holiday care for two thousand four hundred and forty-eight pre-K students.

315. 1:56:35

     This budget transaction frees up nine point seven million dollars in federal funds to expand the Child and Parent Services, CAPS program, to an additional twelve hundred and eighty-eight st- children. The House has also added seven hundred thousand dollars to add twenty-five classes to the Rising pre-K program during the twenty twenty-six-twenty twenty-seven school year. These investments will help ensure more children begin kindergarten on track.

316. 1:57:07

     HB eleven ninety-three is a landmark bill that attacks childhood literacy head-on, and this budget fully supports this legislation. We funded sixty point eight million dollars related to literacy in this budget. This is a massive down payment on a historic investment that will get our kindergarten to third graders reading on grade level, effectively moving them from learning to read to reading to learn. HB eleven ninety-three provides for a literacy coach at one thousand three hundred and thirteen elementary schools.

317. 1:57:42

     These positions will be funded through the QBE program just like teachers, counselors, and principals. Each elementary school will earn the base teacher salary to hire a coach and additional funds to pay for the level of education experience of the coach they hire. This budget includes $31.2 million for base salary funds to advance school systems the money they need to hire a coach. And the remaining funds for the actual coaches hired will flow to those schools in the amended budget.

318. 1:58:15

     Funding for school-level literacy coaches is the largest single line item reality related to literacy in this budget, but it's not the only one. We also recognized $18.4 million for RESA-based literacy coaches, $2.7 million for vision and auditory screening equipment, and $5.5 million to design professional development for literacy coaches and elementary teachers. I want to emphasize that we are not simply throwing money at the problem.

319. 1:58:45

     These investments are built on accomplishments in other states with proven results, and I look forward to reading about similar results right here in Georgia. I want to highlight one other area within education funding, and it's one you may have already heard, been hearing about from your local school systems. It concerns a change related to the State Health Benefit Plan. Over the last four years, the State Health Benefit Plan employer contribution for non-certified school personnel has doubled from $945 to $1,885 per member per month.

320. 1:59:28

     This increase was needed to help right-size revenue coming into the plan with increasing expenditures, but not without some pain at the local level, as the state does not fund healthcare for these positions. The recommendation proposed by the governor this year would increase State Health Benefit Plan employer contribution for teachers and all additional school personnel by $143 per member per month to generate an additional $207 million to address the unfunded liability of future health insurance benefits for retirees, or OPEB.

321. 2:00:09

     The per month per member increase for teachers is funded through the QBE formula, with the state shouldering most of the cost, whereas the increase on non-certified school personnel is solely borne by local school systems. Hence, the phone calls and emails you've likely been receiving. The State Health Benefit Plan is currently in good financial shape and consistently producing reserves. Over the last two years, $590 million in State Health Benefit Plan funds have been transferred into the OPEB fund for future liabilities for retirees.

322. 2:00:48

     The House agrees that measured increases into the fund are needed to address OPEB, but our budget recommends a smaller increase of $50 per month per member. This change will still generate an annual increase of more than $100 million in new contributions that will be available to contribute toward OPEB. The plan is healthy, and we believe the measured increase will maintain that health.

323. 2:01:21

     Moving on to higher education portion of the budget. We've added $252 million to fully fund enrollment growth at the university system and technical college system of Georgia. We've also provided $13 million in cash and $15.7 million in bonds to the Georgia Research Alliance to expand its membership to Kennesaw State University and Georgia Southern University, and to continue meeting the growing needs of its existing eight member institutions.

324. 2:01:52

     This budget also includes $6 million for the Behavioral Health Professions Service Cancelable Loan Program to meet the projected need for behavioral health professionals. In the arena of public safety, the House provides the Department of Corrections with a total increase of $101 million of the agency's prior year budget. We've made great strides improving our correctional officer workforce, and this budget provides $34.9 million to continue the hiring trajectory to reduce the inmate-to-correctional officer ratio to one to 12 in FY27, with a goal of one to 11 by the FY28 budget cycle.

325. 2:02:34

     This budget also provides $70 million to the department to continue providing for the physical, mental, dental, and pharmaceutical needs of a prison population that has increased to over 50,500 inmates this fiscal year. This budget appropriates $12.7 million to establish pay parity between assistant district attorneys and assistant public defenders. Both will have a starting salary of $78,000. We also appropriate $3.1 million to increase the annual salary of district attorneys and public defenders to $175,000.

326. 2:03:14

     We provided $20.7 million to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council to grant victim services providers such as child advocacy centers, domestic violence shelters, and sexual assault centers. These centers and shelters provide critical services for a vul- vulnerable population of our state. When it comes to health and human services, this budget includes approximately $45.3 million in state funds to increase reimbursement rates for providers treating patients on Medicaid across the state, including primary care codes, nursing homes, and others.

327. 2:03:54

     The House has been championing access to dental care for a number, number of years now, and several years ago it included adult Medicaid coverage for the first time. We know we still have work to do, and this budget addresses that we, addresses that we nearly $12 million in, addresses that with nearly $12 million in new funds for a 20% increase to Medicaid dental providers to increase access to care.

328. 2:04:24

     Auto- autism has also been on our minds, and I've heard from a number of you about ensuring sufficient funding for therapy. Georgia may be one of the only states that does not provide the same autism therapy rate for in-clinic versus in-home therapy services. In fact, many parents may prefer in-clinic therapy but are experiencing a longer wait time for services because of the rate disparity. The House budget seeks to rectify that with the inclusion of $7.9 million in our Medicaid programs to create parity between in-home and in-office, in-office reimbursement rates for autism services.

329. 2:05:07

     The House also includes $700,000 to increase reimbursement rates for training of parents raising autistic children. Parental training can often result in less time spent in emergency departments. We've also provided $18.2 million in new funding for graduate medical education. This amount includes $4.7 million for 147 new residency slots and $1.9 million for 13 new fellowship slots.

330. 2:05:40

     To res- to address he- healthcare access in rural Georgia, this budget provides $3 million for one-time grants for emergency preparedness in rural Georgia, $3 million to increase support for the Rural Hospitalization, Hospital Stabilization Grants, and $2 million to develop and implement a solvency evaluation process for rural hospitals. This budget also includes $6.9 million to expand the Department of Public Health Maternal Home Visiting Program to provide coverage to an additional 62 counties, ensuring that every rural county has access to this program.

331. 2:06:21

     This initiative has already been impactful, and I know many of you support this expansion.

332. 2:06:29

     The House version of the budget doubles the governor's recommenda- recommendation for now comp waivers, providing an additional $4.6 million to fund a total of 200 new waivers. We also provide $6.69 million to the Department of Human Services for memory care and treatment, home-delivered meals, and other services for older adults and their families, including the $2 million in respite and caregiver support requested by many of you.

333. 2:07:01

     Ensuring that children in state custody are both cared for and safe will always be a priority of this chamber. The House has provided an additional 20 million, $27 million to annualize our amended FY26 investment in out-of-home care to address the increased cost of care. We look forward to working with both the Senate and the governor to address the remaining needs of this program for fiscal year '27, as well as the long-term stability of the program.

334. 2:07:39

     Shifting gears to transportation, we continue to invest in our transportation infrastructure. This budget increases the capital construction program funding by $112.8 million and local maintenance and improvement grants by three, 13.6 million. The House provides also an additional $10 million in airport aid to bring that base to nearly 40 million. As you know, agriculture is the state's number one industry, but we do have a problem with feral hogs.

335. 2:08:16

     Feral hogs are wreaking havoc statewide, causing millions of dollars of damage to crops and farms each year. Between the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Agriculture, we've included nearly a million dollars in new funds for feral hog eradication programs. Continuing in DNR, the House budget includes $1 million for the Environmental Protection Division to support the air emissions program operations to allow for the preservation of existing revenue and delay a fiscal shortfall as a result of declining industry emissions.

336. 2:08:52

     This is an additional, um, to the $1 million provided in the amended budget and will support the division's efforts in air quality monitoring, permitting inspections, and compliance oversight. If you've made it to the end of the budget, you may have noticed the return of a debt package. Our large surplus has allowed us to avoid selling bonds for the past few years, leaving us with a historically low debt ratio. This budget includes a modest bond package that includes significant school safety equipment grants, investments in local libraries, traditional outlays for projects in K-12 and higher ed, and major repair and maintenance projects at state-owned facilities throughout the state.

337. 2:09:42

     It's difficult to summarize a $38.5 billion budget. I've tried to give you the cliff notes to help you study, and I'm happy to answer any questions. But before I take your questions, I want to close by saying thank you to all the subcommittee chairs Appropriations Committee members and the entire team sitting right here of the House Budget and Research Office for all their work on the fiscal year '27 budget.

338. 2:10:18

     I ask for your favorable consideration.

339. 2:10:24

     Chair recognizes Chairman Carpenter for a question.

340. 2:10:30

     Does the gentleman yield?

341. 2:10:31

     I'm not sure.

342. 2:10:32

     I'd be careful. I'd be real careful. Is it not true that this, uh, budget also includes on line item 750, $9.3 million in housing vouchers to make sure that we're providing ho- homeless individuals with mental health issues, uh, stable housing to help, help move this state forward on that issue?

343. 2:10:54

     I will take you for your word on that one there, sir. You've been studying the budget.

344. 2:11:04

     Mr. Chairman, do you yield for further questions?

345. 2:11:06

     Yes, sir.

346. 2:11:07

     Chair recognizes Representative Lupton for a question.

347. 2:11:14

     Thank you. Does the gentleman yield?

348. 2:11:15

     Yes.

349. 2:11:16

     I'm, uh, I'm a member of the Education Department, uh, the Education Committee, and I don't see the line item for school safety grants. I'm assuming that's been lumped in with everything else. Do you know what per school that's gonna be working out to this year?

350. 2:11:31

     So I, I'm not looking, I'm not... I can find it, but I think it's around $119 million that we provide annually as a line item in the budget.

351. 2:11:43

     As a line item.

352. 2:11:43

     Yes.

353. 2:11:43

     Okay. Okay.

354. 2:11:43

     And so it's included. The governor recommended it, and we did not change it, so.

355. 2:11:47

     Does the gentleman further yield?

356. 2:11:49

     Yes.

357. 2:11:49

     Does that work out until, to about 50 per school as it has been in the past?

358. 2:11:53

     Yes. And there is, in the bond package, there is also another $50 million for other school security-

359. 2:11:59

     Okay

360. 2:12:00

     ... uh, issues too.

361. 2:12:01

     Thank you very much.

362. 2:12:02

     Do you yield for further questions?

363. 2:12:04

     Yes.

364. 2:12:05

     Chair recognizes Chairman Bonner for a question.

365. 2:12:09

     Thank you. Does the gentleman yield?

366. 2:12:10

     Yes.

367. 2:12:10

     Is it not true that this budget includes a million dollars to help address the mental health of our veteran community?

368. 2:12:16

     It does.

369. 2:12:17

     Thank you very much.

370. 2:12:18

     Thank you.

371. 2:12:21

     Thank you. One more.

372. 2:12:22

     Chair recognizes Representative Barnes for a question.

373. 2:12:26

     Thank you. Does the gentleman yield?

374. 2:12:28

     Yes.

375. 2:12:30

     Is it not true that this budget now includes SunBucks so our children can continue to eat healthy meals during the summer?

376. 2:12:38

     Yes, it does, and that program draws down hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds to do just that.

377. 2:12:45

     Is it not true that it feeds thousands and thousands of our Georgia children?

378. 2:12:49

     Yes.

379. 2:12:50

     Is it not true that we've also included $6.3 million, again, to feed our, uh, neediest children healthy school meals?

380. 2:12:58

     That is correct. It is included in the line item. We had it in an amendment, and we put it back in the general budget or the big budget last year. And now that, uh, money is in the nutrition area of the budget, and it does fully fund anybody that qualifies for reduced lunch would receive lunch for free.

381. 2:13:19

     Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Again, House, that feeds 17 million meals to over 70,000 kids each school year. Thank you.

382. 2:13:27

     With that, Mr. Chair, I will yield the well and ask for your favorable consideration on HB 974.

383. 2:13:34

     The gentleman, uh, has yielded the well. While he's returning to his seat, Mr. Chairman, I wanna thank you for your work, thank all the subcommittee chairs for their work on this, and thank Christine Klacke and the entire House Budget Research Office for your tireless work on this budget. Um, very proud of everything y'all have done. Thank you.

384. 2:14:05

     This time, Chair recognizes Chairman Hatchett for a motion.

385. 2:14:09

     Mr. Chair, I move that this House, that House Bill 974 do pass by committee substitute.

386. 2:14:19

     Chairman Hatchett has moved that House Bill 974 do pass by committee substitute. Is there a second? Chair recognizes Chair Lady Dempsey for a second.

387. 2:14:33

     I second the motion in support of this careful and thoughtful budget that will help Georgia and our precious Georgians thrive.

388. 2:14:45

     Chair Lady Dempsey has seconded the motion. At this time, we'll call the question of House Bill 974. All in favor, say "aye."

389. 2:14:55

     Aye.

390. 2:14:55

     All opposed, say "no." The ayes have it, and House Bill 974 passes by committee substitute. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from the 155th District, Chairman Hatchett.

391. 2:15:09

     Mr. Chair, as chairman of the Committee of the Whole House, you're instructed to report the action of the Committee of the Whole House to the House.

392. 2:15:30

     Majority Leader Efstration is recognized. Mr. Speaker, the Committee of the Whole House has had under consideration House Bill 974 and has instructed me as its chairman to report the same back to the House with the recommendation that House Bill 974 do pass by committee substitute. Thank you, Mr. Leader. Report of the chairman of the Committee of the Whole House is received.

393. 2:16:04

     The Committee of the Whole House has been un- has had under consideration House Bill 974 and has reported same back to the House with the recommendation that House Bill 974 do pass by committee substitute. The Committee of the Whole House is hereby dissolved.

394. 2:16:29

     Read the caption.

395. 2:16:33

     Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to, 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," those opposed will vote "No." And Mr.

396. 2:17:05

     Clerk will unlock the machine.

397. 2:17:32

     Have all members voted? For what purpose does Representative Howard rise? Oh, no, no, no, no. Something going on with my machine. He waits.

398. 2:17:46

     Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 974, the yays are 159, the nays are four. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. For what purpose does ... We'll get to that in just a second. For what purpose does Repres- Chairman Hatchett rise?

399. 2:18:18

     To make a motion. State your motion. I'd like to move that House Bill 974 be im- immediately transmitted to the Senate. Rep- Chairman Hatchett moves that House Bill 974 be immediately transmitted to the Senate. Is there objection?

400. 2:18:35

     Hearing none, it is so ordered. All those in favor of immediate trans- The gentleman moves, all those in favor of immediate transmittal will vote "Yes," those opposed to immediate transmittal will vote "No." And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machines.

401. 2:19:05

     Have all members voted on the motion? Recommit back.

402. 2:19:15

     Have all members now voted? If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machines. On the gentleman's motion that House Bill 974 be immediately transmitted back to the Senate, or to the Senate, uh, the yays are 160, the nays are zero. The bill has, h- is passed and is on the way to the Senate.

403. 2:19:43

     Now would be the appropriate time.

404. 2:19:58

     Well, I tell you what, you can search far and wide and you can never find a better team that deals with the precious revenue of our state and has, uh, the best interest of every citizen in Georgia at heart than this team that works with Chairman Hatchett. So Christine, and to y- you and to your entire team, thank you. You and Dave, thank you of all of you. We most, most heartily thank you, and always we look forward to working with you on the next occasion.

405. 2:20:30

     Thank you for your paying attention to every member of this house and the needs of our people and our state. We most appreciate you. Thank y'all. Good work on the budget.

406. 2:21:50

     For what purpose does Leader Efstration rise? Make a motion. State your motion. I move that HB, I'm sorry, HR 1049 be recommitted to the Rules Committee. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption? House Resolution 1049 by Representative Hugley of the 141st and others, designating the Wednesday of the last week in October of each year as Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Day. On the, on the gentleman's motion that HR 1049 be withdrawn from the calendar and recommitted to the Rules Committee.

407. 2:22:23

     Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

408. 2:22:33

     Members, we have a couple of Senate bills on the calendar Senate Bill 239 and Senate Bill 420, they will be postponed to the next legislative day, I think will be Thursday, right?

409. 2:22:45

     Thursday.

410. 2:22:45

     Will be Thursday. We do have some afternoon orders. In fact, we have one afternoon order. Representative Ali is recognized for an afternoon order.

411. 2:23:04

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of this House, on the screen is 14-year-old Candice. Uh, she's cur- she's caring, outspoken, and a singer. She's also training to become a v- veterinarian and is looking to be adopted. We, as members of this House, can make it possible at itsmyturnnow.dhs.georgia.gov. As always, thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity, and I yield the floor.

412. 2:23:29

     She's welcome. She seems very appreciative.

413. 2:23:58

     Mr. Clerk. If y'all will give the gentleman some room. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to a group of privileged resolutions?

414. 2:24:11

     Recognizing the leadership of President Donald Trump. Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Moses Lee Herring. Honoring the life and memory of Tasso Knight. Honoring the life and memory of Reverend Dr. Sidney Holston, and for other purposes. That completes the reading of privileged resolutions.

415. 2:25:00

     Is there any objection to adopting the privileged resolutions? Chair hears none. The resolutions are adopted. We're ready for some announcements, y'all. Let's see. Chairman Corbett is recognized for an announcement, and Representative Kendrick, you're on deck.

416. 2:25:16

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Motor Vehicles Committee will meet at 10 o'clock in the morning, room 606. And then at 12:00 tomorrow, the Rural Caucus will be meeting, uh, over in the Ag Building. Thank you.

417. 2:25:29

     Representative Dar'shun Kendrick. The lady. Y'all, make room for the lady.

418. 2:25:36

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, good morning, colleagues. So I am having my third annual Tech Demo Day, which is gonna be Thursday, March the 12th, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. So please come on down to room 216 of the Capitol. We have some wonderful high school students, 10 of which we'll be honoring from my district, Shiloh High School. And then we'll have lunch at 12 o'clock in the Senate mezzanine. So come on out and encourage these young people in their technology careers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

419. 2:26:17

     Representative Park Cannon is recognized for an announcement.

420. 2:26:22

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Georgia House Democratic Caucus, we are taking our official caucus photo upon adjournment on the south wing stairs. Democratic Caucus, house photo, south wing stairs, upon adjournment. Thank you.

421. 2:27:11

     Vi- Vice Chair Hong is recognized for an announcement.

422. 2:27:17

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Republican Caucus lunch meeting will be upon adjournment in room 403. Thank you.

423. 2:27:30

     Chairman Tyler Paul Smith is recognized for an announcement.

424. 2:27:34

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your House Committee of Judiciary Non-Civil meet at 9:30 tomorrow morning in room 132 of the Capitol. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

425. 2:27:45

     That completes our announcements. I have one more. Members that were on the kickball championship, all world team. All world. Uh, we may be an Olympic sport pretty soon, and we'll be there. If you would like to sign our victory ball, it'll be here today and tomorrow. We, uh, and Thursday we'll have it back. We'd love for you to sign the ball so we can, uh, keep that for historical perspective.

426. 2:28:15

     We have a couple of birthdays today. Representative Omari Crawford, where is he? There he is. Happy birthday, Omari.

427. 2:28:31

     And, uh, a dear one to us and where she is now with her family is Representative Angie O'Steen. So let's keep Angie in, in our prayers and also wish her a happy birthday today. Happy birthday, Angie. All right, members, you see your, um, if you have a page today, if you'll come down and join us up front, that'd be the proper time 'cause we're about ready to adjourn. Recognize Leader Efstration for a motion.

428. 2:28:59

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Thursday, February 12th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

429. 2:29:08

     On the motion-

430. 2:29:09

     I'm sorry, March 12th. Excuse me.

431. 2:29:11

     Yeah, it is, yes, March. I probably would've said what you said. On the motion of the majority leader, this House stand adjourn- adjourned until 10:00 AM on Thursday, March the 12th, 2026. All those in favor will say, "Aye."

432. 2:29:27

     Aye.

433. 2:29:27

     All those opposed, "No."

434. 2:29:30

     No.

435. 2:29:30

     Y'all are listening. The ayes clearly have it. We will see y'all on a committee day tomorrow, but we'll see you back here on Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. This House stands adjourned.