Sesión en el pleno de la Cámara de Representantes, 17 de junio de 2026 (día legislativo 1)

Transcripción

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1. 0:07:04

   Well, good afternoon, members. All members will please come to the floor. All members.

2. 0:07:18

   Missed y'all.

3. 0:07:26

   All members, please come to the floor.

4. 0:07:43

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

5. 0:08:50

   Well, good afternoon, everyone. It's good to see you. Y'all looking great. Now we're going to have the roll call. We're gonna have the roll call, so I'm gonna ask all members that are present in this chamber to signify your presence in the chamber. And Mr. Clerk, will you unlock the machines?

6. 0:09:44

   All members voted. All members voted.

7. 0:09:51

   If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machines?

8. 0:09:59

   Mr. Clerk, will you read the proclamation from the governor calling for this special session? Mr. Clerk.

9. 0:10:09

   By the Governor of the State of Georgia, a proclamation convening the General Assembly of Georgia in special session. Whereas Georgia Constitution Article 5, paragraph two-- Article 5, Section 2, paragraph 7 grants the governor the power to convene a special session of the General Assembly, stating and thereby limiting its purposes. And whereas Georgia Constitution Article 5, Section 2, paragraph 7 grants the governor the power to amend a proclamation convening a special session of the General Assembly.

10. 0:10:44

    And whereas by proclamation dated May 13th, 2026, the governor has convened a special session of the General Assembly beginning at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026. And whereas the governor has determined that certain purposes warrant amendments to that proclamation dated May 13th, 2026, convening a special session of the Gen-General Assembly. Now, therefore, by virtue of the power and authority conver-conferred upon me by the Constitution of Georgia, I, Brian P.

11. 0:11:18

    Kemp, Governor of the State of Georgia, do hereby convene the General Assembly of the State in special session beginning at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, for the purposes, and only for those purposes specified as follows. Number one, to consider enacting, revising, repealing, or amending general law for the division of the state into appropriate districts from which members of the Georgia State Senate, the Georgia State House of Representatives, the United States House of Representatives to the United States Congress, or any other state office elected by district in light of the United States Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v.

12. 0:12:01

    Cala to take effect for the 2028 election cycle. Number two, to address issues created by the July 1st, 2026, effective date for the change to Code Section 21-2-379.23, enacted by 2024 Georgia Laws Act 697, Senate Bill 189. Number three, for enacting such local laws as prescribed by Code Section 48-8-109.52 enacted by 2026 Georgia Laws Act 461, Senate Bill 33.

13. 0:12:43

    Number four, to ratify the provisions of the executive order dated May 15th, 2026, number 05152602 in the official records of the Office of the Governor suspending the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes pursuant to Code Section 45-12-22 beginning Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 at 12:00 AM and expiring Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

14. 0:13:16

    And number five, for the Senate to consider and confirm various appointments made by the governor since the adjournment of the regular session of the Georg- of the General Assembly on April 3rd, 2026. Given under my hand in the Great Seal of the State of Georgia at the City of Atlanta on this third day of June 2026, Brian P. Kemp, Governor.

15. 0:13:46

    Thank you, Mr. Clerk. There's the outline of the work that we will consider during this special session, and we will get started with our work today. Doorkeepers, will you please close the doors and keep them closed? As is our custom here in the House, we will begin our workday, even though it's in the afternoon, not in the morning today, with scripture reading and prayer by our chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country.

16. 0:14:19

    Our chaplain this afternoon will be introduced by the gentleman from the 178th House District, and that's none other than my friend, Representative Steven Meeks. Representative Meeks.

17. 0:14:35

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. It is great to see each and every one of you here today. Aren't we glad we're here? Come on, y'all.

18. 0:14:46

    It's good to see you, uh, here today, and it's great to have the, uh, opportunity and the honor to bring to you the chaplain of the day, uh, Pastor Pete Boyd from Calvary Baptist Church of Jesup, Georgia. He is joined by his wife today, Ms. Kim. Kim, thank you for being here today. Uh, they are both natives of Warner Robins, Georgia. And, uh, Pastor Boyd was a public school teacher for more than 23 years. And in 2019, he received the call to ministry and, uh, has been there at the Calvary Baptist Church of Jesup.

19. 0:15:18

    Um, as we all have young kids that are involved in different churches around our communities, Calvary Baptist Church has had a great youth organization and a great, uh, basketball, uh, upward, uh, organization that they have, uh, had for many years. And that is where I got to know the preacher on Saturday mornings with, uh, John William playing basketball from a very young age, uh, up until about a year or so ago. So, ladies and gentlemen, will you please join me in welcoming Pastor Pete Boyd.

20. 0:15:49

    Good to have you, man.

21. 0:15:50

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

22. 0:15:51

    Thank you.

23. 0:15:51

    Thank you. It is truly an honor to stand before you today, representatives, and share just a few words that the Lord God has laid upon my heart for the men and women who make up this somber chamber. Mr. Speaker, thank you for granting me time to share with this body just a few words of encouragement before you begin a brand-new session in handling very important state business. And Representative Meeks, thank you for the invitation to address your colleagues. Words cannot express my gratitude in this opportunity.

24. 0:16:24

    Southeast Georgia is blessed to have godly men such as you serve this great state. I have lived in the state of Georgia now for 52 years, and I have seen a whole lot of change in my short time. There are dangerous trends among the constituency, not just in Georgia, but all across of America. I see the rise of criticism. Now, we know in our form of government, it is encouraged to express your opinion, but it does seem to me that people really do love to bemoan these days.

25. 0:16:59

    Who in America is satisfied? Very few of us. I think there's a rise of contempt. People love to belittle others. There's a ever-growing decrease, I should say, o- of amount of fear and respect towards our lead- leaders. And there certainly has been a rise of combativeness. People love to boast. There is a spirit of rebellion from sea to shining sea, and many people have anger that is uncontrolled and making threats against various leaders all across this great land.

26. 0:17:31

    And my goal in my very short time, as I've been reminded many times to keep it short, is twofold. I, I seek to edify you representatives and also empathize. Each of you in this room have all that you need to lead this state. You have two potent possessions, and they come from one verse in Romans chapter 13, verse one. I'm sure y'all have been showed this verse many times over the last couple of years. And it reads this: "Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God." Two things that y'all possess right now.

27. 0:18:13

    Number one, you have God's personal selection. The God in heaven who is sovereign over all affairs of mankind has given you so many things in your selection. I think about how sovereign God has given you a platform. In God's infinite wisdom and his power, he has sovereignly selected for you to sit right where you're sitting today and to hold the position that you hold. And with that comes another gift, the gift of power. The authority to write laws that impact over 11 million Georgians, that is an awesome responsibility, and I pray that you never take it lightly.

28. 0:18:47

    We are all looking to you as Georgians for direction and for protection. And God also has given you purpose. There are limitless ideas and passions that drive legislators all across America. And we are divided on policies, personalities, passions, places, and also party ties. But there's one aspect that all government officials should agree upon. You should be united on your purpose, 'cause Paul gives us the, the, the purpose that you possess, and that is found in Romans 13, verses three through four.

29. 0:19:24

    God wants you to reward good, and he wants you to restrain evil. And God has also given you, my friends, a period. Your time in this chamber will be, be short. And I know during a special session you desperately want it short. But I'm referring to your time here. Whether you serve one term or many terms, your time in this chamber is gonna go by in a flash. And I pray that you use your time wisely. It'll be over before you know it, and I hope you have no regrets.

30. 0:19:57

    And I emphasize that, yes, you do know that you, you owe, that you have an account before the constituents that served you. Or excuse, excuse me, that you, that elected you. But ultimately, you have one up in heaven that you will give an account to. And there's no doubt that you have God's authority sitting right where you sit. The question is, when you get done, will you have God's approval? The Bible is filled with many appointed leaders through the years. Those who are malevolent, those who have been mighty, and a whole bunch in between that have been mediocre.

31. 0:20:31

    Be mighty. Two possessions. That's one. Your second possession is you have God's people's submission. It says for us believers who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ that we're to be subject to all governing authorities. And there are hundreds of thousands of Georgians who profess Jesus of Nazareth as their personal Lord and Savior. I proudly am one of them, and may I speak on behalf of the Christians that actually read their Bible and follow it as best as they can.

32. 0:21:02

    We promise to submit unto you our purity. We will obey the laws. Whether we like them or not, agree with them or not, we will abide. We promise you perspiration. Christians, we're to go to work. We're to go to support the economy, support the community, but also to pay the bills to help support what the government provides. And we also owe you participation. Jesus says to render unto Ce- Caesar what is Caesar's and, and to give unto God what is God's. And our government wants us to vote.

33. 0:21:32

    We will go and vote, and we will stay educated of the issues. We also are to submit unto you our praise. I am thankful for each and every one of you. Even though we do not know each other, I pray for you, and so does our church down in Jessup. We love you each, and we know that you are a godsend to us, and we encourage you to remain faithful to the purpose that God has placed before you. And lastly, we submit unto you our prayers. It is a sin for us as people of the book of the Bible to not pray for our authorities.

34. 0:22:03

    We will pray for you to be protected, to possess wisdom, 'cause you're gonna need it, to be blessed by Almighty God. Take courage, House of Representatives and the Georgia General Assembly. You have all that you need and more. I would ask if you would stand and, as we pray together. Thank you.

35. 0:22:26

    Father God, we thank you. We thank you that you are the giver of life but also the sustainer of life. And Lord, we're only here for a short time. And Lord, in this time that you have gathered us together on this special day in this beautiful house, Father God, we tell you that, Father, we want to do things your way. We thank you, Father, for each member that you have selected to be placed right here in this moment in time, and we ask that you give them wisdom. Protect them, not only themselves as individuals but their homes, Father God. We pray that you will bless them, 'cause when you bless them, the State of Georgia is being blessed.

36. 0:23:00

    And I pray that each member of the House will keep in mind their purpose. That is to reward good and to restrain evil. And may each have the courage knowing that you have selected him and her, and that people who claim Jesus as their savior is praying for them and want their good. And may each member of this chamber be able to stand before you one day not only appointed but to be approved. And I ask all this in the name above all names, the name of Jesus. Amen.

37. 0:23:28

    Amen.

38. 0:23:28

    It's now time for the Pledge of Allegiance.

39. 0:23:32

    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.

40. 0:23:47

    Thank you.

41. 0:23:49

    Thank you, Brother Pete. We appreciate you helping us get this special session started off. Thank you for those words. We appreciate your presence here with us. Thank you.

42. 0:24:27

    Members, if you would like to join Brother Pete and Kim over in the South Annie room and thank them for their service here today, that would be appropriate at this time.

43. 0:25:48

    Doorkeepers, go ahead and unlock those doors. I think you did that, so we appreciate that. Our doctor of the day, we do have one, is downstairs and brought to us by Representative Deborah Silcox. That's Dr. John Gleason. Dr. Gleason's been with us before. We appreciate Dr. Gleason being here.

44. 0:26:59

    Thank you, members.

45. 0:27:19

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

46. 0:27:27

    Representative Strachan of the 104th moves filing B establishes the order of business during the first part of the period unanimous consents. Introduction of bills and resolutions, first reading and reference of House bills and resolutions, morning orders.

47. 0:27:45

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

48. 0:28:06

    Members, we will, uh, bring to you some resolutions that important for us to get this session started. So Mr. Clerk, I'm gonna ask you

49. 0:28:29

    Mr. Clerk, I'm gonna ask you to res-res- read a resolution, House Resolution 1EX.

50. 0:28:36

    House Resolution 1EX, a resolution to notify the Senate that the House of Representatives has convened.

51. 0:28:45

    We recognize the gentleman from the 104th, the majority leader of this House, Leader Efstration, to explain the resolution.

52. 0:28:52

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, HR 1EX simply notifies the Senate that we have convened for this special session. I'd ask for your favorable consideration.

53. 0:29:04

    Thank you, Mr. Leader. Is there any objection to the adoption of the resolution? Hearing none, the resolution's adopted.

54. 0:29:15

    Recognize the majority leader for an additional motion that pertains to transmittal.

55. 0:29:30

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that HR 1EX be immediately transmitted to the Senate.

56. 0:29:37

    Mr. Clerk will read the resolution.

57. 0:29:43

    House Resolution 1EX to notify the Senate that the House of Representatives has convened.

58. 0:29:51

    On the motion

59. 0:29:55

    that resolution, House Resolution 1X- 1EX be immediately transmitted to the Senate. Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

60. 0:30:20

    Mr. Clerk, will you read a resolution, House Resolution 2EX?

61. 0:30:29

    House Resolution 2EX, a resolution to notify the Governor that the General Assembly has convened.

62. 0:30:39

    Recognize the leader of this House, Leader Efstration, to explain House Resolution 2EX.

63. 0:30:45

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. HR 2EX is a joint resolution notifying the Governor that the General Assembly's convened for this special session. Ask for your favorable consideration.

64. 0:30:56

    Is any objection to adopting the resolution? Hearing none, the resolution is adopted.

65. 0:31:09

    Oh.

66. 0:31:41

    Okay, we do have to appoint a committee of notification so we can get this information transmitted, and I'm going to, uh,

67. 0:31:52

    appoint some distinguished members of this House to take care of this important business. Uh, I'm gonna appoint the lady from the 47th pro tem of this House, Representative Jan Jones; the lady from the 70th, Represent-Representative, Chair Lady Lynn Smith; the gentleman from the 100th, Representative David Clark; the gentleman 100, from the one fift- 157th, Chairman Bill, Bill Werkheiser; the gentleman from the 128th, Representative Matt Jackson; the gentleman from the 162nd, Representative Carl Gilliard; and the gentleman from the 114th, Representative Tim Fleming as the committee of notification.

68. 0:32:42

    Recognize the majority leader for a motion.

69. 0:32:45

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that HR 2EX be immediately transmitted to the Senate.

70. 0:32:53

    Majority leader's move that HR 2EX be immediately transmitted to the Senate. Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

71. 0:33:18

    You ready, Bill?

72. 0:33:19

    Sure.

73. 0:33:21

    First reading.

74. 0:33:27

    We go first reading.

75. 0:33:28

    Yes.

76. 0:33:32

    And are we gonna try to do this as a box?

77. 0:33:37

    Yeah. Those, that, those get assigned. Localized things get soaked up, right?

78. 0:33:41

    Yeah.

79. 0:33:42

    Yeah.

80. 0:33:43

    Yeah, but I mean, we can do it as a, as a whole-

81. 0:33:45

    Yeah

82. 0:33:45

    ... or I can read them individually, either way.

83. 0:33:51

    They're all local.

84. 0:34:13

    Well, I ask the clerk to read the caption on the bills, local legislation. We have a number of those, so if there's no objection, I'm gonna ask him to read the caption to one of those, and then we will, uh, move the entire box on that approval. Is there any objection? Hearing no objection, Mr. Clerk, will you read the-

85. 0:34:44

    Unnumbered House Bill by Representative Ridley of the 2nd to be entitled An Act to provide a homestead exemption from Cheroke- Cherokee County ad valorem taxes in the amount of assessed value of the homestead property determined annually for the special district based upon the proceeds of a new local homestead option sales tax.

86. 0:35:27

    All of that local legislation will be assigned to Intergovernmental Coordination.

87. 0:43:22

    Okay, members, I'm going to recognize... For what purpose, was probably my best question for Representative Floor Leader Gamble. For what purpose does Representative Gamble rise?

88. 0:43:33

    I move that the rules of this House be temporarily suspended for the reading and assign- for the reading of a bill and assignment to committee.

89. 0:43:42

    There's your motion. Speaker will read the caption.

90. 0:43:47

    A resolution ratifying Governor Brian P. Kemp's Executive Order number 05-15-26-02, suspending the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes, and for other purposes.

91. 0:44:05

    On the gentleman's motion that the rules of this House be temporarily suspended so a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee, is there objection? Hearing none, Ways and Means.

92. 0:46:42

    Members, if I could have your attention, we're going to move on to, uh, morning orders in the afternoon.

93. 0:47:11

    I'm gonna recognize Representative Doreen Carter. Representative Carter has a group here she wants to recognize.

94. 0:47:22

    Okay, give the lady in the well your attention. She, Representative Carter, you suspend just for a moment.

95. 0:47:37

    Good afternoon. Proceed.

96. 0:47:40

    Good afternoon. Good afternoon, everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome my constituents from House District 93. We have Councilwoman Catherine Hardrick here, and one of my good friends, Commissioner... I don't see her. Commissioner Monique Sheffield was up there. Um, and we have, where are you?

97. 0:48:11

    Husha.

98. 0:48:11

    Husha. Lisa Marie is here, and some other constituents from House District 93. You know, they everybody wanted to come down and be seen and heard once they heard what was going on in the State of Georgia, and they just wanted y'all to know that they appreciate their state representative. I yield the well.

99. 0:48:31

    Welcome to the People's House. We appreciate y'all being here. Representative Derrick Jackson.

100. 0:48:39

     Representative Jackson.

101. 0:48:49

     You're good. Take your time.

102. 0:49:09

     Y'all give the gentleman some room, please.

103. 0:49:14

     Representative Jackson is recognized

104. 0:49:19

     Whoo. Good afternoon. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

105. 0:49:23

     Afternoon.

106. 0:49:23

     Catch my breath. Uh,

107. 0:49:28

     ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, and members of the House, we're here today to recognize one of our sheroes in Georgia. But before I introduce this phenomenal, awesome champion of voting rights and civil rights, I must provide a few remarks.

108. 0:49:59

     See, because this shero came here today, along with a lot of citizens, to witness what's going on in the House under the Gold Dome. The truth is that they wanted to make sure that their voice and their power was displayed before this august body. And so we have been summoned to this sacred chamber for a special legislative session, tasked with the consideration, I changed that word just now, of redrawing Georgia's voting maps.

109. 0:50:42

     But as we sit in the historic seats of power, we must pull back the curtain of political convenience and confront a harsh reality. The very act of considering redistricting measures right now is a very profound moral and ethical wrong. Just the conversation itself creates a deep confusion, threatens to dilute the voices of our communities, Black and brown communities, distorts our democracy, and undermines the sacred right to vote.

110. 0:51:15

     And so we're here and joined by one of our sheroes, Mr. Speaker, a modern-day titan, a living shero of the Civil Rights Movement, and a fierce defender of our democracy. Ladies and gentlemen, w- please help me welcome the Executive Director of Georgia Coalition of People's Agenda, Ms. Helen Butler.

111. 0:51:57

     You see, Mr. Speaker, as I continue to catch my breath, Helen Butler is a proud daughter of Morgan County and was one of the first 100 African American students to integrate the University of Georgia.

112. 0:52:14

     She was recruited in 2003 by the legendary Reverend James Orange. Ms. Butler took the helm of The People's Agenda, founded by the late, great Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, growing it to over 60 organizations across Georgia. And when the history books are written, Mr. Speaker, her name will be etched in gold. Her voter mobilization work was featured in Hulu's n- The Project 1619... with The 1619 Project and the documentary Battleground Georgia.

113. 0:52:48

     She has testified before the United States House, the United States Senate, and personally advised former Vice President Kamala Harris on our state's voting barriers. Last but not least, Mr. Speaker, her mantle overflows with honors, including the Phoenix Award, the John Lewis Leges- Legacy Award, and national recognition alongside the former First Lady, Michelle Obama. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Speaker, Helen Butler is here today to remind us who we answer to.

114. 0:53:21

     That's right.

115. 0:53:22

     She is here to tell us that tampering with our democracy is an affront to the progress so many bled and died for. Mr. Speaker, as a charter member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, and a faithful leader of Mount Zion Baptist Church, her life proves that the very single citizen matters, and that every single vote matters. Colleagues, let us heed the warning of her words. Let us stand on the side of justice, protect the ballot, and do what's right for all Georgians.

116. 0:53:58

     Thank you, Ms. Helen Butler. Thank you, Ms. Helen Butler, for your courage and your voice and your power. We love you. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the well.

117. 0:54:18

     Welcome to Ms. Butler to the People's House. Good to have you. So the, uh, remaining speakers, you have about a little over three minutes. I'm gonna recognize Representative Park Cannon and Representative Bell for an morning order and afternoon. Ladies, recognized.

118. 0:54:39

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to everyone here today. We are so honored to have a trailblazer in being young legislative excellence with us. Visiting from Tennessee, help us to welcome Representative Justin Jones.

119. 0:55:13

     As the trailblazer Representative Jones is, he stands up for people all across America for fighting against school violence, gun violence, and has even been voted to been expelled from the Tennessee Legislature for standing up for our most vulnerable people. Herefor- thank you for your work for the expansion of Medicaid, LGBTQIA rights, and most recently, even setting a pseudo flag of a false nation that once tried to tear our nation apart in the Tennessee capital. Thank you for being here.

120. 0:55:44

     We stand with you. We stand with Americans, and thank you Brother Jones.

121. 0:55:49

     Power to the people.

122. 0:55:50

     Power to the people.

123. 0:55:54

     He's gonna join us for photos in the ante room if you'd like a photo. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

124. 0:55:59

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

125. 0:56:00

     Yield the will. Welcome to Georgia. Uh, Representative Campbell is recognized and friends. Uh, Representative Campbell, you have just about a minute and a half.

126. 0:56:13

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we wanna take a moment to recognize and thank the members of our Cobb County community, I hope you'll stand, including Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield and Essence Johnson, all of you who took time away from your jobs, your families, and responsibilities to come to the Georgia capital. Your presence matters. Democracy is strongest when people show up every day. It is strengthened when citizens stay informed, ask questions, hold elected officials accountable, and make your voices heard.

127. 0:56:47

     Your presence sends a powerful message that Cobb County cares deeply about the future for our state, the integrity of our institutions, and the promise that every person, every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We thank you for being here. Thank you for making your voices heard, and thank you for strengthening our democracy.

128. 0:57:18

     Welcome to our friends from Cobb County. Good to have you. That completes our orders in the morning, orders in the afternoon.

129. 0:57:37

     I'm gonna ask the clerk to read the caption to a group of privileged resolutions. Mr. Clerk.

130. 0:57:44

     Honoring the life and legacy of Sister Ella May Harrison Mickens. Commending and congratulating, uh, Joshua Barrera. Commending and congratulating Olivia Dover. Recognizing endometrial cancer as a significant public health concern. Recognizing October 25th to 31st, 2026 as We Are Ill Week, and commending We Are Ill for its commitment to advancing awareness. Honoring the life and memory of Benjamin A.

131. 0:58:17

     Holden. Commending and congratulating Julia Lee Jackson Dobbs, and for other purposes. That completes the reading of the privileged resolutions.

132. 0:58:30

     I like the good six, don't I?

133. 0:58:33

     Starting to get the hang of this.

134. 0:58:35

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

135. 0:58:48

     No announcements. It's hard to believe. There's always somebody wanting to talk about something here. Wait a minute, we do have one.

136. 0:59:08

     Okay, we have some afternoon orders now. We're on the same, uh, process. We'll, um, recognize the members, and you'll have 10 minutes total, and we'll evenly divide that out. Representative Willis, Inga Willis.

137. 0:59:30

     There she is. Y'all, open up the aisle a little bit. Let l- let the lady through, please.

138. 0:59:38

     We're gonna add these on. Anything that comes in after we're out of here, we're gonna take it on.

139. 0:59:48

     Representative Willis is recognized. Good afternoon.

140. 0:59:51

     Good afternoon, and thank you, Mr. Speaker.

141. 0:59:58

     Good afternoon, everyone. In the spirit of acknowledging the necessity, the power and dignity in voting, I rise today to recognize a World War II veteran who received an honorable discharge, Mr. Maceo Snipes. Maceo Snipes was the first and only Black vote in Taylor County, July 17th, 1946. I'm sure he voted with great pride, but also great trepidation, because he faced so many threats from the Ku Klux Klan.

142. 1:00:35

     The right was granted for him to vote via the 1945 federal case King v. Chapman, which in essence ended the white majority primary in the state of Georgia. The next day, members of the Klan called for him outside of his mother's home, where he was having dinner with her. He was shot multiple times in the back. He and his mother then walked three miles to medical care, where he then waited for six hours to receive a necessary surgery.

143. 1:01:10

     His mother was told they had no Black blood available for a transfusion that would've saved his life. He died two days later. Five days after that, two Black couples were kidnapped in Walton County by a white mob of 20. Their names were Roger and Dorothy Malcolm, and George and Mae Murray Dorsey. People were told if they were so audacious to vote that they would meet this same demise. These couples were kidnapped and taken to Moore's Ford Bridge, where they were lynched, tied to trees, beaten, and then shot to death.

144. 1:01:49

     Mae Murray Dorsey was seven months pregnant. Community members were told again, if they attended the funeral of Snipes, they would meet the same demise. Therefore, he remains buried in an unmarked grave, location unknown, because he had to be buried in the middle of the night. As we discuss voting rights and people who actually died for the right, let us remember our brother, a World War II veteran, Macio Snipes, who literally, literally died for voting.

145. 1:02:26

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

146. 1:02:31

     And if you

147. 1:02:32

     Thank you, Representative Willis. Uh, Representative Campbell, recognized for an afternoon order. Representative Moore, you'll be on deck. Representative Campbell.

148. 1:02:46

     Hello everyone, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to honor North Carolina's Poet Laureate, Jaki Shelton Green, because words carry memory and freedom. The civil rights movement was powered by more than protests and court decisions. It was powered by people and their stories, stories that revealed truth, inspired courage, and reminded people of their shared humanity.

149. 1:03:17

     Few contemporary poets understand the power of story more deeply than Jaki Shelton Green, who I had the privilege of meeting, and she was North Carolina's first Black poet laureate. She's used poetry to honor memory, preserve history, and amplify voices that otherwise would go unheard. Her work reminds us all in this chamber that words are not simply a way of communicating. They are a way of remembering.

150. 1:03:48

     They connect us to our ancestors, to our communities, and our collective journey towards justice. In her poem I Want to Undie You, Green writes, "I want to know you beyond bone." These powerful words challenge us to see one another more deeply, not through assumptions, labels, or divisions, but through our shared humanity. And that was one of the great achievements of the civil rights movement.

151. 1:04:21

     Through speeches, through songs, sermons, and poetry, people told stories that helped America see beyond stereotypes and confront the realities that still exist today of inequality. But words opened hearts before the laws changed minds. They created understanding before they created change. She continues this tradition today, and her poetry reminds us that every person carries a story worth hearing, and every community holds wisdom worth preserving.

152. 1:04:59

     As we reflect, all of us today, on the legacy of civil rights, let us remember that words have the power to connect, to heal, and transform. They can, if we let them, help us understand where we've been, who we are, and who we can become. Because when we listen, as Jaki Shelton Green shares with us, when we truly listen to one another's stories, we can take another step forward towards justice, to dignity and freedom for all.

153. 1:05:38

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

154. 1:05:42

     Lady's yielded the will. Thank you. Representative Moore. Represent- Representative Angela Moore is recognized for an afternoon order.

155. 1:05:51

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, uh, not so nice news today. Just being here today, we've spent $65,000. Did you all hear that over there in the corner? This means the constituents of Georgia's tax dollars could've been spent towards another social worker in Carroll County. It also means we could've spent that money on rural hospital support, targeting emergency medical access, ensuring rural communities maintain essential medical services.

156. 1:06:28

     So shame on us for being so fiscally irresponsible for not getting this job done in regular session. I yield the will.

157. 1:06:39

     Lady's yielded the will. Representative Scott. Representative Sandra Scott and friends recognized.

158. 1:06:46

     Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin, I have a question for you all today. Can someone tell me why are we here? Today we were going to be talking about redistricting, but families are struggling to afford housing, seniors are struggling to stay in their homes, veterans need services, teachers need support, and healthcare remain out of reach for too many Georgians.

159. 1:07:18

     Why are we here? Because if we honest, this isn't about roads, schools, healthcare, or helping with working families. This is about political power. And before anybody tell me this is just another redistricting debate, let me me- let me remind this House of Georgia's history. If Jesus came today, do you really believe he would separate Black from white, rich from poor, uh, Democrats from Republicans?

160. 1:07:53

     No. Because we're all God's children. We are all created in His image, and every one of us deserves a voice and representation. But in 1868, this general assembly expelled 33 Black legislators who had been duly elected by the people of Georgia, men like Harris McNeil Turner, Tunis Campbell, Aaron Bradley, Abram Colby, Philip Joyner, Madison Davis, Ulysses Houston, William Guilford, and their fellow members of the original 33.

161. 1:08:41

     They were not expelled because they committed crimes. They were not expelled because they dishonored their office. They were expelled because they were Black, expelled because of color, ex- expelled because of fear, expelled because some people could not accept Black political power. Now, I am not saying 2026 is 1868, but history teaches us to pay attention whenever politicians start changing the rules after communities gain political power.

162. 1:09:22

     Georgia has changed. Atlanta has become the Black mecca of the South. Black entrepreneurs, Black churches, HBCUs, civic leaders, working families, veterans, and educators helped build this sta- this state, and helped make Georgia the number one state in America to do business. We're not going backward because what I see is not fairness. What I see is a mid-decade, decade power grab.

163. 1:09:53

     What I see is a vote dilution. What I see is intentional fragmentation. We're not asking for special interest. We are demanding fair treatment because our voices matters, our communities matter, our votes matter, our representation matters. And let history record when the time came, we stood up for democracy, for fairness, and for every Georgian who believes their voice deserve to be h- heard. And Georgia is not going backward.

164. 1:10:24

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

165. 1:10:28

     Lady is yield the well. Represent Gaines.

166. 1:10:35

     Gonna talk about a baseball game.

167. 1:10:40

     Good to see you.

168. 1:10:41

     Good to see you.

169. 1:10:41

     Gentleman's recognized. Representative Houston Gaines.

170. 1:10:44

     Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, tonight we have a really big game in Omaha, Nebraska. The Georgia Bulldogs, as many of you know, uh, have won the SEC championship this year, and for the first time since 2008, are back in the College World Series. They beat Texas last night, which we beat Texas in every sport, football, now baseball. And, uh, so please help me cheer on the Georgia Bulldogs tonight. They play Oklahoma. They win tonight, they play Oklahoma again tomorrow, and then they'd be in the finals for the College Baseball World Series.

171. 1:11:14

     So go Dogs, and let's win tonight.

172. 1:11:20

     She's from Texas, no doubt. Be careful.

173. 1:11:26

     Representative Matt Reeves. There he is. Thank you, Representative Gaines. Representative Reeves, you're recognized.

174. 1:11:35

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've got good news for all the nurses, all the teachers, all the construction workers, retirees, young people, all the hardworking Georgians out in Duluth and Suwanee and Sugar Hill, all across Georgia. We are gonna get an opportunity, it looks like, to ratify the gas tax suspension. Since we adjourned, that's saved about half a billion dollars, about $500 million for hardworking Georgians at a time they needed it. So, um, look forward to voting for a second time this year to, uh, give, uh, relief on the gas tax.

175. 1:12:05

     And that's in addition to the insurance, the tax relief, all the things that we've done for affordability here in the People's House. Mr. Speaker, I yield the well.

176. 1:12:15

     Thank you, sir. Great proposition. I look forward to making sure we ratify. Let's see. We have a little event in town. Representative Crowe knows a little bit about public safety, so help keep ourselves and our friends safe. So the gentleman's recognized.

177. 1:12:34

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, colleagues. Um, right now there's an event going on in Atlanta that is captivating the world, and all eyes are on us. And no, I'm not talking about the special session that we're having here at the Capitol. It's the, uh, 2026 FIFA World Cup. Uh, it's right here in Atlanta. Our stadium is hosting eight matches of the largest World Cup in history, uh, including a semifinal game in July. That's gonna bring teams and fans from across the globe to our doorstep, and every one of these visitors are welcome, and we're proud to have you, and we hope you leave knowing why we call this state home.

178. 1:13:10

     But an event this size doesn't run on its own. Behind every match and every packed venue are men and women in uniform working long hours, extra shifts to keep everybody safe. So I wanna thank our law enforcement officers, our state troopers, our GBI agents, our local police, and our sheriff's deputies, and every first responder pulling double duty this summer. They're giving up time with their family so the rest of us can enjoy this moment in peace and safety. That work often goes unseen, but it does not go unappreciated. So to every officer out there in the heat on the long shift watching over the biggest event our state has hosted since the 1996 Olympics, thank you.

179. 1:13:47

     We appreciate you. Mr. Speaker, I yield the will.

180. 1:13:52

     Thank you to the Chairman of Public Safety.

181. 1:13:57

     Great information and acknowledgement of a great event going on here in Atlanta. That completes our afternoon orders. We do have an announcement. I'm gonna recognize Chairman of Ways and Means, Chairman Shaw Blackmon for an announcement.

182. 1:14:17

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ways and Means Committee is set to meet at nine AM tomorrow in room, uh, six o six in the, uh, LOB. Thank you.

183. 1:14:28

     Six o six at nine AM, correct? So those of you who serve on Ways and Means, I would encourage you to, uh, make sure you check your emails and your meeting notices because of all the progress going on here on Capitol Hill. There could be a possibility of a change of location. We don't expect that to be the case, but just so you're at the right place at the right time is probably a good, a good thought process to make sure you're checking.

184. 1:14:59

     We're going to, um...

185. 1:15:04

     I think the chair-- the majority leader's been working on a, a adjournment resolution, and I understand it's somewhere in cyberspace between here and the Senate. So I'm gonna ask the members if we'll just kinda stand at ease for a few moments. We'll see if we can get that here, then you'll know exactly, have some, uh, clear definition on what this, uh, special session's gonna be like and when we're gonna meet over the next few days. Some special li-- days in the lives of Georgians we wanna be respectful of.

186. 1:15:36

     If the House will just stand at ease for a few minutes, we'll, uh, see if we can get this, um, we'll get this ship landed.

187. 1:27:45

     Members, if you'll come back to your desk, we can finish up our day. We, uh, have an adjournment resolution for you to consider.

188. 1:27:56

     Mr. Clerk, why don't you ring the bell?

189. 1:28:35

     Mr. Clerk, will you, uh, read Senate Resolution 3EX, 3EX, our adjournment resolution? Mr. Clerk.

190. 1:28:44

     Senate Res- Resolution 3EX by Senator Navarria, the 31st, Walker, the 20th, Robertson, the 29th, Still, the 48th, and Brass, the sixth. A resolution relative to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly and for other purposes.

191. 1:29:01

     Leader Efstration is recognized to explain the adjournment resolution. Leader Efstration.

192. 1:29:10

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I believe we're putting it up here on the board, so you can take a look. It's three pages, so I'll slowly give you time, uh, to review it. But our, uh, scheduling proposal here would have us, obviously we're here today for day one, would have us in Thursday, tomorrow, June 18th, and then, uh, Saturday, June 20th, and back Monday, June 22nd. The, um, resolution then goes on to state that we would continue to have special session for as long as necessary, but if that were to go into weekends, Saturdays and Sundays would not be legislative days.

193. 1:29:58

     So, a question might be, well, so, uh, in other words, day five would be Tuesday, June 23rd, and so on for weekdays. Okay? And, um, as, uh, we may not know how long special session will take at this point, it's not like a 40-day as we have during regular session, that's how, uh, that's how that would occur going forward. Now, I, I've certainly received a lot of feedback of individuals who are interested in trying to re- uh, get our work done here and get back to, um, our obligations in our districts and elsewhere, uh, be with our families.

194. 1:30:43

     And so that is in, uh, part the reason for the Saturday session, which is, uh, which is outlined here, to allow us to get our work done expeditiously. But if we go beyond next Tuesday, then, um, days would just be calculated as weekdays. Um, Mr. Speaker, I'm, uh, happy to... Oh, uh, part two of the bill, uh, the resolution is just our standard in the event of an emergency, so it's the same language, uh, that we have. And if, uh, if media services could go ahead and...

195. 1:31:16

     Gentleman, ask a couple of questions and-

196. 1:31:18

     Yes, sir

197. 1:31:18

     ... clarify. Uh-

198. 1:31:20

     Yes, sir

199. 1:31:20

     ... Representative Wilkerson, to your left. Representative Jackson, do you mind? Thank you, sir.

200. 1:31:27

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman, does, uh, Majority Leader yield?

201. 1:31:29

     Yes, sir.

202. 1:31:30

     Um, I do appreciate Juneteenth and Father's Day being off, but I know in Cobb County as well as many other counties across the state, Saturday is the actual day where s- Juneteenth is celebrated. Um, has there, is there any consideration to, um, not coming in on Saturday? Because we'll be here next week anyway.

203. 1:31:48

     So I know we had, uh- Detailed discussions with the state Senate to come up with a schedule that would fit the needs of, um, of the Senate as well. I know that there, um, uh, there are many personal obligations that individual members have as well, and what we reached here was the best accommodation to ensure that we could expeditiously get our work done, but that also there would, uh, we would not be in session on certain days when members needed to be away from the Capitol.

204. 1:32:21

     And, um, and I can just, uh, say that I think that that, uh, that effort has gone into this resolution, and that hopefully we are able to get our work done where, say, members could get back to Cobb County for events that are at a dif- a different time on Saturday. Um-

205. 1:32:41

     Representative Carter to your left. Representative, Representative Carter is recognized for a question.

206. 1:32:47

     Thank you. Does the gentleman yield?

207. 1:32:48

     Yes.

208. 1:32:49

     I heard your, um, explanation. Can you explain how coming in on Tuesday versus Saturday affects folks' schedule? Uh, 'cause again, as you all know, Friday is Juneteenth. That's when all Blacks in the US were freed and notified that they had n- they were no longer enslaved.

209. 1:33:20

     But this whole weekend is a weekend of celebration, which I think should be just as important as whoever can't come here on Tuesday. So if you could explain to me what was the significance of not coming Tuesday versus coming on Saturday would be very helpful. Because for me personally, I don't know about anybody else, but it's extremely disrespectful of the Black community and Father's Day weekend that you all are gonna have us here.

210. 1:33:52

     Well, y- you know, my, my, uh, the feedback that I've received from many members is that, particularly if they live outside of the metro Atlanta area, that they've had to secure housing for, uh, this time during session, that there is, uh, an interest in, um, you know, I know certainly people have put off family vacations, they've put off personal obligations for their business, for their livelihood, uh, to be here. And the, um, discussions with the Senate really from the beginning had been, how do we balance a desire by many members to try to finish as quickly as possible with, um, also recognition that we have holidays, there are funerals that, um, are anticipated for these, uh, uh, for, for this period.

211. 1:34:37

     And this is just a very difficult balance to attempt to find, um, the, uh, the, um, appropriate days to schedule. What I think wouldn't be acceptable, I submit, is not having a scheduling resolution. So then we all have to be here every day, every day, because there isn't a scheduling resolution. So SR 3 EX is an attempt to address, uh, the scheduling. It is to give you some predictability so that you can plan.

212. 1:35:09

     And certainly, as I've always said, I'm open to any member who wants to provide input as to what your other obligations are, uh, that may take you away from the Capitol. I know they're very, uh, very serious and, and significant, including funerals, as I said, and, and other obligations. Uh, Mr. Speaker, I'd be happy to answer, uh, may- take maybe one more question. And I would just ask media services if, uh, if you haven't shown all three pages to please make sure that you've shown all three pages to the members.

213. 1:35:46

     I'm going to recognize Representative Jasmine Clark to your left for a question.

214. 1:35:51

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

215. 1:35:53

     Yes.

216. 1:35:54

     I appreciate that there have been lots of conversations about this Juneteenth thing, and I know that it might not feel that important to some people in this legislative body, but it is important to some others. If we are going to be here on Saturday, June 20th, instead of being in our districts being able to celebrate this holiday that is very important to people, can we have any guarantees that we will not be here all day?

217. 1:36:24

     So, uh, so first of all, to the gentlelady, I'd just note that Friday, uh, the Juneteenth holiday, we are not in session that day under this proposal.

218. 1:36:35

     And I appreciate that.

219. 1:36:37

     And, and I, I think that, um, uh, you know, my expectation is as, y- you know, of course we, we're here today at the concluding part of session for this day, that session will not take all day when we do have sessions scheduled. But that when we come here, we're able to get our work done, uh, expediently and then get back to our districts so that we can, uh, do what we need to there. I think that, uh, this proposal is a very reasonable measure under the circumstances to give that predictability while also recognizing that we have obligations outside of the Capitol that we also may need to address.

220. 1:37:17

     And I'd ask for your favorable consideration. Mr. Speaker, since SR 3 EX has been up on the board so that members could see it, I've walked everyone through, uh, the substance. I would ask for your favorable consideration so that for planning purposes, we, we all know when we're to be here at the Capitol, uh, for, uh, these days of special session. And I yield the floor.

221. 1:37:42

     Gentleman, gentleman has yielded the floor. Several questions still exist. I will, um, go ahead and weigh in here for a second. We've, um, tried to be very respectful of the Juneteenth celebrations that will occur and the importance of that day. In our state, we believe that's what we've done here, and I appreciate the Senate and the leader working together on that day. My thought would be that on, um, I know of lots of events going on, going on, on Saturday.

222. 1:38:13

     Lots of events all over our state. Many different celebrations, whether it be, uh... I know we have one at home that's very important to, uh, a couple of us down there that's very special, but we're gonna have to be where we, where we need to be and we're gonna do our jobs. So I would ask you to, uh, we can come in early on, uh, Saturday, not 6:00 AM, but, um, we'll come in early and we can move forward with our business post haste, if you will, and try to streamline it as much as possible and everyone can be prepared.

223. 1:38:46

     And, uh, I do not believe it will take all day in, in, in any stretch, but, um, I think we can get done. And, and then folks, especially those of you who live in the metro area that, whether, or, or within an hour or so of your homes, will be able to get back and, um, take care of attending and honoring folks in your community. So that's our resolution. So I'll ask, is there any objection to adoption of the resolution? Hearing none, the resolution's adopted.

224. 1:39:27

     We don't have any birthdays. Wow. That's important. So congratulations to ones getting older. I'm gonna recognize the majority leader for a motion. Happy birthday,

225. 1:39:47

     sir. A birthday. Yesterday. Yesterday. June 25th. Right there. Well, come on, spill the rest of it. How old?

226. 1:39:54

     25. 25. Happy birthday, Representative Berry. We're- One more. One more. I'm not gonna ask you how old you are. 33. 33. Happy birthday, Ruwa. Representative Ru- Romman, excuse me. And con- and congratulations. So you had a g- you've had a good week.

227. 1:40:24

     A good week. Is, here's another one. I'm supposed to eight. Huh?

228. 1:40:32

     But someone makes me 16. Who that? Those two at the 11:00 Mass. I know, I know. Those two as well. I'm not ask- I'm not asking how old you are unless it's a volunteer. Representative Mason. 40. That's right. She's thir- she's 37 for the 10th time or whatever. Happy birthday, guys. We appreciate y'all. I'm glad we caught y'all. Good stuff. Good stuff. Well, we have no announcements. Any other announcements other than those we've already...

229. 1:41:03

     And happy birthday again. Recognize the majority leader for a motion.

230. 1:41:07

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this house stand adjourned until Thursday, June 18th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

231. 1:41:15

     On the motion of the majority leader, this house stand adjourned until 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 18th, 2026. All those in favor will say aye. Aye. All opposed, no. No. Wouldn't even close. The ayes clearly have it. We're adjourned. Thank you, members.