House floor session, January 12, 2026 (legislative day 1)

Transcript

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1. 0:19:25

   Good morning. All members, all members will please take their seats. All members.

2. 0:19:44

   All members, please take their seats.

3. 0:20:04

   All members, all members, please take your seats.

4. 0:20:38

   All members, please come into the chamber and take your seats. Mr. Clerk, will you ring the bell for the first time in 2026?

5. 0:21:45

   Will all members

6. 0:21:49

   please take your seats? All members.

7. 0:22:00

   I'm having a problem being as loud as I need to be. Y'all aren't. Y'all are doing a good job of being as loud as you need to be.

8. 0:22:10

   Let's get started on the right foot, right? Well, good morning.

9. 0:22:13

   Good morning.

10. 0:22:15

    Happy New Year to you. It's good. No, it's great to see you all in this beautiful House chamber. What do you think?

11. 0:22:29

    We'll talk about that in a few minutes. We'll, uh, recognize some folks who have been critical to this mission of, uh, refurbishing this chamber to its grandeur. A little bit of improvements in the lighting. It really looks good. Some good old Georgia carpet. Looks great. So we'll be talking about some of that, but first, we need to welcome three new members of this House family. Representative Akbar Ali from District 106.

12. 0:23:10

    Representative Ali represents parts of Gwinnett County. Welcome. We look forward to working with you. Representative, Representative Eric Gisler, House District 121, Oconee County.

13. 0:23:28

    Welcome, Eric. Representative Bill Fincher, House District 23, Cherokee County.

14. 0:23:42

    Welcome, new members. We look forward to working with you, and we'll, we'll certainly be helpful in any way we can. Thank you. Now, we're going to have morning roll call. Since y'all are officially recognized, all members present will please vote green to signify their presence in the chamber. And Mr. Clerk, will you unlock the machines?

15. 0:24:44

    Have all members now voted?

16. 0:24:49

    All members present and voted? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machines?

17. 0:25:01

    Well, we're ready to get started, get down to business here. 174 of us here. It's a good start to this new year. We will begin today, as is our custom, with scripture reading and prayer by the chaplain. After which, we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. We will then, so you'll all understand, you can stay close to your seats. In fact, it'd be nice if you stayed in your seats. We will have a few special events taking place, some great information, uh, this morning, and if you will, again, I'll ask you all to remain in your seats.

18. 0:25:35

    Our chaplain this morning will be the gentleman from the 128th House District, a man that really needs no introduction here in this room, but needs no introduction across Georgia, and that's Representative Mack Jackson, who's had, um, long and distinguished service here in this House to the people of Georgia, to the people especially of Glascock, Hancock, Warren, Washington Counties, parts of Baldwin and McDuffie Counties, right down in central Georgia just below I 20.

19. 0:26:15

    Mack has another special title, and the one he cherishes greatly, and that is he is the pastor of St. James Christian Fellowship Church, a great delegation and a great congregation, excuse me, down in Tennille, Georgia. I know you all know where Tennille is. If you don't, you need to look it up. It's a great community just below Sandersville. So we're blessed to have Mack Jackson as a colleague, and I'm blessed to have Mack Jackson as a colleague and a friend.

20. 0:26:49

    His patience, his integrity, and his wisdom have certainly inspired me over the years to do my best, to work with Mack hand-in-hand on rural issues, but he also cares about every citizen of Georgia. With that, I wanna welcome this day our chaplain of the day, Pastor Representative Mack Jackson.

21. 0:27:22

    Thank you. Well, good morning.

22. 0:27:25

    Morning.

23. 0:27:25

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank God for this day. As old folks used to say, "While the blood is still running warm in my vein," we do give God the honor. I'll be short with you today, and my scripture will come from Psalm 34. In the Psalm, David said, "I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord." Now, I found that that's easy to say when things are going good, when circumstances are in alignment.

24. 0:28:01

    "My soul shall make her boast in the Lord." But inevitably, adversity will rear its ugly head in each one of our lives. The vigilante Robert McCall spoke prophetically in the movie The Equalizer. When he was talking to Nicolai, he said, "When you pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud, too." Well, in 1 Samuel chapter 30, it says that when David and his men were come to Ziklag, the Amalekites had invaded the South, and Ziklag had been smitten and burned with fire.

25. 0:28:37

    And not only had that happened, but they had taken the women captive and carried them away. So David and his men came to the city, and it was burned with fire, and their wives, their son, and their daughters were taken captive. Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept until they had no more power to weep. Now, if you can remember, and some of you might not remember, when your parents told you to go get a switch, and you had to bring that switch back, and they told you, you better not cry.

26. 0:29:08

    And you couldn't help but sniffle and snuff it up sometime. Well, David and his men found themselves in that situation where they wept, but they had no more power to weep. And the Bible says that David was greatly distressed. He was stressed out. His mental capacity to think straight, he was traumatized, if you will. He was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning David. They actually turned on David, his friends who had gone on to battle with him, his own men who had stood with him and told him how much they cared for him.

27. 0:29:45

    They had just returned from the battlefield together, but now they blamed David for all their troubles, and they talked about stoning David. But the Bible says that David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. David had spent time alone with God. He had been in His presence and learned by experience that in His presence, there is fullness of joy. He had learned by experience that, "The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.

28. 0:30:16

    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He lead me beside the still waters." David had learned through experience that, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord." He didn't have anybody to call on but God. "For the name of the Lord is a strong tower." and the righteous run in and they are saved.

29. 0:30:52

    So David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. And in 2026, we need to keep our eyes to the hills from which cometh our help. Because the Apostle Paul said in Hebrews chapter 12, "Wherefore seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us. And let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

30. 0:31:27

    Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Let us pray.

31. 0:31:43

    Father, I stretch my hand to thee. No other help I know. If thou withdraw thyself from me, whither shall I go? For you're God, and you're the God of all grace. And your mercies are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. Lord, as we approach you today for this new year in 2026, we ask for your wisdom, your guidance, Lord, and most of all, your love, Father, that endures to all generations.

32. 0:32:15

    We, Father, we just thank you for this opportunity to serve the people of the state of Georgia. Thank you for the Speaker of the House, his staff, and all the leadership in the House, Lord. And Father, we ask you to wrap your loving arms around the family of our former late representative, Mandi Ballinger. Give them peace, Lord, in the name of Jesus, Lord. And we'll be sure and give you all the praise, the honor, and the glory, for it's in Jesus' name that we pray, amen.

33. 0:32:46

    Shall we pledge allegiance to the flag? 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.

34. 0:33:06

    Thank you. Mike, let's take a photo. Okay. Two handsome devils.

35. 0:33:17

    Thank you, John. Oh, great. Thank you. Appreciate you. Thank you. Thanks, Representative Jackson, for those words of encouragement. Doorkeepers, you may unlock the doors.

36. 0:33:42

    What you got? One more note for the doctor. His daughter is with him today. She's a graduate student at Emory.

37. 0:33:53

    Period. Yes, sir. What's her name? Kayla has a suggestion. Stand a little bit back from the microphone, because when Max spoke, it was much louder. Okay. I told him to get closer. I was getting closer. Okay. Stay back?

38. 0:35:58

    Members, if you will all return to your seats. Members, if you will return to your seats. Watch it, Bill.

39. 0:36:17

    Members, if you'll come back to order.

40. 0:36:23

    Members, if you'll return to your seats. Those of you in any room, if you'll come back in. Doorkeepers, I'm gonna have you close the doors again. You don't have to lock them this time, but I want the doors closed. Members, if you return to your seats.

41. 0:36:46

    All members.

42. 0:36:50

    All members, please return to your seats.

43. 0:37:07

    We have a special treat this morning.

44. 0:37:14

    Miss Georgia,

45. 0:37:17

    Audrey Catella-

46. 0:37:26

    Has come down to, uh, help us open this 2026 session in the right way. I'll tell you a little bit about her, but let me tell you who's accompanying her first. Um, her parents, Dr. Chris and Brenda Catella. Will you all stand? Let us welcome you.

47. 0:37:52

    We appreciate y'all being here with us as well. We also have another former Miss Georgia in this chamber today, and that's Miss Aija Dominicon. Aija.

48. 0:38:12

    Aija represented Glenville in Claxton, was where she came from when she represented the great State of Georgia as Miss Georgia. Thank you, Aija. Appreciate your friendship. But let me tell you about Miss Georgia, the current Miss Georgia. She's from Milton, Georgia.

49. 0:38:33

    I know you take credit, Chuck, as former mayor of Milton. But, but anyway, we'll let, we'll let that go ahead. Uh, she's a graduate of the University of Georgia, and she's, uh, currently attending grad school at UGA, pursuing a master's degree in communication science and disorders. S- and disorders. Um, she's doing an internship now right in Milton? In Milton. Uh, I guess you can tell by what her educational background is, she's very passionate about education.

50. 0:39:06

    She's also founded Education For All, a community service initiative aimed, aimed at reducing school dropout rates by expanding access to early l- early literacy and educational resources. Now, you'll see this in just a moment, but Audrey is classically trained in both violin and piano and voice, and we're honored to have her here with us today to share her talents with this House as we kick off this 2026 session.

51. 0:39:41

    So if you will, members, you're in for a treat. Please join with me in thanking and welcoming the 80th, 80th Miss Georgia, Audrey Catella. Audrey, come entertain us.

52. 0:40:01

    Thank you.

53. 0:40:02

    Can I hug you?

54. 0:40:02

    Absolutely.

55. 0:40:03

    Thank you.

56. 0:40:03

    I'm grateful for you.

57. 0:40:09

    What a joy it is to get to be with you all this morning. I'm gonna play one of my favorites, and very true to the state. This is Georgia On My Mind.

58. 0:40:39

    Georgia,

59. 0:40:42

    Georgia,

60. 0:40:46

    the whole day through. Sweet home, sweet soul. Keep Georgia on my mind.

61. 0:41:06

    I said Georgia,

62. 0:41:12

    Georgia,

63. 0:41:17

    a song of you. Comes as sweet and clear as moonlight through the pines.

64. 0:43:23

    Had the privilege of meeting Audrey when we had a literacy night here at the Capitol. And understanding that her passion is about her neighbor, about those who are, need a little help. So I would like, um, to ask Audrey at this time to, um, tell us a little bit about what her project is, what her passion is, and what she's doing to help her neighbor, help young people in our state. Audrey. Shall I hold that?

65. 0:43:51

    You're more than welcome to.

66. 0:43:53

    Thank you.

67. 0:43:59

    I trust him.

68. 0:44:06

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

69. 0:44:08

    Did you mean to embarrass me?

70. 0:44:10

    Oh, I did no such thing. Thank you for your time. Um, I have been Miss Georgia for about six months and some change, and in that six months I've traveled over 27,000 miles, and a lot of that, most of that, is here in the state of Georgia. What I love getting to do is to travel into classrooms across our state and to meet students. And in every single classroom I ask students, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" And that question is designed so that students can see the end goal.

71. 0:44:42

    And my mission is for students to see the power of education in reaching that end goal, whatever it may be for them. Um, I've had the tremendous opportunity to get to serve students, um, in the special education programs in Georgia as I'm pursuing a career in speech language pathology, um, specifically the educational sector of that, um, as well as the general education classrooms as well. I partner with nonprofits here in the state of Georgia, one being the Share the Magic Foundation. Um, a dear friend of mine, Malcolm Mitchell, um, runs that one to get books in the hands of students because what we know from research, that you can tell if a student's at risk for dropout as early as first grade based on reading level alone.

72. 0:45:23

    So reading and literacy is critically important to see the future of Georgia changed by our next generation. And what a tremendous honor it was to get to take the state of Georgia to the Miss America competition back in September, and I was very proud to get to share about education for all and to get to walk away as third runner-up to Miss America.

73. 0:45:49

    I just want to thank every single one of you guys for serving the communities of Georgia, and it's been my most tremendous honor to get to be your Miss Georgia this year and to get to continue that for the next six months. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

74. 0:46:05

    We're gonna take a couple photos. I can, you can tell what I can tells, tell. She's just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside, and very dedicated to the young people in Georgia. Thank you, Audrey. And we look forward to, to enhancing your work and your passion, and that's literacy in our state. This House is committed to that, and we look forward to working with you on that. So thank you. We're going to s- do something else special. If, we're gonna take a quick couple photos up here and then we're gonna move into something else. So if you st- if you remain in your seats, maybe with a little bit of conversation, we'll move right along.

75. 0:48:55

    Will the House will come back to order, please?

76. 0:49:05

    Members, please return to your seats. We have one more, one more special recognition this morning.

77. 0:49:20

    Come on up, Gerald.

78. 0:49:23

    One more special recognition.

79. 0:49:29

    We need to thank the folks who are responsible for what we see in this chamber. This incredible work that's been done to bring this chamber and this building back to much of its grandeur that when everything was new, newly minted here, if you will. So we, I've invited, um, a gentleman that was a critical piece of everything that was done here during this entire work over the last year, and that's, um, Mr.

80. 0:50:05

    Gerr- Gerr- Gerald, excuse me, Pilgrim, uh, Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Staff. Hope you get paid for both of those. Um, with the Georgia Building Authority. Executive Director Smith, I know you're taking care of him on both of those titles. It's good to have Marty Smith here w- as well with Georg- GBA. Um, you probably noticed this People's House is looking a little bit brighter today in every essence of that word, and that's because of Gerald Pilgrim and his team at GBA.

81. 0:50:44

    If you'll all look back and remember, just a few months ago, this chamber was sc- was covered in scaffolding from top to bottom. Many of you visited here. The chamber was, um, with Gerald and his team. You know, things are about getting done. Kinda like the, kinda like what we do in the House. We have a job, and we get it done. Gerald and his team had a job to get us back on this, in this chamber on time with the work completed, and guess what?

82. 0:51:15

    No guesswork. He got it done. Thank you, Gerald. Thanks to your team. And guess what else he did? He did it under budget. Yeah.

83. 0:51:33

    I thought that deserved a round of applause as well, Gerald. Thanks for that. But if you will all join me in thanking Gerald and his entire team from the Georgia Building Authority, who worked so hard to make this space all that it is, all that it has been, uh, so all Georgians can be proud of it. I know y'all are, and I'm certainly proud of this chamber. Gerald has prepared a video for us that speaks and shows us, reminds us, us of the work that was done here and how fast-paced it was, and then he's gonna make some comments and introduce some folks, I think, as well.

84. 0:52:13

    So with that, are we ready for the video?

85. 0:52:15

    Well, we'll play the video afterwards.

86. 0:52:17

    Video afterwards. Well, Gerald, then I'm gonna welcome you here to this microphone. Share with us.

87. 0:52:26

    And Mr. Speaker, we, we did get the word. We, we are gonna work on the sound too. We've had some people already, so w- if that's the only hiccup we got today, we're doing well. Um, I really wish you wouldn't have shared that about the budget. Chairman Hatches already making notes over there. And, uh, we still got a long way to go, Chairman, so please, let's, you know, hold off on taking anything back yet. So, uh, but at first, I would like to acknowledge Marty Smith, the State Property Officer, and the entire GISFC and GBA team. So not only is it GISFC, I have GISFC, GBA, and SBC, but they only pay me one salary, Chairm- Mr.

88. 0:52:58

    Speaker. So-

89. 0:52:59

    You're gonna get a raise next year.

90. 0:53:00

    So that's it. Uh, but you're, you're represented today by, with Marty, Gifton Posley, uh, Charlie Parrish, Chris Blackburn, and then the project manager on this team, Sebastian Cobb. So thank y'all.

91. 0:53:12

    Stand up.

92. 0:53:30

    In addition, we have a construction team, and that word gets used a lot, but this is a true team. They take pride and ownership in this project, and we're very proud to have them here. Uh, that team was led by Mike Makin with Balfour Beatty and his staff. Sachin Salandre with SG Contracting and his staff.

93. 0:53:49

    Y'all stand up when he calls your name.

94. 0:53:51

    And, uh, Sean Moxley with Garbett Construction and his staff. So what a wonderful job, and they're the primary reason we're in here right now like this, so.

95. 0:54:09

    The architectural and engineering team was phenomenal on this project. A huge team effort that started, uh, probably two days after we knew the, um, the budget was passed. We started working on this project, securing the team, getting people going on that. Uh, representing the architectural and engineering team led by Lamar Wakefield and Henry Cantwell with Nelson Worldwide.

96. 0:54:34

    Debbie Fritz and, uh, the excellent interior designer Robin Kirkman with Page, now Stantec. And a host of other professionals, including representatives from Conway and Owens, Shear Structural, Farnsworth Group, Action Electric, Specialty Wood, uh, Works, Carrollton Office Equipment and OFS, JC Lane Mechanical, Benese Dowling, Steeltec, Nehemiah One Oh One, John Canning, which was the painting contrac- historical painting contractor, for all their nonstop work.

97. 0:55:12

    I also wanna do a special acknowledgement for a former teammate, David Goodhead, who helped us organize and got the team going and set up, set us up for success. So I'd like to personally thank them.

98. 0:55:32

    This team represents over 500 employees that worked on this project, and over 400,000 man-hours preparing and executing this project. A few facts about the project. Speaker, you alluded to this a moment ago, but this is the first time in the history of the Capitol that we're using American-made carpet, and more importantly, Georgia-made carpet from Dalton, Georgia.

99. 0:56:01

    The HVAC system that was here was replaced in the late 1950s, so I think you're gonna have a lot cleaner air. Not only were there 400,000, uh, 400,000 man-hours of work on this job, they were all injury-free except for a few feelings.

100. 0:56:20

     And if you know, you know. When the scaffolding was erected, there was 110,000 pounds of steel used on the House floor alone, and there's 120,000 feet of wires and cables under the floor in the House. There's also over 200 gallons of paint used, and approximately 1,500 linear feet of hand-painted canvas in just in the House chamber. I'd also like to thank you, Mr. Speaker. You and your, uh, staff's work on this project, especially the works of, efforts of Terry England and Chris Lorelli, which really helped us with this project.

101. 0:56:56

     So, thank you. I also will, uh, want to express my appreciation to the First Lady of the House, Ms. Dale Burns. Without her dedication and hard work, this team would not have been successful. So, thank you, Ms. Burns.

102. 0:57:22

     So, took wonderful pride in this and, and we're proud to work with her. But on behalf of the team, I would like to close by thanking the governor, the Senate, and the House for entrusting us with this project. Each of us consider this a honor of our lifetime for our career and personally. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker, for this opportunity. And we got a little video for you.

103. 0:57:41

     Awesome. Thank you, Gerald.

104. 0:57:41

     Thank you, sir.

105. 0:57:45

     Don't go anywhere.

106. 0:57:52

     Georgia.

107. 0:57:56

     Georgia.

108. 0:58:00

     The whole day through. The whole day through. Just an old sweet song.

109. 0:58:11

     Keeps Georgia on my mind. Georgia on my mind. I said, Georgia.

110. 0:58:26

     Georgia.

111. 0:58:30

     A song of you. A song of you. On your breast sweet and clear.

112. 0:58:41

     As moonlight through the pines.

113. 0:58:53

     Other arms reach out to me.

114. 0:59:00

     Other eyes smile tenderly.

115. 0:59:07

     Still in the peaceful dreams I see. The road leads back to you.

116. 0:59:20

     I said Georgia.

117. 0:59:25

     Oh, Georgia.

118. 0:59:38

     That's pretty awesome.

119. 0:59:41

     How would, y'all can get all that done in this period of time is really almost mind-boggling. A lot of people, a lot of effort. Thank you for all those involved in the work. Please let your employees know how grateful we are. The work here is exquisite. We travel across this country looking at some of these contractors, and I can tell you, our Capitol, as we all know, is one of the most beautiful capitols in the country, if not the most beautiful. But what, the work's been done here just really brings us back to a state of art, if you will.

120. 1:00:17

     And to the craftsman's that work for you guys and worked in conjunction with GBA, a big shout of thank you goes out to them. And please express that to your employees. We most appreciate their efforts to make this the very best it can be, and you succeeded. From the Georgia-grown carpet, Casey.

121. 1:00:37

     Yeah.

122. 1:00:37

     Pretty cool stuff, right? First time ever. So, thanks to, uh, all of the, uh, resources and assets we have in Georgia that have made this possible. To, uh, Al, the air is cleaner than, in here, than 50 years ago when you first came here. So, we know that.

123. 1:00:56

     As a child, I know. As a child. So, many wonderful things, improvements here. Uh, the brass polished up very, very well. How about your seats? Are they starting to settle in a little bit?

124. 1:01:10

     Yeah.

125. 1:01:10

     Getting comfortable?

126. 1:01:15

     No, no, no, no.

127. 1:01:15

     I don't want to hear it.

128. 1:01:19

     It's good.

129. 1:01:19

     It's all good, right?

130. 1:01:22

     Like a coach.

131. 1:01:22

     So, we, uh, we appreciate all of the work. Gerald, again, thank you, and thank you to the team for everything you've done. To, uh, make this the very best place it can be, and I think y'all succeeded. So, thank you again. Let's give Gerald and the team one more round of applause, if you will.

132. 1:02:15

     Members, if I can con- continue to have your attention, we have another special event today. We have our Doctor of the Day. Dr. Hoffman. Kaufman, excuse me.

133. 1:03:06

     Y'all, this is the second Dr. Kaufman that's been a part of Physicians of the Day, Doctors of the Day here at this House, and I'm gonna l- allow him to, um, make some remarks here because I think it's noteworthy. This is 70 years between he and his dad who served us in this House as Doctor of the Day. 35 years for this Dr. Kaufman. And with Dr. Kaufman is his daughter Sydney, and she's a graduate student at Emory.

134. 1:03:36

     Let's welcome Sydney to the Georgia, to the People's House.

135. 1:03:49

     Public health. That's close enough. We'll let her come in and be Doctor today as well. So at this point in time, just as a show of respect and appreciation, I want to ask Dr. Kaufman if he would come up and bring a few words to us. Dr. Kaufman?

136. 1:04:04

     Thank you. It's quite a honor. And Mr. Speaker, thank you. Um, 35 years. Boy, it makes me feel really old, but, uh, I guess 'cause I am. But it's been an honor and a pleasure to do this, and it's an honor to follow my father's legacy. He was a special friend of all the legislators and, um, always was a big fan of the system. Um, my daughter, I've been doing this for 35 years, so I finally got somebody from my family to come, and I'm really proud of her going to grad school, and she's almost done, thank God.

137. 1:04:36

     No, just kidding. Um, no. But, um, you know, the service we serve here and the people, it's, it's surprising how many people actually need a doctor during the day here. Um, but really, you know, it's great to have the doctor, but, uh, we are certainly not the most important person here. The most important person over, is over there hiding in the corner. Julia, the nurse at the Nurse Day. That's the one who deserves the applause.

138. 1:05:18

     Thanks again, and, um, hope to see y'all at next session. Thank you.

139. 1:05:23

     Let's get a photo of this.

140. 1:05:23

     Yes.

141. 1:05:24

     Miss Julia, come on up. Let's go.

142. 1:06:18

     Members, thank you for your attention, and thank you for your respect for these great visitors who've been with us and made this day so special. At this point in time, we'll recognize the Chairman, Chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information and Audit. Chairman Hilton.

143. 1:06:33

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These brand-new microphones work great. I don't know about you, Mr. Speaker, but it is a great day to be a Georgian.

144. 1:06:41

     100%.

145. 1:06:42

     Your Committee on Information and Audit, it took us nine months, but we made it through all 700 pages. We read the c- the, uh, the journal the previous day, and we found it to be correct.

146. 1:06:55

     That was speed reading, all those 700 pages. It could've been more.

147. 1:07:00

     No.

148. 1:07:00

     Could've been more. You'll get that in a minute. Chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information and Audit, 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, 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?

149. 1:07:36

     Representative Estration of the 104th moves the following be established as 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, second reading of bills and resolutions, morning orders. Is there any objection to the adoption of the resolution establishing the order of business for the day? Hearing none, the resolution is adopted.

150. 1:08:09

     For what purpose does Representative Kelly rise? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that House Resolution 949 be withdrawn.

151. 1:08:21

     Member moves that to withdraw House Resolution 949. Are there any objections? Hearing none, House Resolution 949 has been withdrawn.

152. 1:08:42

     First reading of bills and resolutions, the clerk will read. House Bill 932 by Representative Sainz of the 180th, Ballard of the 147th, Bonner of the 73rd, Newton of the 127th, DeLoach of the 167th, and others. A bill being titled, "An Act to amend Code Section 48-7-40.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to tax credits for business enterprises."

153. 1:09:11

     Ways and Means. That completes first readers. Thank you, Mr. Clerk. Second reading of bills and resolutions, the clerk will read. House Bill 2, 897 by Representative Au of the 50th, Hugley of the 141st, Park of the 107th, Miller of the 62nd, Frye of the 122nd, and others. A bill relating to public assistance. House Bill 898 by Representative Au of the 50th, Hugley of the 141st, Park of the 107th, Miller of the 62nd, Frye of the 122nd, and others.

154. 1:09:42

     A bill relating to public assistance. House Bill 899 by Representative Jenkins of the 136th, Bonner of the 73rd, Leverett of the 123rd, Camp of the 135th. A bill relating to transfer on death deeds. Hou-House Bill 8900 by Representative Carson of the 46th and Seabaugh of the 34th. A bill relating to transfer of funds from the Employment Retirement System of Georgia to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System. House Bill 901 by Representative Carter of the 93rd, Mitchell of the 88th, Davis of the 87th, and Schofield of the 63rd. A bill relating to general provisions regarding preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections.

155. 1:10:13

     House Bill 902 by Representative Jones of the 25th, Barrett of the 24th, Williams of the 148th, Douglas of the 100-- of the 78th, Kelley of the 16th. A bill relating to insurance. House Bill 903 by Representative Powell of the 33rd, Werkheiser of the 157th, Tarver of the 2nd, Jaspers of the 11th, McDonald of the 26th. A bill relating to general provisions regarding administrative procedure. House Bill 904 by Representative Silcox of the 53rd and Cooper of the 45th. A bill relating to exemptions from the Certificate of Need Program. House Bill 905 by Representative Richardson of the 125th, Gunter of the 8th, Leverett of the 123rd, Efstration of the 104th, Burchett of the 176th, and others.

156. 1:10:46

     A bill relating to transfer of funds from the Employee Retirement System of Georgia to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System. House Bill 906 by Representative Smith of the 41st. A bill relating to long ter- long t-term care ombudprogram. House Bill 907 by Representative Jones of the 47th, Burns of the 159th, Dubnik of the 29th, Jaspers of the 11th, Erwin of the 32nd, and others. A bill to amend the Completion School Sp-Special Schools Act. House Bill 908 by Representative Smith of the 41st. A bill relating to compulsory attendance in elementary and secondary education. House Bill 909 by Representative Drenner of the 85th, Scott of the 76th, Davis of the 87th, Schofield of the 63rd, Lim of the 98th.

157. 1:11:21

     A bill relating to conservation and natural resources, fire protection, safety, and insurance. House Bill 910 by Representative Hatchett of the 155th. A bill relating to state government. House Bill 911 by Representative Cummings of the 39th. A bill relating to libel and slander. House Bill 912 by Representative Wilkerson of the 38th, Smith of the 41st, Carter of the 93rd, Ballard of the 147th, Cox of the 28th, and others. A bill relating to grants for educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act. House Bill 913 by Representative Fleming of the 114th, Gullatt of the 19th, Holcomb of the 101st, Reeves of the 99th, Crawford of the 89th.

158. 1:11:53

     A bill relating to general authority, duties, procedure of the Department of Administrative Services relative to state purchasing. House Bill 914 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd, Campbell of the 35th, Cummings of the 39th, Lim, Lim of the 98th. A bill relating to sex discrimination in employment.

159. 1:12:12

     House Bill 915 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd and Lim of the 98th. A bill relating to law enforcement officers and agencies. House Bill 916 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd and Lim of the 98th. A bill relating to the Judicial Council. House Bill 917 by Representative Jones of the 25th and Hilton of the 48th. A bill relating to elementary and secondary education. House Bill 918 by Representative Hilton of the 48th, Jones of the 25th. A bill relating to organization of schools and systems under the Quality Basic Education Act. House Bill 919 by Representative Petrea of the 166th. A bill relating to outdoor stewardship. House Bill 920 by Representative Roberts of the 52nd, Park of the 107th, Jones of the 143rd, Heffner of the 130th, Myles of the 126th, and others.

160. 1:12:48

     A bill relating to employment and training of peace officers. House Bill 921 by Representative Park of the 107th, McQueen of the 61st, Berry of the 56th, Howard of the 129th, Herring of the 145th, and others. A bill relating to the State Board of Education. House Bill 922 by Representative Sainz of the 180th, Stevens of the 164th, Ford of the 170th, McDonald of the 26th, Powell of the 33rd, and others. A bill relating to general provisions regarding identification, regulation of motor vehicles, and traffic. House Bill 923 by Representative Hagan of the 156th, Silcox of the fif-53rd, Ridley of the 22nd, Gambill of the 15th. A bill relating to pharmacies.

161. 1:13:18

     House Bill 924 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Parrish of the 158th, Stevens of the 164th, Burns of the 159th, Smith of the 18th. A bill relating to the Georgia Legislative Retirement System. House Bill 925 by Representative Cannon of the 58th, Miller of the 62nd, Scott of the 76th, Bazemore of the 69th, Hugley of the 141st, and others.

162. 1:13:36

     A bill re- relating to health insurance, labor and industrial relations, mental health, public officers, employees, revenue and taxation, and social services. House Bill 926 by Representative Campbell of the 35th, a bill relating to general provisions relative to the General Assembly. House Bill 927 by Representative Willis of the 55th, Crawford of the 89th, Miller of the 62nd, McQueen of the 61st, Jackson of the 165th, a bill relating to insurance. House Bill 928 by Representative Willis of the 55th, Crawford of the 89th, McQueen of the 61st, Jackson of the 165th, Miller of the 62nd, a bill relating to insurance. House Bill 929 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd and Lim of the 98th, a bill relating to the Department of Public Health.

163. 1:14:11

     House Bill 930 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd and Lim of the 98th, a bill relating to insurance, labor and industrial relations, revenue and taxation. House Bill 931 by Representative Lupton of the 83rd and Lim of the 98th, a bill relating to health. House Resolution 905 by Representative Cannon of the 58th, Willis of the 55th, Bazemore of the 69th, Jackson of the 68th, McQueen of the 61st, and others, a resolution encouraging the Department of Education to implement a awareness campaign for grade levels K through 12 regarding blockchain, cryptocurrency, and Web3. House Resolution 947 by Representative Jasperse of the 11th, a b- resolution creating a house study committee on Five Points Marta Station permit issuance.

164. 1:14:47

     House Resolution 948 by Representative Stevens of the 164th, Kelley of the hundred- of the 16th, Hawkins of the 27th, Buckner of the 137th, Newton of the 127th, a resolution creating a house study committee on pharmacy benefit managers and consumer access to prescription medications. House Resolution 950 by Representative Kelley of the 16th and Smith of the 18th, a resolution recognizing May 2025 as Foster Parent Appreciation Month. House Resolution 951 by Representative Kelley of the 16th and Smith of the 18th, a resolution recognizing April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. House Resolution 952 by Representative Willis of the 55th and Crawford of the 89th, a resolution creating a house study committee on risks associated with hair straightening products through second readers.

165. 1:15:59

     Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

166. 1:17:54

     Thank you, Mr. Clerk. That concludes second readings of bills and resolutions. Now, members, we have some business for the opening of this session, so I'll ask if you will return to your seats.

167. 1:18:20

     We might just talk about something they're interested in in a minute, right, Sam? Excuse me , Representative. Representative. We'll be interested in this conversation. So members will return to your seats.

168. 1:18:37

     My apologies.

169. 1:19:11

     Representative Ruan, I wanna borrow that majority leader just for a minute. You can have him back.

170. 1:19:21

     Majority L- Leader Efstration is recognized for the purpose of offering a resolution. Mr. Leader.

171. 1:19:37

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House adopt House Resolution 995.

172. 1:19:45

     Mr. Clerk, can you help us with that resolution? Reading that resolution. House Resolution 995 by Representative Efstration of the 104th to notify the Senate that the House of Representatives has convened.

173. 1:19:59

     Would you like to speak to that resolution? Now's the time. You can speak to it. Yeah, come on, tell us exactly what you want to do with the Senate. We're gonna make sure the lights are on over there, right? Yeah. We don't know what to expect over there. I, uh ... Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Uh, this is just notifying the Senate that the House of Representatives has convened. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Leader. We look very much forward to working with the, uh, Senate on some very important legislation this year. Is there any objection to adoption of the resolution?

174. 1:20:31

     Hearing none, the Chair, Chair hears none. The resolution's adopted.

175. 1:20:40

     Is there objection? Waived. The resolution's adopted. Majority Leader is recognized for the purpose of offering another resolution. Mr. Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the House adopt House Resolution 996.

176. 1:21:01

     Mr. Clerk, will you read House Resolution 996? House Resolution 996 by Representative Efstration of the 104th to notify the governor that the General Assembly has convened.

177. 1:21:14

     Chair recognizes the Leader. Speak to the resolution. Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, as a procedural, uh, matter, we each year notify the executive, uh, Governor Brian Kemp, that we have, uh, convened. This resolution proposes for House and Senate members to be appointed to notify the governor that we are in session for the 2026 regular session of the Georgia General Assembly, and I ask for your favorable consideration. Thank you. Is there objection to adoption of the resolution?

178. 1:21:45

     Hearing none, the resolution's adopted. Okay. Let's appoint a committee of notification. I'm gonna appoint the gentleman from the 171st House District, Representative Joe Campbell; the lady from the 40th, Representative Kimberly New; the gentleman from the 6th, Representative Jason Ridley; the gentleman from the 48th, Representative Scott Hilton; the gentleman from the 3rd, Representative Mitchell Horner; and the gentleman from the 128th, our chaplain of the day, Representative Mack Jackson.

179. 1:22:20

     Uh, if y'all will make sure the governor knows we're here and working. Majority Leader is recognized for purpose for offering another resolution. Mr. Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the, this House adopt House Resolution 997. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Resolution 997? House Resolution 997 by Representative Efstration of the 104th, calling a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate for the purposes of hearing a message from the governor.

180. 1:22:53

     Speak to us about this resolution, Mr. Leader. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Each year we have the State of the State address, uh, where, um, that is now scheduled to, to be with, if you adopt House Resolution 997, this Thursday, January 15th, 11:00 AM. So I'd ask for your favorable consideration so that we can have the State of the State address. Thank you. And that address will be in this beautiful House chamber. Is that correct? Yes. Okay. Is there any objection to the adoption of the resolution?

181. 1:23:26

     Hearing none, the resolution is adopted.

182. 1:23:33

     This may have been the one they were waiting on, Mr. Leader. Majority Leader is recognized for a motion. Mr. Speaker, I move that this House adopt House Resolution 998.

183. 1:23:49

     We'll put this resolution up on the board. Mr. Clerk, would you read the caption? House Resolution 998 by Representative Efstration of the 104th, a resolution relative to meetings and adjournments of the General Assembly.

184. 1:24:07

     Majority Leaders, Leader is recognized to speak to the resolution, House Resolution 998. Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, I am so excited to announce to you all here today that, uh, the House and Senate have come to an agreement with respect to a scheduling resolution for a historic fourth year in a row to be announced the first week of session for all 40 days.

185. 1:24:40

     This, this is really exciting. When, um, Speaker Burns was first elected as our speaker, uh, he supported having a full 40-day calendar. And, um, that, I as a member, that was so important to me because I knew just what a strain that this is on all of us to do this job, to be away from our families, to be away from our, uh, businesses, uh, for, uh, oth- others who depend upon us. And so, uh, to know when we're going to be in session, when we're not, and also to have potentially weekend days where maybe we're working, but just in our district offices, not, uh, here at the State Cap, and be able to plan to have Fridays off or a Monday off adjoining a weekend was very important.

186. 1:25:24

     Uh, so the calendar that is, uh, is up on the board, and you all should have copies, I believe, at your desks, uh, would have us in, um, all weekdays this week. So we'd, uh, have through day five, and then we would be in budget, uh, hearings. The Appropriations Committee, joint appropriations hearings would begin next week. So the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday would be on Monday, and then Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday would be those hearings.

187. 1:25:55

     We would have the, um...

188. 1:25:59

     We would have session for th- uh, the following four days, and then into February we would have, uh, we'd be in session for Monday, February 2nd to Friday, February 6th. We'd have four days in session February 9th to 12th. February 17th to 20th we'd be in session. Then a committee work day on Monday, February 23rd as we anticipate crossover day coming up.

189. 1:26:32

     Uh, then Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday that week. The following week we'd have another Monday committee work day, and then committee work day the day before crossover, which would be Friday, March 6th. So that you can plan for in advance. Um, then from there we've got a committee work day on Wednesday, March 11th, and the following week a committee work day on Tuesday, March 17th, St.

190. 1:27:02

     Patrick's Day, which is very important to members from Savannah who may need to get back for important community events. The following week we have committee work days on Tuesday, March 24th and Thursday, March 26th, so that there's opportunity for hearings anticipating sine die, which will be Thursday, April 2nd. For Capitol staff, Capitol security, for our constituents, Georgians who want to come here to the Capitol, having a set 40-day calendar this far in advance is incredibly helpful, and it means so very much to them.

191. 1:27:40

     And so I would ask for your favorable consideration. Um, I will, uh, share that a distinguished member of this chamber shared with me a religious, uh, observance that needed to be, uh, that needed to be considered as I was working on this calendar and negotiating with the Senate, and that date that was given to me was Passover Seder on April 1st, and so we made sure to, that that was, uh, considered here. Um, as I understand any other questions or concerns as to a Seder which may occur on a second night, that there's understanding and agreement that, um, that there's no issue with us having sine die that evening.

192. 1:28:26

     And I know I'm a Christian, and I've previously been here on Good Friday for, uh, for, um, legislative work, including sine die. And so I understand that we, uh, often have religious holidays and observances that we need to take into consideration, but I believe that this is a fitting and appropriate 40-day schedule, and it's something I really wanted to bring to all of you here on day one so you had some predictability for this session. Uh, with that, Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to, uh, yield the well and ask the members for their favorable consideration of a 40-day legislative schedule announced, uh, the first day.

193. 1:29:04

     Thank you.

194. 1:29:04

     Would you be willing to answer a question?

195. 1:29:06

     Yes, sir. I'd be happy to.

196. 1:29:07

     Gotcha.

197. 1:29:11

     Uh, Representative Romman of the center aisle to your left is recognized for a question.

198. 1:29:16

     Hey, morning, and, uh, happy New Year, and thank you for working on this 'cause it really does, uh, play a huge difference for all of us. Um, from my understanding, there was sort of some outreach middle of December about Eid, which as you know I always joke about Ramadan being during session. It's a whole 30 days. I have kept my crankiness to a minimum. Um, but the, I, from my understanding the issue is actually Friday, March 20th, which is, um, Eid, the end of Ramadan, and usually there's like prayers, people travel to see family, and we do have staff that could be impacted.

199. 1:29:46

     Is there any way that we could potentially shift the committee work day that week and then just switch them out essentially?

200. 1:29:53

     Well, to the representative, I respect your question. This issue was not brought to me until, uh, this morning, and it was something that I, that I actually, um, brought up initially as it was, as it was, um, being discussed a moment ago. Um, the, as I understand it, religious holidays such as this holiday that, that you've referenced, uh, may be over several days. What I would just, uh, say is that holidays that are celebrated maybe at different times of the day, um, that that understanding and accommodation can be made certainly so that if, if, uh, there's a, an evening time celebration or something like that we may not be in session.

201. 1:30:37

     But I would just say that this schedule's been very carefully vetted. I have taken all input as it has been shared to me, and if a member has concerns about a specific day I would just ask that you bring it to me in advance of the first day, because I'm trying to get you a schedule here on the first day so you can plan for it well into session. With that, Mr. Speaker, I'll yield the well and ask the body's favor for consideration.

202. 1:30:59

     How about a cou- how about if I get you to answer a couple more questions?

203. 1:31:02

     Yes, sir. I'd be happy to yield.

204. 1:31:03

     Um, Representative Lupton is recognized for a question.

205. 1:31:07

     Thank you so much.

206. 1:31:08

     To your left.

207. 1:31:08

     Oh my goodness, these new mics are a thing, aren't they? Thank you so much, um, Mr. Majority Chair, Mr. Majority, uh, Leader for providing us this. Um, and thank you Mr. Speaker because I know that this is an effort that you have done. I've heard the horror stories of people who have served before me who have been trying to schedule bits and pieces at a time, so I really am grateful for this. Um, I just wanted to ask that, um, in light of, of what my colleague has brought, um, if this can't be changed this year I d- would just like to make a r- a request that this be, uh, taken into advance, taken into advance notice for next season and other legislative, uh, sessions.

208. 1:31:51

     I have an open door policy in my office. Any representative who wants to come see me about any issue, you're welcome to do so. Thank you.

209. 1:31:57

     Wonderful. Thank you so much.

210. 1:31:58

     Representative Lynn Smith up center aisle is recognized for a question.

211. 1:32:02

     Thank you. Gentleman yields?

212. 1:32:03

     Yes, ma'am.

213. 1:32:04

     Is it not true that this is my 30th year in the general assembly?

214. 1:32:08

     Ye- ye- yes, ma'am. If the lady so states.

215. 1:32:14

     Is it further not true that this is the first time I've seen us have consensus on a calendar and have it voted on the very first day of session? I commend you for your work.

216. 1:32:26

     Well, uh, means so much to me, uh, the chair lady's comments. I will, uh, just say that this would not have been possible without Speaker Burns' leadership and support to s- uh, see this through, and a great working relationship with Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte, who's now serving, uh, in leadership over in the State Senate. I was proud that we could work together to come to an agreement and present this to you here on day one. Mr. Speaker, if there are no further questions, I'll yield-

217. 1:32:51

     There's one more from the minority leader.

218. 1:32:53

     Yes, sir.

219. 1:32:54

     Representative Hugley is recognized for a question.

220. 1:32:57

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

221. 1:32:59

     Yes, ma'am.

222. 1:33:00

     I, too, want to convey my thanks for this schedule, but I also want to suggest that as we move forward, I'm happy that the majority leaders get together, but we need to place an opportunity for the minority leaders to have some input before the schedule is printed. Thank you so much.

223. 1:33:20

     Well, Madam Leader, I'll just say you and I have always been able to communicate very well. Look forward to continuing that in the future. And in all seriousness, I know, uh, we, we have talked in previous sessions about, um, and your anniversary's April 4th, so that was a weekend. I didn't have to be concerned about that date this year. Uh, tha- thank, uh, thanks to the body. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I ask the body's favorable consideration of House Resolution-

224. 1:33:44

     Would the gentleman yield for one more question?

225. 1:33:46

     Yes, sir.

226. 1:33:46

     And that'll finish him up, I promise.

227. 1:33:48

     Mr. Auiller.

228. 1:33:48

     Representative Cannon is recognized for a question.

229. 1:33:51

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Leader, I think transparency is super important. There were certain members that were reached out to and asked about a certain day. There were other members that were not reached out to, including the minority leadership team. And so to see a press release really expressing that everyone had been conferred was difficult. The question is, would you consider making an amendment for the date of March 20th to understand that many Georgians observe the lunar calendar, of which Eid falls?

230. 1:34:28

     Well, with respect, I just need to set the record straight. I took input from anyone who was willing to communicate with me about this in advance, and a me- the member who asked for a re- um, uh, for us not to ha- be in session on the date of a reli- religious observance, that was brought to me, and we made sure that that was, uh, taken, that that was addressed in the calendar. So, um, I, um, I have always felt I've operated in a very open and fair manner. What concerns me about this debate is the 40-day calendar may be very difficult to do in the future if getting something, uh, getting a calendar, uh, before you, uh, becomes controversial in this sense.

231. 1:35:08

     I would just ask that any member who has concerns about a specific date, please bring it to me well in advance so we can take into consideration, do our very best, uh, to continue to provide, provide you with a 40-day calendar. With that, Mr. Speaker-

232. 1:35:21

     M- Mr. Leader.

233. 1:35:22

     Yes, sir.

234. 1:35:22

     There's one more question. Would you yield a question from me?

235. 1:35:25

     Yes, sir. Yes, sir.

236. 1:35:26

     So there, I think there are 180 members of this House, last time I checked.

237. 1:35:33

     Yes, sir.

238. 1:35:33

     And I don't think you can please every one of them. So you're doing a great job, uh, within the con- confines, and I definitely understand those, those confines of working with the Senate to try to hammer out, if you will, a calendar that is, that works with the Appropriations Chair so we can get our most important job done, and that's a budget, and have adequate consideration of that budgetary cycle that we go through here. Having all members of this House heard, an opportunity to be heard on committee days,

239. 1:36:10

     no less than a, than a almost a miracle working with the Senate. I'll just be honest about that, Mr. Chairman. Uh, Mr. Leader, excuse me. So I certainly, as a member of this House, appreciate. I'm sure the staff does, public safety does, and all of those that support us in this House support your work on bringing together a lot of different opinions and views and being respectful of all the members of this House, and everything's important to all of us in our personal lives and our lives as legislators.

240. 1:36:42

     So I just wanna express to you and say thanks for your hard work. It's been a pleasure working with you on this calendar, and I hope this House will adopt this calendar today. I have confidence they will. So, uh, that's my question. Thank you for your work. Uh, continue to do the good work, and let's see what we can do with the Senate. Do you think you have some success over in the Senate with this calendar, Mr., Mr. Leader?

241. 1:37:05

     I sure hope so, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your comments. Um, I couldn't have said it better, uh, if I tried. The, uh, there is a tremendous amount of work that goes into being able to present this to you. And, um, and I'd ask for your favorable consideration so that we can get this adopted, get it transmitted to the Senate so that they can pass it as well. Thank you, and I yield the will.

242. 1:37:26

     Leader has yielded the will. Members, thank you for your questions. Is there any objection to adoption of the resolution?

243. 1:37:31

     Objection.

244. 1:37:32

     There is objection.

245. 1:37:36

     Does the gentleman move?

246. 1:37:38

     Yes, sir.

247. 1:37:39

     Gentleman moves. All those in favor of adopting the resolution will vote yes. Those opposed will vote no on the resolution to adoption of the resolution. Mr. Clerk, will you unlock the machine?

248. 1:37:56

     Come

249. 1:38:08

     vote.

250. 1:38:15

     Have all, have all members voted?

251. 1:38:20

     Have all members voted? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machines on the adoption of the resolution. The a- the yays are 150 and the nays are 27. The resolution has been adopted.

252. 1:38:46

     For what purpose did Leader Efstration rise?

253. 1:38:48

     To make a motion.

254. 1:38:49

     State your motion.

255. 1:38:50

     Mr. Speaker, I move that House Resolution 998 be immediately transmitted to the Senate.

256. 1:38:57

     Speaker, excuse me, Leader Efstration moves that House Resolution 998 be immediately transmitted to the Senate. Is there objection? Hearing none, it is so ordered.

257. 1:39:14

     Thank you, members. Thank you, Mr. Leader.

258. 1:39:24

     The clerk will read a cap- read the caption to a group of privileged resolutions. Mr. Clerk.

259. 1:39:33

     Honoring the life and memory of Claire Ann Bartlett. Honoring the life, legacy, and service of Dr. Tammy Lamar Blackwood. Recognizing, commending Ms. Ernestine Denise Wilson. Recognizing, commending Deidre Poindexter upon being named the Georgia Association and Conservation District's 2025 Supervisor of the Year. And recognizing and commending Mr. Lewis Bos.

260. 1:40:03

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

261. 1:40:11

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

262. 1:40:26

     We do have some announcements today. Representative Au is re- is, uh, recognized for a very, very important announcement.

263. 1:40:37

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's that special time of year again. You might have noticed that the Bloodmobile is right outside the Capitol, just to make it easier for people to donate blood. Um, again, I recommend that people hydrate well before they go donate blood. I would recommend you drink two full bottles of water before you go in, and get one of their Gatorades when you finish up. But it's easy. I gave this morning, as you can see. It took me about 40 minutes, and that was with some dead time of them chit-chatting with me. Um, this year I just wanted to also make a note that I would like to dedicate this blood drive with Blood South to the memory of Chairwoman Mandi Ballinger, and to the mom of one of our dear friends, Omari Crawford, his mom Carolyn Crawford.

264. 1:41:27

     We recognize that, uh, cancer is a thief, and donating blood buys families more time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

265. 1:41:37

     Did everyone understand? The Bloodmobile w- is here today. So do your duty. Go give blood. Thank you, Representative. R- Chairman Hawkins is recognized for an announcement.

266. 1:41:58

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There will be a meeting of the Health Committee at 2:00 in 403. Uh, we will have five presentations. Um, very important and very interesting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

267. 1:42:14

     That completes our announcements. Members, I want your attention for one more minute if you don't mind. I was going to do it earlier, but I think now is a more appropriate time. I wanna thank Representative Williams for organizing the Tillman Convocation yesterday. How many years is this now, Representative Williams?

268. 1:42:42

     30 years total.

269. 1:42:43

     30 years total we've come together on Sunday afternoon before the s- session begins. Uh, 23 that Representative Williams has ha- has, um, taken the lead on that. Be better tomorrow. So I want to, uh, remind you all, we lost one of our members. If you'll stand with me, please.

270. 1:43:15

     A much beloved member of this House, much beloved member of her community, and a much loved

271. 1:43:24

     family member by her son Henry. Y'all remember Henry. He's been here in this House many, many times. By her husband, Judge D. Morris, who with h- with H- they were both here with us yesterday, um, as we honored the life of Chair Lady Mani- Mandi Ballinger. What a great member of this House. What a great advocate for children in this state. For those, a great advocate for those who suffer from domestic abuse.

272. 1:43:55

     Not only in this House, but in the southeastern United States and in America, as she participated in SLC, NCSL, in leadership positions, to make sure she brought attention to what her passion was, was important to us. But more importantly, it's report- important to whom we are as a people. She was in Birmingham for SLC just a few months before her death.

273. 1:44:27

     Still out there fighting.

274. 1:44:31

     Still out there fighting, encouraging us all to do better. So if you will, bow with me for a moment of silence for our dear departed friend.

275. 1:44:45

     Father, I want to thank you for those who stand strong. Thank you for allowing Mandi Ballinger to be a part of this, this family. Lord, thank you. We ask your blessings on her family. We ask you on blessings on those who hold her memory dear, Lord. And as we all know, a story seldom told is soon forgotten. Let's all remember Mandi, Mandi Ballinger, her contributions towards so many important things in our state. Amen.

276. 1:45:16

     Thank you, members. Majority Leader is this, of this House is recognized for a motion.

277. 1:45:24

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

278. 1:45:33

     On the motion of the Majority Leader that this House stand adjourned until 10:00 AM Tuesday, January 13th, 2026. All those in favor, say aye.

279. 1:45:46

     Aye.

280. 1:45:46

     All those opposed, no.

281. 1:45:50

     No.

282. 1:45:50

     Wasn't even close. The ayes have it. We are adjourned. Thank you.