House floor session, January 14, 2026 (legislative day 3)

Transcript

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1. 0:22:15

   Good morning.

2. 0:22:19

   All members, the hour of convening has arrived. All members, please take your seats.

3. 0:22:34

   All members, please take your seats. Mr. Clerk, how about ring that bell?

4. 0:23:37

   Well, good morning, members. While the last of us are coming in, I hope you, uh, had a chance to visit with some home folks.

5. 0:23:49

   Eggs and Issues with our local chambers, a lot of home folks are here today, last night, today, and that's why we wanna get started a little bit later, so everybody would have a chance to visit. And so we'll see w- see if we can get through our work this morning, and I'm sure you still have some folks in town, and maybe you wanna visit with them again. So we'll just get started here. So, um, we're gonna go ahead now and have the morning roll call.

6. 0:24:17

   So all members present will please vote green to signify their presence in the chamber. Mr. Clerk, will you unlock the machines?

7. 0:25:11

   Have all members voted? Have all members now voted?

8. 0:25:16

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

9. 0:25:25

   Thank you, members, for being here today on this chilly, damp morning. Doorkeepers, will you cle- please close the doors and keep them closed?

10. 0:25:38

    As is our custom ... How's the sound? Is it pretty good? Can you, you guys in the back?

11. 0:25:49

    Oh, it's not pr- the back's working, the front's not. It's a work in progress, as many of us are, works in progress. Uh, as is our custom, we will begin our day with scripture reading and prayer by our chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. Our chaplain this morning is no stranger. How many years now? 36. 36 years he's come to this body and served as chaplain. Um, appreciate him and his ministry, Brother Benny Tate, but I'm gonna let, um, Clint Crowe introduce him a little bit better than I did.

12. 0:26:29

    So with that, the gentleman from the 118th House District, Representative Chairman Clint Crowe, is recognized to, uh, speak to our chaplain of the day. Representative Crowe.

13. 0:26:44

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd, uh, heard that they had gotten the sound system, they were almost had it fixed. Then they found out I was coming up to talk, so they thought they'd wait and leave it turned off while I was up here. Um, now good morning, colleagues. It's, uh, a pleasure to once again welcome back, uh, Pastor Benny Tate. Many of you in this chamber have, uh, been here and heard him and met him, uh, and been blessed by what he's had to say. Um, Pastor Benny has been at Rock Springs Church for 36 years now, and, uh, he does a lot of things.

14. 0:27:20

    He, uh, he's an author. He has a new book that's on your desk. I got a copy for everybody, so I hope that you found it on your desk this morning. Uh, I hope you'll take some time to read that. I think it, uh, it's a wonderful book, and I think you'll be blessed by it, and, uh, hope you enjoy that. Pastor Benny does that. We have multiple campuses, several missions. He's the founder and chancellor of Rock Springs Christian Academy, where my kids get to go to school, and I'm honored to get to serve on the school board there.

15. 0:27:51

    We have a group of our kids here today. We have all of the eighth grade and a lot of the seventh graders here, including my son Kason sitting up in the gallery, so, uh, we wanna make them welcome.

16. 0:28:15

    Glad to have them here. Um, Pastor Benny has also been the president of our church denomination. He's done a lot of things. But I wanna tell you what I tell people when they ask me about Benny Tate. Anytime ask, somebody asks me about him, I tell them a story. As many of you know, uh, five years ago, as we ended session 2021, right at the end of session, uh, my dad was sick. We brought him home from the hospital, and we knew we had a short time, um, with him.

17. 0:28:48

    We got to talking one day, specifically he and my wife, who is a much better Christian than I am, and Pastor Benny can attest to that. Um, but my wife got to talking to my mom and my dad about their salvation and, and wanting to make sure they were prepared. And, uh, they said that they weren't sure. They, they weren't convinced. So my wife, being who she is, got on her phone, called Pastor Benny on his cell phone and said, would he come and talk to them? That evening, he and his wife, Ms.

18. 0:29:20

    Barbara, drove from their house in Forsyth, Georgia to the north end of Butts County to my mom and dad's house, brought some banana bread that Barbara had made. I may have eaten the banana bread. Um, I shared it with them. But he came up there, sat with my parents for nearly an hour, and prayed with both of them to get saved. Now, I don't care what else anybody ever does for me, there will be nothing that will mean more than that for me and what he did for me and my family.

19. 0:29:50

    So when people ask me about him, that's who he is. He is a pastor. He is reaching people for Jesus. That is his mission. That's what he does. And I am honored to have him be my pastor, and I'm even more honored to have him be my friend. Please welcome back Dr. Benny Tate.

20. 0:30:06

    Thank you. Thank you. Good to have you. Well, good morning, and thank you so much for being here. Thank, thank you, uh, Brother Clint, for those kind words. As he was introducing me, I was praying. I was, uh, praying for, uh, Clint, and I was ax- actually asking the Lord to forgive him. I said, "God, forgive Brother Clint for over-praising me." And then I prayed a prayer, and I said, "And God, forgive me for enjoying it so much." Amen.

21. 0:30:45

    A good, good morning. Good to see all of you. Uh, just, I'm honored to have the students. Just out of curiosity, how many would say, "Pastor Benny, I've never heard you before. I've never heard you before"? Could you raise your hand? I've never heard you before. Just a few of you. Just a few. Well, I say to you few what Elizabeth Taylor said to her eighth husband, "I'm not gonna keep you long." Amen? Not gonna keep you long. I wanna talk to you this morning a scripture that's found in 2 Timothy 1:16.

22. 0:31:16

    This is what the scripture says. "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains. He often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chains." I wanna talk to you this morning about what every person needs. What every person needs.

23. 0:31:48

    I remember a few years back, a few years back, I was with Mr. Truitt Cathy. And Mr. Truitt Cathy said to me, he said, "Pastor Benny, do you know how you can determine whether or not a person needs encouragement?" I said, "No, no, Mr. Truitt. How do I know if a person needs encouragement?" He said, "Benny, if they're breathing, they need encouragement. If they're breathing, they need encouragement." During this time, we've got a lot of people running for office.

24. 0:32:21

    I heard about a guy the other day that was running for office, and he was making a speech. And while he was speaking, a heckler stood up, and the heckler said, "I wouldn't vote for you if you was Saint Peter." And the po- top politician spoke back and said, "If I was Saint Peter, you wouldn't be in my district." Amen?

25. 0:32:44

    Everybody needs encouragement. I heard about a Mrs. Johnson. She was a teacher, Mrs. Johnson, and she had Johnny in his, in her class, and Johnny would literally, uh, make these ugly faces. And Mrs. Johnson said, "Now, Johnny, when I was a little girl, the teacher told me that if you make ugly faces, your face will literally freeze that way." He said, "Mrs.

26. 0:33:15

    Johnson, you can't say you wasn't warned." Amen?

27. 0:33:20

    Well, here's what I know about every person. This is what I know about every 80 members of this body, 180 members of this body. Every one of you need encouragement. And if you don't own day three, you will by day 40. Every one of you need encouragement. And what's so encouraging to me is every one of us can do it. Every one of us can encourage other people. You say, "Pastor, help me out." I will.

28. 0:33:52

    How can I encourage somebody today? First of all, you can encourage people with your praise. With your praise. Proverbs 18 and 21 says, "Death and life is in the power of the tongue." Folks, this world that we get to live in, I believe was spoken into existence. Spoken words created this world. That's what I believe. I hope you do too.

29. 0:34:23

    I, I don't wanna be like the guy that said, "Once I was a tadpole beginning to begin, and then I was a frog with my tail tucked in, and then I was a monkey in a banana tree, and now I'm a professor with a PhD." I don't believe that. I believe that God spoke this world into existence. And friend, listen to me closely. If words created this world, your words can create somebody else's world, because death and life's in the power of the tongue.

30. 0:34:54

    How can we encourage people? We can encourage people with our praise. Let me, let me tell you a second way we can encourage people. We can encourage people with our presence. Notice what it said, "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains." Proverbs 17:17 says, "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." You say, "Pastor Benny, I wanna, I wanna encourage somebody." I'll tell you how you can do it.

31. 0:35:32

    I'll tell you how you can do it. You can encourage somebody with your presence, just being there for that person. We encourage people. We encourage people with our praise. We encourage people with our presence. But I'll tell you a third way. I've been the pastor, he said, 36 years at Rock Springs Church. How do you stay at a church 36 years? Well, when you wanna leave, you just stay, and when the people want you to leave, you just stay.

32. 0:36:07

    I just figured it would be easier for them to move their membership than me to move my furniture. Amen? I just stay.

33. 0:36:19

    I'm speaking a few weeks ago when a lady walked out the door and she said, "That was a warm message." I thought, "What does that mean?" Don't do that today.

34. 0:36:32

    The following week, I'm standing at the door, she came out the door and she said, "That was a warm message." I said, "Wonder what that means?" The third week she came out the door, Mrs. Speaker, and she said, "That's a warm message." I said, "Ma'am, what does that mean?" She said, "Not so hot."

35. 0:36:55

    We encourage people with our praise. We encourage people with our presence. B- but let me tell you a third way you can encourage people. You encourage people with your pen. I, I know we're in the electronic age. Sometimes it don't work out so well. Amen? I, I, I do believe when the devil's not bothering us, I believe he's in sound equipment. But we're in the electronic age, and everything's digi- digital today, but folks, let me tell you something.

36. 0:37:26

    Politicians, listen to me closely. There's power in picking up your pen and writing somebody a handwritten note. I, I, I don't save a lot of stuff, but I save handwritten notes that have been written to me. Look at. I'm almost finished. If you get finished before I do, just slip out. I'm almost finished. But we encourage people with our praise. We encourage people with our presence.

37. 0:37:57

    We encourage people with our pen. But there's one other way we can encourage people. We can encourage people with our prayers. You say, "Well, I, I'm praying for people." Yeah, but here's the thought. Let them know you're praying for them because if you live long enough, if you live long enough, you'll get to the point sometimes it's hard to pray for yourself. But when you got somebody who comes alongside of you and says, "I just want you to know I'm praying for you." One of my heroes in the political arena...

38. 0:38:37

    And first of all, I wanna say thank God for every one of you. I, I came today to encourage you. I, I wanna say thank God for every one of you. You say, "I'm a Republican," "I'm a Democrat." I-- Folks, we're Americans. We're Georgians. That matters not. But I wanna, I wanted to come and say thank you for what you do, but I'll tell you who I really wish I could speak to. I wish you-- I could speak to your mates and your children because I'd like to say to your mates and children, "Thank you for the sacrifice.

39. 0:39:15

    Thank you for the sacrifice you give for your mate, your husband, your wife, your, your mom, or your dad to do this service to our great state." Abraham Lincoln was, was killed tragically, and when Abraham Lincoln was killed, congregation, they started looking at what he had on him when he was killed. He had a pair of glasses. He had a pocketknife.

40. 0:39:47

    He had a handkerchief. He had a $5, $5 Confederate $5 bill. And then they noticed something else. He had a couple newspaper articles, and then these, these newspaper articles were tattered. But in these articles, the writer had spoke complimentary of President Lincoln. And so from time to time, he'd get them out and he would read them Because Mr.

41. 0:40:25

    Truitt was right. Everybody, including you, needs encouragement. And everybody around you needs encouragement. Because listen, and I'm done. If you'll treat everybody as if they're hurting, if you'll treat everybody, that means you, that means you, that means you. If you'll treat everybody as if they're hurting, you'll be treating 90% of people correctly.

42. 0:40:59

    Let's pray.

43. 0:41:04

    God, as we bow our heads and hearts in your presence, I spoke of Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln said those words, "I've been driven to my knees by an overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My wisdom and all about me seemed insufficient in the day." I pray your wisdom upon this delegation. I pray your wisdom upon this House. I pray, God, that every member of this House, Lord, that you would give them your guidance, that y- they would be led by you.

44. 0:41:37

    Not only do I pray for them, but I pray for their families. Keep them safe. Protect them, Lord. Meet the needs of their families. I pray for traveling mercy. Many travel from North Georgia, South Georgia to be here and serve the coast, to be here to serve this body. I pray that you will keep them safe on the roads. God, I just ask you to bless them and keep them. Make your face to shine up on them. Be gracious unto them. Lift your countenance upon them, and may they experience your peace.

45. 0:42:09

    For I pray this prayer respecting all faiths, but I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen. Pledge allegiance. 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.

46. 0:42:37

    Thank you, Brother Benny. Doorkeepers, you may unlock the doors. Brother Benny, thank you for being here and providing those words of encouragement.

47. 0:44:01

    Members. Wow. Members, you may greet Brother Benny in the South Ante Room if you would like to speak to him and give, tell him thanks for being here with us today.

48. 0:45:24

    Well, good morning again. We wanna thank, uh, Representative Sheila Jones of the 60th House District for bringing Dr. Organ to us as our doctor of the day. Dr. Graffan Reid Organ. Thank you. She's been here before. We appreciate her service.

49. 0:45:48

    Chairman Hilton, the Chair of the Committee on Information and Audits is recognized. Good. Oh, whoa.

50. 0:45:57

    Too much. Too mu- They fixed that s- golly. It's... All right. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Your Committee on Information Audits has read the journal of the previous legislative day and found it to be correct.

51. 0:46:14

    Chairman Hilton, the Chair of the Committee on Information and Audits reports, in a very powerful voice, that the journal of the previous legislative day has been read and found to be correct. Is there any objection to dispense with the reading of the journal? Hearing none, the reading of the journal is dispensed with. Is there any objection to the confirmation of the journal? Hearing none, the journal is confirmed.

52. 0:46:49

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

53. 0:47:22

    Hearing none, the resolution is adopted.

54. 0:47:33

    First reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk, will you read? House Bill 950 by Representative Kahaian of the 81st, Donahue of the 31st, Kelly of the 16th, and Gullett of the 19th. Bill be titled, "An Act to Amend Code Section 22-7-71 in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to immunization of students." Education. House Bill 951 by Representative Clark of the 100th, Mathiak of the 82nd, Silcox of the 53rd, Kelly of the 16th, Schofield of the 63rd, and others. Bill be titled, "An Act to Amend Chapter 24, Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to insurance gentlemen." Health.

55. 0:48:15

    House Bill 952 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Parrish of the 158th, and Burns of the 159th. Bill be titled, "An Act to Amend an Act Creating the Board of Elections and Registration for Bullock County." Intergovernmental coordination. House Bill 953 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Parrish of the 158th, and Burns of the 159th. Bill be titled, "An Act to Create the City of Statesboro Public Facilities."

56. 0:48:40

    Intergovernmental coordination. House Bill 954 by Representative Bell of the 75th, Gisler of the 121st, Jones of the 25th, Sharper of the 177th, Gilliard of the 162nd, and others. A bill be entitled an act to amend Title 2, Chapter 5 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated rela-relating the issuance, expiration, and renewal of licenses. Motor vehicles. House Bill 955 by Representative Silcox of the 53rd, Jones of the 47th, Hilton of the 48th, Evans of the 57th, Donatucci of the 105th, and others.

57. 0:49:14

    A bill be entitled an act to amend Chapter 4, Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to holidays and observances. Special rules. House Bill 956 by Representative Corbett of the 174th, Smith of the 70th, Cannon of the 172nd. A bill be entitled an act to amend Code Section 12-8-27.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Solid Waste Trust Fund. Natural resources and environment. House Bill 957 by Representative Clifton of the 131st, Corbett of the 174th, Persinger of the 119th, Camp of the 135th, New of the 40th, and others.

58. 0:49:52

    A bill be entitled an act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to motor vehicles and traffic. Motor vehicles. House Bill 958 by Representative Howell of the 50th, Stevens of the 164th, Greene of the 154th, Hawkins of the 27th, and Buckner of the 137th. A bill be entitled an act to amend Chapter 11 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to taxes on tobacco. Ways and means. House Bill 959 by Representative Howell of the 50th, Stevens of the hundred s- Greene of the 154th, Hawkins of the 27th, and Buckner of the 137th.

59. 0:50:28

    A bill be entitled an act to amend Chapter 11 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to taxes on tobacco and vaping products. Ways and means. House Resolution 1009 by Representative Cannon of the 172nd, Ford of the 170th. A resolution honoring the life of Mr. John L. Williams, dedicating an interchange in his memory. Transportation. That completes first reader. Second reading of bills.

60. 0:51:18

    Second reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk, will you read? House Bill 933 by Representative Hawkins of the 27th, Dunnahoo of the 31st, Cox of the 28th, Clark of the 100th, Dubnik of the 29th, and others. A bill relating to the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority. House Bill 934 by Representative Williams of the 148th, Efstration of the 104th, Williamson of the 112th, Jones of the 47th, Burchette of the 176th. A bill relating to banking and finance, commerce and trade, public officers and employees. House Bill 935 by Representative Cannon of the 172nd, Taylor of the 173rd.

61. 0:51:48

    A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Probate Court of Thomas County. House Bill 936 by Representative Cannon of the 172nd. A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Municipal Court of the City of Berlin. House Bill 937 by Representative Ford of the 170th and O'Steen of the 169th. A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Magistrate Court of Berrien County. House Bill 938 by Representative Ford of the 170th, O'Steen of the 169th. A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Magistrate Court of Tift County.

62. 0:52:19

    House Bill 939 by Representative Ford of the 170th, O'Steen of the 169th. A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the State Court of Tift County. House Bill 940 by Representative Ford of the 170th, O'Steen of the 169th. A bill to amend an act creating and establishing the State Court of Tift County. House Bill 941 by Representative Ford of the 170th. A bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Probate Court of, of Tift County. House Bill 942 by Representative Purnell of the 77th, Bell of the 75th, Flournoy of the 74th, Scott of the 76th. A bill relating to property exempt from ad valorem taxation.

63. 0:52:52

    House Bill 943 by Representative Silcox of the 53rd, Hawkins of the 27th, Cooper of the 45th, Franklin of the 160th, Schofield of the 63rd. A bill relating to programs and protection for children and youth. House Bill 944 by Representative McDonald of the 26th, Crowe of the 118th, Hitchens of the 161st, Lumsden of the 12th. A bill relating to safe operations of motor carriers, commercial motor vehicles, drivers, and safe transportation of hazardous materials. House Bill 945 by Representative Williamson of the 112th, Williams of the, of the 148th, Chastain of the 7th. A bill relating to banking and finance.

64. 0:53:22

    House Bill 946 by Representative Clifton of the 131st, Rhodes of the 124th, Ridley of the 6th, Kelley of the 16th, Cannon of the 172nd, and others. A bill relating to game and fish. House Bill 947 by Representative Momtahan of the 17th, Cannon of the 172nd, Tarvin of the 2nd, Jones of the 25th, Kelley of the 16th, and others. A bill relating to general provisions of public assistance. House Bill 948 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Crowe of the 118th, Mathiak of the 82nd, Powell of the 33rd, Leverett of the 123rd. A bill relating to mortgages, conveyances to secure debt, liens from, and tax sales.

65. 0:53:52

    House Bill 949 by Representative Camp of the 135th, O'Steen of the 169th, Cannon of the 172nd, Dickey of the 134th, Ford of the 170th, and others. A bill relating to general provisions regarding aviation. House Resolution 999 by Representative Cox of the 28th, Jaspers of the 11th, Hatcher of the 150th, Fincher of the 23rd, Barrett of the 24th, and others. Resolution urging all Georgia citizens, cities, and counties to remember and honor the sacredness of America's 250th anniversary and the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 2026. House Resolution 1000 by Representative Efstration of the 104th, Williams of the 148th, Dickey of the 134th, Williams of the 168th, Buckner of the 137th, and others.

66. 0:54:29

    Resolution proposing amendment to the Constitution so as to eliminate the ad valorem tax assessment of certain timber at sale or harvest. House Bill 1001 by Representative Bell of the 75th, Sanchez of the 42nd, Román of the 97th, Holly of the 116th, McQueen of the 61st, and others. Resolution expressing support for ethical investment of all state funds and public resources. House Bill 1007 by Representative Jones of the 25th, Oliver of the 84th, Schofield of the 63rd, Dempsey of the 13th, O'Steen of the 169th, and others. Resolution acknowledging the effectiveness of arts for health initiatives in improving mental health outcomes.

67. 0:54:58

    House Resolution 1008 by Representative Smith of the hundred- of the 70th. Dickey of the 134th, Corbett of the 174th, Townsend 179th, Smith of the 138th, and others. Resolution to ratify amendments of certain comprehensive statewide water management plan. Through second readers. Oh.

68. 0:55:16

    Senate Bill 214 by Senator Burns of the 23rd, Williams of the 25th, Moore of the 53rd, Harbour of the 16th, Gooch of the 51st, and others. A bill relating to elections and primaries generally. Through second readers.

69. 0:56:04

    Well, we have no reports of standing committees, so we'll move on to morning orders. Chairman Hilton.

70. 0:56:18

    Gentlemen, if you'll hold just for a minute. All right, members, we are, uh, moving on to, um, completing our day. We have members that want to, uh, share with us, that have... We have some visitors here. What... I'm sure each and every one of you would like to have your message heard when you come to the well as we honor some visitors we have in the gallery.

71. 0:56:50

    So members, please take seats, cease conversation, or take it to the ante room. Pretty simple equation.

72. 0:57:26

    Let's do it one more time. We got close that time. Members, please take seats.

73. 0:57:37

    Thank you, members. Chairman Hilton, recognized for a morning order.

74. 0:57:44

    Careful with the mic. All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am honored, members, to welcome to the Capitol today the best Girl Scout troop in all of Georgia, Troop 18176. Can you please stand up and, uh, have the, uh, members recognize you here?

75. 0:58:06

    Thank you. They are in... They join us. They are in seventh grade. They're a little upset with me about cell phones, but their parents love me. Thank you, girls. Have a great day.

76. 0:58:18

    No comment. It's good to have y'all in the house with us. He is a pretty good guy. I have to vouch for him. Thank y'all for being here. Appreciate the Girl Scouts, too. We're looking forward to some cookies when that time comes around. Yeah, won't be long will it? Thank y'all.

77. 0:58:37

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

78. 0:58:47

    Recognizing and commending Bishop Dr. Eddie Lee Stevens. Commending the Seminole County Youth Poll Worker Initiative. Recognizing commending the executive director, staff, and members of the Golden Triangle Resource Conservation and Development Council. Commending and congratulating Clara Dawson Jackson. Recognizing commending Carlton County Chief Ranger Roger Todd of the Georgia Forestry Commission as a recipient of the 2025 Directors' Award and for his outstanding service to the state of Georgia.

79. 0:59:20

    Recognizing and commending Dr. Anthony W. Smith. Commending and congratulating Lucille McMullin. Recognizing January 26, 2026, as Georgia Association of Broadcasters Day, and commending the 2025-2026 4-H leadership teams and award recipients, and recognizing February 26, 2026, as 4-H Day at the State Capitol, and for other purposes. That completes the reading of the privileged resolution.

80. 0:59:56

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

81. 1:00:48

    Okay, we have some afternoon orders in the morning. But before we start, in case some of you need to s- to leave early before we adjourn, of course, we all know the State of the State is tomorrow

82. 1:01:02

    We, we will get started promptly at 10:00. The governor would like to get started promptly at 11:00. The Senate will be coming in. I think some of them al- already tried to infiltrate. I saw Senator Burns in here a while ago. So, um, we all, they'll be coming in about 10:45, so that kinda gives you a timeframe of what we need to be doing. So we, we'll be ready to get started at, at, with the governor. And it is, it is our year to host, if you will, and we always do a great job doing that anyway, but it is our year.

83. 1:01:35

    So we'll be on time, and we'll be prompt, and we'll be welcoming to our friends from across the hall, and certainly welcome Governor Kemp here for his last State of the State address. Thank you, members. I hope all of you will be, will be able to be here tomorrow. With that, we'll go on to afternoon orders. We have a number... I'm sorry. I've covered it up, didn't I?

84. 1:01:57

    Yeah.

85. 1:01:57

    We have a number of afternoon orders. We're gonna start with, um, Representative McClain.

86. 1:02:04

    Uh, before you get started, my friend, Representative Dewey McClain, I'm gonna, we're gonna adhere to a time schedule as we work on, uh, through this session, so gonna have a little bit of flexibility today. So we'll ask everyone to, to complete their afternoon orders in two minutes. Two minutes. I mean, did you think you need 20 or-

87. 1:02:27

    Five. Five.

88. 1:02:30

    Well, let's see if you can do it in two. I mean, you're a former football player, so I c- I'll have to... This is a two-minute warning. We'll give you two-minute warning when that.

89. 1:02:37

    Thank you.

90. 1:02:38

    The gentleman's recognized.

91. 1:02:40

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, colleagues, I just wanna make sure all y'all are aware that the Working Families Caucus luncheon will be tomorrow. Oh, Mr. Speaker, this is, wow, this is a great... This is pretty good. Um.

92. 1:02:53

    Been working on that thing. It's working better, isn't it?

93. 1:02:55

    Wow. Yeah. You need to kinda hold it down some. Um, can I start over, Mr. Speaker?

94. 1:03:01

    Yeah, we reset the clock for you.

95. 1:03:04

    Um, again, uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I wanna make sure just y'all are aware that the Working Family Caucus will meet tomorrow, uh, Thursday, January 15th, upon adjournment after the, uh, the governor's. Uh, the Georgia AFL-CIO, uh, will present their legislative priorities, and we'll be in room 310 in CLOB, and that is tomorrow. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

96. 1:03:31

    Thank you, Repres- Representative McClain. I think the, uh, equipment is starting to be more normal, so I've, know I've tried it very close to the microphone and then backing away. I think now you can take your normal distance from the microphone, and it seems to be working properly, so let's try that. I don't think you have to get close to the microphone. You did a great job, by the way.

97. 1:03:54

    Thank you.

98. 1:03:54

    Thank you so much. Uh, Representative Moore. Representative Angela Moore is recognized for an afternoon order.

99. 1:04:08

    Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was a little busy trying to find my 10W30 to get out my chair today. We're gonna bring some for everyone tomorrow. Uh, hello, colleagues. Thank you all for, uh, giving me your attention. I put on your desk today the flyer about our young girls who are in need of, uh, gowns for their, for their graduation, uh, dance and their ball that will be coming up soon. So I'm asking each and every person that can hear us, if you all would please donate a gown for their prom, we would love to have it.

100. 1:04:45

     We are in association with Princess and A PAD to help children in high school who are graduating to be able to take their, a gown to the prom this year. Those who cannot afford a prom gown will be afforded one through this program. If you, your wife, your aunt, sister, next-door neighbor, or friends have a gown, please drop them off in my office in the CLOB Building, 411. Thank you so much.

101. 1:05:13

     Thank you, Representative Moore. That's special.

102. 1:05:15

     And bring some 10W30 for the chairs. The spray for the chairs so we can roll out and run down here to see.

103. 1:05:24

     Come, I'll come over there and check that chair out.

104. 1:05:45

     Representative Adeyina. There you are. Couldn't find you.

105. 1:05:52

     Good morning. How are you?

106. 1:05:53

     Good morning.

107. 1:05:54

     Recognized for a mor- afternoon order, my friend.

108. 1:05:57

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Uh, today we have, on your desk you'll see a beautiful flyer, and it's for the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus meeting today. The weekly meeting will be held at 3:00 PM, CLOB 310. Today's special guest is Georgia Alliance. We look forward to hearing from them. In addition, there's a letter attached welcoming all members back, and we're getting ready for a very interesting session. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

109. 1:06:29

     Which room was that?

110. 1:06:33

     CLOB 310.

111. 1:06:35

     310. Thank you, sir.

112. 1:06:36

     Thank you.

113. 1:06:41

     Mr. Chairman Dickey, what are you up to this afternoon? Yeah. Y- I'm gonna have to wait and find out?

114. 1:06:49

     Yes, sir.

115. 1:06:50

     Well, the gentleman's recognized for an afternoon order.

116. 1:06:54

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I wanna take a quick moment of, uh, personal privilege. Uh, today is my, uh, and Cindy's anniversary, and she is a great, uh, partner with me. And, uh, I just wanna thank her. Back home at the farm taking care of my, my business and our family. Thank y'all. That is very kind. Um, I got introduced to her a long time ago. We were teenagers in high school, and she stuck with me through thick and thin, thin for a long time.

117. 1:07:29

     And I just want to tell her I love her and thank you for, uh, all she does for our family. A wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. So happy anniversary.

118. 1:07:45

     A beautiful lady, and we appreciate her and what she's done for Georgia as well, and what she continues to do for Georgia. Not just your family, but all of our families in Georgia. Uh, Cindy, we love you, too. Thank you. Good job, Mr. Chairman. You're back in good graces. I'm not sure if you were out of them, but you're in good graces now. Representative Bell is recognized for an afternoon order. Representative Bell.

119. 1:08:20

     Gentleman's recognized.

120. 1:08:25

     Good morning, colleagues, and what a joy it is to be back with you today. Um, before I start, I would just like to know, let you all know how much I love you, I love this state, and I love this nation.

121. 1:08:38

     So in our nation, a mother, a wife, a daughter was killed on American soil. Her life had a purpose, her life had value, and her life mattered. Dr. King reminds us that the measure of a nation is not found on the strength of its forces, but on the depth of its conscience. When a mother is taken from her children, a whole country is diminished. When the power is exercised without restraint, liberty itself is at risk.

122. 1:09:12

     Now, let us say it plainly. As someone raised to respect the law, order, and the rule that stands for all of us and that no one stands above it, America is the strongest when the authority is disciplined and accounted for. The government that asks for our very trust is, needs to earn it every day. Bad actions by anyone wearing a badge or holding the title is dishonor, and dishonor to the good men and women that serve our nation faithfully daily.

123. 1:09:47

     We can believe in both borders and still in human dignity. We can stand for enforcement and still stand against injustice. We can put America first. We can put America first without putting compassion down. Renee Nicole Good should still be alive today. Her children should still hear her voice.

124. 1:10:17

     It is the Republic that must endure. It is our democracy that must endure. And with her death, it must not be ignored, excused, or buried. As a great Georgian once said and taught us, "The arc of the moral universe bends towards justice, but only with patriots that are brave enough to bend with it." Let us honor, let us honor Renee Nicole Goodman, not with empty words, but with truth, accountability, and renewed commitment to our nation to protect life, liberty, and justice for all, because that is what America means to put America first.

125. 1:10:58

     Thank you, colleagues. Georgia first.

126. 1:11:03

     Thank you, Representative.

127. 1:11:15

     Representative Efstration.

128. 1:11:16

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

129. 1:11:17

     For a, for an afternoon order. Uh, you have up to two minutes.

130. 1:11:24

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, I'll be brief. I know that, uh, this session has gotten off to a quick start, uh, this year, it feels. Former member of law enforcement myself, as an assistant district attorney, knowing the judicial process like I do, I just feel compelled to come here to this well to say that the rule of law is what rules in this country, that there's an opportunity for review. Uh, any time that national politics are going to influence the debates and discussions that we have here at the State Capitol, potentially, uh, we may be doing so, uh, with, uh, with more of a political slant than policy-driven approach.

131. 1:12:02

     And what I would just say is this: We back the blue here in Georgia. The caucus that I lead has been very clear about that, that, uh, we have no intent of doing, uh, doing anything differently. And it's proud, uh, as a proud member of, uh, the caucus that I serve as majority leader for, intend to do so here in the future. There's a opportunity for discussions, investigations to take place, uh, but at the end of the day, we cannot allow the rule of law, uh, to be criticized or influenced in such a way that it gets us off track from focusing on the needs of Georgians here in our state.

132. 1:12:39

     With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the well.

133. 1:12:41

     Thank you, Representative. That concludes our afternoon orders. We'll move on to announcements. Representative Chas Cannon.

134. 1:12:54

     Representative, Representative Chas Cannon is recognized for an announcement.

135. 1:12:59

     Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You got an invite on your desk yesterday, an email from me yesterday about Keeping Georgia Wild tomorrow. Uh, it's in the south atrium steps from 8:00 to 11:00. The governor will speak around 9:00. Speaker will speak about the same time. Uh, Lieutenant Governor Jones and among others, uh, Commissioner Rabun. So I invite you to come to Keeping Georgia Wild day tomorrow, 8:00 to 11:00 in the south atrium steps. Hope to see you there. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

136. 1:13:27

     It's all about wildlife?

137. 1:13:28

     That's what I thought. And-

138. 1:13:34

     And the coast. Absolutely. Good spot. Leader Efstration, you have an announcement? Not that announcement, but an announcement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, there is a committee chairman's lunch today upon adjournment in Room 403 of the State Capitol. Upon adjournment, Room 403 of the State Capitol. Thank you. Thank you. Chair Lady Lynn Smith is recognized for an announcement. Well, good afternoon, colleagues. Tomorrow morning, the House Natural Resource and Environment Committee will have a hearing on House Resolution 1008.

139. 1:14:14

     It is a hearing only, and also an emphasis on a little bit of education. It's been a long time since we've addressed issues such as this, so it's a full committee meeting tomorrow at 8:00 in Room 606 CLB. Thank you.

140. 1:14:31

     Thank you, Chair Lady. That completes our announcements. Completes our announcements. Thank you, members, for your attention today. Hope you have an opportunity to visit with some home folks if they're up here. So, um, with that, I'm gonna recognize the majority leader for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

141. 1:15:02

     Time's flying. On the motion of the majority leader that this House stands adjourned until 10:00 AM Thursday, January the 15th, 2026. All those in favor will say, "Aye." Aye. All those opposed, "No."

142. 1:15:22

     No. You guys with no's are getting closer. The ayes clearly have it from the way it sounds up here. This House is adjourned. Thank you, members.