--- title: Senate floor session, February 24, 2026 (legislative day 23) collection: meetings id: 2026-02-24/senate-floor cite_as: Senate floor session, February 24, 2026 (legislative day 23), video https://vimeo.com/1166755361 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1166755361 date: 2026-02-24 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/house-floor.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-retirement.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate floor body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-floor.md meeting_kind: floor legislative_day: 23 session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-02-24T10:00:00-05:00 location: Senate Chamber duration_seconds: 12904.0 video_id: 1166755361 video_title: Legislative Day 23 | 2026 Legislative Session | 02/24/2026 bills_discussed: - SB 541 - SR 692 - SR 797 - SR 407 - SB 502 - SB 510 - SB 430 - SB 171 - SB 392 - SB 395 - SB 428 - SB 162 - SB 218 bills_read_aloud: 66 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 444 transcript_chars: 147044 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=59967 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=119904 --- # Senate floor session, February 24, 2026 (legislative day 23) Senate floor; February 24, 2026; legislative day 23; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1166755361. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The Senate passed [SB 171](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb171) on advanced math instruction, [SB 395](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb395) on medical cannabis registry information, [SB 428](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb428) on community-based Medicaid services, and [SB 430](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb430) on military museums and hotel-motel tax funding. It also passed [SB 392](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb392) on reviewing agency budgets, but a senator gave notice of reconsideration for the next legislative day. Senators approved moving [SB 510](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb510) to a different committee and rejected moving [SB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb541). The chamber also heard bill readings and committee reports, adopted recognition resolutions, and passed an unnamed local consent calendar, 53-0. The transcript does not identify the measures on that calendar. Senators gave notice of plans to consider House changes to two bills the following day. A newly elected senator was seated, and the Senate adjourned until February 25. ## Bills discussed (13) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### SB 541. Property; the placement of wheel restraints on trespassing motor vehicles; prohibit [SB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb541) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:16:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1004s), turns 16 to 271. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Read and Referred, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73466. After its first reading and assignment to Interstate Cooperation, the sponsor sought to move [SB 541](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb541), which would prohibit vehicle wheel restraints, to Public Safety. The sponsor said 40 senators had co-sponsored it and argued that assignment to a committee without a chair was blocking a widely supported proposal. Another senator supported banning wheel restraints but urged respect for committee assignments and offered to work on other legislation. The Interstate Cooperation vice chair said the committee could hear the bill and also suggested Urban Affairs as an alternative. The presiding officer disputed that the committee had an acting chair and offered to discuss the leadership question with the secretary. The Senate rejected the transfer, 23-28, leaving the bill in Interstate Cooperation. ### SR 692. Trauma Awareness Day; recognize February 24, 2026 [SR 692](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr692) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:47:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2872s), turns 67 to 84. The Senate adopted [SR 692](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr692), recognizing Trauma Awareness Day and commending trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation, without objection. The presenting senator said Georgia's trauma centers had expanded from 15 in 2007 to 36 and described initiatives such as ambulance blood transfusions. The Georgia Trauma Commission chair thanked legislators for supporting the trauma system and said Georgia's trauma death rate had moved from 16% above the national average to 6% below it. The commission chair attributed 1,803 lives saved in the previous year to that improvement. ### SR 797. FFA Day; recognize February 24, 2026 [SR 797](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr797) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:56:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3393s), turns 86 to 95. The Senate adopted [SR 797](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr797), recognizing FFA Day and commending the Georgia FFA Association, without objection. The presenting senator said the association had more than 80,000 members in 410 chapters and praised the students' work and leadership. An FFA student representative thanked legislators for supporting agricultural education and described the association's annual theme as encouraging enthusiasm for agricultural education and leadership. ### SR 407. Massey, Mr. Abit; condolences [SR 407](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr407) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [1:02:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3730s), turns 97 to 111. The Senate adopted [SR 407](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr407), honoring a longtime poultry industry representative, without objection. The presiding officer and presenting senator described more than 60 years of work at the Capitol and praised the honoree's relationships with legislators and service to the poultry industry. A family representative thanked the Senate and recalled the honoree's earlier work in state government, long connection to the Capitol, and enthusiasm for life. ### SB 502. "The Affordability Act of 2026"; enact [SB 502](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb502) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [1:20:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4801s), turns 126 to 127. During personal remarks, a senator described [SB 502](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb502) as a Democratic proposal responding to residents' concerns about everyday costs. The senator said it would exempt diapers, menstrual products, baby formula, breast pumps, breast milk, and over-the-counter medication, among other items, from sales tax. No vote or other action on the bill was shown. ### SB 510. Board of Education of Cobb County; future elections for members of the board of education shall be nonpartisan; provide [SB 510](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb510) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [1:52:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6747s), turns 199 to 226. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Withdrawn & Recommitted, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/73233. A senator requested moving [SB 510](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb510) from State and Local Government Operations to that committee's general-legislation counterpart. The clerk described the bill as making future Cobb County school board elections nonpartisan. One opponent argued that the matter should remain with the local delegation and that disagreement within the delegation should not be bypassed through the full Senate. A second opponent also urged leaving the decision to local people. The senator requesting the move said disagreement made the ordinary committee and floor process more appropriate than the accelerated local consent process. The Senate approved the transfer, 30-19. ### SB 430. Taxes; certain military museums qualify as destination marketing organizations and private sector nonprofit organizations; provide [SB 430](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb430) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [2:11:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7910s), turns 280 to 422. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Engrossed, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72487. The Senate first voted 30-22 to engross [SB 430](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb430), a procedural step limiting further changes, after an objection to the request. Neither side spoke to that motion. When the bill returned for consideration, the clerk read a committee substitute that specifically included military museums and related institutions in the definition of tourism product development. The presenting senator described the proposal as a clarification allowing museums, including institutions preserving and interpreting military conflicts and actions, to receive hotel-motel tax funding. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the substitute without objection and passed the bill, 49-0. ### SB 171. Quality Basic Education Act; State Board of Education to develop an advanced mathematics pathway; require [SB 171](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb171) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [2:14:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8088s), turns 292 to 313. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Third Read, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70343. The presenting senator said [SB 171](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb171) would require an advanced math pathway for grades six through eight and authorize one for grades three through five. The senator said this would help students take high school math in middle school and prepare for more advanced study. The senator explained that qualifying students would be enrolled automatically unless parents opted out. An amendment would also let parents enroll students who did not qualify automatically if their prior statewide math assessment score was above the 50th percentile. The presenting senator supported that amendment. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the amendment and committee substitute without objection and passed the bill, 53-0. ### SB 392. "Waste Reduction Act of 2026"; enact [SB 392](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb392) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [2:21:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8509s), turns 314 to 375. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Third Read, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72187. The sponsor said [SB 392](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb392) would restore agency budget reviews that expired in 2020, without another expiration date. The sponsor described public analyses of spending, program purposes, results, and alternatives, at least every 10 years. An opponent argued that Georgia already underfunded services and that the proposal would help justify further cuts. A questioning senator said the bill required information, not spending reductions. Another supporter said budgets mainly highlight annual changes and cited growth from $26 billion to $42 billion over seven years as a reason to examine existing spending. That supporter described an eight-year review cycle, differing from the sponsor's description. A third supporter said periodic reviews balanced efficiency against staff costs. The sponsor responded that the proposal sought priority-based spending and transparency, not automatic cuts. The Senate passed the bill, 44-7. Afterward, another senator questioned starting budgets from zero and warned about budget deadlock. That senator gave notice of reconsideration for the next legislative day. ### SB 395. Department of Public Health; eligible for the Low THC Oil Patient Registry; require a physician to submit certain information to the Georgia Composite Medical Board [SB 395](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb395) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [3:17:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11835s), turns 380 to 396. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Third Read, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72198. The sponsor said [SB 395](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb395) would improve communication between the Department of Public Health, which processes medical cannabis applications, and the medical board, which enforces physician licensing rules. The sponsor said out-of-state doctors were certifying Georgia patients through telemedicine websites, including one New York doctor who had certified almost 4,000 people. The sponsor said the simplified committee substitute would let the medical board receive registry information to check licensing compliance, not restrict legitimate patient certification. The clerk's reading reflected a narrower substitute focused on disclosure rather than the original reporting requirements. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the substitute without objection and passed the bill, 46-0. ### SB 428. Medical Assistance; Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; direct [SB 428](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb428) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [3:22:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12161s), turns 397 to 413. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Third Read, 2026-02-24): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/72468. The sponsor described [SB 428](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb428) as a Department of Community Health proposal for people with complex needs who frequently use emergency rooms and jails and are often homeless. The sponsor said it would authorize the department to seek federal Medicaid permission for intensive case management and other community supports. No questions were asked of the sponsor. During voting, another senator criticized the majority's gradual approach to Medicaid expansion and urged broader expansion. The Senate adopted the committee substitute without objection and passed the bill, 46-0. ### SB 162. Georgia Composite Medical Board; implement an automated credentialing system for healthcare providers in this state; provide [SB 162](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb162) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [3:30:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12647s), turns 424 to 427. A senator gave notice of plans to ask the Senate to consider House changes to [SB 162](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb162) on the next legislative day. The clerk described the bill as requiring the Georgia Composite Medical Board to implement an automated credentialing system for healthcare providers. The presiding officer confirmed consideration was planned for the following day. No decision on the House changes was made during this session. ### SB 218. Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission; shall be assigned for administrative purposes only to the Administrative Office of the Courts; provide [SB 218](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb218) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [3:31:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12716s), turns 429 to 433. A senator gave notice of plans to ask the Senate to consider House changes to [SB 218](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb218) on the next legislative day. The clerk described provisions placing the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission administratively within the Administrative Office of the Courts, funding it through the judicial branch, and providing specified weapons-law exemptions for current and retired commission members and employees. The presiding officer confirmed consideration was planned for the following day. No decision on the House changes was made during this session. ## Bills read aloud (66) Read aloud only (a first or second reading, a committee's report), with no discussion. - [SB 543](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb543) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues for Butts County; required to read an ordinance, resolution, or other matter before the board at one meeting prior to the adoption; provide: [0:16:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1015s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 546](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb546) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Death Investigations; include microscopic and toxicology studies and immunization records in the investigation of a sudden and unexpected death of a child; require coroner and medical examiners: [0:17:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1033s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 542](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb542) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Sexual Offenses; clergy members to be charged with certain improper sexual contact offenses; permit: [0:16:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1010s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 545](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb545) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Butts County; a homestead exemption from Butts County ad valorem taxes for county purposes; provide: [0:17:07](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1027s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 547](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb547) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Offenses of Pimping and Pandering; modify the penalties: [0:17:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1038s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 548](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb548) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Fraud and Related Offenses; certain for profit organizations from the term "credit repair services organization"; exempt: [0:17:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1042s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SR 834](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr834) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Bangladeshi Peacekeepers in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations; recognize: [0:17:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1063s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 549](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb549) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; covered governmental entities from providing funding or resources in support of the operation of immigration detention centers; prohibit: [0:17:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1049s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 550](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb550) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Torts; manufacturers of firearms relative to absence or inclusion of safety features in certain instances; limit liability: [0:17:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1054s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SB 551](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb551) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Standard, Labeling, and Adulteration of Food; eggs; repeal provisions: [0:17:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1058s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1061](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1061) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Mandi Ballinger Act; enact: [0:17:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1079s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1086](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1086) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Preston Fant and Brant Chesney Firefighter Safety Act; enact: [0:18:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1084s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1120](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1120) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Union County; governing authority; change from a sole commissioner to a five-member board of commissioners; provide advisory referendum: [0:18:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1090s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1199](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1199) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Code of 1986; revise terms and incorporate certain provisions of federal law into Georgia law: [0:18:17](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1097s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1213](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1213) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Mableton, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for a referendum: [0:18:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1102s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [HB 1297](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1297) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Pierce County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:18:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1106s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) - [SR 800](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr800) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Joint Study Committee on the Generational Sustainability of Family Farms; create: [0:18:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1127s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SR 567](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr567) (2025-2026 Regular Session), State Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Day; express support for the designation: [0:19:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1159s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [SB 425](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb425) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Education; all schools that receive state funding with students in any of grades three through five to provide instruction in cursive handwriting to all students by no later than third grade; require: [0:19:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1143s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 439](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb439) (2025-2026 Regular Session), "Fair Business Practices Act of 1975"; regulation of referral agencies for assisted living communities and personal care homes; provide: [0:19:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1161s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [SB 497](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb497) (2025-2026 Regular Session), School Students; written notification to a parent when a student receives certain noninstructional services from certain school employees; require: [0:19:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1144s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 500](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb500) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Behavioral Health Care Workforce Data Base; expand to include data from licensed health care professionals: [0:19:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1165s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 535](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb535) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Mental Health; the re-creation of community service boards; provide: [0:19:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1163s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [SB 46](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb46) (2025-2026 Regular Session), "Government Serves the People Act"; enact: [0:19:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1182s) - [SR 115](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr115) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Lanier County High School Lady Bulldogs; congratulate: [0:20:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1203s) - [SB 202](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb202) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Discovery; discovery in misdemeanor cases; change provisions: [0:19:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1185s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 327](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb327) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Clayton Judicial Circuit; sixth judge of the superior courts; provide: [0:19:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1183s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [SR 480](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr480) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Georgia Forests; acute and ongoing threat to Georgia's forests posed by the southern pine beetle; recognize: [0:20:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1202s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 983](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb983) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Conservation and natural resources; prescribed burning for silviculture purposes is exempt from certain burning notice and permit requirements; clarify: [0:20:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1205s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 470](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb470) (2025-2026 Regular Session), "Emergency & Public Safety Signal Protection Act"; enact: [0:19:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1180s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [HB 935](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb935) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Thomas County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:20:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1239s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 966](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb966) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Garden City, City of; mayor to fill any vacancy in the office of mayor pro tempore; provide: [0:20:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1240s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 501](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb501) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; update provisions: [0:20:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1221s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute) - [SB 527](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb527) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Sheriffs; candidates for the office of sheriff are certified peace officers at the time of qualifying as a candidate; require: [0:20:24](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1224s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1005](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1005) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Austell, City of; provide for a city manager; revise powers and duties of city council committees, the mayor, and department directors: [0:20:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1242s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1067](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1067) (2025-2026 Regular Session), West Point, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption: [0:20:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1244s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1074](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1074) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Suwanee, City of; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption: [0:20:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1246s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1090](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1090) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Echols County; Board of Commissioners; county commissioners shall be elected from the county at large; provide: [0:20:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1248s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1092](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1092) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Chehaw Park Authority; extend existence of authority: [0:20:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1249s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1139](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1139) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Spalding County Water Authority Act; enact: [0:20:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1251s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1140](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1140) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Ben Hill County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:20:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1253s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1155](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1155) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Tift County; board of commissioners; revise purchasing provisions: [0:20:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1255s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1168](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1168) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Heard County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption: [0:20:57](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1257s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1169](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1169) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Spalding County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:20:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1259s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1170](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1170) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Spalding County; State Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:21:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1261s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1172](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1172) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Spalding County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee: [0:21:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1263s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1186](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1186) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Garden City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority; repeal Act: [0:21:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1265s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1200](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1200) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Chatham County; City of Savannah; school district ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; provisions: [0:21:07](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1267s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1203](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1203) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Chatham County; school district ad valorem tax; homestead exemption; provisions: [0:21:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1269s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1241](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1241) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Decatur, City of; city commission and public school system; revise provisions: [0:21:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1271s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 469](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb469) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Board of Commissioners of Forsyth County; term limits for members; provide: [0:21:16](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1276s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1246](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1246) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Clayton, City of; provide new charter: [0:21:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1273s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [HB 1258](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1258) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Muscogee County; State Court; provide additional judge: [0:21:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1275s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 491](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb491) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Cobb Judicial Circuit; assistant district attorneys; change the salaries: [0:21:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1278s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 492](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb492) (2025-2026 Regular Session), State Court of Cobb County; additional assistant solicitor positions; provide: [0:21:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1279s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Committee Favorably Reported) - [SB 441](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb441) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Local Government Investment Pool; certain pooled investments to be approved by the State Depository Board; require: [0:21:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1294s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SB 443](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb443) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Offenses Against Public Order; the punishment for the offense of obstructing highways, streets, sidewalks, or other public passages; increase: [0:21:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1302s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SB 472](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb472) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Local Boards of Education; audit findings or findings by the state auditor of financial mismanagement or misconduct; provide for the suspension of members: [0:21:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1312s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [HB 945](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb945) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Banking and finance; holds on accounts of eligible adults for suspected financial exploitation; provide: [0:22:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1351s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SR 610](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr610) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Senate Study Committee on Improving and Increasing Recycling; create: [0:22:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1333s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SR 697](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr697) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Colbert, Jason; recognize: [0:22:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1341s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SR 698](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sr698) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Mirzakulova, Dr. Ekaterina; recognize: [0:22:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1346s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SB 478](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb478) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Outdoor Stewardship; provide for a sunset: [0:22:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1322s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [SB 513](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/sb513) (2025-2026 Regular Session), "Every Day Counts Act"; enact: [0:22:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1328s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [HR 1008](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hr1008) (2025-2026 Regular Session), State-wide water management plan; ratify amendments: [0:22:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1368s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) - [HB 956](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb956) (2025-2026 Regular Session), Solid Waste Trust Fund; authorize use of funds for implementation of provisions of a solid waste management program: [0:22:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1360s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read Second Time) > The transcript runs 147,044 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 3 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=59967; part 3 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-24/senate-floor.md?start=119904. ## Transcript (444 turns) [0:10:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=647s) Good morning, everyone. Good morning. The time for convening has arrived. The Senate will come to order at this time. I ask the good senator from Newnan, Georgia, Coweta County, to give us a report on the journal there, Senator. [0:11:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=670s) I thought I had the day off, Mr. President, but I guess I don't. Hope you had a good weekend. Look like you had a busy weekend. Got to go see Michael Jordan win another car race. Mr. President, today's a great day. We got a new senator here in the chamber. He's got three young children that are good, good candidates to be pages one day. [0:11:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=701s) Look forward to having them. Speaking of pages, we got a great group here from all over this great state. Out of Vidalia, we have Janie Beck. From Dahlonega, we have Emma Beckworth. From Alpharetta, we have Satwik Bodhareddy. From Atlanta, Madeline Bradley. From Dawsonville, Caleb Brown, Allison Burdette, and Bentley Cain. [0:12:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=732s) From Dahlonega, Sadie Chatham. From Milledgeville, Alexander Davenport. From Peachtree Corners, Evron Delaine. From Roswell, Maya Fernandez. From Norcross, Caroline Fierro Chavez. From Dahlonega, Ellie Rain Fuller. From Dahlonega, Elsie Grizzle. From Johns Creek, Nachiket Hegde. [0:12:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=766s) From Dahlonega, Claire Howerton. From Grantville, Taylor Lynch. From Marietta, John Martin and Reese Martinez. From Dahlonega, Hadley Murray. From Alpharetta, Rahul Patkar. From Ball Ground, Harper Reece. From Atlanta, Naomi Smith. From Dahlonega, Lily Weber and Randy Claire Welborn. [0:13:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=798s) And from Stone Mountain, we have Tamiah Williams. We got a lot of kids here from Dahlonega. I wonder if they brought us any gold. Y'all give these pages a big round of applause. We appreciate- ... y'all being here to serve the great people of the great state of Georgia. Mr. President, the journal has been read and found to be correct. I move we dispense with the reading of the journal. [0:13:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=826s) All right, Senator. We greatly appreciate that, and we greatly appreciate all the young people ba- they are paging for today, so good-looking bunch as always. And thank you, Senator, for introducing them to all of us. Is there objection for the dispensing of the reading of the journal? Chair hears none. The reading of the journal is dispensed with. Is there objection to confirmation of the journal? Chair hears none, and the journal is confirmed. At this time, I will ask the secretary to read communications from the s- [0:14:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=891s) It is now time to proceed, uh, the seating with the Sen- our new senator from the 18th. And the new senator from the 18th is not on the floor right now, so- [0:15:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=905s) Uh, would you like to excuse him there, Senator, from the 6th, you know? [0:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=910s) No. I've, and, and for those in the gallery, I've known the new senator from the 18th since our college days, so I'm gonna have a little fun with him on this one, but, uh, when he arrives to the chamber, we'll seat him as our new senator here, so. [0:15:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=935s) Recognize the senator from the 27th. For what purpose do you rise, Senator? [0:15:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=939s) To make a motion. [0:15:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=941s) All right. State your motion. [0:15:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=942s) Mr. President, I move that the Senate name the 10:00 AM hour the Where is Steven McNeel Hour. [0:15:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=949s) Ah. There he is. There he is. Senator, we were just letting everybo- body know that we were officially, uh, uh, making, we read the, uh, the letter from the Secretary of State's office now that w- now that we can officially seat you here. And we wanna welcome you to the Senate, congratulate you on your special election, and, uh, we just had a little fun on your behalf. But thank you for being here, Senator, and congratulations. Let's everybody welcome the new senator here. [0:16:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=990s) Without objection, the senator is seated. All senators who have bills and resolutions introduced, please bring them to the secretary's desk at this time. First reading and references the bills and resolutions. Secretary? [0:16:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1004s) Senate Bill 541 by Senators McLaurin of the 14th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 1 of- Interstate Cooperations. Senate Bill 542 by Senators Robertson of the 29th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to- Judiciary. Senate Bill 543 by Senators Williams of the 25th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend- State and Local Government. Senate Bill 54, 544 by Senators Williams of the 25th and others. A bill to be entitled an act- State and Local Government. Senate Bill 545 by Senators Williams of the 25th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to provide a home- State and Local Government. Senate Bill 546 by Senators Williams of the 25th and others. [0:17:16](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1036s) A bill to be- Public Safety. Senate Bill 547 by Senator Strickland of the 42nd and others. Judiciary. Senate Bill 548 by Senator Summers of the 13th and others. A bill to be entitled an act- Banking and Financial Institutions. Senate Bill 549 by Senators Howard of the 35th and others. Interstate Cooperations. Senate Bill 550 by Senators Summers of the 13th and others. Judiciary. Senate Bill 551 by Senators Watson of the 11th and others. A bill to be entitled- Agriculture. Senate Resolution 834 by Senators Rahman of the 5th and others. [0:17:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1066s) A resolution recognizing and commending the outstanding contributions and sacrifices- Rules. Mr. President, I complete the order. First reading and references to House Bills, please. [0:17:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1079s) House Bill 1061 by Representative Camp of the 135th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to- Judiciary. House Bill 1086 by Representative Chastain of the 7th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2 of Title- Public Safety. House Bill 1120 by Representative Gunter of the 8th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to provide- State and Local Government. House Bill 1199 by Representative Carson of the 46th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend- Finance. House Bill 1213 by Representative Cummings of the 39th and others. A bill- State and Local Government. House Bill 1297 by Representative Meeks of the 178th and- State and Local Government. [0:18:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1110s) Mr. President, that completes the order. All right. Secretary read reports of standing committees. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has had under consideration the following legislation, and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. Senate Resolution, Senate Resolution 800, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Goodman of the 8th District, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Education and Youth has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. [0:19:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1143s) Senate Bill 425, do pass. Senate Bill 497, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Hickman of the 4th District, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to, to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. Senate Resolution 567, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 439, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 535, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 500, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Watson of the 1st District, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Judiciary has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. [0:19:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1180s) Senate Bill 470, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 46, do pass. Senate Bill 327, do pass by substitute. Senate Bill 202, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Strickland of the 42nd District, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and the Environment has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. Senate Resolution 480, do pass. Senate Resolution 115, do pass. House Bill 983, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Anderson of the 24th District, Chairman. [0:20:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1211s) Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Public Safety has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. Senate Bill 501, do pass by committee sub. Senate Bill 854, do pass. Senate Bill 527, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Albers of the 56th District, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Operations has had under consideration the following legislation and has instructed me to report the same back to the Senate with the following recommendation. House Bill 935, do pass. House Bill 966, do pass. [0:20:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1242s) House Bill 1005, do pass. House Bill 1067, do pass. House Bill 1074, do pass. House Bill 1090, do pass. House Bill 1092, do pass. House Bill 1139, do pass. House Bill 1140, do pass. House Bill 1155, do pass. House Bill 1168, do pass. House Bill 1169, do pass. House Bill 1170, do pass. House Bill 1172, do pass. House Bill 1186, do pass. House Bill 1200, do pass. House Bill 1203, do pass. House Bill 1241, do pass. [0:21:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1273s) House Bill 1246, do pass. House Bill 1258, do pass. Senate Bill 469, do pass. Senate Bill 491, do pass. Senate Bill 492, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Dixon of the 45th District, Chairman. Mr. President, that completes the order. [0:21:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1291s) Secretary will read bills and resolutions for the second time. Senate Bill 441 by Senator Harbison of the 16th and others. Local and Government Investment Pool. Certain pooled investments to be approved by the State Depository Board, require. Senate Bill 443 by Senator Summers of the 13th and others. Offenses against public order. The punishment for the offense of obstructing highways, streets, sidewalks, or other public passages, increase. Senate Bill 472 by Senator Hickman of the 4th and others. Local Boards of Education. Audit findings or findings by the state auditor of financial mismanagement or misconduct, provide for the suspension of members. [0:22:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1322s) Senate Bill 478 by Senator Watson of the 11th and others. Outward Stewardship, provide for a sunset. Senate Bill 513 by Senator Dickerson of the 21st and others. Every Day Counts Act, enact. Senate Resolution 610 by Senate, Senator Hatchett of the 50th and others. Senate Study Committee on improving and increasing recycling, create. Senate Resolution 697 by Senators Burns of the 23rd and others. Colbert, Jason, recognize. Senate Resolution 698 by Senator Burns of the 23rd and others. Dr. Echterina, recognize. House Bill 945 by Representative Williamson of the 112th and others. [0:22:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1355s) Banking and Finance. Holds on accounts of eligible adults for suspected financial exploitation, provide. House Bill 956 by Representative Corbett of the 174th and others. Solid Waste Trust Fund. Authorize use of funds for implementation of provisions of a solid waste management program. House Resolution 1008 by Representative Smith of the 70th and others. Statewide Water Management Plan, ratify amendments. Mr. President, that completes the order. [0:23:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1384s) It is now time for the morning roll call. Are there any motions to excuse? Recognize the senator from the 41st. Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 5th, the 7th, the 39th, the 22nd, and the 44th for business inside of the Capitol. All right. Without objection, the senators from the 5th, the 7th, the 39th, the 22nd, and the 44th are excused. [0:23:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1419s) Recognize the senator from the 33rd. Thank you, Mr. President, and good morning y'all. Ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senators from the 5th, 7th, and I think she said 22, 39, and 44. Senator, you obviously are not listening because that's exactly what the senator from the 41st just said, but we appreciate your feedback here. Recognize the senator from the 8th. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to ask for unanimous con- uh, consent to excuse the senator from the 11th for business outside of the Capitol. [0:24:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1454s) Without objection, the senator from the 11th is excused. Recognize the senator from the 49th, Hall County's finest. Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to ask unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 52nd. The 52nd? Business. Yes, sir, for business inside the Capitol. Without objection, the senator from the 52nd is excused. Recognize the senator from the 16th. Yes, sir. Would you excuse the senator from the f- 42nd for business inside the Capitol? Without objection, the senator from the 42nd is excused. Any other motions to excuse? [0:24:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1485s) Secretary will call the roll. Senators, signify your presence by voting the yeas with Secretary on the lot machine. [0:25:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1504s) Senator from the 33rd, for what purpose you rise? Isn't it, isn't it true that the new senator from the 18th should count to 60 before he pushes his button during roll call? Oh, Senator, that is very clever. [0:25:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1520s) Recognize the senator from the 49th. For what purpose you rise? [0:25:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1526s) You wave. All right. [0:25:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1556s) It is now time for our moning- morning devotion. If doorkeepers sh- could secure the chamber at this time. All senators, please take your seats, [0:26:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1570s) and all unauthorized personnel, please exit the chamber. [0:26:17](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1577s) I'd like to recognize the senator from the 40th to lead us in our pledge of allegiance and introduce our pastor of the day. Senator. [0:26:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1589s) Thank you, Mr. President. Will you please join me in the pledge to the US 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. And to the Georgia flag. I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag and for the principles which it stands: wisdom, justice, liberty, and courage. [0:27:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1622s) Good morning, colleagues. It is my honor to introduce to you the Reverend Kimball Sorrells, Chaplain of the Day. Reverend Kimball Sorrells is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and spiritual director based out of Central Congregational United Church of Christ, which happens to be my church. Uh, Kimball might not remember this, but, um, he taught my kids in vacation Bible school. Kimball's interests are in using spirituality and contemplative practices to strengthen us to be peacemakers in the world. [0:27:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1660s) He is also a certified cognitively based compassion training teacher and community resilience model teacher, teacher. Kimball draws on these modalities and other spiritual traditions to inform his ministry. Kimball has worked in a variety of ministry settings, including as a local pastor, a hospital chaplain, and in nonprofit management. Please join me in welcoming the Reverend Kimball Sorrells to the Senate chamber. [0:28:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1698s) Thank you so much, and thank you all for having me here this morning to pause and reflect for just a few brief moments. I know it is a busy, busy time. As I was preparing, uh, to come here, I was thinking about the fact that really all of our spiritual traditions, all of our faith traditions have some form of what we call the golden rule, right? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. In Christianity, we would say love your neighbor as yourself. [0:28:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1729s) Treating others as you would like to be treated is a sort of a foundational ethics across different faiths and cultures and traditions, and it's one that's very simple, and yet I think we don't always quite get it right. [0:29:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1745s) We need to, you know, only look around and see that unfortunately we as humans struggle sometimes to love each other and to treat each other with kindness and care. Uh, I came here in Atlanta traffic, and that alone can have us just fussing and hollering at each other. But I don't think that we struggle sometimes with loving each other because we aren't inherently caring. I do believe that we as humans naturally care about each other. [0:29:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1776s) We care about our friends and our families. We care about our communities and those we know very easily. But I do think at times, and this is again just sort of what it means to be a human, uh, it can be a little bit more challenging to sort of extend that kindness out past people that are sort of close to us, people that we know well. Um, it can be hard to sort of extend love and care and concern to maybe people we don't know very well, people who are strangers with us, uh, to us, people maybe who we don't particularly understand them or don't necessarily agree with their points of view. [0:30:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1818s) When we see people as different than us, we sort of are a little bit naturally inclined to be reserved, um, and be less likely to extend kindness towards them. Whereas when we see how others are like us, how others share things in common with us, we tend to extend kindness and love towards them more easily. When I teach in, uh, cognitively based compassion training, we often share a study that illustrates this point, uh, well. So in a psychological study, uh, by Mark Levine, he examined how a simple thing like one's loyalty to your soccer team might affect a person's, uh, feelings or actions of sympathy. [0:31:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1860s) So he did this by looking at a well-known, uh, rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool soccer teams. So I realize we are not necessarily fans here of that, so maybe think like Georgia and Georgia Tech, right? Rival people. And as part of this, uh, he had these different groups go in, and he took a group of Manchester United fans. And in, in this first study group, they went in and they took a study, and the study was all about how great Manchester United is. It's the best soccer team, and we are the best fans. [0:31:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1890s) We have the best cheers. We have the best flags. And so he had them take this study that emphasized how great their team was. And when they finished, they were instructed to walk across to another building to find and complete the rest of their study. What they didn't know is that as they went to do this, they were going to encounter an actor who was pretending to be injured and see how they would respond to this person. When the actor was wearing either a neutral shirt or a shirt of the Liverpool, their opponent's team, only about a third stopped to offer aid. [0:32:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1924s) Unsurprisingly, when they were offering or when they were wearing a Manchester United shirt, almost everyone stopped to offer aid. Now, a second group had them. He goes in and has these same Manchester United fans, different fans, but Manchester United fans take another survey. In this survey, it wasn't about how great Manchester United was. It was about how great soccer is. How great is it to play soccer? How great is it to be part of a sports team? And how great is it to cheer for your own fans and be part of a fandom? [0:32:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1956s) This group, when they go out and they go and they encounter people, still about a third respond to the unmarked shirt, and of course, a great number respond to the Manchester United fan. But what's surprising is that in this case, almost all of them also help the Liverpool fan. What shifted then was that when they were focused on being Manchester United fans, they were less likely to help a neutral person or their opposing teams. But when they were kind of set to gear to think about being a soccer fan, their focus shifted to include fans of the opposite team, to see them as how they are like me. [0:33:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=1999s) When we focus on our similarities with others, we naturally sort of shift our care towards them. We can notice that we have more in common, perhaps beyond what may seem to be so on the surface. When we recognize how people are like us, we tend to be more open to them and be more inclined to love and care for them. Our various faith traditions tell us to love others as we would ourselves, to love our neighbors as we would ourselves. [0:33:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2033s) And we are called then to love all people this way. That includes those who maybe we don't know very well. That includes those who maybe aren't like us. In my faith tradition, scripture tells us that all people are created in the image of God. And we can cultivate a sense of love and care for each other when we remember that we have that in common, that we are all God's children, all beloved children. [0:34:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2066s) As elected officials, you have a wonderful, wonderful opportunity to love and care for the people of Georgia in a very tangible way as you work to create laws and policies that will help people across the state live happier and better lives. So I know at this point in the session that things are getting busier, but I just want to invite you then this day to remember all of the people whose lives your work will touch today. I want to invite you to think about people not just in your own district, of course, but people across all of the state as well. [0:35:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2102s) Those who you know well, your friends, your family, your neighbors, and those who are strangers to you. those who you might have a great deal in common with, and those who you might not understand or might not understand their point of view. Think of all of those people and remember that each of them, like you, is a beloved child of God, and allow that care for them to give you the motivation, the energy to keep doing the good work. [0:35:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2134s) Let it allow you, allow it to guide you as you seek to create policies that will help all Georgians live and thrive. As we close our time together, I invite you to just pause for a moment of prayer with me. [0:35:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2155s) God of love, help us to love each other, to care for each other as we would like to be cared for. Help us to go through our day today and see each person as your beloved child. May your spirit guide these officials in their work today and in all the days to follow, that they might create a community and a state where all people can live and thrive. Amen. [0:36:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2181s) Amen. Good job. Good job. Good job. Appreciate you. [0:43:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2588s) We always like to recognize our doctors of the day, and to do that, I recognize the senator from the 17th to introduce our doctor of the day. Senator? [0:43:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2600s) Thank you very much, Mr. President. Good morning, senators. I am pleased [0:43:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2609s) to introduce and to present the doctor of the day, Dr. Jamila Goldsmith, who is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with more than 10 years of frontline experience caring for patients in high, uh, acuity emergency departments across the United States. As the founder and CEO of Goldsmith Medical Services, she has played a critical role in maintaining access, access to emergency care in underserved and rural communities, settings that are often most vulnerable to workforce shortages and hospital closures. [0:44:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2648s) Dr. Goldsmith serves as chair of the American College of Emergency Physicians and is an active member of the Georgia College of Emergency Physicians. In these roles, she advocates for national and state level policies that strengthen the emergency physicians workforce, protects patient access to emergency care, and promotes sustainable emergency department operations. She earned her undergraduate degree from Carolyn University, received her medical degree from Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and completed her residency training at the University of Chicago, where she developed expertise in managing complex medical emergencies and system-level challenges in acute care settings. [0:45:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2700s) She also hosts a podcast where she shares insight on emergency medicine, physician wellness, and innovative workforce models that support, support both patients and healthcare systems. Outside of her clinical and advocacy work, she travels, enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her young son, Zam. Please welcome our doctor of the day, Dr. Jamila Goldsmith. [0:45:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2733s) Good morning, members of the Senate. My name is Dr. Jamila Goldsmith, and I am an emergency physician serving communities across Georgia. In the emergency department, I meet Georgia without preparation and without pretense. I see strength, I see struggle, I see resilience, and I see fear. And in those moments, titles, districts, and politics disappear. What remains is a person who needs care, and we answer every single time. [0:46:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2771s) Today, I'm honored to serve you the same way we serve every Georgian: with focus, steadiness, and urgency when it matters most. Thank you for the responsibility you carry on behalf of this state. It is a privilege to stand here and serve alongside those entrusted with Georgia's future. Thank you. [0:46:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2793s) All right. Good job. [0:47:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2859s) We have some, uh, very special guests with us today, and to present that, to present the resolution, I will call on the senator from the 36th. However, let the secretary read the resolution. [0:47:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2872s) Senate Resolution 692 by Senators Orrock of the 36th and others. A resolution commending Georgia's trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation in recognizing February 24, 2026 as Trauma Awareness Day at the State Capitol and for other purposes. Whereas trauma is the leading cause of death in the United States for those under the age of 45 and the fourth leading cause of all death for all ages. And whereas rehabilitation services, including physical and occupational therapy, are essential for the long-term recovery and well-being of trauma survivors. And now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate that the members of this body commend Georgia's trauma professionals, the Georgia Trauma Commission, and the Georgia Trauma Foundation, and recognize February 24, 2026 as Trauma Awareness Day at the State Capitol to raise awareness about physical trauma, prom- promote prevention and safety measures, support trauma care and rehabilitation services, and honor the effects of medical professionals, community organizations, and volunteers in addressing physical trauma. [0:48:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2923s) Mr. President, that completes the order. [0:48:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2926s) Is there objection to the adoption of the resolution? Chair hears none and the resolution is adopted. Recognize the senator from the 36, uh, to speak to the resolution. [0:48:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2936s) So. [0:48:57](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2937s) Good morning. [0:49:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2940s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, good morning, colleagues. I've- I'm so pleased and honored to, uh, bring to you the, uh, recognition for our Georgia Trauma Commission and our Georgia Trauma Foundation. Uh, today is Trauma Awareness Day at the State Capitol. Uh, the Trauma Commission was launched back in 2007, uh, and there have- there has been remarkable progress forward. [0:49:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=2974s) We all are now aware, everybody, I'm sure in the sound of my voice, understands the critical nature of trauma care and the golden first hour of getting people s- uh, with, with trauma into the hands of professionals. Uh, medicine has, has, has gone forward, science has gone forward, and we continue to learn more and more, and I, I'm proud to say that our Trauma Commission and our Trauma Foundation have, have launched new initiatives like, um, eh, transfusing a, a tra- a traumatized patient in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. [0:50:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3013s) Lives are being saved every day by, um, our healthcare professionals across the state, our emergency medical services, uh, folks, and I'm just so happy to bring to you today, uh, part of the leadership of this vast network, uh, that stretches across our state. We went from having, I believe it was, uh, [0:50:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3039s) we've expanded from 15 to 36, uh, uh, s- from 15 centers in 2007 to 36 centers today, and as someone said, you can now c- cross our state all the way from the, the, the north, the north end of our state to the south end of our state to hit Florida, and you will be, uh, within, uh, on the, on those dangerous highways, you will be adjacent to trauma care, uh, all the way through our state. I, I'm gonna bring to the, the, um, to your attention, uh, the, the folks that are with us today. [0:51:17](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3077s) Uh, Dr. Dennis Ashley, an esteemed surgeon who has given so much leadership, and he's the chair of the Georgia Trauma Commission. Terry Anulewicz is a board member of the Georgia Trauma Foundation. Pam- Pamela Vanderburg, a board member for the Georgia Trauma Foundation, and Cheryl Ward, the executive director of the Georgia Trauma Foundation, Foundation, is with us today, as well as an array of medical personnel- ... giving good care across our state. [0:51:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3109s) Please stand and be recognized from the gallery as well. [0:51:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3115s) And I know the other half of you are across the hall with the House. Um, uh, Dr. Ashley, let me, uh, present to you this resolution and ask you to come forward and bring remarks. We appreciate you so much. A lifetime of leadership. [0:52:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3130s) Thank you. [0:52:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3133s) Thank you, Senator. And on behalf of all the stakeholders and healthcare providers in the state, we really want to send you, our, our theme this year is a heartfelt thank you for what you've done. Senate Bill 60, uh, many years ago, as you said, back in 2007, uh, I travel the country and speak on legislation and trauma care throughout the country, and this is the best legisla- legislation that I've seen, and it has started here in this chamber. So again, thank you very much. [0:52:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3164s) What that did was allow us to really start to develop a trauma system. It's been many years, but based on that foundation, we've been able to bend the curve down when we took over in 2007, and you heard the call from the stakeholders that we have a problem in Georgia. We were 16% above the national average for the death rate in Georgia, and I'm happy to report to this chamber based on your legislation and hard work, that we've bent that curve down now to 6% below the national average. So that means 1,803 lives were saved last year that would not have been saved if we had not have bent that curve down. [0:53:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3202s) So thank you again. We appreciate your support. Thank you. [0:53:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3206s) Thank you so much. And if, if, and I will refer you to the information sheet, uh, that is on your desk today for, uh, to deepen your understanding of the progress that we're making. Thank you. [0:53:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3219s) All right. Good job. Good job. [0:56:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3369s) We have, uh, we always w- love to welcome the young folks for, with our FFA from all over the state, Future Farmers of America. They do a great job and, uh, they always come, come wearing their, their beautiful blue jackets and, uh, and they're a great bunch of kids too. Young people, I should say. So Secretary, read the caption. [0:56:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3393s) Senate Resolution 797 by Senators Echols of the 49th and others. A resolution commending the Georgia FFA Association and recognizing February 24th, 2026 as FFA Day at the State Capitol and for other purposes. Whereas the Georgia FFA Association ranks as the third-largest state FFA Association in the nat- nation, with more than 80,000 current members in 410 local chapters across the state. And whereas agricultural education and the FFA ensure a steady supply of young professionals to meet the growing demands in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. [0:57:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3423s) Now therefore, be it resolved by the Senate that the members of this body commend the Georgia FFA Association for its contributions to the welfare of this state and nation, and recognize February 24th, 2026 as FFA Day at the State Capitol. Mr. President, I complete the order. [0:57:16](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3436s) Is there objection to the adoption of the resolution? Chair hears none and the resolution is adopted. Recognize the senator from the 49th to introduce our special guest. Senator? [0:57:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3451s) Thank you, Mr. President. And, uh, before I go into this FFA resolution, I do want to, uh, recognize, I've got a special guest in here. Former trauma director turned farmer, my sister, uh, Jessie Gibson, is standing back here in the back. So she was a- ... trauma director. Now, so what a more appropriate day for her to be here visiting, um, visiting our chamber. So thank you for being here. Uh, it is an honor to, uh, to be up here and actually present these folks with this, uh, resolution today. Um, the FFA just means so much to the State of Georgia. [0:58:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3481s) 80,000 current members in the, uh, in the state and 410 local chapters. I mean, that just speaks volumes. Uh, on our farm when we're able to hire somebody that represents that, um, that blue and gold jacket, we know we've got a, uh, got a winner there, and they just do a, a phenomenal job. And I'm gonna say just a couple words about, um, Ben Lasley here, their fearless leader here in the state. He did an externship a couple years ago, uh, on my farm and, uh, we were doing a remodeling project, so he got to... [0:58:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3513s) Some of y'all don't believe I'm an actual farmer, but he did get to see me in action there, got to see me, uh, get dirty and, um, and swing a hammer and do some things like that. These kids are very impressive and I just encourage you today when you see them out there in the hallways to, uh, shake their hand, tell them you're glad they're here. This resolution, what it says is, today is FF day at the, FFA day at the Capitol. So with that, I'm gonna ask Mr. Evan Hardeman to come up here and say a few words. [0:58:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3539s) All right. All right. [0:59:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3544s) Thank you, Senator Echols, for presenting us with that. I'm honored to stand before you today. Like you said, I'm Evan Hardeman. I'm from Montgomery County, and we're just so honored to be here. Thank you to everything that you all do here in this room for us, for agricultural education. So this year's state theme is Ignite. Over the summer my teammates and I, we worked hard to develop a state theme, and we try to keep that throughout our entire year of service all through April. So state convention, our theme is Ignite, and we wanna ignite a passion for agricultural education and FFA because we have the best s- students and the best leaders. [0:59:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3581s) We are changing the world. We have the, we are growing the next generation of leaders who will change the world. That is the FFA vision statement, and I hope that we can hold true to that. Thank you all for having us, and y'all have a blessed day. [0:59:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3594s) All right. Good job. Good job. Good job. [1:02:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3720s) We have a very special family here today, uh, celebrating the life and legacy of a great, great man. Secretary, read the caption please. [1:02:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3730s) Senate Resolution 407 by Senators Anderson of the 24th and others. A resolution honoring the life and memory of Mr. Abbott Massey and for other purposes. Whereas Mr. Abbott Massey served this state for many years with honor and distinction as president and president emeritus of the Georgia Poultry Foundation. And whereas Mr. Abbott Massey graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in business administration and from Ener- Emory University with a law degree. And whereas he was united in love and marriage to his wife, Kay Ann, and was blessed with two remarkable children, Lewis and Camille, and four wonderful grandchildren, Chandler, Cameron, Christian, and Lucia Kai. [1:02:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3766s) And whereas Mr. Abbott Massey spent many joyful and successful days at the State Capitol lobbying on behalf of the poultry industry. And whereas a celebration of life attended by hundreds of people took place in July to honor the life of Mr. Abbott Massey. Now therefore be it resolved by the Senate that the members of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Mr. Abbott Massey and express their deepest and most sincere regret on his passing. Mr. President, I yield please the order. [1:03:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3792s) Is there objection to the adoption of the resolution? The chair hears none and the resolution is adopted. I can't think of one person that deserves the, the honor, uh, more than Mr. Abbott Massey and the Massey family. He, he walked these hallways for more than 60 years, uh, representing the poultry ind- industry, and he was a, a prince of a gentleman, just one of those guys you, you never saw him in a bad mood. He was always on top of the world. [1:03:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3822s) He loved politics. He loved his Georgia Bulldogs, and he loved his family, and he loved representing the poultry industry. So what a, just a wonderful, wonderful life, wonderful legacy, and I am proud to, uh, call on the senator from the 24th to speak to the resolution. [1:04:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3842s) Thank you, Mr. President. It gives me great honor to present this resolution for a man that, like the president and our lieutenant governor said, he walked these halls for over 60 years. He was a true southern gentleman. You know, he made a lot of things happen and you didn't even know it. He was a type man that would come and speak to each and every one of us. [1:04:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3876s) And when we did have a meeting, it really wasn't much said because he had already done his homework. He did it the old way. He communicated with each and every senator, each and every house member. He made Georgia, helped Georgia be number one in poultry industry. Now, he did have some enemies. [1:05:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3901s) He drew the line, and I'll go back to that in a little bit later. But this man has a great family. The apple don't fall far from the tree. Behind me you see one of them that all of us know. His son, Lewis Massey, is also walking these halls Today as a lobbyist representing the great people of the great state of Georgia. We thank you for the family being here, and also let's go back to the enemies. [1:05:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3938s) The enemies come show up in the fall between the hedges. [1:05:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3949s) You talking about a dog now. He was 110% purebred dog. The enemy was whoever we was playing. He didn't like to lose. If the, every coach that coached for the Georgia Bulldogs, if they would've let him get on the field, he probably would've dressed up and got out there with them. [1:06:16](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3976s) But he loved his Dogs. He's dedicated to the Bulldogs, and it is great honor for me to be able to present this resolution to a great family for a man that impact so many of us. And when, at this time, I'm gonna ask his son, Lewis Massey, to come say a word. [1:06:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=3999s) Thank you. He used to have a button that said, "Beat everybody" on it. Thank you so much. What a great honor to be here to celebrate the legacy of, of my dad and our, our father-in-law and grandfather. I wanna thank Lieutenant Governor Jones and Senator Anderson and Echols and Burns and all of you who signed the resolution. We greatly, greatly appreciate it. Um, with me today is my wife, Amy, our son, Christian, our son, Chandler, and his fiancée, Steph Bennett. [1:07:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4034s) I see Senator Goodman back here as well. Uh, my sister, Camille, and our daughter, Cameron, could not be here. Um, they certainly send their appreciation as well. Just a couple of brief words about Dad. He had a, an amazing history with the Capitol. He told me that in 1940, he got in the car with his older brother and drove to the Capitol from Athens, and he met the 20th Secretary of State at the time, a man named John Wilson. And then in 1947, when he was a student at UGA, he got in a car with three other guys and they drove over here to witness firsthand the chaos surrounding the three governors controversy. [1:07:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4074s) They were actually in the Capitol as all that was occurring. I know many of you have read about that. Then in the '50s, he had four different offices at the State Capitol in this building, working for the attorney general, for legislative council. He said there were only two people in the office at that time. I guess a lot less bills than today. He also worked as a, an assistant to the, to a judge on the Court of Appeals, and at that time, the courtroom for the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court was in room 341, a room that y'all spend a lot of time in now. [1:08:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4113s) And then in the late '50s, he was commissioner of the Department of Commerce, the predecessor to the Department of Economic Development. And in that job, he met Miss George in 1959, who became his wife and our beloved mother and grandmother. Dad always said that he loved being at the Capitol. He loved working with legislators, so thank you for working with him. He, um, he just loved being here. If you read his resume, you'll see that he had an undergraduate degree from UGA and a law degree from Emory, but I think his most important degree was he was a PhD in joy. [1:09:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4154s) He loved life. He loved working here, and I'll finish with this. I read a book recently that had a very meaningful quote, and the quote was this: "Time is measured in minutes. Life is measured in moments, and legacy is measured in memories." So thank you for this special moment that helps us to continue to celebrate the memory and the legacy of Abbott Massey. Thank you so much. [1:12:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4372s) Are there any unanimous consents? [1:12:57](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4377s) Does any senator wish to rise on a point of personal privilege? [1:13:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4388s) Recognize senator from the 28th. [1:13:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4428s) Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Senators, I have, uh, introduced over the past two years 15 bills, and none of them have been heard by the chairperson of the committee that they were assigned to. Not one. And I have hundreds of people in my district who have come to me with their concerns, and we have worked, literally worked, when everybody else was doing whatever they do during the interval. [1:14:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4461s) Every, every week, I met with at least two of them during the whole summer before And so I'm just making a plea this morning to all the chairpersons who have those fifteen bills. If you just, they didn't he- hear even hear one, and these people in my district and beyond are having a fit because I cannot tell them anything about their issues. [1:14:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4493s) So I, uh, was gonna come up here and talk about Black history. Silas Green from New Orleans, who was actually my great-grandfather, had a va- vaudeville show. But this is more important. These are the people who sent me here to work for them, just like all of your constituents did. And this, these are not bills for me. For me, it's for the people. So I humbly come before you to ask you to please consider at least, everybody has at least two bills in their committee with my name on it. [1:15:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4534s) So please, please, I yield the will. Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 32nd for a point of personal privilege. [1:16:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4572s) Okay, 32nd, 32nd. Got some confusion. We got a traffic jam up here. Senator from the 28th would like me. I now, we do would like to recognize, uh, Douglas County leadership. Could Douglas County leadership stand up? All the, all the folks who are here today in the gallery, get, let's give them a round of applause here. [1:16:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4594s) Recognize se- senator from 32nd. Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanted to recognize the members of the Cobb Chamber that are here with us today. If you guys would stand up and let us recognize you. Thanks so much for coming to the Capitol. [1:17:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4653s) Recognize the senator for the 12th for a point of personal privilege. [1:17:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4670s) Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning, colleagues. I would like to welcome the Sumter America's Georgia community and Chamber of Commerce, their, um, Sumter One, the commissioners, city commissioners, and county commissioners, and others. Um, the city and the county that has presidential roots, America sits in Sumter County, just a short drive from Plains, Georgia, the hometown of Jimmy Carter, the only US president from the state of Georgia. [1:18:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4707s) The connection gives the entire region a sense of pride and identity that's very, very hard to miss when you visit. Between the Windsor Hotel, complete with its ghosts, Habitat for Humanity's global village roots, and the Carter legacy, it's a place where local history and national impact intersect. Sumter County Delegation, you are welcome and needed to continue your investment and your investments in Southwest Georgia. [1:19:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4741s) If any of you are in the gallery, would you please stand? Thank you so very much, and we will give them a round of applause. Thank you. I yield the will. [1:19:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4760s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 22nd. [1:19:37](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4777s) Thank you, Mr. President. Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to see some folks on social media say, "I've been asking elected officials to do a bill on sales tax exemption for menstrual products and their various products like that." And then somebody else responded and said, "See, that's what's wrong with them. They never do what we ask." And I wanted to chime in and say, "Have you actually looked to see?" Because SB502, which has been dropped, Democratic bill, actually gives sales tax exemptions for diapers, menstrual products, baby formula, breast pumps, breast milk, and also over-the-counter medication, to name a few. [1:20:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4814s) So I want people to realize that, yes, sometimes you may think that people are not responding, but just do what they say back in the day, Google us, and you will see that Democratic Caucus has you covered on things that actually matter to you and your family. With that, I yield the will. [1:20:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4840s) Recognize senator from the 10th. [1:21:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4874s) Good morning, colleagues. Uh, during our Black History Month celebration, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Booker T. Washington. Booker T. was one of the most influential African American leaders of the late 19th and 20th centuries. He was born into slavery in 19- in 1856. Booker T. Washington rose to become a nationally respected educator, author, and advisor to presidents. He is best known as the founder of the Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University in Alabama. [1:21:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4910s) But his influence reached far beyond Alabama, especially into, into the great state of Georgia. Georgia played a significant role in Washington's work and his relationships. He frequently traveled to cities like Atlanta, where he delivered one of his most famous speeches at the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition. In that speech, often called the Atlanta Compromise, Washington encouraged Black Americans to pursue education, economic advancement, and vocational skills while navigating the harsh realities of segregation. [1:22:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4951s) While his approach sparked debate, it also opened doors for dialogue and financial support for Black schools throughout the South. Booker T. Washington also built important relationships with Georgia leaders. He worked with Black educators and institutions across the state, including what is now Savannah State University and Clark Atlanta University. He maintained connections with prominent back int- Black intellectuals and leaders in Georgia, even when they disagreed on strategy, including figures like W.E.B. [1:23:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=4988s) Du Bois, who had strong ties to Atlanta and offered a different vision for civil rights and higher education. Through partnerships with both communities and White philanthropists in Georgia, Washington helped secure funding and support for schools, teachers, and students across the state. His presence in Georgia strengthened education and networks that empowered generations of African Americans. Booker T. Washington's legacy reminds us that leadership takes many forms, whether through education, economic development, or courageous dialogue. [1:23:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5028s) He worked in Georgia and beyond by helping lay the foundation for future civil rights progress. During this Black History Month, I'm honored to remember him not only as an educator, but as a bridge builder who influenced shape Georgia and the nation. And may I add that he also went on to advise, to become the prominent advisor to two United States presidents, William Taft and President Theodore Roosevelt. [1:24:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5060s) Thank you. [1:24:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5084s) Uh, before I call my next, uh, senator up here, let's, uh, b- be respectful the, to our senators in the well. I do apologize from senator's 10th. I know it's a little loud in here, so, but if everybody could just be a little more respectful to the senator who will be in the well on a point of personal privilege. Recognize senator from the 55th. [1:25:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5128s) My colleagues, I, I rise today to recognize history in the midst. I rise because we lo- we lost a prince of a man that I spoke of last week, Jesse Lewis Jackson, someone who we fail to honor when we honor of those who have preached division, when a man preached about a rainbow: red, yellow, brown, Black and White, we're all precious in God's sight. [1:26:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5165s) Jesse Lewis Jackson tried to bring us together because we are, as I remind you, the United States of America. We may have arrived here on different boats, but we are in the same boat right now. And I would venture to say that our nation is very challenged morally right now as we embark on a very dangerous, very dangerous course of action. [1:26:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5195s) When we forget about the Statue of Liberty that says, "Give me your tired- Give me your worn, your huddled masses. Are we a city or a state too busy to, to, to hate? Or will we preach division and hate? What Dr. King said is the beloved community. What Rodney King said, "Can't we all just get along?" Do we build people up and educate them? [1:27:07](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5227s) Or do we really make America great again? Because we are no longer number one in education. We are no longer w- num- number one among industrialized nations. We're not even in the n- in the top 10. We are bowing down to China as number one. Places like Ukraine having adult literacy higher than that that we have. We are challenged morally when we are spending what a, what I see over in social circle, something being built to house as many as 10,000 detainees. [1:27:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5267s) ICE has a budget of $45 billion, more than 114 nations, and I think that we should really challenge ourselves. We come from a penal colony. Georgia was a penal colony, but we don't have to linger there any longer. It is time out for that. It is time out to have a GDP of Nepal and Cyprus and Iceland, Nicaragua, Bosnia. [1:28:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5299s) A hun- more than 100 nations don't have $45 billion, but we gonna build prisons and not invest in education and healthcare and all the things that make us g- really great. We can't be great by imprisoning our brothers and sisters. One day we will give an account when we have to say, "Hey, when did I mistreat you, Lord? When did I put you in prison? When did I not feed you? When you didn't do it to the least of these." And I remind us, we are better than this. [1:28:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5334s) We are better than allowing in our state tens of thousands of people to be detained. If you don't... Let's not prey on our people, let's pray for them. God bless you. God bless you. We are better. We are better than this. $45 billion and we can't... That's a lot of money, guys. That can do a lot of things. God bless you. I yield the will. [1:29:24](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5364s) Recognize the senator from the 15th, the Dean of the Senate. [1:29:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5374s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, colleagues, I bring your attention to the coasters on your desk. Just want to let you know that the city and the people of Columbus, Georgia want to say thank you to the Georgia Senate, the General Assembly, for the great job that you do, and this is just a small token to remind you of that. On behalf of myself and the senator from the 29th, we thank you dearly for what you do for Columbus, Georgia, and the state for that matter. So, thank you and God bless. [1:30:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5420s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 21st. [1:30:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5450s) Thank you, Mr. President. [1:30:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5453s) Senate colleagues, friends, and fellow Georgians, today in honor of Black History Month, I rise to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of United States Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. A man whose journey reflects the very best of American history. Born in the small community of Pin Point, Georgia, and raised in Savannah, Justice Thomas came from humble beginnings. After his father left the family at a young age, he was raised by his grandfather, a man whose deep faith, discipline, and personal responsibility, those early lessons about hard work, self-reliance, and the dignity of every individual would shape the judicial philosophy that has defined his career. [1:31:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5503s) Justice Thomas went on to attend the College of the Holy Cross and later earned his law degree from Yale Law School. Yet his rise was never about prestige. It was about perseverance. He faced poverty, discrimination, and skepticism, but he never allowed hardship to determine his destiny. Instead, he relied upon character, conviction, and an unshakable belief in the Constitution of the United States. In 1991, he was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George H.W. [1:32:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5534s) Bush, becoming only the second African American to serve on the court, following Justice Thurman- Thurgood Marshall. His confirmation hearings were among the most con- contentious in our nation's history. Yet through it all, he remained resolute, grounded in faith and committed to the rule of law. For more than three decades, Justice Thomas has served as a steadfast defender of the principle that the Constitution should be interpreted according to its original meaning. [1:32:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5564s) Whether one agrees with every opinion he has written or not, there can be no denying, denying his intellectual consistency, his independence of thought, and his courage to stand firm in his convictions. Justice Thomas has authored landmark opinions that have reshaped American law and reaffirmed constitutional boundaries. He has emphasized limited government, protection of individual liberties, and the separation of powers. He has reminded us that the Constitution is not a living document to be molded by the trends of today, but a charter of liberty grounded in enduring principles. [1:33:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5602s) But beyond the robes and the bench, Clarence Thomas represents something deeper. He represents the power of the American dream. A boy who once spoke Gullah as his first language rose to sit on the highest court in the land. That journey sends a powerful message to every child in Georgia and across this nation that no matter where you start, greatness is possible. As a fellow Georgian, I take particular pride in Justice Thomas' roots in our great state. [1:33:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5633s) His life reminds us that leadership forged in adversity is often the strongest. His example challenges us to live with integrity, to defend our principles, and to serve with humility. Today, as we honor not only a Justice of the Supreme Court, but a son of Georgia, a man of faith, and a public servant whose impact on America will be felt for generations to come, may we continue to strive for the same courage, conviction, and commitment to the Constitution that Justice Clarence Thomas has demonstrated throughout his life. [1:34:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5668s) Thank you. Mr. President, I yield the floor. [1:35:06](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5706s) All right. Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 39th. Speak to a point of personal... Actually, Senator, hold on one second. One second, Senator. I told the senator from the 8th, because he's about to wish that baby a happy, happy day. I'm sorry. Thank you, Senator, for your understanding. Senator from the 8th. Oh, thank you, Mr. President. We have a very special guest today here in the Senate chamber, the young Mr. Beau Barrett, the beautiful young baby boy of our dear friend Charlie Barrett and Ms. [1:35:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5736s) Haley Barrett. Y'all, let me tell you. [1:35:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5742s) I actually, uh, I actually helped name Beau Barrett, and, uh, I think with a name like that, he's either gonna be President of the United States, Governor of Georgia, Division 1 quarterback, or po- possibly a NASCAR driver. But, uh, we're so thankful to have him here today. He is lucky to have two parents like, uh, Charlie and Haley, and, uh, he's a great American. And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. [1:36:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5768s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 39th. [1:36:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5774s) Thank you, Mr. President. As it's FFA Day at the Capitol, I wanted to rise to reflect on a piece of history that doesn't always get told, but shaped generations of young people across the South and across the country. Before integration, many Black students who loved agriculture, leadership, and the land found their home in the New Farmers of America, an organization created because they were excluded elsewhere. It was a space where young people learned responsibility, public speaking, entrepreneurship, and the dignity of hard work. [1:36:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5810s) My father was one of those students. Growing up in Mississippi on a farm from the time he was knee-high to the ground, he would show his cows at the annual fair, and as he got older in high school, he led. He led, um, as the president of his chapter of the New Farmers Association in his junior or senior year of high school, and he carried that sense of discipline and pride with him for the rest of his life. When the New Farmers of America merged into Future Farmers of America on July 1st, 1965, it marked more than the consolidation of two student groups. [1:37:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5851s) It was a quiet signal that the contributions, talent, and leadership of Black students were finally being recognized within a shared future. So as we think about the next generation of farmers, innovators, and stewards of our land, it's worth remembering that their path was paved by young people who persevered even when opportunity was not equally given, including a young man from Mississippi who would one day become my father. Thank you. [1:38:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5881s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the [1:38:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5903s) 43rd. [1:38:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5911s) Good morning, and thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. Today I rise to recognize a special group, um, but before I do that, I wanna talk about a Black History moment with Junius G. Graves being the first Black farmer. He's widely recognized as his success [1:38:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5932s) Known as becoming the potato king of the world by 1902. Born into slavery, he moved to Kansas in 1879, eventually building a 2,000 acre agricultural empire. Along with Junius Graves, he was as one of the wealthiest Black Americans of his time was Henry Blair, 1807 to 1860, a free man and farmer in Maryland. He was the second Black person to receive a US patent, specifically for a corn planter in 1834 and a cotton planter in 1836. [1:39:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=5969s) George Washington Carver, 1864 to 1943, was, he was not the first, but w- known for his, uh, sustainable crop rotation methods with peanuts, soy, and soybeans to restore soil nutrients. Today is FFA Day at the Capitol, and I want to recognize a fine group of leaders from Senate District 43 and 17, the Newton County FFA group. If you're in the, um, gallery, please wave your hand or stand. Whoo. Welcome them. Welcome them. [1:40:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6000s) Welcome them. [1:40:06](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6006s) These young people are proficient and demonstrate the power of agriculture education to transform Georgia and America. Thank you for being here today. [1:40:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6021s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize the senator from the 42nd. The country lawyer from McDonough. [1:40:32](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6032s) Mr. President, I'm wearing my country lawyer boots today. I have two groups, uh, um, as the senator from the 43rd said, happy to welcome our great folks from Newton County here today. Newton County has the Newton County Agricultural Center out there as well, which is a state-of-the-art facility where folks from around the state go to experience agriculture. Appreciate having y'all. Sorry I missed y'all this morning, but good to have y'all up here today. Also in the gallery, I have some folks from Peachtree City, um, the other side of the south side of Atlanta. They're with the Peachtree City Rotary Club, come up here today to visit the State Capitol and see what's happening up here. [1:41:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6064s) Proud to get to host y'all today. Y'all please stand for us. Please help welcome our folks from Peachtree City. Thank you. [1:41:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6103s) Recognize the senator from the 16th. [1:42:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6120s) Thank you, Mr. President. I also want to recognize the folks from Peachtree City, the Rotary Club there. They're part of our, uh, group and part of my district, so good to have you. But also wanted to recognize the, um, Association of Georgia's General Airport Association for General Aviation Airports in Georgia. I don't know if they're with us up here. There they are. Okay. Over here to the right. Uh, they are a very important part. We have 95 general aviation airports in the state, and they are an essential part of our state's transportation and economic infrastructure. They have a, an economic impact of, uh, $2.5 billion, uh, to the State of Georgia. [1:42:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6155s) Their board members are here today. Da- Davin Weller, Nat Schadner, Adam Webb, Amber McCall, Wes McDonald, and Calvin Walker, Marlo Evans, Ma- uh, Sam Maltese, and Hope Macaluso. Good to have y'all with us and thank you for keeping us flying. We appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. President. [1:43:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6188s) Recognize the senator from the 18th. [1:43:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6194s) Senator from the 18th is a no-show again. His first day. [1:43:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6200s) Did y'all... Are y'all messing with him over there? Y'all messing with the new guy? [1:43:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6206s) Senator from the 18th. Called his name twice today. His first day on the job. Sorry you missed, missed the call. Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. S- senator from the 6th, will you help him? You gotta help him, man. All right, moving on. Recognize the senator from the 35th. Senator from the 35th loves this. He's not a new guy anymore. [1:44:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6241s) All right, Senator. How you doing today? Doing good. Uh, thank you, Mr. President. Just wanted to, uh, briefly say to, uh, God be the glory. To God be the glory. Uh, may our love and affection for our districts, for our state, uh, for our interests, uh, shine through, but let's never let those things shine and eclipse our love for our Creator. [1:44:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6271s) We are here on a, a 40-day journey. I don't think that is accidental. We are here on a 40-day journey, and I do not think that's accidental. So may our love for even our great country, celebrating 250 years, our love for our state, our love for our districts- [1:44:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6295s) Our affinity for our different identities, whether as a man or a woman and your, our religions, may those things never eclipse the glory of God. So may every decision we make, every backroom deal, every email, every phone call give glory to God. It's humbling to know that God will not be mocked. I yield the will. [1:45:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6340s) Recognize the senator from the 36th for a point of personal privilege. [1:46:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6363s) Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President, colleagues. Uh, if any of you wanna meet some of your retired law enforcement folks, uh, from your district, they're over in, uh, uh, 341, the appropriations room now. They are here today saying, "We've waited. We've worked a lifetime. The COLAs were stripped from us, from our pensions in [1:46:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6391s) 2007, '8, '9, and they've never been restored." They're here to ask on behalf of themselves and their fellow officers across the state to restore the COLA. These are our law enforcement folks, the, at the GBI, at the, at the, uh, uh, county level, at the s- at the town level. They are here from across the state bringing a message that, did you know all of us that have labored and ha- put on our uniform and our badge every day and worked in law enforcement have been blocked from COLAs for all these years? [1:47:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6431s) It's a moral imperative, folks, that we restore those COLAs. And continuing to reduce revenue is a, a, a, a, a troubling direction to go in, uh, because the ERS retirees' COLAs have been withheld, say, uh, $400 million a year. Over 18 years, that amounts to approximately $7.2 billion. And one could argue that that's how our surpluses have swelled so much. [1:47:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6463s) We've not been giving COLAs in any appreciable amount. Here and there, dribble, dribble, a little 1%. Uh, the time for dilly-dallying is over. If you'd like to hear from your retired public officers in uniform and out of uniform, they are in 341 now, and they were, they are here to bring the message that we need to pay attention, and we need to restore COLAs. [1:48:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6493s) It's a moral imperative. Uh, thank you very much for your attention. [1:48:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6500s) This issue's not gonna go away. It's gonna be with us until we fix it. Now's the time to do it. Thank you very much. I yield the will. [1:48:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6513s) Thank you, Senator. Does any other senator wish to rise on a point of personal privilege? Senator from the 40th. [1:48:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6534s) Thank you, Mr. President. It is ERA Day at the Capitol. I've actually been speaking about the ERA since I first came to the Senate seven years ago, and what's happened in those seven years shows exactly why we still need the ERA because, folks, we are going backwards. In 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned, and here in Georgia and across other red states, that triggered extreme abortion bans. [1:49:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6567s) Women lost the ability to make their own healthcare decisions. Life-saving care is now harder to access when pregnancies go wrong, unless you can afford to travel, and unless you can take time off work, and unless you can leave your family, and if you have the financial resources. Some women have even been investigated after miscarriages, and some, sadly, have lost their lives. At the same time, women's economic eport- e- opportunity is shrinking. [1:50:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6600s) Childcare's become unaffordable and out of reach for many. Restrictive back to the office mandates have made workplaces less flexible and supportive for families. Hundreds of thousands of women have left the workforce just in the last year. That means less income, less independence, and fewer opportunities than our male counterparts. And now even our right to vote is under threat. [1:50:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6630s) The SAVE Act passed in the US House would require proof of citizen- citizenship to register, creating new barriers especially for married women whose names don't match their birth certificates. Reproductive freedom is under attack. Economic opportunity is shrinking. [1:50:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6651s) voting rights are threatened. If that doesn't tell us we need constitutional protection for equality, I don't know what does. I would like to recognize some people in the gallery who are here, um, for ERA Day at the Capitol. Uh, if you are up there, if you can kind of give me a wave. There you are. Yes. We have the League of Women Voters. We have NOW. We have the WIN List, and we have Her Term. [1:51:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6682s) Let's give them a hand. [1:51:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6687s) Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. [1:51:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6690s) Thank you, Senator. I wanna recognize a very special person we have in the chamber today, if he will, uh... A former House member is with us today. I believe he might have served with, uh, President Jimmy Carter when he was governor. But, uh, a good friend of mine, Mr. Bill Jones, is with us today. We're g- glad to have him. [1:52:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6723s) You have before you a consent calendar of privileged resolutions. Does any senator wish to remove a resolution from the consent calendar? Is there objection to the adoption of the resolutions on the consent calendar? Chair hears none, and the resolutions on the consent calendar are adopted. [1:52:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6742s) Senator from the 37th, what purpose do you rise? [1:52:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6745s) Mr. President, uh, I ask unanimous consent for SB 510 to be withdrawn from Committee on s- State Lo- Local Government Operations and be committed to State and Local Government Operations general. [1:52:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6755s) The senator from the 37th District moved that SB 510 be withdrawn from the Committee on State and Local Government Operations and committed to State and Local Go- Governmental Operations general. Secretary, read the caption. [1:52:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6771s) Senate Bill 510 by Senator Setzler of the 37th and other, and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend an act providing for the election of members of the Board of Education of Cobb County, approved March 28th, 1974, as amended. So as to provide that future elections for members of the Board of Education shall be nonpartisan, to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, that completes the order. [1:53:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6794s) Is there objection to recommitting s- [1:53:17](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6797s) Objection. [1:53:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6798s) We have an objection? Do, or- [1:53:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6803s) Senator from the 37th. [1:53:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6807s) The senator from the 37th, would you like to speak to your motion? [1:53:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6813s) He waives. [1:53:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6818s) Okay. [1:53:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6821s) Senator from the 41st, would you like to speak to your objection? [1:53:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6839s) Thank you, Mr. President. I rise, uh, to object to this withdrawal and recommit because this fundamentally is a local issue. It's a local bill that should be, um, carried within the Cobb County delegation. Uh, and so if the Cobb County delegation, Cobb delegation cannot come together and come to consensus on their own, um, then they need to figure that out as opposed to using the general body to pass this bill that really is a local bill. So that is why I dissent to this move. [1:54:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6882s) Senator from the 14th, what purpose do you rise? [1:54:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6886s) Make a motion. [1:54:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6889s) State your motion. [1:54:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6890s) Uh, Mr. President, I move that the Senate Bill 541 be withdrawn from the Committee on Interstate Cooperation and be committed to the Committee on Public Safety. [1:54:58](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6898s) On the 4th. [1:55:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6900s) Um, we've got to dispense on, uh, the senator from the 37th's motion first. [1:55:06](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6906s) Okay. I just wanted Brad to be ready. Thank you. [1:55:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6908s) Thank you. Does anyone else wish to speak to the motion from the senator of the 37th's, the senator from the 37th's motion to move that Senate Bill 510 be withdrawn from the Committee on State and Local Government Operations and com- be committed to the Committee on State and Local Gov- Government Operations general? [1:55:31](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6931s) Mr. President, senator from the 33rd seeking recognition. [1:55:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6935s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 33rd. [1:55:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6956s) Thank you, Mr. President. My fellow senators, colleagues, friends, and y'all, I ask that we leave the bill where it's at because it's a local matter, and we should let local people make that decision. Thank you, and I yield the floor. [1:56:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6975s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 37th. [1:56:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=6994s) Thank you, Mr. President. Just, uh, th- this is a simple, uh, proposition. Uh, as we know, um, the uncontested local calendar moves through on kind of a consent calendar basis. Uh, we've got, uh, differences of opinion on this, so I just ask that this be before the body and go to the committee, be deliberated in committee, and come to the floor for a vote. It's the process we go through for normal bills. Um, um, recognize it's not gonna go through the accelerated process, but I think the normal bill process is appropriate for this. [1:57:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7021s) And we urge your support. [1:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7032s) All right, the motion is to recommit Senate Bill 510 from the State and Local Government Operations Committee to the State and Local Government Operations General. All those in favor of the motion will vote yay. Those opposed will vote nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [1:58:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7114s) On the motion, the yays are 30, the nays are 19. The motion has prevailed and SB 510 is committed to the Committee on SLOGO General. [1:58:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7129s) Now the chair recognizes the senator from the 14th, I believe maybe for a motion. [1:58:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7133s) Yes. Thank you, Mr. President. Everybody's seen the preview to this movie, and now this is the feature-length film. I would move that Senate Bill 541 be withdrawn from the Committee on Interstate Cooperation and committed to the Committee on Public Safety. Both acting chair people consent to this move. [1:59:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7152s) Is there objection? [1:59:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7153s) Yes. [1:59:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7155s) Uh, sorry. Secretary, read the caption and then we'll s- see if there's an objection. [1:59:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7163s) Senate Bill 541 by Senator McLaurin of the 14th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 1 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relative to property so as to prohibit the placement of wheel restraints on trespassing motor vehicles to provide for conforming changes, to provide for definitions, to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, I complete the order. [2:00:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7211s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 14th if he'd like to speak to his motion or he could waive. [2:00:24](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7224s) Thanks, Mr. President. Mr. President, I am so proud to be the sponsor of Senate Bill 541, a bill that 40 senators in this chamber out of 56 have co-sponsored. 40 senators, and I know from conversations the Senate rules do not permit me to expound upon, that the number of supportive senators is even higher than that. So where we are is we're in the posture that this bill, having the overwhelming super majority support of this chamber, has been assigned to a committee on interstate cooperation that currently lacks a chairman. [2:00:58](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7258s) And there is an acting chairperson, uh, but the-- I want to be very clear to Georgians watching this that the reason that any bill, uh, gets assigned to interstate cooperation when that committee lacks a chairman is to kill that bill. Now, there's only a handful of people in this chamber that make the decision on how to assign bills to committee, and I can tell you that this is an anti-people power move. The people online who have been calling for this, the people who have been watching their local news coverage on booting for the last few years know that there is overwhelming public support, that people want a ban on the boot. [2:01:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7293s) On the boot. [2:01:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7294s) On the boot. [2:01:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7295s) Ban the boot. [2:01:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7296s) Ban the boot. All right. So what that means is that you have procedural tactics that are holding back the will of the people and of 40 senators in this chamber. And in a minute, we're gonna have a vote on the board to see who wants to advance the people's priority and who wants to side with this cynical procedural block on the movement by the people to ban the boot. Every name in red is gonna be a name to block this progress. Every name in green is going to be a name that wants to ban the boot once and for all. [2:02:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7328s) The stakes are clear. I ask that my senators, my colleagues, join me in this effort to once and for all ban the boot. Thank you very much. [2:02:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7340s) Senator, he's yielded the will. Chair recognizes the senator from the 29th to speak to your objection. You can waive, Senator. [2:02:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7355s) Senator from the 56, you objected also. We'll let you speak to it. It was a canopy of, of objections. [2:02:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7365s) Thank you, Mr. President. I appreciate the passion, Senator from the 14th, and I do agree with him that we need to ban the boot in Georgia. However, in great respect to the Committee on Assignments, I will defer to their leadership as what they assign this bill. However, I am willing to continue to work with the senator of 14th to find other adequate pieces of legislation to eventually ban the boot here in Georgia. So in this case, I'd ask that we follow what the Committee of Assignments put together, vote no on this one with my commitment that I will work with my, uh, colleague from the 14th to move forward. [2:03:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7400s) Thank you, and I yield the will. [2:03:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7408s) Senator from the 19th, you struck out twice. There's two-- Sorry. [2:03:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7415s) What, what purpose does the senator from the 28th rise? [2:03:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7422s) Hold on. [2:03:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7425s) Thank you, uh, very much, Mr. Chairman. Um, I am the, what is it? Uh- [2:03:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7436s) Chairman [2:03:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7436s) ... chairman, acting chairperson for, um, the Interstate Cooperation Committee, and I did serve on that for six years as well. Is it not true that that, uh, committee can be called and, and hear the bill if it doesn't pass, if this doesn't pass? [2:04:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7459s) Senator- [2:04:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7459s) Isn't it true? [2:04:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7460s) Senator, I think you're the vice chairman of that committee. [2:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7463s) Right. [2:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7463s) Currently, the committee is without a chairman, and- [2:04:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7466s) Right, but the bylaws say that we are, uh, the person next in line would be the vice chairperson. [2:04:34](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7474s) I'm not sure about that, Senator. [2:04:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7476s) I can show it to you. [2:04:37](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7477s) All right. We- we- we'll have that, we'd be happy to have that conversation with the Secretary of the Senate. Thank you. [2:04:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7485s) But, um, Mr. Chairperson, um, I am, uh, the chairperson of Urban Affairs, and if that, um, com- that bill could be put in that committee, then we would be able to hear it and let the people have some kind of voice. [2:05:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7505s) Yeah, there's a motion on the floor to recommit it to Public Safety from Interstate Commerce, and, uh, we're fixing to vote on that motion, I believe, here. All right. [2:05:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7519s) All right. [2:05:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7519s) All senators understand the motion. It's, the motion is to recommit Senate Bill 541 from Interstate Cooperation to Public Safety. Those in favor of the motion will vote yay. Those opposed will vote nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [2:06:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7568s) Senator from the 50th, what purpose do you rise? [2:06:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7571s) Parliamentary inquiry, please. [2:06:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7572s) State your inquiry. [2:06:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7573s) In light of the vice chairman's commitment to move this bill out of the Committee for Interstate Commerce, isn't it true that a no vote would keep the bill where it is and allow the acting chairman of the committee to move the bill? [2:06:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7589s) Senator, we don't really have an acting chairman. That- that's not a thing. [2:06:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7598s) Whoa. He doesn't vote. [2:06:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7602s) Just hold on a minute. [2:07:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7624s) On the motion, the yays are 23 and the nays are 28. The motion has failed and will remain resting in the warm embrace of the Interstate Commerce, Interstate Cooperation Committee. [2:07:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7672s) You have before you a consent calendar of local bills. Mr. Secretary, have any objections been filed to any of the bills on the local consent calendar? [2:08:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7681s) Mr. President, no objections have been filed. [2:08:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7684s) Is there objection to agreeing the report of the Committee on State and Local Government Operations, which is favorable to the passage of the bills on the local consent calendar? Chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. The question is on the passage of the bills on local consent calendar. All those in favor will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [2:09:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7763s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 53, the nays are zero. The bills on local consent calendar, having received the requisite constitutional majority, are therefore passed. [2:09:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7781s) You have before you a consent calendar of resolutions expressing the will of the Senate. Does any senator wish to remove a resolution from the consent calendar? The question is on the consent calendar expressing the will of the Senate. Is there objection to agreeing the reports of the committees which are favorable to the adoption of the resolutions? Chair hears none. The reports of the committees are agreed to. [2:10:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7804s) The question is on the adoption of the resolutions on the consent calendar. All those in favor will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [2:11:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7885s) On the adoption of the resolution, the yays are 51 and the nays are zero. All, and all the resolutions on the consent calendar, having received the requisite constitutional majority, are therefore adopted. [2:11:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7905s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 31st. [2:11:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7908s) Mr.- Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that SB430 be engrossed. [2:11:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7913s) Secretary will read the caption. [2:11:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7915s) Senate Bill 430 by Senators Robertson of the 29th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations so as to provide that certain military museums qualify as destination marketing organizations and private sector non-profit organizations to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, that completes the order. [2:12:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7940s) The senator from the 31st District has moved that Senate Bill 430 be engrossed. Is there objection? [2:12:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7948s) Objection. [2:12:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7948s) There is objection. I recognize the senator from the 31st District for 10 minutes, up to 10 minutes to speak to the motion. Thank the goodness he waives. All right. [2:12:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7964s) I, I recognize the senator from the... Well, she's not in her desk, so I guess she waives. Oh, there she is. I recognize the senator from the 41st. [2:12:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7976s) Waives. [2:12:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7976s) She waives. Thank you. Um, all right. We're gonna put this on the board also, not try this rise, stand, and be counted thing, 'cause y'all mess that up every time. [2:13:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=7993s) So on, on the motion to engross Senate Bill 430, those in favor of the motion will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [2:13:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8035s) On the motion, the yeas are 30, the nays are 22. [2:14:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8068s) The motion has prevailed and Senate Bill 430 is engrossed. [2:14:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8086s) Secretary will read caption to Senate Bill 171. [2:15:00](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8100s) Senate Bill 171 by Senators Anavitarte, the 31st and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act so as to require the State Board of Education to develop an advanced mathematics pathway to require the State Board to adopt policies related to such advanced mathematics pathway to authorize local school systems to offer the advanced mathematics pathway in grades three through five to require local school systems to offer the advanced mathematics pathway in grades six through eight to provide for reporting to authorize local school systems to provide for related supports and services to provide for related matters to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. [2:15:37](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8137s) Mr. President, the Committee of the Senate on Education and Youth recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute. Senator, respectfully submitted, Senator Hickman of the Fourth District. Chairman. [2:15:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8151s) Mr. President, Senate Committee on Education and Youth. [2:15:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8151s) Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Education and Youth offers the following substitute to Senate Bill 171, a bill to be entitled an act to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to educational programs under the Quality Basic Education Act so as to require the State Board of Education to develop an advanced mathematics pathway to require the State Board to adopt policies related to such advanced mathematics pathway and for other purposes. [2:16:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8173s) Mr. President, Senator Setzler of the 37th and others offer the following amendment. [2:16:17](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8177s) Mr. President, Senators Setzler of the 37th and others offers the following amendment to amendment one. Amend the S- Senate Committee on Education and Youth substitute to Senate Bill 171 by replacing lines 25 through 27 with the following: Permit the parent or guardian of a student who does not qualify for automatic enrollment to enroll such student in such an advanced mathematics pathway if such student scored above the 50th percentile statewide on the end of grade assessment in mathematics in the school year immediately preceding the school year in which the student intends to enroll in such an advanced mathematics pathway. [2:16:48](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8208s) Mr. President, I complete the order. [2:16:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8212s) I recognize the senator from the 23rd to speak to Senate Bill 171. [2:17:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8229s) Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I bring you Senate Bill 171. This is a guaranteed access bill for advanced mathematics in middle and in elementary school. Mathematics is foundational to life. It is fundamental. This, the ability for an individual to comprehend advanced mathematics gives them a leg up in life. Senate Bill 171 is an important piece that would allow Georgia students additional training and preparation in advanced mathematics. [2:17:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8265s) If you look carefully at the bill, it just does two simple things. It requires the State Board of Education to develop an advanced mathematics pathway for grades six through eight, and then it authorizes them to do so in grades three through five. This will allow a middle school student to take a high school mathematics course while still in middle school and then prepare them for advanced mathematics in high school, which prepares them for more advanced mathematics as they, uh, pursue their degrees at colleges and universities. [2:18:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8302s) This is an opportunity for us to enhance the, uh, number of students involved in the mathematics discipline. Uh, we, uh, accept and appreciate the senator from the fort- 37th for offering a friendly amendment. The amendment right now, uh, the, the way the bill is written, a student who qualifies by objective measure would be automatically enrolled in an advanced mathematics pathways course or, or curriculum unless their parents opt out. The senator from the 37th's amendment allows a parent whose student may not have been in that top quartile, but who is in the top 50% statewide to request that their student be permitted in the advanced mathematics pathways program. [2:19:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8350s) So, uh, Mr. President, I ask the Senate for a favorable consideration. I'm happy to entertain questions. I, I wanna acknowledge the fact, again, we support a friendly amendment number one. If there are no questions, I'll yield the will. [2:19:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8366s) I see no questions, Senator. [2:19:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8368s) Thank you. [2:19:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8373s) Senator from the 37th, would you like to speak to your amendment? He waives. Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? The chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none, and the previous question is ordered. Question is o- on the adoption of amendment one by the senator from the 37th. Is there objection to the adoption of the amendment? Hearing none, the amendment is adopted. The question is on the adoption of the committee substitute as amended. [2:20:06](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8406s) Is there objection to the adoption of the committee substitute as amended? Hearing none, the committee substitute as amended is adopted. Is there objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which is favorable to the passage of the bill? The chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being in order? The chair hears none, and the main question is ordered. Question is on the passage of the bill by substitute. All those in favor of the bill will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [2:21:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8462s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 33rd. What purpose do you rise? Yes, sir. Could you ask to remind the senator from the 18th that he's supposed to count to 60 before he votes? [2:21:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8475s) Well, I think his seatmate is helping him. [2:21:21](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8481s) That's good. That is pretty good. Well [2:21:32](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8492s) done. [2:21:32](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8492s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 53 and the nays are zero. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed by substitute. [2:21:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8507s) Secretary will read the caption of Senate Bill 392. [2:21:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8514s) Senate Bill 392 by Senators Albers of the 56th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the Budget Act, so as to provide for the application of zero-based budgeting to the budget process, to provide for intent, to provide for analysis of departmental and pro- program objectives, to provide for consideration of alternative funding levels, to provide for d- departmental priority lists, to provide for applicability, to provide for related matters, to provide for short titles, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Appropriations recommend that this bill do pass. [2:22:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8546s) Senators Tillery of the 19th, chairman. Mr. President, that completes the order. [2:22:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8556s) I recognize the senator from the 56th District to speak to Senate Bill 392. [2:22:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8571s) Thank you, Mr. President. It's my honor to bring Senate Bill 392, the Zero-Based Budgeting and Waste Reduction Act of 2026 before you. This is a great tool for our state government, especially for a state like ours that already emphasizes fiscal responsibility. Let me give an overview of why this bill is so important, because we used to have it in place. In fact, we passed it, some of us were in the chamber at the time, many years ago in 2012, but it expired in 2020. [2:23:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8603s) This bill will implement that exact language back into the code, but with no sunset. And what will this do for us? It will continue to promote fiscal discipline and taxpayer accountability. Instead of always spending as we did in years past, it takes a hard look to justify each and every tax dollar we spend, and I know we can all agree the state has no money we have what the taxpayers have provided to us. It also eliminates waste, duplication, and obsolete programs. [2:23:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8635s) We have to take a hard look to see, is this program necessary as it was perhaps the day it was created? Is there duplication in other areas of government? Are there more efficient ways to provide the same services? Over time, it reduces those structural deficiencies and drives to a leaner and better government. It also aligns that spending with our strategic priorities, whether it's public safety, education outcomes, infrastructure, tax relief, or economic development. [2:24:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8669s) It allows us to focus on those goals. It also does something that businesses do each and every day, which is encourage performance-based governments. That governance allows us to define the mission, make sure we have measurable objectives and outcomes, and we cost-justify each one of those while looking at alternatives that continue to make us better. It improves transparency, not just for us here in this building, but for the taxpayers. It allows us to say, "What do these programs cost? [2:25:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8701s) Why do they exist? And what are they delivering to each and every taxpayer?" It strengthens our oversight for both the executive and here in the legislative branch. Whether you're serving on appropriations or just voting on the budget, whether you're a subcommittee chair or the chairman yourself, it allows us to work together in concert to make sure we're reevaluating our government and providing the best foot forward. It also supports long-term financial stability. We have obligations. [2:25:32](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8732s) Medicaid, uh, continues to grow as our population, as does education. It protects us from economic volatility. And of course, in Georgia, we are one of the most fiscally responsible states in the nation. We're proud of our triple A bond rating. We're proud of our number one place to do business. This is another key component to the great recipe that makes up Georgia. It encourages innovation and efficiency. We have seen great innovation over the last years and especially the last decade. [2:26:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8762s) How do we use that technology? How do we automate? How do we continue to restructure operations to be the most effective? And lastly, the overall advantages for us, the policymakers. We have already passed great tax reductions and tax rebates led here by the Senate. We are looking at property tax relief as well. Obviously, the great work on reducing and eliminating the income tax. We're looking for government accountability and we're looking to put the same private sector principles and discipline into government. [2:26:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8798s) Zero-based budgeting is the framework that makes that happen. So in this bill, there are several sections, but I will encapsulate the high points. Every 10 years, at minimum, the different agencies will have to go do a look back of two years, as well as justify each and every area of their budget and work with the appropriate folks to make sure they are both building and reporting appropriately. Now, make no mistake, that's the minimum. It is my hope that this Senate, and especially our, our appropriations leads, will mandate that's done more often. [2:27:15](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8835s) It will also make sure, uh, that when this analysis is done, it is available to all the public to see. Specifically, though, we point to our large area of the budget, such as the university system, our education department, and our judicial branch to make sure they are all following the exact same requests. This will go into effect this coming year, and again, will stay in perpetuity because it's good policy, it's how we continue to run our state, and it's how we can go back to our citizens that have elected us each and every two-year cycle and say we are doing the best job to be the stewards of their taxpayer dollars. [2:27:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8870s) Mr. President, if there are no questions, I would yield the will. There are no questions, Senator. Thank you. I urge your favorable consideration. Is there any other senator who wishes to speak for or against the measure? Chair recognizes the senator from the 14th. [2:28:16](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8896s) Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in opposition to this Senate bill. It's about, quote, zero-based budgeting. That is a flashy policy term that it's meant to describe skepticism. Skepticism that government has any legitimate purpose, and the presumption that all discussions about government spending should start from the assumption that there should be no government spending. That's what zero-based means. Now, it may make sense if you were in a state that had a bloated budget with a lot of unnecessary expenditures, you know, if we were one of those liberal states, right, or something like this, I don't know, uh, to maybe take a look and see if the expenditures that we were making with billions of dollars of taxpayer money really suited the ends of government. [2:29:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8944s) But we are not in such a state. We are in a state that has been variously described as fiscally responsible, fiscally conservative. Let's be clear about what these euphemisms mean. We live in a state with a starvation budget. We live in a state where the per capita government expenditure per person is something about, you know, I think it's the bottom quintile, the bottom 20% of states nationally. Now, there are a couple areas where maybe, you know, the way we pay teachers or education spending, you know, maybe that stat's a little bit better. But across the board, we are underfunding our government in such a dramatic way. [2:29:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=8979s) People will throw around billions of dollars around here like that's a lot of money, but on a day-to-day basis, our people are getting very little service delivery back for the amount of taxes that they spend. And why is that? It's because we're not putting our agencies in a position to succeed. Very often in this chamber you will hear complaints about the unresponsiveness of state government as if that's some problem that adheres to government as opposed to a failure to pay people for their work and to pay enough people. I mean, gosh, do y'all know what's happening in the House right now? [2:30:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9011s) There's a bill to kill the enforcement division for securities law under the Secretary of State. Are y'all aware this is happening? There, there's only three attorneys in that unit, the securities enforcement division in the House, and there's a very cynical attempt to move that securities enforcement division to banks, uh, and finance, the department, so they can kill the First Liberty investigation. Did you-- Were y'all aware this was happening? Yes. Check that House bill out. If they pass it, I'm sure we'll be talking about it in here. But that's just one small example of the way that state government is already doing a yeoman's effort with very little budget to try to produce public goods, to try to hold power accountable and, and empower the people of Georgia. [2:30:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9054s) But state government is doing this with both arms tied behind its back, and the people of Georgia are being told that the way for them to achieve real affordability is to, for the governor to shoot two, $250, $500 back at the end of the tax year. Folks, you don't even notice that. If you do your TurboTax, you hardly even recognize that you've gotten a state rebate. So let's get very real about what Republican leadership for 20 years in this state has meant in terms of budgeting principles. It means pretend government is bad, pretend government doesn't do anything, try to give people their tax money back at all possible opportunities, even if that tax money barely pays your, a quarter of your rent for the month, and doesn't do anything to address the crises in behavioral health, in prisons. [2:31:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9100s) I mean, gosh, can we talk about the fact that gang violence, which Brian Kemp has railed against for years, starts from inside prison walls? It starts from inside the prisons where gangs are allowed to run free because the Department of Corrections hasn't been given the resources that it needs to stem gang violence before it can spill over in our communities. We have all these bleeding open wounds of problems in the state of Georgia, but the governor all the way down, Republican leadership wants to pretend that it's business as usual, that it's hunky-dory. Do you know some made-up magazine has said that we're the number one state to do business for about 875 years in a row? [2:32:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9133s) And every Republican leader in this state goes up to a speaking opportunity and says, "Well, we gotta maintain our status as the number one state to do business." That's completely made up [2:32:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9143s) Folks, we've got people making up stories about what Georgia's really going through, and the reality is that we're starving. The reality is that we can't afford healthcare. The two hundred thousand people have lost healthcare since the holiday season. And the, and the underfunded schools, the schools that aren't performing, that suffer from a lack of investment by parents, those schools are not getting bailed out. Instead, we're being told vouchers are the solution. We're being told that those schools have to be underfunded even more. So there are crisis level conditions across the board in every major policy area in Georgia. [2:32:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9176s) We are in the bottom quintile of spending to address it, but then what we get when it's time to discuss the budget is a very genteel presentation about how we need to do fiscally responsible budgeting that starts at zero, zero based. Calgary did a study of zero based budgeting. Folks don't really do it. People like saying the words zero based, and then they do some sort of multiple choice option where they pick between services instead of actually go to zero. Even the phrase zero based budgeting is a very thin cover for the fact that both Republicans and Democrats behind closed doors in these ante rooms agree that we gotta pay for what we get, that you don't only get what you pay for. [2:33:38](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9218s) But in public, they wanna act like government needs to be drowned in a bathtub because that has been the ideological trajectory of the Republican Party for the last several decades. Well, Grover Norquist is not elected in the state of Georgia, and he shouldn't control your minds. Government needs to be funded at a level that is commensurate with the services that a modern civilized so- society requires. That means people not dying in the streets. It means people walking into emergency rooms and being able to get care, but long before they walk into those emergency rooms, they get a primary care visit so they can address the conditions that they have from square one. [2:34:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9251s) I've been hopping around different policy areas because the problems are that vast. So today I ask that my colleagues reject this thinly veiled attempt to justify further cuts to our budget, to justify three, six, nine billion dollars worth of income tax cuts in this chamber. Or if the House Republicans can find twenty more Democrats to buy off, which they won't be able to find twenty, uh, then maybe they could get their constitutional amendment to eliminate all homestead property taxes. But there is a run on the bank, folks. There is a run by Georgia Republicans in an election year when they're out of ideas to go run and dismantle the very levers of government at its most basic level, and it is being disguised as fiscal responsibility and zero based budgeting. [2:34:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9293s) The Democratic Party's had enough. We are here to present an alternative in twenty twenty-six that believes that government can accomplish basic things for people who need it, for working people. And we don't think that state government is the enemy, and we don't think that we need to defund state government at every turn just to give you pennies back on your TurboTax. There's a different model and vision for government that is possible if only we have the courage to follow in that direction. Colleagues, I appreciate your time. I urge you to vote no, and I'll yield for questions. [2:35:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9325s) You do have a question. Chair recognizes Senator from the forty-sixth. Thank you, Mr. President. Will the senator yield? I do. So if you're on appropriations, you realize that the big thick four hundred page book we get every year only includes additions or subtractions from the previous year's budget, right? That's right. So this technique is the only way we really know what's underneath the surface there, what's, what's below the tip of the iceberg, what, what every dollar is that we're spending. [2:35:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9356s) So how could we possibly know if we're spending responsibly or enough, uh, as you seem to think we're not budgeting enough without knowing where those dollars are going? So I think context matters, Senator, and I'm not saying that universally at all times that this alleged budgeting technique would always be a problem. But I think the context of a starvation budget in the state of Georgia matters. And I think, you know, an analogy might be that if somebody were-- hadn't eaten in two weeks and were on the brink of death and they're, you know, in an alleyway lying against a wall, and you walk up with an expensive X-ray machine and you say, "Well, we'd just like to do some imaging because we're not quite sure, you know, what's going on in there." No, that person needs a bowl of soup or something. [2:36:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9401s) They need a glass of water. They need some help because their basic needs are not being met. And so this sort of elaborate narrative about, you know, popping the hood and looking underneath to see what we've got, we're down to skin and bones already. So we don't need the expensive imaging to quote unquote, "see what's underneath" until we have met the basic needs of the state, Senator. Senator, further yield for one last question. I do. So there's nothing about this bill that requires us to cut back spending or to limit spending or go bare bones. [2:37:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9432s) It just lets us know what we are spending in each area of government so we can see if we're adequately funding what type of imaging machines we're offering, how many employees in a certain department, right? I mean, it's still incumbent on us to decide, but it gives us more information informing the budget to see spending from ground zero, from the first dollar up until that thick four hundred and twenty-one page book begins. Well, Senator, I mean, this is the same sort of rhetorical device that was used when we passed the income tax bill recently, which was, "There are no cuts in this bill. [2:37:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9469s) This bill doesn't have any of the cuts." Yes, but it's all part of a context. It's all part of the same conversation, and words matter. Our words matter, and if they didn't, then you and I and everybody else in this room would be out of a job. Uh, 'cause I don't, I don't lift weights as well as some of my friends do. Uh, but we do deal in words, and words define our reality. In this case, the words zero based budgeting means that we assume that the budget should be zero. That's just what it means, and that is an approach to budgeting that engenders skepticism and mistrust. [2:38:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9503s) ... of a state government. It's a way of signaling to the public that they should not trust their state government and they should sink to drown it in a bathtub. When the press releases go out and the email blasts happen, and the majority in this chamber celebrates the passage of zero-based budgeting principles, the message to the voters that read those emails and press releases will be, "You should presume that every dollar that we spend in state government is illegitimate, that it's illegitimate, that we should not be spending it." And so we have a different vision in the minority party for how government should work. [2:38:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9534s) It should be that we aspire for state government to meet the most basic needs of working people rather than going into every budgeting conversation assuming that every dollar we spend is illegitimate. Thank you, Senator. Thank you. [2:39:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9548s) No further questions, Senator. [2:39:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9550s) Thank you, Mr. President. [2:39:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9551s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 27th to speak to the bill. [2:39:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9566s) Thank you, Mr. President. I have a couple pages here today, and I was explaining to them what this bill does, and they said, "Do you think this bill will be bipartisan?" I said, "Yeah, I think so." Uh, and then my friend from the 14th came up and crushed my dreams of bipartisanship. And I haven't had a chance to fully explain to the pages what the bill actually does, so I thought I would do that for both them, uh, and my friends at home. I actually believe that this bill could be one of the most significant reforms to state government that we could possibly pass. I think people at home will be shocked to know that the way that our budgeting process actually works, that the only things that we debate in the budget from year to year, the only things that we look at are things that are new additions to the budget. [2:40:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9608s) And that when there is a new addition to the budget, we all vote on it, usually, pages, in a bipartisan manner. Those things are then added the next year to the base budget. But we don't look at that base budget. We then just look at the new things that we wanna buy, and we vote on those things, and we put those things in, and we pass them through, and then the next thing you know, there's a new base budget. And you ask anybody in this building what's in the base budget, and nobody knows. And when you sit in the Appropriations Committee, if you want to get the information about what's in the base budget, nobody knows. [2:40:41](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9641s) And what they also don't know is whether the money is being used for the purpose it was even originally appropriated for. So you could put something in the budget, you could pass it through, it could be sitting in that base budget 12 years later, and it can be used for a purpose other than that which it was originally intended for. I don't know any family, any business, or even any local government that operates in that capacity. The very first budget that I had the opportunity to vote on, and I was just telling you guys this a couple minutes ago, seven years ago, was $26 billion. [2:41:18](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9678s) I also, also told you all that the bill that we've, uh, voted on to pass out of, uh, the chamber here earlier this year was $42 billion. So despite what you've been hearing about starvation, government in the state of Georgia has grown by 61% over the course of just seven short years. Now, my friend from the 14th and I do have a fundamental disagreement on whether or not government should provide everything or whether or not government can afford to go on a diet, and I'm one of those that does believe that 61% growth is a little further than we needed to run. [2:41:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9712s) And I am one of those that also believes that we should be looking to put money back in the pockets of Georgia taxpayers because frankly, we've taken too much of it. Not only has the budget grown that much, but we've put billions of dollars that we have into something called an undedicated reserve fund. You see, we have this reserve fund that envisions us putting away 15% of our budget. We call it the rainy day fund. And 15% of our budget would be about $6 billion. But that number had grown $10 billion beyond that, up to $16 or $17 billion, much more than we ever envisioned being in our rainy day fund. [2:42:29](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9749s) Effectively, guys, what we did was we took money out of your parents' checking accounts and out of their savings accounts, and we put them into the state's savings account. We over-taxed them. And so not only have we grown government, we have taken more money than we need to run government. And so what this bill does, guys, is it just requires us once every year, nope, once every two years, nope, once every eight years, we require an agency to say, "Here's how we're spending the money." That's it. [2:43:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9785s) I think it sounds pretty reasonable. I'm glad that you guys are here today to see how government functions. And, uh, for me, when we press the green, you'll watch me press the button in a second. You'll watch me press the green button because I believe that the people in this room and in this chamber should have to go back and justify at least every eight years. If it was every four years, I'd pr- press the green button as well. But we should have to look at how we're spending your parents' money, and we should just not assume that something that somebody did 20 years ago is the same way that we should be spending it today. [2:43:37](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9817s) Thank you all so much for being here today as pages and serving us. And Mr. President, with that, I'll yield the will. [2:43:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9824s) Senator's yielded the will. Chair recognizes the senator from the 44th to speak to the measure. [2:44:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9843s) Thank you, Mr. President. I rise in support of the legislation under consideration. Um, just a little bit of history, which I've had an opportunity to, to learn over my time down here at the State Capitol. Uh, some of you may recall that President Jimmy Carter did zero-based budgeting for his, uh, uh, entire gubernatorial tenure. was very interested in Georgia being a efficient government, a fi- a fiscally conservative one, um, one that delivered for its citizens. [2:44:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9873s) In the more modern era, um, I believe when Governor Perdue was governor, a bill was passed that I believe was vetoed. Then when I, um, per- then my personal involvement started when in the House of Representatives about 2011, 2012, senator from the 56 can, can clarify, uh, we, we did pass, um, and was signed by Governor Deal the, the more modern era version of zero-based budgeting, which, um, you know, does not do it every year but on a reasonable timetable. [2:45:11](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9911s) Every year you, you can run into issues where the, uh, staff time and cost outweigh the benefits that you would, that you would get from making sure that the programs are funded in the, um, most efficient and most effective way that we and the citizens of Georgia would want them to be. So I do think the chairman has struck a good balance and, um, I look forward to voting green. Thank you. I yield the floor. [2:45:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9944s) Does any other senator wish for, to speak for or against the measure? Chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none and the previous question is ordered. Pursuant to the Senate rule, senator from the 56 will be allowed to close. [2:46:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=9974s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, to the senator from the 14th, uh, well, there you go again. I appreciate everybody in this room and some, uh, like the senator of the 14th, uh, uh, likes to make a political commercial and get a few headlines or snapshots for his next 15 seconds, uh, on the camera. But most of the things he talked about actually had nothing to do with zero-based budgeting. And by definition, zero-based budgeting doesn't say we wanna cut everything. [2:46:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10007s) It says we wanna build our budget based on those priorities and this is good bipartisan legislation. I wanna thank the senator from the 44th and from the 27th who, uh, came up and talked about the rational thinking of why this is fiscally responsible and transparent. The great questions from the senator from the 46th. This is a great issue for everyone and if you believe we should do our homework and our only single constitutional duty to pass a balanced budgen- budget should be as thorough and as transparent as possible, then you, like the senator from the 14th, would probably vote no against this bill. [2:47:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10045s) But I believe that this Senate, who has always led on great fiscal policy and caring about Georgians, will vote green. Mr. President, I yield the floor. [2:47:37](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10057s) Senator has c- closed debate. Is there objection to the agreeing to the report of the committee which is favorable to pass to the bill? Chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being ordered? The chair hears none. The main question is ordered. Questions on the pass of the bill? All those in favor of the bill, vote yay. Opposed, nay. Secretary will unlock the machine. [2:48:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10136s) Order. [2:48:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10136s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 44 and the nays are seven. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed. All right, senators, if you hadn't discovered this already, the president pro tem's office has arranged for us to have lunch in the Annie Room and after I recognize the senator from the 26th, we will suspend for 20 minutes. It's a boxed lunch, I think. Shouldn't take long to eat it. [2:49:27](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10167s) Uh, but I am gonna give you all some nourishment. Chair recognizes the senator for, from the 26th. What purpose do you rise? [2:49:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10175s) Thank you, Mr. President. Mr. President, Senate Bill 392, when you say zero-based budgeting, in every year you start with zero. [2:49:53](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10193s) Every department starts with zero and you build from there. Isn't that true? [2:50:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10202s) Senator knows of which he speaks. He's very, been here quite a while. He's very experienced in this whole process. [2:50:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10209s) Isn't it also true that we don't wanna get in a position of starting zero-based budgeting and then we end up in a quagmire like they have in Congress [2:50:30](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10230s) Where they can't pass a budget, and so then we'll have state employees jumping at us. Where is the money? Senator, I pray we don't become like Congress. I agree with you 100% on that. Thank you, Senator. Mr. Speaker, [2:50:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10250s) I would ask that we give consider- reconsideration on passing Senate Bill 392. Move to the next legislative day to have the bill reconsidered. The gentleman has served notice for reconsideration. That'll be on the floor tomorrow. [2:51:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=10273s) All right, are y'all a little bit hungry? You wanna take a, we're gonna take a 20-minute break. We will, we'll suspend until 1:00. 1:00 sharp. Thank you. [3:16:07](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11767s) I hope everyone enjoyed their lunch. I thought it was particularly delicious myself. Some Georgia-grown pot pies from the Hall County area, I believe. Gainesville. All right, the Senate will come back to order. [3:16:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11793s) Senate will return to order. [3:16:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11800s) We really can't do anything until we get Kirkpatrick back. [3:17:13](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11833s) Secretary will read the caption of Senate Bill 395. [3:17:22](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11842s) Senate Bill 395 by Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Department of Public Health so as to require a physician to su- su- submit certain information to the Georgia Composite Medical Board when certifying an individual as eligible for the low-THC oil patient registry, to provide for annual reporting, to authorize the Department of Public Health to disclose certain information, to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting l- laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Rules recommend that this bill do pass by substitute. [3:17:56](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11876s) Respectfully submitted, Senator Brass of the 6th. Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Rules offers the following substitute to Senate Bill 395. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Department of Public Health so as to authorize the Department of Public Health to disclose certain information regarding the low-THC oil patient registry, to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. Mr. President, that completes the order. Chair recognizes the senator from the 32nd to speak to Senate Bill 395. [3:18:43](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11923s) Thank you, Mr. President. [3:18:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11927s) Senate Bill 395 relates to the current process for our medical cannabis program. The Department of Public Health is processing the applications, but the medical board is in charge of enforcement because the certifying doctors have to be licensed in Georgia. There's a sizable number of out-of-state doctors that are certifying our patients via telemedicine through various websites, including one doctor in New York who certified almost 4,000 people. This bill is not an effort to restrict legitimate certification of patients for the program. [3:19:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11963s) It simply adds the medical boards to the entities that are able to receive information so that they can better manage compliance with Georgia licensure rules. This bill has been simplified, and it's only designed to improve communication between two government agencies. Be happy to answer any questions. [3:19:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=11985s) I see no questions, Senator. Thank you. I yield. Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? Chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none. The previous question is ordered. Question is on the adoption of the committee substitute. Is there objection to the adoption of the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. [3:20:10](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12010s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 6th. What purpose do you rise? Mr. Chairman, un- or Mr. President, I ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 27th for business inside the Capitol. Without objection, the senator from the 27th is excused. Chair recognizes the senator from the 33rd. Ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 5th for business inside the Capitol. Without objection, the senator from the 5th is excused for business outside the Capitol. [3:20:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12040s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 36th. Thank you, uh, Mr. President. I, I would like unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 38th for business inside the Capitol. Without objection, the senator from the 38th is excused for business outside the Capitol. [3:21:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12062s) Is there objec- All right. Pay attention here. [3:21:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12068s) Is there objection agreeing the report of the committee, which is favorable to the passage of the bill? The chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being ordered? The chair hears none and the main question is ordered. Question is on the passage of the bill by substitute. All those in favor of the bill will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [3:22:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12122s) Chair recognizes the senator from 38. What purpose do you rise? [3:22:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12125s) I ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 12th. [3:22:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12129s) And, uh, we'll do that after the voting- [3:22:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12132s) Okay [3:22:12](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12132s) ... after the board closes. [3:22:26](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12146s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 46, the nays are 0. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed by substitute. [3:22:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12159s) The secretary will read the caption of Senate Bill 428. [3:22:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12169s) Senate Bill 420, uh, 428 by Senators Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to medical assistance generally so as to direct the Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to authorize the qualification for Medicaid reimbursement of certain home and community-based services to provide for implementation upon approval, to provide for related master appeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services recommend that this bill do pass by substitute. [3:23:20](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12200s) Respectfully submitted, Senator Watson of the 1st. Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services offers the following substitute to Senate Bill 428. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to medical assistance generally so as to direct the Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to authorize the qualification for Medicaid reimbursement of certain home and community-based services to provide for impli- implementation upon approval, to provide for related master appeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. [3:23:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12231s) Mr. President, that completes the order. [3:23:55](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12235s) I recognize the senator from the 32nd District to speak to Senate Bill 428. [3:24:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12254s) Thank you, Mr. President. Senate Bill 428 is an agency bill for the Department of Community Health to deal with the most complex individuals who are high utilizers of services, including ERs and jails. These individuals are often homeless. The bill authorizes DCH to use new Medicaid flexibility to apply for a 1915C waiver that would allow for intensive case management along with other supports in the community. [3:24:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12285s) Be happy to answer any questions. [3:24:50](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12290s) There are no questions, Senator. [3:24:51](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12291s) Thank you. I yield. [3:24:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12292s) Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? Chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none. The previous question is ordered. The question is on the adoption of the committee substitute. Is there objection to the adoption of the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there objection or agreeing to the report of the committee, which is favorable to the passage of the bill? The chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being ordered? Chair hears none and the main question is ordered. Question is on the passage of the bill by substitute. [3:25:23](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12323s) All those in favor of the bill will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [3:25:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12340s) Senator from the 14th, what purpose do you rise? [3:25:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12342s) Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. President. [3:25:44](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12344s) State your inquiry. [3:25:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12345s) Mr. President, isn't it true that the legislative majority's approach to expanding Medicaid over the last 10 to 15 years has been sort of one toe at a time at a swimming pool as if the water is going to consume us, when in reality we just need to jump into the pool. Isn't that right, Mr. President? [3:26:04](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12364s) Senator, you're, you're privileged to have your own opinion on that. [3:26:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12393s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 46 and the nays are 0. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed by substitute. Chair recognizes the senator from the 43rd. What purpose do you rise? [3:26:47](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12407s) Thank you, Mr. President. I ask unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 17th. [3:26:52](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12412s) Without objection, the senator from the 17th is excused. Secretary will read the caption of Senate Bill 430. [3:27:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12425s) Senate Bill 430 by Senators Roberson of the 29th and others. A bill to be en- entitled an act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations so as to provide that certain military museums qualify as destination marketing organizations and private sector nonprofit organizations to provide for related matters to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Finance recommend that this bill do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Senator Huffstetler of the 52nd, Chairman. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Finance offers the following substitute to Senate Bill 430. [3:27:39](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12459s) A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations so as to revise the definition of tourism product development so as to specifically include military museums and related institutions to provide for related matters to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. Mr. President, I complete the order. [3:27:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12479s) I recognize the majority whip to speak to Senate Bill 430. [3:28:09](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12489s) Colleagues, Senate Bill 430 is just a cleanup bill. What it does, it deals with hotel motel tax and in order for museums to be a part of the recipients of the hotel motel tax, all this does is break out museums including but not limited to military museums or any other institutions dedicated to preserving, exhibiting, or interpreting the history of conflicts and military actions in the United States. I ask for, uh, support on this legislation and with that, Mr. President, I yield the well. [3:28:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12516s) Senator yield the well. Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? Chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none and the previous question is ordered. Question is on the adoption of the committee substitute. Is there objection to the adoption of the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there objection agreeing to the report of the committee which is favorable to the passage of the bill? Chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being ordered? The chair hears none and the main question is ordered. The question is on the passage of the bill by substitute. [3:29:08](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12548s) All those in favor of the bill will vote yay. Opposed, nay. The secretary will unlock the machine. [3:30:14](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12614s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 49 and the nays are zero. The bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed by substitute. [3:30:28](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12628s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 52nd. [3:30:32](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12632s) Thank you, Mr. President. Pursuant to Senate Rule 7-1.10B, I hereby give notice I intend that on the next legislative day that the Senate take action on the House action on Senate Bill 162. [3:30:49](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12649s) Secretary, read the caption. [3:31:02](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12662s) Senate Bill 162 by Senators Huffstetler of the 52nd and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Georgia Composite Medical Board so as to provide for the board to implement an automated credentialing system for healthcare providers in the state to provide for requirements to provide for related matters to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. Mr. President, that completes the order. [3:31:25](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12685s) Senator from the 52nd has given notice that he intends to move that the Senate consider House action on Senate Bill 162 and that'll be done tomorrow. [3:31:42](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12702s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 29th. [3:31:46](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12706s) Mr. President, pursuant to Senate Rule 7-1.10B, I give notice that on next legislative day I intend to move that the Senate consider House action on Senate Bill 218. [3:31:59](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12719s) Secretary, read the caption. [3:32:01](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12721s) Senate Bill 218 by Senators Roberson of the 29th and others. A bill to be entitled an act to amend Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to courts so as to provide that the Prosecuting Attorney's Qualifications Commission shall be assigned for administrative purposes only to the Administrative Office of the Courts and shall be funded by funds appropriated or otherwise available to the ju- judicial branch of state government to amend Code Section 16-11-130 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to exemptions from Code Section 16-11-126 through 16-11-127.2 so as to provide for exemptions for current and retired members, staff, and other employees of the Prosecuting Attorney's Qualifications Commission to provide for related matters to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. [3:32:40](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12760s) Mr. President, that completes the order. [3:32:45](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12765s) All right, so we will, uh, consider House action on Senate Bill 218 tomorrow. [3:32:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12774s) Chair recognizes the majority leader for a motion. Mr. President, I move the Senate stand adjourned until 10:00 AM, Wednesday, February 25th. Secretary, read the announcements. [3:33:05](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12785s) The Children and Families Committee will meet in room 450 of the Capitol at 2:00 PM. The Retirement Committee will meet in room 310 of the CLOB at 2:00 PM. The Education and Youth Committee will meet in room 307 of the CLOB at 3:00 PM. The Banking and Financial Institutions Committee will meet in room 450 of the Capitol at 3:00 PM. The Insurance and Labor Committee will meet in Mezzanine 1 at 4:00 PM. The Higher Education Committee will meet in room 307 of the CLOB at 4:00 PM. The Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee will meet in room 450 of the, of the Capitol at 5:00 PM. Mr. President, that completes the order. [3:33:36](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12816s) Chair recognizes the senator from the 24th for an announcement. [3:33:54](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12834s) Thank you, Mr. President. I just wanna invite each and every one of you this afternoon between 5:00 and 7:00 at the Freedom Shooting Center. We having the Georgia Legislative Sportsman's Caucus Range Day. This afternoon, 5:00 to 7:00. Love to have you. Thank you. [3:34:19](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12859s) The majority leader has moved that the Senate stand adjourned until 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 25th, 2026. All those in the fa- in favor of the motion will say aye. [3:34:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12873s) Aye. [3:34:33](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12873s) Those opposed, no. [3:34:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12875s) No. [3:34:35](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12875s) The ayes clearly have it, and the Senate is [3:35:03](https://vimeo.com/1166755361#t=12903s) adjourned.