House floor session, February 25, 2026 (legislative day 24)
Video: https://vimeo.com/1167862233 (a timestamp t plays at https://vimeo.com/1167862233#t=<seconds>s)
Page: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-02-25/house-floor

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.
[0:08:22] Well, good morning. All members that are not on Rules or presenting to Rules, if you'll come to the floor, we're going to have our chaplain of the day get us started off on the right foot. So all members,

[0:08:45] all of, all members, if you'll come to the floor. Because the hour convenient having arrived, all members, all members will please come to the floor and take their seats. I'm going to tell you now before we ring the bell, we're going to delay the roll call vote until, um, some of those members that are on Rules are here. But we're gonna have our chaplain this morning, so we'll go ahead and do that now. Mr. Clerk, will you ring the bell?

[0:09:58] All members, all members will please come to the floor. All members,

[0:10:08] please come to the floor and take your seats. Doorkeepers, will you c- please close the doors and keep them closed?

[0:10:20] Again, if you are not in here, we will, um, delay our roll call until the Rules Committee is able to complete their work and those members. So all members, please come to the floor. Doorkeepers, please close the doors and keep them closed. As our, is our custom, we will begin our day with scripture reading and prayer by the chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. Our chaplain this morning will be introduced by the gentleman from the 178th house district, Representative Steven Meeks.

[0:10:57] Chairman Meeks.

[0:11:02] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Um, great to be here today. It's a pleasure to have, uh, Pastor Justin Moratti with us today. Uh, he was born and raised in the great state of Georgia, and has had the opportunity to live all around our great state, with each place that he lived shaping his deep appreciation for the people and its communities. For 21 years, he has faithfully served in the full-time ministry, answering a lifelong call to lead, shepherd, and to serve others.

[0:11:37] He currently serves as the senior pastor for the Odom Church of God, a role that he has held for more than 10 years. His ministry is rooted in a strong love for God, a passion for the local church, and a commitment to guiding others with humility, integrity, and faith. He is joined today, uh, with, by his wife of 21 years, Ms. Tiffany. Thank you for being here today. They have three sons, and family is central to his, to his life and ministry as he values the role of faith within the home as deeply as within the church.

[0:12:17] In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he is a, uh, part-time quail gunning, quail guide, quail hunting guide, uh, and a producer of bobwhite quail for Dorchester Shooting Preserve over on the coast. This combines his love with the outdoors with the stewardship of the land. He's a veteran of n- of the Georgia National Guard, where he served from 2000 to 2006, including two deployments during wartime.

[0:12:50] Justin's life reflects his deep love of God, his family, his church, and the state of Georgia, and of course, his beloved bird dogs. His dedication to his, to, uh, service both in the ministry and beyond continues to shape our communities. Ladies and gentlemen, please help me welcome Pastor Justin Moratti.

[0:13:14] Thank you, sir. Thank you. Thank you, sir. Thank you. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. I am, uh, truly very thankful and privileged to be here with you today, representing my church and my church family of the Odom Church of God. Also representing Wayne County and the cities of Odom, Jesup, and Screven, Georgia. I, I want to thank my representative of the 178th district, Representative Steven Meeks. Thank you so much, sir, for the invite today.

[0:13:46] And also, Mr. Speaker Burns, thank you for the opportunity to serve this morning. And I just want to quickly, uh, very quickly, I want to share with you this morning some scripture, uh, from the Word of God that I use in my personal, uh, daily times of prayer and of devotion. And I find that these scriptures, that they help me today, they help me in life, they encourage, uh, my actions and my attitude.

[0:14:18] And-

[0:14:19] My decision-making for the day that is set before me. All three of these very short and powerful scriptures that I wanna share with you today comes from the Book of Psalms, and I'll read them in order. Psalms 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer." Psalms, the 119th chapter, verse 11 says, "Thy word I have hid in mine heart that I might not sin against thee." Also in the Book of Psalms, 119th chapter, where verse 105 says this, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." And all three of these verses right here, they reflect to the heart and to the mind, which is where the process of decision-making begins.

[0:15:17] And you, this morning, the representatives of the people of the great state of Georgia, you're gathered here in this session, this year, this time to, to discuss and to lead and to guide and direct our great state. Please, I, I beg of you this morning, please let the word of God help you in all of your decisions. Please seek God and seek God's word. Let the word of God give you wisdom today.

[0:15:48] Let the word of God give you knowledge. Let it help you in the way that you govern our state. Let God's word penetrate your souls today that, that it would help you as you, uh, make decisions, and that it would help you to focus your actions this morning and to review even your attitudes toward your own colleagues and even your families and the communities that you represent. I'm, I, I think about also Jesus. He even emphasized that the, the word of God, it is, it is essential, uh, for life.

[0:16:22] It is essential for truth, and it is essential for authority, which you have been placed in here today. And so when, when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by the enemy, uh, there in Matthew chapter 4, you can go back and look, he quoted some words from the Old Testament in Deuteronomy chapter 8, and he said this, Jesus said, "It is written that man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." So today, this morning, and very, very quickly, I want to just simply encourage you today to let God's word guide you.

[0:17:03] Let God's word lead you and the actions that you take, the decisions you make, and the speech that comes out of your mouth. Let his holy word govern you today. And if we'll do that, I really believe that everything will be in order. Would you stand with me this morning as we go to the Lord in prayer? Would you pray with me? Heavenly Father, I thank you for this great group of leaders. I thank you for all the guests and the visitors here today.

[0:17:36] Lord, I ask that you would help them to look to your word, that they might lead, that they might guide, that they might direct our state by your word, that they would make decisions backed and based in biblical principles. I pray that they fully grasp the responsibilities that you have entrusted them with, and that they would govern in a way that would fully be pleasing in your sight.

[0:18:06] God, I pray your blessings over them and their families today. I pray your most abundant blessings over our great state and all the citizens that dwell here. Father God, we, we thank you for everything that you have done. We thank you for every blessing that you have bestowed upon us. We thank you for sending your Son, who died upon the cross and who gives us forgiveness of our sins. Lord, we thank you for sending us your presence, the Holy Ghost, who is our comforter.

[0:18:39] And Lord, we praise you for all things today. We give you glory for all things today. Lord, we honor you today for all things. Father God, thank you for every blessing, and I pray that you have your hand upon this day and all the representatives here. In the name of Jesus we pray. And everybody said-

[0:19:01] Amen

[0:19:01] ... amen. God bless you. Would you pledge a- allegiance to the flag with me this morning?

[0:19:06] 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.

[0:19:20] Thank you, Brother Justin.

[0:19:21] Thank you, sir.

[0:19:22] That was awesome.

[0:19:22] Thank you. God bless you.

[0:19:23] Thank you for that encouragement.

[0:19:24] Doorkeepers, you may open the doors. Members, you may join Brother Justin and his wife Tiffany in the South Ante Room. Thank them for being with us today and bringing that message. And take some photos.

[0:21:01] Members, our doctor of the day today is brought to us by Chair Lady Sharon Cooper of the 45th. That's Dr. Brent Cannon. So if you need Dr. Cannon's services, you know where he is. He's downstairs, so call on him if you need him.

[0:21:22] Chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information and Audits is recognized. Chairman Hilton.

[0:21:27] Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Your Committee on Information and Audits has read the journal of the previous legislative day, and we have found it to be correct. Getting my picture here.

[0:21:38] You do that a lot. Chairman Hilton, the Chair of the Committee on Information and Audit, report that the journal of the previous legislative day has been read and found to be correct. Is there any objection to dispense with the reading of the journal? Hearing none, the reading of the journal is dispensed with. Is there any objection to the confirmation of the journal? Hearing none, the journal is confirmed.

[0:22:06] Mr. Clerk will read the resolution establishing the order of business for the day. Representative Efstration of the 104th moves the following be established as the order of business during the first part of the period of unanimous consent. Introduction of bills and resolutions. First reading and reference of House bills and resolutions. Second reading of bills and resolutions. Reports of standing committees. First reading and reference of Senate bills and resolutions. Morning orders. Is there any objection to the adoption of re- of the resolution establishing the order of business for the day?

[0:22:42] Hearing none, the resolution's adopted.

[0:22:54] First reading of bills and resolutions. Mr. Clerk will read. House Bill 1423 by Representative Adesanya of the 43rd, Hugley of the 141st, Wilkerson of the 38th, Cummings of the 39th, Campbell of the 35th and others. The bill will be titled an act to amend an act relating to election and primaries.

[0:23:14] Governmental affairs. House Bill 1424 by Representative Cheokas of the 151st and Stinson of the 150th. The bill will be titled an act to amend an act to revise and restate the law relating to the s- Sumter County Board of Education and School Superintendent.

[0:23:31] Intergovernmental coordination. House Bill 1425 by Representative Frye of the 122nd, McClain of the 109th, Gissler of the 121st, Jackson of the 165th, Cannon of the 58th and others. The bill will be titled an act to amend Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to labor and industrial relations.

[0:23:51] Industry and labor. House Bill 1426 by Representative Flournoy of the 74th, K- Kendrick of the 95th, Beckles of the 96th and Ali of the 106th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Chapter 8 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to employment and training of peace officers. Public safety and homeland security. House Bill 1427 by Representative Willis of the 55th, Crawford of the 89th, Miller of the 62nd and Cannon of the 58th.

[0:24:22] The bill will be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 and Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to state employees' health insurance plans. Health. House Bill 1428 by Representative McDonald of the 26th, Reeves of the 99th, Thomas of the 21st, Okoye of the 102nd, Persinger of the 119th and others. The bill will be titled an act to amend Chapter 15 and Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to professional engineers and land surveyors.

[0:24:53] Regulated industries. House Bill 1429 by Representative Ballard of the 147th, Camp of the 135th, Townsend of the 179th, Rice of the 139th and Panitch of the 51st. The bill will be titled an act to amend Code Section 15-11-64 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to collection of information by juvenile court clerks.

[0:25:19] Judiciary, juvenile. House Bill 1430 by Representative Taylor of the 173rd, Dempsey of the hun- of the 13th, Burchett of the 176th, Newton of the 127th and Cooper of the 45th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to regulation of hospitals and related institutions.

[0:25:45] Public and community health. House Bill 1431 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Burchett of the 176th, Rhodes of the 124th, Renfroe of the 77th, Horner of the 3rd and others. The bill will be titled an act to amend Code Section 19-9-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to establishment and review of child custody and visitation.

[0:26:09] Judiciary. House Bill 1432 by Representative Gullett of the 19th, Park of the 107th, Burchett of the 176th, Evans of the 57th, Gunter of the 8th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 12 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Georgia Public Defender Council.

[0:26:30] Judiciary, non-civil. House Bill 1433 by Representative Gullett of the 19th and Burchett of the 176th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Article 3, Chapter 19 and Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to regulation of the practice of law. Judiciary. House Bill 1434 by Representative Jenkins of the 136th, Crowe of the 118th, Jasperse of the 11th and McDonald of the 26th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Chapter 3 of Title 6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to powers of local governments as to air facilities.

[0:27:07] Transportation. House Bill 1435 by Representative Anderson of the 10th and Erwin of the 32nd. The bill will be titled an act to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Municipal Court of the Town of Mount Airy.

[0:27:27] Intergovernmental affairs. House Bill 1436 by Representative Gaines of the 120th, Powell of the 33rd, Kelly of the 16th, Rhodes of the 124th and McDonald of the 26th. The bill will be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 17 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relative to bonds and recognizance. Public Safety and Homeland Security. House Bill 1437 by Representative Gaines of the 120th, Leverett of the 123rd, Efstration of the 104th, Silcox of the 53rd, Reeves of the 99th.

[0:28:03] Bill be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 17 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions regarding notaries public. Technology and Infrastructure Innovation. House Bill 1438 by Representative Westbrook of the 163rd, Park of the 107th, Howell of the 50th, Reese of the 140th, and Miles of the 126th. Bill be titled an act to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to state government.

[0:28:33] Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight. House Bill 1439 by Representative Park of the 107th, McClain of the 109th, Sanchez of the 42nd, McQueen of the 61st, Evans of the 57th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Part 2 of Article 15 in Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Fair Business Practices Act of 1975. Technology and Infrastructure Innovation. House Bill 1440 by Representative Petrea of the 166th, Stevens of the 164th, and Franklin of the 160th.

[0:29:06] Bill be titled an act to provide a homestead exemption from Bryan County School District ad valorem taxes.

[0:29:17] Intergovernmental Coordination. House Bill 1441 by Representative Park of the 107th, Williams of the 168th, Gissler of the 121st, Reese of the 140th, Westbrook of the 163rd, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to state government.

[0:29:40] Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight. House Bill 1442 by Representative Washburn of the 144th, Werkheiser of the 157th, Reeves of the 99th, Crowe of the 118th, and Bonner of the 73rd. Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 60 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations.

[0:30:06] Governmental Affairs. House Bill 1443 by Representative Parsons of the 44th, Ridley of the 22nd, Frye of the 122nd, Martin of the 49th, Williams of the 37th. Bill be titled an act to amend Code Section 46-2-59 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to permissible parties and proceedings before commissions. Governmental Affairs. House Bill 1444 by Representative Kelly of the 16th and Blackmon of the 146th. Bill be titled an act to amend Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to imposition, rate, collection, and assessment relative to state sales and use tax.

[0:30:44] Ways and Means. 1449 by Representative Jackson of the 68th, Reese of the 140th, Mitchell of the 88th, Holley of the 116th, Scott of the 76th, and others. Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Department of Community Affairs. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. House Bill 1450 by Representative Jackson of the 68th, Reese of the 140th, Mitchell of the 88th, Bell of the 75th, Scott of the 76th, and others.

[0:31:14] Bill be titled an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to state militia generally. Defense and Veteran Affairs. House Bill 1451 by Representative Dempsey of the 13th, Hagan of the 156th, Rice of the 139th, Green of the 154th, and Campbell of the 171st. Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to Department of Community Affairs. Rural Development.

[0:31:44] House Resolution 1444 by Representative Cannon of the 58th, a resolution honoring the life of Mr. Jerry Hoy and dedicating a road in his memory. Transportation. House Resolution 1445 by Representative Cox of the 28th, Burns of the 159th, Hatchett of the 155th, Tarver of the 2nd, Green of the 154th, and others, a resolution urging the continued historical preservation of the Georgia State Capitol. Special Rules. House Resolution 1446 by Representative Martinez of the 111th, Williamson of the 112th, Fleming of the 114th, a resolution honoring the life of Mr.

[0:32:23] J- Jim S. Briscoe and dedicating an intersection in his memory. Transportation. Senate Bill 171 by Senators Azevêdo Duarte of the 31st, Hickman of the 4th, Burns of the 23rd, Kemp of the 38th, Payne of the 54th, and others. Bill be titled 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. Education. Senate Bill 395 by Senator Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Watson of the 1st, Hofstetter of the 52nd, Brass of the 6th, Albers of the 56th, and others.

[0:33:02] Bill be titled an act to amend Chapter 2A of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Department of Public Health. Public and Community Health. Senate Bill 428 by Senator Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Watson of the 1st, Echols of the 49th, Jackson of the 41st. Bill be titled an act to amend Article 7, Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to medical assistance generally. Health. Senate Bill 430 by Senator Robertson of the 29th, Azevêdo Duarte of the 31st, Walker of the 20th, Albers of the 56th, Summers of the 13th, and others.

[0:33:40] Bill be titled an act to amend Article 3, Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations. Ways and Means. Senate Bill 469 by Senator Still of the 48th and Dolezal of the 27th. Bill be titled an act to amend the act creating a board of commissioners of Forsyth County.

[0:34:05] Intergovernmental coordination. Senate Bill 491 by Senator Sessler of the 37th, Rhett of the 33rd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Howard of the 35th, and James of the 28th. The bill will be titled An Act to Amend an Act Creating the Cobb Judicial Circuit. Intergovernmental coordination. Senate Bill 492 by Senator Sessler of the 37th, Rhett of the 33rd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Howard of the 35th, and James of the 28th. The bill will be titled An Act to Amend an Act Creating the State Court of Cobb County.

[0:34:37] Intergovernmental coordination. That completes first readers. Second reading of the bills and resolutions. Mr.

[0:35:07] Clerk will read. House Bill 1403 by Representative Martinez of the 111th, Reeves of the 99th, Leverett of the 123rd, Bonner of the 73rd, Stogins of the 14th, and others. A bill relating to general provisions relative to courts. House Bill 1404 by Representative Stevens of the 164th. A bill to authorize the governing authority of the City of Pooler to levy an excise tax. House Bill 1405 by Representative Hong of the 103rd, Price of the 139th, Ballard of the 147th, Crowe of the 118th, and Holcomb of the 101st. A bill relating to delinquency.

[0:35:40] House Bill 1406 by Representative Adeyina of the 110th, Anderson of the 10th, Jones of the 25th, Holly of the 116th, Burnough of the 77th, and others. A bill relating to definitions regarding elections and primaries. House Bill 1407 by Representative Leverett of the 123rd, Gullett of the 19th, Reeves of the 99th, and Gunter of the 8th. A bill relating to trials under the Civil Practice Act. House Bill 1408 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Hagan of the 156th, Cooper of the 45th, Cox of the 28th, Jasperse of the 11th, and others. A bill relating to control of rabies of veterinarians and veterinary technicians.

[0:36:11] House Bill 1409 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Persinger of the 119th, Dempsey of the 13th, Hatchett of the 155th, Rice of the 139th, and others. A bill relating to provisions relative to parent and child relationship. House Bill 1410 by Representative Cummings of the 39th, Schofield of the 63rd, Davis of the 87th, and Scott of the 76th. A bill relating to elementary and secondary education and the Department of Public Health. House Bill 1411 by Representative Glaize of the 67th, Neal of the 79th, Irwin of the 32nd, Hagan of the 156th, Stevens of the 164th, and others. A bill relating to other educational programs under the Equality Basic Education Act.

[0:36:45] House Bill 1412 by Representative McDonald of the 26th, Efstration of the 104th, Hitchens of the 161st, Burchett of the 176th, Hatchett of the 155th, and others. A bill relating to general provisions relative to payment and disposition of fines and forfeitures, arrests, trials, appeals relative to prosecution of traffic offenses. House Bill 1416 by Representative Horner of the 3rd, Ridley of the 22nd, Ridley of the 6th, Persinger of the 119th, Barrett of the 24th. A bill relating to the imposition rate, computation, exemptions, and credits for state income tax. House Bill 1407 by Representative Campbell of the 35th, Lupton of the 83rd, Irwin of the 32nd, Wilkinson of the 38th, Carter of the 93rd, and others.

[0:37:21] A bill relating to uniform reporting system for certain purposes, dual credit courses, academic eligibility requirements to receive HOPE Scholarship. House Bill 1418 by Representative Adeyina of the 110th, Jones of the 25th, Schofield of the 63rd, Beckles of the 96th, Davis of the 87th, and others. A bill relating to general provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations. House Bill 1419 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gullett of the 19th, Gambill of the 15th, and others. A bill relating to unfair trade practices and motor vehicle accident reparations.

[0:37:51] House Bill 1420 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gullett of the 19th, Gambill of the 15th, and others. A bill relating to unfair trade practices and motor vehicle accident reparations. House Bill 1421 by Representative Franklin of the 160th, Stevens of the 164th, Ridley of the 6th, Gullett of the 19th, Gambill of the 15th, and others. A bill relating to unfair trade practices and motor vehicle accident reparations. House Bill 1422 by Representative Gisler of the 121st, Clark of the 108th, Au of the 50th, Bazemore of the 69th, Campbell of the 35th, and others.

[0:38:26] A bill relating to general provisions regarding personnel administration. House Bill 1445 by Representative Townsend of the 179th, Efstration of the 104th, Tran of the 80th, Hagan of the 156th, Franklin of the 160th, and others. A bill relating to disposition of delinquency in juvenile code. House Bill 1446 by Representative Leverett of the 123rd, Rhodes of the 124th, Williamson of the 112th, Powell of the 33rd, and Gaines of the 120th. A bill relating to emergency medical services. House Bill 1447 by Representative Camp of the 135th, Mathiak of the 82nd, Ballard of the 147th, Hagan of the 156th, Cox of the 28th, and others.

[0:38:59] A bill relating to local government efficiency. House Bill 1448 by Representative Anderson of the 10th, Yearta of the 152nd, Leverett of the 123rd, Dempsey of the 13th, Richardson of the 125th, and others. A bill relating to local government. House Resolution 1427 by Representative Sainz of the 180th, Hitchens of the 161st, Willis of the 55th, DeLoach of the 167th, Townsend of the 179th. A resolution urging Congress to pass the Theo Cole Memorial Gold Medal Act.

[0:39:29] Senate Bill 398 by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, Innamorteza of the 31st, Strickland of the 42nd, Robertson of the 29th, Beard of the 30th, and others. A bill relating to wiretapping, eavesdropping, surveillance, and related offenses. House-- Senate Bill 409 by Senator Walker of the 20th, Harbin of the 16th, Robertson of the 29th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Harbison of the 15th, and others. A bill relating to regulation of rates, underwriting rules, related organizations. House-- Senate Bill 427 by Senator Watson of the 1st, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Husteadler of the 52nd, Jackson of the 41st, Innamorteza of the 31st, and others. A bill relating to medical practice relative to physicians.

[0:40:02] Senate Bill 440 by Senator Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Watson of the 1st, Echols of the 49th, Brass of the 6th, and others. A bill relating to crimes and offenses, domestic relations, health, revenue and taxation, and social services. Three second readers.

[0:42:07] Members, I have a great appreciation for all the conversation that occurs here in the mornings. It was really peaceful in here, thank you members, until the Rules Committee came in.

[0:42:23] Then the noise level picked up.

[0:42:28] Members, we will move on with reports of standing committees. Mr. Clerk will read.

[0:42:36] Representative Robert Dickey of the 134th District, chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has had under its consideration the following bills and resolution of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1408, do pass. House Resolution 1416, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Robert Dickey of the 134th District, chairman. Representative Tarvin of the 2nd District, chairman of the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, submitted the following report.

[0:43:11] Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight has had under its consideration the following bills of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 1178, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 733, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1354, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Tarvin of the 2nd District, chairman. Representative Carpenter of the 7th District. Representative Carpenter of the 4th District, chairman of the Committee on Creative Arts and Entertainment, submitted the following report.

[0:43:46] Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Creative Arts and Entertainment has had under its consideration the following bill of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendation. House Bill 566, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Carpenter of the 4th District, chairman. Representative Bonner of the 73rd District, chairman of the Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Defense and Veteran Affairs has had under its consideration the following bill of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendation.

[0:44:19] House Bill 1296, do pass by substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Bonner of the 73rd District, chairman. Representative Don Parsons of the 44th District, chairman of the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications has had under its consideration the following bill of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendation. House Bill 1320, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Don Parsons of the 44th District, chairman.

[0:44:50] Representative Rhodes of the 124th District, chairman of the Committee on Game, Fish, and Parks, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Game, Fish, and Parks has had under its consideration the following bills of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendation. House Bill 1266, do pass by substitute. House Bill 1415, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Jones of the 124th District, chairman. Representative Sharon Cooper of the 45th District, chairman of the Committee on Public and Community Health, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Public and Community Health has had under its consideration the following bills of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations.

[0:45:29] House Bill 334, do pass. House Bill 668, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1040, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1250, do pass. House Bill 1368, do pass by committee substitute. Respectfully submitted, Representative Sharon Cooper of the 45th District, chairman. Representative Carson of the 46th District, chairman of the Committee on Retirement, submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Retirement has had under its consideration the following bills of the House, has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations.

[0:46:02] House Bill 438, do pass. House Bill 905, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1234, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Carson of the 46th District, chairman. Representative Scoggins The 17th District chairman of Committee on Special Rules submitted the following report. Mr. Speaker, your Committee on Special Rules has under its consideration the following bills and resolution of the House, and has instructed me to report the same back to the House with the following recommendations. House Bill 955, do pass.

[0:46:33] House Bill 65, do pass. House Bill 1013, do pass by committee substitute. House Bill 1310, do pass. House Bill 1167, do pass. House Resolution 1111, do pass. House Resolution 1106, do pass. Respectfully submitted, Representative Scoggins of the 14th District, Chairman. That completes the reading of the reports of standing committees.

[0:46:59] Thank you, Mr. Clerk.

[0:47:32] Members, we delayed the morning roll call this morning

[0:47:38] while Rules was completing this work, but now we're going to have that morning roll call.

[0:47:54] I'm gonna ask the clerk to ring the bell again in case there's some folks in the hall. They need to know we're going to have the morning roll call. Mr. Clerk.

[0:48:36] Members will come into chamber and take their seats. Just for a point of explanation to some of you who may have joined us in the gallery, we had a very long Rules Committee meeting this morning, had a lot of business to, to tend to, so we delayed our morning roll call. We went ahead and had our chaplain of the day. But now we're gonna have the morning roll call, and then we'll be moving on to morning orders. So that's the posture we're in now. All members present will please vote green to signify their presence in the chamber, and Mr.

[0:49:10] Clerk will unlock the machines.

[0:50:16] Is Representative Carlton Howard...

[0:50:23] Well, he has something to, a morning order he needs to be ready for, and he didn't.

[0:50:32] So if you will bring him to the floor, that'd be great.

[0:50:49] Representative Howard has our moment in Black history this morning. He will...

[0:50:55] Well, thank you. Thank you, Carrie.

[0:51:01] All members now voted. All members have voted. If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine?

[0:51:13] We'll go ahead and move along with morning orders, and when Representative Howard comes, we'll, um, we'll acknowledge him, and he can have our moment in Black history. Representative Lim.

[0:51:30] We're going, we have a lot of great folks in the gallery, and I'm gonna ask the members to bring your morning order in one minute or less. Less would be very favorably looked upon. Representative Lim is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we welcome Hopkins Elementary, and we particularly celebrate some of their recent victories in STEM. The Hopkins Drone Club took home three first place trophies at the Robot Drone League's regionals competition in Warner Robins this past January, and they're on their way to nationals.

[0:52:04] And the Hopkins Robotics Club recently won two first place trophies in innovation and design in the Georgia FIRST Robotics Competition, earning them an invite to the world championship, which is very impressive. Uh, Hopkins Elementary, would you please stand? Let's give them a warm welcome.

[0:52:28] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well. Thank you, Representative. Congratulations, Hopkins Elementary. That's awesome. World champions. Headed that way again. Good luck to you. We appreciate y'all being here. Thank you very much.

[0:52:49] Representative Karlton Howard is recognized for our moment in Black history. You have up to two minutes, my friend. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, let me thank you for, uh, in, as I introduce to you a young, a young man that was a part of this, uh, assembly years ago, friend of my family and a businessman in Augusta, Georgia. You will find his picture out in the, on the walls inside this Capitol. His name is, uh, Richard A.

[0:53:22] Dent. We called him Papa Dent. And he served for all these years here, one of the first, uh, African American legislators from Augusta, Georgia. Had a furniture business down on Grant Street, now Lena Walker Boulevard. He was a mentor for many of us, uh, in the, in the past in Augusta, Georgia. And of course, uh, we, he's a longtime community and church leader in, uh, in the Augusta, Georgia area, and very impactful here at the Capitol. Uh, he served during the time of Governor Lester Maddox, and they became great friends.

[0:53:57] Got a lot, lot of work done during that time. So join me in saluting Mr. Richard A. Papa Dent.

[0:54:23] We have some distinguished guests down on the floor, so we're gonna recognize Representative Al Williams and friends as he rec- as he recognizes some folks from Liberty County who protect America, and some other folks from Liberty County as well we wanna recognize. Come on. The gentleman will suspend just for a moment. Step back just a little, Sandra.

[0:54:53] Go back just a little. All right, there you go. Gentleman will suspend. Members, take your conversations

[0:55:06] off the floor right now. We have some very important

[0:55:13] guests on the floor that we're going to recognize, and we're gonna show them respect. You've gotta be a member. Yeah. I'm sorry. My rules got me. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Gentleman proceed. It's with great pride that I rise this morning to recognize several people on this Liberty County and Fort Stewart Day. Before I recognize our very special guests, there are many people upstairs that are here from Liberty County representing the Chamber of Commerce and various other organizations.

[0:55:48] If you're up there, can you please stand? I'm not sure where you are, where we can recognize you. Well, since you're not up, there we go. It's a great group of folk up there. Great group of leaders.

[0:56:04] And we, we also have with us representing Liberty, Fulton, and DeKalb Counties, I got this kind of late, but that's the youth, um, Lu- Youth Commission under the leadership of Commissioner Justin Frazier. The Youth Commission, if you're here, let us recognize you. There they are, members of the Youth Commission. Liberty, Fulton, and DeKalb Counties. Thank you.

[0:56:37] It's with great pride, always great pride, that I, I, I stand to recognize Fort Stewart and our leadership here in Liberty County. We have with us the Deputy Commander, General Bradley. If you, and with him is the Garrison Commander, also known as the Mayor of Fort Stewart, Hunter. Colonel Weaver. And the chaplain who keeps everybody on good footing, Chaplain Phipps.

[0:57:11] Major Phipps, I'm sorry. Major Phipps, the chaplain. Okay. Thank you. They do unbelievable things. We're limited on time, so I can't go into great detail, but land-wise, we're the largest military installation east of the Mississippi with 283,000 acres, the single largest military financial provider in Georgia with over $5 billion of impact on the local economy.

[0:57:42] And with us today is the Mayor of Hinesville, the chairman, uh, Carl Ralston. Please, the chairman of our county commission, Don Levitt, chairman of our board of education, Jan Jones. Thank each of you. Thank you. We'll all be together the rest- I'm sorry, the mayor of Riceboro is here. Where is he? Chris Stacy. The mayor of Riceboro is here. And, and we're glad to have the many council members here, et cetera, and we welcome you. We'll be together all day.

[0:58:13] Sorry I took a little bit more time, but I had a little more to say than I expected. Thank you very kindly, Mr. Speaker, and thank you all for standing with me. You always do.

[0:58:27] No, that's a great recognition. And G- General, I think we still have soldiers deployed

[0:58:34] And so they will remain in our prayers. And thank you for your service. Thank you for your, you and your team's leadership and prayers for our servicemen and women. Thank y'all so much.

[0:58:46] Representative Werkheiser, I know you have a special morning order, and I think Representative David Clark's going to join you.

[0:58:55] Yes, he is.

[0:58:56] So we are just ... If gentlemen will suspend just for a moment as we clear the aisle and clear the front right here. And so we want you to get full acknowledgement, and let me get their attention as well. This is a pretty special morning order, too, as we recognize someone who represents Georgia. So let's have your attention, please, to the gentleman in the well.

[0:59:23] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As most of y'all know, I'm from Glennville, Georgia, where we grow onions, crickets, and beauty queens. And in the gallery, if the three of y'all would stand up, we have Angie Anderson, the mother of Aasha Anderson, who won Miss Georgia. And then we have Paige, I wanna call her Armstrong-Ewing, who is Miss- Mrs.

[0:59:55] Georgia. But she didn't stop there. She went to compete in Miss America, where she won first place, so she's Miss America. And that wasn't enough, so she went to Miss World, and the judges almost got it right. She was first runner-up to Miss Wor- Mrs. World. And so thank the three. And then her sister Jessica graduated with my oldest son, Brett, giant class of 34 folks from Pinewood.

[1:00:29] And Jessica and Paige are the owners of Armstrong Cricket, the largest cricket growers in the world. And so she's got all kind of world titles. So thank y'all for being here. And

[1:00:49] then she, Paige left, Paige left God's country and went into David's district, so I'm gonna let him try to steal my thunder.

[1:00:58] Oh, yeah. I, I am blessed to have, uh, M- Mrs. America in my district. But I wanna say, back in July, went and visited the border, visited the troops, and she sent hundreds of thank you personal cards to our troops. They loved it. So thank you for, for what you do for Georgia and our country, and for all that you do to give back. Thank you.

[1:01:17] Hey, Mr. Speaker, if I would say this. Her, as you know, this is not a beauty contest. This is about platforms. And Paige, she lost eight members of her family in eight years, but in a very short period, she lost her brother, her dad, and her mother. And her dad and I were good friends and, and the brother was in between the two of them. Um, but she turned that into hope for other people who were going through grief, and that was, um, has made an impact on a lot of people.

[1:01:51] Thank you so much.

[1:01:54] Welcome to the people's house. We're glad to have you.

[1:02:03] Representative Williams, Representative Al Williams. I think it'd be appropriate if we, um, some folks would like to have some photos with our military leaders and our local folks. So I wanna ask you, General, if you'll take your folks and go out to the South Annie Room, we would love to take some photos, members would, with you all out there, if you don't mind. I think that would be appropriate at this time. And thank you for your service as well, and all of our friends from Liberty County.

[1:02:38] The speaker pro tem of this house, Speaker Pro Tem Jones, is recognized for

[1:02:48] a morning order. The lady's recognized. And friends.

[1:02:52] And lo- lots of friends of charter schools and charter, uh, school students. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we're recognizing Charter Schools Day at the State Capitol. Charter schools, which are public schools, uh, they serve 65,000 public school students in every county in the state, some virtually through our two statewide K through 12 virtual charter schools, as well as many bricks-and-mortar schools.

[1:03:22] There are, of the schools that are, uh, operating throughout the state, we have 21,000 students on wait lists that would, whose parents would love for their students, their children, to be able to attend a charter school. And I just wanna recognize the parents, the advocates, the students, and, um, and the staff, uh, today. If you'll please stand and let us welcome you, and thank you for all you do to help our children learn and thrive in Georgia.

[1:03:57] Thank you. I yield the well.

[1:04:00] Thank you, and welcome. Thank you for what you, your care for our young people and getting on their road to learning. Chairman Gullett.

[1:04:14] Chair- Chairman Gullett and friends recognized for a morning order.

[1:04:19] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, this house passed House Resolution 1236-1236 recognizing Georgia E-Commerce Auto Dealers Association. They're here today standing with us. Um, this association represents over 4,000 licensed used motor vehicle dealers. that use e-commerce business model to operate. These dealerships are headed by hardworking Georgians right here in the state, uh, as small business owners, many of whom operate their business while working other full-time jobs. Um, this sector serves not only a, a achievable entry point for aspi- aspiring small business owners, it functions as a business incubator.

[1:04:56] And many of the e-commerce dealers go on to grow into full used auto dealerships with commercial display lots. So thank you for being here. We really appreciate you. And we have a resolution for you in the ante room. Thank you.

[1:05:20] Representative Carl Gilliard is recognized for a morning order. The gentleman's recognized. You have some folks coming with you?

[1:05:29] I do.

[1:05:30] Got friends coming with him.

[1:05:31] I think I have some friends coming with me on today. My brothers and sisters, good morning to you.

[1:05:39] Today is Original 33 Memorial Day.

[1:05:44] That's right.

[1:05:44] And on your desks, you should have a beautiful template we wanted you to have. It's a collector's item. When you flip the other side, you're gonna see pictures of The Original 33 that have never been seen before. There is a button on your desk. Mr. Speaker, and to the great members of this jurisdiction, we could have not passed House Bill 303 without your support. We thank you so much for the passage. And on today, we have members, uh, that are here for our Original 33 Day up in the balcony. We have descendants. We have members that have come, uh, to be with us from the, the committee.

[1:06:18] We have also the, uh, the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Jurisdiction of Georgia is here. Would you, would you all stand? They're here with us because- ... The Original 33 were ministers and Masons, and they came from all over Georgia to be with us today. On the second floor, and I'll say this real quick, Mr. Speaker, on the second floor is the inaugural exhibit of The Original 33 curated by SCAD Atlanta, would you go by in the rotunda, from now until 2:00 PM it's there. We're gonna, um, be giving the O- Original 33 Award to Ambassador Andy, Andrew Young on today, uh, Shirley Franklin, and Justice Leah Sears.

[1:06:58] At 11:45, we're gonna ring the bells for The Original 33, and lunch is in 1-Room 33 at 12:30, and the overflow is in 123. Thank you all for your support.

[1:07:12] I yield the well.

[1:07:15] I think the threes are strong today.

[1:07:18] Hear, hear man.

[1:07:18] Good planning. Welcome. We appreciate y'all's support of this project. It's very, very worthwhile, and we appreciate very much all those that will be honored today as well. So thank you for being here. Chairman Martin.

[1:07:37] Chairman Martin's recognized for a morning order. And some friends maybe.

[1:07:43] Pro Tem.

[1:07:44] Madam Pro Tem.

[1:07:47] Pro Tem.

[1:07:50] Pro Tem, uh, you wanna j- would you like to join Chairman Martin in the well?

[1:07:56] She's been distancing herself from me lately, Mr. Speaker. I, I don't know. She's got something else on her mind. Um, I, I stand today, uh, along with Pro Tem Jones, uh, to recognize the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce. Um, they've been around and been part of our community representing six unique cities in North Fulton for well over 50 years. I don't know if they're here or in the Senate, but I do wanna welcome them, uh, for coming down, and thank them for all they do for our community. If you're in the, the gallery, stand up. If you're not, we're thinking about you. Uh, otherwise, the Greater North Fulton Chamber, if y'all would, uh, join me in welcoming them to their state capital.

[1:08:38] Chair Lady Hagan.

[1:08:43] Lady is recognized.

[1:08:46] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today we have representatives from several shortline railroads from Northeast Georgia to Southeast Georgia and everywhere in between, and also CSX. They are here today for Georgia Railroad Day at the Capitol. And where, where, where are our railroads? Y'all please stand up. Here they are. The Georgia Railroad Association represents the state's freight rail industry, which includes two Class 1 railroads and 26 Class 3 shortlines.

[1:09:19] They form a critical network that supports economic growth, job creation, and efficient movement of goods across the state. Thank you for everything you do for us, and thank you for being here in the House with us today.

[1:09:34] Thank you.

[1:09:35] Thank you.

[1:09:36] Thanks for being here. We like supporting our shortline railroads, so thank y'all. You move a lot of freight, and we, uh, helps, helps us tremendously. Thank you very much. Keep doing what you're doing. Chairman Todd Jones and friends.

[1:09:53] They're gonna join you whether you want them to or not, so, uh ...

[1:09:59] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, it is our honor and privilege to welcome the Saint John Bosco Academy eighth, pardon me, 11th grade AP History class. If you all could stand up and let the chamber recognize you. Thank you so much for coming. We're privileged to have you here. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, thank you very much.

[1:10:20] Good to have y'all. Eighth graders. Is it-

[1:10:24] 11th.

[1:10:26] 11th. 11th graders. Glad to have y'all. Y'all doing well. Great futures in front of you. Representative Donatucci.

[1:10:38] Representative Martinez. Representative Donatucci is recognized

[1:10:46] Mr. Speaker, members, today we have visiting with us the state champions for cross country private schools division A1 through A3, Hebron Christian, coached by Mike Taylor. This follows championships, two other championships that they received, and two of the runners placed in the top 10. If you all would stand. Hebron Christian is a private Christian school in Dacula, Georgia, and continues to make a difference with these kids' lives and in their community. Thank you so much for coming.

[1:11:22] Mr. Speaker. I yield the well. Congratulations, cross country. Representative Jenkins. Talking about rail, now we're gonna talk about the air. Yeah. And some friends. Transportation chairmen, all kind of folks interested here. Mr. Speaker, friends in the House, uh, since I retired from the Army 10 years ago, I have made my living on Georgia's general aviation airports, first as a wild land firefighter and as an air, air ambulance pilot. So today, it is my great honor to rise and recognize the members of the General Georgia Airports Association Day at the Capitol.

[1:12:03] Georgia has 95 general aviation airports in the state, and they are essential to the state's econ- transportation and economic infrastructure, supporting diversified industries such as technology, manufacturing, distribution, agriculture. They're a backbone of our public safety network and provide recreational opportunities for Georgians. These businesses throughout Georgia utilize Georgia's airports to transport employees, customers, vendors, goods, which spurs economic development. In addition to this, Georgia is also home to eight additional, uh, commercial airports that have regularly scheduled, uh, commercial service.

[1:12:41] Uh, the Atlanta Hartsfield is one of those, uh, one of the world's largest. These airports provide the state with a combined 73 billion in economic activity as well as provide more than 450,000 jobs, representing two, 20 billion in payroll. Founded in 1990, dedicated to the growth and development of Georgia airports, uh, if I could get the, uh, members of the Georgia Airport Association to stand at this time to be recognized.

[1:13:08] Welcome to the House.

[1:13:11] Mr. Speaker, I yield the well. Appreciate our airports as well. Thank y'all for providing safe air travel. Representative Jutt Howard and Representative Ford.

[1:13:30] If you gentlemen will have those conversations a little bit further away, that'd be great.

[1:13:36] Gentleman will suspend just for a moment.

[1:13:47] Thank you, Speaker. Uh, members, a few weeks ago, y'all helped us welcome the Georgia Agribusiness Council here, and, uh, a special guest, uh, um, Miss Donna, who is, uh, the first ever female chairperson of the 80-year-old Georgia Agribusiness Council. Um, but I'm sure you won't mind welcoming her and, uh, the board back today as they are responsible for, uh, bringing up the, the pecan pies, or as my fellow rep would like to say, the- Pecan pies.

[1:14:18] There you go. That's the real way. But, uh, please help yourself in the south ante room to one pie. If you'd like an extra, I think there's some over outside the Senate chambers. Uh, but please limit yourself to one pie. But, uh, again, thank, thank them for being here today and especially Miss Donna for, uh, bringing the pies. Thank you.

[1:14:47] Chairman Anderson

[1:14:52] and all of those that repres- represent Habersham, right? And Chairman Gunther. I grew up there. Oh, you grew up there? Yeah. Well, you know something about it. You're both recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To colleagues today, we'd like to recognize our group from Habersham County today that are with us, the Habersham County Chamber of Commerce, the leadership class of 26 from Habersham, uh, representatives from Habersham County school systems, Tallulah Falls school s- systems, and, uh, Trinity Classical school system.

[1:15:27] If y'all will stand, and we'd love to recognize you up here to our left.

[1:15:37] Thank you. Welcome to the Capitol. And Mr. Speaker, if I may, I'd like to recognize a good friend of mine who's up in the gallery also, I believe, uh, local radio personality from WSB, Mr. Shelley Winter. If he's still here. Oh, yes. If not, let him know we recognize him. Thank you. Please do. Welcome all you folks from Habersham. Y'all got some great representation.

[1:16:03] We have just a couple more morning orders, so members, if you can tone it down just a little.

[1:16:19] Thank you, members. Representative Santos. There she is. Do you have friends? And friends. Friends of Representative Santos. Now would be the time you should join her. Join her right down front. Here comes, there's a friend.

[1:16:36] You can hold it. I'll hold it for you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to present House Resolution 1366 recognizing Georgia Advancing Communities Together Incorporated, who are with us today. Georgia ACT is a statewide leader in affordable housing and community development, working to ensure that every Georgian has access to safe and stable, a place to call home. As someone who purchased their first home at the age of 24, I understand how life-changing that opportunity is and why we must make that dream possible for the next generation.

[1:17:11] If you are here from Georgia ACT Housing Day, please rise to be recognized.

[1:17:21] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the floor. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, and welcome to the House. Representative Angela Moore is recognized for a morning order. Members, this will be our last morning order, and then I'm gonna have a special, uh, quick conversation that I think you will, uh, be interested in hearing. Representative Moore. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. We're gonna double down on Black history today. We're honoring, uh, George Washington Carver this Black History Month by celebrating one of my favorite southern snacks, the boiled peanuts.

[1:17:58] I'm sure you can smell them all over the, all over the House right now. George Washington Carver did not invent peanuts, but he did teach farmers here in the South to grow peanuts because peanuts put nutrients back in the soil, which helped our farmers grow better crops. He also created 300 ways to use peanuts for, from food to soap to cooking oil, turning peanuts here in Georgia into a major money crop for southern farmers, which is why peanuts are a big part of southern life.

[1:18:32] No matter how you boil your peanuts, we have Carver to appreciate and thank for that. If you smell the peanuts and you wanna help us by either getting your pecan, uh, pie today or going into the ante room and celebrating with us by getting you a bowl of boiled peanuts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield.

[1:18:59] That completes our morning orders. Members,

[1:19:06] if I can have your attention just for a moment.

[1:19:13] We had, uh, one ...

[1:19:17] Representative Werkheiser and, and Representative Clark recognize our, Georgia's first and only individual to be recognized as Miss America, Mrs. America. But I wanna recognize Paige Ewing, Ewing again just for a moment. The members of this House have great respect for families and individuals, and we're always pausing to extend our condolences to families who've lost loved ones.

[1:19:51] It happens in our families as well. Paige's platform has been about grief and how you survive grief and how you make your way through that. So I thought it was special, and I've asked her to address the members of this House who care so much about their neighbors and how we may be, may be a little bit of help about something we can learn this morning. Paige, thank you for being here. Your sister, Jessica Curran, we appreciate both of you.

[1:20:24] And I would ask Paige, if you'd come forward and s- speak to us. Thank you so much. I am incredibly honored to be here in this room as a Georgia resident, a Georgia voter, and Mrs. America. Just like he said, I am the very first Georgia queen to ever go on to win the title of Mrs. America.

[1:20:45] Go Dawgs.

[1:20:49] Incredibly honored. Just four weeks ago, I was in Las Vegas representing our nation as Mrs. America, and I placed first runner-up in Mrs. World. Again, I think that's pretty amazing. I love our country. I love being a representative of you all, but I also love my family. And this is my sister, Jessica, and our family started out as a family of five, and now there's just two of us standing here. Um, as life has it, death happens. And when death happens, we're left with something called grief, and it's more than just sadness.

[1:21:21] It's more than an emotion. It does something to your nervous system, your cognitive function, your physiological capabilities. So we learned that through eight years losing so many family members. As young mothers to young children, we still had to get up and make those lunches. We still had to get up and change diapers, yet we are feeling something so different and unique that we've never experienced before. So we did the work. We saw counselors. We sought God. We relied on prayer. We relied on friends and community, but we also learned how to survive grief and live life after loss.

[1:21:55] It was important for me that I became a certified trauma-informed grief coach, and because of that, thank you, because of that, I want to help others and show them you can have hope. You can have healing. You can still live a thriving life after so much loss and change in your world. And so that's why I as, e- entered into pageants, not so I could have a crown. Y'all, I'm busy. I have two teenagers at home. I don't need other responsibilities. But people need the hope, and people need the healing and the answers that I knew I had been given through my own experience.

[1:22:31] And so I knew taking the route of pageantry would accelerate that message. And I appreciate Speaker Burns allowing me to be here. And just like, um,

[1:22:39] Representative Werkheiser said my sister and I, through those changes of grief, we, our lives changed. We inherited a cricket farm. Do we look like cricket farmers to you? No. But it's a small business right here in, in Georgia, in Clemson, Georgia. It is the world's first and the world's largest cricket business. We also sell worms. If you guys need fishing or need to feed your reptiles, come check out Armstrong's Cricket Farm. But I just wanna say that, you know, life is gonna throw you curve balls, and you're gonna have to learn how to play the cards that you are dealt.

[1:23:12] And if you are facing grief, if you're facing loss, you're not alone. It does get better. You can still live a life full of hope and healing and excitement and joy while still carrying the love that you have for those who aren't here with you anymore. Thank you for giving me the floor today. I really appreciate your time.

[1:23:35] Thank you.

[1:23:38] I appreciate you. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, my friend. Come over here. Members, Queen Paige has agreed to s- be in the ante room for a few moments. If you'd like to go out and thank her for her work and congratulate her and f- and for being here today and take a photo, you'll be more than fine. She'll be in the south ante room.

[1:24:39] Members, we're ready to move on to the rules calendar. I know that's what you came for today. So Mr. Clerk, will you read the-

[1:24:47] Mr. Speaker.

[1:24:48] Yeah. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 519, 519?

[1:24:55] House Bill 519 by Representative Stevens and the 164th and others to be entitled an act to amend Article 2, Chapter 7 to Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to imposition, rate computation, exemption, and credits so as to provide that the amount of the federal work opportunity credit claimed by a taxpayer shall also be allowed as a tax credit. This bill has been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[1:25:29] Let's let them settle down just for a moment.

[1:25:51] Gentleman's recognized to speak to House Bill 519, Chairman Stevens.

[1:25:58] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the house, House Bill 519, uh, addresses a problem that we've-

[1:26:09] Proceed.

[1:26:11] It addresses a problem that we've got w- in our state where we've got a group of, of folks that just cannot s- get a job, whether they be disabled veterans, and a group of others that are d- that are, um, listed in the, in the federal program. Uh, on line 26, this, um, attempts to alleviate it. It, uh, gives a $500 per employee credit, uh, to the employer, uh, to apply against his taxes on a, a cap of a $10 million aggregate. Again, this does include the group that is, uh, disabled veterans and others.

[1:26:46] This, um, this would go through from beginning on, uh, January 26 through, uh, 1 of '26 through December of '30. This is something, of course, to get our folks from welfare to work, and it gives an incentive for the employer to hire these folks. Mr. Speaker, that's what it does, and I would appreciate your favorable consideration if there's no questions.

[1:27:12] Gentleman has no questions. Gentleman's yielded the well.

[1:27:34] Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to.

[1:28:05] Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[1:28:17] Have all members voted?

[1:29:08] Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 519, the yays are 158, the nays are 14. This bill having received the re- requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[1:29:35] We're gonna take up House Bill 1001 now, and we do have several speakers and a minority report. But at this time, I'm going to ask the clerk to read the caption to House Bill 1001.

[1:29:51] House Bill 1001 by Representative Wade of the ninth and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the imposition, rate computation, exemptions and crelt- and credits relative to income taxes. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[1:30:20] The gov- one of the governor's floor leaders, Representative Will Wade, is recognized to speak to House Bill 1001.

[1:30:27] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know we've got some folks signed up, so I'll keep this pretty simple. Uh, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, this is a continuation of Governor Kemp's priority and promise to continue to reduce taxes that this House has supported and put forth, uh, several sessions in which we have continued to lower it. This bill simply lowers the income tax rate in Georgia to 4.99% from 5.19%, three years earlier than original- the original bill called for back in 2019.

[1:31:00] So, Mr. Speaker, we've continued to see the success of this body, smart budgeting, um, prioritizing those things like literacy, education, public safety, without any major impact to that, that ability, and also returning hardworking Georgians their tax dollars that this state does not need. It's not the government's money, it's the people's money. Mr. Speaker, with that, I'm happy to answer any questions.

[1:31:28] Gentleman has one question. Uh, gentleman yields rep- uh, ch- Whip Park, to your left, is recognized for a question.

[1:31:34] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

[1:31:36] I do.

[1:31:37] Is it not true that this piece of legislation would cost $778 million per year, approximately 73%, or about $568 million out of $700 million, going to Georgians with, uh, who are in the top 20% with respect to income?

[1:31:56] Well, I can tell you, as a person that was raised by two hardworking educators that were being paid before Georgians recognized the value of education, that they would have really loved the opportunity to have less of their income taxes, of their earnings taxed, and I think this is a modest, as we say here in Georgia, uh, a moderate approach. Um, and I just don't think that that is g- necessarily an overall negative. I know the gentleman may disagree and that you have that right.

[1:32:23] Does the gentleman further yield?

[1:32:25] Last time, yes.

[1:32:26] So is it not true that, again, this is yet another tax cut for the wealthiest in Georgia who don't really necessarily need it, in which middle class Georgians, those on the lower end of the income bracket, they'll, they will be getting maybe an average of $60 back as opposed to millionaires in Georgia getting $2,000 to $3,000 back, uh, with respect to a tax cut? Can you help me better understand why it is the governor's priority to continue to exacerbate income and wealth inequality in a manner that undermines benefits and investments for hardworking Georgians with respect to public education, healthcare, in which Georgia is one of the worst in the country as a result of the failure to invest in Georgians, along with public safety and so many other areas in which, again, these tax cuts for the wealthy and, and, and, and, and the rich here in Georgia is ultimately harming hardworking Georgians across the board.

[1:33:24] Can you better help me understand again why this policy purpose?

[1:33:27] Okay, there's the question. Thank you. I appreciate that. So, um, a tax cut in Georgia that we had set in motion

[1:33:35] Many years ago, back in 2019, we are now three years ahead of that. We have continued to fully fund QBE. We have continued to support law enforcement, local communities, Hurricane Helene relief, because of our house's budget process. And I also think that what you're discussing is more of a partisan talking point and not the focus that all Georgians are gonna benefit from this. That's gonna put that much more, much money back into our state's economy that will also generate other revenues.

[1:34:06] That's been proven time and time again since we've seen this ratcheted approach to lowering taxes. So I just happen to disagree with my colleague. Mr. Chairman, yield for a last question? I would rather open it up for any other questions. I think you've had plenty of time, my friend. So is that a no? That's a no. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? Yeah, you have several questions. Representative Efstration, Leader Efstration is recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I do. Sir, is it not true that as there is a focus, certainly, um, that I've been focused on for the affordability of all Georgians, uh, that what your bill proposes to do, HB 1001, would reduce the income tax rate for all Georgians paying income tax since there is a flat tax rate for all Georgians.

[1:34:54] Isn't that true? That is true. And do you further yield, sir? I do. Do you yield for a series of questions? Uh, I'll give you two. All right. So, uh, is it not true that, that consistent with the legislation that we passed previously, that we have actually moved forward, moved up when we would hit the 4.99 rate as a result of your legislation here today in keeping with the will of the General Assembly as enacted from years ago? That is exactly correct. And sir, is it not true that HB 1001 is just one of several tax cut proposals that are currently before the General Assembly, including in the areas of property tax relief, income tax reduction, and other tax cuts to help Georgians to keep their hard-earned dollars in their wallets rather than in the government's coffers?

[1:35:47] Isn't that true? That is true. We are also focused on, like you said, property tax relief for all Georgians, meaningful property tax relief led by this House, I might say, and our speaker, and tax rebates that I know are working through the legislative process that Governor Kemp has prioritized as well, which we have done many times, and those are equal to all Georgians in its distribution. So I think this is a great opportunity for those that had signed up to speak. Mr. Speaker, with your permission, I would like to yield, and I do.

[1:36:17] I will come back, I guess, under Chairman's time for the appropriate, uh, request for your favorable consideration. But at this time, I yield the well. Thank you.

[1:36:29] The gentleman has yielded the well. He had some other questions, and we have some speakers, so I think we'll have time to, um, get all those questions answered and those viewpoints heard. We'll move on to those that have signed up to speak on the bill that have

[1:36:49] expressed they're opposed to the bill. We'll begin with, with Representative Jasmine Clark. The lady is recognized. Please give your attention, please. Representative Clark is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, today I rise to talk about HB 1001, and one of the things that I think is really important for us to acknowledge is that nothing that we do happens in a vacuum. There are lots of things that cumulatively impact our state.

[1:37:22] And so we can talk about our state's revenues, which will be impacted by this bill, but I think something that has been missing from the conversation is the fact that we have lost lots of federal dollars that our state normally counts on for revenue in order to fuel different safety nets in our state. With the passage of the budget bill last summer, we see now that there are millions of Georgians that may or have lost their healthcare coverage.

[1:38:01] This impacts our state. With the new work requirements for food assistance and SNAP from that budget bill, there are hundreds of thousands of Georgians who could go hungry if our state does not act. Also, when it comes to these bills, they impact things such as jobs in our community. Hospitals are closing, and when hospitals close, it's not just that we lose access to healthcare.

[1:38:34] For many communities, the hospital is the number one employer in that area. So when a hospital closes, it does have an economic impact on that area. We cannot completely divorce ourselves from the impact of federal dollars not coming to our state, and we cannot ignore that and pretend that this bill is actually going to help Georgians when the impact is that most Georgians, about 80% of Georgians, will see less than $100, actually less than $80, when it comes to this income tax.

[1:39:16] So you mean to tell me you want, you think that I can be bought for $65, meanwhile we're gonna cut social safety nets for people in our state? I think we need to give the people a little bit more credit than that. When we talk about affordability, we are not asking for crumbs. We are asking for meaningful, meaningful policy that actually puts money back into our wallets and allows for us to take care of our families. And so with that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the well.

[1:39:52] Ladies, you yield to the will. Representative Berry is recognized to speak to the bill. And Representative Jackson, you'll be next. Representative Derrick Jackson. Gentleman's recognized.

[1:40:06] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in opposition to this bill not because I disagree with the idea of tax cuts, I just wanted to speak briefly on this idea of universal tax cuts. I just wanna start with a question one of my friends from Texas told me recently and asked. It's a question our parents also used to ask us growing up. WWJD, what would Jesus do? What would Jesus say? What would Jesus say if he walked on Washington Street in the center of government power in the Southeast and outside our Capitol steps, our unhoused neighbors freeze at night?

[1:40:37] What would Jesus say when he heard about kids as young as five carrying debt because they can't afford school lunch? What would he say as we tease and play with the war that would transform and traumatize my generation? Do we think he would say, "Well done, good and faithful servant," or would he start turning over some tables again? Again, I'm not opposed to tax cuts, I'm opposed to the continued sanction of wealth inequality in our state. Let's be honest about what we're doing here. For the millionaires and billionaires in the state, about 5% of our state, they will enjoy an extra $3,300 in their pocket.

[1:41:11] But for the majority of families, we're hoping that they enjoy $34. How is that fair? How is that just? Universal tax cuts and flat tax cuts sound fair, but they are not felt equally. The data is clear. The top 1% of Americans hold more wealth than the bottom 90% combined. Here in Georgia, Black families hold a fraction of the wealth of white families, often less than 10 cents on the dollar. And we pass across the board cuts, those at the top who already have the most will see the greatest benefit while working families get crumbs and then are told to celebrate.

[1:41:48] So let me be transparent. I almost went to seminary before I went to Morehouse, so I know. In Luke 20:12, chap- Luke 12:48 it says, "To whom much is given, much is required." In Proverbs 22:16, we are warned, "Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth will come to poverty." And in Matthew 25, when the Lord separates the sheep from the goats, he doesn't ask about tax policy. He asks whether you fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and cared for the least of these. But this isn't, this isn't just about scripture. It's about stewardship.

[1:42:19] It's about priorities. Every dollar we cut without intention is a dollar we cannot invest in housing, in education, in healthcare, in opportunity. It's a choice. And right now we are choosing to widen a gap that is already too wide. 'Cause inequality is not abstract. It shows up in who can afford to stay in their home and who, and which schools are fully funded and which are not. It shows up in who has access to healthcare and who is one emergency away from bankruptcy. So I ask, are we crafting policy that uplifts the least among us, or are we reinforcing a system that leaves them behind?

[1:42:53] If we are serious about tax relief, then let's target it. Let's deliver it to the working families who need it most. Let's make sure that relief is not just equal on paper, but equitable in impact. 'Cause if you're gonna invoke fairness, then we must be honest about what justice actually requires. And I do not believe that justice looks like this bill. So I urge a vote no vote. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

[1:43:16] Gentleman's yielded the will. Representative Derrick Jackson. There he is. Gentleman's recognized. Speak to the bill.

[1:43:22] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I gotta put my glasses on. I just turned 60. When you think about House Bill 1001, this is the only bill I'm, I'm talking about, I need you to keep certain things in mind. Is this about fiscal responsibility and common sense or fiscal recklessness? See, House Bill 1001 removed fiscal guardrails.

[1:43:54] The current law requires a 3% revenue growth and a healthy revenue shortfall in the reserves before a tax cut is triggered. House Bill 1001 removes that safety net. Automatic versus responsible. This bill forces a tax cut even if the state's economy is shrinking, which could lead to an immediate budget crisis. The threat to our public services, as the whip already mentioned about public education, so I will not reiterate that point, Mr.

[1:44:32] Speaker, 'cause I know time is near. But I will talk about the risk of Georgia's triple A credit rating. You all like to talk about the number one state to do business, but you will not be the number one state if our triple A credit rating takes a hit. See, Georgia's is one of the few states with a triple A credit rating, and if our fiscal responsibility becomes reckless, the st- the, the stableness and the predictability revenue streams will take a hit.

[1:45:09] Ignoring the economic realities is dangerous, my dear friends. While the goal is to put money back into the pockets of our citizens, that's a great talking point, but a sudden drop in the state revenue could lead to a decrease in services, forcing local municipalities and counties to raise property taxes. That's a defeat to our citizens. Here's another aspect, and then let me get this to the bottom line here, 'cause I'm a retired commander.

[1:45:42] I love to get to the bottom line. We're already on the path of this 4.99% rate. Your current law w- works because it ensures we only cut what we can afford.

[1:45:57] The money that we have. But House Bill 110- 1001 isn't about tax relief. It's about removing the common sense protections that keep Georgia's budget balanced and our schools open and our citizens in the best position that they need to be in. And with that, I yield the well. Gentleman had a question, but he's yielded the well. Is that correct? Yes, sir. I yield the well. He yielded the well.

[1:46:27] Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, we do have a minority report, and that minority report will have 20 minutes, and the chairman's time will have up to 20 minutes. Representative Wilkerson, the gentleman's recognized for

[1:46:53] his, um, up to 20 minutes, and I think, uh, Representative Romman has also wanted some time, if you, if you leave her some time. Yes. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, and I won't need a lot of time, but I, I come today in opposition to House Bill 1001. Um, as many of you know, and I've talked about before, I've, I have voted for multiple tax cuts. I've signed on to multiple tax cuts, but the one thing I always look at is how much money we have and how do we plan for the future. Um, there are a number of pieces of tax legislation out there, and today is why I voted no last week.

[1:47:31] Today is why I voted no last week, meaning that we are about to give, l- lower the rate when we said we couldn't afford to give hardworking people tax cuts. If we had exempted the first $25,000 of tax income like they did at the federal level, what would've happened is each individual would've saved about $675. That would've been about $1,300 per family. A family that's starting out, that waits tables, that drives Uber, that, that, uh, does a lot of, when we have meals at the Capitol that brings the food to us, they would've gotten a $1,300 tax cut.

[1:48:07] Lowering the rate, X times Y equals Z. Their X did not change. The Y we lowered by .002%, they will get a $26 tax cut. Now, you don't need to be any kind of major math whiz to know, we're gon- actually, we're gonna have a math bill on later, so maybe we do need to be a math whiz. But $1,350 in your pocket as you are trying to a- afford what happened after we had the illegal tariffs that have been ruled illegal by the Supreme Court. And by the way, I would love to get our piece of the $170 billion back, so I would encourage us to join in the other states demanding we get our money back, but I digress.

[1:48:44] What I'm saying is that $1,350 is greater than 52. $1,352- $1,350 to every working Georgian, and I would say expand that to everybody like I did last week. So it, it's pretty simple math. We are about to shift money to the metro area that probably has the highest income in the state. We are going to not give it to the rest of the state because the income levels that they may have may not be what we have in our, you know, greater metro area where all these headquarters are.

[1:49:15] The head, the, the, the, the, the leaders of these companies that are getting $20 million deals don't need another tax cut of .002%, .002%. So what I ask is that we reject this bill. It's great to keep a cam- well, it's great to have a saying say you want below 5%, but not if it hurts people that you represent. When I vote, I wanna make sure that I'm voting for the person that is sitting at home, that is trying to afford groceries, that we're about to tax at a higher rate.

[1:49:46] And maybe that's the right answer for sales tax. I don't know. We're still evaluating, and hopefully you received the spreadsheet I sent earlier. But what I would say is $1,350 is greater than 52, and we don't need millionaires to continue to drive this economy. We need the working people that are trying to buy a home, that are trying to put food on their plate, that are trying to g- send their kids on spring break in another month. You know, if they're lucky, they go down to the beach and maybe, you know, spend some time together. But what I ask is that you vote no on this, that we put all these bills together like any family does.

[1:50:21] You come together as a family. You don't spend money on Christmas vacations. You look at your budget overall, and I would say look at our budget overall, and then decide what we wanna do. I think we can get some responsible tax cuts that can fly out of here like other ones have. They could fly out of here. We could do what's right for people. But today, I ask that you vote no. 1,350 is greater than 20- 52, um, and I would rather go with the 1,350 than the 52, Mr. Speaker. And with that, um, I will yield the well.

[1:50:52] Thank you. You have a couple of questions? Oh, sh- um, yes, I will yield for a question. Yield for a question. Representative Jason Ridley, to your right. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yield- All the way, all the way around. Yeah. Almost behind you. Good to see you, my friend. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you. I'm just real confused, uh, about something. If we're given 3.99% cut on, on income taxes, if I make 100,000 or if I make 20,000, I'm getting the same cut. Now, the amount's gonna be different because the amount's bigger. You're gonna get more back, correct?

[1:51:23] Um, where's the 3.99? I thought we were gonna- I thought we were, whatever we were going to. What are we going to? Huh? So I- It's going down to 3.99. That's what this bill's about. N- right now, we're going to 4.99, but let's talk about the 4.99. But either way, here- But I'm asking- Yeah, yeah. Okay, whatever the number is. Yeah, yeah. Your question is? Whatever the inter- whatever we're going to, is it not the same if, uh, the percentage cut, if I'm making 10,000 or 100,000, is it, am, am I not still saving 4%?

[1:51:50] What you are- Representative Wilkerson- Yeah ... uh, just to clarify that, if, if the gentleman would suspend, I think he meant 4.99. Yeah, we're going to 4.99. I'm sorry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I didn't. I wrote down. I w- I was wishful thinking. You know, again, so, you know, it, it was funny you should ask that because I, I met with a group of CPA students, and, and this, you might not get the CPA humor, but we were talking about a couple years ago when we passed a tax bill, and we-

[1:52:12] ... confused exemptions and standard deduction, we gotta come back and fix it the next year. And they're like, "Oh my God, I can't believe they didn't, you know, you guys did this." And I'm like, so the difference is I say s- raise the standard deduction, 'cause to your point, I do wanna raise the standard deduction to help everybody else. Th- that's the X. The Y is the rate. Changing the rate does not help that. So yes, that's why, to your point, everybody gets the same rate cut, but if I give you a, a 10% raise and you make $100, you got $110. If I give you a 10% raise, you just got a $100,000 raise, right?

[1:52:44] Well, yeah. If the governor gets a raise and we get a raise, his raise is gonna be different than ours. That's true, but what I'm talking about, y'all are, y'all preach that y'all are the party of equality. We're trying to make it equal across the board for everybody, and y'all are not s- not doing that. Y'all are saying that if I'm, if I make more money, I should, I pay more taxes. Well, I do, but I'm still paying the same amount as the guy that's making the lower taxes, or I mean, the lower pay. You, you, you are paying the same percentage. And again, I'm just showing what the numbers are. I mean, 1350 is... Okay, I got an idea. You give me 26, I'll give you 1350 and we'll call it even.

[1:53:17] That works at the same rate. Well, I know, but I'm asking you, is it not fi- if it's not 499, that's to everybody. It's equal. It, it is not equal. It's the same rate, but, and again, X times Y equals Z, and the Y may be the same, but the X is different, which means the Z is different, and people spend the Z or get the Z back. And that's what I'm saying. Okay. So your Y is okay. Your Y, your Y piece is, is right. The X and Z are off. All right. Thank you. Thank you. That's why we have CPAs to figure out our taxes. It's pretty complicated to me. Chairman Williamson is recognized for a question.

[1:53:48] Will the gentleman yield? I- Does, does the gentleman yield? To the gentleman I sign many bills with, yes. So we, we talked about a little bit of, of further testimony that, uh, worried about our bond rating here and, uh, and our triple A credit rating in Georgia. Is it not true there's 13 states in the union that enjoy a triple A credit union, and is- That is correct, yes. And is it not further true that four of those states have a zero income tax? Correct. And I think there might have been some...

[1:54:19] And if I could expand on that, I think there might have been some combination, uh, to your point. Our bond rating would really be entirely driven by the property tax. So if you eliminate the property tax completely, then yes, that would impact your bond rating. But this income tax, no, it won't. I don't think it will necessarily impact your bond rating. Well, and I, I misspoke. I'm talking about triple A credit rating, not bond rating. The triple A credit, yeah. The triple A credit rating- So- ... I don't think would be impacted by this- But- ... as much as eliminating property tax, yes. Does the gentleman yield for one more- I do, yes. Thank you ... follow-up question? So of those 13 states, of which Georgia is one, that we enjoy a triple A credit rating, is it not true that only one of those states that do collect an income tax has a rate higher than 4.99%?

[1:54:56] Is that not true? I'm trying to think. I'm trying to think. And it would be Virginia. No, no, let me think of this. It would be Virginia. Well, let me think of this. Um, Florida has Disney World. Texas has oil. Tennessee has, you know, Gatlinburg and all that. We have Six Flags. Um, but yes, to your point, all those states have another way to bring money in. All right. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Thank you for that question. How about the chairman of the committee? It, would you, uh, yield to, uh, for a question- ... from Chairman Blackmon? Of course I will. Yes. Thank you, Representative.

[1:55:26] Gentleman yield? Yes, I do, sir. Isn't it true that as a part of the original legislation, that the standard deduction was increased substantially and front-loaded so that those could receive tho- that kind of relief early on, uh, across the board, a- and that families have been, uh, not taxed or pay zero tax on the first, family of four would pay zero tax on the first $32,000 of income? We'd, we'd, the initial bill- Is that not true?

[1:55:56] Well, I believe the initial bill was we lowered the rate, then we came back and lowered the deduction, which I think we all supported. Um, but then we did not accept the federal exemption, which raises it to 25. So yes, we did do some great work in a bipartisan fashion to raise it up to 12 and, yes. And that was done originally, if the gentleman would yield, that was done originally. We've, we've enjoyed that raise in standard deduction for a couple, couple years now. Yes, and I would look- Y- yeah ... forward to doing that again. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Representative. Thank you, sir. Okay. I- if that's it, I will yield the well to my colleague, who has some additional time.

[1:56:30] Gentleman has some further questions, but I know your colleague wants to speak. But- Yeah ... if you want to question, you have more. How much time, how much time do we have left? Uh, you have about eight, a little, about eight minutes. Um, I'll take one more. Yeah, sure. Okay. Is it a friendly question? Representative Carpenter, to your right. It is friendly. It's always friendly in my- It is friendly. Does the gentleman yield? I do, Mr. Carpenter. All right. So I wanna, uh, you know, food guy, I like to come up with food scenarios. So what we're offering today is everybody in the state of Georgia a 10% coupon to my restaurant.

[1:57:00] So you come in and spend $100, you get 10% off the $100. If you come in and spend $10, you get 10% off. You're suggesting that you come in and get a free cheeseburger, and I don't, and, and, and I don't get but a bag of fries. Is that what you're suggesting? Um, can I answer that? What I'm suggesting is I've been to your restaurant, great place. If I got a $26 rebate, I'm probably going to McDonald's instead. Um, what I'm saying is for $1,350, I'd come to your restaurant and I would pay the same price as everybody else. So no, what I'm saying is that they will have more money in their pocket to come to your restaurant, 'cause, and then you can make sure you pay your folks and they can recycle that money.

[1:57:38] So no, I'm not asking for anything free, I'm just asking just to put the money where it's gonna be spent and driv- driving our economy. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well. Intriguing conversations. Thank you for your presentation. Um, Representative Romman, you have seven minutes. Lady is recognized to speak to the bill. I didn't expect to be talking about food, y'all. I'm, now you're making me hungry. Um, and during Ramadan, too. But so I feel like we do a version of this bill every year that I've been here, and the entire argument that I keep hearing over and over again is that we should be putting more money back into Georgians' pockets.

[1:58:20] But the original bill had set specific metrics that if we met them in terms of revenue, in terms of increasing taxes, et cetera, that's when we would cut these taxes. And yet each year, the reason this bill keeps existing and bills like it, is that we are actually not meeting our revenue goals. That is the reality here. What we are doing is we are coming back and we are moving the goalpost without actually meeting the same requirements that we ourselves put as part of this package. And each year we're told, "Just vote on this one.

[1:58:50] We gotta just update it and change it, and then it'll be fine the next year," and then it is not. That's not good math. It doesn't work. And to my colleague's arguments earlier, I wanna, I wanna talk a little bit about what this means and why it actually impacts those who make most versus those who make least, because percentages on their face sound the same. I get 5%, you get 5%, but y'all, $5 does way less than $5,000.

[1:59:22] So when you say that people are getting the same amount back, that is actually factually incorrect. You're putting $5 back into somebody's pocket, but you're defunding their ambulances, you're defunding their fire stations, you're defunding their law enforcement. And the people, by the way, who can afford their own private ambulances, their own private firefighters, their own private security force, are only gonna get more money back into their pockets. There is actually a way to do this.

[1:59:53] It's called the earned income tax credit. For those who make less, they can keep more money in their pocket, and that kind of change is life transforming. We have heard from people who benefited from the earned income tax credit, which by the way, is one of the single greatest ways to diminish poverty in our country and in our state. And they will share things like, "Instead of having to work three to four jobs, I only have to work two. And for the first time ever, I can take my kid to a park." Can y'all imagine that?

[2:00:25] There are people working three to four, four jobs. They are doing what they are supposed to do, and they still can't make ends meet because why? We keep being told that if we give these corporations more tax credits, if we give the wealthy more tax credits, then it's going to magically trickle down. I have been told this my entire life, and yet when you go out and you talk to Georgians and you ask them have they gotten any of that benefit, they will emphatically tell you no. In fact, as profits continue to go up, the money in their pocket continues to decrease.

[2:00:58] Even, by the way, as productivity continues to rise. That is fundamentally unfair. We are asking Georgians to work harder for much less. And I wanna tell y'all a story. I was speaking to a woman who broke down crying. She said, "I feel so much shame. My body has completely betrayed me. I have a chronic illness. I've done everything I'm supposed to do. Healthcare is unaffordable. Everything is unaffordable." And she said, "I feel so much shame," because for her whole life she was told she's supposed to be a productive member of society, and she was.

[2:01:34] She has so many degrees. She was an educator. She had done so much. She was raising, like, her whole household, and yet she felt shame because she didn't have insurance and needed help from a local clinic just to survive. And we did that. We made people feel shame for asking for help for when they need it most. And yet we've all seen it. We've seen the special interests and the folks around here who come in and shamelessly ask for tax break after tax break, and we're just expected to help them, and then make that woman feel shame for needing help the one time she needed it.

[2:02:11] That's unacceptable. We have a priority. There is an amazing amount of power in government. It is incredible. What is the point of having this power if all we are doing is continuing to act like middle management for the already wealthy? I'm tired of taking people's money and putting it in pockets of people who don't need it. It doesn't work. Fundamentally, it is making our communities less safe. It is displacing people. It is causing immense harm. And you know what they're watching?

[2:02:41] They're watching us put billions of dollars in these tax credits. They're watching us put billions of dollars in these projects, and yet things get more expensive. And, and let me put one last fine point on this. This money goes to things like our roads and our schools and our hospitals and our airports. Y'all want people to be happy with putting $5 in their pocket while they get thousands of dollars taken out of another pocket because now they have to spend money fixing up their cars that are getting banged up from potholes.

[2:03:15] Now they have to travel further for healthcare. Now their utility rates are going up, and so much more. We keep telling folks, "We're putting more money back in your pocket." You see this chart. It literally shows you who this benefits. The majority of Georgians do not benefit from this tax break. We had this exact same conversation, by the way, last year. Like, I feel like I'm living deja vu right now and I have to remind myself, no, it's because we had this exact same conversation. We have ways to cut taxes that will actually benefit people.

[2:03:47] There are so many different types of tax systems that will put more money in their pocket. So when we keep saying 3% is the same amount of fair, 4% is the same amount of fair, I will tell you right now, there's not a single person that you can go and talk to and tell them is $5 the same as $5,000, $500, $50. Not a single person is going to say yes, because $5 might get you a snack, not even a meal these days. $50 doesn't even pay your utility bills. It might fill up your car, but it ain't paying your utility bills.

[2:04:20] $500 might pay your utility bills, but now your car insurance is going up. And $5,000, well, God forbid you get into an accident. These are the stakes for people all around our state, and we cannot pat ourselves on the back constantly doing the bare minimum and then every election season going, "They voted against tax breaks." Y'all wanna know what we're voting against? It's not tax breaks for people. We're voting against the same folks who have more money than they know what to do with and then come here and change our laws.

[2:04:54] I urge you to vote no on this bill. I will be voting on, no on this bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the will.

[2:05:00] Thank you, Representative Ramont.

[2:05:11] That completes the minority re- report on this bill. We now have up to, up to 20 minutes of chairman's time. Representative Chairman Blackmon is recognized for up to 20 minutes or however he would decide to divide that up or how much of that he would lo- like to use. So the chairman is recognized.

[2:05:37] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm gonna yield the, uh, majority of my time back to the author of the bill. But I, I just had a couple of points to make. W- you know, I'm not sure why for some it, it seems okay to take money from one Georgian and give to another, but not to allow that same Georgian to keep more of the dollars that they have earned. This legislation fulfills our original commitment of 1437 that we front-loaded with higher standard deductions.

[2:06:16] And again, that provides for a family of four now that they pay zero income tax on the first $32,000 of income, noting that seniors pay zero income tax on the first $65,000 of income. Consider that, that we have had structural surpluses in place year over year. We fully fund our reserve fund, and we meet our constitutional obligations, fully funding QBE year after year, and other obligations that the state requires.

[2:06:52] Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this, and I yield my time back to the author of the bill.

[2:07:00] Thank, thank you, Representative Blackmon. Representative Wade is recognized to speak to up to 18 minutes of chair's time. Gentleman's recognized.

[2:07:11] Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I will keep it way, way under that 18 minutes. Just a couple of final points. Again, to those questions that were coming about trying to pit Georgians against each other because some Georgians happen to earn more money than others, it's my belief, I spent 15 years as a school board member supporting the dreams of students so that they could chase those dreams, and a lot of those dreams start out as a small job. I started making minimum wage as a bank teller, and I continue to strive to grow and do more.

[2:07:43] This does not penalize Georgians. This treats this as a proportional tax. If you pay a half a million dollars in taxes, then you're going to receive a larger dollar amount because you're already contributing more into the state's coffers. Again, it's proportional. Uh, well, I'm not gonna argue that. My dad was a math teacher. The math is the math. You may have a philosophical difference. I do not. Like the chairman, I do not believe that we should be taking some people that earn certain dollars and give to others because they're not earning that same amount.

[2:08:18] We're Americans, and you've got the freedom to go out and pursue whatever dream you have, to earn as much as you possibly can, and I have that same wish for all Georgians. And last thing I want to say is, to the point, uh, 80% of income taxes that come into this state through the personal income tax come from the top 20% of wage earners. They are paying the lion's share of income tax in this state. So Mr. Speaker, I think the governor, I think this legislative body, uh, as the chairman said, our structural surpluses have been managed very well.

[2:08:56] We are returning tax dollars to hardworking Georgians, and we are completing this original targeted 4.99% tax rate three years earlier because of how well we have done as a state. Mr. Speaker, I ask for this body's favorable consideration. I know my friends on both sides are hungry. Please vote yes to cut taxes for all Georgians. Thanks. I yield the will.

[2:09:26] The gentleman has yielded the will. That concludes the, uh, minority report and the chairman's time. The previous question has been ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[2:10:24] Have all members voted?

[2:10:28] For what purposes r- for what purposes Representative Williams, Mary Frances Williams rise. Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Mr. Speaker, isn't it true that last fall several legislators, House members, sat in meetings learning that DFCS was more than $80 million in deficit, requiring cuts to foster care services for children, children in foster care, um, and that we have never returned funding levels for public health to 2008 levels?

[2:11:08] And isn't it also true that sometimes leaders have to make difficult decisions that are not popular for, in, in order to preserve the physical health and security of our state? You know, sometimes, isn't it true that sometimes children ask for candy, and as good parents, we don't give it to them. But Mr. Speaker, isn't this candy? Thank you. I appreciate the lady's viewpoint, and I will just say that those are some circumstances I think the chairman for appropriations is working diligently on.

[2:11:42] Uh, for what purpose does Representative Thomas rise? Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. State your inquiry, sir. Is it not true that many Americans have worked tirelessly to lift themselves out of poverty and into the middle class, and as their income has increased, so have the taxes that they've had to pay year over year? Further inquiry. The gentleman knows what he speaks. One more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If that's the case, why are they not entitled to a tax break, too? Gentleman has his opinion. For what purpose does Whip Park rise?

[2:12:14] Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry, sir. Mr. Speaker, is it not true that the Bible says that, uh, much who is given, to, to whom much is given, much will be required, and that all that members of the minority party is asking for is that those who can afford to pay their fair share do so? Is that not true, Mr. Speaker? I know that's the gentleman's opinion, and I've heard him quote the Bible several times. Uh, for what purpose does Representative Gullett rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Isn't it true that in this, that this House in the amended budget fully funded DFCS's gap?

[2:12:46] And is it also not further true that by lowering the income tax rate only when we reach certain benchmarks in the state, uh, that we ensure to prioritize both the taxpayer relief and the long-term budget, um, stability here in the state? Sounds like the gentleman knows of what he speaks. For what purpose does Whip Burchett rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Is it not true that, uh, this representative is very fond of the fact that the bipartisan folks that have spoke today have spoke both of the Bible and of trickle-down e- eco- economics?

[2:13:19] Great combination. You know, further inquiry, Mr. Speaker. State your inquiry. Is it not true that what we seek to do here is give everybody a tax break, re- regardless of how much money you make in the state of Georgia? Is that not true, Mr. Speaker? I think the policy we passed applies to 12 million Georgians, the gentleman would be correct. For what purpose does Representative Shea-Roberts rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry. Isn't it true that the federal government is currently trying to shift the percentage of things like FEMA and educa- Department of Education to the states?

[2:13:59] Currently, FEMA covers 75% of natural disasters, and they wanna switch that re- uh, percentage the other direction. And so isn't it further true that when we haven't hit the revenue benchmarks, that it's fiscally irresponsible for us when we know that we've had many natural disasters that we've had to come in and provide aid for? So we, um, might wanna think about that before we reduce the revenues. I know the lady believes of what she speaks, but I'll just say I can't keep up with the federal government.

[2:14:33] They're doing a lot of things that I'm not sure of. For what purpose does Chairman Martin rise? This will be the last one. Parliamentary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. State your inquiry, sir. Isn't it true, sir, we've heard a lot of people, uh, question the amount of the tax break for various, um, income groups in this state? That's been questioned today. Isn't that true? And we did hear clarification on that. Yeah, yeah. I- isn't it true, just as we finish this up, Mr. Speaker, that everybody pays the same percentage, and if those are getting a bigger tax cut, it means they're paying more today because this tax cut is proportionally equal to every single tax-paying Georgian, and it's gonna return $750 million worth of candy to those very Georgians that earn the money.

[2:15:19] I know the gentleman believes his numbers are correct and believes what he speaks. Now, have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1001, the yeas are 106 and nays are 66. This bill having received a requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[2:15:44] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 792, 792. House Bill 792 by Representative Momtahan of the 17th and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relevant to magistrate courts so as to increase the amount of a magistrate court claim from 15,000 to 30,000. This bill having been referred to the committee on judiciary, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[2:16:18] Chairman Martin Momtahan is recognized to present the bill. Representative Momtahan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I rise to present, uh, House Bill 792.

[2:16:33] And all this bill does is increase the monetary magistrate court limits from 15,000 to 25,000. We saw that there was a desert with all the inflation that had happened, uh, over these last five to 10 years. Uh, it's been almost 15, 20 years since we've updated, uh, this magistrate court limit. And so, we're just gonna take it to 15 to 20,000. I'm sorry, 15 to 25,000. Uh, it's a pretty simple bill. With that, Mr. Speaker, uh, I'll yield for questions.

[2:17:04] The gentleman has no questions.

[2:17:06] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

[2:17:09] Is any objection to the previous question being ordered? The gentleman did yield the well. Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes.

[2:17:39] Those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[2:18:05] Have all members voted?

[2:18:33] Representative Lupton was flying down the aisle. Have all members now voted? All members voted? If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 792, the yays are 170, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[2:19:02] Okay, members, there, we have pages today. We're going to take page photos. We're gonna break for lunch. We have a couple of announcements you need to be made aware of, but we w- if you have a page, just to make sure, can we get the pages up there?

[2:19:41] Okay, there's everyone that has a page today. So, you can come down front with me and we will, um, have some photos and thank our pages. We have a couple of announcements. Chairman Corbett. Give the gentleman some room, please. And Chairman Montahan, you're next. Chairman Corbett is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Rural Caucus will be meeting upon adjournment. Uh, lunch will be served. Come join us. Chairman Montahan is recognized for an announcement.

[2:20:13] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanna make an announcement. Yesterday, uh, I hung my very nice coat up there in the, uh, South Ante Room here. It's a very warm, very fine coat, very soft wool. Uh, it seems like someone has accidentally taken that. So if you look in your pocket, it says Ralph Lauren, nice brown herringbone. Please return that to, uh, to me or bring it to 340. Thank you so much.

[2:20:39] I'm telling you, it's like $100. I'm sure it's a mistake. I'm sure of that.

[2:20:49] That guy's wearing your jacket and don't even know it. Chairman Hatchett is recognized for an announcement. Y'all may wanna listen to this one.

[2:20:54] Colleagues, we're running a little quicker than we thought we would before lunch break. So, when you return, the amended budget agreement will be on your desk. It should be there about 1:00. So if you wanna come back and be looking, it'll be on your desk as close to 1:00 as we can get, but hopefully we will be addressing that this afternoon.

[2:21:19] You mean you have an agreement?

[2:21:21] Yes, sir. We have an agreement with that other body.

[2:21:27] Man, you're a miracle, miracle worker, no doubt. Thanks for all your work. Chairman Gunter.

[2:21:35] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House Judiciary will have a meeting upon adjournment in 1:32. Thank you.

[2:21:44] Chairman Williamson is recognized for an announcement.

[2:21:46] Thank you, Mr., uh, Mr. Speaker. The Majority Caucus is gonna have a huddle, not a lunch, in room 403 right now. Uh, 403 for the Majority Caucus.

[2:22:02] I think that completes our announcements. This House will stand in recess until 1:15 PM, 1:15 PM. We'll get started shortly thereafter, shortly after 1:15 PM. This House stands in recess.

[3:24:05] Well, good evening. House will come back to order. All members come to the floor. Wanna see you do that little step down the aisle again there.

[3:24:20] Oh, yeah.

[3:24:25] Careful now. Careful. House will come to order. Chairman Parrish is recognized for... What do you want to make an announcement? Gentleman wants to make an announcement. Chairman Parrish.

[3:24:42] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Uh, I'd like to ask the Rules, members of the Rules Committee to meet me in 341 right now for a quick meeting. Uh, Rules in 341 right now. Thank you.

[3:24:54] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. This House will continue to be in recess until the Rules Committee completes their work and returns to the floor. House will be in recess for 15 minutes or so. Thank you.

[3:33:14] Okay, all members, if you'll come to the floor, we'll, um, we'll take care of some privileged resolutions. All members come to the floor. This House will come back to s- come back to order. We're gonna move on with some privileged resolutions. Mr. Clerk, will you read a caption to a group of privileged resolutions?

[3:33:38] Honoring the life and memory of Joseph A. "Joe" Sports. Honoring the life and memory of Elizabeth "Betty" Blackey Ricciuti. Honoring the life and memory of Larry Cornelius Evans. Commending Hemophilia of Georgia, recognizing August as Nat- National Immunization Awareness Month. Recognizing and commending the Cedartown High School Debate Team for winning the 2026 Parliamentary Debate World Competition.

[3:34:14] Recognizing and commending Leopold's Ice Cream. Commending the 5th Annual Decatur Lu- Lunar New Year Festival. Recognizing the City of East Point. Honoring the life and memory of Dr. Guy F. Reichman. Recognizing and commending the Elaine Clark Center. Commending the City of Duluth and recognizing March 3rd, 2026 as Duluth Day at the Capitol. Commending and congratulating Gabisile Kherezwe. Commending Turner Crawford, Pepperell High School's 2025-2026 Star Student.

[3:34:49] Commending Peter Whitehead, Unity Christian School's 2025-2026 Star Student. Recognizing, commending Reagan Moore. Recognizing, commending Caitlyn Butter- Butler Marchant. Congratulating Atlanta Track Club Elite for their world record performance at the 2026 Penn Classic.

[3:35:14] Commending Julia Johnson, Rome City High School's 2025-2026 Star Teacher. Commending Cameron Bawa, Rome City High School's 2025-2026 Star Student. Commending Susan Payne, Unity Christian School's 2025-2026 Star Teacher. Honoring the life and legacy of Robert Elmo Nichols. Congratulating, commending Chief Latosha Clemons for receiving the 2026 Yellow Rose Nikki T. Randall Service Leadership Award.

[3:35:45] Commending Jonathan Silver, Pepperell High School's 2025-2026 Star Teacher. Commending David Little, Armuchees High School 2025-2026 Star Teacher. Commending Louis Hagerich, Armuchees High School's 2025-2026 Star Student. And for other purposes. That completes the reading of the privileged resolutions.

[3:36:39] Is there any objection to adopting the privileged re- privileged resolutions? Hearing none, the resolutions are adopted.

[3:37:01] Mr.

[3:37:04] Clerk, we'll, members, we're gonna move on to the rules calendar. We're going on to the rules calendar. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 689? 6-8-9.

[3:37:37] House Bill 689 by Representative Carpenter IV to be entitled an act to amend Article 5 of Chapter 3 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to housing trust fund for the homeless so as to establish a homelessness prevention program. This bill having been referred to the State Planning and Community Affairs Committee, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[3:37:59] Mr. Chairman, just for your information, you do have two speakers after you that will speak in favor of the bill. So the gentleman's recognized to speak to House Bill 689, Chairman Carpenter.

[3:38:12] Thank you, Speaker. House Bill 689 looks to s- for the first time in Georgia history to allow DCA under the housing trust fund to establish homeless- homelessness prevention as a program, uh, across our state. It does not at this time appropriate money for such a cause, but it does allow it, allow them in the future to do so. We know this is a major issue. This is something that, you know, as ho- housing prices and affordability issues are happening around the state, uh, we know homelessness is an issue.

[3:38:44] And I've always been the kinda guy that likes to be proactive on issues and saying if we spend money on the fro- front side to prevent homelessness, we're gonna get much better bang for our buck as, as being fiscally conservative. So that's what this bill seeks to do. It, uh, it, it seeks to allow DCA to continue programs that were started under, under COVID, federal programs, so that folks, you know, if they're a little short, say $500 short, there's grant programs at the local level that will help these individuals to make sure that we, we keep people in their homes.

[3:39:18] Uh, my heart is, is with people that have children. As a father of four, um, as we do all that we do for education, if kids don't have a stable home environment, we know that it doesn't matter how much money we spend at the state, we can't solve this problem. And so this is just a, it's not gonna solve all the homelessness issues in the state, but it is a move in the right direction to say that we want to support this and make sure that people are able to stay in their homes. And I'll stand for any questions.

[3:39:48] Gentleman, do you offer a question? I see one question.

[3:39:51] Yes, sir.

[3:39:51] Representative Amadi Barnes to your left.

[3:39:53] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

[3:39:55] Yes, ma'am.

[3:39:56] Um, how much are we appropriating for this?

[3:39:59] It's not an appropriation at this time. It does allow for the discretion of DCA to move programming towards that as we so choose to appropriate. You know, we do a lot of things around here where we set up line items in the budget for future appropriation, and that's what this seeks to do, is as we move forward to say h- we know this is an issue. It's a much better bang for our buck to deal with it on the front side, because I don't know as we, we're gonna b- vote on this budget later, but if you do the math, it costs us about 32, $32,000 a year for someone that's incarcerated.

[3:40:30] Um-

[3:40:30] Does the gentleman further-

[3:40:30] ... we all knew, we all know that homelessness leads to that eventually.

[3:40:34] Does the gentleman further yield?

[3:40:36] Yes, ma'am.

[3:40:37] I appreciate the bill. Um, so basically right now we have to start funding this trust fund.

[3:40:42] Well, w- w- w- well, there's actually money in the budget for the tr- for the trust fund, but this particular category, it allows them to expand it from just homelessness to, to focus on prevention as well.

[3:40:52] Thank you. I appreciate the bill.

[3:40:54] Yes, ma'am.

[3:40:55] Gentleman has no further questions.

[3:40:56] Thank you. Thank you very much. I yield the floor.

[3:40:59] Gentleman's yielded the floor. We have, um, two speakers. Oh, I couldn't find you, Representative Campbell. I apologize. Representative Lisa Cam- Campbell is recognized to speak to the bill.

[3:41:15] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I am really excited to speak in favor of House Bill 689, really the Georgia Stable Family and Homelessness Prevention Act. And I've had the pleasure of working with House Atlanta, Georgia Appleseed, and the Georgia Healthy Housing Coalition, with many of you and our esteemed colleagues, Chairman Carpenter and Representative Mary Margaret Oliver, both leading the charge, and many advocacy organizations working to both raise awareness about this growing issue and, importantly, work together to solve a problem.

[3:41:52] Along this way, I've learned some compelling things. More than one-third of Georgia's families rent their homes. That's about 1.4 million households, 1.4 million Georgians, and more than half of those 1.4 million are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their household income on rent. So again, that's about 700,000 Georgians spending more than 30% of their total income just to have a place to live.

[3:42:26] These households are particularly vulnerable to falling behind on their rent and then losing their housing when unexpected things happen. Think of skyrocketing health insurance, surprise medical bills, maybe loss of a family member, job loss, rising childcare expensive. And so far today, we've spent a lot of time talking about how much Georgians have in their pockets. And what we know is that more than half of American families have less than $2,000 in savings, and one-third have less than $250.

[3:43:04] When financial emergencies arise, it can have devastating impacts on housing stability, with dire consequences that can be avoided with proactive programs like this to support things like short-term rental assistance. I agree, this bill is a tremendous, and just the first, but a wonderful first step in coming together to solve a problem for more than a million of Georgia's families. I'm supporting it for many reasons, including this bill promotes health and wellbeing.

[3:43:34] It helps families maintain stab- stable housing, reduces psychological distress, and improves physical health, health outcomes. It also helps to prevent structural violence and chronics- chronic stress. This bill promotes economic stability. It will help low-income in- individuals maintain their employment and continue contributing to our economies and their families. This bill promotes better outcomes for children. We all know that stable housing is critical for child development, and this will lead to fewer behavioral problems and improved educational performance, all the things we've been talking a lot about here together.

[3:44:14] This bill helps to build a critical safety net to keep fam- families housed. This bill promotes smart economic policy. Preventing, preventing homelessness is significantly cheaper than responding to it after the fact. And as Chairma- as the Chairman stated, one study found that every dollar invested in prevention, in homeless prevention programs, returns $2.47 to the community.

[3:44:44] It's a smart spending strategy, and it's a great return on our collective investment. I'll be voting yes on this bill, and I urge you to join us in voting yes to help Georgia families at risk of eviction and homelessness. And I'm proud to work together to build stability in Georgia, one family at a time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I yield the will.

[3:45:12] Thank you, Representative Campbell. The lady is yielded the will. Representative Anissa Jones is recognized to speak to the bill, bill. Anissa, Representative Jones.

[3:45:22] Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to speak in support of House Bill 689. This bill is about creating real pathways to economic mobility for communities that have too often been left behind. In Macon-Bibb County, where poverty rates remain significantly higher than that of the state average, this legislation repr- represents an opportunity to strengthen working families and support local businesses and stimulate long-term growth.

[3:46:02] Too many hardworking folks are still struggling, and this bill supports job creation, supports self-sufficiency, and ensures taxpayer dollars are invested in long-term economics, economic stability. This is not a Republican bill or a Democratic bill. It is a Georgia bill. It is about making sure that no matter your zip code, you have a fair shot at economic stability and upward mobility.

[3:46:34] This bill reflects that we can accomplish, what we can accompl- accomplish, excuse me, when we focus on empowering Georgians to stay in their homes and stay on their jobs and not become a weight of the state. It invests in self-sufficiency, encourages responsible growth, and helps communities build a stronger tax base without unnecessary expansion of government. This is something we should all be able to support. When middle Georgia thrives, Georgia thrives.

[3:47:06] I commend Representative Casey Carpenter for bringing this forward, and I ask this body to join me in voting yes on House Bill 689 for opportunity, for accountability, and for hardworking families we serve. This is a smart policy. Mr. Speaker, I yield the will.

[3:47:34] Thank you, Representative Jones. That concludes our speakers on House Bill 689. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[3:48:27] All members voted.

[3:48:32] All members voted. Yes, so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of House Bill 689, the yeas are 148, the nays are 11. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[3:48:59] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 634? 634. House Bill 634 by Representative Barrett of the 24th and others to be entitled an Act to amend Article 33 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act so as to revise provisions for expedited completion of a student's first individualized education program. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[3:49:31] Representative Carter Barrett is recognized to speak to House Bill 634. Representative Barrett. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, it's a great honor to be here presenting to you today. This may feel a little bit like deja vu. Uh, this bill's, uh, House Bill 634 speaks to the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. Two years ago, this body voted on this, uh, legislation 169 to zero, so I'm hoping for your favorable consideration again today.

[3:50:03] House Bill 634 makes a few ma- minor changes to the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Program. Um, I wanna make very clear this is not an expansion of the program in any way. House Bill 634 merely improves the program for parents, school administrators, a- administrators, and the Department of Education. Uh, furthermore, with, uh, changes made in the Education Committee, it also increases the level of transparency in the program. It will provide scholarship estimates and actual amounts in a more timely manner, which will allow families to plan better.

[3:50:36] It allows for how funds are remitted, uh, to the schools. Presently, checks are mailed to the school, and parents have to go to the school and endorse them. This will just bring us into the 21st century with the electronic transfer of funds. It adds clarifying language about the appeals process around scholarship amounts. And finally, it provides even more information into the program about the students who participate in it and in the types of conditions participating schools can, can serve. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I would be happy to answer any questions.

[3:51:06] The gentleman did an outstanding job. He has no questions. Amazing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Wait a minute, you have one. Representative Karlton Howard, all the way to your left in the back. Your left. All the way in the back. That left. Yes, sir. Do the gentleman yield? Mine and your left, not his left. Back, uh, back in the far corner here. Question. If a, if a private school accepts a student under this program, are they required to provide accommodations the child had in the, in the previous, uh, school that they were in?

[3:51:41] Uh, well, hopefully, Representative, they're able to do things. You know, the vast majority of children with special needs are well-served in our public school system. What this bill d- what this program does, which has been around since 2007, it serves about 6,300 families. Um, those families have the option of transferring from a public school to another public school in their system or a school, a public school outside of the system. But for those that are maybe better suited in a private school, those six, uh, those kids can have that option as well.

[3:52:13] Um, so presumably, uh, the, the, the, the needs are better f- fulfilled in that other school, uh, even better so, even more so than the school they were in. I think that, I hope that answers your question. Follow-up, please. Yes, sir. Is it, is it correct that private schools can refuse admission to students with disabilities, uh, especially in that IEP program?

[3:52:41] I don't know of an incident where that has happened, uh, but I would, I'd love to speak with you offline about that. I would, if, if you know of an example, I'd love to hear about it. Okay. All right, thank you. Thank you, sir. The gentleman has a number of other questions. The gentleman yield- Yes, sir ... for one from Representative Gisler. Yes, Mr. Speaker. Gisler is right to your right. Thank you. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, sir. Um, for children who aren't able to take advantage of this and move to a new school, uh, aren't we leaving public schools in a worse position by shifting that funding to the private schools?

[3:53:17] No, this program's been around since 2007. It's well-vetted. It adds, it has added great value for quite a few families, and there's a reason why every single person in this body voted for it two years ago. So I think the program is well-vetted. The Department of Edu- This is a great collaborative effort by both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, the, uh, the Board of Education. We consulted with Gail two years ago to get their input into this, uh, bill as well. Representative Becky Evans played a, an important role in helping to shape this legislation as well, as did Lydia Glaize and many others.

[3:53:53] So I, I think it's a, a great program, and, uh, and it seems to be well endorsed by everybody in this body. Thank you. Does the gentleman yield another question? Yes. Uh, Representative Todd Jones. Yes. Not to your left, but to your right. That one. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, sir. Isn't it true that the Georgia Needs Scholarship has been oversubscribed every year for the last 10 years? The gentleman knows of what he speaks. May I do a further question? Yes, sir.

[3:54:23] Yes, sir. Isn't it also true that the money that basically flows for each child from the local school districts remains in the district even if the child chooses to take advantage of the Needs Scholarship? Absolutely. Thank you very much, sir. Thank you, sir. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield the well. You were, great work. You had a couple other questions, but you had some good questions, and you provided some good answers. So we have, uh, one of the members want to speak in favor, Representative Doreen Carter.

[3:54:57] The lady is recognized to speak to the bill.

[3:55:00] So I'll speak to House Bill 634. Lady's recognized.

[3:55:04] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just thought it'd be appropriate for the Carter Carters to come up. So, um-

[3:55:12] Please, what did you say?

[3:55:14] The Carter Carters.

[3:55:15] Oh, Carter.

[3:55:15] Carter Barrett-

[3:55:16] Oh, gotcha

[3:55:16] ... Doreen Carter.

[3:55:17] Now, I follow you now. I'm a little slow today. Excellent. The lady's recognized.

[3:55:21] Well, you know, it's after lunch. So, um, as it was stated, this bill did come out of committee, uh, the education committee unanimously, but, uh, I wanna say I do so with both conviction and caution. Convition, conviction because families of children with special needs deserve options. Caution because when public dollars follow a child in a private setting, we must ensure that the student's rights remain protected.

[3:55:53] Under the federal law, specifically Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA, students enrolled in public schools are guaranteed a free, appropriate public education. They're entitled to an individual education program, procedural safeguards, and due process protections. These rights are clear and enforceable. However, when a parent voluntarily enrolls their child in a private school using a state scholarship, those IDEA protections do not automatically follow the same way.

[3:56:24] Private schools are not required to provide an IEP. They are not bound by the same due process structure that governs public school districts. Students attending private schools are still protected under federal civil rights laws, such as Section 504 and Rehabilitation Act and Americans Disability Act. These cl- these laws prohibit discrimination and require reasonable accommodations, but they are not identical to the full entitlement framework of IDEA. That distinction matters. We must be transparent with families about what protections shift when they make that choice.

[3:57:00] We must also remain vigilant that admission practices are not exclusionary, and that schools accepting public school dollars uphold non-discrimination principles and provide clear service commitments. Choice may not, may not come at the expense... Choice must not come at the expense of rights. House Bill 634 expands opportunity, and I support that expansion, but as we do so, we must also ensure parents fully understand legal differences between public and private placement, scholarship-participated schools, and transparent about services provided.

[3:57:39] Admission policies are fair and clearly defined. Students are not counseled out without protections. The goal is not to simply access-- The goal is not simply access to a seat. It is access to a safe, supportive, and legally protected learning environment. Expanding options for students with disabilities is the right direction, but our responsibility does not end with expansion. It includes accountability. So as we vote in favor of this legislation, we want to be mindful where those students do have protection at the federal level, but when w- at d- when students with disabilities go to a private specialty school, we know they're getting what they need.

[3:58:24] But when, when students with disabilities go to a s- a traditional private school, we need to make sure that parents are aware. So as legislators in the State of Georgia, there may be an opportunity to come back and make sure that we codify some of those things we're concerned about in state law, but we are, uh, confident that they are protected at the federal level. So as a parent who had to make some choices with a student that had disabilities, I wish we had more of this back then, uh, 'cause there were some specialty schools that I believe my oldest son probably would've benefited from, but we really didn't have the funds to take care of that.

[3:59:09] But now today, we have those disability, disabilities codified in the law where they weren't when he was in school. So let's give our children that have special needs that need this legislation, let's give the, them the opportunity, but let's also keep working to make sure the State of Georgia is protecting those students as well. Thank you. I yield the floor.

[3:59:32] Lady yields the floor. It's nice to see the Carter caucus working together. Representative Glaize is recognized to speak to the bill, House Bill 634. Lady's recognized.

[3:59:44] Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Representative Carter, for bringing this bill. I do wanna stand, uh, before you and say I will be supporting this bill. It was an honor to work with you on this bill. Again, this is, um, not an IEP. It's not paperwork. What it really is is a roadmap for our students to get the type of support and accommodations that they need when they have disabilities or special needs, and this plan should not be delayed. It should be evaluated within a process that is timely so that it does not widen the gaps of our student nor bring frustration to our parents.

[4:00:24] House Bill 634 ensures that when the need is identified, action swiftly follows. So let's create these timelines that are clearer with accountability so that families are not left behind, waiting months to get services for ch- a child that is qualified. And we talk often in this chamber about educational opportunity. Well, again, this is educational opportunity. When a child needs help, we provide it in ways that gives them the supports that they need.

[4:01:00] It doesn't lower our standards. It does not create unnecessary mandates. What it does is it helps us have every child in Georgia succeed, and our parents are supported in the process. So let's continue to keep this bill in front of us. I hope you guys will vote with me and vote this up, as we're really making a vote for children and parents in Georgia. Again, thank you, and I yield the well.

[4:01:34] Lady has yielded the well. That completes our discussion on House Bill 634. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the pass of the bill? Hearing none, the committee, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the pass of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:03:12] Have, have all members voted? All members voted? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of House Bill 634, the yays are 168, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[4:03:37] Okay, members, here's what you came for. Chair recognizes Chairman Hatchett for a motion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House agree to the Conference Committee report on House Bill 973. Mr. Clerk will read the Conference Committee report.

[4:04:03] Committee of Conference Report on House Bill 973. Committee of Conference on House Bill 973 recommends that both the House of Representatives and the Senate recede from their positions, and that the attached Committee of Conference substitute to House Bill 973 be adopted. Respectfully submitted, the Honorable Matt Hatchett, Representative of the 155th District; the Honorable Jan Jones, Representative of the 47th District; the Honorable Chuck Efstration, Representative of the 104th District.

[4:04:36] For the Senate, the Honorable Blake Tillery, Senator of the 19th District; the Honorable Larry Walker, Senator of the 20th District; and the Honor- the Honorable Jason Anavarte, Senator of the 31st District.

[4:04:54] Representative Hatchett is recognized to explain the Committee of Conference report for House Bill 973. Gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I figured today I'd change up a little bit. And if y'all will pull your document out, we'll go line by line and cover all the differences. Is that okay?

[4:05:20] Three short weeks ago, I stood before you and asked for your favorable support of this bill, the amended fiscal year 2026 budget. Last week, the Senate passed their version of this bill. Since that time, your conferees have been in discussions with the Senate and the Governor's office to find a common ground. We've worked tirelessly since Friday to come to the agreement you see before you today, and it is a document that I believe you can be pleased with.

[4:05:56] Allow me to offer just a few of the major highlights. The amended fiscal year '26 budget, as presented by the Governor back in January, was built on a revised revenue estimate of $42.3 billion, which included $3.3 billion in undesignated surplus funds. As part of our conference committee discussions, the Governor has agreed to revise the revenue estimate to include $1.249 billion in additional undesignated surplus funds and $145 million in undesignated lottery reserves, a total increase in the revenue estimate of $1.4 billion, leading to a new adjusted amended FY26 budget of $43.662 billion.

[4:07:00] The House believes that we can responsibly fund the needs of state government and provide tax relief.

[4:07:09] We're thankful for the recognition by the governor of the increased revenue to provide $850 million in property tax relief to homeowners, and this agreement also includes the income tax rebates that we will approve later. Between the two relief initiatives, this body is returning $2 billion back to the citizens of our state.

[4:07:39] Y'all listen to that. $2 billion back to our citizens.

[4:08:04] That means that many households could see a return of up to $1,000 in taxpayer funds this year. Another gigantic investment in this budget, this budget makes is one-time funding for design and construction of a new Georgia regional mental health hospital to address mental health and forensic bed capacity.

[4:08:38] Yay.

[4:08:46] That's right.

[4:08:51] Our initial House budget recognized this need and included design money for this hospital. Our friends across the hall liked the idea so much that they added the full funds for construction. I'm proud to present to you a bill this, today that includes $409 million to fully fund construction of this hospital. This hospital will address delays for state psychiatric hospital services, delays that are playing out in our jails across the state.

[4:09:29] People in jail with serious mental illness should not need to wait months or longer to start receiving the care they need.

[4:09:42] Speaking of jails, we've already discussed the fact that Georgia's running out of space in our prisons. The original House version of the budget included $220 million for a private prison expansion. The Senate had different ideas on how to address the problem, and we were able to work together to find a path to continue to address the projected bed space deficit. This budget includes funds for an additional modular correctional unit and two transition centers, which have the potential to add nearly 800 new beds.

[4:10:21] We're also asking the Department of Corrections to explore all potential options to increase additional closed security, single-cell inmate capacity, and report pa- back to us before the end of the legislative session so that we can fully consider our options before passing the fiscal '27 budget. The governor's budget recommendation included $325 million for a new needs-based scholarship.

[4:10:55] $300 million of this recommendation was for an endowment to the University System Foundation. This endowment would provide investment earnings to fund future scholarships. The governor's recommendation also include $25 million for needs-based co- scholarships for next fiscal year. When we passed our initial budget, we did not have enough information to include the $25 million. In the recent weeks, we've had several productive conversations with the governor's office and the university system.

[4:11:32] This budget moves this scholarship and endowment to the Georgia Student Finance Commission, which stands ready to manage and disperse the funds, and we have legislation in committee that will set up a framework for how this scholarship will work. With this process in motion, we're able to provide the $25 million for scholarships next year. We also worked with the governor to use excess undesignated lottery reserves to fund $145 million of the 300 million endowment.

[4:12:07] This one-time allocation of reserves will not impact Hope and Pre-K in any way, and we will be revising the statutory lottery reserve to further protect those reserves. While-

[4:12:28] While the next item I'll mention is not actually a difference from our House position, you may have heard that the Senate budget slightly reduced the one-time salary supplement for full-time regular state employees and school personnel to balance their version of the budget. This agreement restores the money needed to fund these one-time enhancements at the $2,000 level. You may have heard about some personnel reductions in the Senate version of the budget, particularly as it related to public safety agencies.

[4:13:04] We were able to agree to add back 22 million of the $25 million in cuts and personal reductions made by the Senate. To help take care of our state retirees, our original budget included $50 million for the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia to strategically invest in increasing the funded ratio to improve long-term financial viability of the pension system and support our state retirees.

[4:13:36] The Senate agreed with our great idea and added another $50 million. So now we bring $100 million to strengthen our retirement system with a goal of restoring cost of living adjustments.

[4:13:58] There were many new items in the Senate version of the budget that we like and kept in our conference report. We've kept $50 million to address homelessness, and we've agreed to target $5 million of that towards homeless veterans. We've also been able to support a Senate addition for BOOST, a program that provides grants to community-based organizations that operate out of school programming. The Senate was a, was also able to fund the aerospace engineering building at Georgia Tech, which was also supported, and we've kept the full funding for that project in the budget.

[4:14:36] And speaking of capital, we also fully cash fund the new optometry school at Georgia Southern.

[4:14:47] So I can read this. We've had broad agreement through our process on investing in transportation-related projects. In addition to continuing to support projects like I-75, State Road 316, and $250 million for local transportation projects, we've added new money for airport aid and rail. These projects will help Georgians get moving.

[4:15:18] And finally, a reminder that both chambers have been emphatic about ensuring that children in state custody are both cared for and safe. While we still have some work to do to address l- the long sterm- long-term stability of this program, this budget includes $81 million to address the out-of-home care deficit.

[4:15:55] As I, as I always say, this budget is the product of a lot of hard work on many members, chairs, sub-chairs, staff, and everybody involved. I wanna thank you all for your dedication and perseverance through this process. In addition, I wanna thank our speaker for standing with the House and leaning on priorities of returning our excess revenue to our taxpayers while making sure we take care of the needs of our citizens.

[4:16:55] There is plenty for everyone to be proud of in this budget. And with that, I ask for your favorable consideration.

[4:17:08] Mr. Chairman, you don't have any questions. You did an outstanding job. I hope I have at least one. Mr. Chairman, let me ask. Well, you do have one question. To your right, Representative Todd Jones. The gentleman's recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, I hope. My first of- This isn't a test. My first of two, if that will be possible. Uh, isn't it true that like the 49 other states in the union, Georgia's number one provider of mental health services are our prisons and our jails, unfortunately?

[4:17:42] Unfortunately. Yes, sir. May you yield for another question? Yes, yes. Isn't it true that you and I have discussed this along with the commissioner and so many other people about the profound nature of this near half-billion dollar commitment to truly affecting positively the mental health and substance abuse crisis that we have here in Georgia? Yes, that's very true. Thank you very much for your work on this, sir. Thank you. Gentleman, yield for a question from behind you? Always, Mr.

[4:18:12] Speaker. The gentleman will yield. Hasn't it, it always been for years a priority of this House to deal with mental health issues wherever they arise? And I'm reminded of Speaker Ralston's commitment here, who started us down this pathway. And I wanna thank you for your commitment and your loyalty to our mentor, Speaker David Ralston, and to the members of this, of this House who support our efforts to provide mental health services no matter where, whether it's in our school systems or in our hospitals.

[4:18:54] To you and your team and all these House members, thank you for your commitment to what we're doing for the most vulnerable Georgians. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I truly, truly appreciate you as a Georgian and our efforts to make sure ... Is that not true? I think that is very true, the words you have spoken, and-

[4:19:19] Our former friend and speaker I think would have said today, "Hope wins again." Thank you.

[4:19:45] Thank you for your explanation. On the adoption of the conference committee report on House Bill 973, all in favor of the adoption of the conference committee report will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:20:26] Have all members voted? For what purpose does Representative Campbell rise?

[4:20:35] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry, sorry. Is it not true that while there are a lot of good programs that have been funded through the hard work of this committee, that this bill does not include any new dollars to support our children and parents program? And is it further not true that we only fund 15% of the eligible families who qualify? And is it further not true that I look forward to working with the speaker and the conference committee in the 2027 budget to address this issue?

[4:21:08] I very much respect the lady's opinion, but I disagree. I think a rising tide rises all, raises all boats, and this commit- this budget addresses the needs of Georgians and helps Georgia's families across the board, and I think that re- that helps all Georgians. Thank you. Have all members now voted? All members voted. If so, clerk will lock the machine. On the adoption of the conference com- committee report on House Bill 973, wow, the yays are 169, the nays are 2, and the committee conference report is adopted.

[4:22:05] Chairman Hatchett is recognized for a motion. Move that the House immediately transmit House Bill 973 to the governor. Pursuant to several sections of the, uh, Constitution, Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption, then I'll have a brief explanation.

[4:22:32] House Bill 973 by Representative Burns, the 159th, Jones, the 47th, Efstration, the 104th, and others, to be entitled an act to amend an act making and providing appropriations for the state fiscal year beginning July 1st, 2025 and ending June 30th, 2026, known as the General Appropriations Act.

[4:22:55] Pursuant to Article 3, Section 5, Paragraph 8 of the Constitution, excuse me, Paragraph 13 of the Constitution, uh, immediate transmittal requires that this House pass that immediate transmittal with a two-thirds vote, and it requires it comes from both chambers. This House now will make a decision if it wants to give two-thirds vote to the immediate transmittal. Now, on the gentleman's motion that the House immediately transmit House Bill 973 to the governor, all those in favor will vote yes, those opposed will vote no, and Mr.

[4:23:29] Clerk will unlock the machines.

[4:23:47] Have all members voted? What purpose does Whip Park rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry, sir. Mr. Speaker, is it not true that I'm so happy that my co- my colleagues and I voted yes to ensure that this money can immediately be dispersed, and that we look forward to continuing to work in good faith? Is that not true, Mr. Speaker? That is very true, Whip Park, and we appreciate the vote on that board. Thank you very much. Thank you, sir. Have all members now voted? All members voted. If so, Mr.

[4:24:18] Clerk, clerk will lock the machines. On the gentleman's motion that House Bill 973 be immediately transmitted to the governor of this state, Governor Brian Kemp, the yays are 169, the nays are 0, and the House has voted to immediately transmit House Bill 973 to our governor. Thank you, members.

[4:24:48] Members, we, uh, I wanna thank two folks. Dave, Christine, thank you for your work and the long hours that y'all put in to make this a really fine budget, a fine document, addresses the needs of Georgians. Thank y'all very, very much.

[4:25:24] Y'all know what I know. It's a great day to be a Georgian. Thank y'all for your work. Thank you for your vote.

[4:25:48] Mr. Clerk will read the caption to House Bill 3-2-0, 320. House Bill 320 by Representative Kelly, the 16th and others, being entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 2, Chapter 8 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to general provisions relevant to solid waste management, so as to require the recycling of solar panels. This bill then referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment. That committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[4:26:19] Representative Trey Kelley is going to explain House Bill 320. The gentleman is recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I bring before you House Bill 320, which deals with an important issue as it relates to solar power generation in our state. We recognize that this form of energy, uh, is now a stable part of our power grid, and we are also, though, looking at what do we do once these solar panels have met their life cycle and they have expired in terms of their usefulness.

[4:26:52] We recognize that these are big panels that take up a lot of acreage in our state, and once they have reached the end of their life cycle, we don't want them to then take up place-

[4:27:05] Continue. We don't want them to be taking up space in our landfills, which will ultimately lead to us needing more and more landfill space. So this would simply require that at the end of the life cycle of our solar panels, that they would be recycled, uh, through a solar panel recycling facility. Mr. Speaker, that's the bill. I'll be glad to answer any questions.

[4:27:29] Gentleman does have a question. Representative Gamble, right out in front of you, to your right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I'll be glad to. Isn't it true that materials recycled from solar panels can be used in all sorts of manufacturing and will help in materials that are frequently subject to supply chain disruptions if we are able to recycle these materials, uh, based on your legislation? I appreciate that question, and I know with one of our s- state's premier solar panel manufacturing facilities being located in your district as well as Chairman Carpenter's, uh, that, uh, you know of what you speak.

[4:28:07] Thank you. Did you, uh, pose that question for your seatmate back there? Don't y'all sit together? He could have asked me, Mr. Speaker, before I got up here. But we do like a little bit of the spotlight being put on us way back in the back. Hey, I got you now. It's working. Representative Gisler. Gisler, excuse me, is recognized for a question. Hello. Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I'd be glad to. Um, I appreciate the bill.

[4:28:38] I think it's something we, we really need. Uh, but I noticed that on line 29, the fine for not complying has decreased from $1,000 to $20. I was wondering if you could explain that. There was no fine originally until we brought legislation. We had started with a fine of $1,000 total for a full facility, solar power facility, kind of the whole field. We ended up moving it to $20 a panel. It costs about $15 to recycle one of these panels.

[4:29:11] And so we, we want to encourage the compliance with the recycling and not have it where it's a, a financial benefit for them just to dispose of in a landfill. Mm. Yeah. Thank you. I appreciate it. Thank you for the question. Gentleman yield for one more? Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker. Maybe two. Uh, Chairman of Agriculture has a question, if you will yield to him. He's to your right. Does the gentleman yield? To my friend, for sure. I just, uh, would like to confirm that this bill does not refer to these facilities as solar farms.

[4:29:44] Is that, uh, correct? Is that in the bill? Uh, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate that question. You've taught me a lesson on that, and that is why we have worked diligently to define these as solar power facilities, 'cause as you told me, there ain't no, no, uh, nothing growing there. Uh, thank you for that distinction. Thank you. I will vote for this bill in that case. I appreciate that. Gentleman has one final question. Representative Carpenter to your right is recognized for a question. Does the gentleman yield? I'd be glad to. Does it not make my heart feel full to hear Republicans talk about solar panels and recycling?

[4:30:18] And I appreciate you bringing this legislation. I appreciate your support on me in this, uh, Chairman Carpenter, and it is important that we look at the power mix that our state has set up through our PSC. Uh, we have been diligent in making sure that we have a reliable, stable, but also diverse power grid, uh, that works not only for us as we're generating power across our state, but works for our ratepayers as well. Gentleman has no further questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll yield the well and ask for the body's favorable consideration.

[4:30:48] Gentleman has asked for favorable consideration and has yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes.

[4:31:19] All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:31:41] Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 320, the yays are one hundred and sixty-two, 62. The nays are four. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[4:32:20] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption of House Bill 1024, 1-0-2-4? House Bill 1024 by Representative Hong of the 103rd and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Code Section 44-13-100 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to exemptions for the purposes of bankruptcy in intestate insolvent estates. This bill revised the exemption for debtors' aggregate interest in real property. This bill having referred to the Committee on Judiciary, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[4:32:54] Vice Chair Hong is recognized to present the bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I present to you House Bill 1024. This bill relates to exemptions for purposes of bankruptcy. So, um, bankruptcy law is governed by federal law, but some states have certain exemptions. These exemptions are amounts of assets that you can keep when you file bankruptcy. In Georgia, uh, the homestead exemption is currently 21,500, meaning you can keep up to 21,500 of the equity of your home.

[4:33:35] If you have more than that equity, then you may lose your house, meaning when you file bankruptcy, the, uh, trustee in the case can force a sale on your house, get that equity out, pay off your debts, or you have to be in a payment plan to pay back up to the amount of the equity in your home. This has not been updated for at least 11 years, and I have also provided a chart on your desk that goes through all of the homestead exemptions under bankruptcy per state.

[4:34:08] And as you see, Georgia is towards the bottom when it comes to our homestead exemption. This bill will, uh, increase the exemption to $50,000 for individuals and $100,000 for, uh, jointly titled homes. Um, again, that increase will just put us kind of up to the middle, uh, compared to other states. Um, in addition, in this bill, we went ahead and included an index so that we don't have to come back here every year, or somebody doesn't forget for 11 years to update this, but instead it will automatically update annually based on the inflation rate.

[4:34:50] That is the bill, and I will take any questions, Mr. Speaker.

[4:34:59] The lady has a few questions. Representative, does she yield? I do. Representative Howard, to your right. Representative Jutt Howard, do you have a question? No. She's stealing drinks and hitting my butt.

[4:35:20] Oh. The gentleman waives. Representative Sanchez, to your right, towards your back, has a- Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentlelady yield? I do. Thank you for this bill. Uh, so if I'm, if I'm understanding it correctly, this raises the bankruptcy exception for, for renters by over 130%, is that correct? It is an exemption for homesteads, so it's for the exemption of the equity in your house. Okay. Would the... Do you further yield? Yes. Would this have any negative impact for renters?

[4:35:52] Not at all. It has no effect on renters. Thank you. Representative Reeves, to your right, recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the vice chair yield? I do. Is it not true in the chart that you brought and in the testimony in the committee, Texas and Florida have an unlimited homestead, so this is a very measured, careful approach based on data? Yes, that's correct. Thank you. Representative Adesanya is recognized for a question to your left. Adesanya right here. Oh. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentlelady yield?

[4:36:22] I do. Um, this provision is effective July 2031, correct? It will be effective as soon as it is, um, uh... Upon the signature of the governor? No. So this, uh, the increase will go into effect as soon as it is signed into law. The index will start July 1st of 2031. Do you yield for one more? Yes. Um, how do we notify the public of this change, given the effectiveness, the timeline and effectiveness?

[4:36:55] Are we using agencies to notify people? Um, usually the bankruptcy court website is very informative. So obviously, as attorneys, we will be looking at the bankruptcy law, but those that do not file bankruptcy with an attorney, so pro se debtors, um, there's a lot of resources on the bankruptcy website. So I would assume that this will also be on there. Thank you. Mm-hmm. One more question. Representative Carter, to your left, extreme left, back here in the corner.

[4:37:25] Representative Doreen Carter. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentlelady yield? I do. I am reading your legislation, and I'm trying to understand, um, how it's gonna affect homeowners. And this is, I understand, is homestead. So I'm trying to understand, uh, are homeowners going to lose the opportunity to keep their homes in the event that they do have to file bankruptcy? Or, are we, are we about to pass legislation, or potentially pass legislation that's gonna increase the number of foreclosures and people losing their homes in the state of Georgia? No, absolutely not.

[4:37:56] It is actually gonna do the opposite. So we are increasing the exemption, meaning that more people are going to be able to keep their home even after filing bankruptcy. So instead of right now being 21,500 of equity that you can keep, we're increasing that to 50,000. So even if you file bankruptcy and you have more equity, you can keep more of your equity and keep your home after filing bankruptcy. Thank you. Sure. Um- Lady has no further questions.

[4:38:28] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask the body for your favorable consideration, and I yield the will. Thank you. Lady's yielded the will. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question's ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes.

[4:39:00] All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:39:18] All members voted?

[4:39:29] All members voted? If so, Mr. Clerk, will you lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1024, the yays are 170, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1030? House Bill 1030 by Representative Donatucci, the 105th and others to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elementary and secondary education so as to enact the Math Matters Act.

[4:40:07] This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute. Representative Sandy Donatucci is recognized to present the bill. The lady's recognized. Mr. Speaker, members, today I come before you with the Math Matters Act, HB 1030. This bill is the first step towards improving math education in Georgia. The bill itself has three parts. First is guaranteed access to advanced math for students who are ready.

[4:40:41] So in seventh grade, at the end-of-grade test that they take, when they test profic- or excuse me, when they test distinguished, they are automatically enrolled in the math advanced class. That means that in eighth grade they will take an eighth grade math as well as Algebra 1, and this allows in ninth grade for them to begin geometry. Uh, if they test proficient, the bill allows for the local schools to establish a pathway if they would like to be considered to be put into the class.

[4:41:16] Second part of this bill is for the training of our future teachers. It's teaching them both the math knowledge as well as the skills. And finally, in the third part, 60 minutes of daily core math for instruction for fourth and fifth graders. This has been done, um, with our neighbors to the west. In 2022, they had a very similar bill, and the NAEP scores in 2024, they were the only state in the country for their fourth graders to test above pre-COVID levels.

[4:41:55] Um, 86% of our voters nationwide support this policy, and I wanna thank the support that we've gotten. Representative McQueen, uh, gave us information. We reached out to Dr. Mackey from Alabama, Georgia CAN, GACES, GAEL, GSSA, Georgia DOE, Georgia PSC, Gwinnett Schools, and over lunch I got a, um, note from Georgia Chamber of Commerce Government Affairs for their support. Mr. Speaker, I ask for favorable support and will take any questions at this time.

[4:42:31] Thank you for the bill. Representative Jasmine Clark to your left. The lady's recognized for a question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentlelady yield? Yes. First, thank you so much for bringing forth, um, this very important legislation. I think we have a lot of focus on literacy in the state of Georgia, and I do think that, uh, mathematics is also very important, especially as a person that really cares about STEM. My question is, um, I know when it comes to, um, literacy there, or talking about the science of reading, is there, like, an equivalent of the science of reading for math?

[4:43:09] Yes. So they would be learning the four strands of math. Um, it's something that a lot are already familiar with, but just briefly, it's real world problem solving, um, procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and then productive, um, dispositions, just meaning that you know the how and the why of why you're doing what you're doing. All right. I love it, and thank you so much for bringing this bill. Thank you. Absolutely.

[4:43:33] Lady yield for one more question. Representative Townsend, senator on your right is recognized.

[4:43:38] Thank, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the representative yield?

[4:43:41] Yes.

[4:43:41] Is it not true that math can be a ch- a game changer just like literacy? We need to enforce these skills and make sure we have the rigor and the curriculum like you're talking about, and make sure they're prepared for high school, and then for a 21st century workforce.

[4:43:55] Yes.

[4:43:56] Thank you for this bill.

[4:43:57] Thank you.

[4:43:59] Lady has no further questions.

[4:44:01] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well, and I ask for your favorable support on this bill.

[4:44:05] Lady's yielded the well. I'll give y'all a piece of trivia. We have a good, great conversation with your pages every day. Guess what the very... a really pretty high percentage of them, their favorite subject is? Math. Math. Thank you for the bill.

[4:44:27] Representative McQueen, I think you know something about this subject matter, don't you?

[4:44:32] Yes.

[4:44:32] Oh, come on, let's hear from you. Lady's gon-

[4:44:34] Yes

[4:44:34] ... is recognized to speak to the bill.

[4:44:36] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today in strong support of HB 1030, uh, the Math Matters Act. As someone who has spent years

[4:44:50] yep...

[4:44:51] Lady will continue.

[4:44:52] Thank you. As someone who has spent years in the classroom as an honors math teacher, I approach this legislation not just as a policy maker, but as a practitioner. I have taught students who were ready to soar and students who needed more time to build confidence. I have seen firsthand what happens when we get placement right, and what happens when we get it wrong. At its core, this bill affirms a simple principle: talent in mathematics exists in every ZIP code, every demographic group, and every type of school. But opportunity does not always reach those students automatically.

[4:45:24] Too often, advanced math pathways depend on who advocates for the child, who understands the system, or who knows to ask. The Math Matters Act creates clearer, more objective triggers to ensure that students who demonstrate readiness are given access to advanced coursework. As a teacher, I can tell you when a student is appropriately challenged, everything changes. Their confidence grows, their problem-solving sharpens, their identity shifts from, "I'm good at math," to, "I belong here." Mathematics is cumulative.

[4:45:59] When we delay access for students who are truly ready, we close doors. Doors, we close doors later. Doors to advanced placement courses, STEM majors, competitive scholarships, and high-demand careers. Early exposure to rigorous math builds the foundation for everything that follows, but the reverse is also true. When we push students into advanced coursework before they have mastered prerequisite concepts, we don't accelerate them, we destabilize them.

[4:46:30] In mathematics, gaps compound quickly. A shaky grasp of proportional reasoning becomes a barrier in algebra. Weak fluency with the foundational concepts makes higher level reasoning overwhelming. Students who are placed too soon often lose confidence, disengage, and begin to see themselves as not math people. That is why I also appreciate the bill's emphasis on strengthening teacher preparation and professional development in grades K through 5. If we are serious about long-term math success, we must invest at the foundation.

[4:47:02] Elementary educators shape how students understand number sense, patterns, operations, and problem-solving. When teachers are deeply prepared in mathematical content and pedagogy, students build conceptual understanding early, not just procedural skill. Strong early instruction reduces the need for me- remediation later. It ensures that when students enter middle school and beyond, they are not simply memorizing steps, but truly understanding the why behind the math, and that is what ultimately prepares them for rigorous coursework.

[4:47:34] Acceleration should open doors, not create avoidable setbacks. For those reasons, I respectfully ask for your favorable consideration. Thank you. I yield the well.

[4:47:45] Lady has a couple questions if she wants to answer them.

[4:47:51] Lady, you wanna, do you want, you, you will you take a question?

[4:47:53] Oh, yes.

[4:47:54] And look-

[4:47:54] This is a first

[4:47:55] ... Representative Williams does that to people all the time.

[4:47:57] She does.

[4:47:58] He does. We're gonna work on that.

[4:48:00] Yes. I will yield.

[4:48:01] The lady's gonna yield for a question from Representative Romman.

[4:48:04] Yes.

[4:48:05] Uh.

[4:48:05] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentle lady yield?

[4:48:07] I do.

[4:48:08] So you said you strongly support this bill. Can you tell us why you're so passionate about mathematics?

[4:48:13] Oh, because it's the universal language, right? I may not know red and blue in another language, but I know one, two, and three. Yes? And so it's just very important for the same reason why we are so obsessed with literacy, and the reason, uh, we are so obsessed with it on the third grade level. Just like literacy, mathematics has the first down slope around third grade, and so it's very important that we make sure that those elementary teachers are very strongly supported and trained in mathematics.

[4:48:42] Thank you. Yes. I, I-

[4:48:45] Representative Berry is recognized-

[4:48:47] Oh

[4:48:47] ... for a question.

[4:48:47] More.

[4:48:48] Does the lady yield for one more to your left?

[4:48:50] I do.

[4:48:51] Mr. Clerk, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the gentle lady yield?

[4:48:53] I do.

[4:48:54] Is it not-

[4:48:54] For my fellow teacher

[4:48:55] ... thank you. Is it not true that all teachers are going to heaven, but math teachers have a special place in heaven?

[4:49:00] Oh, we're right on the right seat, honey. We're on the right seat. Yes.

[4:49:05] Thank you.

[4:49:05] The gentleman knows of what he speaks. Is that how I say it?

[4:49:08] That sounded like a reunion right there, I'm telling you what. The lady has no further questions.

[4:49:12] I yield. Thank you very much.

[4:49:14] Excellent job. The lady has yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All those in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no.

[4:49:45] Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:50:15] Have all members voted?

[4:50:19] For what purpose does Representative Carter rise?

[4:50:24] Parliamentary inquiry.

[4:50:26] State your inquiry.

[4:50:27] Is it not true that because of my math skills, that it opened endless opportunities for me and my family, and it is with great pleasure that I vote yes on this bill.

[4:50:41] It's a life-changer, no doubt about that. Thank you for the question, Representative. R- Chairman Saines, for what purpose do you rise?

[4:50:49] Parliamentary inquiry.

[4:50:50] State your inquiry, sir.

[4:50:51] Is it not true it doesn't take a mathematician to add up the passage of this bill?

[4:50:58] That's what my machine says. For what? Hmm. Okay, no more. Had one more. Have all members voted? I knew there was one more. No, it's not. Make up your mind. For what purpose does Representative Schofield rise? You were kinda going on and off there.

[4:51:19] Parliamentary inquiry.

[4:51:20] State your inquiry, ma'am.

[4:51:23] I might like math more if I had had this type of bill when I was growing up.

[4:51:30] Probably so.

[4:51:32] He asked me did they have math back then when I was growing up. Can you believe that?

[4:51:37] That's fighting words right there now, I'm telling you. Have all members now voted? If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage, uh, yeah, I can add that up. On the passage of House Bill 1030, the ayes are 171, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Mr. Clerk, excellent job. Thank you. Representatives Representative Donatucci and Representative McQueen, good, good work.

[4:52:08] Congratulations. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1329? 1-3-2-9.

[4:52:14] House Bill 1329 by Representative Stevens and the 164th and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Chapter 13 in Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to controlled substances so as to provide for certain provisions relating to Schedule I controlled substances. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Judiciary, Non-Civil Law Committee, recommends that this bill do pass.

[4:52:38] Chairman Ron Stephens, the gentleman from the coast of Georgia, is recognized to speak to House Bill 1329. Mr. Chairman.

[4:52:47] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, this is our yearly drug update bill. Uh, we move drugs from one class to another.

[4:52:58] Please continue.

[4:53:00] And we also get a list that comes from the FDA on approval on new drugs, and those are on page two. And if you'd like for me to explain any of these new drugs, I'll be glad to. Otherwise, I'll ask for your favorable consideration on the bill.

[4:53:16] They all understand it, I believe. The gentleman has yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:53:59] Have all members voted? Take your time, Mr. Chairman. You're all right.

[4:54:28] Have all members, all members voted? Oh, we'll wait on you. Waiting on a woman. Have all members now voted? If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1329, the yeas are 171, the nays are zero. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[4:55:01] Yes, sir.

[4:55:05] Member, we've, uh, members, we've taken care of our, our calendar, rules calendar. Now we are going to move on to the supplemental rules calendar. The supplemental. We're gonna take up House Bill 1259. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1-2-5-9, 1259.

[4:55:24] House Bill 1259 by Representative Dubnik of the 29th and others to be entitled An Act to Amend Part 4 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to financing relative to the Quality Basic Education Act so as to permit virtual instruction of, to out of system students if the local school system has a college and career ready performance index. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Education, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[4:55:54] The gentleman from Gainesville, Chairman Matt Dubnik, is recognized to present House Bill 1259. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, House Bill 1259 passed unanimously out of our Education Committee, and I bring it to you today simply as a, uh, a very quick cleanup. This bill requires a minimum student performance for a local educational agency who wants to operate a virtual school with a statewide attendance zone and out-of-district students.

[4:56:24] Mr. Speaker, that's the bill. I'd be happy to answer any questions. Gentleman has no questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I ask for your favorable consideration on House Bill 1259. The gentleman's, gentleman asks for favorable consideration and yields the will. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill?

[4:56:56] Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[4:57:34] Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1259, the yeas are 169, the nays are zero. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed.

[4:58:10] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption of House Bill 1277, 1277? House Bill 1277 by Representative Barton of the fifth and others being in title an act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 16 in Title 12 and Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to environmental policy and highways, bridges, and ferries respectively so as to increase the project cost threshold for public roads or airports. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Transportation, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[4:58:44] You do a lot of driving, don't you? Little bit. I thought you did. So you know about all those things. A little bit. Representative Matt Barton is recognized to present the bill, House Bill 1277. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, this bill is an agency bill for, uh, GDOT. It updates an outdated thresholds, uh, streamlines reporting, and provides GDOT reasonable and flexible, flexibility on projects, uh, that are delivered. The bill raises the environment- environmental review trigger from $100 million to $200 million.

[4:59:18] The, uh, that was, the bill was, uh, originally set at 100 million in 2016. It's reflecting current, uh, costs for inflation. This keeps up with cult- and it's also keeping historic and cultural protections in place. It also updates the threshold to, uh, design-build, uh, projects. Um, and also negotiate the sale of surplus projects, pro- uh, properties that are $75,000 now up to $150,000, again, for inflation. And finally, it consolid- consolidates the transportation reporting into a single annual fiscal report to improve clarity and reduce, uh, redundancy.

[4:59:55] It's about efficiency and the, and dealing with inflation. And that's the bill, Mr. Speaker.

[5:00:04] The gentleman has a couple of questions. Yes, sir. Will you yield? Yes, sir. Representative Jasmine Clark to your left. Thank- Representative Clark's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, ma'am. So as we are changing this threshold from 100 million and basically doubling it to 200 million, um, how many projects that are ongoing right now would now, that maybe have had to have this environmental review will, would not have if this bill was already passed?

[5:00:37] Yeah, uh- Does that make sense? The, the minority whip asked that question in rules, and it's thir- uh, we found out that answer is 13 projects would be affected without this. 13 projects. And so, um, does the gentleman further yield? Yes, ma'am. I think it's, um, really important that we do know the environ- en- environmental impact of some of these projects. So are there any safeguards in this bill just to make sure that we are actually going to prevent environmental harm for these projects that technically still cost a significant amount of money, but they would now fall below the threshold to, for review?

[5:01:13] The same safeguards are still in effect. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. Gentleman has no further questions. Thank you, and I appreciate your favorable vi- vote. Gentleman has yielded the will. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee substitute is adopted. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to.

[5:01:43] Shall this bill now pass? All those in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no, and Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[5:02:12] Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1277, the yeas are 149, the nays are 16. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. M- members, we have a former member of this house,

[5:02:42] Chairman Jason Shaw, who's across the street working for Georgians at Pub- Public Service Commission. But more importantly, he has his, um, his daughter with him. She's been with us all day today. Isn't she beautiful? We're so glad to have ... We're glad to have you, Mr. Chairman. But more importantly, welcome. So glad to have you.

[5:03:10] Thank y'all. Anytime you come back, we don't care if your daddy comes back or not, we want you to come back.

[5:03:15] Thank y'all.

[5:03:16] Ann Har- Ann Harvey, thank you for being here.

[5:03:18] Thank you.

[5:03:19] We're glad to have you.

[5:03:20] Appreciate it.

[5:03:28] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1070, 1-0-7-0.

[5:03:35] House Bill 1070 by Representative Hagan and 156 to be entitled An Act to Amend Article 2, Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to income tax, imposition rate, computation, exemptions, and credits. So as to increase and extend an income tax credit for expenditures on the maintenance of railroad track. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[5:04:02] Some railroad tracks all over Georgia, but certainly in rural Georgia, aren't there?

[5:04:08] Representative Lisa Hagan. Chair Lady Hagan is recognized to present House Bill 1070.

[5:04:16] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, the railroad track maintenance tax credit was enacted in 2018 to assist our Class III shortline railroads with their high infrastructure costs. And these short lines, as we mentioned this morning during morning orders, serve many parts of the state. They connect communities, industry, timber producers, and more to the larger Class I lines and to our ports. This bill would extend their tax credit sun- sunset to 2031, and it increases the cap per track mile from 3,500 to fif- to 5,000 to reflect increased maintenance costs.

[5:05:00] Mr. Speaker, that's the bill, and if there's a question I'd be happy to take it.

[5:05:05] Lady has a, has a question. To your left, Representative Al Williams. The gentleman's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will, will the gentle lady yield?

[5:05:16] Yes.

[5:05:16] How many short lines do we have in Georgia?

[5:05:20] 23.

[5:05:21] 23.

[5:05:21] 23, 26.

[5:05:23] Oh, here or there.

[5:05:24] Give or take.

[5:05:25] Thank you very kindly.

[5:05:26] You're welcome.

[5:05:29] Lady has no further questions.

[5:05:31] Thank you, colleagues, I ask for your favorable consideration.

[5:05:35] Lady's yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[5:06:24] Have all members voted?

[5:06:34] All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1070, yeas are 167, the nays are 2. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1085, 1085.

[5:07:00] House Bill 1085 by Representative Petrea and 166 and others be entitled An Act to Amend Article 2, Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to imposition, rate computation, exemptions, and credits relative to income taxes so as to provide for various tax credits for forestry manufacturing facilities. This bill having been referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, that committee recommends that this bill do pass by committee substitute.

[5:07:30] Thank you for your work in this area, Chairman Petrea. Chairman Petrea's recognized to present House Bill 1085. Give the gentleman your attention, please.

[5:07:39] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, uh, I present to you today House Bill 1085, which I call the Keep Georgia Forested Act. Uh, most of you should know, I know we have a, we have a very diverse, uh, body, but two out of every three drops of rain that fall in the State of Georgia fall on commercially available, privately owned timber land. We are number one in, our number one industry is agriculture, and the number one segment of agriculture is timber. And indeed, we have been for years the number one state in the country, which most people don't know, in timber and in pulp.

[5:08:15] And, uh, for those that, uh, may be interested, um, you know, the reason that, uh, if you're very interested in the environmental aspects of forests, the fact that two-thirds of this state is forest, and you recognize how valuable that is to the environment and to the watersheds across this state, the reason that this state is so forested is because we have the ability for landowners to support themselves with timber. Without a timber industry, we don't have standing timber.

[5:08:47] And so it's very important for a multitude of ways. And lastly, it's important for jobs, right? And so, um, right now, just so you'll know, right at $60 billion is the economic impact of the timber industry on Georgia, of the wood industry. And so, um, recently, most of you should know, we've had a cascade of mill closures across this state, multitudes of them. Those of us that are in Chatham County, we lost International Paper in Savannah.

[5:09:22] Representative Williams, we lost International Paper in Riceboro. Representative Prince, Chairman Prince, we lost one in, in your district. And so we've seen a multitude. Southwest Georgia, multitudes of mill closures. So let me tell you what we've done. In a very targeted way, in a v- in, and in a way that was, uh, closely, uh, worked with industry, we've tried to find the fastest, most targeted way to bring that industry back, to bring those jobs back, and here's how we do it.

[5:10:01] Here's how we do it. We take existing tax credits. They're already in statute. Tax credits for the creation of jobs and tax credits for investment already exist. What this bill does is simply make those tax credits transferable. An example of that is what we did with the film industry. The growth we had in the film industry was largely due to tax credits that we made transferable.

[5:10:35] And that is what you're doing here in this measure. We're simply making existing tax credits transferable expressly for forestry, for wood manufacturers, for forestry manufacturing. So this does not make all tax credits transferable, only those that are related and defined in this bill as forestry manufacturing. Mr. Speaker, that's very simply what this measure does, and I'm glad to answer any questions. Gentleman has a couple questions. Representative Al Williams, to your left, is recognized for a question.

[5:11:07] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the gentleman yield? Yes, sir. I yield. Is it not true that the closure of IP at Riceboro, Georgia cost us near 300 jobs and tens of million dollars in lost economic gain? Representative, that is absolutely true. And acr- statewide right now, we've seen just, uh, just direct mill jobs, 1,600 lost jobs, 300 of which were yours. And, uh, the aggregate loss is about 7,000 jobs, but 1,600 direct mill closures.

[5:11:40] Is it not true, further, that it affected about 5,000 landowners? Yes, sir. Mm-hmm. Uh, that is absolutely correct. I do support this bill. Thank you. Yes, sir. Thank you, Representative. Representative, Representative Buckner, to your left again, is recognized for a question. Does- Lady's recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? I yield to my co-sponsor. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. Isn't it true now more than ever with all the closures, including a new one just this week, that we need to do something to really stand out in forestry to make sure that there'll be continued investment and new markets and development in our, our state?

[5:12:21] Representative Buckner, that is absolutely true because adjacent states in the wood belt are doing just that. They are offering incentives, and they are, they are seeing new industry there in, in this realm, and, uh, and we aren't. So yes, ma'am. Does the gentleman further yield? Yes, ma'am. I yield. Is it not true that this bill is a step in the right direction for helping make that happen? Yes. Yes, Representative. I agree wholeheartedly. Gentleman, uh, yield for another question. Representative Chas Cannon, to your right, is recognized for a question.

[5:12:54] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Does the gentleman yield? Yes, sir. I yield. Is it not true that Georgia is the number one forestry state in the country? Yes, sir. That is correct. Is it not further true that this bill will help keep Georgia the number one forestry state in the country? Yes, sir. That is correct.

[5:13:12] Gentleman has no further questions. I have a- Thank you, Mr. Speaker ... I have a comment, if you don't mind. Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker. So Georgia had 12 paper mill and sawmill closures up until yesterday. And Representative Buckner had a sawmill that closed at Buena Vista, or is closing. So that brings us to 13. 13. 13 in Georgia alone. Over 40 over the South. This is a crisis. This is a good bill. Thank you for working with Dep- with Representative Buckner in bringing this legislation.

[5:13:44] I believe it will help. Thank you, Chairman Petrea. Thank, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your leadership in this matter. I yield the well. The gentleman has yielded the well.

[5:14:06] Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee's substitute? Hearing none, the committee's substitute is adopted. Is there any qu- uh, any objection, excuse me, to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill?

[5:14:26] Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[5:14:56] Have all members voted? For what purpose does Representative Carson rise?

[5:15:04] Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Rule 133, I ask to be excused from this vote.

[5:15:09] It will be so noted in the record. For what purpose does Representative Davis rise?

[5:15:24] She waves, I guess, 'cause I don't see her. Somebody must hit her button.

[5:15:30] Have all members now voted? All members voted. If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1085, the yays are 161, the nays are five. This bill having received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

[5:16:10] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption to House Bill 1185, 1185.

[5:16:16] House Bill 1185 by Representative Efstration. An act to amend Title 14 and 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to corporations, partnerships, associations, and courts respectively, so as to provide for certain shareholder claims to be brought before the Georgia Statewide Business Court. This bill, having been assigned to the Committee on Judiciary, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

[5:16:43] Leader Chuck Efstration is recognized to present the bill. Mr. Leader.

[5:16:48] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the House, to give a little background on, on House Bill 1185, several years ago, I carried a proposed constitutional amendment and enabling legislation to establish the Georgia, what became the Georgia Statewide Business Court. The, uh, Georgia Statewide Business Court was set up for the purpose of giving a specialized c- court for complex business litigation, modeling the Fulton and then later the Metro Business Court model, where, uh, you could have a more expedited resolution of cases, that you could have judges with a history dealing with complex business litigation.

[5:17:28] And it was really in keeping with, uh, what we had seen with success out of some other states, such as the Delaware Chancery Court and some other business court-type structures in other states. So, uh, what has now resulted is, I think a r- a consequence of the legislation that was ultimately passed. But House Bill 1185, I'm proud to bring in partnership with the governor's office, uh, who worked on this bill, to allow for what are called derivative actions, uh, shareholder-brought, uh, claims or disputes by partners.

[5:18:05] If in the business operating agreement, articles of incorporation, those disputes are to res- be resolved in the business court, that's where they could be resolved, to provide protections against circumstances of fishing expeditions, requesting documents which can be time-consuming and expensive for, uh, businesses when, um, there's no proper pur- purpose to seek those, and also providing some, I think, greater flexibility for what's called removal, and that's going between the trial court and the business court.

[5:18:38] This, uh, this legislation is brought with a thoughtful consideration of laws in other states, like I was, uh, talking about earlier, that have seen businesses want to incorporate in their state. And in keeping with Georgia being the number one state for business, the desire is if we have statute equipped to allow our business court, Statewide Business Court, to consider complex, uh, business litigation, then we will, uh, create an environment where more, uh, corporations will want to be incorporated in Georgia, thereby creating more jobs and, um, and furthering our, our objective of economic development.

[5:19:18] So I'd ask for your favorable consideration of HB 1185, and Mr. Speaker, I'm happy to answer any questions.

[5:19:24] The gentleman has no questions, but we do have a speaker on the bill. The gentleman-

[5:19:28] Thank-

[5:19:28] ... has no questions.

[5:19:29] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'll yield the b- well and ask for the House's favorable consideration.

[5:19:33] The gentleman has yielded the well. Representative Stacey Evans is recognized to speak in opposition to the bill. The lady is recognized to speak to House Bill 1185.

[5:19:45] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I rise in opposition to 1185, not because I have a problem with the business court, not because I have a problem with, honestly, most of the bill, but because I have a problem with Section 10, and I'm gonna explain to you why. Um, it's a little bit wonky, but in current law, if you are a shareholder or a limited partner in an organization and you have concerns about the management of the company because you wanna protect your investment, you are able to make what's called a Books and Records Act request.

[5:20:18] You have to, um, say why you want it. You have to say specifically what documents you want to see. It's very limited. And then the company gets a chance to respond to you and provide those documents to you. Then you can see if your concern was warranted or not. Um, and if it, and if it was warranted and you think that there's mismanagement that is depleting your investment, then obviously you have access to the courts. Now, it doesn't take a genius to know that if you make a Books and Records Act request, you likely tried to deal with it informally.

[5:20:51] These are, after all, what everyone in here would probably consider business people. Um, some of these are institutional investors. This is not someone from outside the company that's able to just come in and ask the company for their books and records. This is someone who's invested money in the company. They are an owner of some extent in the company, and they have concerns and they wanna know what's going on. We all know that there, there are companies that don't do things the right way.

[5:21:22] Um, corporate mismanagement, corporate corruption happens, and usually it has to be sussed out from the inside. So if you file one of these Books and Records Act requests, it's probably because you think there's a problem, not because you think everything is wonderful. So you're probably in the, in your mind expecting that you might find something bad and you might have to file a lawsuit. So with that background, what this law, this legislation does in Section 10, it says that no longer would it be considered a proper purpose if you expect to file a lawsuit.

[5:21:59] That basically erases your right to books and records. Again, these are business people who have ownership interest in the company. These are not people from the outside. We are basically gonna tie their hands and say, "You don't have access to books and records until you file a lawsuit," which I think is gonna do the opposite of what this body seems to wanna do, which is limit lawsuits. Delaware has a large body of law developed on these books and records requests. They specifically have talked about how these are, these Books and Records Act requests are good because sometimes you might find out you're wrong and then you don't bring a lawsuit.

[5:22:36] But if you have to bring a lawsuit to get access to the books and records, we're gonna have more lawsuits. So I think Section 10 is not helpful. Um, I will share that the majority leader and the governor's office have talked about a change that I think would solve the problem, but I got that famous line, "We'll deal with it in the Senate." I don't know about you, but especially this year, that doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy. So I wanted to come up here and share my concern because I think it could also be some of yours, um, and join me in voting no.

[5:23:07] The last thing I wanna say, this, this Section 10 is not needed for us to attract businesses. Like I said, Delaware's the number one place for incorporation. I think it still is. They don't do this. They don't say that if you expect a lawsuit, it's an improper purpose. In fact, it's the opposite. Um, I've also heard Texas has done this language, and we gotta compete with Texas. Well, let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, Texas allows pre-litigation discovery for anybody. So don't let them tell you that we need this to be, uh, less litigant friendly than Texas, 'cause it's just not true.

[5:23:40] That dog won't hunt. Please join me in voting no, um, on House Bill 1185. Thank you.

[5:23:46] The lady has yielded the will. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

[5:25:06] Have, have all members voted? All members voted.

[5:25:14] If so, Mr. Clerk will lock the machine. On the passage of House Bill 1185, the yays are 104, the nays are 66. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed.

[5:26:54] For what purpose does Representative Fleming rise?

[5:26:57] To make a motion, Mr. Speaker.

[5:27:00] State your motion.

[5:27:01] I move that the rules be temporarily suspended so that a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee.

[5:27:07] Mr. Clerk, will you read the caption?

[5:27:08] Unnumbered House Bill by Representative Fleming of the 114th be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2, Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elections and primaries generally.

[5:27:20] On g- gentleman's motion that the rules of this House be temporarily suspended so a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection? There is. Governmental- There is objection. There is objection. Gentleman moves. Gentleman move.

[5:27:40] It takes 120. We won't get 120. No. The gentleman withdraws. Somebody tell him it's gone. It's gone.

[5:28:10] Recognize Representative Fleming for another motion.

[5:28:33] Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker. I make the motion to wi- withdraw that motion.

[5:28:36] The gentleman's made move that the motion be withdrawn.

[5:29:08] So moved. For what purpose does Representative McCollum rise?

[5:29:13] Make a motion, Mr. Speaker.

[5:29:15] State your motion.

[5:29:16] I move that the rules be temporarily suspended so that a bill may be rewor- read for the first time and assigned to a committee.

[5:29:24] Mr. Clerk will read the caption.

[5:29:26] Unnumbered house bill by Representative McCollum of the 30th. The bill will be titled To enact amend, to amend Chapter 2, Title 40 in code section 48-5-C1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to registration and licensing of motor vehicles and alternate ad valorem taxation.

[5:29:45] I'll enter the gentleman's motion that the rules of this house be temporarily suspended so a bill can be read for the first time and assigned to committee. Is there objection? Motor vehicles.

[5:29:57] Ridley.

[5:30:00] Okay, members, let's note the following bills and resolutions will be postponed to the next legislative day, which is tomorrow. House Bill 421, House Bill 942, House Bill 1076, House Bill 1164, House Resolution 1000, and House Resolution 1049. We have a whole slew of afternoon orders. We'll give you all about a minute. We have some committee meetings we need to get to. We'll begin our afternoon orders with Representative Kimberly New and friends.

[5:30:35] Representative New.

[5:30:39] Representative Mack Jackson, you're on deck.

[5:30:47] Your friends didn't show up. Okay. Representative New is recognized for an afternoon order.

[5:30:55] Thank you. Speaker, members, tomorrow is Emergency Management Association Day at the Capitol. Please come by Room 510 in the CLOB to visit with these amazing folks from 9:00 to 9:30 in the morning. I'd appreciate it if you'd just pop in and say hi. Thank you.

[5:31:13] No. Mr. McCollum's.

[5:31:15] Okay.

[5:31:19] Yeah.

[5:31:19] Uh, yeah, did you get the message?

[5:31:26] I did. I don't know why it got into

[5:31:27] ...

[5:31:27] Okay. That's all right.

[5:31:28] Have you three have talked about it?

[5:31:30] Well, yeah, but what I'm saying is

[5:31:34] like-

[5:31:35] Representative Mack Jackson is recognized for an afternoon order.

[5:31:40] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, I rise for a Black History moment. I had a picture, but it's not a- available to be put up. The Green Book and historic context. Traveling with a minimum degree of safety and comfort is something we expect to be available to us now. Although the work is guaran- the work is guaranteed, civil rights for all is a continuing process. We may take for granted, but we can stop to use the restroom, grab a meal, get gas, or find a place to stay overnight, more or less whenever or wherever we need among the way.

[5:32:18] But not very long ago, this was not expected, and certainly not taken for granted by a large percentage of American citizens.

[5:32:27] Truth of the matter is you-

[5:32:28] African Americans

[5:32:29] ... playing games.

[5:32:29] Thanks to intrinsic systemic racism that was pervasive throughout the country in the form of formal Jim Crow laws-

[5:32:38] Sorry, Mr. Chair

[5:32:38] ... segregationist policies, informal community traditions, or simply racist attitudes of individuals, African Americans always faced increased difficulties and frequently faced physical danger whenever they wanted or needed to take a trip away from home. But the Green Book-

[5:32:58] It goes back down

[5:32:58] ... was the brainchild of postman Victor Green-

[5:33:00] On the postpone and end up

[5:33:01] ... and first published in 1936.

[5:33:03] Noes go back, uh, as well.

[5:33:05] It didn't tell you if a place had a good steak or good seafood or a soft bed. It told you where you would be safe. It told you where you'd be welcome and not made to go around the kitchen and order something to go. The starting point from which a safe journey could be planned and a tool for African American community to actively resist the oppression they face across America. Thank you. That's my Black History moment for today.

[5:33:35] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

[5:33:38] One, two, and then three and then four.

[5:33:41] Gentleman has yielded the well.

[5:33:47] Representative Kelly, Representative Gamble, Res- Chairman Scoggins, Chairman Momtahan, Representative New, Representative Gullett. Who's gonna do the talking? Oh, Representative Gamble. All right. J- give him just a moment.

[5:34:12] Now I think you have your crew. The gentleman's recognized. All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This morning in c- in Emerson, Georgia, in my district, we had the distinct honor of hosting Fox & Friends, uh, there at the Doug's Place restaurant in Emerson, and Steve Doocy was able to spend the morning, uh, talking to different people about, uh, politics in our nation and things like that. And so we just wanted to take a moment to thank Mark and Pam Sullins, who own the restaurant, for providing the opportunity to host Fox & Friends this morning.

[5:34:44] Uh, they did make the mistake of allowing me to speak, uh, and they put me on the news which I'm not real sure about, but the event was well, and it brought a lot of positive attention to our community, so we wanted to recognize them, uh, this afternoon. Thank you. Good work. I'm glad it worked out. Representative Adeyina. Give the gentleman your attention, please.

[5:35:08] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, members. I rise today to recognize this week as National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and to bring attention to an issue that identif- that affects individuals and families across Georgia. Eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and binge in- eating disorder are serious mental health conditions with severe medical consequences. In Georgia, nearly one million people will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime, impacting our students, coworkers, friends, and loved ones.

[5:35:46] This week serves as an opportunity to reduce the stigma, promote education, and encourage those who are struggling to seek help. I would also like to recognize my House intern, Levi Thomas, for bringing this to m- important matter to my attention, and for his commitment to raising awareness on behalf of those affected. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the members of this House join me in recognizing National Eating Disorder s- Awareness Week and reaffirming our commitment to the health and well-being of all Geo- Georgians.

[5:36:20] Thank you.

[5:36:23] Thank you. Representative H- Representative Holly. There he is. And friends. Gentleman's recognized.

[5:36:34] Give a little time. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Um, today we'd like to honor a moment in American history. Um, as you will see on the monitor, that 136 years ago to this day, the United States saw to the election to the United States Senate Hiram Revels, himself a Christian minister who originally came from the state of North Carolina, but traveled around the country recruiting followers to Christ, who landed in Mississippi, and upon his arrival, put his name into local politics, being active, and was summarily elected into the halls of power in Congress.

[5:37:37] Let us be reminded that his fellow Republicans, some of whom are seated right now, recognize that he is a man who actually bridged the ties between the races. In his quote, he said, "While I was in favor of building up the colored race, I was not in favor of tearing down the white race." And being a Christian minister, he reminded his colleagues to follow Amos 10:34, "God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right," as well as Matthew 5:16, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father, which is in heaven." Let us all remember Hiram Revels, who opened the door for so many of us, and is our tribute to a very established and good American.

[5:38:36] Thank you.

[5:38:40] Representative Park Cannon is recognized for an afternoon order.

[5:39:01] Carla.

[5:39:06] Ladies, ladies recognized.

[5:39:13] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm excited to talk about Fertility Awareness Week, which is coming up in the summer this year. And we are really in the know that approximately one in six people experience infertility in their lifetime. This is a prevalence that spans all income levels and regions. In the United States, approximately 12% of women and 9% of men are infertile, and the need for fertility care to build one's family arises from different reasons.

[5:39:47] Infertility disproportionately affects some communities. For example, Black women in the United States are nearly twice as likely to experience infertility as non-Hispanic white women, and people with disabilities experience higher rates of infertility, often due to underlying medical conditions, medications, or prior medical interventions. We know that assisted reproductive technologies, including in vitro fertilization, are safe and effective.

[5:40:18] and fertility preservation techniques such as gamete or tissue cryopreservation are recommended for individuals at risk of infertility. We thank ACOG for recommending timely referral for fertility preservation, and we're excited to support the Fertility Justice Now coalition as we go forward this year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[5:40:41] Thank you, Representative.

[5:40:42] Good job, Representative.

[5:40:44] Representative Schofield. Lady's recognized. She has a photo that needs to go up.

[5:40:54] Hold. There you go. Now you're ready.

[5:40:56] Thank you, Mr.-

[5:40:57] Lady's recognized.

[5:40:57] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On the screen are Jamar, age seven, Park, age 10, and Kayden, age 11. All are looking to be adopted and are active in sports, good at math, and plan to attend college. Colleagues, we can make it possible for them to be adopted at itsmyturnnow.dhs.ga.gov. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield the well.

[5:41:28] Thank you, Representative. Representative Crowe. Chairman Crowe.

[5:41:34] You have an a- Perfect. You don't have an afternoon order. That works out well. That completes the afternoon orders. We have some announcements. Let me start these announcements, everyone. You can meet upon adjournment, but for planning purposes, you know, approximately 4:00 is when these meetings will start. But you need to stay in contact with your, um, with your chairs. So we have, uh, three committee meetings that we're going to meet, so take this into consideration.

[5:42:07] Chairman Noel Williams is canceling his Banks and Bankings. You don't need to come up. Chairman Hagan is canceling her meeting, and Chairman Gunther is canceling hi- hi- their meetings. Let's see.

[5:42:27] So those meetings would have, would have been at 2:00. Correct. What, yours was at- Upon adjournment ... upon adjournment, so that frees up that space. When was your- 3:00. And his was at 3:00, so that f- hopefully lets you, um, do the math. Sure. Good luck. We, we passed the math bill today. Well, maybe we needed it today. So Chairman Jaspers, you're scheduled at what time?

[5:43:00] 1:00.

[5:43:00] So upon adjournment, do you wanna meet now?

[5:43:02] Yes, sir.

[5:43:02] Make your announcement.

[5:43:06] Transportation Committee, we are gonna meet in room 406 upon adjournment. Uh, we have our chief engineer, Meg Pirkle. We'll be discussing that right of way bill we heard about the other day. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[5:43:21] Chairman Hawkins, have you done the math?

[5:43:25] Yes, sir.

[5:43:26] Good man.

[5:43:26] Yeah.

[5:43:27] We're gonna meet, the House is gonna meet upon adjournment in CLOB 506. We got three bills, and you should be out by 5:00 and on your way. Hopefully.

[5:43:44] Chairman Martin. Yeah. His com- Go ahead. You do it.

[5:43:49] The House Higher Ed Commit- Committee will meet upon adjournment, 606 in the CLOB.

[5:43:57] Chairman Williamson.

[5:44:00] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Ways and Means Committee will meet upon adjournment in room 341. Uh, Chairman Blackmon asked me to make that announcement for me. So Ways and Means in 341 upon adjournment. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[5:44:36] Chairman Erwin, recognized for an announcement.

[5:44:40] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We are, uh, still gonna meet House Ed Subcommittees today. We've got two 30-minute meetings. We're, we're gonna start at 4:00, as scheduled. We're still gonna assign you a room. We had 506. We're gonna see if it's available, and then we'll be sending you out an email. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[5:45:01] Thank you for being adaptable. Chairman Camp. Chair Lady Camp.

[5:45:07] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Judiciary Juvenile will be meeting today in room 403 upon adjournment, and we have four bills. Thank you.

[5:45:15] What time? Upon adjournment. Upon adjournment. I think that's right now. We're almost there. All right. Is there anyone else that needs to make an announcement? Chair Lady Smith, tomorrow. That works. You wanna talk?

[5:45:32] Thank you.

[5:45:33] All right, you make your announcement. Chairman Williams, Williams.

[5:45:37] Uh, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We're gonna have Banks and Banking in 403, the Capitol, at 8:00 in the morning. 403 Capitol, 8:00 AM in the morning, Banks and Banking. Thank you.

[5:45:48] Chairman Cheokas, are you, do you, do you need to share something? Okay.

[5:46:01] Chairman Anderson,

[5:46:05] can you make the, the time for your meeting and then, um, let your members know the room number?

[5:46:18] Let's take a shot at the time. Yeah.

[5:46:25] Yes. 4:00.

[5:46:35] Ch- Chairman Crowe recognized for an announcement.

[5:46:41] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, uh, members of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, we will be meeting upon adjournment in Room 506 of the CLOB. CLOB 506, Public Safety Committee upon adjournment. We'll have two bills to take up. Should be quick.

[5:47:16] Hey, uh ...

[5:47:27] Chair Lady Lynn Smith is recognized for an announcement.

[5:47:32] Good afternoon, colleagues. I have switched us to tomorrow, so this is not for today. Tomorrow morning at 8:00 in Room 606 CLOB, and we will have two meetings. One is the subcommittee meeting on House Bill 663, and then it's a full committee meeting, and we will have a presentation from EPD. So, see you tomorrow morning, 8:00, 606 CLOB.

[5:48:05] Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

[5:48:09] The leader will be announcing a 9:00 start time here in just a few minutes, but so y'all are good. Uh, Chairman Anderson has a room.

[5:48:18] Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Governmental Affairs will meet at 4:00 in 132 Capitol.

[5:48:26] Chairman Erwin has a room.

[5:48:29] House Ed Subcommittees, Room 515 at 4:00. 515, 4:00. Thank you.

[5:48:39] Everybody has a room?

[5:48:43] Gentlemen, you, did, did you find a room?

[5:48:46] Well, I had a room, but now, uh, the room is oc-

[5:48:48] They bumped you

[5:48:49] ... room's being occupied. Um-

[5:48:52] All right, go ahead, Chairman Hawkins.

[5:48:55] We are, um, I think we'll just cancel the meeting, because I think we'll cancel the meeting. Yeah, we'll just cancel.

[5:49:03] Chairman Hawkins' health meeting is canceled.

[5:49:09] Right.

[5:49:09] Chairman Hawkins' health meeting is canceled.

[5:49:19] I'm doing my best.

[5:49:21] That means, like-

[5:49:22] Wait a minute.

[5:49:22] Yeah.

[5:49:25] Okay, I've got an agreement with, uh, the other folks there in Public Safety, and we'll meet 30 minutes after adjournment. All right, you'll be through in 30 minutes, so that'll put us about, I don't know what time it is right now. 4:00? We'll, we'll probably be there 4:30. 4:30, Health, 506. Boy, I'm glad we ... I'm glad we passed that math bill today. Oh, God.

[5:49:55] I tell you. So y'all know the great thing about this. Next year when we're in that new legislative office building, this won't be a problem. This will not be a problem. We'll have plenty of room. Does anyone else need to make an announcement or clarify anything? Okay.

[5:50:17] Mr. Majority Leader, you are recognized for a motion.

[5:50:20] Thank you, Mr.- thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that this House stand adjourned until Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM.

[5:50:30] On the motion of the majority leader that this House stand adjourned until 9:00 AM Thursday, February the 26th, 20- February the 26th, 2026. All those in favor will say, "Aye."

[5:50:47] Aye.

[5:50:47] Those opposed, "No."

[5:50:52] No.

[5:50:52] Ayes clearly have it. We will be adjourned. All right, everyone, get to your committee meetings. We have work to do. Thank you.