--- title: Senate floor session, June 23, 2026 (legislative day 5) collection: meetings id: 2026-06-23/senate-floor cite_as: Senate floor session, June 23, 2026 (legislative day 5), video https://vimeo.com/1203590890 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1203590890 date: 2026-06-23 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/house-rules.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/house-health.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate floor body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-floor.md meeting_kind: floor legislative_day: 5 session: 2026 Special Session start_time: 2026-06-23T09:00:00-04:00 location: Senate Chamber duration_seconds: 12303.0 video_id: 1203590890 video_title: Legislative Day 5 | 2026 Special Session | 06/23/2026 bills_discussed: - HR 3 - SB 5 - SB 6 - SB 3 bills_read_aloud: 1 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 562 transcript_chars: 142948 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=59551 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=119297 --- # Senate floor session, June 23, 2026 (legislative day 5) Senate floor; June 23, 2026; legislative day 5; 2026 Special Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1203590890. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The Senate adopted [HR 3](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr3), ratifying the governor’s suspension of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes, by 50 to 1. Two proposals to let Toccoa and Stephens County voters consider sales-tax-funded homestead exemptions, [SB 5](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb5) and [SB 6](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb6), failed to receive the required two-thirds support. After extensive debate over hand recounts, election deadlines and minority-party representation, the Senate agreed to the House version of [SB 3](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb3) by 36 to 16. The Senate also gave [SB 10](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb10) a first reading, heard a memorial presentation on [SR 12](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sr12), adopted a consent calendar of resolutions and confirmed the governor’s appointments by 45 to 6. The session ended with adjournment without a scheduled return date. ## Bills discussed (4) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### HR 3. General Assembly; motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes; ratify Governor Brian P. Kemp's Executive Order [HR 3](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/hr3) (2026 Special Session). From [1:26:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5180s), turns 215 to 243. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Third Read, 2026-06-23): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74752. The sponsor explained that the resolution would ratify the governor’s suspension of fuel taxes. The sponsor said the suspension had saved Georgians almost $100 million and noted that the legislature had taken similar action several times in recent years. No questions or opposing speeches followed. The Senate adopted the resolution by 50 to 1. ### SB 5. City of Toccoa; ad valorem taxes; homestead property determined annually for the special district based upon the proceeds of a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST); provide homestead exemption [SB 5](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb5) (2026 Special Session). From [1:33:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5613s), turns 253 to 338. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Taken from Table, 2026-06-23): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74856. The clerk described a Toccoa homestead exemption funded by proceeds from a new local homestead option sales tax. The sponsor said the proposal would let residents vote on property-tax relief, not impose the tax directly. The sponsor said Stephens County had about 28,000 residents, roughly 80% owner-occupied homes and typical household earnings about $20,000 below the state average. Supporters argued that lawmakers should defer to local voters. One supporter said a homestead-focused tax suited homeowner-heavy communities, while a broader property-tax offset better suited places with many renters. Opponents argued that the proposal would shift costs to everyday purchases without helping renters. One opponent said more than one-third of Georgians rented and cited racial differences in homeownership. Another warned about school funding, limited retail activity and strained rural government services. A supporter said outside shoppers could help fund relief, citing Coweta County as an example. The sponsor acknowledged that the approach would not suit the entire state but urged members to let local residents decide. The bill received 32 votes in favor and 19 against, short of the required 38 votes. ### SB 6. Stephens County; ad valorem taxes; homestead property determined annually for the special district based upon the proceeds of a new Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST); provide homestead exemption [SB 6](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb6) (2026 Special Session). From [2:07:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7659s), turns 340 to 385. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Taken from Table, 2026-06-23): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74858. The clerk described a Stephens County homestead exemption funded through a new local homestead option sales tax. The sponsor again asked members to let local residents vote on relief and appealed for six minority-party votes. An opponent challenged supporters’ local-control argument, citing past state intervention in local maps, school accreditation and other decisions. A supporter responded that lawmakers’ responsibility was to individual residents rather than local governments, and argued that outside shoppers could help fund relief for homeowners on fixed incomes. That supporter cited a constituent whose home tax bill had risen 15% without a matching income increase. The sponsor said a previous statewide vote had supported allowing a different local sales-tax approach by 70% to 30%, but argued that Stephens County needed a homestead-focused option because of its high homeownership. The bill received 32 votes in favor and 20 against, failing to reach the required two-thirds majority. ### SB 3. Election Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee; establish [SB 3](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb3) (2026 Special Session). From [2:24:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8689s), turns 387 to 553. Confirmed by the bill's status history on the General Assembly's website (Senate Agreed House Amend or Sub, 2026-06-23): https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/74767. The Senate considered a House substitute. The sponsor said it would create a committee to recommend equipment using hand-marked ballots printed on demand, allow input from Secretary of State staff, expand audits and require hand recounts for close contests at the top of the ballot. The clerk also described state reimbursement for recounts and county grants. One member urged passage to avoid litigation over a July 1 QR-code deadline. The minority leader proposed removing hand-count provisions and guaranteeing minority-party representation, citing a Rice University study to question hand-count accuracy and cost. Another member supported guaranteed bipartisan appointments. Amendment 1A, adding appointments by both chambers’ minority leaders, passed without objection, but the broader Amendment 1 failed, 19 to 32, leaving those changes out. Members questioned county costs and the absence of a fiscal estimate. Two members said the recount wording mistakenly prohibited margins above one-half percentage point. One supported passage expecting courts to reject that wording; another urged correcting it immediately. The sponsor disputed that interpretation and said the language properly triggered recounts. Minority members objected to relying on appointment assurances rather than a legal guarantee of representation. The Senate agreed to the House substitute, 36 to 16. ## Bills read aloud (1) Read aloud only (a first or second reading, a committee's report), with no discussion. - [SB 10](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2026-special/sb10) (2026 Special Session), Sales and Use Taxes; any existing special district option sales and use tax (FLOST) cease to be imposed and levied immediately prior to the imposition of any local homestead option sales tax (LHOST); require: [0:28:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1709s); confirmed by its status history (Senate Read and Referred) > The transcript runs 142,948 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 3 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=59551; part 3 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-06-23/senate-floor.md?start=119297. ## Transcript (562 turns) [0:26:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1595s) Good morning, everyone. [0:26:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1600s) The time for convening has arrived. Senate will come to order. Drew, you look, you look fabulous. Like, I mean, you're the best-dressed farmer I know of right now, except Lee Anderson. He might have you. Hmm? I mean, Drew is tailor-made from head to toe, right? [0:27:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1620s) He's Georgia grown. [0:27:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1621s) Huh? [0:27:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1623s) He's Georgia grown. [0:27:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1624s) He's Georgia grown. [0:27:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1627s) All right, Senate g- Senate will come to order. Emanuel, I thought you already ga- I mean, I thought you already went to the House, man. Good to see you. [0:27:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1634s) Yep. [0:27:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1635s) All right. [0:27:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1640s) Recognize the senator from the 6th. [0:27:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1644s) Mr. President, the, uh, senator from the 49th, Taylor, is in his office if you need him. [0:27:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1649s) Ah. [0:27:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1651s) He could probably fit you for a new tie. [0:27:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1654s) I need one. [0:27:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1655s) Nah, you, you look good. [0:27:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1656s) I'm all out. [0:27:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1657s) You look good. [0:27:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1657s) I gave it all to Goodwill. [0:27:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1659s) He donated them- [0:27:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1660s) Yeah [0:27:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1661s) ... donated them to the kids. I love it. [0:27:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1663s) Uh-huh. [0:27:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1664s) Well, Mr. President, it is good to have the Senate from the- [0:27:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1667s) You look good, by the way. Are you on, like, a new diet or something? [0:27:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1670s) Oh, n- just exercise. [0:27:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1671s) Just exercise. [0:27:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1672s) Eating right, you know, taking a shot. [0:27:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1675s) Getting- [0:27:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1675s) You know. [0:27:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1676s) Quit drinking. [0:27:57](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1677s) You know. No, I ain't quit drinking. I quit drinking today. Um- Mr. President, the journal has been read and found to be correct. I move we dispense with the reading of the journal. [0:28:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1689s) All right. Is there objection to dispensing of the reading of the journal? Chair hears none. The reading of the journal dispensed with. Is there objection to confirmation of the journal? Chair hears none. The journal is confirmed. All senators who have bills and resolutions to introduce, please bring them to Secretary's desk at this time. Mr. Secretary, first reading of references, Senate bills. [0:28:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1709s) Senate Bill 10-X by Senator Hufstetler of the 52nd and others. A bill to be entitled, An Act to Amend Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to sales and use tax so as to require that any existing special district option sales tax and use tax- [0:28:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1721s) Finally. [0:28:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1722s) Mr. President, that completes the order. [0:28:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1726s) It is now time for the morning roll call. Are there any motions to excuse? Any motions to excuse? Recognize the senator from the 56th. [0:29:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1740s) Thank you, Mr. President. Good morning. I'd ask unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 42nd district. [0:29:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1747s) Without objection, the senator from the 42nd is excused. Any other motions to excuse? Recognize the senator from the 18th. [0:29:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1757s) Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 19th district for business outside the Capitol. [0:29:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=1763s) Without objection, senator from the 19th is excused. Any other motions to excuse? All right. Secretary will call the roll. Senators, signify your presence by voting the yeas with secretary. [0:33:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2005s) Lanny, you got a p- preacher up here. You, you, you come up and introduce him. [0:34:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2054s) It is now time for the morning devotion. All senators, please take your seats and cease all conversation. I would ask that the door keepers secure the chamber at this time. I now recognize the senator from the 53rd to introduce our pastor of the day and lead us in our pledge. Senator? [0:34:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2073s) You need to say lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. [0:34:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2075s) Thank you. If everybody will stand, we'll have the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance- [0:34:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2081s) 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. [0:34:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2094s) Now the pledge to the Georgia flag. [0:34:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2096s) I pledge allegiance to the Georgia flag, and to the principles for which it stands, wisdom, justice, moderation, and courage. [0:35:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2105s) All right. You got that. [0:35:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2107s) Thank you. Today, I'd like to, uh, introduce our, uh, pastor of the day. He is my pastor at Tryon First Baptist Church. Um, we pronounce that one syllable now, Tryon. Not Try-on, but Tryon. He is a pastor at Tryon First Baptist Church, a great friend of mine. And, uh, so most of you know, some of you may not know, a few months ago, I had a serious incident with my heart, 12-hour surgery through the night, and this man was right by my wife's side the whole time. [0:35:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2144s) So, uh, if you will, uh, Casey Ramick, come forward at this time. [0:35:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2148s) All right. [0:35:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2151s) Lanny. [0:35:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2154s) Good morning, Mr. President, members of the Senate staff. Um, it is an honor to be here with you this morning. I promise you this, if there's anybody in the, this city of Atlanta that feels out of place, it's me right now. Um, I know that what you do It's not an easy task and I think I bring a pastor's heart here this morning. I want to tell you I'm grateful for what you do and I know that everyone here tries to do the best they can, uh, to represent the people from your district and I want you to know that I'm thankful for that. [0:36:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2195s) Not everybody can do what you're doing. You have God-given talents to do what you're doing and I know that you come with honor with that and you bring that here and you do the best that you can with that and I'm grateful for that. Um, I know that you carry a heavy load. I know that you have burdens. I know that tasks seems like it's never done. That can interfere with a lot of things that you go through in life. You have family, you have responsibilities and it's tough. [0:37:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2226s) I know with all people it is, but especially with you too, to find that balance. And so I'm reminded of one scripture, Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, "Come unto me all you that are weary, that are burdened and I'll give you rest." I know that doesn't just mean that we sit down and say, "God, take care of this for me." We can't be passive. But you find rest in knowing that you spiritually, emotionally get what you need to be who you are and to do what God wants you to do and if we are empty spiritually, emotionally, we're not able to do what God has put us here to do. [0:37:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2276s) And so I pray that you will find that rest. I pray that you'll find that peace, that contentment to really make life worth living and loving what you do and finding that purpose in life. I want to lead us in prayer at this time. I want to pray for you and, um, pray God's blessing upon you. Father, I speak on behalf of every one of us here today. We thank you for your many blessings. [0:38:27](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2307s) You're so good to us. We have so much to be thankful for and God I pray for each person here. Lord, I am grateful for what they do and try to do to the best of their ability and God I pray for those here this morning that Lord are restless. They're carrying a heavy load. Maybe they don't know how much longer they can go or what to do or decisions to make to find that discretion that they need. God, I pray that they'll look to you to find that peace and in that peace Lord they'll find joy, they'll find purpose, they'll remember who and what got them here, why they're doing what they're doing and be grateful for those that you put in their path, for the ways that you made the path clear for them to get here. [0:39:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2360s) And God I pray for their, I pray for unity. Lord, I pray for their protection. God, I pray that you would give them the wisdom that only comes from you. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen. [0:39:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2375s) Amen. [0:39:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2376s) God bless you. [0:39:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2377s) Good job, Senator. Thank you, [0:48:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2892s) Senator. Recognize the senator from the 15th. [0:48:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2895s) Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the second. Thank you, sir. [0:48:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2901s) Without objection, senator from the second is excused. [0:48:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2908s) It is now time for points of personal privilege. Recognize the senator from the eighth. [0:48:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2921s) Just don't let it go. Just let it roll. [0:48:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2925s) All right, guys. Let me, uh, Mr. President, if we could I'd like to have everybody's attention, uh, for what I'm about to say because I think it is meaningful and, uh, if y'all don't mind. Uh, Mr. President, fellow senators, today I rise to speak not just about our lieutenant governor but about my friend Burt Jones. Mr. President, public service is not for the faint of heart. It requires sacrifice, conviction and a willingness to make difficult decisions often under intense scrutiny. [0:49:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2960s) Throughout your time as lieutenant governor you've met those challenges with strength, determination and grace. For those of us who represent rural Georgia your leadership has meant a great deal. Mr. President, you've never forgotten where you came from and you've never forgotten the people who sent us here. You understand that Georgia's strength does not begin and end in Atlanta. It begins on our farms, our small towns, our main streets and in the hardworking men and women who rise before daylight every morning to provide for their families and put food on America's tables. [0:49:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=2999s) Agriculture, Georgia's number one industry, has always had a friend in you. Rural Georgia has always had an advocate in you. Whether it's been supporting our farmers, investing in rural communities, promoting economic opportunity or simply making sure that rural voices had a seat at the table, you have always been there. But today I want to say something even more important. Titles come and go. Elections come and go. [0:50:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3030s) But what ultimately matters is the kind of person you are and Mr. President, you are a good man. I've had the privilege of serving with you but more importantly I've had the privilege of calling you my friend. [0:50:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3045s) Through all the ups and downs that come with public life, you've remained loyal to your friends, devoted to your family, steadfast in your faith, and committed to serving the people of this state. Leadership is not ultimately measured by the office we hold. It is measured by the lives we touch, the example that we set, and the legacy that we leave behind. Mr. President, throughout your time in public service, you have shown us all what it means to lead. [0:51:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3079s) You've not only set an example of what it means to be a public servant, but more importantly, you have shown us what it means to be a husband, a father, and a friend. For that, this chamber and this state are better because of your service. Mr. President, you have left an indelible mark on this chamber, on this state, and on everyone who has had the privilege to serve alongside you. So today, I simply want to say thank you. [0:51:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3110s) Thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for all that you have done for rural Georgia, for agriculture, and for the people of this great state. And finally, Mr. President, while many Georgians will remember you as a great lieutenant governor, those of us in this chamber will remember something even more important. We will remember you as a faithful friend, a good man, and a great American. Mr. President, I ask that this chamber now rise and join me in recognizing this great friend, not only to the state of Georgia, but to each and every one of us who have pay- had the privilege to serve alongside of you. [0:52:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3150s) Thank you, Mr. President. [0:52:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3169s) I appreciate that. I appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you. [0:52:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3169s) We love you, Mr. President, and I yield the wheel. [0:52:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3175s) Hot dogs. [0:52:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3179s) All right. Appreciate that, Russ. That was very kind of you. Uh, recognize the senator from the 23rd. [0:53:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3199s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, I rise today to echo the comments of the senator from South Georgia. Um, we've been blessed to have a leader for the last four years and then prior to that as a colleague in this body. But I, I wanna change a moment and focus on something that is, uh, upon us. On July the 4th of 2026, this nation will be 250 years old. [0:53:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3232s) There are few, few things that we do here in this body that are remembered statewide, and I wanna remind the Senate of something that we did in January of 2024. In January of 2024, we authorized the issuance of a tag to celebrate the semi-quincentennial of our nation. The House supported this action. It was Senate Bill 369. The House supported this action. The governor signed it into law on the 23rd of April of 2024. [0:54:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3265s) Since that time, it has been implemented. I wanna give you a quick update. In the first five months of 2026, the Department of Revenue has delivered 187,015 of these tags to Georgians. That is the highest number of specialty plates in Georgia's history. You know what the largest single specialty plate in Georgia is after this plate? [0:55:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3303s) Go Dogs. The, the UGA plate. Go Dogs. The UGA plate. And by the way, this plate in five months has tripled the number of plates adopted. I have an 18-year-old grandson with an F-150 Lariat. He took his tag to the tag office and turned it in for a, a bicentennial 250 plate. Because, you know why? Because it's cool, because it represents history, and because it's Georgia. [0:55:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3334s) So I wanna thank this body for supporting SB 369 two years ago, congratulate Eden Pethel, who's been with us, she's the designer of the logo, and, uh, encourage you and your friends and your families to, uh, celebrate America and adopt the 250 tag. Thank you. [0:56:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3360s) The pride of Gwinnett County, the senator from the 9th. I tell you what. [0:56:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3368s) You're a Grace- Aren't you a Grayson alum, or is that where your son went? [0:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3372s) That's my son. [0:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3372s) Yeah. [0:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3372s) My daughter. [0:56:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3374s) Yeah. What were you, Parkview or Brookwood? [0:56:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3376s) I went to Pebblebrook High School. [0:56:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3377s) You what? [0:56:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3377s) Mableton. Pebblebrook High School. [0:56:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3379s) Pebblebrook? [0:56:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3379s) Yes, sir. The Falcons. [0:56:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3381s) That's Cobb County. [0:56:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3382s) That is Cobb County. That's where I grew up. [0:56:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3383s) Well, you're not a pride of Gwinnett anymore then. You gotta be from Gwinnett. [0:56:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3388s) Yeah, I had to go raise some babies, and we moved to Gwinnett, so. All right. Good morning, colleagues. [0:56:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3397s) I rise on a personal point of privilege this morning just to highlight a few things that have been happening this week and kind of my thoughts. I've been a little quiet, and I know y'all miss me, so. Um, but first I wanna thank everyone who showed up during this special session. Our coalition partners, our advocates, our faith leaders, our community, and our organizations, and just everyday Georgians that showed up here. We called as Democrats, and they showed up. They showed up to help us as Black people and Black communities and Black legislators to help us in this fight, and your presence mattered. [0:57:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3433s) As y'all see, it mattered more than you thought. And what happened here over the last few days is proof that when people pay attention and get involved, their voices can make a difference. And as you can see, there are far more people who have a say in these decisions than there are legislators that are in this chamber. And that's why I encourage everyone, all of our voters, all of our community to stay engaged because this redistricting process is not over, and voting is not over. [0:57:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3466s) Republicans may have retreated from this mid-cycle redistricting today, but we have not received any guarantee that it will be con- it will not be considered again later before maps should be redrawn in 2030. And Democrats, our play here should be, even if they do wanna reconvene and redraw, our play here is 2030. Let's get the seats, let's get the numbers, let's control those maps. And let me be clear. Choosing not to redraw maps and to dilute the voices of Black voters and Black legislators that you work with out of their districts does not deserve a thank you. [0:58:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3505s) That was the right thing to do. Protecting fair representation should be a standard and not an exception and not something that we have to beg you to do. But what this prussion h- process has shown us is that people are awake, and they are paying attention, and we're gonna make sure that they show up in November and continue to stay awake. The spotlight is on. The spotlight is on this chamber. The spotlight is on many of you that are running for office, and Georgians are paying attention. [0:58:57](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3537s) Every time legislation is introduced without considering all communities, people pay attention. Every time voices are left out of important conversations, people are paying attention. Every time elected officials like your colleagues, your Democratic colleagues, are shut out of decisions that affect their constituents, people notice, and we will continue to make them notice. And while families across the state are struggling with affordability, he- housing co- costs and healthcare costs, too many proposals we are discussing fail to dis- to address these concerns. [0:59:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3568s) More than one-third of Georgians rent they hom- their homes, and these families won't see minimal- meaningful relief from property tax proposals. These are the people we should be focused on. Georgia want us- wants us to address the issues that impact their daily lives. They want affordability. They want quality s- schools. They want safe communities. And I see, Mr. President, my time is almost up. They want an economy that works for everyone, not just a few. And to my Republican colleagues, I say this respectfully. It's okay to push back when you see something is not right for your district or something just doesn't feel right. [1:00:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3603s) It's okay to stand up and say that this proposal doesn't serve the people who sent you here. This is not weakness. This is leadership because the people of Georgia are watching. They watched this special session. They're watching every vote we take. [1:00:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3622s) So as we move forward, I hope we can think carefully about the decisions we make and who those decisions impact. And I gotta tell you, Donald Trump isn't doing any of y'all any favors. Every time he opens his mouth, every bad policy, every time he continues to let this war stand and, and spend billions of our dollars that our people need, he's not helping any of you or any of us on either side. And it's kind of funny, and I'm embarrassed for you that he just spent 50 million to build a swamp in front of Lincoln Memorial that is reflective of his policy and his administration. [1:00:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3659s) Our money. [1:01:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3664s) Just remember that we don't just represent some Georgians. We represent all Georgians. Stand up to bad policies. It's okay to say it's not okay. That's the responsibility we are elected to carry here in this chamber. And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. [1:01:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3697s) Recognize the Rules Chairman. [1:01:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3704s) You think somebody will ... You think the next lieutenant governor will have that much confidence in you to make you Rules Chairman? [1:01:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3713s) Mr. President. [1:01:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3714s) Mm-hmm. [1:01:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3716s) I am confident that you have trained me to be the best Rules Chairman the legislature can offer. [1:02:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3724s) Oh. [1:02:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3724s) And let this be my resume for any future lieutenant governor. You, you actually, you actually are interviewing before both of them right now. [1:02:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3733s) I am. I better ... Hold on. My tie okay? [1:02:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3735s) Yeah. Your, your ... You need to straighten up that name plate a little bit. [1:02:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3739s) Yeah, let's straighten my ... All right. Y'all good? [1:02:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3741s) You got to lo- you got to lose a little more weight though, man. [1:02:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3742s) Can you restart my time? [1:02:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3744s) Uh-huh. [1:02:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3744s) I'm on ignored anyway. [1:02:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3748s) Uh, in all seriousness, Senoia, Georgia, one of my beloved towns in Coweta County, lost a true pillar, uh, yesterday. Uh, we, we, we had a, a local businessman, an Ellis Crook, passed away. Mr. Crook's, his roots in Senoia were very deep. His family operated businesses in the area for nearly a century, and he was the owner of the longstanding Crook's Marketplace, which was a local grocery store, which is right there on the corner of 16 and Broad Street in Senoia. [1:03:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3782s) Uh, also a celebrated local author. He published a memoir called Senoia Boy, uh, which shared the history of, of his hometown. And, uh, recently, we, the State Senate, we introduced a resolution to recognize all his civic contributions and dedicated a local highway in his honor, which we will be dedicating on July 28th. Um, only regret was we couldn't do that while he was still alive. Uh, but I was honored to attend his, uh, birthday party, uh, just a couple weeks ago, his ninety-fifth birthday, and, uh, just sharp as a tack. [1:03:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3819s) As soon as I walked in, I wasn't wearing a name tag or anything, and he, he immediately stood up and s- welcomed me as Senator Brass, started introducing me to all his friends, and just, just a, a truly great man that truly loved our communities, uh, especially in Senoia. A true great businessman, civic leader, husband, father. And, uh, you know, his love for Senoia, uh, was not unnoticed and, and just everyone in Senoia truly, truly loved this man. [1:04:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3849s) And so, Mr. President, I would ask that w- we give a silence in honor of, of Mr. Ellis Crook and all his contributions to, to Senoia, Georgia, and Coweta County, and really our state and our country. [1:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3863s) Senator has asked that everybody stand at attention and give a moment of silence. [1:04:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3873s) Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. [1:04:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3877s) Thank you, Senator. [1:04:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3881s) All right, we got our favorite dentist, senator from the 35th. [1:04:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3888s) Boy, I tell you what, you, you can tell a man that is used to having clients that can't talk back. [1:04:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3899s) Uh, thank you, Mr. President. As a pediatric dentist, I'm well-trained for this job, well-trained for this job as a pediatric dentist. Uh, happy to be here today. Um, I wanna say something that might be provocative. [1:05:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3918s) It might be provocative. Um, but maybe provocative to my own party, uh, maybe provocative to, uh, our Republican friends. But I, I have a concern that I wanna share about, um, individual and national debt. Uh, we are experiencing credit card debt individually throughout our country in numbers we have never seen before. Folks are paying for basic essentials through the use of credit cards with ridiculous interest rates, and it's something that doesn't get a lot of, uh, discussion with all of the hype going on, uh, with all the real issues happening. [1:06:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3961s) This is also a very real issue. But I wanted to bring that up, and also, uh, just looking back, I know in years past, our Republican friends would oft- oftentimes talk about the national debt, and I realized like, "Wow, I haven't heard anything about the national debt, um, in a long time." But I want to share with our colleagues that we're about $40 trillion in gross national debt. 40 trillion with a T. And then I was reading a little bit more, trying to better understand these, these numbers, 'cause it, it wasn't making sense to me. [1:06:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=3994s) At the same time, it, that, uh, we have, uh, minted our first trillionaire, at the same time that we have minted our first trillionaire, we spend $1 trillion per year just to pay for the interest in our national debt. I'm gonna say that again. Our country is in... We have so much national debt that we pay a trillion dollars a year just in interest. [1:07:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4029s) Not principal, interest. And the numbers were still boggling to me, so I looked at it a little bit more, and then I was reading that we spend more on interest than we do on defense. I was like, "Okay, hold on. This, this might not be right. Let me keep reading." And then I was reading that apparently about 40 cents of every dollar goes toward interest. And for the business owners out there, and I know you're like me, and you just hate paying these, these taxes because you, you're, you're not sure if folks are gonna do right by your tax money, it literally made me sick to my stomach to think that 40% of the tax money that I spend to the federal government is going toward interest payments for national debt. [1:08:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4082s) So I just wanted to go ahead and, uh, maybe I made some recent history that a Democrat is gonna come up here and talk about national debt. I, I figure it was appropriate, but it's happening in our own backyards. Folks are struggling, and as we deal with our issues, it's good to zoom out for a second and realize that, uh, our banks are running us, and it's a problem. So hopefully we can work together, Republicans and Democrats, to get things on the right path, 'cause I am concerned about where this country is going, and I think many of you share that same concern, and we can talk in private if you don't want anybody to know. [1:08:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4120s) I yield the floor. [1:08:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4133s) Recognize senator from the tenth. [1:09:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4141s) Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. This is, I'm gonna ask if you will allow me a privilege this morning of sharing with you a story of an incredible woman. And the reason why I'm sharing this story of this incredible woman is because she is the mother of one of our long-serving colleagues in this body. And by now we've heard what happened at the ripe young age of 97. [1:09:32](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4172s) There was an accident that occurred, and her life was taken short. And I say taken short because at 97 she was a spry young woman, and if you would listen to her two daughters, our Senator Donzella James, and also her baby sister who's joined us here today, Ms. Lisa, they would tell you that their mother was a phenomenal woman. [1:10:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4204s) So I'm gonna ask if my colleagues will allow me this one privilege as we honor the mother of one of our own today. I would like for you to stand silently at your desk while I read this resolution in honor of a phenomenal woman. [1:10:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4224s) Senator has asked for a moment of silence. Everybody standing attention. [1:10:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4228s) This resolution reads, "Honoring the life and memory of Maurisine Watts Thomas and for other purposes. Whereas the State of Georgia mourns the loss of one of the most distinguished citizens with the passing of Maurisine Watts Thomas. And whereas Maurisine Watts Thomas was born on November 29th, 1928, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a beloved daughter of Tellie Henry Stevens and Justin Collier Watts. And whereas, a beloved educator, she devoted more than 26 years of service to public education, shaping the lives of countless students through her work as a teacher and member of the Atlanta Public Schools system. [1:11:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4274s) And whereas, she further dedicated im- immeasurable hours of her time and energy toward the community throughout her life, attending civil rights rallies with her friends and classmate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and participating in numerous activities with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference." What a phenomenal woman. "Whereas, a woman of deep and abiding faith, Maurisine Watts Thomas was an active member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4306s) And whereas, a woman with deep and abiding faith, Maurisine Watts Thomas was an active member and participated in all church activities. Maurisine Watts Thomas was blessed with four remarkable children, Eleanor, Donzella, Mamie, and Lisa. Seven wonderful grandchildren, Rhonda, Ralph Jr., Brian, Roman, Marcie, Mark, and Penny, and a host of beloved great and great-great-grandchildren." What a phenomenal woman. [1:12:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4341s) "And whereas, she gave inspiration to many through her high ideals, morals, and deep concern for her fellow citizen, and in the devotion, patience, and understanding she demonstrated to her family and friends were admired by others. And whereas, she was a person of magnanimous strength with an unimpeachable reputation for integrity, intelligence, fairness, and kindness. And by the example she made of her life, she made this world a better place in which to live. [1:12:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4374s) And whereas, this phenomenal woman, a compassionate and generous woman, Maurisine Watts Thomas will long be remembered for her love of family, friendship, and community wi- and our community will be missed by all who had the great fortune of knowing her. Now therefore, be it resolved by the State Senate" And may I also add that the House recognized her as well. [1:13:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4405s) "That the member of this body join in honoring the life and memory of Maurisine Watts Thomas and express their deepest and most sincere regret at her passing." What a phenomenal woman. "Be it therefore resolved that the clerk of this body is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available f- for distribution to the family of Maurisine Watts Thomas." Senator James, we love you, we appreciate you, we share in your loss. [1:13:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4438s) God bless you, and God bless this phenomenal woman. [1:14:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4442s) And will you let her know that Lisa was the one in, that was driving in the vehicle? [1:14:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4448s) I most certainly will. [1:14:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4450s) I'll tell her. [1:14:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4451s) I've been directed to instruct, um, you colleagues that her sister, who's present with us today, Ms. Lisa, uh, was in the vehicle as well. And Ms. Lisa, please accept our deepest, deepest condolences for your loss, but we're glad that God preserved you for us so that you could be here for this moment and this occasion, and we know your mother was indeed a phenomenal woman. [1:14:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4483s) Thank you. [1:14:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4483s) Thank you, and God bless you. [1:14:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4494s) Thank you. [1:14:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4494s) Thank you, Senator. And to Senator James, our deepest condolences go out to you and your- family. Recognize senator from the 15th. [1:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4510s) Thank you very much, Mr. President and members of the Senate. I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you very much for the kind words that you said and displayed, uh, towards me regarding the passing of my brother Mickey Wayne Griffin. Mickey was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and, uh, he was my mother's youngest son. And, uh, one- the one thing about him, uh, he was a, a great basketball player in the environment that he was in to the extent that he, uh, was called Pretty Boy, not because of his look, but because of his ability to play basketball. [1:15:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4554s) And, uh, they said he was so respected that they claimed, uh, whether it was true or not, that's legend as relat- uh, relates to local folklore, that he invented the crossover in basketball. So, uh, I certainly appreciate that. Arrangements are not yet final, but I just wanted to use this opportunity to say, uh, thank you for your kind words. Also, at the same time, my son, uh, Edward Dean Harbison, thank you so much for the kind words that you said about him and expressed to him, and he is really excited about, uh, service. [1:16:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4591s) And I think that you'll be hearing more from him in the future without a doubt. He is excited. Uh, he is going to get himself educated up, so to speak, and focused, and he understand that he has a legacy of service to emulate if he so desire, from his mother, from his grandparents, and even from within his own family. So thank you for your kind words, and God bless you. Appreciate it. [1:17:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4624s) Thank you, Senator. Recognize any other senator wish to speak on a point of personal privilege? Senator from the 39th. [1:17:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4642s) Senator from the 39th. [1:17:27](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4647s) You know, the 39th, y'all have a long line of firebrand representatives, you know- [1:17:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4653s) We do [1:17:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4654s) ... you know? [1:17:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4654s) Between McKema was. [1:17:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4656s) Between McKema and then, uh- [1:17:38](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4658s) Vincent Porter [1:17:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4659s) ... before him. Vincent. Vincent was a... Man, he was a, he was a character. He was a good one. [1:17:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4664s) That, that he was. Well, thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. Last week was Juneteenth, a reminder that freedom is not simply the absence of chains, but freedom is having a voice. Freedom is having agency. Freedom is having a say in the decisions that affect your life. And every year, there's one part of the Juneteenth story that stays with me. President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but in Texas, thousands of enslaved people remained in bondage until June of 1865. [1:18:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4702s) For more than two years, there was a gap between what was true and what people believed to be true, a gap between reality and acceptance. And as I reflected on that last week, I couldn't help but think about where we find ourselves today, because democracy depends on many things, and I've been thinking about what it actually requires, not what it permits, but what it requires. Because the truth is, governing would be so much easier if everyone agreed. [1:18:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4735s) It would be easier if one party could simply decide what was best and move forward. It would be easier if disagreement could be treated as an obstacle instead of a responsibility, but that is not democracy. Democracy is hard precisely because people disagree, and in a healthy democracy, disagreement is not something to be eliminated. It is something to be engaged, and that is why I have found this special session to be troubling, because over and over, we've seen opportunities to bring people together around difficult questions, property tax reform, election administration, the future of our voting, questions that affect every Georgian regardless of party. [1:19:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4782s) And so I'm seeing the yellow light already. Um, I just wanna say public confidence is not built by one party alone. This is a moment when we as leaders must decide whether our commitment is to the process or only the outcome. Trust is not restored by revisiting the same question until we arrive at a different answer, and faith in democracy is not strengthened when the response to defeat is endless suspicion rather than renewed persuasion. Because every democracy eventually reaches the same crossroads. [1:20:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4817s) Will our commitment be to the process or only the outcome? Will we trust the system only when it produces a victory, or will we respect it even when it delivers a defeat? The real issue is whether we are strengthening faith in our democratic institutions or slowly eroding it. On Juneteenth, we celebrated freedom. In just a few short weeks, we'll celebrate the, uh, Amer- the great American experiment as we turn 250 years. And so as we sit in this chamber, I believe that we are being asked to decide what kind of stewards of democracy we will be, and history will judge us not by whether our side won, but by whether we had the courage to uphold the process even when it did not. [1:21:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4863s) Thank you. I yield. [1:21:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4877s) Senator from the 14th, do you have something? You look like something's on your mind. You good? [1:21:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4883s) Yeah, yeah. [1:21:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4884s) You look deep in thought. [1:21:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4885s) Yeah, I don't always have the same thoughts on life. [1:21:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4889s) You wanna come up here and test drive it real quick, see what it's like, huh? [1:21:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4896s) Huh? You wanna see if you really want this thing or not, huh? Come on up here. I'll let you have it for a second, you know? [1:21:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4906s) Woo! Now, you know I gotta let Greg do it too now, right after you do it, okay? So don't get- [1:21:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4910s) I figured you'd get it over with. [1:21:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4912s) Yeah. No. Come on up here, man. We'll see how you look in there. [1:22:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4929s) You want me to... [1:22:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4930s) Yeah. [1:22:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4930s) Oh, got a little switcher. [1:22:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4931s) There's a little switch on the side that you use to turn the mic on and off. [1:22:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4935s) Oh, good question. [1:22:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4937s) Does any other senator wish to rise on a point of personal privilege? Chair hears none. We move on to the next, uh, part of the- [1:22:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4945s) Recognitions. [1:22:26](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4946s) Yeah, there you go. [1:22:26](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4946s) There you go. [1:22:27](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4947s) All right. Thanks very much, everybody. [1:22:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4948s) Good job. We need Dolezal to come up here. Let's see who did it better. Equal time. Equal time. Equal time. We're all about fair and balance here. [1:22:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=4976s) Oh, man. All right. You have a consent calendar of privileged resolutions. Does any senator wish to remove a resolution from the consent calendar? Is there objection to adoption of the resolution on the consent calendar? Chair hears none. The resolution on the consent calendar is adopted. [1:23:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5001s) There any other motions to withdraw or commit? Chair hears none. [1:23:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5013s) All right. Recognize the majority leader. [1:23:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5016s) Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to dispense with the reading of the names of the governor's appointments. [1:23:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5025s) Is there objection? That objection. Majority le- m- leader has moved that we dispense with the reading of the names for the governor's appointments. No objection. Recognize the majority leader again. [1:24:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5042s) Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that one roll call vote suffice for the confirmation of the governor's appointments. [1:24:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5049s) Is there objection? Hearing no objection, majority leader has asked for one roll call vote. [1:24:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5060s) And majority leader again. [1:24:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5061s) Mr. President, I move the governor's appointments be confirmed as submitted. [1:24:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5065s) All right. All those in favor of the governor's appoint- appointments will vote yay, all opposed nay. Secretary, unlock the machine. [1:24:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5084s) Recognize the senator from the 55th. What purpose do you rise? [1:24:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5087s) Mr. Speaker, is it not true that some of the people that we are approving have nothing to do with the MARTA system, but they're having a vote when I don't have a vote representing my county? [1:24:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5098s) You're in the wrong chamber, s- senator. [1:25:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5105s) You know where it's at. [1:25:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5105s) You know how to speak. [1:25:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5106s) The, the speaker does not preside over here, but you can go across the hall and ask him. [1:25:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5117s) But is it... [1:26:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5162s) Damn. [1:26:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5163s) On the confirmation of the governor's appointments, the yays are 45, the nays are six. The governor's appointments are therefore confirmed. [1:26:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5178s) Secretary will read caption of HR 3. [1:26:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5183s) House Resolution 3 EX by Representative Gamble of the 15th and others, a resolution ratifying Governor Brian P. Kemp's Executive Order number zero- 05.15.26.02, suspending the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on Finance recommends that this bill do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Hufstetler of the 52nd District. Chairman. Mr. President, I complete [1:27:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5223s) the order. [1:27:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5223s) The longest serving floor leader right now. There he is, senator from the 50th. [1:27:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5232s) Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today to present House Resolution 3 EX. This should be familiar to most of y'all 'cause we've done this several times over the past few years. Um, the governor suspended the fuel tax. It saved Georgians almost $100 million. We need to ratify that, and would just ask for your favorable consideration. I'm happy to answer any questions. [1:27:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5255s) You have no question, Senator. [1:27:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5256s) Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. [1:27:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5259s) Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? Chair hears none. Is there objection to the previous question being ordered? Chair hears none. Previous question is ordered. Is there objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which is favorable to the adoption of the resolution? Chair hears none. The report of the committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question being ordered? Chair hears none. The main question is ordered. Question is on the adoption of the resolution. All those in favor will vote yay. All opposed, nay. Secretary, align the machine. [1:28:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5289s) Senator from the 27th. Senator from the 27th. Do you wanna come drive? [1:28:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5297s) I'll let you. [1:28:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5297s) I'll let your opponent drive. You good? [1:28:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5302s) That's... Oh, hey. Oh. Already fighting words. I like it. Feisty little things. Hmm. It's gonna be a cat fight. We should do an MMA fight between these two. It would be entertaining. [1:28:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5325s) Oh. [1:28:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5325s) Huh? [1:28:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5328s) I mean, the combined weight of these two, they can, uh, are, are like middleweight contenders combined. [1:29:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5341s) Weighing in at a combined weight of 145 pounds. [1:29:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5354s) Brass, we can do it in Liberty Park. We'll set up- [1:29:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5357s) A little ring [1:29:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5358s) ... [1:29:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5365s) a little ring. Okay. On the adopted resolution, the yays are 50 and the nays are one. There's only one person in here didn't wanna give everybody, uh, gas tax relief. It's the car man. Good Lord. [1:29:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5385s) Believe it or not. [1:29:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5389s) I mean, man, I don't even know where that comes from, Emanuel. [1:29:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5392s) I know how to give treatment though. [1:29:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5394s) Hmm? All right. Senator from the 9th, what purpose do you rise? [1:30:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5400s) I, Mr. President, I ask for a unanimous consent to excuse the senator from the 26th. [1:30:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5405s) From the 26th? [1:30:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5406s) Yes, sir. [1:30:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5407s) Without objection, senator from the 26th is excused. All [1:30:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5415s) right. This having received the constitutional majority, is therefore adopted. [1:30:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5422s) What we got? We're waiting on the House once again. [1:30:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5436s) Tell you what, I mean, they got here an hour before us, and they still can't get through one bill. I mean- [1:30:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5446s) I mean, they're having a conference committee before they even have a vote. And tell you what, I mean, I'm over here lame duck and I got y'all in order. I mean, what's that say about the leader over there? [1:31:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5466s) Uh, I can get y'all to vote how I want y'all to. I'm on the way out. Mm-mm. I like the idea of that MMA fight, though. [1:31:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5491s) Senate will stand at ease until the House can get their stuff together. [1:31:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5513s) There's always an opportunity to move to adjourn. I'll just put it like that, you know? [1:33:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5600s) The Senate will come back to order. Recognize the, the good, the good man from Habersham County. [1:33:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5609s) Thank- [1:33:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5609s) The senator from the 50th. [1:33:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5610s) Thank you, Mr. President. I move that we remove Senate Bill 5 EX from the table. [1:33:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5617s) Secretary, read the caption. [1:33:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5620s) Senate Bill 5 EX by Senator Hatchett of the 50th. The bill to be entitled, An Act to provide a homestead exemption for the City of Toccoa ad valorem taxes in the amount of the assessed value of the homestead property determined annually for the special district based upon the l- proceeds of a new local homestead option sales tax to be imposed within the special district coterminous with Stephens County, and for other purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations recommends that this bill do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Dixon of the 45th chairman. Mr. President, that completes the order. [1:34:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5650s) Is there objection? [1:34:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5651s) No objection. [1:34:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5651s) No objection. Recognize the senator from the 50th, 50th. [1:34:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5661s) Thank you, Mr. President and members of the Senate. I rise today to speak on behalf of the people of Stephens County, Georgia. And let me tell you a little bit about Stephens County Stephens County is about, uh, 28,000 hardworking Georgians. Many residents are retirees or working class families. Homeownership is high, but so is poverty. [1:34:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5695s) The typical family earns roughly $20,000 less than the average Georgia household, and a large share of Stephens County students attend Title I schools. But don't be fooled by those statistics. Stephens County is a county of early risers and hard workers. It's a place of factory workers, teachers, nurses, mechanics, and small business owners, and retirees who built their lives one paycheck at a time. [1:35:27](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5727s) It's full of people who get up before daylight, go to work, and do everything they can to build a better life for themselves and their family. And these hard workers are being taxed out of their homes. Unlike around here, these rural counties aren't full of rental homes and apartment complexes. They're full of homeowners, and 80% of the homes in Stephens County are lived in by their owners. [1:35:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5758s) These people worked hour after hour, day after day to buy these homes, and now they're being taxed out of them. And when they get taxed out, there is nowhere to go but outside the county. We're talking about young families. We're talking about seniors on fixed incomes. We're talking about disabled Georgians. The very same people that y'all stand up here and say you fight for. [1:36:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5788s) Today, I'm not even asking you to fight for them. Today, I'm simply asking you to get out of their way because I promise you this, the people of Stephens County know how to fight for themselves. They know how to take care of their communities, and they deserve the opportunity to decide this issue for themselves. [1:36:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5815s) The question before us today is simple. Should the people of Stephens County and Toccoa be allowed to have a conversation about lowering property taxes and determining whether or not it's right for them? Should they be allowed to gather in their churches, barber shops, businesses, and living rooms to debate the issue for themselves, hear both sides, and ultimately cast their votes at the ballot box? That's all this legislation does. It trusts the people of Stephens County to make their own decision. [1:37:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5848s) And if there's one thing I've learned about the people I represent, they're fully capable of doing that. Now, I know this speech may not sway many people, and I know a lot of people aren't even paying attention. I've also heard rumors that some of you are considering voting against this and all referendums like this because your party leaders believe that if this type of referendum goes on the ballot, your chances of success in November go down. [1:38:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5880s) I sincerely hope that that is not true. We're not here to play political games. We're sent here to serve Georgians, and the hardworking men and women of Stephens County deserve nothing less. This bill requires two-thirds passage, and I would plead with those in the minority party, I need six of you. I need six of you to vote with me to help the people of Stephens County. I respectfully ask for your favorable consideration. [1:38:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5910s) Thank you. [1:38:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5920s) The senator is yielded. [1:38:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5929s) All right. Bringing down the senator from the 56. [1:39:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5946s) Thank you, Mr. President. Back in 2011 after I was elected, I was honored to attend the Legislative Leadership Institute put on by the University of Georgia. In fact, several people in this room attended that very same class. We got to go all over the state and learn so much about our history, how to work together, how to solve problems, and how to govern. In fact, I remember at the very end of that class, we brought leaders in from both the, uh, Democrat Senate leadership and Republican, and we had a great, robust discussion. [1:39:38](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=5978s) One of those discussions was about local legislation. And everyone agreed that unless for some reason that delegation is divided, you always, always let local legislation be handled by the people who know their district best. That has always been the way it's been, and long before I came here. Yet today, you are setting a horrible precedence because come January of next year, those of you that wanna vote against this now are gonna have something important in your district, and you've now changed that calculus that will be forever remembered. [1:40:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6021s) I also wanna clear up some misconceptions because there's been a lot of theater the last couple of days. And the theater is we can't s- you know, pass a penny sales tax somewhere. That would be terrible. It would be regressive. Well, yet the Georgia Democrats are the ones that created the ESPLOST, did they not? They're the ones that pushed to have the extra penny here in Georgia specifically for Atlanta to attack the sewer problem that most people pay but didn't use. [1:40:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6051s) They're the ones that wanted to add the extra penny for the transit tax that most people do not use. So don't stand here and tell us stories of woe that are absolutely against everything you've voted for and supported in the last many years. It's just not true. You know, the people of Georgia are very smart. And like the mascot in my party, the mighty elephant, they have a long memory, not just this November, but elections to come. [1:41:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6084s) So I hope you will not act like the mascot from your party today, and do the right thing. [1:41:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6093s) It's times like now that you have to make the right decision and put people over politics, and I sure hope that you do. Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor. [1:41:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6110s) Senator has yielded. Recognize senator from the 38th. [1:42:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6128s) Thank you, Mr. President. Ah, colleagues, I rise to say I will not be one of the six that joins you, ah, my, to my colleague from the 50th. Um, and, you know, I, I want to give you credit because you have been very statesman-like in coming around and asking for our votes and having conversations. But one of the things that you shared from the well struck me, that party leaders have told us not to vote for this bill because we are afraid that people will come out to vote. [1:42:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6160s) I can assure you that not one party leader, whoever they may be, has came to me and told me not to vote for this bill because of fear that people are coming out to vote. I can tell you what is going to get people to come out and vote. The cost of gas, the cost of everyday goods, the cost that they see when they go to the grocery store. And instead, what the majority caucus is asking us to do is to vote for a bill with the acronym L-H-O-S-T, Local Homestead Option Sales Tax. [1:43:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6200s) That is what they are asking us to vote for, Georgia. And I would challenge any Georgian to go to Google and put in L-H-O-S-T. What you are going to get is Google is gonna tell you this is an optional homestead sales tax shifting tax to general sales. Then I would ask you to Google general sales. What are the general things that everyday Georgians buy? [1:43:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6232s) Over-the-counter drugs, clothing, electronics, meals, and groceries. All of these things are going to be shifted onto your everyday spending at a time when people all across America is saying costs are too high. What they are trying to do is shift cost onto everyday Georgians, and we are saying, no, there is a better way to address affordability. [1:44:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6274s) And the threats from the senator from the 56th that you all will remember this in January, I would venture to guess that you are gonna act how you act regardless of what we do with these bills. So the threats that are coming from this well are unnecessary because we already have experienced how you are going to treat the minority caucus in this chamber. And so I will say to folks who are watching this, please pay attention to what Republicans are trying to do. [1:45:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6309s) They are trying to make your everyday cost even higher. That is what is occurring, and we are fighting for you to say no. And so I will yield the well saying I will not be supporting Senate Bill 5EX because costs are too high and we should not be shifting the cost onto everyday Georgians for a select few. And with that, Mr. President, I yield the well. [1:45:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6340s) Recognize the senator from the ninth. [1:46:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6363s) Thank you, Mr. President. I too rise today in op- in opposition of another tax on our citizens, and I can guarantee you I will not be one of the six, senator from the fifth, my friend, senator from the fifth. [1:46:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6382s) We don't solve an affordability issue by adding another tax on citizens. Just to give you some numbers, more than one-third of Georgians rent their homes and will not get any tax relief under LHO- on, uh, LHOST proposal, including many Black Georgians. And I know my colleagues keep trying to vilify us and say, "Oh, Democrats don't wanna handle affordability." That's not true. It is simply not true. We're trying to protect vulnerable households, people of color, and those who are not rich. [1:47:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6423s) They're just middle class, working class families. That's who we're trying to protect. More than 1.9 million Black Georgia residents live in rental housing and will n- receive no tax relief from any kind of LHOST proposal. There is nothing in any of the LHOST legislation that I've seen that would even hold rental companies accountable who are sucking up all the, the homes that people could have and renting them. [1:47:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6456s) Nothing in there says that they have to lower their costs and pass that on to renters, 'cause they're not. They're just gonna go by the markets. And a majority of white Georgians will receive a tax relief since over 75% of white Georgians own their home. And I'm only bringing this out because I need y'all to understand there is a disparity and that we are leaving some people out of proposals like this in this conversation. [1:48:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6494s) Renters and working class families, they don't get the relief when local governments enact property tax re- relief. Seniors, young people are out here trying to build a future. Our seniors are just trying to stay in their homes and they're still facing rising costs every day. But LHOST bills are not the answer. And if my colleagues would bother to come to the table and work bipartisan, we actually might be able to come up with a solution that works for everybody. [1:48:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6527s) But you keep shutting us out of the conversation. And I would dare say Democrats understand more what working families, those that look like mine, I'm a working class woman, [1:49:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6544s) we know what's happening in our homes. We know the conversations in our community and a lot of people are really hurting with costs. You know, I've heard some feedback from community folks that say, "Hey, why don't we cap millage rates? That might help us." But I'm pretty sure, and all of you are very smart in this room, that we could come up with a better solution than the solutions we've been given here during this special session. [1:49:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6576s) We know this proposed tax breaks are the ones that have been presented to us, this LHOST. They're go- they're gonna go to those who own the most valuable homes and properties at the end of the day, and Republicans are calling this a solution. It's not. And if we're serious about affordability, we should focus on actually lowering the cost of living or, or putting in provisions that lower the cost of living. [1:50:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6607s) Housing, healthcare, childcare, prescription drugs, utilities. This is the stuff people care about because this is what they're, they're spending their money on every day. Every time they go to the cash regis- every time they go check out in a grocery line, everybody's feeling the hit. I remember when I'd spend $100, man, man, I could maybe have five bags of groceries. Now you go spend 100, 150, you got like two bags of groceries. [1:50:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6641s) I mean, I'm not making this up. [1:50:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6650s) And the, the LHOST proposals don't deal with any of those day-to-day affordability and this tax that we know, this penny tax, it's just going to raise the sales tax on every, everyday goods. So every time, every day our citizens go to checkout lines, every time they buy gas, every time they buy clothes, every, you know, kids are going back to school here in, in August and we're actually proposing that our, our families, our, our parents pay more on goods that they're gonna have to buy for their kid to go to school when at the same time we still haven't really addressed school funding in a real way on top of that to give our parents relief and to increase and, and make our education better? [1:51:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6700s) So rather than shifting the ta- tax burden on the working and middle class Georgians, why don't we come together and come up with some real solutions? And let's table again proposals like this and let's work together. And with that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. [1:52:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6753s) So pursuant to the Senate rules, actually each side is, is supposed to just have 10 minutes a piece. So The opposition to this has eaten up a good bit of their time, so I would ask you to be brief as we get into the well here. So recognize the senator from the 12th. The pride of M- Mableton took up five and a half minutes. [1:53:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6787s) Gonna hash it out. [1:53:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6793s) But Freddie, you know you got all the time in the world. [1:53:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6795s) All the time. [1:53:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6795s) You know that. [1:53:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6796s) I'm, I'm working on it. Thank you, Mr. President. [1:53:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6803s) And this is very, very strange for me 'cause usually I'm very quiet. But I feel compelled to share some words, especially when it, um, impacts heavily the district that I represent in rural South Georgia. I am an educator. Firstly and always, I am an educator. So undeniably, the loss of property tax revenue for education will be the greatest travesty of educational justice, injustice or justice, I'm sorry, for Georgia's children and communities. [1:54:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6853s) There are instances when I meet adults from Southwest Georgia that tell me, "I don't have any children in the public schools, so why am I paying taxes?" And I always think that that's a very bizarre statement to make. Somebody paid taxes for them when they attended public schools in the state of Georgia. My daddy paid taxes, property taxes, and our schools lacked air conditioning, school buses- [1:54:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6896s) Not really. [1:54:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6896s) ... books. But he paid those taxes without the least bit of argument, the least bit of argument. Without a well-educated workforce community, everybody, because I represent Democrats and Republicans every day. [1:55:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6923s) These are not partisan politics. They impact everybody. [1:55:32](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6932s) Without a well-educated workforce community being supported by property taxation, communities collapse. [1:55:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6943s) They lose their identities as well as their wealth. [1:55:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6951s) Every day local governments are charged with providing public safety services and a quality education for their citizens. And one of my responsibilities when I travel to the state capital [1:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6972s) for my constituents is to ensure that these local governments are equipped to do both. [1:56:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6983s) The local homestead option sales tax [1:56:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=6989s) raises prices for many Georgians at the cash register and beyond the cash register. And to be perfectly clear, revenue collections through LHOST lost will vary from the tiniest municipalities to the largest ones, and those municipalities like the ones that I serve in Southwest Georgia which have very little retail, very little tourism, very little anything. [1:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7032s) I've been here for 22 years and most of the growth that has occurred in the state of Georgia has gone elsewhere and completely bypassed those individuals in Southwest Georgia, and now you are asking them to pay more from their pockets. [1:57:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7063s) Governmental services, especially in the rural counties, already suffer. Many of them are already having difficulties meeting payroll. [1:58:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7081s) And a lot of you don't know that because we, we, we tend to not understand the workings of rural Georgia. [1:58:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7094s) Yes, they are my bills. But I am voting no and I hope you will join me. Thank you, Mr. President, and I yield the well. [1:58:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7119s) Recognize the senator from the 6th. Well, we got some house members in here, huh? You got some good ones and not so good ones. Got one that doesn't know how to read over here. [1:58:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7134s) I like those two. You can go. [1:58:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7139s) Ah, he thinks I'm kidding. [1:59:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7144s) Oh, man. Oh, there's another one back there. You can go too, Doc. We- All right, here we go. [1:59:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7154s) Thank you, Mr. President. I'm not sure I wanted to interrupt that, but I feel like I better. You know, I was sitting at my seat, and we were tasked [1:59:27](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7167s) with a little exercise, and I decided to partake. The senator from the 38th asked us to Google LHOST and see what the first thing is that pops up. So I did that. And actually, the first thing that pops up is it talks about some cybersecurity stuff and how it means something about local hosts. I'll skip that. But the very next thing it says, "In Georgia politics, LHOST stands for Local Homestead Option Sales Tax. [1:59:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7198s) It is a proposed local sales tax measure to reduce or offset homestead property taxes." That is what this bill does. Now, in the City of Newnan, we have both owners and renters, and we have a decent mix of each. And so what we did last year was we passed the FLOST, the F-L-O-S-T. And FLOST goes to reduce... [2:00:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7228s) It's a increase in sales tax, but it goes to reduce property taxes for everyone, not just your homestead. So in the counties or in the cities where you have heavy renters, FLOST would be a better option. In cities and counties where you have heavy ownership, LHOST would be a better option. And so the people of the 50th District and the people of the 12th District have said LHOST would be the best option for us, and we would like our people to vote on that. [2:01:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7270s) See, in Coweta County, about 40 to 45% of sales tax generated in Coweta County comes from out of our county. We have an Interstate 85 runs through. We got about six or seven exits now. We have retail. It makes sense. We have truckers passing through. We have, we have northerners traveling through to Florida, helping generate sales tax for our area that can help reduce property taxes. [2:01:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7307s) Help these citizens. Vote yes. [2:02:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7330s) There are... Who else we got now? [2:02:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7333s) Exhausted. [2:02:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7335s) Oh, we have exhausted debate, Leader. Were you good? [2:02:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7342s) It's just a, it's just a yes or no vote, actually. You ready? You wanna close? Come on up and close. These are, these are like bad house guests, man. It's like fish. [2:02:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7365s) All right. Thank you, Mr. President. I'm really speaking to those that came down to speak against this more than anyone. The first thing is I wanna clear up, I'm not asking you to vote for a tax. I'm asking you to allow the people of Stephens County and Toccoa to control their own destiny. [2:03:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7388s) I heard someone say, "We are saying no." Well, that insinuates that the people in this chamber know better than the homeowners in Stephens County, and I'll tell you right now, we don't. This is a decision sh- that they should make. I heard someone say that, "Well, this is just gonna benefit rental companies." That, to me, opens my eyes to how little some people in this chamber understand my district. [2:03:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7423s) We don't have big rental companies. We don't have big apartment complexes. We have real homeowners. And, you know, the homes that they live in may not be up to y'all's standards, but they're castles to my people, and they're being taken away. All I'm asking you to do is give them a voice in the fight. Let them make up their own mind a- as to how we spend their money on a local level. And the last thing I wanna say is, you know, this is not something that would be good for the entire state. [2:04:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7463s) But all I'm asking you is just let my people have a voice to make their own decision. And I promise you, if I can get six of you up here to vote for me, I will drive you to my district, and I will show you the people that you're voting for, the people that you're giving a voice to. A lot of them don't look like me. A lot of them don't, probably don't even vote for me. Believe it or not, there are Democrats in the 50th District. There are African Americans in the 50th District, and they own homes. [2:04:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7496s) Please give the people of Stephens County a voice, and I promise you, that's a, that's a real promise. You vote for this, I will drive you up there, and you can shake their hands, and they will thank you. I yield the will. [2:05:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7535s) All right. Y'all ready to vote? It really comes down to red or green. Even the House member back there can understand that. So here we go. All those in favor will vote yay. All opposed, nay. Secretary, allot the machine. [2:06:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7576s) Remind everyone it takes 38 votes. [2:06:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7618s) On the passes, the yeas are 32, the nays are 19, and this has failed to reach the required 38 two-thirds vote. [2:07:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7645s) So we got three more of these? You got one more? Well, we're still waiting on the House, so we might as well take them up, I guess. All right, go for it. [2:07:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7657s) Mr. President, I move that Senate Bill 6EX be removed from the table. [2:07:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7665s) Objection. Secretary, read the caption, then we'll note your objection. [2:07:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7668s) Senate Bill 6EX by Senator Hatchett of the 50th, a bill to be entitled, An Act to Provide for a Homestead Exemption for, from Stevens County Ad Valorem Taxes in the Amount of the Assessed Value of the Homestead Property Determined Annually for the Special District Based Upon the Proceeds of a New Local Homestead Option Sales Tax to Be Imposed Within the Special District Coterminous with Stevens County and for Other Purposes. Mr. President, the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations recommends that this bill do pass. Respectfully submitted, Senator Dixon of the 45th District. Mr. President, that completes the order. [2:08:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7694s) You waving? You're so nice. You're gonna vote against it though, aren't you? He needs six. Come on, help the folks of Stevens County. Is this Stevens County? All right, come on up, Senator. [2:08:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7721s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, rise again and ask you to vote for, um, giving the people of Stevens County and Toccoa a voice. [2:08:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7728s) Yes. [2:08:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7729s) Uh, I gave you my best speech before. [2:08:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7731s) It wasn't your speech. [2:08:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7732s) And I don't think I'm gonna persuade anybody. Um, but if I could just appeal to your moral conscience. I've had a lot of people text me about this. Like I said, people that probably won't vote for me 'cause they're in another party, but they're still my, my people in my district, and I'm gonna fight for them. So, uh, just one more time, I need, uh, six people in a minority party to vote with me to give the people in Stevens County a voice, and the offer to drive you up to, to meet the good people in Toccoa and Stevens County stands, and, uh, we'll, we'll, we'll go to some good lunch places, too, I think y'all will enjoy. [2:09:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7774s) Thank you. I yield the will. [2:09:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7799s) Can we just vote on this now? Huh? You need six votes, right? [2:10:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7808s) Actually, I'm gonna let, I'm gonna let y'all call it. Do y'all want the senator from the 35th leadership, leadership back there, leadership, minority leader. Do you want your senator from the 35th? Do you want him to speak? I'm gonna let y'all have the vote on that. Somebody said no . Yeah. Yeas and nays. Let's do yeas and nays, huh? Let's put it on the board. Let's put it on the board. All those in favor of him speaking can vote yay. All opposed, nay . The secretary gonna lock the machine . [2:10:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7841s) Seriously [2:10:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7848s) . Hell, let's do a raise of hands. All those in favor, raise your hand. Two? All those opposed, reverse. [2:11:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7861s) I mean, body has spoken, man. I'm sorry. [2:11:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7869s) Come on. Come on, Senator. Come on, Senator. [2:11:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7876s) Your own leadership voted against you. [2:11:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7885s) Oh, right. I'll, uh, thank you, Mr. President. I love how we get so busy. We got so much to do, right? So much to do. Oh, we have to hurry up and wait. Um, I, I come up to speak in opposition to the bill. There's a few quotes. I mean, these are really good quotes. "Control their own destiny. Let, let the local people control their own destiny." I also heard, "Let my people have a voice in their own district." And I sat there, I said, "Amen, brother," in my mind, 'cause I wanna be one of the six, you know? [2:12:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7923s) It's like, convince me. When you, you had me at, "Let my people have a voice in their own district." And then I said, "Hold on. Isn't this the same group of people that were trying to have rigged representation so my people couldn't have a voice in their own district?" And I was like, "Dang, that doesn't line up." But they said, "Let my people have a voice in their own district." And then I said, I said, "Amen," in my mind. And then I stopped and I said, "Hold up." Aren't these the same people that use state power to impose their will over in Augusta, over in Cobb County? [2:12:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=7962s) And then I said, "No, no." I went back to the quotes and I said, "The people in this chamber don't know, they don't know better than the local folks." And I said, "Amen" in my head. And then I said, hold on. I remember in Cobb County, I was a school board member, and we brought up some things to the accreditation body. And we said, "Our kids are not reading. Literacy is a problem." And then the accreditation body said, "You know what? You're right. There are some challenges here." And it was this body that brought the accreditation body to the, to the mat, and basically said, "If you don't change what you wrote in that accreditation, local people, we're gonna run you out of town where you cannot do any accrediting in the State of Georgia." And I said, "Wow, I thought this place was run by Republicans who believe in local government." But then as soon as local government isn't advantageous, it's about big government. [2:13:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8019s) Ah. And I was just stuck because I really believe the quotes that you said. I, amen, I was almost one of the six. And then I thought when Cobb County said, "No, let's control our own destiny. Here's our map. The county decides the map," it was this body that said, "No, no, no, no, no, we tell you what the map is." And there was a whole legislative fight. I remember spending a lot of money trying to win an election for, for county commissioner. We won it, and then it was thrown out, and the state said, "No, our map has to supersede your map, county, 'cause you don't know better than us at the state." It's just interesting because there are principles that we say we believe in, respectfully, and I am just blown away on when those principles are applied. [2:14:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8073s) So yeah, I appreciate the impassion- impassion speech, and I wanted to be open to saying, "You know what? If I need to break with my party on this, like, if it really, really, you know, if you really mean it" I just had a hard time believing because it doesn't a- it doesn't apply across the board. So in short, in conclusion, Mr. President and others listening, I am learning that the party who's all about don't tread on my local rights and my local control, that only matters in specific circumstances. [2:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8110s) I'm learning that the party that says, "Hey, let's have less government," only matters in certain circumstances. I'm learning that the party that says, um, "People need to pull themselves up by their bootstraps" only matters in certain circumstances. And I am excited about our future together as we try to be principled folks, where that same principle, that same principle applies when it's advantageous and when it cuts both ways. Um, I yield the will. [2:15:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8142s) Thank you, Mr. President. [2:15:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8144s) You're so welcome, Senator. Senator from the 41st, we ready to vote? [2:15:50](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8150s) Aye. [2:15:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8151s) What about Senator from the 22nd, we ready to vote? [2:15:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8159s) Aye. [2:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8161s) Senator, senator from the 37th. [2:16:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8170s) Aye. [2:16:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8170s) Get 'em in. Get 'em [2:16:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8176s) in. There's a lot of chatter in here. I, I know, I know the approval of the words from the senator from the 35th is very high. That's, that's what this buzz is about. Um, but I do wanna say this. What do we do here and why are we here? Ladies and gentlemen, it's not about Cobb County Government or Cobb County School Board or the General Assembly or the Senate. What we're down here to represent is the rights of regular individual citizens. Now, sometimes state government doesn't take care of our citizens. Sometimes we have to call down and get state agencies right because we have business owners whose businesses are being shut down 'cause state agencies aren't doing their job. [2:16:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8213s) We engage on behalf of those individual citizens. Sometimes local governments overstep their bounds, don't do their jobs, they trample on the rights of our regular citizens. That's why the state's got to get engaged. It's not about the local governments are always right. That's not what local control really means. What local control really means is mom and pop, grandma and grandpa back in our districts, they're the folks we represent. And this effort is not about hypocrisy as the senator from the 35th suggests. [2:17:26](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8246s) This effort is about taking care of regular folks. The, the very core thing we do is look after regular people. Now, friends, in this vote, whether you care about Stephens County or not, you should care about every Georgian. And the reason we're talking about this is because when you look at these taxes, my friend from the thir- senator from the 38th, my seatmate, was talking about this earlier. You know, he s- stood against the previous proposition. But, um, last I checked, nearly 40% of the sales taxes that are spent in the district for the senator from the 38th are spent by people who don't live there. [2:18:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8283s) Tourists, people from outside the area, whether they work, commute to this county for work, or whether they're coming through on the interstate, or they're there for tourist reasons, sales taxes are funded by not just the citizens there, but many people, as the senator from the 6th said, uh, who, who come through this state. Friends, this is about grandma and grandpa, and there are people in Stephens County who are on fixed incomes and are burdened by their tax, uh, by their tax bill. Had a constituent this week that called me up and said, "Senator Setzler, my taxes went up 15% on my home this year." My income didn't go up 15%. [2:18:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8321s) My Social Security payment didn't go up 15%. My pension didn't go up 15%. My, my husband's or, or their, their family member's pay didn't go up 15%, but their s- the, the tax on their home, their homestead property did. Folks need relief. And this is not about whether we're about local governments or school boards or cities, counties of the state. It's about the dignity of regular individuals. And some of the most fragile individuals out there are those who own homes, that don't have wealth, but all their money's in their house, and the, and the, their local governments keep turning up the heat. [2:19:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8359s) My constituent that came to me yesterday, the heat was turned up 15% on them just this year. Friends, this bill's a good proposition for regular working people and for folks who don't have the ability just to work a little harder and bring a little home a little bit more money. If you care about regular folks who don't get to decide how much they make or what their annual income is, or whether they go to the store and buy something or not and pay sales taxes, this is for them. With that, I yield the floor. [2:20:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8400s) Oh, we got time, Senator. Take your time. Calling the f- the senator from the 50th. [2:20:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8415s) Yeah, we got plenty of time. Okay. Take your time. [2:20:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8417s) Thank you, Mr. President. And, uh, just to address some things that were said earlier, um, I wa- I, I just wanna, we gotta go back a couple years. This body voted, over two-thirds of us voted to put the question on the ballot statewide if counties should be allowed to add a one-penny sales tax. Not only did it pass this chamber with bipartisan support, it passed that chamber with bipartisan support, and then it went on the ballot, and the people of Georgia voted 70/30 that local government should be able to do that. [2:20:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8453s) Now, that was the FLOST. And as you heard from my friend from the 6th, a FLOST doesn't work in every community. In places like Stephens County, a FLOST won't work because we don't have a ton of renters. We have homeowners. And so in order to get the homeowners relief, it's gotta go back on the ballot. That's what we're asking. Let them vote and put it on the ballot. And to my friend from the 35th, [2:21:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8477s) I agree with a lot of the things that you said in your speech about being principled and what you believe in, and that district should have a voice. And my question is, do you believe that or do you not? Are you gonna waffle today or are you not? [2:21:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8495s) This isn't a hard choice. I understand the politics behind it, and after hearing the speeches that I heard today, I understand y'all are having to cover for yourselves. But take the politics out of it for just a second and give them a seat at the table. You've heard a lot of people say, "We want a seat at the table," on other bills. I think there's an amendment going around that you're wanting a seat at the table. [2:22:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8525s) My people in Stephens County want a seat at the table. It's not your job to tell them what to do. Let them decide. Let them vote. Give them a seat at the table. I yield the floor. [2:22:32](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8552s) Is there objection to agreeing to the reporter committee, which is favorable to the passage of the bill? Chair hears none. The reporter committee is agreed to. Is there objection to the main question be in order? Chair hears none. The main question is ordered. The question is on the passage of the bill. All those in favor of the bill vote yay. All opposed, nay. Secretary, unlock the machine. [2:23:49](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8629s) On the passage of the bill, the yays are 32 and the nays are 20, and this bill has failed to receive the two-thirds majority needed. [2:24:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8658s) All right. So the elections bill is being printed and distributed to everybody's desk. Everybody got one? Yes. Okay. Y'all ready to take it up now? Yes. Okay. Let's vote. Let's go. Secretary, read the caption. [2:24:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8679s) Mr. President, the following message was received th- from the House through Mr. Riley, the clerk thereof. Mr. President, the House is passed by substitute the requisite constitutional majority this following bill of the Senate. Senate Bill 3EX by Senator Burns of the 23rd and others, a bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the elections and primaries generally, so as to establish the Election Equipment Specifications and Standard Committee to establish the specifications, standards, and requirements for a new uniform system of election equipment, to provide for reporting, to provide for the extent to which the Secretary of State is authorized to provide for the selection, certification, or procurement of the following new uniform system of the election equipment, to declare certain actions void and ultra vires, to amend an act relating to elections and primaries provided May 6, 2024, Senate Bill 189, so as to revise an effective date to provide for related matters, to provide for an effective date to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. [2:25:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8731s) Mr. President, the House offers the following substitute to Senate Bill 3EX, a bill to be entitled Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elections and primaries generally, so as to establish the Elections Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee To prepare recommendations for the specification standards and requirements to p- for a new uniform system of election equipment to provide for membership and duties, to pro- provide for an input from subject matter experts, to provide for reporting, to provide for the extent to which the Secretary of State is authorized to provide for the selection, certification, and procurement of a new uniform system of election equipment to declare certain actions void and ultra vires, to provide for input from certain stakeholders, to authorize per diems and expenses, to provide for automatic repeal, to establish provisions related to mandatory recounts in other certain circumstances, to provide for the state to reimburse the cost of such recounts, to authorize grants to counties, to revise provisions related to selected contests subject to the risk-taking, risk-limiting audits, to amend an act relating to elections and primaries approved May 6th, 2024, Senate Bill 189 so as to revise an effective date to provide for related matters, to provide for an effective date, to repeal conflicting laws, and for other purposes. [2:26:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8797s) Mr. President, that completes the order. [2:26:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8802s) Recognizes senator, well, yeah, recognize Senator from the twenty-third. Go ahead. Gotta pull it off the table. [2:26:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8808s) Mr. President, I move that the Senate agree to the House substitute to Senate Bill 3 EX. [2:27:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8840s) Senator from the twenty-second. [2:27:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8844s) Thank you, Mr. President. I move the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 3 EX as amended by Amendment 1. [2:27:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8851s) Secretary, read the caption. [2:27:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8853s) Amendment 1 offered by Senator Jones of the twenty-second. To amend the House substitute to Senate Bill 3 EX by replacing lines one through one twelve with the following: To amend Chapter two of Title twenty-one of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to elections and primaries generally so as to establish the Elections Equipment Specifications and Standards Committee to establish the specifications, standards, and requirements for a new uniform system of election equipment to provide for membership and duties, to provide for advertisement, to provide for reporting, to provide for, for the extent to which the Secretary of State is authorized to provide for the selection, certification, or procurement of the new uniform system of election equipment to declare certain actions void and ultra vires, to provide for automatic repeal, to re- revise provisions related to selected contests subject to risk-limiting audits, to amend the act, an act relating to elections and primaries approved May 6, 2024, so as to revise an effective date to provide for related matters, to provide for an effective date to repeal conflicting laws and for other purposes. [2:28:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8903s) Mr. President, Senator Jones and Senator Jackson offer the following amendment 1A: To amend the amendment to Senate Bill 3 EX by deleting "and" on line twenty-five, by replacing the period on line twenty-seven with a semicolon, by inserting on line twenty-seven, following line twenty-seven the following: "(4) One member of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, and (5) one member of the Senate appointed by the minority leader of the Senate." Mr. President, that completes the order. [2:28:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8938s) Recognize the minority leader. [2:29:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8955s) Be brief. Mm. [2:29:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8959s) I'll be brief, Mr. President. I stand in support in this amendment because of the fact of the matter is that we have persons on both sides of this issue that, to some extent, do not trust the process. I believe everyone actually should trust the process, as it makes no sense when we start talking about, uh, election interference that we have selective interference, apparently. We selectively supposedly interference on one year, but then we don't on the next year. We selectively interference on one race but not on other races, which are just as important. [2:29:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=8991s) So I believe people actually ought to have faith in our elections. They're free and secure and have been. And so when we talk about this particular issue, one of the things that w- I mentioned to you before while we're actually here, I did this the other day, and I talked about all the people that majority have been following with all their particular issues and all the problems, and then the majority has followed these folks in. They've not said anything about the people that were con- concocting all these conspiracy theories, and we talked about that. And one of the things one senator, I believe from the thirty-seventh, came and told me and said, "Well, here's the key. [2:30:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9025s) The election was certified," and it was. It was certified because it was free, it was fair, it was accurate. Of course it was certified. But the problem was that no one spoke out against these people who were actually putting our elections in jeopardy and are continuing to do that even today. That no one spoke out and said that these folks were wrong. No one spoke out about people who some had actually been convicted of drug felonies. Others have been found to be lying, saying they had taken six hundred million pages of CA doc- CIA documents out of the CIA. [2:30:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9058s) Others have been basically military services and put in disrepute because of the fact that they were actually selling secrets. These are the type of people that persons were following. That's who should've been spoken out against. That was the key, that we should've spoke out against those persons. It wasn't just good enough to talk about the certification. We needed to speak out against those actors who actually were talking about these things that they knew were untrue. That was the key. But c- part of that is to establish our trust process now, we need representation. [2:31:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9090s) And so what this amendment does is go back to where we were but also make sure that the minority party gets representation because that's the only way to actually continue or even establish the trust that we're trying to build today, is to give us at least some representation on this particular commission. That's it. Very simple ask, and it's one that all of us actually should be willing to do. We should be willing to do that because we realize quite frankly as the secretary, um, as Secretary had mentioned, we actually certified those elections. [2:32:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9124s) We wanna make sure that everyone is represented. That's the key. And if we don't do that, we start ourselves down on the same path again, and we need to get off of that. We know our elections are fair and secure because we're all sitting here. We all know our elections are fair and secure because we all accepted the results of every single election, win or lose. Because many of us have been on the other side where we have actually lost, myself included, and you accepted it, and then you called your opponent and you said congratulations because you understood that the elections were fair, safe, and secure. [2:32:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9156s) But we allow people to actually take us down this road that we apparently cannot get off. But I think if we do this correctly and actually allow representation, we can actually start on the right path. And then the second part, part of this is the concept of doing hand counts. And we've also talked about that. We've also talked about the fact that these hand counts are not reliable. In fact, there was a study conducted by Rice University that says 58% of the time hand counting does not come up with the correct answer. [2:33:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9188s) 58% of the time it does not come up with the correct answer. It has over a 2% error rate. There have been counties that actually have discussed going to hand counting and realized that it would take too long to actually do that. There have been counties that said, "You know, we're gonna do the hand count." But once they started doing it, they realized it would take entirely too long, cost too much, and also that you had these error rates that existed, and their position was, "We need to go back. We need to leave hand counting alone." So we do not actually need to go to hand counting and then say, "Well, we'll pick the one based on the hand count which is correct," when we know that the hand count has 2 to 3% error rate, and we also know that 58% of the time according to just one study, it's not gonna be correct. [2:33:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9234s) So we don't need to do that, whether it's pre-certification or post-certification. That is not something that we should do. And so today we're here with two requests. Not do hand counting, which we know actually is not reliable. We know it has issues, and we know that it actually is only succumbing to persons who have talked about elections not being fair, safe, and secure, and we should not give in to those conversations. And then second aspect of it is that we say to actually put us on the right path, to actually start on a path to where we can get our citizens actually trusting the process. [2:34:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9268s) One that we all know because we accept those processes. If we can do that, we need representation. These amendments actually do that. They actually solve both of those crisis. Representation solves the issue to now we actually have a full understanding of what we're doing, to now we can trust each other on some level to say, "Yes, we're at the table. We're actually discussing these things. We'll make sure that those persons who should not be at the table discussing these items will not be there." So everyone that's there talking about this will be reputable. [2:35:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9302s) Everyone that is talking about our elections will be someone that we can trust. The minority party will help ensure that. And then secondly, why go to a system that we know actually has error rate? Whether it's studies or actually real time counties doing the counting, we see it actually happen. We also know that it has higher cost, and whether the state's gonna pick up that cost or not, that's an unnecessary cost that even the state should be picking up. So today we have an opportunity to actually get our elections on a path for our people and citizens to say, "These guys are actually working together. [2:35:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9334s) They actually have a common goal, and that goal is to make sure these elections will be s- safe and secure in our hearts, in our minds, and this is where we're heading." And I think if we do that, then we can stop a lot of persons out of in the hallway. We can stop people with conspiracy theories. We can stop persons saying that this person was not elected correctly, and we can get back to what we used to do, which is simply this. If you win or lose an election, everyone calls their opponents. They say, "Good job," and you move on, and you continue to believe in the democracy that we are. [2:36:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9368s) And with that, I yield the floor, Mr. President. [2:36:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9378s) Recognize the senator from the 37th. [2:36:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9391s) Mr. President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise today in support of Amendment 1A. [2:36:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9400s) I think throughout this process, uh, there was an expectation that there'd be bipartisan representation on whatever committee is established to pick s- uh, election technology. But I can tell you, putting it in statute gives us that certainty and sends the message to citizens of Georgia that this is a fair process that should there be Republican leadership or otherwise, we, something we can be very proud of. I was, uh, in the 2018 session, had a bill to bring about a next step for election technology in Georgia that the dean of the House, Calvin Smyre, was a co-sponsor of mine on. [2:37:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9440s) We worked very hard in my Science and Technology Committee in 2017 in the House to really analyze the technology before anyone had ever heard the name of, ever h- heard, heard the name of a company called Dominion Voting Systems or Hart InterCivic or others. We were trying to do our homework so that we could in a, in a deliberate and thoughtful way go about the process of picking the best technology for Georgia, but that would also guarantee a hard copy paper ballot at the end that could be counted. Um, what broke my heart late in that session was that, that this bipartisan effort I had been leading, I was approached a couple days before crossover and was told that, uh, the minority party couldn't be with me anymore. [2:38:06](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9486s) That we couldn't d- we couldn't come together on election technology, that there were national interests that just wouldn't let that happen. And th- the bipartisan coalition I was trying to build had fallen apart on me a couple days before crossover. I believed in it then and I believe in it now. I believe that the leadership of the state's gonna pick a technology that works for all Georgians. I believe that all perspectives are meaningful in making this decision, and I think it's a very, very small step to, say, give certainty to Georgians that Senate Bill 1A, that you have both Republican and Democrat representation on this committee that will select the technology be present. [2:38:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9527s) Only thing I would ask to my friend, the senator for the 22nd, who offered the amendment, it's signed by the senator for the 22nd, the senator from the 41st. I would have loved to have been offered the opportunity to be on this amendment, which I shall join by green vote. But it's a small step, friends, that gives a certainty, and I would s- ask your support on Amendment 1A so that Georgians have confidence this is a open, bipartisan process of selecting the technology so that they, the citizens, can select our leaders. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. [2:39:19](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9559s) All right, now the senator from the 14th. [2:39:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9576s) Thank you, Mr. President. Yes. Yes. Yes. Any way you slice it, yes. Is it pink? Yes. Is it yellow? Yes. Unfortunately, we are here because we have failed to do our jobs as the state Senate and the State House over and over again. Now, of course, Democrats are not in control, but I say we charitably. And now the House has tried to clean up a little bit of the mess that this chamber left them with by adding manual hand recounts prior to certification. [2:40:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9613s) I wanna tell the public the story quickly of how this happened. Senate Bill 3EX came out of committee a few days ago and was not perfect by any stretch. There was a failure to add minority party representation. It added risk-limiting audits that we arguably didn't need. It beat up on the secretary of state for no reason, 'cause that's become a pastime of this chamber. And yet, I was thinking about voting yes, and the reason is that Georgia and the United States of America writ large desperately needs adults right now. [2:40:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9648s) The QR code deadline of July 1st, if this chamber did not fix this issue, was threatening to send us to court. If we don't fix this by July f- 1st, we'll have a problem. Congressional District 13 has a special election that's coming up soon. Obviously, we have November elections. I will be participating in those. But we have tons of races that would be thrown into question, the timing, the electorate, the turnout, total chaos and uncertainty if this were to go to litigation. [2:41:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9681s) So that's why many election experts, the real ones, and lots of interested parties have just begged the House and the Senate to do something. Just pass a fix. Kick out the QR code deadline. We'll talk about hand-marked paper ballots later, but right now we just need to handle the impending legal crisis that is on our hands. And folks, whether you vote for the yellow version, which my caucus has proposed, which I think is really good policy, all things considered, or whether you vote for the pink version, which reverts back to the House version as passed, I urge a yes vote, because it's time to do what we came here to do and not get chopped up by partisan infighting of any kind. [2:42:08](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9728s) Here's what happened. Friday of last week, the senator from the 27th was whipping votes within the Republican caucus against this bill. The senator from the 27th was trying to get the majority party not to fix this problem, because he wants it to go to court. He wants there to be uncertainty. He wants people not to trust the results of validly held elections. And there were election deniers in the hallway on Saturday who were urging a no vote on this bill. [2:42:41](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9761s) Sometimes you know where you stand by who's against something. And in that case, you had somebody who has profited from election denier lies politically and has now gotten nominated on the basis of them, plus election deniers in the hallway who were all saying the same thing, "Don't fix the problem." So that bill got out of here a little clunky. On Saturday, the House, obviously thrilled with the Senate's progress, did what they could to limit the amount of election denier damage to the bill. [2:43:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9792s) But dear God, we have to fix this problem. And today, I genuinely don't care if you are a Democrat or if you are a Republican. This is so much bigger than partisanship, and that's not always true. I think sometimes our party affiliations are useful for signaling which values are at stake in a policy debate or a discussion, but not today. Today, the people of Georgia need us to create a landscape for Georgia election law that is predictable and consistent and fair. [2:43:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9823s) And, and let me tell you something really funny about this bill. The pink version, on line 70, from line 70 to line 75, do you know what it says? The House version says that no election is allowed to have a result- [2:43:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9838s) Where the first place finisher gets more than .5% more than the second place finisher. It bans election results that aren't within .5%. That's literally what it says. [2:44:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9852s) But this is not Legislative Council's fault because they were put in an impossible position, which was to fix our problem and to be the adult on about a five-minute timeframe. Legislative Council worked their butt off on this, did the very best they could. The whole building, we're all here, the troopers in the hallway, the staff, everybody's here over Father's Day weekend, Juneteenth weekend, to try to clean up our mistakes because we can't get it together to do the obvious thing to make sure the Georgia law stays consistent when we need it to the most. [2:44:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9882s) But I'm voting yes for a version that has a clerical error in it that bans election results, ba- basically every election result, and the reason I'm voting for it is 'cause I have confidence that the Supreme Court would strike down that provision as absurd, and it would not interfere with the normal operation of the bill. But folks, that's the position we're left in, is that to be the adult in the room on this vote, you have to look past circus A, circus B, and do the right thing for Georgia, and I'll defend this vote till the day I die. [2:45:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9917s) We have to stop election denial in the State of Georgia. We have to stop Trump's lies, and the way to do that today is to vote for the operation of good government. I urge a yes vote. Thank you very much, colleagues. [2:45:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9937s) Pro Tem, would you like to speak? [2:45:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9945s) Good morning. [2:45:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9945s) Good morning. [2:45:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9946s) Um, I appreciate the senator from the 14th, uh, agreeing to support this bill. Um, we have worked tirelessly on this. Uh, chairman, the senator from the 23rd has been a leader on this issue for the Senate. Uh, we worked closely with our partners in the House. Uh, but the senator from the 27th has been a champion for securing elections and has been a honest broker in this process. [2:46:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=9981s) His concern is that we get this right for all Georgians, and he has worked closely with our caucus. He's very knowledgeable on the issues, and he's been... We've had some robust debates in our caucus. We've met for hours and hours since we came back up for this special session. He's been a good party to that process all the way, and to characterize him as trying to whip votes against this bill is just patently false. Uh, so I wanna correct the record for that. [2:46:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10011s) Um, he's been a g- a great colleague in this process. This has been, uh, difficult. Uh, we were here till past 9:00 last night meeting with house leadership, and all the people involved in this want to get it right for the people of Georgia. I think the measure in front of you does that. I'm proud of it, and I ask, I hope we will have a unanimous support for this good piece of legislation. Thank you. [2:47:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10051s) Does any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? [2:47:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10056s) So question is on [2:47:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10062s) 1A offered by the senator from the 22nd. [2:47:48](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10068s) 1A. Is there objection to 1A? No objection. It's adopted. You know, you could've just asked me. I mean, I would've put somebody on there. You know, you- [2:48:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10083s) This is a committee on assignments. You could've just asked me. I would've said, "Yeah, sure." We would put Howard on there if y'all wanted to. I mean, you know? [2:48:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10096s) Yeah. [2:48:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10097s) Oh, man. All right. This is on adoption of amendment one offered by the senator from the 22nd. Is there objection? There is objection from senator from the 29th. All those in favor of amendment one will vote yay, all opposed nay. Secretary, allot the machine. [2:49:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10177s) All those in favor of yays are 19 and the nays are 32, and this motion has failed. Recognize the senator from the 23rd. [2:49:52](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10192s) Uh, Senator, you have to make a, make a motion. Move. You have to move that you agree to the House substitute. [2:50:01](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10201s) Thank you, Mr. President. I move that we agree to the House substitute, uh, SB 3 EX. [2:50:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10207s) All right. Recognize the senator from the 23rd. [2:50:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10228s) Thank you, Mr. President. Uh, colleagues, uh, the hour has arrived, and in the famous words of Elizabeth Taylor, there's no reason to keep you long. We've debated this issue for quite a while. It's a journey. You know the journey. It's messy. That's the way tough challenges are. I am delighted that the senator from the 14th can support the pink version of Senate Bill 3 EX. [2:50:59](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10259s) Let's, let's quickly walk through the journey and let's quickly walk through the changes just for clarification. We proposed Senate Bill 3EX and it went to committee on Thursday. We had robust debate. We had, uh, opportunity to make adjustments to that. The committee chose not to. It came to the floor on Saturday morning, and it was voted out thirty-three to nineteen. It went to the House. We were in House committee yesterday for a hearing and then again this morning for a vote as amended. [2:51:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10291s) So what you see in front of you is the amended version of 3EX that came out of the committee yester- uh, this morning, actually. It went to the floor this morning, and it was adopted by the House ninety-four to seventy-nine. So the most important thing is what does the bill do? What does it do? It makes some modest changes to an underlying bill that was sound. On line twenty-two, it changed a word to recommend. [2:52:03](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10323s) It also added an amendment offered by, uh, a House member who is, uh, seeking additional opportunities, but it inserted after the word equipment, as you will see on line... Gotta find the right line. [2:52:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10344s) Twenty-three? Thank you. Line twenty-three, the, the word... Let me read it for you. [2:52:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10355s) A new uniform system of elections equipment based upon hand-marked paper ballots produced utilizing ballot-on-demand printing. That is a key change, which we support. And then we added the opportunity for the committee by majority vote, this is on lines thirty-two through thirty-four, to seek, uh, information from the elections director or, or any other employee of the Secretary of State's office. [2:53:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10389s) We then added the opportunity for any non-legislative members of this committee to receive a modest per diem on lines fifty-five through sixty. We then, uh, come to the crux of the matter on hand counts for contests that are in question. So if you look at section three [2:53:38](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10418s) and lines... Back up. [2:53:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10427s) Section, section two [2:53:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10433s) in lines fif- uh, excuse me, in section two [2:54:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10442s) in lines seventy through seventy-seven, it determines that notwithstanding provisions of, of this subsection that to the contrary, any qualified contest that appears first or second on the ballot with a difference between the number of votes of the candidate declared or elected office, the contestant must receive, uh, must be more than one-half of one percent. So anything falling less than one-half of one percent, there would be triggered an automatic hand count to verify the election. [2:54:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10474s) That's a key provision that the House, uh, recommended and that we can accept. It ensures that every race at the top of the ticket, governor, lieutenant governor, if they are close, we will do a physical hand count to resolve any district, any differences. And it says in line seventy-seven, the Secretary of State shall direct that a manual count, a manual recount of ballots be cast. If the recount is not, does not confirm the tabulation by the machine, then we reference the code section 21-2-493 to resolve that. [2:55:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10517s) Finally, the risk-limiting audit section is, is number three, section three, expands the use of risk-limiting audits. It allows us to ensure that our elections are safe and secure. When I, uh, when I get challenged by my constituents about legislation and about priorities and about the challenges that we face, I always give them a math lesson, and I ask them a very simple question, and that question is, "What is ninety-one plus twenty-nine plus one? [2:55:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10558s) What is ninety-one plus twenty-nine plus one?" It means it's law. The House needed ninety-one votes to pass this legislation. They received ninety-four. It is now up to the Senate to accept the recommendations of the House and adopt this legislation and pass it with a majority of members present. [2:56:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10590s) It has to be twenty-nine or more. I want to thank our leadership in the, in the Senate, our leadership in the House. They have worked diligently to bring you a measure that ensures that Georgia moves forward, that our elections are safe and secure, that we are prepared for not only twenty twenty-six elections, but also for 'twenty-seven and 'twenty-eight and beyond. Uh, I, I hear the, uh, minority party, uh, suggesting that they are somehow excluded. [2:57:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10625s) That is not true. We have never in my tenure here of six years had a lieutenant governor or a Committee on Assignments appoint a non-bipartisan study committee, not once. And as you heard from the lieutenant governor a little earlier, if they had just asked, he would have certainly assured them of that. I would suggest to you that this is exactly the same posture, exactly the same posture as the speaker of the house. [2:57:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10659s) We welcome and we look forward to all parties being represented when we go to, uh, determine what is in the best interest of Georgia elections in 2027 and 2028. So colleagues, I ask that you favorably support Senate Bill 3 EX. And again, I want to thank, uh, my good friend from the 14th for his willingness to be the lead dog for the other party on this issue. Thank you, Mr. President. I, I yield the well. [2:58:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10689s) Senator is yielded. Recognize the senator from the 41st. [2:58:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10705s) Senator, let me remind you, like most of your church sermons, your audience likes to be out by 12. [2:58:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10711s) Gotcha. [2:58:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10714s) Mr. President, I'm an Episcopalian, so I know how to keep it tight. Um, I rise really today to simply remind people that we have asked, we have asked for representation over and over to be codified in law. It's incredibly demeaning, actually, to suggest that we have to go to the head dog and ask him to make a handshake deal to maybe, "Please, sir, give us representation." It's actually demeaning because all that was required was for you to add one simple line in the text that show that Democrats have dignity. [2:59:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10758s) We were asking simply for representation and dignity. It should not require us to have to go into a back room and ask and beg, "Please, please, sir, will you give us representation?" No, we have asked for you to put it in law. Codify it. Respect the minority party enough to write it in words in the law. That's what we've asked. Now, clearly, the majority party has determined that they don't want to do that, and they're not willing to do that. [2:59:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10793s) And the majority party talks about how we got together and we've come to a reasonable agreement. And, and it's true, they, the Republicans, have gotten together, reasoned with one another across both chambers, and come to an agreement. But many of us in this room still remain steadfast and clear that in order to have fair elections moving forward, in order to build trust, in order for Georgians to trust the future system of voting, we need to have minority representation. [3:00:28](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10828s) That's what's good for Georgia, and so we stand steadfast in that. But here's the other piece. Democrats have time and time again shown our ability and our willingness to be the grownups in the room, and so we will. We will be good people who help govern to move us forward. Democrats will do that because fundamentally, we know that protecting our election system as it stands is absolutely essential. But please do not mistake a few yes votes for consent to our indignity. [3:01:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10864s) Please do not confuse a few of us who will vote yes to be the grownups in the room as saying yes to disrespect, because that's not what those votes mean. Instead, those votes are simply saying, "We are the grownups in the room, and we want to make sure we move forward with fair and safe elections," and that is it. But we remain adamant and steadfast and committed to our request and our demand for representation as we move forward in choosing the process and the systems that we will have moving forward. [3:01:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10899s) With that, I yield the well. [3:01:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10906s) Recognize the senator from the 38th. [3:01:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10913s) Hmm. [3:02:04](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10924s) Thank you, Mr. President. Um, I did not plan on getting up to speak, but I had some questions for the author, uh, and was not able to ask those questions, so I'm going to voice my concern about this bill, uh, here. First off, our minority leader shared that 58% of the time hand recounts get it wrong, and yet we are getting ready to pass a bill that says that hand recounts will be held, uh, if there is a close difference in the race. [3:02:39](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10959s) One of the questions I had was on this bill it says that if they differ and the original count was incorrect, the returns and all papers prepared by the superintendents of the secretary of state shall be corrected. And my question was what was the section that it's referring to here where it says Subsection, uh, I of code Section 21-2. That's 493, and the r- results recertified. [3:03:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=10989s) I would hope, and I, I would love for the author to speak to that when he closes debate if he does. Secondly, [3:03:21](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11001s) my colleague from the 27th has been quiet, quiet, uh, during this, uh, special session. [3:03:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11009s) There is [3:03:33](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11013s) video of him being on record saying, "Machines are more reliable than my hand when it comes to marking something." I would use the logic in my head to say that should also apply to hand recounts. If you're saying that about machines and marking ballots, that should sa- that same logic should apply when we're recounting by hand and the fact that humans are going to make errors, and now we're being told to vote for a bill that is going to allow that to be the record. [3:04:15](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11055s) And then further concern that I have, and I respect my colleague from the 14th, [3:04:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11065s) I don't understand why we're being asked to vote for a bill that has an error and we're being told to trust the courts. [3:04:35](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11075s) People being told to trust the courts who have said, "Southern states, have your way. Erase the progress we've made in this country. Disregard reality of people that look like me," that says, "This country has made great progress. Everything's great. Everything's equal." My colleague from the 9th already shared the disparities that are in our housing. [3:05:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11107s) There are disparities in education, disparities in economic outcomes, but yet we should pass a bill that says, "The trust- trust the courts, they'll get it right." Well, I will argue that people are very selective in challenging the outcome of elections. [3:05:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11130s) What happens if Keisha Lance Bottoms comes up on top and it's by .2%? [3:05:40](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11140s) Trust the courts. I cannot support a bill that we already know has incorrect language in it, and so I will not be part of the few. I am honestly tired of being the adults in the room. What we're asked as Democrats, as a minority caucus, is to be adults in the room. Save democracy. Y'all are in power. Do the right thing by democracy. [3:06:14](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11174s) And so I have concerns with this bill. Hopefully, the author will speak to it. I was not able to ask my question, so I, I decided to come down here, and I just wanted to share those things, and Mr. President, I yield the will. [3:06:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11203s) Do you have a couple questions, Senator? Recognize the senator from the 28th. [3:06:46](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11206s) Thank you, Mr. President. Senator, isn't it true that this is an unfunded mandate if passed? [3:06:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11216s) Well, my understanding is there were some, uh, changes made to allow for the state to cover the cost of the recounts, if I'm not correct. I, I'm not the author of the bill. [3:07:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11225s) Okay. Okay. [3:07:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11225s) Um, but you know, I will, I will defer to the author to be able to answer. [3:07:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11227s) I know that many of the, um, different, um, s- counties that I represent said that no matter what they're paying, they're gonna still have to get money from them to add to it, and maybe even twice as much as what the state is giving. And also, isn't it true that, uh, we didn't get a fiscal note with this? [3:07:32](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11252s) That is accurate. [3:07:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11254s) And- [3:07:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11254s) There's no fiscal note to this bill [3:07:36](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11256s) ... and lastly, isn't it true that what many people say, uh, about even this session right now, but this particular bill too, is a complete waste of state money? [3:07:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11271s) The lady knows of what she speaks. [3:07:53](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11273s) Thank you. [3:07:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11275s) Recognize the senator from the 14th. [3:07:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11276s) Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you, Mr. President. Does the senator yield- [3:07:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11278s) I do [3:07:58](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11278s) ... for a series of questions? [3:08:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11280s) I do. [3:08:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11280s) Thank you. Okay, so the first question I have is, I think in your speech when you said, "Trust the courts," you were referring to my comments from the well that I expect the Supreme Court of Georgia rule a certain way, correct? [3:08:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11289s) That's right. [3:08:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11290s) Okay, you would agree with me the United States Supreme Court is the one that decided Calais and gutted Black voting rights across the South, correct? [3:08:16](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11296s) Absolutely, and I know that cases, if they're challenged, will end up to the United States Supreme Court that made that decision. [3:08:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11303s) Okay, but you would agree with me, Senator, that this is a question of Georgia statutory law, which means that the final authority on it, absent the issue, the existence of a federal question would be the Supreme Court of Georgia, correct? [3:08:34](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11314s) I still do not trust the Supreme Court of Georgia. [3:08:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11317s) Okay, and I wanna further plumb that. [3:08:38](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11318s) That's right. [3:08:38](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11318s) So my question to you is, the provision in question on line 70 through 75 is a clerical error that says that no election result in Georgia is allowed to have a margin outside of .5%. You agree with me that's what it says? [3:08:54](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11334s) I agree. [3:08:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11335s) Okay, and is it not true that if the Georgia Supreme Court were to uphold the literal language of that provision, they would be banning every election that does not happen to exist within that margin? Correct? [3:09:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11345s) Absolutely. [3:09:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11345s) Okay. [3:09:05](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11345s) And so my argument is why are we even passing a bill that has that language in it? [3:09:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11350s) But- [3:09:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11350s) Why not correct it? [3:09:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11351s) We- [3:09:11](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11351s) So- [3:09:12](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11352s) Yeah, go ahead. [3:09:13](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11353s) We have the ability in the state Senate to make amendments on the floor, right? We can make an amendment to correct that. Is that not correct? [3:09:22](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11362s) You don't ask me questions. So the, the question I want to ask you- [3:09:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11364s) That's correct [3:09:24](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11364s) ... Senator, the ques- [3:09:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11365s) That's correct [3:09:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11365s) ... the question I want to ask you- [3:09:26](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11366s) Yeah. That's correct. That's rhetorical. I'll answer my own question. [3:09:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11369s) That's fine. [3:09:29](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11369s) That's correct. [3:09:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11370s) The question, the question I want to ask you is, is, is your position that you do not trust the Georgia Supreme Court to do the following specifically: to strike down language in a statute as absurd that would mandate that every election result in the state come between .5%? You don't trust them to do that. Is that correct? [3:09:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11387s) I will hold my position that I'm saying I don't think we should pass a bill to rely on the courts to correct it if we can do that right here on this floor right now. [3:09:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11395s) But final question- [3:09:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11396s) That's my position [3:09:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11396s) ... final question, Senator, because I do find some of your arguments about trusting courts alarming when it comes to the rule of law. [3:10:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11402s) That's fair. [3:10:02](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11402s) Do you not agree with me that there are some instances in which we should trust courts to make certain judgments and some instances in which maybe our trust is lower, and that in this case, striking down that provision, we can have pretty high confidence that the Georgia Supreme Court would do that? Do you not agree? [3:10:17](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11417s) Yeah, so this will be the final response that I have and final question that I take. As I shared before, you are asking folks to trust courts when courts have ruled against what we expect them to do. They have not done the right thing all the time, and I'm saying as a body to make sound decisions, a body that has the ability to correct this error right now if we wanted to, we could do that. And so my point is we should not be passing a bill and saying, "Trust the courts." Regardless of my beliefs, I, as a state senator, am saying to the other 55 people in this room, if we see an error in this, we should not be saying, "Hey, trust the courts to get it right." We should fix it so they don't ha- even have to make a decision on this, and so that is my position, and that's why am I imposing this bill. [3:11:09](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11469s) I yield the floor. [3:11:10](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11470s) And I'll remind the senator that the reason that we need to vote yes is because we cannot trust the court will manage the election appropriately. Thank you. [3:11:23](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11483s) All right. Any other senator wish to speak for or against the measure? Ready to close, Senator? [3:11:44](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11504s) Colleagues, uh, we've heard some challenges to the legislation that's drafted, and I call your attention to line 74. [3:11:55](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11515s) I, I'm gonna back up and, and, um, read the entire paragraph, line 70. "Notwithstanding any provision or subsection of this code section to the contrary, if any qualified contest that appears as the first or second contest on a ballot, the difference between the number of votes received by a candidate who has been declared elected to an office in such qualified contest and the number of votes received by any other candidate or candidates not declared so elected shall not, shall not more, shall not be more than one-half of 1%." Um, this is a simple trigger to ensure that close contests have a manual hand count. [3:12:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11565s) This is the initial county certification that triggers a full manual hand count that must be done within 15 days of the election and then certified by the secretary of state. So I do not see... I'm not an attorney. I, I, I, I wear that badge with honor. I'm not an attorney, but I listen carefully to attorneys who constantly and continually craft legislation for Georgians, and this legislation was drafted appropriately. [3:13:30](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11610s) It was reviewed multiple times. I don't see a legal challenge that would not allow this legislation to be carried out. So I don't have a problem with line 74. [3:13:45](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11625s) As it, uh, you know, as it comes to, uh, the minority's, uh, contention that somehow they're not being included, that is absolutely not true. They have constantly been included in the process of developing the legislation and through the committee process. And as I pointed out earlier, there has not been a single instance in the six years that I've been in this body where the minority party did not have representation on a, on a study committee or a committee that provided recommendations to the legislature. [3:14:25](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11665s) So as we close this discussion, I would remind my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we must put the people of Georgia first in order to sh- ensure fair and accurate and consistent elections in 2026, and that's what this bill does. It ensures that elections in 2026 are held in an orderly fashion, in a fair fashion, in a fashion that ensures the outcomes are accurate and that the citizens can have confidence in those outcomes. [3:15:07](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11707s) I urge you to support Senate Bill 3 EX, and let's close the loop to give the voters of Georgia the assurance that our elections are fair and secure. I continue to welcome... Minority party input on all legislation and on all recommendations. With that, Mr. President, I yield the floor. [3:15:43](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11743s) All right. Senator has closed debate. So we now will take up Senators from the 23rd offered that the Senate agree to the House Substitute to SB 3EX. All those in favor will vote yay. All opposed, nay. Secretary, enlighten the machine. [3:17:20](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11840s) All right. On the agree to the House Substitute, the yays are 36, the nays are 16, and this measure has prevailed. All right, we're gonna stand at ease for a second while, uh, Secretary does some housecleaning and, um, and then I guess wait on the House's response. [3:17:47](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=11867s) He just needs five minutes, so y'all just stay with us five minutes, and then we'll be able to adjourn for the, for the day. [3:22:37](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12157s) All right. Senate come back to order. [3:22:42](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12162s) I recognize the Majority Leader. [3:22:51](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12171s) Mr. President, I move that the Senate stand adjourned sine die. [3:22:56](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12176s) Oh. [3:23:00](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12180s) All right. Majority Leader has moved that the Senate stand adjourned. All those in favor, signify it by saying aye. Aye. All those opposed. Nay. Oh. You know, they say we might be back here in November. [3:23:18](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12198s) Aye. I mean, so this might not be goodbye. But if we come back here to redraw lines in November, it ain't the Democrats that need to be worried. [3:23:31](https://vimeo.com/1203590890#t=12211s) Oh, man. All right. Sine die, here we go.