2023 Legislative Session Recap

The Georgia General Assembly closed out the 2023 Legislative Session on Sine Die. It was a very productive session. The Senate passed a substantial number of bills that will continue to uphold Georgia's standard as the No. 1 state in the nation to not only do business but to also live, work, and raise a family.

Here are some of the notable bills that passed:

House Bill 19, Fiscal Year 2024 Budget
The Georgia General Assembly is tasked with the Constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget each legislative session. The FY 2024 Budget accounts for roughly $32.4 billion, funding all of Georgia's agencies. Specifically, this year's budget focused heavily on increasing funding for mental health needs and individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A total of 500 NOW and COMP Waivers were added to the budget, and $117 million was appropriated to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Development.

In reference to education, the FY 2024 Budget fully funds the HOPE Scholarship at both the public and private levels. The budget also appropriates substantial funding to combat the concern of hoteling Georgia's foster children as well as aides childcare institutions to ensure they continue to receive federal funding. In addition, state employees, officers, and educational specialists will receive a cost of living adjustment.

House Bill 188, "Mariam's Law"
This legislation increases prison sentences for certain sexual offenses and requires repeat offenders to wear a device capable of tracking, among other requirements. The need for "Mariam's Law" arose after the 2019 Supreme Court decision in the United States vs. Haymond, and the murder of 27-year-old Mariam Abdulrab in 2021. After coming home from work, Mariam was kidnapped from her own doorstep then murdered. The alleged murderer, who is awaiting trial, has multiple prior sexual felonies. HB188 passed with bipartisan support and awaits Gov. Kemp's signature to be enacted into law.

Senate Bill 11, "Georgia Fights Terrorism Act"
This bill would allow the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to work independently or coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to aggressively investigate and arrest those involved in domestic, nuclear, chemical, biological, or cyber terrorism. This bill will protect hardworking, self-sacrificing law enforcement officers. SB11 passed with bipartisan support and now awaits approval by Gov. Kemp.

Senate Resolution 275, the Creation of the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia's Workforce
The study committee will examine its current practices, pilot programs, and public-private partnerships and initiatives regarding workforce development across Georgia. Developing a modern and experienced workforce as well as a flexible labor market is important. This measure passed with bipartisan support, and I look forward to working alongside my Senate colleagues to bolster Georgia's economy and expand our workforce.

This legislative session was tremendously successful. The majority caucus maintained its goals on strengthening opportunity and innovation in Georgia's economy, cultivating an educated workforce, and creating safer communities. I look forward to continuing our hard work through Senate Study Committees to maintain Georgia's status as the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family.