By Sen. MARTY HARBIN (R–Tyrone)
The 2024 Legislative Session officially wrapped up at the end of March, and I’m thrilled to say that the final week of legislative business was incredibly productive. From the start, Senate Republicans set ambitious goals for the session all aimed at ensuring the well-being of Georgians.
We wasted no time in tackling a range of legislative priorities, from tax relief to education, workforce development, and public safety.
The Georgia Senate successfully provided $2 billion in tax relief for state-income taxpayers and homeowners through SB 349, putting money directly back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians.
Additionally, SB 426, our tort reform legislation, safeguards Georgia businesses and curbs frivolous lawsuits that drive up insurance costs and hinder economic growth.
We also took significant action by unanimously supporting SB 233, which offers school choice to students stuck in underperforming public schools.
Furthermore, we worked diligently to streamline regulations, passing several workforce development measures to expedite employment for various professionals and military spouses.
And we didn’t stop there — we took a strong stance against gangs, violent criminals and rogue prosecutors with legislation like the “Safeguarding Adopted Children from Sexual Violence Act” and the “Combating Organized Retail Crime Act,” as well as various bills addressing illegal immigration.
I strongly supported and was very grateful for the antisemitism legislation that was passed early in session and then signed by the governor.
Our commitment to Georgia’s future was evident with the passage of several crucial bills. Most notably, we came together with the House to approve the state FY 2025 budget, ensuring essential funding for education, law enforcement, and mental health programs.
Crafting this $36 billion budget was no small feat, but it reflects Georgia’s steadfast fiscal conservatism amidst federal spending recklessness.
This budget prioritizes our children, allocating significant funds for literacy programs, pupil transportation, and school security grants. After all, our children are the future of Georgia, and they deserve nothing but the best from this body.
In addition to passing the budget, Senate Republicans passed legislation protecting vulnerable minors, Georgia elections, law enforcement vehicles, firearms carriers and motorists.
House Bill 993 created the felony offense of grooming a minor punishable by one to five years in prison. It also protects against the sexual exploitation of minors using digitally altered material.
House Bill 959 created the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund and the Victims of Human Trafficking Fund Commission. House Bill 974 requires the Office of the Secretary of State to establish and maintain a state-wide system for the posting of scanned paper ballots and expand the number of risk-limiting audits of races.
House Bill 500 created the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle. House Bill 1018, titled the “Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act” keeps credit card companies from distinguishing firearms retailers from other retailers, therefore protecting firearm and ammunition purchases.
Lastly, House Bill 617 develops and maintains a state-wide freight and logistics implementation plan.
Each of these pieces of legislation serves a significant purpose in protecting Georgians every day, and I was proud to support them.
In summary, the 2024 Legislative Session was marked by significant achievements that will undoubtedly make Georgia stronger for generations to come. Thank you for your support. It’s for you and because of you that we continue to work towards a better future for our state.
[Sen. Marty Harbin serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Oversight. He represents the 16th Senate District which includes Lamar, Spalding and Pike counties and a portion Fayette County. He may be reached at 404-656-0078 or by email at marty.harbin@senate.ga.gov.]
The post Harbin: An End to the 2024 Legislative Session under the Gold Dome appeared first on The Citizen.