CARDEN SUMMERS: Senate puts in late hours to advance priorities

Legislators achieved a significant milestone with the completion of “Crossover Day” on Feb. 29. This day marks the deadline for all Senate bills to cross over to the House chamber and vice versa in order to be considered during this session.

Throughout the 2024 Legislative Session, the Senate has experienced considerable success, advancing every priority defined by our caucus onto the House of Representatives. Despite this achievement, our dedication to serving Georgians never waned, as evidenced by our late-night sessions last Thursday, during which we passed several additional bills to further our work for the benefit of the state.

I had the privilege of standing alongside my fellow majority caucus members to support various pieces of legislation aimed at protecting Georgians from domestic swatting and foreign threats. Notably, Senate Bill 421, which enhances penalties for false public alarms, commonly known as swatting, received unanimous approval from the Senate this week. This bipartisan effort underscores our commitment to holding swatters accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

The Georgia Senate also took decisive action to safeguard Georgians from foreign adversaries, with a particular focus on protecting our farmers. I proudly supported Senate Bill 420, which prohibits certain foreign individuals and entities from acquiring possessory interests in specific land. Georgia’s agricultural sector is the backbone of our economy, generating $83.6 billion annually and sustaining countless livelihoods. Given the threats posed by foreign actors, it’s imperative that we take proactive measures to safeguard our farmlands and critical areas, such as military bases.

I was pleased to join Gov. Brian Kemp in celebrating the vital contributions of Georgia’s farmers at the state Capitol this week. They work tirelessly to put food on our tables, shelter over our heads and fuel our economy.

In addition to advocating for our majority caucus’ priorities, I continued working on my individual legislative priorities. Specifically, I am proud to announce the Senate passage of Senate Resolution 82. The resolution would waive certain delinquent ad valorem property taxes. I am happy to help Georgians while simultaneously placing non-revenue-generating and tax-delinquent property back in effective utilization status. I look forward to updating you on this bill’s status as it moves to the House.

Week Eight at the Georgia State Capitol began on a somber note following the tragic passing of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia. What’s even more heart-breaking is that she was taken from us by an illegal immigrant who had been arrested and released back into our society multiple times. Here in Georgia, the Senate is working tirelessly to ensure that every legal citizen feels safe. I personally pledge to continue fighting against careless and dangerous immigration policies in the days ahead.

Finally, I would like to briefly highlight our Senate Page program, an educational opportunity for students to experience the legislative process first-hand. If you are or know of a student interested in becoming a Senate page during this year’s Legislative Session, you can sign up at https://www.legis.ga.gov/news/senate/page-program-2024.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session continues.