BILL YEARTA: Fourth week of legislative session a busy, memorable one

The fourth week of the 2024 legislative session began on a somber note as we grieved the unexpected loss of our House Rules Chairman, Richard Smith, R-Columbus, as well as our brave servicemen and women who lost their lives in a recent airstrike overseas. The last few days, we took time to mourn the loss of one who worked tirelessly on behalf of our constitutional republic, while paying tribute to the loss of many who gave their lives to preserve our right to do so.

Chairman Smith was a true statesman and servant leader. There is no doubt his presence within the General Assembly will be greatly missed. On Tuesday, Gov Brian Kemp, First Lady Marty Kemp, and others within our House body took time to recount stories and reflect on Chairman Smith’s unwavering dedication to his community and our state.

Last week also brought news that we tragically lost Georgia State Patrol Trooper Jimmy Cenescar. Cenescar died after a crash on Jan. 28 while attempting to stop a motorcycle for a traffic violation on Interstate 85. Let this be a solemn reminder to never forget the sacrifice of our brave men and women who selflessly serve to protect our communities each and every day.

Jan. 31 Third Infantry Division Day at the Capitol. The Third Infantry Division of Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield is one of the most decorated infantry divisions in the history of the United States, boasting one of the most successful combat records of any United States Army division during its service in both world wars, Korea, Afghanistan, and Iraq. House Resolution 907 was read and presented to the Third Infantry Division in our House Chamber as we recognized their extraordinary service to the United States of America and her citizens.

Election Integrity: We are dedicated to ensuring Georgia has free, fair, secured elections. House Bill 976 is a win for election integrity as it was passed to address concerns related to election security. This bill would require all election ballots to be printed on paper that includes a visible watermark security feature which would identify the ballot as an official Georgia ballot.

While ballots currently have an invisible watermark, this bill would ensure that the watermark would be visible to the naked eye. If this bill is signed into law, the security feature would be implemented in time for the general election in November.

Education: Our commitment to quality education continues as we unanimously passed House Bill 985, which would abolish the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and transfer its obligations and liabilities to the Georgia Student Finance Authority. Currently, there is approximately $28 million in reserves in the corporation that could be released to the Georgia Student Finance Authority and utilized for education purposes if the corporation is abolished. These funds would transfer to the Georgia Student Finance Authority to be held in a separate reserve. Under the bill, the Georgia Student Finance Authority would not be able to utilize these funds without direction from the governor and General Assembly.

Anti-Semitism: Last Wednesday was a memorable day as we joined Gov. Kemp for the signing of House Bill 30. This bill addresses anti-Semitism in our state and adds anti-Semitism as a category covered by our hate crimes law. This was an important step to show that we stand in solidarity with our Jewish community in Georgia, who have experienced an uptick in anti-Semitism in recent months. This bill immediately became law upon Gov. Kemp’s signature.

If you have any questions regarding legislation or your government at work, feel free to reach out to my office anytime. Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of serving our home under the Gold Dome. May God bless you and keep you. May He continue to bless the great state of Georgia.