State Senate Session Report: Week one.
Monday, January 8, 2024.
Elvis was brought up more frequently in the state Senate’s opening session than—let’s say—expanding Medicare, gun safety, reproductive rights, or voting conspiracy BS.
Yesterday, our legislators returned for the second session of the 157 Georgia General Assembly (the first session was last year). I’ve got my eyes on the state Senate, so here’s what went down.
WHAT HAPPENED MONDAY (JANUARY 8)
The state Senate convened, paused to recognize Elvis’ birthday (for some reason), and offered prayers before:
Josh McLaurin (D-14) and John Albers (R-56) spoke about the recent spate of swatting attacks on state senators (Albers included), the Lt. Governor, Congresswoman Greene, and Senator Warnock) and the need for sticker laws covering these potentially-deadly pranks.
Sonya Halpern (D-39) recognized the 50th anniversary of Maynard Jackson’s historic election as the first Black mayor of Atlanta (of any major city in the South, actually).
Nan Orrock (D-36), Russ Goodman (R-8), and Chuck Payne (R-54) called for unity and civility in political discourse, and even managed to bring Elvis up. Again.
Marty Harbin (R-16) reflected on the sacrifices of law enforcement.
Then, they actually did some business:
Approving House resolution 762, calling for a joint session with the state House to receive the Governor’s State of the State presentation, Thursday.
Moving Senate bill 324 from the Judiciary committee to the Children and Families Committee, to provide for a victim-centered confidentiality program.
Majority leader Steve Gooch (R-51) motioned to remove all 2023 bills from the table and to recommit all bills and resolutions to their committees of last resort, a fancy way of picking things up where they left off.
All scheduled Committee meetings were cancelled (it’s unclear why), including the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Finance, Government Oversight, Health & Human Services, Judiciary, Rules, and Transportation Committees.
An uneventful first day. But it’s just the first day.
WHAT’S SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY (JANUARY 9)
A bunch of committee meetings:
Education & Youth
Regulated Industries & Utilities
Rules
Tuesday, January 9, 2024.
To amend or not to amend the state constitution so we can have sports betting—Bill Cowsert (R-46) has some ideas.
On Tuesday, our legislators kicked off day two of the legislative session. Here’s what went down in the state Senate.
WHAT HAPPENED TUESDAY (JANUARY 9)
With five of the 56 absent (and one seat vacant) for the general Floor Session, the quorum of 50 proceeded to:
I kid you not, Majority leader Steve Gooch (R-51) opened by reminding us that yesterday was Elvis’ birthday. Again.
The secretary did a (very quick) first reading of a number of bills headed to committees.
Rabbi Elizabeth Bahar, president of the South East Central Conference of American Rabbis, addressed the senators about courage and unity.
Jason Esteves (D-6) invited Dr. McClellan to stress the importance of recruiting excellent physicians.
Derek Mallow (D-2) celebrated Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity's 110th Founder's Day.
Once again, most of the committee meetings were cancelled. But the Regulated Industries & Utility Committee meet at 4:00 pm to:
Bill Cowsert (R-46) threw some subtle but fun shade at the other committee for not meeting.
Revisit SB 172, a bill which would allow sports-betting. This bill was tabled last year and is now back under consideration.
Discuss the constitutional problem of gambling—to amend or not to amend the constitution—and the chairman’s preference for an amendment.
Discuss setting aside funds to combat gambling addition as part of any amendment.
Confirm the committee’s dinner plans for the 57th Fighter Group Restaurant (cool spot, good choice).
John Albers (center), our current state Senator for the 56, hard(ly) at work.
And when the camera pulled back, you could see John Albers (R-56) on his phone until it was his turn to talk (maybe he was checking out those sports betting apps!).
WHAT’S SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 10)
Hopefully, a bunch of committee meetings will finally happen:
Wednesday, January 10, 2024.
Wednesday finally saw some committee hearings! Here’s what went down.
WHAT HAPPENED WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 10)
In the Floor Session:
Our senator, John Albers (R-56), was among the five absent.
Matt Brass (R-28) shared a list of “fun facts” (it was National Take The Stairs Day) and a general complaint about the lack of unpaid pages (I have a solution).
Sheikh Rahman (D-5) welcomed Dilawar Syed, the Deputy Administrator of the US Small Business Administration who talked about how the SBA’s supports small business and what Georgia can do to advance Biden’s economic agenda.
Colton Moore (R-53) introduced his Stop Political Persecutions Act, targeting Fulton County DA Fani Willis.
Sheikh Rahman (D-5) reminded the assembly that Thursday is Keep Georgia Wild Day, celebrating the economic impact of hunting & fishing.
In Finance:
Who knows. The eight-minute meeting had no audio. But Albers was there, chewing gum.
In Health & Human Services:
Chairman Ben Watson (R-1) led a discussion of HB 571, which proposes changes to the Georgia Alzheimer's and related Dementia State Planning Advisory Council: amending reporting requirements, updating the state plan every four years, and midpoint reports every two years.
Nan Orrock (D-36) moved to pass it—the motion carried unanimously.
In State & Local Governmental Operations:
Ed Setzler (R-37) proposed a map to redistrict the Cobb County School Board. Again.
Cindy Battles, Michael Garza, Jennifer Sesco, and Gabriel Sanchez raised concerns and expressed a lack of faith in the process.
Chairman Frank Ginn (R-47) requested more transparency into Setzler process.
Derek Mallow (D-2) called for consensus among Cobb County senators before proceeding.
The hearing concluded without a vote.
WHAT’S SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY (JANUARY 11)
Governor Kemp’s annual State of the State address
A Floor Session
A few committee hearings
Thursday, January 11, 2024.
Ah, the boat show. I love field trips.
Thursday was a busy day under the Gold Dome. Here’s what went down.
WHAT HAPPENED THURSDAY (JANUARY 11)
In the Floor Session, there was the regular business—reading of new bills, standing committee reports, eight senators absent, a devotional, and a guest doctor. Also:
Matt Brass (R-28) informed us it was National Milk Day and that they found two pages. Thanks, Matt.
They adjourned for the State of the State address (more on that in a minute)
In Joint Economic Development & Tourism—which wasn’t live-streamed—the agenda called for:
A discussion of the economic impact of Georgia’s marine industry.
A tour of the Atlanta Boat Show.
In Public Safety:
Chairman John Albers (R-56) made a statement about swatting, of which his family was a recent victim.
Randy Robertson (R-29) gave an update on the investigation of overcrowding at the Fulton County Jail (I’ve written about this before). Albers tried to take credit for conditions improving in the jail simply because this special subcommittee exists.
Ricky Williams (R-25) discussed speed cameras in school zones and the need for watercraft liability insurance.
Randy Robertson (R-29) raised the alarm about revenue-based policing and unfair fees in South Georgia.
In Regulated Industries & Utilities:
John Albers (R-56) asked to discuss SB 163, a bill to help small brewers and loosen up alcohol licensing, but Chairman Bill Cowsert (R-46) pushed the discussion to later while pointing out the lobbyists in attendance.
The chairman led a discussion about HB 455, which aims to create a safe haven for healthcare workers seeking counseling to combat burnout and career fatigue without jeopardizing their licensing or reputation (unanimously passed).
Ricky Williams (R-25) introduced SB 205, which allows individuals to renew unchanged lapsed funeral director and embalmer licenses (unanimously passed).
WHAT’S SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY (JANUARY 12)
A Floor Session
A State & Local Governmental Operations Committee hearing
Friday, January 12, 2024.
May 1, 2024 will likely be Purebred Dog Day in Georgia. If so, I’ll be celebrating Lulu, a rat terrier I gave to Jack and Malcolm as a Christmas present back when I was a single dad. She’s a queen. Photo by JD Jordan
WHAT HAPPENED FRIDAY (JANUARY 12)
In the Floor Session, there was the regular business as well as:
Matt Brass (R-28) announced it was National Kiss a Ginger Day, directing awkward attention to Blake Tillery (R-19).
So many senators were absent (14), they suspended roll call.
Steve Gooch (R-51) moved they adjourn early and advanced joint resolution, HR 779, setting the schedule for the rest of the session (both motions passed)
Randy Robertson (R-29) moved that SB 159, regarding the prohibition of wireless communications and devices in prisons, be considered at the next session.
Bill Cowsert (R-46) moved that SB 172, regarding legalizing sports betting, be tabled until more senators are in attendance.
The Senate adjourned until Monday, January 22.
In Rules:
They final met!
Chairman Matt Brass (R-28) runs a pretty loose meeting and lamented not getting more done last year (those facts may be related).
SB 151, designating September 11 as First Responders Appreciation Day, passed.
SR 122, designating the song “The Veteran Anthem” the official song of Georgia service members, veterans, and their families, passed.
SR 203, studying safe firearm storage was tabled because the sponsor wasn’t present.
SR 323, studying family caregivers, passed).
SR 344, designating May 1, 2024 Purebred Dog Day, passed. There was much banter and a few cringe double entendres.
HB 571, which proposes changes to the Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementia State Planning Advisory Council, passed.
In State & Local Governmental Operations:
Chairman Frank Ginn (R-47) revisited the and history around the redistricting of the Cobb County School Board.
Jason Esteves (D-6) challenged some of Ed Setzler’s (R-37) research and criticized the process.
The motion passed with one opposing vote.
WHAT’S SCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY (JANUARY 16)
The state Senate is off Monday for MLK Day
Next week is Budget Week. The senators were informed their attendance is expected at The Joint Appropriation Committee (they appear to need to reminder).
JD JORDAN FOR GEORGIA STATE SENATE DISTRICT 56
For anyone in East Cobb, Roswell, or Woodstock alarmed by the state’s escalating attacks on our bodies, our families, our doctors’ offices, our classrooms and libraries, even our polling places, I’m running for state senate district 56 to fight for our freedoms and to deliver a better future for everyone in Georgia.
And unlike my opponent who’s spent 14 years rolling back our freedoms, failing to safeguard our kids, and gerrymandered his district to stay in office, I promise to bring everyone in the 56—regardless of ideology—the best possible constituent experience so you feel heard, valued, and supported. As we all deserve to be.
I’m running for the 56. Let’s make a better Georgia for all of us.
—
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Jordan For Georgia, LLC
10800 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 208 #629
Roswell, GA 30076-1467
jdjordan@forthe56.com
706.804.0456
