We’ve officially reached one of the biggest milestones of the legislative session—Crossover Day. This marks the final opportunity for bills to pass out of their original chamber and remain eligible to become law before the session ends. It’s a fast-paced, high-stakes time under the Gold Dome, and this week was no exception. With the session winding down, our focus now shifts to working with the House to finalize these bills.
Every parent deserves peace of mind knowing their child is safe at school. That’s why Senate Republicans have made school safety a major priority this session. SB 17 was the first bill I introduced this session, and I am incredibly proud to see it through the Senate this week. All schools must install mobile panic alert systems and provide school mapping data to law enforcement with the enactment of this legislation. In an emergency, every second counts. By cutting down response times and giving first responders better information, we can prevent tragedies and protect lives.
SB 61 ensures that juveniles charged with attempted murder or terroristic threats against a school will be prosecuted as adults. We cannot afford to treat these serious crimes lightly. This bill sends a strong message—schools are places of learning, not places of fear.
SB 179 requires that students send their academic and disciplinary records within ten days of transferring to a new school and notify their parents or guardians within five days. This helps ensure that schools are aware of any past behavior concerns and can provide the necessary support and oversight. These common-sense policies strengthen our schools’ ability to keep students safe while ensuring we remain vigilant against potential threats.
In Georgia, we back the blue. Whether it’s law enforcement officers, firefighters or emergency responders, we recognize their service and sacrifice. This year, we worked to provide them with financial and retirement security. SB 56, which I authored, expands the Georgia Indemnification Fund to provide financial support to the families of public safety officers who lost their lives due to COVID-19. This is about doing what’s right for the families of those who gave everything for their communities. We also passed SB 31, eliminating state taxes on military retirement income. While Georgia already offers some tax exemptions, this bill makes us fully competitive with neighboring states that don’t tax military pensions. This is about honoring our veterans and making Georgia more attractive for retired servicemen and women to live and work.
We also know that access to quality education is the foundation of success. That’s why Senate Republicans have passed key bills to expand opportunities for students of all backgrounds this session. SB 85, the Georgia Foster Care Scholarship Act, provides additional financial aid for foster youth who want to pursue higher education. SB 63 ensures home school students can access standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and Advanced Placement exams.
Above all, protecting Georgia’s children remains a top priority. With SB 110, I aimed to modernize Georgia’s neglect laws, ensuring that parents can allow their children appropriate independence without fear of unnecessary government interference. Parents should be able to raise their kids without the government stepping in unless there’s a genuine safety concern. Additionally, SB 259, “Ridge’s Law,” ensures that parents facing false allegations of child abuse or neglect can seek a second medical opinion before losing custody. Families have been wrongly separated because of misdiagnosed conditions, and this bill provides them with critical legal safeguards.
Finally, we are in a time when federal oversight is increasing, and transparency in government is more important than ever. That’s why we passed SB 177, strengthening disclosure requirements for foreign-funded political activities. I authored this legislation to ensure that potentially hostile foreign actors and adversaries cannot manipulate our state’s political system. We must protect the integrity of our government and prevent outside influence from undermining Georgia’s policies.
As we enter the final stretch of the legislative session, I encourage you to reach out with any questions, concerns, or input. I look forward to pushing for legislation that strengthens our communities, upholds our values and ensures a brighter future for all Georgians.
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