On Wednesday, March 29th, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced an update on his priorities for the 2023 Legislative Session.
“I am proud to announce that ten of my legislative priorities for this session received approval by the Senate and the House,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I want to thank each of the sponsors for their dedication and all of the members who voted in favor of these initiatives. I will continue to prioritize efforts to increase Georgia’s workforce, safety for our communities, and resources for all of Georgia’s children. I look forward to these bills receiving final approval with the Governor’s signature.”
Create a Stable Workforce
The “Reducing Barriers to State Employment Act of 2023,” Senate Bill 3, instructs state agencies to examine qualifications for state government jobs and to not require a college degree unless truly necessary.
Senate Bill 86 allows eligible students participating in the Dual Enrollment program to access HOPE Grant funds for certain Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) courses.
Increase Public Safety
Senate Bill 44 addresses gang violence by creating a new offense for recruiting minors to gangs and establishes a mandatory minimum sentencing scheme for all gang offenses.
Under Senate Bill 68, the commission of more than one dogfighting offense (or a conspiracy to do so) constitutes “a pattern of racketeering activity” that would subject the participants to liability under the RICO statute and allow them to be punished as an organized criminal enterprise.
· Senate Bill 92 creates an oversight commission for Georgia’s district attorneys.
Put Children and Families First
· Creation of the Senate Children and Families Committee
Senate Bill 131 aligns notice requirements for permanent guardianship with termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings.
Senate Bill 133 establishes a uniform process for the Division of Family and Children Services…
Read the full article here