Hatchett Outlines Bills Passed in Final Days of Session

 

Under the heading Week 12 Under The Gold Dome, 50^th District State Senator Bo Hatchett outlined some bills that passed in the final days of the 2023 Georgia Legislative Session.

Hatchett, who represents the counties of Stephens, Banks, Franklin, Habersham. Towns, and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White, made note of four bills that passed the Senate including one that he carried, and two that he sponsored.

Hatchett carried Senate Resolution 371, which would establish the creation of a Senate Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment in the state. Hatchett says Georgia is in dire need of medical professionals in rural areas, and further steps must be taken to promote new ways to encourage individuals in this career path to bring their skills to these areas.

Hatchett says two bills that passed in both the House and Senate and have been sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature are:

Senate Bill 44 known as the “Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act” and would establish mandatory minimum sentences for those who partake in gang violence which involves minors. This legislation provides serious penalties for someone who attempts to recruit a child into a life of crime by asking them to join a street gang.

Senate Bill 60 would make it illegal to purchase or sell detached catalytic converters, used utility wire or copper that originates from an unlicensed business. Currently, criminals target vulnerable facilities such as churches and schools to steal these items from vehicles, and there has been a surge of catalytic converter theft across the state. This legislation would further empower law enforcement officers by giving them the tools that they need to prosecute thieves who have stolen catalytic converters.

Another Bill passed by the Senate is House Bill 121. This legislation would prohibit wakeboarding or wake surfing on certain Georgia waters between Sunset and Sunrise within 200 feet of any moored vessel. These activities would not be permitted within 200 feet of docks, piers, or public swimming areas. In addition, this measure would not apply to intracoastal waterways, rivers, or private lakes.

Hatchett says the Senate also passed House Bill 19, also known as the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, which fulfills the one constitutional obligation for each Legislative Session. House Bill 19 accounts for over $32 billion in total state funds. The measure fully funds the HOPE Scholarship under the Georgia Student Finance Commission, offers raises to state law enforcement officers, and further supports the needs of vital state agencies. Hatchett says both the House and Senate chambers worked hard to reconcile differences in this carefully crafted budget and appreciates the Senate Committee on Appropriations and the Senate Budget and Evaluation Office for their efforts to keep Georgia moving forward. 5Oth District Senator Hatchett can be reached by phone at 404-651-7745 or by email at [email protected].