Hatchett: Week Nine Under the Gold Dome

On Monday, Georgia State Senator Bo Hatchett updated WNEG News and constituents on the ninth week of the legislative session. Hatchett serves District 50 which includes Stephens, Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, and Towns County and portions of Hall, Jackson, and White counties. Hatchett also serves as one of two Floor Leaders in the Senate, selected by Governor Brian Kemp.

Following the conclusion of Crossover Day, which marked the final opportunity for Senate and House Bills to proceed through their respective chambers, the Senate is now dedicated to refining House bills as they advance through Senate committees. With only a few weeks remaining in the 2024 Legislative Session, it has been a bustling week in committees as we’ve deliberated legislation that seeks to amplify the voices and concerns of all Georgians.

We also dove back into Appropriations subcommittees to further discuss the budgetary needs of various state agencies. Through these presentations and discussions, we were able to assist in the creation of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget. The FY 2025 budget was passed by the House on Thursday and is one step closer to being signed by Gov. Brian P. Kemp.

On another note, this week saw the Georgia Senate exercise its subpoena powers to uncover crucial information pertaining the allegations directed at Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. The Georgia Senate took proactive measures to investigate these claims by summoning defense attorney Ashleigh Merchant to testify before the Senate Special Committee on Investigations, on which I serve as a member. I have full confidence in the leadership of the committee chairman, Sen. Bill Cowsert, and I am proud of the valuable information we were able to gain this week for the benefit of the people of Georgia. As a legislative body, we are committed to utilizing every available resource to uncover the truth.

Regarding legislation, I was pleased to see the passage of House Bill 827, sponsored by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R–Bremen), out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. This measure authorizes the Department of Agriculture to enforce certain criminal laws and raises penalties for criminals who choose to partake in the theft of stealing livestock. This measure will further protect Georgia’s farmers and ranchers, who have a large financial investment in their animals. I look forward to seeing this bill on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

Thursday was also Nurses’ Day here at the State Capitol. Nurses play a pivotal role in promoting the health and well-being of all Georgians. I am continuously proud to support our nurses, particularly those who choose to serve the rural parts of our state. Additionally, it was great to have hundreds of Boy Scouts under the Gold Dome this week. The Boy Scouts of America is a great organization that prepares young people across the nation, including in Georgia, to make moral and ethical decisions in their lives. I’m sure they will have a big impact on our state for years to come.

I’d also like to briefly highlight our Senate Page Program and make sure that your children don’t miss out on this great educational opportunity. This experience allows students to witness the legislative process firsthand. If you are or know of a student interested in becoming a Senate page during this year’s Legislative Session, you can sign up via this link.

Please never hesitate to contact my office if I can assist with legislative matters. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon as the 2024 Legislative Session enters its final weeks.