This Week in the Senate — March 6-10, 2023

THE HOME STRETCH

As the ninth week of the 2023 Legislative Session ends, the Senate is eagerly approaching Sine Die, the last day of session. There are many bills that still need to be vetted through the committee process and heard on the Senate floor before bills receive their final votes and make their way to Governor Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.

On Monday, the Senate convened for Crossover Day, which symbolizes the last day bills must be voted upon in their respective chamber before crossing over to be heard and voted on. The Senate body voted on 51 measures on Crossover Day alone, working well into the evening to ensure strong legislation passes through the Senate Chamber. While all the bills passed on Crossover Day hold significance, here are a few of note:

Senate Bill 137, legislation I had the pleasure of co-sponsoring alongside my friend and colleague Sen. Max Burns (R- Sylvania), is a simple bill that carries a lot of weight. SB 137 revises the definition of “approved school” as it relates to tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities. Currently, under Georgia law private colleges and universities must be up to date with certain criteria to be eligible for receipt tuition equalization grant and the institution must have existed in the state of Georgia for at least 10 years and met all the requirements by January 1, 2011. SB 137 revises that provision to require that such institutions have been locate in Georgia since or on January 1, 2021, and that all requirements were met by then as well. The Georgia Tuition Equalization Grant Program encourages Georgia residents to attend eligible private colleges in Georgia by providing aid to education costs. Strengthening our education system and workforce are top priorities for the Majority Caucus and ensuring students have the access to the best education is vital in our state’s success.

An additional bill I had the privilege of supporting was Senate Bill 217. My good friend and colleague Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) sponsored SB 217 which creates penalties for individuals who ‘ghost’ their license plates. It’s safe to assume if an individual is attempting to hide your license plate number through dark films or reflectors, they might be up to no good. Ghost plates are an incredible safety concern for our law enforcement officers and for citizens across the state. SB 217 creates stiffer penalties for individuals that reflect the same standards of penalties for DUI’s. The Majority Caucus holds true to our word in ensuring public safety is a top priority and SB 217 addresses some of these concerns.

I would like to take the time to provide you with an update on the progression of certain legislation in the House. Senate Bill 133 and Senate Bill 157, two bills I have the honor sponsoring, have landed in their respective House committees. SB 133, which creates a uniform process for the DFCS to assume custody of children because of Children in Need Services or delinquency disposition orders, will be vetted by the House Committee on Juvenile Justice. SB 157 standardizes how criminal records are considered across all our occupational licensing boards and makes certain that individuals are only denied licenses when their previous offense imposes a safety risk in employment. SB 157 will be vetted in the House Committee on Judiciary Non-Civil. I look forward to both of these bills being favorably reported out of their House Committees and voted upon on the House floor before Governor Kemp signs them into law.

The next several weeks will undoubtedly be packed with floor hearings filled with healthy and riveting debate; however, I am never too busy to hear any concerns from back home. Please don’t hesitate if you have any questions or concerns, or if I can be of any other assistance.

Senator Brian Strickland
Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary
404.463.6598
brian.strickland@senate.ga.gov

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Disclosure of Legal Services
Senate Bill 74, sponsored by Senator Blake Tillery (R - Vidalia), would require the disclosure of the nature and practices of businesses that provide legal services relating to commerce and trade, courts, and torts. SB 74 would also prohibit misrepresentation or false advertising and persons ineligible to provide legal services from holding themselves out as attorneys. SB 74 passed with a vote of 54 to 1.

Protecting Law Enforcement Animals
Senate Bill 155, sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R - Marietta), would increase penalties around harming public safety or search and rescue animals. This legislation aims to deter those who interfere with the work of these service animals in the line of duty. SB 155 passed by substitute with a vote of 41 to 14.

Copy of Birth Certificate for Adoption
Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson (R - Cataula), would allow for the issuance of a copy of the original birth certificate to certain adult persons who were adopted. SB 64 also provides a fee, in the form of such a copy and standardizing terminology. SB 64 passed with a vote of 54 to 0.

Roster of Commissioned Officers Removal
Senate Bill 144, sponsored by Senator Nabilah Islam, would allow for the removal of the roster of all commissioned officers in the Georgia National Guard in the annual report that is sent to the Governor. SB 144 passed by a vote of 55 to 1.

Improved Broadband Services
Senate Bill 193, sponsored by Senator Steve Gooch (R - Dahlonega), would allow the Department of Community Affairs to determine locations that are eligible for state or federal funding programs administered by the state improved broadband services. SB 193 passed by substitute with a vote of 56 to 0.

General Law for Sports Betting in Georgia
Senate Resolution 140, sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert (R - Athens), proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia so as to authorize the Georgia General Assembly to provide by general law for sports betting in Georgia. SR 140 failed with a vote of 30 to 26.

Blind Persons' Braille Literacy Rights of Education Act
Senate Bill 4, sponsored by Senator Gail Davenport (D - Jonesboro), would require an evaluation of a blind or visually impaired student to determine such student's need for Braille instruction and require it in the education program of a blind or visually impaired student as appropriate. SB 4 passed with a vote of 55 to 0.

Reimbursement of Prosecuting Attorney Expenses
Senate Bill 31, sponsored by Senator Brandon Beach (R - Alpharetta), would reimburse expenses incurred by the Attorney General in prosecuting a criminal case or cases due to the failure of a district attorney to prosecute the respective case. SB 31 passed by substitute with a vote of 35 to 20.

Seizure and Epilepsy Action Plan
Senate Bill 45, sponsored by Jason Anavitarte (R - Dallas), would implement a plan for the care of students being treated for epilepsy or a seizure disorder. Additionally, it would require the Department of Education to develop training guidelines and model seizure action plans for use by public schools and school systems. SB 45 passed by substitute with a vote of 56 to 0.

AFY 2023 Budget
House Bill 18, carried by Senator Blake Tillery (R - Vidalia), is the amended budget for the 2022- 2023 Fiscal Year. HB 18 passed with a vote of 56 to 0.

Expansion of Atlantic Judicial Circuit
Senate Bill 66, sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman (R - Statesboro), would provide an additional judge of the superior courts for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit. The additional member would be appointed by the Governor, with their term beginning on July 1, 2023, and ending on December 31, 2024. SB 66 passed with a vote of 56 to 0.

Solid Waste Trust Fund
Senate Bill 95, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson (R - Cataula), would specify the manner in which funds appropriated to the Solid Waste Trust Fund shall be used. SB 95 passed by substitute with a vote of 52 to 1.

Insulin Cap for State Employees
Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Senator Nikki Merritt (D - Grayson), would require insulin to be capped at $35 for a 30-day supply and $105 per 90-day supply for Georgia state employees under their state health benefits plan. SB 76 passed with a vote of 52 to 2.

The Handling of Unclaimed Property of the Deceased
Senate Bill 103, sponsored by Senator Russ handling of unclaimed property when an individual dies. This legislation would also provide for a searchable database that allows easier access to information regarding unclaimed property. SB 103 passed with a vote of 54 to 0.

Securing Scheduled Convention Destination
Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman (R - Statesboro), would prevent a local government from intervening and altering an agreement with its designated private sector nonprofit organization, such as conventions, without either the approval of the destination market organization or the approval of the performance review board. Additionally, this bill enhances the state's ability to oversee the use of the Hotel Motel Tax through the Hotel Motel Tax Review Board. SB 127 passed with a vote of 50 to 2.

Insurance Premium for Inclement Weather-Proofing
Senate Bill 158, sponsored by Senator Randy Robertson (R - Cataula), would introduce an insurance premium discount or rate reduction for property owners building a new residential or commercial  property in this state that better resists tornado, hurricane or other catastrophic windstorm events. SB 158 would also include those owners who retrofit an existing residential or commercial property. SB 158 passed by substitute with a vote of 56 to 0.

Advanced Nursing License
Senate Bill 164, sponsored by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R - Rome), would require advanced practice nurses to be licensed and outlines the requirements for said license. Additionally, SB 164 makes the act of practicing advanced nursing without a license punishable by a misdemeanor. SB 164 passed by substitute with a vote of 53 to 0.

Tuition Equalization Grant Modifications
Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Senator Max Burns (R - Sylvania), would revise the definition of approved schools for tuition equalization grants at Georgia private colleges and universities. SB 137 passed by substitute with a vote of 43 to 12.

Prohibit Gender-Affirming Surgeries on Minors
Senate Bill 140, sponsored by Senator Carden Summers (R - Cordele), would prohibit certain procedures for the treatment of gender dysphoria in minors from being performed in hospitals and other licensed healthcare facilities. SB 140 passed with a vote of 33 to 23.

Regulations for Electric Vehicles
Senate Bill 146, sponsored by Senator Steve Gooch (R - Dahlonega), would impose regulation and taxation for the provisions of certain electricity used as a motor fuel in electric vehicles. SB 146 would additionally give regulative authority to the Public Service   Commission and provides limitations upon the ownership, operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations by electric utilities. SB 146 regulates the authority to the Department of Agriculture over electric vehicle charging stations and provides for a collection of a motor fuel excise tax upon the sale and use of certain electricity. SB 146 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 1.

Food Insecurity Eradication Act
Senate Bill 177, sponsored by Senator Harold Jones II (D - Augusta), would create the Georgia Food Advisory Council within the Department of Agriculture. The Georgia Food Advisory Council would be tasked with finding ways to use Georgia tax dollars on food insecurity and recommend ways to maximize educational programs that educate the public on purchasing and consuming public foods. SB 177 passed with a vote of 52 to 1.

Kappa Alpha Psi License Plates
Senate Bill 35, sponsored by Senator Nikki Merritt (D - Grayson), would create a special license plate to support the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity members and the funds from the license plate sales would be disbursed to the Southeastern Education & Leadership. SB 35 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 0.

Surprise Billing Consumer Protection
Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R - Marietta), would ensure consumer access to quality healthcare by setting adequacy standards for network plans offered by an insurer. SB 20 prohibits said insurer from denying preauthorization for  healthcare services to be performed by a participating provider solely because the referral was made by a nonparticipating provider. Additionally, it provides telehealth services, monitoring and reports and authorizes the Commissioner to ensure compliance through multiple means. SB 20 passed with a vote of 52 to 1.

Subsequent Injury Trust Fund
Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Senator Clint Dixon (R - Gwinnett), would extend the time period for the dissolution of the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund in Workers' Compensation. SB 91 passed with a vote of 54 to 1.

Workforce Housing Impact Fee Exemptions
Senate Bill 136, sponsored by Senator Mike Dugan (R - Carrollton), would amend the exemption requirements for development impact fees by allowing counties or municipalities to include workforce housing within their calculations. This legislation aims to provide economic growth and the protection of workforce housing for employees. SB 136 passed with a vote of 49 to 4.

Insurance Sponsorship by Adjutant General
Senate Bill 115, sponsored by Senator Josh McLaurin (D - Sandy Springs), would provide the adjutant general to be the official sponsor of the state sponsored life insurance program. The adjutant general would facilitate and coordinate efforts to make the program available and teach the Georgia National Guard about said program. SB 115 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 0.

Georgia Cyber Command Act
Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte (R - Dallas), would empower the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to conduct strategic planning, facilitation and coordination of information security in Georgia. Specifically, the agency would have the power to establish policies and standards for state agencies to submit information security plans to the division. SB 97 passed with a vote of 52 to 2.

Employment Security Provisions
Senate Bill 160, sponsored by Senator Shawn Still (R - Johns Creek), would extend certain provisions relating to the rate of employer contributions and variations from the standard rate and clean up previous regulations within the Department of Labor that have now expired. This legislation also provides for administrative assessments on wages. SB 160 failed with a vote of 34 to 21.

Freedom to Work Act
Senate Bill 195, sponsored by Senator Larry and their spouses to utilize their military certification, work experience or licenses acquired in another state to get an expedited license in Georgia. SB 195 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 0.

Trucking Opportunity Act of 2023
Senate Bill 203, sponsored by Senator Jason Anavitarte (R - Dallas), would create tuition-free programs for veterans seeking the operation of commercial motor vehicles. It would also provide for standards of service hours for motor carriers and hiring standards for commercial driver's license holders. SB 203 passed with a vote of 54 to 1.

Vacancies in the Office of the Sheriff
Senate Bill 138, sponsored by Senator Rick Williams (R - Milledgeville), would revise procedures when filling vacancies of the office of sheriffs. This bill aims to make the transition process easier when an office of this nature is left vacant. SB 138 passed with a vote of 55 to 0.

Chiropractic Practice Liens
Senate Bill 168, sponsored by Senator Rick Williams (R - Milledgeville), would allow chiropractic practices dealing with hospitals and nursing homes to have a lien on a cause of action accruing to an injured person. SB 168 passed by substitute with a vote of 52 to 4.

Healthcare Practitioners Truth and Transparency Act
Senate Bill 197, sponsored by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R - Rome), would prohibit deceptive or misleading terms, false representations and false medical titles by healthcare practitioners in advertisements and representations. SB 197 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 2.

Replacement of Mobile Homes
Senate Bill 213, sponsored by Senator Max Burns (R - Sylvania), would permit the property owner to replace an existing manufactured or mobile home with a new one, even if this causes a continuance of non-conforming use. SB 213 passed with a vote of 45 to 10.

Recognizing Accrediting Agencies Act
Senate Bill 204, sponsored by Senator Greg Dolezal (R - Cumming), would recognize certain accrediting agencies as evaluators of the quality of education offered in public schools in this state by any state entity. SB 204 passed by substitute with a vote of 52 to 0.

Establishment of Health Savings Accounts for State Employees
Senate Bill 199, sponsored by Senator Jason Esteves (D - Atlanta), would require the State's Employee Benefit Plan Council to establish health savings accounts for state employees. SB 199 would also provide for education or salary reductions for such accounts. SB 199 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 0.

Creation of Georgia Council on Literacy
Senate Bill 211, sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman (R - Statesboro), would create the Georgia Council on Literacy. The Georgia Council on Literacy would be tasked with conducting comprehensive reviews of birth to postsecondary programs, state support for said systems and other issues related to improving the literacy outcomes for Georgians from birth to adulthood. SB 211 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 0.

Identification Cards for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
Senate Bill 218, sponsored by Senator Michael Rhett (R - Marietta), would provide for the issuance of identification cards to those completing a term of incarceration. This bill also requests that the Department of Corrections share identifying information with the Department of Driver Services to facilitate the process of distributing these cards. SB 218 passed by substitute with a vote of 56 to 0.

Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund
Senate Bill 220, sponsored by Senator Russ Goodman (R - Cogdell), would establish the Georgia Farmland Conservation Fund, the Georgia Farmland Advisory Council. SB 220 would also provide matching grants to certain holders or prospective holders of agricultural conservation easements. SB 220 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 2.

Reimbursement for Patients in Cancer Clinical Trials
Senate Bill 223, sponsored by Senator Ben Watson (R - Savannah), would authorize reimbursement of patient-incurred expenses related to participation in a cancer clinical trial. Before cancer clinical trials it would also require certain information be provided to potential participants during the consent process and for the review of information to be reviewed by the federally designated institutional review board. SB 223 passed with a vote of 53 to 1.

Programs and Protections for Children
Senate Bill 230, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass (R - Newnan), would revise provisions relating to the foster parents' bill of rights and add that such rights include relative caregivers and fictive kin. SB 230 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 0.

Eliminating Ghosts Plates Act
Senate Bill 217, sponsored by Senator John Albers (R -  Roswell), would create certain offenses for motor vehicles operated with fraudulent or hidden license plates. SB 217 passed by substitute with a vote of 51 to 4.

Mayoral Vote for Augusta-Richmond County
Senate Bill 231, sponsored by Senator Max Burns (R - Sylvania), would allow the citizens of Augusta-Richmond County to decide by referendum whether or not the mayor of Augusta-Richmond County would serve as a voting member on the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. SB 231 passed with a vote of 32 to 22.

Student Loan Repayment for Peace Officers
Senate Bill 237, sponsored by Senator Bo Hatchett (R - Cornelia), would provide student loan repayment for peace officers and the eligibility and requirements surrounding the repayment. SB 237 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 1.

Revise Retirees Benefits
Senate Bill 240, sponsored by Senator Larry Walker (R - Perry), would revise the minimum and maximum allowable benefits for current and future retirees. Therefore, upon retirement, a person will be paid on the first day of each month at a minimum of $17. Additionally, it would require certain social security coverage for employees of a political subdivision who are members of the Public School Employees Retirement System and require the adjutant general to authorize and submit a plan for National Guard units. SB 240 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 0.

Revise the Piedmont Judicial Circuit
Senate Bill 259, sponsored by Senator Bo Hatchett (R - Cornelia), would move the Superior Court of Banks County from the Piedmont Judicial Circuit to the Mountain Judicial Circuit. SB 259 would also revise the composition and terms of the court of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit to the Mountain Judicial Circuit. SB 259 passed with a vote of 51 to 2.

Student Loan Repayment for Nurses
Senate Bill 246, sponsored by Senator Mike Hodges (R - Brunswick), would enact student loan repayment for certain nursing faculty. The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce would approve applications, provide eligibility requirements, loan repayment agreements and appropriations contingency. SB 246 passed by substitute with a vote of 55 to 1.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act
Senate Bill 233, sponsored by Senator Greg Dolezal (R - Cumming), would create promise scholarship accounts to be funded by the state of $6,000 per school year for each participating student to be used toward certain education expenses. SB 233 passed by substitute with a vote of 33 to 23.

Amending the Fair Business Practice Act of 1975
Senate Bill 254, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass (R - Cornelia), would provide requirements for earned wage access services and fees that may be charged for such services. SB 254 would also clarify that earned wage access payments are nonrecourse not loans and that permitted fees are not interest. SB 254 passed by substitute with a vote of 30 to 24.

Fiduciary Duty for Retirement Investments
Senate Bill 266, sponsored by Senator Marty Harbin (R - Tyrone), would codify the fiduciary duty to invest retirement assets solely in the financial interests of their participants and their beneficiaries. SB 266 passed by substitute with a vote of 54 to 0.

Joint Study Committee for LOST and Service Delivery Strategy
Senate Resolution 214, sponsored by Senator Frank Ginn (R - Danielsville), would create Joint Study Committee on Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) SR 214 was adopted with a vote of 54 to 1.

Reestablish CCDEB
Senate Bill 272, sponsored by President Pro Tempore Senator John Kennedy (R - Macon), would reestablish the Criminal Case Data Exchange Board (CCDEB). Additionally, SB 272 would provide for the submission of uniform standards by the Administrative Office of the Courts and acceptance by The Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia uniform standards promulgated by the CCDEB. SB 272 passed by substitute with a vote of 30 to 24.

Extending Temporary Assitance for Needy Families to Pregnant Women
House Bill 129, carried by Senator Mike Hodges (R - Brunswick), would allow for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to be eligible for pregnant women regardless of whether or not they have a minor child and repeal current Georgia law that eliminates increment benefits under TANF for families who have an additional child born during a TANF eligibility period. HB 129 passed with a vote of 50 to 1.

Title 7 Code Revision
House Bill 55, carried by President Pro Tempore Senator John Kennedy (R - Macon), would further guide credit regulations to revise provisions relating to their powers and differing investments they may make. This legislation also permits credit unions to have a non-calendar fiscal year, and improves definitions of terms centered around the credit sector. HB 55 passed by substitute with a vote of 52 to 0.

Lease and Conveyance of State- Owned Real Property in Select Georgia Counties
House Resolution 157, carried by Senator Ed Harbison (D - Columbus), would authorize the lease or transfer of state-owned real property in Appling, Bacon, Effingham, Morgan, Newton, Walton, Rabun and Taylor counties. HR 157 was adopted with a vote of 51 to 0.

Incorporation of Internal Revenue Code
House Bill 95, carried by Senator Billy Hickman (R - Statesboro), would revise the terms "Internal Revenue Code" and "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" and thereby incorporate certain provisions of the federal law into Georgia law. HB 95 passed as amended with a vote of 48 to 0.

Authorizing Non-Exclusive Easement Grants in Select Georgia Counties
House Resolution 158, carried by Senator Ed Harbison (D - Columbus), would authorize the grant of non-exclusive easements in state-owned property in Bacon, Calhoun, Camden, Chatham, Clarke, Coffee, Dekalb, Emanuel, Fulton, Gwinnett, Jeff Davis, Monroe, Morgan, Polk, Tattnall, Towns, Washington and Wheeler counties and would be used for construction, installation, operation and maintenances of facilities, utilities, roads, and any ingress and egress within property owned by the state. HR was adopted by substitute with a vote of 50 to 0.

Greater Atlanta HBCU College Fair
Senate Resolution 258, sponsored by Senator Gloria Butler (D - Stone Mountain), celebrates the fifth annual Greater Atlanta HBCU College Fair, which is sponsored by the RKL Education Foundation, Inc. and the Gwinnett Pearls of Service Foundation, Inc. Through this HBCU fair, the RKL Education Foundation and the Gwinnett Pearls can provide service to students and parents through recruitment, auditions for band scholarships and admission officers from top HBCUs across the country.

United Negro College Fund
Senator Gail Davenport (D - Jonesboro) sponsored Senate Resolution 234, recognizing and celebrating the United Negro College Fund's (UNCF) 79th anniversary. Originally founded in 1944, the UNCF is the nation's oldest, largest, most successful and comprehensive higher education assistance organization for minorities. The UNCF has 37 member colleges and universities that have contributed immeasurably to communities throughout the nation and around the world.

Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council Receipt of the Chief V. Kenneth Elmore Memorial Award
Senate Resolution 108, sponsored by Senator Larry Walker (R - Perry), congratulates the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council for receiving the Chief V. Kenneth Elmore Memorial Award from the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications. The award is presented annually to an accredited agency that demonstrates outstanding success in promoting professional qualifications for fire and emergency service personnel.

Greece Ambassador at the Capitol - Alexandra Papadopoulou
Senate Resolution 240, sponsored by President Pro Tempore Senator John Kennedy, recognizes Alexandra Papadopoulou, an Ambassador from Greece. Papadopoulou has played a vital role in leadership, devoting innumerable hours to her country and harboring positive relationships with Greece and the United States.

Dr. Susan J. Kelley
Senate Resolution 198, sponsored by Senator Emanuel Jones (D - Decatur), recognizes Dr. Susan J. Kelley for devoting hours of her time, talents and energy toward the betterment of her community and state. During her 28-year-long tenure at Georgia State University, Dr. Kelley filled may administrative roles, including the Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions and its predecessor, the College of Health and Human Sciences.

Scouts Day at the Capitol
Senate Resolution 242, sponsored by President Pro Tempore Senator John Kennedy (R - Macon), recognizes the 2023 Scouts Day at the Capitol. The Boy Scouts of America is an organization dedicated to training youth in responsible citizenship, character development and self-reliance through participating in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs and service projects. Georgia has over 40,000 scouts and over 3,500 adult leaders in over 600 units.

Women in Radio
Senator Michael Rhett (D - Marietta), honored multiple women in radio for International Women's Day and Women in Radio Day. Atlanta radio hosts included Porsche Foxx, who made history as the first African American woman to both hold an Afternoon Drive and her own morning show in the state of Georgia; Kristin Klingshirn, who has worked 20 years in the broadcast industry and currently works as part of The Bert Show; Alichia Cruz, who currently works at B98.5 and Kiss 104.1 and previously created the D.A Show on WERQ, which topped Saturday ratings for five years; Wendy Williams, who serves as general manager of Jazz 91.9 WCLK-FM 264, 265 and has served in broadcast leadership for the past 28 years; and Niecey Shaw, who began her career in radio in 2001 and currently works for the new CLASSIX 102.9.

Georgia Forestry Commission Units of the Year
Senate Resolution 230, sponsored by Senator Larry Walker (R - Gr), commends the Elbert/Franklin/Hart/Madison County Unit on being named the Georgia Forestry Commission 2022 North Georgia Unit of the Year; the Grady/Thomas County Unit on being named the 2022 South Georgia Unit of the Year; the three on being named the 2022 Forest Protection Area of the Year; Gabe Outlaw on being named the 2022 Forester of the Year; and the Cost Share Team o being the 2022 Forest Management Team of the Year.