By Sent. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia)

Another busy week passed at the Gold Dome as we wrapped up the third week of the 2024 Legislative Session. This week, the Senate body worked to tackle a multitude of issues ranging from the expansion of retirement benefits for state employees to modernization of Georgia’s occupational licensing requirements and discussing improvements to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center.

Among the notable achievements was the passage of House Bill 30 on Thursday. This bill furnishes state agencies with a clear definition of antisemitism, providing law enforcement with a vital tool to discern hate crimes motivated by antisemitic sentiments. The passage of this measure by the Georgia General Assembly represents a significant step forward in the fight against antisemitism. I extend my appreciation to all who contributed to the realization of this legislation after years of dedicated efforts, and want to reiterate my support for Georgia’s Jewish community.

Additionally, Senate Bill 355, aimed at prohibiting ranked-choice voting, garnered attention on the Senate floor this week, underscoring the imperative of ensuring election security, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. Senate Resolution 45, establishing the Senate Special Committee on Investigations, also received approval, addressing pertinent concerns within Fulton County's District Attorney's office. Furthermore, Senate Bill 358, focusing on election security measures, received unanimous support, reaffirming our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Georgia's electoral processes.

As the session progresses, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns pertaining to legislative matters.