With just one week left under the Gold Dome, we are not slowing down. We are fulfilling our responsibility to lower costs, protect your family and make sure Georgia continues to lead in responsible government.
This week, the Senate took up House Bill 974, a $38.5 billion budget that reflects both the strength of Georgia’s economy and our commitment to conservative financial stewardship.
We are making targeted investments in education, including $70 million to place a literacy coach in every K-3 classroom. That’s a strategic investment in our state’s future workforce.
We’re also standing by the people who have dedicated their lives to public service. By contributing $100 million to the Employees’ Retirement System, we are ensuring that Georgia’s retirees can remain here, continue contributing to our communities and live with the dignity they’ve earned.
We are continuing to cut through government overreach and protect your wallet through a variety of measures that have also passed through the Senate this week.
I carried House Bill 1247, the Georgia Bureaucratic Deference Elimination Act, and the Red Tape Rollback Act send a clear message that unelected agencies do not get to make up rules that hurt your bottom line without accountability. For too long, government has expanded through regulations that never faced a vote. We are putting a stop to that and restoring power where it belongs, with the people.
At the same time, we are making practical, common-sense updates to keep Georgia the best place to live and do business. House Bill 1112 allows businesses to round to the nearest five cents as pennies are phased out, a small but meaningful step to reduce inefficiencies and reflect the realities of today’s economy.
In our classrooms, we are choosing focus and safety over distraction. House Bill 1009 establishes a bell-to-bell cellphone ban in high schools. Parents and teachers alike have seen the impact of constant screen time, less engagement, more distraction and fewer real conversations. This legislation helps restore discipline in the classroom, improve academic outcomes and ensure students are attentive in emergency situations.
We are also continuing to stand up for Georgia’s rural communities and the industries that keep them strong. The Keep Georgia Forested Act supports our forestry manufacturers, protects jobs and helps stabilize an industry that has been hit hard by economic pressures and storm damage. This session, we’ve made sure that every corner of Georgia, from our largest cities to our smallest towns, has a path forward.
Finally, I want to update you on several pieces of personal legislation as they continue to move through both the House and the Senate.
Senate Bill 452 also passed the House and increases the maximum employer contribution to a 401(k) for certain state law enforcement officers. These men and women play a critical role in keeping our communities safe, and this measure helps ensure they can retire with the security they deserve after years of dedicated service.
The House also approved Senate Bill 553, which improves the licensing process for electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, utility contractors and low voltage contractors. The bill also reestablishes the State Construction Industry Licensing Board, helping ensure workers have the training and qualifications needed to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
I also had the honor of introducing Senate Resolution 1032 to recognize the Rabun County High School boys’ basketball team for winning their first-ever state championship. It was a privilege to host the team at the Capitol this week and celebrate the hard work and dedication that made this achievement possible.
As we approach our final legislative day, I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with any questions or concerns. Your voice matters, and it continues to shape the work we do here under the Gold Dome.
Sen. Bo Hatchett serves as a Governor’s Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 50th Senate District, which includes Banks, Franklin, Habersham, Rabun, Stephens and Towns counties, as well as portions of Hall, Jackson and White counties. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-7454 or by email at Bo.Hatchett@senate.ga.gov.
