>>> ONE OF THE LEGACIES WE LEAVE BEHIND IS A HARD ONE.

WE FOCUS ON PUTTING POLICY OVER POLITICS.

I FEEL LIKE THAT'S REALLY STILL IN PLACE.

WE HAVE 30 LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT'S THE CASE.

>> LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF DUNCAN ON HIS LEADERSHIP AND LEGACY ON HIS LAST SESSION AS PRESIDENT OF THE GEORGIA STATE SENATE.

GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO "LAWMAKERS" ON THIS 11th DAY OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

WE'LL HAVE MUCH MORE OF MY INTERVIEW, COMING UP.

HE'S HAD SUCCESS IN GARNERING BIPARTISAN SUPPORT WITH LEGISLATION AND FOSTER CARE.

I ASKED HIM ABOUT SENDING THE BUCKHEAD CITY BILL TO A SENATE COMMITTEE LED BY DEMOCRATS.

>>> A DEEPER DIVE INTO WHAT BILL IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

WE CHECK IN FIRST AT THE GOLD DOME WITH CAPITAL CORRESPONDENT BRENDA WATERS.

HI, BRENDA.

>> HEY, DONNA.

EVERY ONE IS SEEING RED TODAY IN THE HOUSE AND THE SENATE.

LEGISLATURES WORE RED TO CELEBRATE THE NATIONAL HEART ASSOCIATION PROMOTING HEART HEALTH.

DEMOCRATS WERE ALSO SEEING RED IN THE HOUSE BUT FOR A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT REASON.

THE HOUSE PASSED HBH73.

THAT'S THE MEASURE THAT WOULD REVISE THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES FOR THE GWINNETT COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS.

REPRESENTATIVE BONNIE RICH INTRODUCED A NEW REPUBLICAN MAP WHICH HAS BEEN A SOURCE OF MUCH DEBATE.

TODAY IT CAME UP FOR A VOTE.

>> TODAY I RISE TO PRESENT TO YOU HOUSE BILL 873 WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE REDISTRICTING OF THE FOUR GWINNETT OF COUNTY DISTRICT.

THE MAP CONTAINS WITHIN THIS BILL COMPLIES WITH THE LAW ENSURING ONE PERSON, ONE VOTE.

FOR DECADES, IT WAS REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED BUT OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, SLIPPED TO DEMOCRAT CONTROLLED.

THAT'S WHAT MANY DEMOCRATS SAY IS BEHIND REPRESENTATIVE RICH'S MAP.

>> THE AUTHOR OF THE BILL MADE IT CLEAR MULTIPLE TIMES IN HER REMARKS DURING OUR OFFICIAL PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE ORIGINAL BOARD OF COMMISSIONER MAP THAT SHE WANTED A CONSERVATIVE, CONSERVATIVE NORTHERN DISTRICT.

SHE ADMITTED PUBLICLY ON THE RECORD THAT HER INTENT WAS TO CREATE A REPUBLICAN DISTRICT.

THAT IS PARTISAN GERRYMANDERING.

>> AS YOU CAN SEE JUST BY LOOK AT THE MAP, THE MAP THAT I WORKED WITH TO DRAW IS COMPACT.

THERE IS NO GERRYMANDERING IN THIS MAP.

UNLIKE THAT THE MAP THAT IS PROPOSED BY THE DEMOCRATIC DELEGATION THAT DIVIDED THE TOP ONE-THIRD OF THE COUNTY INTO THREE OF THE FOUR COUNTY DISTRICTS.

>> I'M LOOKING FOR 15 BRAVE SOULS AMONG MY REPUBLICAN FRIENDS WHO KNOW THAT WHAT I'M SAYING IS TRUE.

WHO ARE WILLING TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND VOTE NO ON THIS BILL.

>> IT DIDN'T WORK.

NOR DID A MOTION BY REPRESENTATIVE SAM PARK TO POSTPONE THE VOTE.

>> ON THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL 873.

THE AYES WERE 96.

THE NAYS WERE 70.

THIS BILL IS RECEIVED CONSTITUTIONAL MAJORITY.

>> REPRESENTATIVE PARK SAID WE LOST THE VOTE IN THE HOUSE BUT THE FIGHT IS NOT OAF.

THE BILL NOW GOES THE SENATE.

IF PASSES THERE AND THE GOVERNOR SIGNS IT, THE DELEGATION SAYS THEY PLAN TO SUE THE STATE.

>>> ANOTHER RED HOT ISSUE, SENATE BILL 369 WHICH WOULD DEPOLITICIZE GWINNETT SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS AFTER REPUBLICANS PUSHED THE BILL THROUGH.

SENATOR NIKKI MERIT ASKED FOR A RECONSIDERATION.

THE VOTE FAILED 20-35.

>>> IT'S SAVANNAH DAY AT THE CAPITOL.

LEGISLATURES WILL GET THE CHANCE TO MEET OYSTERS AND MEET WITH PROFESSIONALS AT THE FREIGHT DEPOT.

I HAVE TO RUN.

I HEAR LIBATIONS WILL BE SERVED.

I DID MY JOB.

BACK TO YOU.

>>> THERE'S HEAVY SUPPORT THAT FOCUSES ON GIRLS SPORTS.

THERE'S 18 SIGNERS ON THE SAVE GIRLS SPORT BILL SPONSORED BY SENATOR.

>> MY DAUGHTER IS 11.

SHE'S AN ATHLETE.

SHE LOVES TO COMPETE.

WHEN I FIRST STARTED TALKING ABOUT THIS BILL, I CAME UP A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO WITH THE CONNECTICUT ISSUE WITH THE TRACK TEAM.

WE HAVE SEEN ISSUES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

WE'RE BLESSED IN GEORGIA, WE HAVEN'T HAD ANY MAJOR ISSUES BUT THERE'S AN ATHLETE THAT WAS DOMINATING THE TRACK AND FIELD THAT COULDN'T PLACE IN THE TOP 100 AS A MALE ATHLETE AND DECIDED TO CHANGE THEIR IDENTITY AND CONNECTICUT DECIDED THAT POLITICS WERE MORE IMPORTANT THAN TAKING CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN.

THEY ALLOWED THIS ATHLETE TO COMPETE WITH MASSIVE BIOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE AND HE BROKE ALL SORT OF ATHLETE.

THE ATHLETE BROKE ALL SORTS OF RECORDS COMPETING IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THAT AND HOW WE CAN PREVENT THAT IN THE LEGISLATURE.

MY DAUGHTER SAID I WANT TO ABILITY TO WORK HARD AND BE A CHAMPION.

THERE'S A FEELING AMONGST OUR YOUTH.

WE SAW THAT WITH THE AMOUNT OF YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES THAT CAME OUT AND SUPPORTED THIS LEGISLATION THAT CAME HERE TO THE CAPITAL.

THE STAIRS WERE FULL OF YOUNG FEMALE ATHLETES FROM ACROSS THE STATE.

THEY SAID, I'M NOT POLITICAL.

I DON'T CARE ABOUT POLITICS.

I JUST WANT TO BE ABLE THE PLAY FAIR.

I WANT TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE IN MY SPORT AND I WANT THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A CHAMPION.

IT'S DESIGNED TO MAKE SURE WE MAINTAIN PARITY IN OUR HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES AND K THROUGH 12.

WHAT IT'S DESIGNED TO DO IS MAKE SURE WE PROTECT TITLE 9.

THE RIGHT OF YOUNG GIRLS AND WOMEN TO COMPETE FAIRLY IN SPORTS.

IT SAYS FOR GIRLS SPORTS THAT GIRLS WILL HAVE TO COMPETE OTHER BIOLOGICAL GIRLS.

>> YOU'VE COMPARED IT TO WRESTLING IN TERMS OF THE WAY CATEGORIES ARE MADE UP.

TALK ABOUT THAT A LITTLE BIT.

>> IT'S KIND OF A MISNOMER.

SOME PEOPLE TRY TO MAKE THIS JUST ABOUT TRANSGENDER ATHLETES.

THE REALITY IS THERE'S LOT OF SPORTING EVENT WHERE IS WE PROHIBIT BOYS FROM COMPETING AGAINST GIRLS FOR PARITY SAKE.

THAT'S WHAT WE'RE SAYING.

WE'RE NOT SPECIFYING A GENDER.

WE'RE SAYING BIOLOGICAL BOYS CAN'T COMPETE AGAINST BIOLOGICAL GIRLS.

IN WRESTLING, THEY DIVIDE IT BY WEIGHT CLASS, AGE GROUP.

SOME SPORTS THERE'S HEIGHT DIFFERENCES.

EVERYTHING FROM POLE VAULTING TO HIGH SCHOOL SWIMMING TO WRESTLING.

WE DIVIDE THESE ATHLETIC EVENTS ESPECIALLY WHEN COMPETING AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL.

WE DIVIDE THEM OUT TO MAKE SURE THERE'S MUCH PARTY SO NATURAL ABILITY AND HARD WORK THAT THOSE THINGS COUNT IN THOSE EVENTS.

ALL WE'RE SAYING IS WE WANT TO MAKE SURE, SINCE TITLE 9 IN THE '70s, IT USED TO BE 1 IN 70 WOMEN WERE ABLE TO COMPETE.

THERE WAS A MASSIVE DISPARITY BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN.

NOW IT'S 1 IN 3 YOUNG WOMEN AND GIRLS.

MOST FEMALE CEOs ATTRIBUTE THEIR SUCCESS TO THEIR COLLEGE CAREERS GROWING UP.

WE WANT TO SEE THAT PARITY TO BE FAIR TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN COMPETE AND BE CHAMPIONS.

>> WOULD A TRANSGENDER PERSON BE ABLE TO COMPETE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE IDENTITY OF AN INDIVIDUAL IS IRRELEVANT TO THEIR ABILITY TO COMPETE.

WE BELIEVE EVERY SINGLE INDIVIDUAL, EVERY YOUNG STUDENT, EVERY ATHLETE SHOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO COMPETE IF ATHLETIC COMPETITION.

IT DOESN'T PREVENT A SINGLE INDIVIDUAL FROM COMPETING.

IT'S SAYING THEY NEED TO COMPETE IN THE CATEGORY THAT MOST APPROPRIATELY FITS THEM FOR PARITY SAKE TO MAKE SURE A YOUNG MALE ATHLETE, A YOUNG HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORE MALE ATHLETE HAS A TREMENDOUS ADVANTAGE OVER A FEMALE ATHLETE WITH BONE SIZE, MUSCLE MASS, THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM.

THESE ARE ADVANTAGES THAT A YOUNG WOMAN CAN'T COMPETE WITH.

THEY ARE MASSIVE ADVANTAGES.

WE ARE SEEING THAT NATIONALLY PLAY OUT AT THE OLYMPIC LEVEL AND LOWER.

IT'S MOST COMMONLY MANIFEST ITSELF WITH TRANSGENDER ATHLETES WHICH IS THE CURRENT MOVEMENT TO BE ABLE TO COMPETE BASED OFF OF IDENTITY AS OPPOSED TO BIOLOGY.

ALL WE'RE SAYING IS WE WANT ATHLETICS TO ALWAYS BE BIOLOGY AND MAKE SURE IT'S FAIR.

>> WHAT ABOUT THOSE THAT SAY IT'S A PROBLEM?

>> I DISAGREE WITH THEM.

I WISH THEY WERE RIGHT.

ANY TIME YOU HEAR SOMEONE SAY THE SOLUTION IS SEARCH FOR A PROBLEM IT'S BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY ABOUT THE PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED.

IT'S SOMETHING THAT NO ONE WOULD OPPOSE BECAUSE THERE'S NO PROBLEM THAT EXISTS.

>> REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE PHILLIP SINGLETON.

THERE'S LOTS TO UNPACK FROM THAT INTERVIEW.

LET'S START WITH REPRESENTATIVE SINGLETON FOCUS ON GIRLS SPORTS UNDER TITLE 9.

>> I THINK THERE'S NOT A PROBLEM HERE IN YOUTH SPORTS.

WE HAVE STUDIED THIS ISSUE IN THE HOUSE.

I SERVE ON THE HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

FOR THE LAST YEAR WE HAVE STUDIED THIS.

THE GOVERNOR'S BILL THAT WAS INTRODUCED THIS WEEK IS THE NEWEST VERSION OF THIS BILL BUT THERE WERE THREE OTHER BILLS BEFORE THAT ONE.

AT NO POINT HAVE WE FOUND A SINGLE INCIDENT?

GEORGIA WHERE THIS WOULD BE A PROBLEM.

THE ONLY REASON THAT THIS BILL IS INTRODUCED IS BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR IS WORRIED ABOUT HIS PRIMARY ELECTION IN MAY.

HE'S TARGETING LGBTQ KIDS AND USING THEM AS A WEDGE ISSUE SO HE CAN LOCK DOWN THE FAR RIGHT REPUBLICAN VOTE IN HIS ELECTION.

I THINK IT'S VERY DANGEROUS FOR THESE TRANSGENDER STUDENTS AND QUITE FRANKLY I THINK IT'S SHAMEFUL.

>> HE SAYS TRANSGENDER PEOPLE CAN PARTICIPATE BUT HE'S TALKING ABOUT THOSE WHO ARE BILOGICALLY GIRLS, NOT THOSE WHO ARE TRANSGENDER AND WERE MALES.

HE IS SAYING THIS ISN'T ANTI-TRANSGENDER.

HE SAYS IT MAKES IT A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR THE GIRLS.

HOW DO YOU ANSWER THAT?

>> WE HEARD THIS ARGUMENT FROM REPRESENTATIVE SINGLETON AND THE AUTHORS OF THE BILL.

I UNDERSTAND FOLKS WORRIED ABOUT COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

I THINK IT'S ILLOGICAL.

WE'RE TALK ABOUT SUCH A TINY SUBSET OF STUDENTS WHO ARE A, TRANSGENDER AND B, ATHLETES.

WE ARE LITERALLY TALK ABOUT A HANDFUL OF STUDENTS IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF GEORGIA THAT THIS WOULD EVEN AFFECT.

YOU KNOW, THE OTHER THING THAT WE SHOULD TALK ABOUT AND REPRESENTATIVE SINGLETON MENTIONED IT WHERE FEMALE BODIES ARE DIVERSE BODIES.

EVEN IF THIS WERE A PROBLEM AND THIS BILL THOUGHT TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM, IT DOESN'T FIX THE PROBLEM.

YOU STILL HAVE THE ABILITY OF GIRLS OF DIFFERENT HEIGHT, WEIGHTS EIGHT TO COMPETE AGAINST EACH OTHER.

IT'S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE WERE THE INTENT BEHIND THIS, WHY ARE WE STILL ALLOW PARENTS TO HOLD THEIR CHILDREN BACK FOR A YEAR FOR A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE AND STILL COMPETE IN YOUTH SPORT.

>> WHAT HE'S TALKING ABOUT, HE TALKED A LOT ABOUT HIGH SCHOOL.

THIS WOULD AFFECT KIDS AT ANY AGE AND ANY ACTIVITY.

NOT JUST SPORTS, RIGHT, AS YOU UNDERSTAND IT?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WHAT'S GETTING LOST IN ALL OF THIS, THE EXAMPLES THAT ARE BEING GIVEN OF PROFESSIONAL SPORTS IS THOSE ARE SO FAR REMOVED FROM THE LOCAL YOUTH SPORTS THAT WE'RE TALKING ABOUT IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF STUDENT WHO IS PARTICIPATE IN THE SPORTING ACTIVITIES DO SO FOR THEIR CAMARADERIE WITH THEIR FRIENDS.

THEY DO SO FOR THE AFTER SCHOOL EVENT.

NOT FOR THE MEDAL AND TROPHIES.

THEY WANT TO PARTICIPATE AND BE A MEMBER OF THE TEAM.

THAT'S ALL THESE TRANSGENDER STUDENTS WANT TO DO AS WELL.

>> ARE YOU HEARING ANYTHING FROM THAT COMMUNITY, FROM THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY, ABOUT THESE BILLS?

>> YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.

I'M NOT TRANSGENDER BUT I AM A MEMBER OF THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND HAVE MANY FRIEND WHO IS ARE TRANSGENDER.

I HAVE SPOKEN TO TRANSGENDER YOUTH ATHLETES ABOUT THIS.

ALL OF US IN THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND OUR ALLIES ARE WORRIED ABOUT THE CONVERSATIONS WE'RE HAVING ABOUT THIS LEGISLATION BECAUSE JUST TALKING ABOUT THIS CREATES FURTHER TRAUMA AGAINST THIS MARGINALIZED GROUP OF STUDENTS.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A GROUP OF STUDENT WHO IS STUDIES SHOW LAST YEAR, 52% OF TRANSGENDER STUDENTS CONTEMPLATED SUICIDE.

THEY CAN'T WALK OUT THE DOOR AND BE THE PERSON THEY ARE AND WERE BORN TO BE.

THEY FACE RIDICULE AND PHYSICAL THREATS TO VIOLENCE.

>> EXPLAIN WHAT TITLE 9 IS.

HE DID TALK ABOUT THE FACT IT'S DONE SO MUCH FOR GIRLS WHEN IT COMES TO SPORTS.

IS THIS A WAY OF TAKING THAT FURTHER OR EXPLAIN WHY YOU DON'T THINK THIS IS DOING THAT, I GUESS.

>> YOU'RE RIGHT.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS FURTHERING THE INTENT BEHIND TITLE 9.

TITLE 9 WAS INCREDIBLY IMPACTFUL LEGISLATION THAT THOUGHT TO PROVIDE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR FEMALE ATHLETES MAKING SURE THAT SPORTS TEAMS WERE OFFERED BY SCHOOLS AND WERE EQUALLY FUNDED SO THEY HAD THAT OPPORTUNITY.

WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY SINCE TITLE 9, BUT IF REPRESENTATIVE SINGLETON AND ANY PARTNERS TRULY WANT TO HELP FEMALE SPORTS, LET'S TALK ABOUT MORE FUNDING FOR TITLE 9 COMPLIANCE.

LET'S TALK ABOUT SUPPORTING MORE FEMALE COACHES AND DEVELOPING THOSE PIPELINES.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE TITLE 9 COMPLIANCE TODAY, WE STILL IT'S STILL NOT AT A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WITH MALE SPORTS.

>> A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR THIS CERTAINLY AMONG THE REPUBLICANS.

A LOT OF SIGNERS ON THIS.

YOU MENTIONED YOU BELIEVE IT'S POLITICAL.

IT HAS COME UP BEFORE, BUT YOU BELIEVE BECAUSE THIS IS AN ELECTION YEAR FOR THE GOVERNOR, THAT'S WHY WE'RE SEEING MORE ON THIS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE'LL HEAR A LOT ABOUT IT.

WE STILL HAVE 30 DAYS UNTIL QUALIFYING FOR THE ELECTIONS THIS YEAR.

THE BALLOT ISN'T EVEN STILL SET.

I'VE BEEN DOWN AT THE LEGISLATURE FOR FOUR YEARS NOW.

TWO OF THOSE YEARS WERE ELECTION YEARS.

YOU SEE A PATTERN.

EVERY TWO YEARS, EVERY ELECTION YEAR, THESE CONTROVERSIAL BILLS COME UP TO GIVE THEIR AUTHORS AND SUPPORTERS A CHANCE TO GO BACK OUT ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL AND SAY I FOUGHT FOR YOU.

THE SAD TRUTH IS WHO THESE BILLS ARE TARGETING AND THAT IN THE INCREDIBLE HARM THAT IT'S GOING TO CAUSE AND ALREADY HAS CAUSED.

>> I KNOW YOU'LL BE WATCHING IT.

WE'LL BE WATCHING IT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING HERE TODAY ESPECIALLY BY YOURSELF.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

>> ALWAYS.

>>> AFTER THE BREAK, MY EXPANSE IVE INTERVIEW WITH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF DUNCAN.

YOU'RE WATCHING "LAWMAKERS".

>>> WELCOME BACK.

I SPENT TIME TODAY WITH LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR JEFF DUNCAN.

IT'S EARLY IN THE SESSION BUT HE'S ALREADY HAD SUCCESS PUSHING LEGISLATION IN SEVERAL AREAS INCLUDING HELP FOR THOSE AGING OUT OF FOSTER CARE.

IT'S AN ISSUE HE CARES SO MUCH ABOUT HE DID SOMETHING UNUSUAL AND SPOKE BEFORE THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE HIMSELF.

WE TALKED FIRST ABOUT THE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR THE LAW ENFORCEMENT STRATEGIC SUPPORT ACT OR LESS.

>> LESS CRIME IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EMPOWER COMMUNITIES TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION BY CONTRIBUTING DOLLARS TO THEIR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY THROUGH A FOUNDATION MODEL TOO ONE OF FIVE THINGS, HIRE MORE OFFICERS, PAY THEM MORE, TRAIN THEM BETTER, EQUIP THEM BETTER OR USE A CO-RESPONDERS MODEL TO HELP THEM BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE THE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

BRINGING A SCALPEL INSTEAD OF A CHAIN SAW TO FIX THE PROBLEM OF CRIME.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT HELPS US IN THIS TECHNOLOGY AGE IS INFORMATION.

I THINK THE GENERAL PUBLIC WOULD BE SHOCKED TO UNDERSTAND HOW BACKLOGGED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM IS WHICH IS REALLY A RECORD BASE THAT ALLOWS US TO TRACK SOMEBODY WHO IS BEEN ARRESTED FOR SOMETHING AND THEN SOME SORT OF JUDICIAL PROCESS PLAYED OUT AND CREATED A FINAL DISPOSITION.

RIGHT NOW THERE'S MILLIONS OF CASES THAT ARE NOT UPDATED.

IF IF JUDGE IS LOOKING AT A FUTURE CASE, THEY CAN LOOK AT THIS INFORMATION AND MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.

WE THINK IT'S A SCALPEL IN TRYING TO ATTACK THE ISSUES OF CRIME IN OUR STATE.

>> WHAT ALWAYS INTERESTS ME ABOUT THIS IS IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING WE SHOULD HAVE HAD BEFORE NOW.

>> YEAH.

THERE'S ALL KINDS OF COMPLICATED PARTS TO THIS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU HAVE 159 COUNTIES AND CITIES AND ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT JUDICIAL CIRCUIT.

IT'S COMPLICATED.

I DON'T THINK ANYBODY HAS COMPLETELY TAKEN THEIR EYE OFF THE BALL.

THEN YOU LAYER IN PANDEMIC AND A BACKLOG OF CASES, IT ALLOWS US TO GIVE ACCOUNTABILITY SO THE AGENCIES CAN UPLOAD THE INFORMATION.

>> LET'S GET INTO SOMETHING ELSE.

THE GEORGIA BEHAVIORAL HEALTH RESPONDER ACT.

SOMETHING GOOD FOR GEORGIA.

>> THIS WAS BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION WITH MY LOCAL SHERIFF.

THEY WERE WORKING WITH A CO-RESPONDER MODEL.

IT WAS HANDFUL OF OTHER COUNTIES THAT WERE USING THIS.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A DEPUTY OR POLICE OFFICER OR SOMEBODY IN LAW ENFORCEMENT THAT IS SHOWING UP TO THE SCENE OF A 911 CALL WHERE THEY QUICKLY REALIZE OR RECOGNIZE THERE'S A MENTAL BEHAVIOR EPISODE GOING ON WHETHER IT'S A SPORADIC OR CHRONIC CONDITION.

AS SOON AS THEY RECOGNIZE IT, THEY'RE NOT EQUIPPED TO -- THEY DON'T HAVE A PHD OR SOME SORT OF COUNSELLING DEGREE ON HOW TO COACH THE PEOPLE THROUGH THIS.

THIS GIVES THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL ON THE SITE WITH THEM TO HELP LET THEM BETTER UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON AND MAYBE TRY TO FIND A PEACEFUL SOLUTION THROUGH.

TWO THINGS HAPPEN.

ONE, BETTER OUTCOMES IN SITUATION BUT TWO WE GET TO BETTER NAVIGATE THE PERSON TO SOMEWHERE BETTER THAN A JAIL CELL FOR 24 HOURS.

THIS MAYBE HELPS US TO NAVIGATE THEM INTO MORE FINITE THERAPY AND FOR THEM AND CERTAINLY THAT'S BETTER FOR THEM AND THE COMMUNITY.

>> IS THIS SOMETHING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS HAVE BEEN ASKING ABOUT?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

WE HAVE SEEN BOTH THE HANDFUL OF COUNTIES THAT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO UTILIZE THIS FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE CHAMPIONED AND BEEN ADVOCATES FOR IT BUT ALSO OTHERS RESPONDING AND LOOKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES.

TWO PARTS.

ONE, WE'RE CREATING THE FRAME WORK FOR COMMUNITIES TO SET THIS UP AND WE'RE USING IT AS A FUNDING MODEL TO HELP FUND THESE CO-RESPONDERS MODELS INSIDE COMMUNITIES TO STAND UP RIGHT AWAY.

>> THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE IS ALSO ALREADY PASSED THE FOSTERING FOR SUCCESS ACT.

>> YEAH, REALLY, REALLY PROUD OF THE COMMITTEE HEARING YESTERDAY.

IT WAS A SPECIAL MOMENT FOR ME.

I WENT TO THE COMMITTEE ROOM AND MADE THE PRESENTATION.

I BROUGHT ME BACK TODAYS OF BEING A HOUSE REP.

GRATEFUL FOR THEM PASSING IT.

WE WORKED A LOT ON FOSTER CARE SINCE WE COME IN THREE YEARS AGO BECAUSE WHO ELSE IS GOING TO FIGHT FOR THEM.

OUR LIFE, MY FAMILY IS REALLY KIND OF BEEN A PART OF THIS FOSTER CARE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.

MY SON, MY OLDEST SON, PARKER IS NOW A SOPHOMORE AT UGA AND HE'S HAD SOME INTERSECTIONS IN HIS LIFE WHERE HE'S GOT TO MEET GOOD FRIENDS THAT HAVE BEEN PART OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

THIS FOCUSES ON KIDS THAT AGE OUT OF THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM.

IMAGINE YOU'RE 18 YEARS OLD, YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE SAYS YOU'RE AN ADULT BUT YOU'RE NOT READY FOR TACKLING LIFE OR PUTTING YOUR OWN ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD OR BEING ABLE TO TAKE ON A JOB.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US TO CREATE A TAX CREDIT FOR $20 MILLION TO GIVE WRAP AROUND SERVICES THROUGH APPROVED AGENCIES TO HELP THE KIDS NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DIFFICULT PARTS OF EARLY LIFE.

THEY DON'T HAVE A FAMILY TO PICK UP THE PHONE AND CALL WHEN THEY HIT SOME SORT OF CRISIS OR HEALTH CONCERN OR JUST NEED AN ARM TO WRAP AROUND THEM AND GIVE THEM A HUG AND HELP TO THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY.

>> I HAVE TO ASK YOU ABOUT BUCKHEAD CITY HOOD.

THE BILL CAME UP AND YOU PUT IT IN THE URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE.

SOME SAW THAT AS A WAY OF STALLING THE BILL.

HOW DO YOU SEE IT?

>> I'VE BEEN VERY FOCUS ON THIS EARLY AND OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE -- OFTEN.

THERE'S MORE THAN CREATING A CITY.

THERE HAS TO BE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT DETAILS AROUND CREATING IT.

I'M GOING TO REQUIRE ANYBODY IN THIS CITY TO TALK ABOUT THOSE DIFFICULT ISSUES TA ARE OUT THERE.

I DON'T HEAR THIS OVERWHELMING CONVERSATION ABOUT SOLUTIONS TO THOSE CHALLENGES.

WE PUT IT IN A VERY VIABLE COMMITTEE, URBAN AFFAIRS.

IF THE TITLE FITS AND THE DESIGNATION OF THAT COMMITTEE FITS ANY SORT OF URBAN CITY THAT'S BEEN TALKED ABOUT.

CERTAINLY THERE'S THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT COMMITTEE, LESTER JACKSON, IS CONTINUING TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS.

>> YOU'RE A BUSINESSMAN AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, A BIG PART OF IT HAS COME OUT AGAINST IT TOO.

>> THEY'RE WORRIED.

THEY'RE WORRIED IT CHANGES THE TRAJECTORY OF THAT REAL ESTATE AND THE DYNAMICS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEIR CONCERNS ARE HEARD.

LOOK, WE HAVE GOT TO JUST TALK ABOUT MORE THAN JUST PUTTING UP SIGNS TO SAY WELCOME TO BUCKHEAD.

WE NEED TO PUT UP ALL OF THE ANSWERS TO THE TOUGH QUESTIONS THAT ARE OUT THERE.

I DON'T SEE ANY SORT OF ENERGY BEHIND THOSE ANSWERS TO THOSE DIFFICULT QUESTIONS AT THIS POINT.

WE STILL HAVE 30 LEGISLATIVE DAYS LEFT AND MAYBE SOME OF THOSE QUESTIONS WILL START TO BE ANSWERED.

>> WE HAVE SEEN A LOT ANSWERED IN FIRST 10, 11 DAYS OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I'M WONDERING WHAT WE STILL MAY SEE.

IT SEEMS SOMETHING WITH SPORTS BETTING OR SOMETHING WITH GAMBLING.

YOU FORESEE ANY OF THOSE THINGS COMING UP THIS SESSION?

>> CERTAINLY POSSIBLE.

IT'S NEVER BEEN ONE OF MY BIG AREAS OF INTEREST.

I'VE GOT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THE BODY.

NOW NECESSARILY MY OPINION.

IF THE CHAMBER WANTS TO BRING SOME OF THOSE BIG IDEAS UP THEN THAT'S THEIR PREROGATIVE.

WE HAVE THE AMENDED BUDGET AND THE SECOND PART COMING THROUGH.

THERE'S A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES, WE SUPPORT TEACHERS AND OTHER STATE EMPLOYEES.

WE'RE IN A RECORD TIME.

WE HAVE NAVIGATED THROUGH A PANDEMIC.

THERE'S UNCERTAIN TIMES AND I'M CERTAINLY PROUD OF THE WORK THAT GOVERNOR KEMP AND OTHERS HAVE DONE.

>> THE BUDGET SURPLUS HAS BEEN A BOON FOR THE STATE IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, HASN'T IT?

>> CERTAINLY.

THERE'S TONS OF MONEY.

THAT'S NOT JUST BECAUSE OF ACCIDENT.

THAT'S BECAUSE WE BUDGETED CONSERVATIVELY THROUGH THE BEGINNING AND MIDDLE PART OF THE PANDEMIC.

NOW HOPEFULLY WE'RE ON THE TAIL END OF IT.

ONE OF THE CAUTIONARY TALES THAT I CONTINUE TO TELL FOLKS ARE THESE UNPRECEDENTED BUDGET SURPLUSES WILL NOT LAST FOREVER.

LET'S MAKE SURE THROUGH THE BUDGETING PROCESS WE DON'T CREATE UNFUNDED MANDATES IN THE FUTURE.

LET'S MAKE SURE WE TAKE CARE OF THOSE WE NEED TO IN THIS PERIOD OF TIME WHERE WE STILL HAVE HAY IN THE BARN.

MAKE SURE WE DON'T COMMIT FUTURE LEGISLATURES INTO TOUGH, DIFFICULT DECISIONS IF THE ECONOMY SLOWS DOWN BECAUSE IT WELL.

PROBLEM NEAR FUTURE WE'LL START TO SEE SLOW DOWNS IN MODERATE FORMATS.

THAT'S ON THE HORIZON AT SOME POINT.

>> YOU'RE NOT RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION.

LET'S TALK A BIT ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT IN YOUR LEGACY AS YOU LEAVE.

>> I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT ONE OF THE LEGACIES I LEAVE BEHIND IS HARD WORKER.

WE FOCUS ON PUTTING POLICY OVER POLITICS.

I FEEL LIKE THAT'S IN PLACE.

WE HAVE 30 LEGISLATIVE DAYS TO MAKE SURE THAT CONTINUES TO BE THE CASE.

THAT'S IMPORTANT TO ME AND MY FAMILY AND IMPORTANT TO OUR TEAM HERE IN THE OFFICE.

WHEN WE'RE DONE, WE'LL LOOK UP AND FOCUS OUR POLITICAL ENERGIES ON THIS NOTION.

IT GAINS NATIONAL MOMENTUM.

IT'S NOT JUST A REPUBLICAN INITIATIVE.

IF GOP 2.0 IS SUCCESSFUL, IT'S GOING TO HOPEFULLY MAKE THE RULES OF ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES MORE CIVIL, MORE POLICY FOCUSED WITH A BETTER TONE.

I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE OUTPOURING OF SUPPORT WE HAVE GOTTEN FROM REPUBLICANS, FROM DEMOCRATS, FROM ALL 50 STATES THAT SEND US NOTES AND WELL WISHES AND FOLKS IN ELECTED OFFICE THAT CONTINUE TO TELL US TO KEEP THE ENERGY BEHIND IT.

>> WILL YOU MISS IT AT ALL?

>> I WILL.

IT'S LIKE MY BASEBALL CAREER.

I LOVED PLAYING PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL.

WHEN MY CAREER WAS OVER, I DIDN'T MISS THE PLAYING.

I MISSED THE TEAMMATE AND RELATIONSHIPS.

I'M GOING TO STAY AROUND POLITICS AND PUSH THIS NOTION OF A GOP 2.0.

I HOPE TO GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE AGAIN AT SOME POINT IN THE FUTURE.

IT'S JUST NOT GOING TO BE RIGHT NOW.

>> THANK YOU TO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR DUNCAN.

NO SESSION TOMORROW.

WE'LL SEE YOU ON MONDAY.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.