>>> TODAY'S RATE OF PAY IS NOT AS COMPETITIVE AS THE STATE SALARIES OFFERED BY THE COURTS IN THE 1980s AND '90s AND THIS COMPENSATION LANDSCAPE ADDS YET ANOTHER LAYER OF DIFFICULTY TO OUR EFFORTS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP-TIER TALENT.

>> GEORGIA CHIEF JUSTICE, MICHAEL P BONDS, WARNS OF CONTINUED SHORTAGES IN THE COURT SYSTEM WORKFORCE DURING HIS STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO "LAWMAKERS" ON THIS 17th DAY OF THE GEORGIA LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

I AM DONNA LOWRY IN ATLANTA.

WE ARE GOING TO SPEND THE SHOW DIGGING INTO MANY OF THE ISSUES THAT THE CHIEF JUSTICE ADDRESSED.

THREE MEMBERS OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, ALL OF THEM LAWYERS, ARE ON THE SHOW, INCLUDING THE REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN.

THE DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE MEMBERS JOINING US ARE ALSO LEADERS IN THE MINORITY PARTY IN THE SENATE.

WE WILL GET THEIR TAKE ON THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY.

>>> ALSO, TWO YEARS AGO, GEORGIA CREATED THE FIRST MILITARY RETIREMENT INCOME TAX EXEMPTION IN STATE HISTORY, BUT THAT IS NOT ALL THE STATE BIDDERS WANT TO DO TO RECOGNIZE RECOGNIZE RETIRED AND ACTIVE MILITARY.

JOINING US IN THE STUDIO IS A GUEST WHO WILL JOIN A COUPLE OF BILLS IN THE WORKS.

FIRST, WE WILL HEAD TO THE GOLD DOME, WHERE OUR SARAH KALLIS HAS THIS REPORT.

>> Reporter: HI, DONNA.

LAWMAKERS FROM BOTH CHAMBERS JOINED TOGETHER TO HEAR THE GEORGIA SUPREME COURT'S ANNUAL STATE OF THE JUDICIARY ADDRESS.

CHIEF JUSTICE MICHAEL P BOGGS WITH A LINE OF SUPREME COURT JUSTICES INTO THE JOINT FLOOR SESSION TODAY, WHERE HE SPOKE ABOUT THE STATE OF THE STATES JUDICIARY SYSTEM, AND THEN TO THE MANY PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTE TO IT.

>> TO ALL OF THESE JUDICIAL SYSTEM PROFESSIONALS WHO MAKE OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM WORK, THANK YOU, ON BEHALF OF ALL THE JUDGES OF THIS STATE.

>> Reporter: WHILE HE PRAISED HER EFFORTS AND SAID THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY WAS STRONG IN GENERAL, THE REST OF HIS MESSAGE WAS A BIT MORE CAUTIONARY.

>> ACROSS OUR STATE, THERE ARE DEFICITS IN THE NUMBER OF COURT REPORTERS, PROSECUTORS, PUBLIC DEFENDERS, COURT STAFF, AND EVEN SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES.

JUSTICE IS CRITICAL TO HEADING OF DOCTORS, NURSES, AND TEACHERS, TO ADEQUATELY DELIVER HEALTHCARE AND EDUCATION SERVICES TO OUR CITIZENS, SO, TOO, MUST GEORGIA HAVE ENOUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICERS, LAWYERS, AND COURT STAFF PROFESSIONALS, TO EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY KEEP THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE TURNING.

>> Reporter: BOGGS SAID THAT INCREASED FUNDING AS WELL AS HIGHER SALARIES IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM WILL BE NEEDED TO HAVE A HEALTHY, FUNCTIONING COURT SYSTEM IN THE FUTURE.

>> TODAY'S RATE OF PAY IS NOT AS COMPETITIVE AS THE STATE IS OFFERED BY THE COURTS IN THE 1980s AND '90s AND THIS ANOTHER LAYER OF DIFFICULTY TO OUR EFFORTS TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TOP-TIER TALENT.

WE MUST RECKON WITH THE FACT THAT THIS TREND DEPLETES OUR POOL OF SEASONED, LEGAL PROFESSIONALS.

IT NECESSITATES TIME-CONSUMING RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING EFFORTS FOR THEIR REPLACEMENTS.

>> Reporter: AND THE INABILITY TO RETAIN AND TRAIN NEW COURT REPORTERS COULD BE A MAJOR PROBLEM.

>> FEWER NEW REPORTERS ARE GOING THROUGH THE PROCESS TO BECOME LICENSED.

THIS MEANS THERE WILL BE NEW RANKS TO REPLACE THE OUTGOING ONES, AND WITHOUT ENOUGH COURT REPORTERS TO MEET THE DEMAND, TRIALS AND OTHER PROCEEDINGS WILL SLOW, ONCE AGAIN.

>> Reporter: HE ALSO SPOKE OF THE GROWING THREAT OF VIOLENCE DIRECTED AT JUDGES.

>> OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ALARMING ATTACKS ON JUDGES IN THE U.S. THAT HAVE MADE NATIONAL NEWS.

NO DOUBTS, THESE ATTACKS AND THREATS ARE MEANT TO INTIMIDATE AND INFLUENCE COURTS AWAY FROM SERVING AS FAIR AND IMPARTIAL ARBITERS OF JUSTICE.

>> Reporter: THE CHIEF JUSTICE SPOKE OF SOME RECOMMENDATIONS PROFESSIONS SAFER.

>> FOR EXAMPLE, PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO KEEP CONFIDENTIAL THE PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF JUDGES, A PROPOSAL ALREADY PASSED IN THE WORKS IN 31 OTHER STATES, AND A PROTECTION THAT COULD EASILY BE EXPANDED TO COVER OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS.

THE COMMITTEE WORK ALSO INCLUDES TRAINING THAT DIRECTOR CHRIS WIGGINS AND HIS STAFF AT THE GEORGIA PUBLIC SAFETY CENTER HAVE DEVELOPED ALONG WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL CLASSES OF COURTS.

>> Reporter: CHIEF JUSTICE BOGGS DISCUSSED THE GROWING LEGAL DESERTS IN CERTAIN PARTS OF THE STATE, AND SOME PROVISIONS MADE TO COUNTER THE PROBLEM.

>> I AM PROUD TO ANNOUNCE THAT LAST FALL, MY COLLEAGUES AND I ON THE SUPREME COURT VOTED TO REVISE THE RULES GOVERNING PROVISIONAL ADMISSION TO THE PRACTICE OF LAW.

WHICH INCLUDED FOR THE FIRST TIME, A PROVISION AND A PROCESS FOR SPOUSES OF ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS.

THIS NEW PROVISION OF ADMISSION WILL ALLOW THEM GREATER CERTAINTY.

IT WILL SAVE THEM CONSIDERABLE CONTINUE THEIR LEGAL CAREERS.

>> Reporter: YOU WHAT ABOUT THE INCREASING USE AND EFFECTS OF AI ON THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS IN I.T.

SECURITY, BUT IT WASN'T ALL BAD NEWS.

>> JUDICIAL CIRCUITS ACROSS GEORGIA ARE NOW REPORTING AN AVERAGE 11% DECREASE IN PENDING, SERIOUS, VIOLENT, FELONY CASELOADS.

THIS IS SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS, PARTICULARLY GIVEN THE GROWTH OF OUR OTHER ONGOING AND INTERWOVEN CHALLENGES, AFFECTING OUR JUDGES' EFFORTS TO MOVE DOCKETS.

>>> ALSO TODAY, THE HOUSE GAVE ITS APPROVAL TO THE MIDYEAR BUDGET.

THE BUDGET ADDS $5 MILLION TO THE ORIGINAL FISCAL YEAR 2024 BUDGET.

>> THE GOVERNOR'S REVENUE ESTIMATE FOR THE AMENDED 2024 BUDGET INCLUDES $2 BILLION IN SURPLUS FUNDS, FOR A TOTAL INFUSION OF $5 BILLION.

FOR AN INCREASE OF 15.6%, OVER THE ORIGINAL REVENUE ESTIMATE.

$5 BILLION.

YOU CAN DO A LOT OF GOOD WITH $5 BILLION.

WILL BE USED FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT, CORRECTIONAL FUNDING, MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, AND OTHER PRIORITIES.

AND, THE HOUSE PASSED A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW THE OPIOID REVERSAL DRUG, NARCAN, TO BE AVAILABLE IN VENDING MACHINES.

>> DRUG USE IS HAPPENING.

WHAT WE ARE DOING IS, AS LONG AS SOMEBODY IS ALIVE, THERE IS HOPE THAT WE CAN GET THEM OFF DRUGS.

IF THEY ARE DEAD, THEY ARE NO HOPE.

THIS BILL EXPANDS OUR ABILITY TO GIVE HOPE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE DOING DRUGS AND GET INTO MEDICAL EMERGENCIES.

>> Reporter: AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS AFTERNOON, REPUBLICAN LEADERS IT --IN BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO THE STATE TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

>> WE ARE MAKING GOOD INVESTMENTS.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE, THOUGH, THAT THESE INVESTMENTS ARE SAVING AND CREATING JOBS IN OUR STATE AND LOCAL COMMUNITIES.

BUT, FOR THE VERY BEST RETURN ON INVESTMENT THAT WE COULD POSSIBLY RECEIVE, BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY, THAT IS OUR JOBS AND THAT IS WHAT WE ARE ABOUT.

>> Reporter: THEY SAID TAX CREDITS FOR HIGH DATA STORAGE WILL SUNSET.

LEADERS ALSO ANNOUNCED NEW REQUIREMENTS TO REQUIRE FOR THE GEORGIA FILM TAX CREDIT.

>>> TOMORROW IS THE FIRST ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY DAY OF THE STATE CAPITAL.

THE CARTER CENTER IS HOSTING THE EVENT ON DAY 17 UNDER THE GOLD DOME.

THAT IS ALL FROM MY CAPITAL REPORT.

DONNA, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU, SARAH, FOR THAT REPORT.

>>> GEORGIA IS HOME TO A LARGE POPULATION OF ACTIVE AND RETIRED SERVICE MEMBERS.

CIVIL BILLS TO HELP MEET THEIR SPECIFIC NEEDS.

JOINING ME IS REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE, STEPHEN SAENZ OF ST. MARY'S.

HE IS CHAIR OF THE SPECIAL RULES COMMITTEE AND IS ALSO THE REPUBLICAN SHARE OF THE GEORGIA FUTURE CAUCUS.

GLAD TO HAVE YOU ON "LAWMAKERS".

>> GREAT TO BE HERE.

>> LET'S GET RIGHT INTO YOUR LEGISLATION, FOCUSED ON THE MILITARY.

YOU ARE COSPONSOR OF HOUSE BILL 880, HELPING WITH THE TRANSITION OF MILITARY FAMILIES WHEN THEY MOVED TO THE STATE, ALLOWING MILITARY SPOUSES TO USE THEIR PROFESSIONAL LICENSES FROM OTHER STATES.

THAT IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE.

APPARENTLY, THERE ARE THOUSANDS INVOLVED, RIGHT?

>> THERE ARE, AND I THINK THERE HAS BEEN NO BIGGER TESTAMENT TO THE HURDLES MILITARY FAMILIES GO THROUGH, AND THE REMINDER WE HAVE RECEIVED, WITH THREE ARMY RESERVIST, VETERAN RESERVISTS KILLED OVERSEAS.

ONE OF THEM, SPECIAL AGENT KENNEDY LED DON, WAS A MEMBER OF MY DISTRICT BEFORE REDISTRICTING IN LA CROSSE.

SO, I THINK WHATEVER WE CAN DO FOR THE FAMILIES OF ACTIVE DUTY MILITARY MEMBERS, BUT ALSO OUR MILITARY VETERANS, IS NOT ONLY SOMETHING WE SHOULD DO BASED ON THE SERVICE THEY HAVE GIVEN TO OUR STATE AND OUR NATION, BUT IT IS ALSO THE SMART THING FOR OUR STATE TO DO.

IT IS A PRIME WORKFORCE WE WANT TO ATTRACT.

WE HAVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES BECAUSE OF THE ECONOMIC SUCCESSES WE HAVE PERFORMED IN GEORGIA.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CAN BUILD A WORKFORCE THAT THE LABOR MARKET IS STRUGGLING FOR RIGHT NOW, AND THE MILITARY COMMUNITY IS KEY TO THAT.

>> THEY HAVE LICENSES ELSEWHERE, AND WE WANT TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR THEM TO WORK HERE?

>> YES, FROM BARBERS, TO REALTORS, TO ANY PROFESSION THAT REQUIRES STATE LICENSURE, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THERE IS NOT SO MUCH TIME ANY TIME A FAMILY IS TRANSITIONING THROUGH THE MILITARY, THAT THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO WORK.

SO, THIS WILL ALLOW PARITY BETWEEN US, RECIPROCATING INSTANTLY AND AUTOMATICALLY THOSE STATES THAT THEY ARE AUTOMATICALLY ARE LICENSED IN, AND WITHSTANDING TO MAKE SURE THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN OUR WORKFORCE FROM DAY ONE OF COMING TO OUR GREAT STATE.

>> AND THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR THAT BILL?

>> THERE IS, AND I HAVE BEEN REALLY HAPPY TO WORK WITH REPRESENTATIVE BETHANY BAUER ON IT, THE LEAD SPONSOR.

SHE WAS A FORMER SPOUSE TO A MILITARY MEMBER, AND SHE KNOWS THE SUBJECT WELL.

I AM PROUD TO REPRESENT KINGS BAY'S AND SUBMARINE BASE AS PART OF MY DISTRICT.

IT IS A GREAT PARTNERSHIP IN ENSURING THAT GEORGIA IS THE BEST PLACE TO DO BUSINESS AND GEORGIA IS THE BEST PLACE FOR A MILITARY FAMILY TO LIVE.

>> LET'S GET TO YOUR OTHER BILL, IT DEALS WITH TAX CREDITS IN MILITARY ZONES, HB 1020.

>> HB 1020 IS A UNIQUE WAY TO LOOK AT HOW WE UTILIZE THE MILITARY OPPORTUNITIES AND TAX CREDITS.

RIGHT NOW, IT IS BEING WELL UTILIZED, AND IT IS SOMETHING OUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IN CAMDEN COUNTY, GEORGIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BROUGHT TO ME.

IT WAS THE ISSUE OF, WE DON'T WANT TO PENALIZE PRIVATE PROPERTY OPPORTUNITIES TO UTILIZE THIS TAX CREDIT BECAUSE RIGHT NOW, YOU HAVE TO BE A PUBLICLY ASSIGNED PROPERTY TO UTILIZE THE CREDIT.

SO, THINK ABOUT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY PARKS.

SO, WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE IS ALSO ALLOWING FOR THOSE BUSINESSES THAT ARE APPLICABLE IN WHERE THERE IS A MILITARY CARE AND MILITARY BASE, THAT THEY CAN UTILIZE THIS TAX CREDIT.

AND IT IS NOT BIG INDUSTRY.

YOU ONLY NEED TWO EMPLOYEES TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TAX CREDIT, SO ALL THE WAY FROM SMALL BUSINESS TO BIG'S NEST, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR MILITARY COMMUNITIES HAVE PATHWAYS FOR OUR VETERANS AND ALL OUR CITIZENS IN THOSE COMMUNITIES TO LIVE, WORK, AND THRIVE.

>> I WANT TO GET ONE MORE PIECE OF LEGISLATION YOU HAVE THAT IS TALK ABOUT HB 2022, THE COLTON McNEIL ACT.

>> COLTON WAS A YOUNG 2-YEAR-OLD WHEN THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED IN CAMDEN COUNTY.

OUR FORMER SENATOR, SHEILA McNEIL, DROPPED THE LEGISLATION.

SHE IS NO LONGER SERVING IN THE HOUSE, SO IT WAS SOMETHING I AM REALLY PRIVILEGED TO WORK ON.

WE ADDED HER NAME TO THE BILL, AS TO MAKE SURE HER LEGACY IS IN TACT WITH THAT, AS WELL.

BUT, LOOKING AT THAT WHEN THERE IS AN ABUSE OF A DISABLED CHILD, THAT IS A PARTICULAR BURDEN, AND A TRAVESTY TO THAT FAMILY, BUT TO OURSELVES, AS CONSCIOUS CITIZENS.

SO, WHAT WE ARE DOING HERE, IS INCREASING THE PENALTIES OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT, IF THAT INDIVIDUAL IS A DISABLED MINOR.

>> AND COLTON WAS NONVERBAL AND JUST 2 YEARS OLD, AND ABUSE.

>> YES, AND HE IS STILL THRIVING TODAY.

HIS MOTHER HAS BEEN A GREAT ADVOCATE FOR THIS LEGISLATION, AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MAKING SURE THAT WE ARE PENALIZING THE PERPETRATORS OF THOSE KINDS OF THAT THEY DESERVE TO BE.

>> OKAY, WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING ON AND TALKING ABOUT YOUR BILLS.

I REALLY APPRECIATE THAT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> ESPECIALLY AS A FORMER MILITARY BRIDE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE SPEECH BY CHIEF JUSTICE BOGGS, OUR CAPITAL CORRESPONDENT, SARAH KALLIS, SPOKE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

SHE STARTED BY ASKING HIS REACTION TO THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY MESSAGE.

>> WE ARE TALKING ALL THE TIME ABOUT ACCESS TO CERTAIN CRITICAL FIELDS IN OUR STATE, ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE, MAKING SURE WE HAVE TEACHERS WELL- PAID, AND OF COURSE ACCESS TO PUBLIC EDUCATION.

BUT EQUALLY AS IMPORTANT, IS ACCESS , FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN INJURED, THEY ARE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME, WHEN THAT FACES YOU, YOU HAVE A FAMILY LAW ISSUE, A COURT ISSUE, AT THAT POINT, YOU REALIZE HOW IMPORTANT IT IS, TO HAVE ACCESS TO OUR COURTS.

LEGISLATION COMING THROUGH THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE RELATED TO ACCESS TO COURTS?

>> YES, IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS A PARTICULAR BILL IN THE HOUSE, THERE IS ALSO A RETIREMENT BILL THAT I AM CHAIRING IN THE SENATE, THAT DEALS WITH RETIREMENT PLANS FOR JUDGES, AND A PAY BILL, OBVIOUSLY FOR PAY FOR JUDGES.

IT IS IMPORTANT TO LOOK AT ALL THESE DIFFERENT ISSUES.

YOU ARE NEVER GOING TO SEE SOMEBODY CAMPAIGN ON GIVING MORE MONEY TO JUDGES, MORE MONEY IN THE COURTS.

BUT, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ENOUGH MONEY, AND WE HAVE A FAIR DISTRIBUTION OF JUSTICE.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THIS NOT JUST FOR JUDGES, BUT FOR PROSECUTORS, PUBLIC DEFENDERS, COURT REPORTERS, EVERYONE IN THE COURT, TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PAYING PEOPLE IN A COMPETITIVE WAY TO MAKE SURE ALL THE FOLKS ARE PAID BECAUSE THE WHEELS OF JUSTICE CAN'T KEEP TURNING IF THEY DON'T WORK TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: AND YOU ARE HOPING THAT WILL ADDRESS THE WORKFORCE ISSUES THAT JUSTICE BOGGS MENTIONED?

>> WORKFORCE ISSUES AREN'T UNIQUE TO THE COURTS, WE SEE THAT ALL THE TIME.

WE SEE THAT WHEN IT COMES TO ACCESS TO PRIMARY CARE, AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN RURAL WE NEED MORE PEOPLE WORKING IN EVERY CORNER OF OUR STATE.

AT THE STATE LEVEL, WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN TO INCENTIVIZE PEOPLE TO WORK IN UNDERSERVED AREAS AND FULLY FUND THOSE TO THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD SERVICES IN SOME AREAS, AND MAKE SURE WE ARE PAYING PEOPLE ADEQUATE SALARIES SO WE WON'T HAVE ALL THESE OPENINGS IN THE PROSECUTORS OFFICES, OPENINGS IN THE PUBLIC DEFENDERS OFFICE IS.

AGAIN, IF YOU HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME AND YOU WANT YOUR DAY IN COURT, YOU HAVE A FAMILY LAW MATTER, CUSTODY MATTER, DIVORCE, YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A CRIME, YOU UNDERSTAND HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO HAVE YOUR DAY IN COURT.

ALL THOSE PIECES HAVE TO COME TOGETHER, TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE JUSTICE FLOWING IN OUR COURT, TO KEEP THINGS MOVING.

>> Reporter: AND IS THERE ANY LEGISLATION PLANNED TO ADDRESS THE THREATS AGAINST JUDGES, THAT JUSTICE BOGGS MENTIONED?

>> JUSTICE BOGGS MENTIONED A PANEL WE PUT TOGETHER TO STUDY THE ISSUE.

I AM NOT SEEING LEGISLATION, YET.

A COUPLE THINGS WE ARE LOOKING AT, ONE IS A BROADER BILL WE HAVE IN THE SENATE RIGHT NOW DOING WITH DACHSHUND, AND ALSO SLOTTING, WE HAVE HEARD A LOT ABOUT.

IT IS NOT JUST UNIQUE, TO OUR YOU WILL LOOK AT A BILL THAT WILL LOOK AT THE IDEA OF HOW WE CAN KEEP ADDRESSES, PERSONALLY IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OF CERTAIN PEOPLE LIKE JUDGES OFF- LINE, AS WELL.

>> Reporter: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU'RE SURPRISED IT DID NOT COME UP DURING HIS ADDRESS?

>> THE ONLY THING I WILL SAY, IS THAT BOGGS HAS WORKED A LOT ALONG WITH JUDICIAL COUNSEL.

REALLY, EVERYBODY ASSOCIATED WITH OUR JUDICIAL DISTRICT WANTS BIG REFORM.

YEARS AGO, CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IS SOMETHING THAT OUR JUDICIAL LEAD ON, AND LAST YEAR, MENTAL HEALTH REFORM, OUR LEADERSHIP WITH SPEAKER RALSTON, AS WELL, THAT OUR JUDICIARY HAS LET ON.

SO, I AM REALLY PROUD OF THE POLICY THAT COMES FROM THIS BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT.

AGAIN, WORKING WITH OTHER BRANCHES, COMING TOGETHER.

THEY ARE IN THE TRENCHES, THEY SEE IN COURTROOMS AROUND OUR STATE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE ADEQUATE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN OUR STATE, AND THEY BROUGHT THAT ISSUE TO US HERE AT THE STATE LEVEL, AND THEY CONTINUE TO STUDY THAT AND GIVE US MORE FEEDBACK.

JUST TO TELL US WHAT ALSO WE CAN DO FOR GEORGIA TO BECOME A BETTER STATE WHEN IT COMES TO PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

>> Reporter: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WANT TO ADD BEFORE WE WRAP UP?

>> I THINK THAT IS IT, I WILL JUST SAY I APPRECIATE THE LEADERSHIP OF CHIEF JUSTICE BOGGS AND EVERYBODY IN OUR JUDICIARY, NOT JUST FOR WHAT THEY DO EVERY DAY, BUT ALSO COMING UP AND WORKING WITH THE OTHER BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PASSING THE RIGHT BILLS, AND GETTING THE POLICY RIGHT WHEN IT COMES TO ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE THEY ARE SEEING IN THE TRENCHES.

>> Reporter: WELL, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> MY THANKS TO CAPITAL CORRESPONDENT, SARAH KALLIS FOR THAT INTERVIEW WITH THE REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE , BRIAN STRICKLAND.

>>> COMING UP, TWO DEMOCRATIC SENATORS ARE HERE TO GIVE US THEIR TAKE ON THE STATE OF THIS JUDICIARY MESSAGE.

SO, STAY WITH US.

>>> "LAWMAKERS" IS MADE POSSIBLE BY GEORGIA FARM BUREAU.

WITH OVER 80 YEARS OF HELPING EVERYONE UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE IN OUR STATE.

AFTER ALL, AG IS GEORGIA'S NUMBER ONE INDUSTRY.

FOOD AND FIBER PRODUCTION REPRESENTS OVER 74 MILLION IN GEORGIA A STRONG ECONOMY.

THE GEORGIA FARM BUREAU LEGISLATIVE TEAM WORKS TO REPRESENT PRODUCERS ACROSS GEORGIA AND THE STATE CAPITAL, DURING THE SESSION AND YEAR- ROUND.

GEORGIA FARM BUREAU, THE VOICE OF GEORGIA FARMERS.

>>> PEOPLE PUT THEIR FAITH IN PBS BECAUSE THEY KNOW THAT IT IS CONSTANTLY DELIVERING QUALITY.

>> IT COVERS THE WHOLE OF THE UNITED STATES.

>> IT IS A FREE AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA.

>> WE GO WHERE THE VIEWERS ARE.

>> WHAT ARE THE CONVERSATIONS THAT ARE HAPPENING RIGHT NOW?

>> WE FEEL THAT CIVIL DISCOURSE IS A CIVIL RESPONSIBILITY.

>> WHAT WE DO IS CENTRIC REPORTING, WITH PEOPLE THEY TRUST.

>> WE GET VOICES ON ALL SIDES OF AN ISSUE.

>> THIS IS THE PLACE PEOPLE TURN TO FOR STORIES THAT MATTER.

>> AND THEY KNOW THAT WHEN THEY WALK AWAY, THEY WOULD HAVE LEARNED SOMETHING ABOUT THE WORLD AROUND THEM.

>> THAT IS WHY THIS MAKES PBS IMPORTANT.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>>> WELCOME BACK TO "LAWMAKERS", I AM DONNA LOWRY.

WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TALKING ABOUT THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY MESSAGE WITH TWO DEMOCRATIC SENATORS, WHO ARE ALSO ATTORNEYS.

THEY ARE BOTH MEMBERS OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.

WE JUST HEARD FROM THE REPUBLICAN CHAIRMAN OF THAT COMMITTEE, BRIAN STRICKLAND.

SENATOR ELANA PARIS IS FROM ATLANTA.

SHE IS THE SENATE MINORITY CAUCUS CHAIR.

AUGUSTUS, IS THE SENATE DEMOCRATIC WHIP.

THANKS FOR COMING ON THE SHOW, BOTH OF YOU.

I WANT TO START WITH GIVING EVERYBODY AN AD IDEA, FROM THE SCENE OF CHIEF JUSTICE MICHAEL BOGGS, HE SAID AMONG OTHER THINGS, HE TOUCHED ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, THE SAFETY OF JUDGES, THE CASE BACKLOGS IN THE STATE, AI AND THE GOAL OF THE AI RAPID RESPONSE TEAM, AND THE LEGAL DESERTS IN GEORGIA, MORE SPECIFICALLY, SEVEN COUNTIES DO NOT HAVE LICENSED LAWYERS.

SO, SENATOR PEREZ, I WANT TO START WITH YOU WITH THE WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ISSUE, BECAUSE THAT IS A BIG ONE, AND I JUST WONDER, IT IS EVERYTHING FROM COURT REPORTERS TO ATTORNEYS, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN.

WHAT HAVE YOU SEEN, IN YOUR WORK, WHEN IT COMES TO THAT?

>> WELL, I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE HERE, IS THAT THE SITUATION WE HEARD FROM JUSTICE BOGGS WITH SALARIES THAT ARE NOT COMPETITIVE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND, YOU KNOW, SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS OF UNFILLED POSITIONS THROUGHOUT NOT JUST THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, BUT ALSO WITH THE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES, AND OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT PROFESSIONALS, ALL OF THAT IS VERY MUCH PARALLEL WITH WHAT WE HEAR FROM A LOT OF OTHER STATE AGENCIES.

SO, WHEN I HEAR ABOUT THAT -- AND, YOU KNOW, WE CAN SAY, OF COURSE, ACCESS TO JUSTICE AND TO THE COURTHOUSE IS A CRITICALLY IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF GOVERNMENT.

BUT, WHEN I HEARD JUSTICE BOGGS' SPEECH, I COULDN'T HELP BUT THINK OF ALL THE PARALLELS THERE ARE TWO SIGNIFICANT TURNOVER, UNFILLED POSITIONS, AND LOW SALARIES, HONESTLY, THAT ARE MAKING THE PROBLEM WORSE, THROUGHOUT STATE GOVERNMENT.

>> YOUR TAKE, SAME THING?

>> ABSOLUTELY, THE SAME THING.

THERE IS SOMETHING WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IN AUGUSTA.

AND YOU MENTIONED AREAS, TOO, TO MAKE SURE YOU ATTRACT QUALITY PEOPLE TO THESE PARTICULAR POSITIONS.

AS THE JUSTICE SAID, IT IS ALL CONNECTED, QUITE FRANKLY.

WE START TALKING ABOUT COURT REPORTERS, HE GAVE A GREAT EXAMPLE.

YOU HAVE EVERYBODY IN COURT, BUT THEN THERE IS NO COURT REPORTER, YOU CAN'T GO FORWARD.

INTERPRETERS, THAT IS ALSO SOMETHING THAT IS REALLY BIG.

HE LAYS OUT FROM COURT REPORTERS, TO PROSECUTORS, TO DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, ALL OF THAT IS CONNECTED.

WHAT SHE IS SAYING IS, WE HAVE TO APPROACH THIS FROM A HOLISTIC MANNER WHEN WE START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS JUDICIARY.

>> YOU TALKED ABOUT THE SAFETY OF JUDGES, TOO.

BUT, WHEN WE TALK ABOUT THE SAFETY OF JUSTICE IS, OF COURSE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT JUST ABOUT EVERYBODY IN THE COURTHOUSE, THE WHOLE THING.

ANY GUIDELINES ON THAT MATTER?

>> YES, WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR JUDICIARY MEMBERS ARE SECURE.

AS YOU SAID, IT IS ALL PERSONS, BECAUSE WE WANT TO MAKE SURE -- THAT IS THE ONE PLACE THAT HAS TO BE SECURE, YOU KNOW?

WE ARE NOT A THIRD WORLD NATION, SO TO SPEAK WE WANT TO MAKE SURE OUR JUDICIARIES ARE SECURE.

WE TALKED ABOUT PEOPLE THAT ARE MURDERED, WE HAVE SEEN ON YOUTUBE, THE PERSON JUMPED OVER A BENCH AND WENT AFTER A JUDGE.

THAT CANNOT BE TOLERATED, SO WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE TO PROTECT MEMBERS OF OUR JUDICIARY, BECAUSE THEY ARE THE FOUNDATION OF OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM.

>> WE.

CHAIRMAN STRICKLAND TALK ABOUT DOXXING, AND SLOTTING, SO THERE IS LEGISLATION MOVING IN THAT DIRECTION, AND SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN THIS ESTATE.

>> ADEQUATELY, DONNA.

WE HAVE SEEN THE THREATS ARISE AGAINST ALL MANNERS OF ELECTED OFFICIALS.

YOU KNOW, THERE WERE SLOTTING INCIDENTS AGAINST THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, SECRETARY OF STATE, AT LEAST FIVE OR SIX MEMBERS OF THE STATE SENATE.

SO, IN THIS INFORMATION AGE, AND IN AN AGE OF A PARTISAN RANK FOR, AND DISINFORMATION, AND MISINFORMATION, I THINK WE DO HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT HOW WE CAN HANDLE THAT FOR THE MODERN ERA.

THIS RISING TIDE OF THREATS NOT JUST AGAINST JUDGES, BUT ALSO AGAINST MANY OTHER ELECTED OFFICIALS, AS WELL.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT BACKLOGS.

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT IT FOR A FEW YEARS, CERTAINLY SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

HE DID CREDIT THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FOR HELPING WITH AN ISSUE.

DO YOU SEE IT IN YOUR WORK?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

ONE OF THE EXAMPLES THAT JUSTICE BOGGS LIFTED UP, WAS DeKALB COUNTY, THE MOUNTAIN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, WHICH IS MY HOME CIRCUIT, AND I BELIEVE HE WAS APPLAUDING THEM FOR SOME OF THE SPECIAL UNITS THEY SET UP TO MOVE THROUGH WHAT HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT COVID ERA BACKLOG.

BUT, YOU KNOW, YOU ALSO THINK, OKAY, THE BACKLOG IS GETTING REDUCED.

THAT IS GREAT, SO THOSE FUNDS WERE WELL USED.

BUT, WE ALSO KNOW THOSE FUNDS ARE GOING AWAY, WHICH THEN LEADS US WITH THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSING.

>> YES, SAME THING IN AUGUSTA?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

ONE OF THE THINGS YOU HAVE TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE JUDICIARY AND COURT SYSTEM IN GENERAL, IS WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE WANT TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO COME TO THIS PARTICULAR ARENA TO PARTICIPATE.

THAT IS GOING TO BE KEY.

WHEN IT IS SALARIES, OR QUALITY OF LIFE, THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO LOOK AT.

OTHER THING THAT EVERYBODY IS INTO, AND THAT IS AI.

WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THAT.

WE TALKED ABOUT IT A LITTLE BIT.

DID EITHER OF YOU WANT TO COMMENT ON WHAT YOU HAVE PERCEIVED TO BE HAPPENING, WITHIN THE LEGAL SYSTEM?

>> WELL, WHAT I HEARD WAS, WE KNOW IT IS THERE.

WE KNOW IT CAN DO SOME GOOD.

WE KNOW IT COULD DO SOME BAD.

AND WE ARE JUST AT THE VERY EARLY STAGES OF TRYING TO GRAPPLE WITH IT.

AND I HAVE HEARD MANY PERSONS IN OTHER INDUSTRIES EXPRESS THE SAME SENTIMENT.

LIKE, EVERYONE IS LIKE, THERE IT IS.

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN?

WE HAVE TO BE ON TOP OF THIS, BUT HOW?

YOU KNOW, SO I THINK THEY ARE AT THE BEGINNING.

>> YOU TALKED ABOUT AN AI RAPID RESPONSE TEAM, WE STILL HAVE TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THAT IS GOING TO LOOK LIKE, I GUESS.

>> AND SENATE ADDRESSED THAT ISSUE, TO SOME EXTENT.

WE HAVE A COMMITTEE HEADED BY SENATOR JOHN ALBERS THIS YEAR, LOOKING INTO IT.

IT IS ONE OF THOSE THINGS THAT WE ALL KNEW WAS COMING, BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE DO WITH THE OTHER THING THAT WAS --AND I DIDN'T REALIZE THIS --BUT, THERE ARE SEVEN COUNTIES IN THIS STATE THAT DON'T HAVE ANY LAWYERS.

THAT IS SAD FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THOSE COUNTIES, BUT THERE HAS GOT TO BE HELP FOR THEM.

>> WELL, YOU OFTEN HEAR ACCESS TO JUSTICE DELAYED IS OFTEN DENIED, AND IF THERE IS NO LAWYERS OR A SHRINKING POOL IN THESE RURAL AREAS, THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS WHICH, AGAIN, THAT IS JUSTICE DENIED.

SO, WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO BRING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE LEGAL SYSTEM, TO TAKE THESE JOBS, WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> I THINK WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL SYSTEM IS A PLACE THEY WANT TO WORK, AND IT SERVES A NOBLE PURPOSE.

AND THEN, WE START TALKING ABOUT HOW TO ACTUALLY ATTRACT INTO THOSE PARTICULAR AREAS, BUT I THINK THAT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE BEEN MISSING.

A LOT OF THAT HAS TO DO WITH PARTISANSHIP.

ALL SORTS OF THINGS, BUT THE LEGAL ARENA IS A PLACE YOU ACTUALLY WANT TO WORK OR MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES.

>> WHAT IS HAPPENING IN LAW SCHOOL?

ARE PEOPLE STILL GOING TO LAW SCHOOL?

WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS?

DO PEOPLE KNOW?

>> YEAH, BOGGS WAS CLEAR THAT WE HAVE OVER 700 STUDENTS PASSED THE BAR, BUT THE REALITY IS WE HAVE A LOT OF TOP-NOTCH, INTERNATIONAL LAW FIRMS RIGHT HERE IN ATLANTA THAT WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR.

I THINK WE HEARD THE STARTING SALARY IN AN APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE I WAS IN TODAY, WE HEARD THAT THE STARTING SALARY FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY MIGHT BE AROUND $58,000, $59,000.

20 YEARS AGO, WHEN MY CLASS WAS GRADUATING LAW SCHOOL, STARTING SALARIES AT THOSE FIRMS WAS $100,000, 20 YEARS AGO.

YOU CAN'T COMPETE ON THAT.

IT IS NOT LIKE, YOU HAVE TO BE PAYING PRIVATE SECTOR WAGES.

BUT, I WAS STRUCK BY THE COMMENT THAT, YOU KNOW, THE DIFFERENTIAL HAS GOTTEN MUCH WORSE SINCE THE '90s.

PEOPLE WILL DO THE JOB, IT IS NOBLE, AS MY COLLEAGUE EXPRESSED.

IT CAN BE A LOT MORE INTERESTING THAN TOILING AWAY OVER THESE BIG, COMPLEX CIVIL LITIGATION CASES WHERE AS AN TRUST ME, I HAVE DONE THEM, RIGHT?

BUT, IT CAN'T BE SO FAR BELOW THAT YOU BARELY CAN SUPPORT A FAMILY ON IT.

>> YEAH, THE OTHER THING I THOUGHT WAS INTERESTING THAT YOU TALKED ABOUT WHEN IT CAME TO THE COURT REPORTERS --AND YOU MENTIONED THEM EARLIER -- THEY ARE JUST AGING OUT, AND THERE AREN'T A LOT OF YOUNG PEOPLE BECOMING COURT REPORTERS.

>> GREAT, YEAH.

YOU HAVE TO BRING PEOPLE INTO THAT PARTICULAR INDUSTRY.

UNDERSTAND, WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM FROM A HOLISTIC STANDPOINT THAT ACTUALLY BRINGS PEOPLE INTO THAT PARTICULAR SYSTEM.

WHETHER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PLACES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S LIVES, BUT AT THE SAME TIME AS MY COLLEAGUE SAID, WE ALSO HAVE TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILY, TOO.

IT MAY NOT BE AS MUCH OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, BUT WE HAVE TO MAKE THAT INCENTIVE THERE, TOO.

>> I KNOW THERE ARE SOME OTHER THINGS YOU MAY WANT TO BRING UP ABOUT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN THE STATE.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO ADD, THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE TOUCHED ON?

>> WELL, ACTUALLY, THIS, I WAS JUST EXCITED TO HEAR THAT VIOLENT CRIME REALLY HAS BEEN DROPPING ACROSS GEORGIA.

OUT, I THINK HE SAID IT WAS DOWN ABOUT 11%.

YOU KNOW, THAT IS A CREDIT TO THE SYSTEM WORKING.

I APPLAUD HOW THEY HAVE WORK EXPEDITIOUSLY TO CLEAR OUT THAT HUGE BACKLOG WITH COVID, BUT WE HAVE TO GIVE THEM CREDIT FOR DOING THAT, AND ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT THE ENTIRE SYSTEM'S EFFORTS ARE ALSO WORKING TO LOWER SOME OF THE VIOLENT CRIME, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS FOR GEORGIA.

>> ANYTHING YOU WOULD ADD?

>> I WOULD SAY HE POINTED OUT THAT WE ARE GOING THROUGH THE RESCUE PLAN FUNDS FROM COVID, BUT LET'S BE SERIOUS ABOUT HOW WE MOVE FORWARD.

THAT WILL BE KEY FOR THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

>> FOR DEALS IN THIS AREA, ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR?

ONE OF YOUR FELLOW SENATORS, TIM JACKSON, WAS SLOTTED.

ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU CAN SLEEP THINK OF, ANY LEGISLATION?

TOUCHED ON, BUT IS A CRITICAL COMPONENT, IS THE PUBLIC DEFENDER.

THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF FUNDING DISPARITIES BETWEEN THE PROSECUTORS, AS TENUOUS AS THAT SITUATION IS, AS IT WAS LAID OUT TODAY, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER SITUATION IS EVEN WORSE AND WE DO HAVE TO MAKE SURE -- >> I APPRECIATE YOU COMING ON TO TALK ABOUT THIS.

IT IS INTERESTING, IT GETS YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

WE WILL SEE IF WE CAN KEEP EVERYBODY INFORMED ON IT.

THAT DOES IT FOR "LAWMAKERS" TODAY.

WE WILL RETURN TOMORROW.

AMONG THE EVENTS AT THE CAPITAL WE WILL TALK ABOUT, IS THE FIRST MENTAL HEALTH PARITY DAY HOSTED BY THE CARTER CENTER.

MENTAL HEALTH WAS A CAUSE DELETE FIRST LADY, ROSALYNN CARTER, CHAMPIONED.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.