>> IS ONE OF THOSE FOLKS DO NOT WANT TO DO IT, THEY WILL BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR NOT FOLLOWING THE LETTER OF THE LAW.

BUT, ALSO, WE HAVE TO UNDERSTAND IF THEY DO NOT LIKE THE LAW, THEY HAVE AN OPTION.

THEY CAN RESIGN FROM THERE POSITIONS AND RUN TO BE A LEGISLATOR AND TRY TO CHANGE THOSE LAWS.

SO LONG AS THEY ARE APPOINTED OR ELECTED TO THOSE POSITIONS, THEY HAVE TO FOLLOW THE LAW.

>> TOUGH TALK FROM THE CHAIR OF SENATE PUBLIC SAFETY, JOHN ALBERS ON IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION AFTER A WEEKEND OF CRACKDOWNS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

GOOD EVENING, WELCOME TO LAWMAKERS ON LEGISLATIVE DAY SIX.

I'M DONNA LOWRY FROM ATLANTA.

AFTER LAST WEEK'S WINTRY WEATHER IS TRUE OFF THE SCHEDULE FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, IT WAS BACK TO WORK.

APPROPRIATIONS LEADERS HAD HOPED TO HAVE THE ALL-IMPORTANT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARINGS IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR BY NOW.

ONE ITEM THAT HAS GENERATED LOTS OF ATTENTION IS IMMIGRATION.

18 GEORGIA SENATORS ARE COSPONSORING A BILL TO PROHIBIT ACTIONS THAT PERMIT THE SO-CALLED "SANCTUARY CITIES. "

WE WILL TALK ABOUT THE LEGISLATION AND HAVE REACTION TO THE DETAINMENT AND DEPORTATION OF IMMIGRANTS IN GEORGIA OVER THE WEEKEND.

> >> ALSO ON THE SHOW, WE WILL HEAR WHAT LEADERS IN EACH CHAMBER SEE AS THE PRIORITIES FOR THIS SESSION.

AS ALWAYS, WE START THE DAY WITH THE RUNDOWN ON THE ACTIVITY AT THE CAPITAL FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT, SARAH KALLIS.

>> Reporter: DONNA, WITH LAST WEEK'S SNOWSTORM, BOTH CHAMBERS HAVE TO PLAY CATCH-UP, PUSHING MANY CANCELED APPROPRIATIONS MEETINGS FROM LAST WEEK INTO THIS WEEK.

THAT MEANT THERE WAS LITTLE FOR BOTH CHAMBERS TO DO TODAY.

IN THE CAPITAL TODAY, REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS OF THE HOLOCAUST.

TODAY: INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY, HONORING TODAY PRISONERS IN AUSCHWITZ CONCENTRATION CAMP WERE FREED.

THE SENATE WAS ADDRESSED, REMINDING THEM THAT DILIGENCE IS STILL NEEDED.

>> AS WE JOIN IN REMEMBRANCE, WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE WHITE WE ARE CHARGED WITH REMEMBERING.

WE MUST ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE WORDS NEVER AGAIN CARRY WITH THEM THE SACRED RESPONSIBILITY OF A COMMITMENT TO ACTION.

JUST AS WE LOOK AT THE PAST TODAY, WITH A VISION THAT CLEARLY DISTINGUISHES BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL, A VISION THAT CLEARLY HIGHLIGHTS WHO STOOD ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY AND WHO WAS ON THE WRONG SIDE.

WHO ALLOWED FOR EVIL TO SPREAD?

YEARS FROM NOW, THE WORLD WILL LOOK BACK AT THIS POINT IN TIME, THE TIME THAT WE ARE IN.

WE ARE THE ONES WHO SHARE RESPONSIBILITY NOT ONLY TO REMEMBER THE PAST BUT TO EXAMINE WHAT WE ARE DOING TODAY IN ORDER TO ACTIVELY STAND AGAINST EVIL.

>> Reporter: CELEBRATION TODAY AS WELL, AS THE SENATE CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE 25th BIRTHDAY OF MARTHA HAYES WHEN.

MARTHA IS ONE IS A SENATE ASSISTANT INTERIM CLERK AND HAS DOWN SYNDROME BUT THAT HASN'T STOPPED HER FROM POSTING HER OWN ZOOM SHOW, TALKING ABOUT DISABILITY POLICY WITH LEGISLATORS, OR GRADUATING WITH A DEGREE FROM GEORGIA TECH AND AMASSING A LARGE FAN CLUB IN THE SENATE.

BESIDES RECEIVING A SENATE VEST, BIRTHDAY BALLOONS AND FRIED PIES TO CELEBRATE, LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR BERT JONES PULLED SOME STRINGS TO GET HER VERY OWN YELLOWJACKET FOOTBALL HELMET.

>> I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND I WANT TO CREATE A BETTER, HEALTHIER SOCIETY.

YOU CAN ALL JOIN ME IN THAT MOVEMENT BECAUSE THAT MOVEMENT REALLY HELPS PEOPLE LIKE ME LIVE MY BEST LIFE AND MY LIFE IS WORTH LIVING AND I AM NOT GOING TO APOLOGIZE BECAUSE MY MOTHER GAVE BIRTH TO AN EXTRA CHROMOSOME AND GAVE ME THIS.

DON'T LIMIT ME BECAUSE I HAVE DOWN SYNDROME.

I HAVE UP SYNDROME AND I APPROVE THIS MESSAGE.

>> TELL IT LIKE IT IS.

> >> AND THE HOUSE, ANOTHER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION.

THIS TIME, COMMEMORATING THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA 240th BIRTHDAY.

UGA WAS THE NATION'S FIRST STATE CHARTERED PUBLIC UNIVERSITY.

>> MORE THAN THESE THINGS, AND MORE THAN A LAND AND THE BUILDING, UGA IS A TRADITION AND IT GOES STRONGER EVERY YEAR WITH EVERY STUDENT AND EVERY CLASS.

I ASK YOU TO GIVE THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, ON ITS 240th BIRTHDAY, A ROUND OF APPLAUSE AND OUR THANKS FOR LEADING OUR STATE.

>> GO DAWGS!

>> GO DAWGS!

>> Reporter: LATER IN THE DAY, LAWMAKERS I SPOKE TO REACTED TO WHAT IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS CALLED "TARGETED OPERATIONS" AROUND THE STATE.

FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MADE ARRESTS IN ATLANTA, SAVANNAH, AND OTHER GEORGIA CITIES OVER THE WEEKEND.

>> I TRUST OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT, WHETHER THEY BE HERE IN GEORGIA OR AROUND THE NATION TO DO THEIR JOBS AND WE HAVE SOMEBODY HERE THAT IS IN OUR COUNTRY ILLEGALLY, THEY HAVE BROKEN THE LAW.

IT IS THE JOB OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT AS WELL AS WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL OUR LOCAL AND FEDERAL AGENCIES TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

>> AM DEEPLY DISTURBED THAT I. C. E. IS COMING TO OUR COMMUNITIES AND TAKING PEOPLE AWAY FROM THEIR LOVED ONES, PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT ABLE WHO NEED TO BE ARRESTED.

THEY HAVEN'T COMMITTED ANY TYPE OF VIOLENT CRIME OR ANY CRIME, REALLY, AT ALL.

AS A PASTOR, I CAN ESPECIALLY DEEPLY DISTURBED THEY WENT TO A CHURCH, KNOCKED ON THE DOORS DURING A CHURCH SERVICE WHILE THE PASTOR WAS PREACHING, AND TRIED TO REMOVE SOMEONE FROM THE SERVICE.

>> IMMIGRATION HAS BEEN TOP OF MIND FOR LAWMAKERS THIS SESSION.

SENATOR BLAKE TILLERY INTRODUCED A BILL IN THE SENATE THAT WOULD CRACKDOWN ON SO-CALLED "SANCTUARY SALARY CITIES. "

SENATE BILL ANYONE WOULD WAIVE SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY FOR SERVICE, DEPUTIES, AND JURORS WHO FAIL TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAW.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE RETURN TOMORROW FOR DAY SEVEN.

THEY WILL JOIN TOGETHER TO HEAR THE GEORGIA TECH IMPORT STATE OF THE JUDICIARY.

THAT IS MY CAPITAL REPORT, DONNA.

>> THANK YOU, SARAH KALLIS.

> >> EACH YEAR, LEADERS IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY COME IN WITH A LONG LIST OF THINGS THEY WOULD LIKE TO ACCOMPLISHED DURING THE 40 DAYS.

TODAY, WE WILL HEAR FROM SOME OF THEM AND GET A PREVIEW OF WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.

FOR THE DEMOCRATS, THE ISSUES INCLUDE PUBLIC SAFETY, EDUCATION, HOUSING, AND HEALTH CARE.

SOME OF THE PRIORITIES FOR REPUBLICANS INCLUDING SCHOOL SAFETY, TAX REBATES AND CUTS, TORT REFORM, AND HURRICANE RELIEF.

JOINING US IN THE STUDIO TO TALK ABOUT THIS AND MORE AND A LIST FOR DEMOCRATS IS SENATE MINORITY LEADER HAROLD JONES THE SECOND FROM AUGUSTA.

WELCOME TO LAWMAKERS.

WE ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO HAVE YOU HERE.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> LET'S START WITH SOMETHING YOU ARE GOING TO ANNOUNCE WITH TOMORROW, DEALING WITH HEALTH CARE.

>> I HAVE A BIPARTISAN BILL THAT WILL BE COMING OUT THAT WILL HOPEFULLY ELIMINATE THE COVERAGE GAP THAT EXISTS IN GEORGIA.

WE CAN GET 500,000 GEORGIANS COVERED FOR INSURANCE.

THAT WILL BE COMING OUT TOMORROW.

IT IS BIPARTISAN.

LAST YEAR, WE WERE ABLE TO GET A HEARING.

THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE AMERICAN AFFORDABLE CARE ACT PASSED IT LOST BY ONE VOTE ON THE COMMITTEE BUT WE HAVE A GOOD BIPARTISAN BILL.

IT IS INNOVATIVE, IT WILL STILL USE PRIVATE INSURANCE COMPANIES IT IS SOMETHING THAT WILL BE FLEXIBLE AND SOMETHING THAT WILL FIT GEORGIA AND WE BELIEVE IT CAN PASS AND ENSURE 500,000 GEORGIANS.

>> SOME PEOPLE MIGHT NOT UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE IN A NEW BIENNIUM.

EVEN THOUGH YOU HAD A HEARING ON IT, YOU HAVE TO HAVE A HEARING AGAIN.

>> WE HAVE TO START BACK OVER BUT WE WERE VERY ENCOURAGED QUITE FRANKLY WE GOT THAT FAR.

NOTHING HAD EVER GOTTEN THAT FAR BEFORE.

WE ARE VERY ENCOURAGED WITH WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR AND WITH THE FORWARD TO PRESENTING THIS YOUR.

>> TOMORROW, WE WILL HEAR MORE AND WE WILL HAVE IT HERE ON LAWMAKERS.

I'M GOING TO GET BACK WITH YOU IN A SECOND.

TODAY, I INTERVIEWED SENATE MAJORITY CAUCUS CHAIR, SENATOR JASON ANAVITARTE A OF DALLAS.

HE CALLED SCHOOL SECURITY ONE OF HIS TOP ISSUES.

>> LESTER, WE JUST ALYSSA'S LAW, GOT STUCK IN THE HOUSE.

WE ARE COMING BACK WITH RICKY AND ALYSSA'S LAW.

RICKY'S NAME BEING ADDED TO IT.

HE WAS THE COACH AND TEACHER WHO WAS KILLED TRAGICALLY AT APALACHEE HIGH SCHOOL.

BASICALLY, THIS LEGISLATION IS REQUIRING THAT MOBILE PANIC ALERT SYSTEMS BE INSTALLED IN ALL THE SCHOOLS STATEWIDE.

THEY NOTIFIED PUBLIC SAFETY AS TO WHERE THERE IS AN INCIDENT DIRECTLY IN A SCHOOL, GETTING RID OF THE OLD TECHNOLOGY THAT WE ARE USED TO WITH BUTTONS AND THINGS OPENING DOORS AND CLOSING DOORS AND ALL THAT KIND OF STUFF.

BUT, WITH THE WAY TECHNOLOGY IS, WE CAN PINPOINT WHEN THERE IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR A HEALTH CARE EMERGENCY ON A SCHOOL CAMPUS.

POWERBALL OUR BILL WOULD REQUIRE DISTRICTS TO IMPLEMENT THIS AND WITH THE FUNDING THE GOVERNOR HAS PUT IN THE BUDGET OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THERE IS FUNDING FOR THIS.

SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE NO ISSUES IMPLEMENTING IT.

>> THE MAIN THING IS TO MAKE IT UNIVERSAL SO EVERYBODY HAS ACCESS.

>> THERE'S A LOT, OVER HALF OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE IT.

THERE'S A LOT OF DISTRICTS THAT DON'T.

WE SAW WITH THE APALACHEE INCIDENT THAT COUNTY SCHOOLS BUT THIS TECHNOLOGY IN A WEEK BEFORE THE SHOOTING HAPPENED AND I REMEMBER AT 10:00 AT NIGHT WHEN THE GOVERNOR WENT ON TV AND TALKING ABOUT THE AWFUL DETAILS OF WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY, ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS HE SAID WAS THAT THIS TYPE OF TECHNOLOGY SAVED LIVES AND ALLOWED FIRST RESPONDERS TO GET TO KIDS AND TEACHERS MORE QUICKLY.

COACH RICKY WAS A HERO ALONG WITH A LOT OF OTHER HEROES THAT WERE THERE THAT DAY.

THE TECHNOLOGY ALLOWED THEM TO SAVE SECONDS OFF THE CLOCK TO PROTECT PEOPLE.

>> DO YOU EXPECT EXPECT TO HAVE COACH RICKY'S FAMILY AND ALYSSA'S FAMILY DOWN HERE AT SOME POINT?

>> I HAVE TALKED TO ALYSSA'S MOM AND I EXPECT HER TO COME UP AND TESTIFY AND ALSO COACH RICKY'S WIDOW AND FAMILY TO DISSIPATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.

>> TECHNOLOGY IS CHANGING SO FAST.

EVEN WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT TODAY, BY NEXT YEAR MAY BE OBSOLETE.

>> IT LITERALLY IS.

ONE OF THE THINGS PEOPLE TALK ABOUT IS PRIVACY DATA AND CRITICAL DATA FAMILIES HAVE IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

FOREIGN ACTORS TRYING TO GET TO THAT DATA.

> >> YOUR THOUGHTS ON WHAT YOU HEARD ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY?

>> SCHOOL SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT AND WE ONLY WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THAT ISSUE.

AND FOR THAT PARTICULAR BILL.

LET'S LOOK AT SOMETHING TO ADD TO IT AND BE TAKING SOMETHING OUT.

ONE THING THAT COULD BE ADDED I WOULD HOPE WOULD BE A RED FLAG LAW, WHICH MEANS WE WOULD KNOW PERSONS WHO SHOULD NOT ON FIREARMS AND WE CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT THAT AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.

ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WAS KIND OF CONCERNING ALSO DEALT WITH MAPPING, WHICH MEANS YOU ARE MAPPING THE SCHOOL TO WHERE IF YOU HAD FIRST RESPONDERS COME, THEY WOULD KNOW HOW TO GET INTO THE SCHOOL.

THAT IS NOT BAD BUT THERE WAS A PART IN THERE THAT TALKED ABOUT IF YOU HAD MAPPING IN THE SCHOOL AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT BASICALLY WOULD BE IMMUNE FROM ANY TYPE OF LAWSUIT.

THAT IS CONCERNING BECAUSE JUST MAPPING ITSELF DOESN'T MEAN THE SCHOOL IS SAFE.

YOU HAVE TO DO OTHER THINGS.

I WOULD LIKE TO POSSIBLY AT A RED FLAG IN THERE AND LOOK AT THE MAPPING ISSUE A LITTLE MORE THOROUGHLY AND WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE IT IS AFFORDABLE.

I THINK THE SENATOR MENTIONED THAT, HE TALKED ABOUT THE GOVERNOR PUTTING MONEY IN THE BUDGET.

IF THAT IS THE CASE, WE COULD GO FORWARD ON IT.

>> AS DEMOCRATS, DO HAVE SOME OTHER SAFETY MEASURES, PUBLIC SAFETY MEASURES.

>> WE HAVE SAFE STORAGE BILLS THAT ARE OUT THERE, ONE LED BY SENATOR EMANUEL JONES.

ALSO, AS FAR AS PROTECTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FROM THEIR ABUSERS.

THEY ARE UNFORTUNATELY ABLE TO PURCHASE FIREARMS.

THERE ARE OTHER THINGS WE CAN LOOK AT.

THE BILL HAS SOME PROMISE.

THERE ARE SOME ISSUES WE CAN LOOK INTO.

THESE ARE THE TYPE OF THINGS THAT POSSIBLY YOU COULD HAVE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT ON.

> >> LET'S TALK ABOUT ANY OTHER PRIORITIES.

ESPECIALLY IN THE EDUCATION REALM.

>> AND EDUCATION, WE HAVE TO BE COMMITTED TO PUBLIC EDUCATION.

THAT IS ONE OF THE KEYS.

LETTER, WE PASSED A FILTER BILL BUT OUR COMMITMENT REALLY SHOULD BE TO PUBLIC EDUCATION.

ONE OF THE WAYS OF DOING THAT IS WE CAN START WAVING OUR FORMULA TOWARD POVERTY.

GEORGIA IS ONE OF SIX STATES THAT THE SUBJECT PROPERTY INTO CONSIDERATION AS WE FUND OUR SCHOOLS.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT COULD ALSO HAVE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT TO WHERE WE COULD FUND SCHOOLS BY LOOKING AT POVERTY.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT ANY METRIC, YOU LOOK AT HOW STUDENTS PERFORM, POVERTY CAUSES A LOT OF POOR PERFORMANCE IN OUR STUDENTS.

>> I KNOW CHANGING THE FORMULA HAS BEEN A BIG TASK FOR A LONG TIME.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

> >> LET'S GET BACK TO YOU IN A SECOND.

I ALSO ASKED LEADER JASON ANAVITARTE ABOUT OTHER PRIORITIES AND HERE WAS HIS RESPONSE.

>> WE ARE BASICALLY FOCUSED ON TORT REFORM, I THINK SCHOOL SECURITY, PROTECTING GIRLS SPORTS.

I KNOW SENATOR DIXON HAS LED ON THIS ISSUE, SENATOR GREG DOLEZAL, WE EXPECT TO MOVE THAT TO THE SENATE, WE WILL SEE WHAT THE HOUSE DOES WITH THAT.

I THINK THE CHALLENGES WE HAVE HAD WITH HURRICANE HELENE, THE DAMAGE TO THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY, THE INVESTMENTS THAT WE NEED TO MAKE TO SAVE OUR FARMERS AND OUR WAY OF LIFE IN THE SOUTH AND MIDDLE INTEREST GEORGIA WHERE FAMILIES HAVE HOLES AND THE REST OF THEIR HOUSES, TREES ALL OVER THE PLACE, THE CLEANUP COSTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS I THINK THAT IS GOING TO BE A HUGE DISCUSSION POINT IN THE WEEKS TO COME AS CHAIRMAN BLAKE TILLERY GOES TO THE BUDGET PROCESS.

>> I HAVE TO ASK, WITH WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE WITH IMMIGRATION, WHAT YOUR THOUGHTS ARE.

>> I HAVE PUT OTHERS THAT SINCE INAUGURATION DAY, PRESIDENT TRUMP HAS BASICALLY CARRIED OUT AND SAID WHAT HE WAS GOING TO DO ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

IN TERMS OF SECURING THE BORDER AND MAKING AMERICA MORE SAFE.

I THINK WE HAVE SEEN THE I. C. E. RAIDS AROUND THE COUNTRY IN CHICAGO AND OTHER PLACES WHERE THEY ARE GOING AFTER CRIMINALS.

WE KNOW THERE ARE ISSUES WITH CARTELS IN MEXICO THAT WE ARE TRACKING HERE IN AMERICA.

EVEN IN THE LAST 24 HOURS THE BACK AND FORTH, THE PRESIDENT OF COLUMBIA HAS HAD THAT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP AND EVEN THE PRESIDENT OF EL SALVADOR IN TERMS OF TAKING THE ILLEGAL ALIENS THAT ARE HERE IN GEORGIA AND FLYING THEM BACK TO THEIR HOME COUNTRIES.

I THINK RIGHT NOW, IT IS ABOUT THE BIGGER SECURITY PICTURE OF AMERICAN AND MAKING OUR HOME MORE SECURE.

> >> I WANT TO GET YOUR REACTION ON WHAT HE ENDED UP WITH AND THAT IS IMMIGRATION.

>> ONE OF THE BILLS THAT IS OUT OF THEIR TALKS ABOUT THE FACT THAT YOU WOULD REMOVE IMMUNITY FROM SHERIFF DEPARTMENT IF THEY DON'T FOR CERTAIN THINGS.

WE WANT SHERIFF TO ENFORCE BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO LOOK AT THE DETAILS.

WE HAVE TO LOOK AT THE FACT THAT WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE CAN ENFORCE.

THEREFORE, I WOULD LOOK AT IT OR SO FROM A VIOLENT CRIME STANDPOINT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THOSE PERSONS ARE NOT IN OUR SOCIETY BUT I THINK IT IS GOING TO BE DIFFICULT AND SHERIFF'S MENTIONED THIS WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT MISDEMEANOR OFFENSES.

THERE IS ROOM TO WORK IN THAT BILL.

WE HAVE TO BE REALISTIC WITH THAT BUT IT IS A HUGE STEP WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT TAKING PRODUCTIONS AWAY FROM THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE.

I REPEAT AND SHERIFF'S OFFICES.

IT IS A HUGE DEAL WHEN YOU START TALKING ABOUT TAKING PROTECTANT AWAY.

ONCE AGAIN, AS A FORMER PROSECUTOR, I AM 100% FOR PUBLIC SAFETY, ESPECIALLY AGAINST A VIOLENT CRIME.

WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE PROTECTING SERVICE AS FAR AS HOW THEY DO THEIR JOB.

>> THAT IS SENATE BILL 21 AND SURE WE WILL TALK ABOUT IT IN THE COMING WEEKS.

I WANTED TO GET SOMETHING ON TORT REFORM.

YOUR FEELINGS ABOUT THIS REFORM.

>> WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT IS INSURANCE AND PREMIUMS GOING UP.

THAT IS WHAT A LOT OF PERSONS COMPLAIN ABOUT.

THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN YOU LOOK AT STATES THAT HAVE BEEN TORT REFORM, THOSE PREMIUMS DO NOT NECESSARILY GO DOWN.

THERE HAVE BEEN MEMBERS OF THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY HAVE SAID WE HAVE NEVER TOLD YOU THAT INSURANCE PREMIUMS WOULD GO DOWN JUST BECAUSE YOU DO TORT REFORM.

WE HAVE TO MAKE 22 ARE MARRIED.

RIGHT NOW, THE RESEARCH AND FACTS DO NOT SHOW THAT PREMIUMS ARE GOING TO GO DOWN JUST BECAUSE YOU CLOSE OF THE COURTHOUSE.

WE WILL LOOK AT ALL ASPECTS OF IT.

WHEN YOU SAY TORT REFORM, THAT IS A BIG AREA SO THERE MAY BE AREAS WE CAN LOOK AT WORKING WITH.

WE WILL SEE WHAT THE GOVERNOR HAS.

>> WE ARE HEARING THAT BE BY THE END OF THE WEEK, WE WILL HEAR FROM THE GOVERNOR ON WHAT HE PLANS TO DO.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING IN AND WE WANT YOU TO COME BACK.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

> >> COMING UP, WE WILL HEAR FROM THE HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER, WHO REPRESENTS THE BRAND-NEW CITY OF MULBERRY.

BUT, DON'T CONFUSE THAT WITH MAYBERRY.

HE TALKS ABOUT IT.

>> AND, IN THE STUDIO, ANOTHER LEADER IN THE HOUSE FROM GWINNETT COUNTY, MINORITY CAUCUS WITH SAM PARK.

YOU ARE WATCHING LAWMAKERS ON GPB.

>> IN FULTON, WE HAD 22 AND I WASN'T CLEAR IF THAT WAS HOUSE AND SENATE MEMBERS.

>> THE GEORGIA FARM BUREAU, THE VOICE OF GEORGIA FARMERS.

>> IT'S GOOD TO HAVE EVERYONE BACK TOGETHER.

>> GOOD NEWS INDEED.

>> PUT YOUR FEET UP A MINUTE.

>> IT'S A BEAUTIFUL.

>> A CUP OF TEA?

>>.

>> FRESHLY BAKED BISCUITS.

>> THIS IS ALL PROVEN RATHER COZY, ISN'T IT?

>> UNDERSTANDING THE PAST GIVES A SENSE OF THE FUTURE.

THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT ANYONE HAS SEEN THIS IN 2000 YEARS.

>> THIS IS AMAZING.

>> I'M EXCITED NOW.

>> POMPEII IS A BATTLE AGAINST TIME.

>> YOU THINK I'M JOKING BUT LOOK AT THIS, IT REALLY HAPPENED.

>> DON'T LET ANYBODY TELL YOU WHO YOU ARE.

>> HISTORY TEACHES US TO HONOR THE PAST.

>> WHEN YOU LOOK BACK, YOU ARE LIKE THAT WAS PRETTY SPECIAL.

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS ALTERING THE COURSE OF HISTORY.

>> YOU ARE CHARGED WITH KEEPING THESE STORIES ALIVE.

> >> WELCOME BACK TO LAWMAKERS.

I AM DONNA LOWRY.

WE HEARD FROM SENATE LEADERS.

NOW WE GET THE PRIORITIES FROM THE HOUSE.

IN A MOMENT, MY INTERVIEW WITH REPUBLICAN HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER OF MULBERRY.

IN THE STUDIO, DEMOCRATIC HOUSE MINORITY CAUCUS WHIP SAM PARK OF LAWRENCEVILLE.

WELCOME TO LAWMAKERS, THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

WHAT TOPS YOUR LIST OF PRIORITIES?

>> WE HEAR A LOT OF GEORGIA BEING THE NUMBER ONE STATE IN WHICH TO DO BUSINESS.

THE DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CAUCUS, WE ARE FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE GEORGIA IS THE NUMBER ONE PLACE FOR GEORGIANS TO LIVE, LEARN, AND LEARN.

REALLY FOCUSING ON HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, AND ECONOMIC LIVELIHOODS.

>> I'M GOING TO GET BACK WITH YOU ON PAGE 2 OF THOSE THINGS.

WHEN I SPOKE EARLIER TO HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER CHUCK EFSTRATION, HE BEGAN HIS LIST OF PRIORITIES TALKING ABOUT TAX REBATES AND TAX CUTS.

>> WE'VE GOTTEN OFF TO A QUICK START.

FIRST OF ALL, TAX CUTS ARE A BIG FOCUS.

THE STATE HAS PASSED $6.

6 BILLION IN TAX RELIEF, REBATES AND CUTS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

BILLION DOLLARS IN REBATES HAVE BEEN PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS.

ALSO, A FURTHER CUT OF THE STATE INCOME TAX.

I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THAT.

MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN PROPOSED, INCLUDING ANOTHER BILLION DOLLARS FOR ROADS, BRIDGES, AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE IN OUR STATE.

SCHOOL SAFETY CONTINUES TO BE A MAJOR FOCUS WITH A $50 MILLION INCREASE IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET THIS YEAR.

THAT IS ON TOP OF $50,000.

00 PER SCHOOL THAT WAS PASSED IN SEPARATE GRANTS AND AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT WENT INTO THE BUDGET THAT WE PASSED LAST YEAR.

I THINK THAT WE ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE COMMONSENSE MEASURES THAT MATTER TO ALL GEORGIANS, CERTAINLY AS REPUBLICAN LEADER IN THE STATE HOUSE, WE ARE VERY FOCUSED ON KITCHEN TABLE ISSUES THAT JUST MAKE COMMON SENSE OR ARE IMPORTANT TO GEORGIANS ACROSS OUR STATE.

>> ANOTHER OF THE PRIORITIES FOR THE GOVERNOR, TORT REFORM OR CIVIL LITIGATION REFORM.

BID ON YOUR BUCKET LIST?

>> CIVIL LIABILITY REFORM IS VERY IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW.

I PASSING IT THIS SESSION IS REALLY CRITICAL TO MANY IN LEADERSHIP HERE AT THE CAPITAL.

WE HAVE A SYSTEM RIGHT NOW WHERE GEORGIA IS KNOWN AS THE NUMBER ONE STATE FOR BUSINESS.

WE ALSO HAVE INSURANCE CARRIERS THAT ARE LEAVING THE STATE AND PREMIUMS ARE RISING TO SUCH A HIGH LEVEL THAT BUSINESS OWNERS AND GEORGIANS CAN'T AFFORD TO PAY THEM.

WE REALLY HAVE TO LOOK AT ALL ASPECTS OF CIVIL LIABILITY WHERE WE CAN MAKE SURE THAT PLAINTIFFS WHO NEED TO BRING CASES BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN WRONGED ARE ABLE TO DO THAT BUT THAT THERE IS NOT AN UNDUE IMPACT ON THE ENTIRE SYSTEM THAT REALLY JUST DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

AND, I THINK THAT THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSAL, WHICH SHOULD BE COMING OUT THIS WEEK, I EXPECT, WILL REALLY GIVE US SOME GUIDELINES AS TO WHAT HE'S SEEKING TO HAVE DONE THIS SESSION.

>> OKAY.

CAUCUS MINORITY WHIP PARK, THERE IS A LOT TO UNPACK.

LET'S START WITH TAX CUTS AND TAX REBATES, YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> THE DEMOCRATIC APPROACH IS GOING TO BE FOCUSED ON MAKING SURE THAT WORKING FAMILIES RECEIVE TAX RELIEF AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.

AS AN EXAMPLE, YOU KNOW, MYSELF, MY DEMOCRATIC COLLEAGUES HAVE INTRODUCED THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE ANTIPOVERTY MEASURES THAT INCENTIVIZES PEOPLE TO WORK HARDER AND TO EARN MORE.

WE HAVE ALSO INTRODUCED A TAX CREDIT FOR CHILD CARE AS WELL AS TAKING CARE OF YOUR DEPENDENTS.

ONE OF THE BIG CHALLENGES I THINK WE ARE SEEING WITH OUR ECONOMY AS A WHOLE IS THE RICH GETTING RICHER AND THE POOR GETTING POORER AND WE HAVE TO BE INTENTIONAL WITH ENSURING THAT IF WE HAVE THE CAPACITY TO PROVIDE TAX RELIEF, THAT WE ARE BEING STRATEGIC AND INTENTIONAL WITH ENSURING WE ARE LIFTING UP ALL GEORGIANS AND PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERYBODY.

>> WE WILL SEE SOME OF THOSE BILLS COME THROUGH AGAIN.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

> >> LET'S TACKLE TORT REFORM.

YOU ARE AN ATTORNEY.

>> IT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE THE GOVERNOR HAS TALKED ABOUT TORT REFORM BEING HIS NUMBER ONE ISSUE FOR GOING ON TWO YEARS NOW.

MY TEAM AND I ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL, WE KNOCKED PROBABLY $30,000 AND NOT A SINGLE FILTER I TALKED TO BROUGHT UP THE ISSUE OF TORT REFORM, NECESSARILY.

SO, WE WILL SEE WHAT THE GOVERNOR DECIDES TO PROPOSE.

I WOULD AGREE WITH THE MAJORITY LEADER THAT WE HAVE TO BE CAUTIOUS IN TERMS OF HOW WE APPROACH THIS ISSUE.

WE HAVE TO BE FAIR ON ALL SIDES, CERTAINLY GIVEN THE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON ALL GEORGIANS.

>> IT CERTAINLY IS BIG.

IT WILL HAVE TO BE IN PIECES, AND THINKING, TO GO THROUGH EVERYTHING.

> >> I KNOW THAT YOU ALSO HAVE BEEN TALKING ABOUT A TAX CREDIT FOR CLEAN ENERGY.

TALK A LITTLE ABOUT THAT.

>> GEORGIA IS A GROWING STATE AND I THINK ESPECIALLY WITH THE DEBATE OVER DATA CENTERS LAST YEAR AND AROUND THE COUNTRY, WE HAVE TO BE VERY SMART AS TO ENSURING THAT WE ARE CONTINUING TO GROW IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER.

SO, THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION, I WILL BE INTRODUCING A TAX CREDIT FOR CLEAN ENERGY PRODUCTION AND INVESTMENT IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

A FEW YEARS AGO, OF COURSE, UNITS THREE AND FOUR OF THE FIRST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT CAME ONLINE.

CARBON FRAME, EMISSION FREE ENERGY FOR DECADES TO COME.

I THINK GEORGIA CAN CONTINUE TO BE A LEADER WITH RESPECT TO CLEAN ENERGY.

AGAIN, WE NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT INCENTIVES IN PLACE.

>> WHAT ARE WE TALKING, SOLAR PANELS, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

>> THE TAX CREDIT AT LEAST TWO PROVISIONS IN THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT AND IT COVERS ALL POTENTIAL CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES FROM SOLAR TO HYDRO TO BIOFUELS, CERTAINLY WITH RESPECT TO OUR FORESTRY INDUSTRY, THERE'S A LOT OF OPPORTUNITY AND PROMISE THERE TO BE MORE INNOVATIVE.

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE GEORGIA BE A LEADER WITH RESPECT TO BRINGING NEW, INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE GROWING IN A SUSTAINABLE MANNER, CERTAINLY WITH RESPECT TO CLEAN ENERGY.

>> ARE YOU THINKING A RESOLUTION TO LOOK INTO IT OR A STUDY COMMITTEE?

>> IT WILL BE TWO SPECIFIC PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT PROPOSED CLEAN ENERGY TAX CREDIT THAT WOULD BE TRANSFERABLE.

I HAVE ALSO REQUESTED A FISCAL NOTE TO ASSESS HOW MUCH IT MAY COST THE STATE THAT WE HAVE SEEN MANY DIFFERENT INDUSTRY BASED TAX CREDITS BE VERY SUCCESSFUL.

THE FILM AND TV TAX CREDIT AND TOP OF MIND.

HOPEFULLY WE WILL BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING OR AT THE VERY LEAST BEGIN A CONVERSATION WITH RESPECT TO ENSURING THAT TAX CREDITS INCENTIVIZE BUSINESSES, INDIVIDUALS TO BE INNOVATIVE AND BRING ABOUT MORE CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES HERE IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

>> GET THEM TO THINK OUT OF THE BOX.

I KNOW YOU AND THE LEADER CHUCK EFSTRATION ARE OUT OF THE GWINNETT COUNTY CAUCUS.

I UNDERSTAND IT IS 21 MEMBERS NOW.

YOU ARE JUST A GROWING AND GROWING.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

>> SECOND ONLY TO FULTON COUNTY.

ARE THERE SPECIFIC PRIORITIES YOU THINK FOR GWINNETT COUNTY YOU ARE LOOKING AT?

>> FIRST AND FOREMOST, FOR GWINNETT COUNTY, LOCAL CONTROL IS IMPORTANT.

WE HAVE HAD, UNFORTUNATELY, MANY FIGHTS OVER LOCAL CONTROL FROM REDISTRICTING TO ANNEXATIONS.

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE MAINTAIN THE HISTORICAL PRECEDENT OF LOCAL CONTROL, MEANING WE ARE ALLOWING THE LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS WHO ARE CLOSEST TO THE PEOPLE TO DECIDE CERTAIN ISSUES THAT DIRECTLY IMPACT VOTERS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY.

>> I UNDERSTAND YOUR MEETING TOMORROW FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS SESSION.

THINGS WILL COME OUT OF THAT.

SO, GWINNETT COUNTY HAS A NEW CITY LEADER IN CHUCK EFSTRATION.

HE IS THE FIRST TO REPRESENT THE MULBERRY AREA.

I ASKED HIM ABOUT THAT.

>> YOU ARE THE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE NEW CITY OF MULBERRY.

HOW DOES THAT FEEL AND IS THERE ANYTHING COMING OUT OF GWINNETT COUNTY WE CAN EXPECT?

>> IT IS A CITY STATE AT THE CAPITAL.

WE ARE EXCITED TO HAVE THE CITY OF MULBERRY PARTICIPATE, GEORGE'S NEWEST CITY AND IT IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL CONTROL, PLANNING AND ZONING, WITHOUT A CITY PROPERTY TAX.

THE NEW MAYOR WAS HERE AT THE CAPITAL EARLIER.

IT'S GOING TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS.

I AM SO EXCITED FOR IT AND THE CONSTITUENTS I REPRESENT HAVE GIVEN ME A RESOUNDING VOICE OF SUPPORT WITH THE NEW CITY OF MULBERRY.

NEW CITY IS SO EXCITING, IT IS MULBERRY, NOT MAYBERRY.

SOMETIMES THAT QUESTION IS OUT THERE.

NORTH EASTERN GWINNETT, IT'S GOING TO BE TERRIFIC.

>> NOT MAYBERRY.

WE KNOW THAT.

THAT IS WAY UP IN THE NORTHEAST PART OF A HUGE COUNTY.

YOU VOTED AGAINST MULBERRY BECOMING A CITY.

WHY AND WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS NOW?

>> I VOTED AGAINST THE MULBERRY PROPOSAL AND A LOT OF MY COLLEAGUES DID AS WELL BECAUSE IT DID NOT FOLLOW THE TRADITIONAL PROCESS THAT WE GO THROUGH WITH RESPECT TO CREATING NEW CITIES IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA.

THE GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HAS A LOT OF STANDARD TOOLS THAT ENSURE THAT WHEN WE ARE CREATING A CITY, WE ARE DOING SO INTENTIONALLY.

ESSENTIALLY OVER A TWO-YEAR TIME TO ENSURE THAT WITH RESPECT TO LOCAL SERVICES THAT ARE PROVIDED, THERE IS A DISCUSSION BETWEEN A FUTURE CITY AND THE COUNTY.

IT IS A VERY COMPLEX MATTER WITH RESPECT TO CREATING NEW CITIES.

ULTIMATELY, I VOTED NO BECAUSE IT DID NOT FOLLOW THE TRADITIONAL PROCESS THAT ALLOWED FOR INPUT FROM ALL OF THE FOLKS AT WOULD OTHERWISE BE IMPACTED.

>> WHAT DO YOU THINK NOW THAT IT IS IN PLACE?

>> THAT IT IS IN PLACE, THERE IS STILL A QUESTION AS TO WHAT SERVICES THE CITY WILL BE PROVIDING AND WHAT SERVICES THE COUNTY WILL BE PROVIDING.

THE OTHER BIG CONCERN, OF COURSE, WAS WITH RESPECT TO THE CITY CHARTER AND THERE WERE CONCERNS THAT IT WOULD BE UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

AND THAT THE GEORGIA STATE CONSTITUTION IS VERY CLEAR IN THAT CITIES HAVE CERTAIN POWERS IN WHICH THE CITY CHARTER THAT WE PASSED AND I VOTED AGAINST DID NOT INCLUDE.

SPECIFICALLY, I THINK IT WAS THE ABILITY TO TAX.

ONE OF THE BIG FACETS OF THE CITY OF MULBERRY WAS WE ARE NOT GOING TO TAX OUR RESIDENTS, SIMILAR TO PEACHTREE CORNERS.

WHEN WE SAW WHAT HAPPENED WITH PEACHTREE CORNERS, THE LEGISLATURE HAD TO COME BACK AND FEW YEARS AFTERWARDS AND AMEND THE CITY CHARTER.

WHO KNOWS WHETHER OR NOT WE WOULD SEE THE SAME THING WITH RESPECT TO THE CITY OF MULBERRY.

>> YOU ARE A BIG COMPANY GEOGRAPHICALLY AND IN POPULATION.

ANY OTHER CITIES MAYBE THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL POP UP?

>> I HOPE NOT.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO CREATE A NEW CITY, I HOPE THE FOLKS INTERESTED GO THROUGH THE PROPER ASSESS TO ENSURE THAT ALL INDIVIDUALS AND ENTITIES IMPACTED HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE THAT THAT CITY WILL BE SUCCESSFUL.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING ON THE SHOW.

APPRECIATE THAT AND YOU WILL COME BACK, I AM SURE.

THAT DOES IT FOR LAWMAKERS TODAY.

WE WILL BE BACK TOMORROW, WHEN LEGISLATORS WHO ARE ALSO LAWYERS JOIN US TO REFLECT ON THE STATE OF THE JUDICIARY.

SUPREME COURT JUSTICE, CHIEF JUSTICE MICHAEL P. BOGGS WILL DELIVER HIS ADDRESS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOMORROW MORNING.

UNTIL THEN, HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.