We are officially halfway through the 2017 legislative session and now have 8 days left to introduce legislation in the Senate and 20 days left to vote on legislation from either chamber. Things around the capitol will continue to get busier as we near crossover day and eventually sine die.
This week, there were many special guests in chamber including the many pages that come from all across the state to help pass messages to Senators while we are in chamber. These boys and girls are learning so much about the legislative process and are doing a big service to us in helping keep us informed and updated on what is happening outside of chamber. If you are interested in being a page, please contact my office!
On the Senate floor this week were several important bills were passed including 15 and 45. Senate Bill 15 would allow retired law enforcement officers who has served at least 10 of the last 12 years or were injured in the line of duty to be issued a weapons license without having to pay certain fees. This is the least we can do for our law enforcement officers who give so much to us and provide us with a safe state to live and raise a family in. I look forward to supporting our men and women in uniform all over the state in the future.
Senate Bill 45, or the “upskirting bill” would make the observation, filming, video recording or photography under or through an individual’s clothing to view intimate body parts illegal in Georgia. This bill is needed to amend the current outdated law because of today’s technology-saturated society. This action is absolutely an invasion of privacy and something that I was more than happy to support. It’s good to see our privacy being protected and our laws being updated to reflect changes in modern technology.
In the coming weeks, we will continue to hear many more bills both in committees and on the Senate floor. I will continue to update you on what is happening under the gold dome and ask for your thoughts and prayers as we consider more legislation that will affect the lives of Georgians.
I am happy to be serving you at the state Capitol and enjoy updating you on what is happening under the Gold Dome. If you are ever concerned about legislation, have questions, or would like to visit the Capitol, please call my office at (404) 463-2598 or email me at tonya.anderson@senate.ga.gov. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Senator Tonya Anderson represents the 43rd Senate District, which includes portions of DeKalb, Newton and Rockdale counties. She may be reached by email at tonya.anderson@senate.ga.gov.
