Legislative Week Recap: Judiciary and Reform

This week, the Georgia Ho u s e of Repr esentatives reconvened f o l lowing a winter storm that affected much of the southern part of the state including House district 156. Among the key events was the annual State of the Judiciary address delivered by Chief Justice Michael Boggs to a joint session of the House and Senate. Additionally, House Appropriations subcommittees continued their work on the state budget, and Governor Kemp unveiled a comprehensive plan for much-needed tort reform in Georgia.

Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day The legislative week began with a solemn tribute to the millions of innocent lives lost during the Holocaust. The House adopted House Resolution 50, officially recognizing January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. This resolution reaffirms Georgia’s commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and educating future generations about its horrors.

Monday also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, a reminder of the resilience of humanity in the face of unimaginable suffering. The House took time to reflect on these historical events and acknowledge the responsibility to combat antisemitism and intolerance in all forms.

State of the Judiciary Address On Tuesday, Chief Justice Michael Boggs delivered his annual State of the Judiciary address, highlighting improvements in public confidence in Georgia’s judicial system. Notably, over half of Americans now rate their state courts positively, a testament to the dedication of Georgia’s judicial branch.

Chief Justice Boggs emphasized ongoing initiatives, including efforts to address the statewide shortage of court reporters. A proposed solution involves allowing trial judges to use digital recording systems for certain proceedings, reducing delays in case resolutions.

He also addressed the issue of legal deserts — areas without licensed attorneys — impacting seven rural Georgia counties. To expand legal access, the Supreme Court Study Committee on Legal Regulatory Reform is exploring innovative solutions to assist underserved communities.

Another major topic was the improvement of veteran rehabilitation programs. The Cobb County Veterans Accountability and Treatment Court was highlighted for successfully reducing recidivism among veterans by addressing PTSD, substance abuse, and mental health challenges.

Finally, Boggs detailed growing security concerns within the judiciary. Threats against judges have risen, prompting the implementation of enhanced security training and upgraded safety measures for court officials. Advancing Tort Reform in Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced a new initiative this week aimed at stabilizing insurance costs and updating Georgia’s legal system through comprehensive tort reform. His proposal seeks to curb excessive litigation and lower liability insurance expenses for businesses and healthcare providers, fostering a more predictable legal environment.

Key elements of the plan include: • Reevaluating prem –

ises liability, • Requiring truthful evaluations of medical damages, • Permi(ing bifurcat –

ing of the trial, • Allowing a jury to know whether or not a plaintiff was wearing his or her seatbelt, • Eliminating double recovery of attorney’s fees, and • Prohibiting foreign adversaries from misusing our court system.

These measures are expected to enhance Georgia’s business climate while ensuring fair legal outcomes. By creating a balanced system that protects Georgians, we can maintain our reputation as a pro-business state while safeguarding access to justice. No Georgian should have to live in fear of frivolous lawsuits. You can view the governor’s press release containing more information on my website. Budget Planning Moves Forward House Appropriations subcommittees continued reviewing Governor Kemp’s budget proposals, focusing on the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget. Each subcommittee examined different aspects of the budget, preparing for full House consideration next week.

As part of the budget discussions, we prioritized investments in infrastructure, education, and public safety. Funding allocations for economic development, transportation improvements, and law enforcement enhancements remain key topics as the session moves along. The House expects to vote on the AFY 2025 budget during week 4, and then it should move on to the Senate. Legislative Process in Action In addition to budget planning, full House committees began working on various bills assigned to them. Once a bill is approved by its committee, it moves to the Rules Committee before being scheduled for a vote on the House floor. If passed, it moves over to the Senate, where a similar process takes place. Any differences between House and Senate versions are resolved in a conference committee before final approval and submission to the governor. Remembering Lives Lost

The week concluded with a moment of silence in honor of the victims of a tragic mid-air collision near Reagan Washington National Airport. Among those lost were Sam Lilley, a Georgia Southern University graduate, and Ryan O’Hara, a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief and Parkview High School alumnus. The House extended condolences to their families and all affected by the accident. Visitors to the Capitol

Last week, several constituents visited the Gold Dome. They included: The Georgia Municipal Association held its annual conference in Atlanta last week. I was able to visit with several Mayors, City Council members, and other municipal officials including Mayor Mike Young (McRae-Helena), Mayor Willis Nesmith (Lyons), Councilmen Bob Dixon and Loyd Mobley of Vidalia, Councilwoman Cathy Benton of Lyons, and city managers Jason Hall (Lyons) and Josh Beck (Vidalia).

The Georgia Dental Association’s Law Day was Thursday. It’s always nice to visit with Drs. Leah and Hank Cook, Anna Cook, and Samuel Cook.

The Georgia Bankers Association visited Atlanta and it was an honor to meet with Colony Bank Board Chairman Mark Massee of Fitzgerald.

Looking Ahead

As the legislative session progresses, my colleagues and I remain committed to addressing the critical needs of our state. I encourage you to stay engaged and reach out with any questions or concerns regarding pending legislation. You can contact me at 404-656-0177 or via email at leesa.hagan@house. ga.gov. You may also find answers to frequently asked questions on my constituent services page as Leesa-Hagan.com.

Thank you for trusting me to serve as your representative under the Gold Dome.

By Leesa Hagan R-Vidalia (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)

TOOMBS RECEIVES GAEL VISION AWARD – The Toombs County School System was recognized as a 2024-2025 GAEL Vision Award Winner at the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) Winter Conference in Athens, Georgia on January 26. The ‘GAEL Vision Award’ is an honor given to school districts that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting and encouraging their teachers, principals, and district staff in professional development and actively engage with the GAEL organization through professional learning, state-wide advocacy, and networking opportunities. L to R: Toombs County Middle School Principal Thomas Mercer, Special Education Director Sabrina Woodruff, Toombs County High School Principal Marissa Morris, Superintendent Barry Waller, Curriculum Director Tonawanda Irie, School Improvement Director Brandon Hartley, Lyons Primary School Principal Tracy Mulkey, Toombs Central Elementary School Principal Wendie Sikes, Assistant Superintendent Tabatha Nobles.