Session Day 15: 2.9.26

The hour for convening having arrived, all members will please take their seats. The clerk will please ring the bell. We're going to have the morning roll call. All members present will please vote green to signify their presence in the chamber, and the clerk will unlock the machines. Have all members voted?

Have all members voted?

If

so, the clerk will lock the machines. Doorkeepers will please close the doors and keep them closed. We will begin our day with scripture reading and prayer by the chaplain, after which we will pledge allegiance to the flag of our country. Our chaplain this morning will be introduced by the lady from the 135th House District, representative Beth Camp.

Thank you madam pro tem. It's an honor to be here today on this beautiful Monday morning. And, colleagues, it's truly a pleasure to introduce Billy Smith, pastor of Christ Chapel Church in Zebulon, which he serves in West Central Georgia, and the church has eight beautiful campuses. Pastor Billy is known for his servant leadership, strong faith, and his genuine heart for people. Under his leadership, Christ Chapel has done tremendous things through outreach and volunteer efforts, meeting real needs, strengthening families, and making meaningful different difference across our communities.

Beyond his ministry, Billy is the proud father of four beautiful children and the loving wife loving husband to his wife, Tina. He leads through humility, speaks with conviction, and serves with consistently consistency. I am very pleased to call Billy Smith my friend. He is always there. I've reached out to him many times over the years, just needing to have a sounding board to hear his opinion.

He's always very kind and very generous in that. And so this morning, I'd like to introduce pastor Billy Smith. Thank you.

Good morning, everybody. I was told years ago, by an older pastor, He gave me some advice. He said, he who was short winded shall be heard again. So if you wanna share that with your pastor for Sunday services, that'll be fine. Thank you, representative Camp, for the invitation today.

She represents our district so well. And thank you, mister speaker, for the opportunity. I can do three points in three minutes if you can listen fast. How about that? We'll make a deal right now.

Faith that lasts. Faith that lasts. Point number one, faith has to believe when it can't see. Often in in the Christian faith, God's asking us to step out and do things that we can't really see how it's gonna turn out. We like to face situations that have obvious answers, but they're not always so obvious.

Sometimes the bills stack up, our health has a shift, we have a relationship that's stretched or strained, and life doesn't always just give us what we ask for. Hebrews chapter 11 verse one says, faith is confident in what we hope for in the assurance of what we do not see. And let's be honest, some of you here are my age or older. There's a few of you maybe younger, but I have these things I call cheaters. These are reading glasses.

Most of you have those. We probably have 25 pair at my house. We can't find them, but we have 25 pair. And last week, I was walking around the house looking for a pair, and I went into the bathroom. I thought maybe I left them on the counter there, and, they weren't there.

But I looked over the sink in the mirror and they were on top of my head. I don't I know none of you've ever done that before, but even even sometimes when God doesn't seem near, our our faith seems a little bit lost. He's always close. Even if we're not seeing him, we don't feel him, he's always near. So faith believes when it can't see.

Point number two, faith obeys when it doesn't understand. And sometimes God just asks us to do stuff that doesn't seem to have a clear explanation. We like timelines and guarantees in life, but that's not what faith is about. Faith rarely comes with a blueprint. James says it this way in scripture.

He says that faith without works is dead. It requires us to do something. Sometimes God's instructions feels a little bit like a GPS system, the navigation in your car. I'm from a hour and a half south of here, hour and ten minutes south of here, and I'm in a rural area. And sometimes when the GPS, tells me to go in a certain direction, I get confused because it sends me through a cornfield or it takes me down an old dirt road.

And you know what I found out though, typically that GPS gets me where I'm supposed to go if I'll just follow it. Even though I don't understand the steps sometimes, if I'll just follow, I get where I'm supposed to be. And it's like that with our faith. Often Noah in the Old Testament was building a boat, a crazy sized boat with limited instructions, but his faith just allowed him to continue to build. Even though he didn't understand all the pieces yet, his faith in God was strong.

Point number three, faith endures when it wants to quit. I don't know about you guys, but there have been a few moments in my life, few times that I felt like throwing the towel in. I felt like quitting. I have board meetings as well with Christian men usually and women. And, you would think that would always turn out well, but sometimes it's difficult.

It's hard sometimes, and somebody giggled because they've been in one of those recently. Right? We all sometimes wanna quit. It's easy to be excited about things in the beginning, but I like people who finish stuff. At the at the first of the year this year, we know that gyms, local gyms had a, had record numbers of people sign up to get in shape.

Some of you may have signed up to get in shape. The January is called National Quitters Day, in case you're wondering. The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Right? And but faith needs to be something that helps us finish this journey that God's given us all to do.

Everybody in this room has an amazing calling on your life, and I wanna have the kind of faith that lets me finish. Trials really do refine our faith the way that gold is refined and fire. The Apostle Paul wrote half of the New Testament almost, and he said this, we walk by faith, not by sight. Meaning we keep walking even when the path is hard and the path is difficult. Three points in three minutes.

Faith endures when it wants to quit. Faith believes when it can't see, and faith obeys when it doesn't understand. And I pray today that your faith in Christ remains strong. Would you stand today and allow me to pray over you? Lord, thank you for this day and your goodness and your kindness.

I'm grateful for the men and women in this room who serve our state so well. Would you give them today the, wisdom and discernment and clarity as they make decisions? Thank you for allowing us to live in this wonderful state. I think it's the best in the whole USA. I really do.

I love Georgia. Thank you for your blessings. We love you today in Christ's name, and we say together,

the flag of The United States Of America, to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you for your time.

Doorkeepers will unlock the doors. Members may meet the chaplain in the South Anteroom. Chair recognizes chairman Hilton, the chair of the Committee on Information and Audits.

Thank you, madam speaker. The committee on information and audits has reviewed the journal on the previous legislative day, and we have found it to be correct.

Chairman Hilton, the chair of the committee on information and audits reports the journal of the previous legislative day has been read and found to be correct. Is there any objection to dispense with the reading of the journal? The chair hears none. The reading of the journal is dispensed with. Is there any objection to the confirmation of the journal?

The chair hears none, and the journal is confirmed. The clerk will read the resolutions establishing the order of the business of the day.

First and the administration of the hundred and fourth moves following be established as the order of business during the first part of the period unanimous consents. Introduction of bills and resolutions, first reading in reference of house bills and resolutions, second reading of bills and resolutions, reports of standing committees, first reading in reference of senate bills and resolutions, morning orders.

Is there any objection to the adoption of the resolution establishing the order of business for the day? The chair hears none. The resolution is adopted. First reading of bills. First reading of bills and resolutions, the clerk will read.

House bill twelve thirty by representative Jones, the twenty fifth Thomas, the twenty first Grove with a hundred and eighteenth, Hitchens, the hundred and sixty first, and Lumsden to the twelfth. The bill will be titled back to amend chapter one of title six. The official code of Georgia Annantator relating the general provisions regarding aviation.

Technology and infrastructure innovation.

House bill twelve thirty one by representative Corbett of this 170, Moptown of the seventeenth, Parsons of the forty fourth, Greene and the hundred and fifty fourth, Wilkerson of the thirty eighth. They'll be titled an act to amend subpart two of part six of article six of chapter two of title 20, the official code of Georgia Annotator relating to conditions of employment.

Education.

House bill twelve thirty two by represent Chokas of the hundred and fifty first, Erwin of the thirty second, Dubnick of the twenty ninth, Ballard of the hundred and forty seventh, Hilton of the 48th, and others. They'll be titled an act to amend subpart two, part one of article 16 of chapter two with title 20 of the official code of Georgia annotated relating to compulsory attendance.

Education.

House bill twelve thirty three by representative Carpenter, the fourth crow of the hundred and eighteenth, Clifton of the hundred and thirty first, Fryer, the hundred and twenty second, Washburn, the hundred and forty fourth. They'll be titled in act to amend chapter seven, the title 36, the official code of Georgia annotated relating the development impact fees.

Governmental affairs.

Hospital twelve thirty four by representative Taylor, the hundred and seventy third, McDonald, the twenty sixth, Mathis, the hundred and thirty third, Santos, the hundred and seventeenth, Stinson, the hundred and fiftieth. They'll be titled an act to amend chapter 19, title 47 of the official code of Georgia annotator relating to state employees assurance department. Retirement. House bill twelve thirty five by representative Hilton of the forty eighth, Montpellier on the seventeenth, Reeves the ninety ninth, Gullet of the nineteenth, Herring of the hundred and forty fifth, and others. They'll be titled act to amend chapter five of title 21 of the official code of Georgia annotator relating to government transparency and campaign finance.

Governmental affairs. House bill twelve thirty six by representative Kelly, the sixteenth Newton, a hundred and twenty seventh, Hatchett of the hundred and fifty fifth, Matheak of the eighty second, Douglas, the seventy eighth, and others. They'll be titled an act to amend code section thirty three forty six six of the official code of Georgia Annotator relating requirements for certification.

Health health?

House bill twelve thirty seven by representative Bell of seventy fifth Tran in the eightieth, Davis in the eighty seventh, Carter the ninety third, base Moore the sixty ninth, and others. It'll be titled an active men chapter eight to title 12 of the official Go to Georgia Annotator relating to waste management.

Natural Resources and Environment.

Hospital twelve thirty eight by representative Dempsey the thirteenth, Hawkins the twenty seventh, Cameron of the first, Crawford the eighty ninth, Cooper the forty fifth. They'll be titled an active amendment. Article seven of chapter four, title 49 of the official code of Georgia annotator relating medical assistance generally.

Human relations and aging.

House bill twelve thirty nine by representative Barry the 50 six, Wilkerson the thirty eighth, Ali the hundred and sixth, Clark of the hundred and eighth, Lupton of the eighty third. It'll be titled back to amend subpart two, part one of article 16 to 16 to chapter two, title 20 of the official code of Georgia annotated relating to compulsory attendance relative to elementary and secondary education.

Education.

House bill twelve forty by representative Martin of the forty ninth, Cox the twenty eighth, Kelly the sixteenth, Hilton of the forty eighth, Cannon the hundred and seventy second. They'll be titled an act to amend chapter 44, title 36, the official code of Georgia Annotator relating to redevelopment powers.

Ways and means.

House bill twelve forty one by representative Crawford the eighty ninth and Oliver the eighty fourth. Bill be titled act to amend an act providing a new charter for the city of Decatur.

Intergovernmental coordination.

House bill twelve forty two by representative Byrd of the twentieth, Kahanean in the eighty first, Horner in the third, Matheac in the eighty second, Ridley the twenty second. The bill will be titled an act to amend chapter 12 with title 31 of the official code of Georgia Annotator relating the control of hazardous conditions.

Public and community health.

House bill twelve forty three by representative Holcomb of the hundred and first Jones of the twenty fifth, Baird of the twenty fourth, and Miller of the sixty second. The bill will be titled an act to amend chapter 18 at title 50 of the official code of Georgia Annotated relating to state printing and documents. Judiciary. House bill twelve forty four by representative Ali, the hundred and sixth, Ballard, the hundred and forty seventh, Glaze, the sixty seventh, Green, the hundred and fifty fourth, Carter, the ninety third. It will be titled an act of amend code section twenty two two eighteen of the official code of Georgia annotator relating the duty free lunch period and planning period required.

Education.

House resolution twelve sixty nine by representative Glaze and then sixty seventh bearer to the twenty fourth, Friar the hundred and twenty second, Erwin of the thirty second, Prince the hundred and thirty second, and others A resolution urging the Department of Education to provide informational support to school districts.

Special rules.

House resolution twelve seventy by representative Seeball, the thirty fourth, Hawkins the twenty seventh, Franklin of the hundred and sixtieth, Stevenson, the hundred sixty fourth, Rice, the hundred thirty ninth, and others, a resolution recognizing May 2026 as savior tooth month.

Special rules.

House resolution twelve seventy one by representative Cannon, the hundred and seventy second and four to the hundred and seventieth, a resolution honoring the life of mister William Brown Lovett and dedicating an interchange in his memory.

Transportation.

Senate bill three eighty three by senator Kirkpatrick on the thirty second Albers and the fifty sixth Hatcher, the fiftieth Robertson, the twenty ninth Jackson, the forty first, and others. They'll be titled back to amend chapter 15 to title 19 of the official code of Georgia annotated relating to child abuse.

Oh, yeah. I no. I don't have that one.

S b what? S b three.

Three eighty two. Juvenile judiciary juvenile.

Senate bill four zero two by senator Kilt Tillery, the nineteenth, Kirkpatrick, the thirty second, Dixon, the forty fifth, Walker, the twentieth, Anna DeVart, the thirty first, and others. They'll be titled an act to amend chapter five with title 49. And the official go to Georgia Annotator relating to programs and protections for children and youth.

Judiciary juvenile?

Senate bill four thirty one by senator Kirkpatrick of thirty second, Hatch in the fiftieth, Payne in the fifty fourth, Gucci in the fifty first, and Perrin to the forty fourth. They'll be titled an act of men code section twenty two six seventy, the official code of Georgia annotator relating disclosures and information

required. Education.

Senate resolution six twenty two by senator Kirkpatrick of the thirty second, Hatchett of the fiftieth, parent of the forty fourth, Payne of the fifty fourth, Brass the sixth, and others, a resolution creating the joint study committee on evaluating escalating costs in Georgia's foster care system.

Judiciary Juvenile.

That completes first readers.

Does he wanna go now?

Second reading of bills and resolutions. Mister Clark will read.

House bill eleven ninety seven by representative Powell of the thirty thirty third, Jaspers of the eleventh, Wilkerson of the thirty eighth, Oliver of the eighty fourth, Carpenter of the fourth, and others. A bill to amend the Georgia Lottery for Education Act. House bill eleven ninety eight by Rep. S. Gullard of the nineteenth, Lumsden of the twelfth, the bill relating to agents, agencies, sub agents, counselors, and adjusters relative to insurance licensing.

House bill eleven ninety nine by Rep. S. Carpenter of the forty sixth, Blackman of the hundred and forty sixth, Kelly of the sixteenth, Williamson of the hundred and twelfth. A bill relating to definitions regarding revenue and taxation. House bill 1,200 by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Petrie of the hundred and sixty sixth, Hitchens of the hundred and sixty first, Gilliard of the hundred and sixty second, Westbrook of the hundred and sixty third.

A bill to amend an act providing for a base year assessed value, a houndst exemption from Chatham County and city of Savannah School District, ad valorem taxes for educational purposes. House bill 12 o one by representative of the nineteenth, plums on the twelfth. A bill relating to smoke detectors required in new dwellings and dwelling units and exceptions. House bill 12 o two by representative corporate of the hundred and seventy fourth, Mathis of the hundred and thirty third, Smith of the hundred and thirty eighth, the bill relating to Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board membership and termination. House bill 12 o three by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Petrie of the hundred and sixty sixth, Hitchens of the one hundred and sixty first, Gillier to the hundred and sixty second, Westbrook for the hundred and sixty third, a bill to amend denying providing a homestead exemption from Chatham County School District, Adelorn, taxes for educational purposes.

House bill 12 o four by representative Scofield with sixty third Green of the hundred and fifty fourth, obtained with the one hundred and ninth Townsend and a hundred and seventy ninth Davis of the eighty seventh. A bill relating to a prohibition of age discrimination in employment. House bill 12 o five by representative of the hundred and thirty fourth, a bill to provide a new charter for the city of Gatesville. House bill 12 o six by representative Jones of the twenty fifth, Waco the twenty ninth, Irwin of the thirty second, Jones of the forty seventh, Townsend of the hundred and seventy ninth, a bill relating to instructional materials and content relative to elementary and secondary education. House bill 12 o seven by reps of Reese of the hundred and fortieth left in the eighty third, Campbell of the thirty fifth, Jones of the sixtieth, the lavalier of the fifty ninth, the bill relating to domestic relations, house bill 12 o eight by represent Gunter of the eighth, Bershhead of the hundred and seventy sixth, Leviter of the hundred and twenty third, Smith of the eighteenth, Kelly of the sixteenth, and others.

A bill relating to depositions and discoveries. House bill twelve zero nine by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Blackman of the hundred and forty sixth, Petrie of the hundred and sixty sixth, Galyard of the hundred and sixty second, Gaines of the hundred and twentieth, a bill relating to exemptions relative to state sales and use taxes. House bill twelve ten by representative Cahian of the eighty first, Byrd of the twentieth, Dunhill of the thirty first, Washburn of the hundred and forty fourth, Bonner of the seventy third, a bill relating to general provisions relative due to dependency proceedings. House bill twelve eleven by representative Kelly the sixteenth, Hawkins of the twenty seventh, Newton of the hundred and twenty seventh, Gullard of the nineteenth, Gamble of the fifteenth, and others. A bill relating to colorectal cancer screening and testing.

House bill twelve twelve by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Carpenter of the fourth, Partner of the fifth, Camden of the hundred and seventy second, Lahud of the hundred and seventy fifth, and others. A bill relating to specific business occupation taxes. House bill twelve thirteen by Ramses Cummings of the thirty ninth, McQueen of the sixty first, Sanchez of the forty second, Smith of the forty first, Ridley of the twenty second, and others. A A bill to authorize the city of Mableton to exercise all redevelopment and other powers under the redevelopment powers law. House bill twelve fourteen by Remsa Osteen of the hundred and sixty ninth, Bridgette of the hundred and seventy sixth, Williams with a hundred and forty eighth, Kelly of the sixteenth, corporate the hundred and seventy fourth, and others.

They bill relating to sales and use taxes. House bill twelve sixteen by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Greene of the hundred and fifty fourth, Carpenter of the fourth, Dempsey of the thirteenth, Jones of the hundred and forty third, and others. A bill relating to excise tax on rooms, lodging, and accommodations. House bill twelve seventeen by representative Barry of the fifty sixth, Canada the fifty eighth, Jackson the hundred and sixty fifth, Westbrook with the hundred and sixty third, Willis of the fifty fifth, the bill relating to health

Proceed.

Health of the Department of Economic Development. House bill twelve eighteen by representative Lorna of the seventy fourth, Hilton of the forty eighth, Neil of the seventy ninth, Lolly of the fifty ninth, Barry of the fifty sixth. A bill relating to other educational programs under the Equality Basic Education Act. House bill twelve nineteen by resident Lewis Ward of the hundred and fifteenth, Powell of the thirty third, Hughley of the hundred and forty first, McGreen of the hundred and fifty fourth, Mitchell of the eighty eighth, and others, a bill relating to property owners associations. House bill twelve twenty by resident Ballard of the hundred and forty seventh, administration of the hundred and fourth, Hilton of the forty eighth, Jones of the forty seventh, Donna Tucci of the hundred and fifth, a bill relating to student scholarship organizations.

House bill twelve twenty one by resident Draper of the ninetieth, Oliver of the eighty fourth, Evans of the fifty seventh, Gunther the eighth, Leverett of the hundred and twenty third. A bill relating to property owners associations. House bill twelve twenty two by reps of Lewis Ward of the hundred and fifteenth. Powell of the thirty third, Hughley of the hundred and forty first. Washburn of the hundred and forty fourth.

Mitchell of the eighty eighth and others. A bill relating to regulation of specialized land transactions. House bill twelve twenty three by Rev. Gullard of the nineteenth, Crow of the hundred and eighteenth, Montana the seventeenth, Austin the hundred and sixty ninth, hearing of the hundred and forty fifth and others, a bill relating to when public disclosure not required. House bill twelve twenty four by Rev.

Gullard of the twenty fourth, Eustrational of the hundred and fourth, gains of the hundred and twentieth, the Holcomb of the hundred and first, camp of the hundred and thirty fifth, and others. A bill relating to automatic renewal of provisions. House bill twelve twenty five by of the 100 of the twenty fourth, restoration of the hundred and fourth, gains of the two hundred and twentieth, Holcomb of the hundred and first, Kemp of the hundred and thirty fifth and others, a bill relating to automatic renewal provisions. House bill twelve twenty six by Ramsett Clark of the one hundredth, Smith of the eighteenth, Ridley of the twenty second, Powell of the thirty third, Bonner of the seventy third and others, A bill relating to justification, excuse, and defense of criminal prosecutions. House bill twelve twenty seven by reps of Gullah to the nineteenth, Fleming to the hundred and fourteenth, Bob Tanner the seventeenth, Saints with the hundred and eightieth, Thomas with the twenty first, and others.

A bill relating to elections and primaries. House bill twelve twenty eight by representative McCollum of the thirtieth, Oliver the eighty fourth, the lolly of the fifty ninth, Panitch of the fifty first, Gallard of the nineteenth, and others. The bill relating to Adalorne taxation of property. House bill twelve twenty nine by representative Stevens of the hundred and sixty fourth, Carpenter of the fourth, Washman of the hundred and forty fourth, Delosha of the hundred and sixty seventh, McDonald the twenty sixth, and others. A bill relating to alcoholic beverages.

House resolution twelve forty two by representative Glaze of the sixty seventh, Carter the ninety third, Griffin the hundred and forty ninth, Harrison the hundred and forty second, Jackson the hundred and sixty fifth. Resolution supporting the revision of the quality based education and full time equivalent funding formulas. House resolution twelve forty three by representative Martin of the 40. Burns of the hundred and fifty ninth. Hughley the hundred and forty first.

Crow the hundred and eighteenth. Campbell the hundred and thirty fifth and others. A resolution proposing an amendment to the constitution so as to authorize the creation of the Georgia Next Generation nine one one Fund. House resolution twelve forty four by representative of the thirtieth, Oliver the eighty fourth, Alalia of the fifty ninth, Pencher of the fifty first, Gallaud of the nineteenth, and others. Resolution proposing amendment to the constitution of the state of Georgia so as to provide any business enterprise including but not limited to private equity having an interest in a thousand or more single family resident properties within this state shall be subject to ad valorem tax assessment of 100%.

House resolution twelve forty five by representative Ford of the hundred and seventieth, Dickie of the hundred and thirty fourth, Campbell of the hundred and seventy first, Lestina of the hundred and sixty ninth, Cannon of the hundred and seventy second, and others. Resolution commending the Georgia peanut industry and recognizing March 2026 as Georgia peanut month at the state capital. House resolution twelve forty six, by Brad Stone Baker of the sixty fourth, Barnes of the eighty sixth, Douglas of the seventy eighth, McCollum of the thirtieth, and Ollie of the hundred and sixth. A resolution recognizing February as National Canned Food Month in the state of Georgia. Senate bill two thirty nine by Senator Walker of the twentieth, Robertson of the twenty ninth, Harmon of the sixteenth, Malo of the second, Williams of the twenty fifth, A bill relating to funding funeral directors and establishments, embalmers, and crematories.

Senate Bill four zero three by senator Kirkpatrick the thirty second, Walker of the twentieth, Anna of Arcadia of the thirty first, parents of the forty fourth, Albers of the fifty sixth, and others. A bill relating to disposition of unclaimed property through second readers.

Reports of standing committees. Mister Clark, will you read?

Representative Smith of the 18th District chairman of the committee on judiciary noncivals submitted the following report. Mister speaker, your committee on judiciary noncivile had under its consideration following bill of the senate. It's instructed me to report the same back to the house in following recommendation. Senate bill 74, due passed by substitute, respectfully submitted, Representative Smith of the eighteenth district chairman. That completes the reading of the reports of standing committees.

Thank you, mister clerk. Members, I'll ask you all if you'll come to the floor. We have a lot of guests in our gallery. We're getting ready to move on to morning orders. Thank you, members.

Members, we have a lot of guests in the gallery gallery. We're getting we're getting ready to recognize them and honor some of them. But we also have a special guest on the floor, one of the members of our congressional delegation from the 10th Congressional District, Mike Collins. Let's give Mike a hand. Mike has been a strong player in congress.

We appreciate him. He certainly worked a couple of couple of years and was able to pass the Lake and Riley Act, which has been so important to keeping our our state safe. We appreciate that, congressman. He also told me that he's pretty pretty happy about this. They just passed some appropriations bills, and they're working on some more.

But I certainly know Mike, knowing him personally and working with him on issues that are important to this house, and that's work on some working on forestry issues and a number of of agricultural issues that, protects our number one industry in the state. Congressman, appreciate your friendship and appreciate your support and appreciate your hard work as well. Thanks thanks for being with us here today. Members, we have a whole slew of morning orders. I'm going to ask you to do your very level best to hold those morning orders to, one minute.

I want you to have time to recognize our guest, but at this time, I'm going to represent represent Schofield for a two minute morning order. She'll have a little extra time representing Schofield. You're recognized for a moment in black history up to two minutes. Thank you, ma'am.

Thank you, sir.

Ladies recognized.

Mister speaker and members of the house, today I rise to honor the life and legacy of Melvin Kent, a gifted songwriter from New York. Although Melvin Kent never reached his full potential in his lifetime and faced profound hardship, including homelessness and moments of lost hope, his story did not end there. One day, he discovered that a song he had written in the sixties or seventies had been recorded by Alicia Keys, a globally respected artist known for her authenticity, artistry, and cultural impact. You don't know my name has reached audiences far beyond states and international lines. In that moment, Melvin Kent was given a second chance and a second win.

He returned to his songwriting dream with renewed purpose. Tragically, he passed away just six months laters later never fully knowing how widely his work would be celebrated. Today, his song continues to live on, including being featured in the stage production of Hell's Kitchen. Melvin Kent never knew how famous his work would become, but his legacy will forever be enjoyed. I'm proud to say Melvin Kent is and always will be my uncle.

Thank you, uncle Melvin. Thank you, mister speaker. I yield the well.

Thank you for that moment. Appreciate the lady. Chairman Corbett is recognized

for

some discussion and maybe a talk about a resolution as well. Chairman Corbett.

Thank you, mister speaker. Is

okay. Gentleman's recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Members of the house, it is my honor today to recognize a group of unsung heroes that are here with us today in the gallery. We have four forest rangers from Charlton County. Our forest rangers risk their lives every day to protect people and property. But on April 10, chief ranger, Roger Todd, and members from his unit, Kenny Lee, Casey Harris, and Bill Murray, they heard a single engine aircraft overturned upon landing at the Davis Airport.

The plane immediately became engulfed in flames. Chief Todd and members of his unit responded without hesitation, placing themselves in harm's way to protect the lives of others. The plane had six passengers on board, including two young children. Under Chief Todd's directions, the responding personnel worked swiftly, decisively, and courageously to suppress the fire and rescue the trapped passengers. Actions that prevented loss of life and ensured all six occupants survived the crash, including the two young kids.

In recognition of his exemplary service, leadership excellence, and life saving action, chief ranger Todd was selected as a 2025 director's award recipient. One of the highest honors bestowed by the Georgia Forest Commission. I'm gonna ask Roger chief ranger Todd in his his unit to stand and be recognized by this house. So let's give them congratulations, please. Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you, mister chairman. Thanks for being with us today, and thank you for your service every day, but especially when those times come when you save lives. We most appreciate y'all service. Thank you. Representative Doreen Carter.

Y'all give her your attention. She's also gonna have a video clip. Give the lady your attention, please.

Good morning. Today, we have the Boykins, a remarkable rising sister quartet from Snellville, Georgia. Yeah. I was scrolling social media in the middle of the night, and I heard Snellville. I had to stop what I was doing.

And I was like, oh my god. The boykins, and y'all know I love country music. Ladies, would you please stand and allow us to acknowledge you? We have Kaylin, Anali, Nateri, and Alana, and their parents are here with us. If you all would stand.

Mom and dad, please stand. Their siblings are here. And, y'all, they brought a whole busload of folk. If you can stand, we wanna acknowledge the family as well. We are so proud of you.

Yeah. These are our babies. Yes. Georgia's own. Yes.

Well, thank you for joining us. And again, the boykins is has earned the prestigious golden buzzer, as you saw, from America's Got Talent. And, thank you for joining us. And if you want to, they will be joining us as in the anteroom if you like to take pictures. Thank you.

We yield the well.

Ladies, yield the well. Congratulations. Now, one sisters, one's got a black hat, one's got a white hat. Alright. We appreciate y'all.

Congratulations. I know y'all gonna do great things. Snellville, Georgia. Come on down. Let's get some photos with y'all.

We appreciate you. Representative Bazemore. Give representative Bazemore your attention as she comes to the well, please. Representative Bazemore. She has some friends here today, and she has friends joining her in the well.

Ladies recognized.

I don't know.

Thank you, mister speaker. And I'm not sure if everybody made it here in the well, but this morning, we have the Fayette County Democratic Committee in the gallery, hopefully. In Clayton. In Clayton County also. I'm sure most of you remember one of the former colleagues, representative Kamea Jackson, who has to who is honorably the chair of the Fayette County Democratic Committee.

Their mission and determination is to get out the vote, find opportunities to increase voter participation and turnout, and above all, FCDC stands for social and economic justice for all. Please stand and recognize the guests.

Are they there? Okay.

Thank you, mister speaker.

Are those folks from Fayette and Clayton? Yes. Good to have y'all. Representative Jackson. Okay.

Was that my favorite Jackson she was talking about? Yeah. She's here. Where is she? We'll we'll find her.

We'll make we'll recognize her as a former member. Yeah. You okay?

I'm good. Good.

You had it reversed. Should had should had your camera on, but you didn't. Represent Jackson, you recognize you ready? Represent Derrick Jackson is recognized for a morning order.

Thank you, mister speaker. Yeah. Legal wimp, legal wimp. I'm looking for my bride. See, I will fall for my bride, mister speaker.

I'm looking for her. But listen, yes, the honorable Camilla Jackson is here along with also the League of Women of Voters of Georgia. If you all may stand and be recognized if you're in the gallery and give them a hand if if we could, colleagues.

Yeah. I don't I don't see

Thank you. Welcome. Leave League of Women Voters representative Roberts. Representative Shay Roberts is recognized for a morning order.

Thank you, mister speaker. Today, we are welcoming our favorite folks in the red shirts to the gallery, moms demand action. We've got a couple up there. They're spread out all throughout the capital. Into fearless action.

We cannot honor them without confronting the truth. In Georgia, approximately two thousand people are killed by guns each year and thousand more are wounded, placing our state among the highest in the nation for firearm deaths. And we know it firsthand right here in Georgia. Amy St. Pierre died a few years ago in a midtown doctor's office.

And just over a year ago, a 14 year old armed with semi automatic rifle killed two students and two teachers at Apalachee High School, a horror that reminds us all how fragile school safety can be. When we talk about school safety, metal detectors and panic buttons are fine, but they are a band aid. They react after the gun has arrived and the harm has begun. What we need are laws that make guns less accessible to people who shouldn't have them. Safe storage, comprehensive background checks, and sensible limits.

Please talk to these folks who are all around the capital today. Do not run from them. 60 to 80% of Georgians want common sense solutions including in your districts, and so please give them your time. Thank you, mister speaker. I yield the well.

Welcome to the capital. Represent Floyd Griffin is recognized for a more or less some folks here from Jones County. Right? Give them give the memory your attention as we welcome some guests. Representative Griffin.

Thank you very much, mister speaker. I'm here also representing the

the,

house member from District 144, who was not able to, be here this morning. We are recognizing the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. Are you all up? Are you all here? Okay.

There you are. Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America is is a national career and technical student organization for students in in family and consumer science education in public and private schools through grade 12. FCCLA offer intra curricular resources and opportunities for students to pursue careers that support families. Since 1945, FCCA members have been making a difference in their communities. I'd like for you all to please stay in and recognize the students from this great organization.

Will you all stand if you oh, there they are back there.

There in the back corner up on our left. Welcome.

Thank thank you, mister speaker, and I yield a will.

Thank you, representative Griffin. Representative Washburn is a little under the weather, so thanks for standing up standing in for him. Representative Mathis. He has a group of as well, but we'll, he's probably with them right now. So representative Crawford and Reese, are y'all ready?

Representative Amari Crawford and Teddy Reese. Gentlemen's recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Friends, today I've rise to recognize and commend a very special group of visitors. Today, I'll be recognizing the Junior League Movement on the occasion of its a hundred and twenty fifth anniversary and honoring its enduring legacy of advocacy throughout our communities within the state. The Association of Junior League supports a global network of nearly 100,000 women, over 300 con countries represented throughout our world. They are here.

If you would stand and be recognized, welcome to the Capitol. Help me welcome them to the capitol. Thank you, mister speaker, and I yield the well.

Welcome, Junior Lee. We are how many years did you say?

A hundred and twenty five.

One twenty five. Wow. Impressive. Thank you all for carrying on that tradition. Representative Reese, why don't you stay down here?

I'm a recognize you. Representative Mitchell, represent Derek Jackson again, representing Prince, representing Herring, and And friends. I guess all. And other friends too.

Yes,

sir. Other friends of Jack and Jill.

Jack and Jill, if you're a friend of Jack and Jill, that's what we're getting ready to recognize and welcome them to the capital. As soon as you I thank everybody. One

more. Yeah. Thank you, mister speaker. Gentlemen's recognized. Thank you, mister speaker.

Ladies and gentlemen of the house chamber, my colleagues, visitors in the galley, it is my honor to recognize a very special group that's with us here today. Today, we have over 200 young folks from all over the state of Georgia representing the phenomenal organization of Jack and Jill of America. Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages two through 19 dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty. The late Marion Stubbs founded Jack and Jill on 01/24/1938 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mister speaker, as a proud father of Jack and Jill, I can tell you just how phenomenal this organization is and the impact that it has on our children.

And I'm honored that my wife, doctor Chastity Reese and my daughter, Catherine Reese of Jack and Jill is with us today. Sweetheart, if you were away, Catherine. And mister speaker, if I can get my colleagues to stand with me in welcoming to our state capital, Jack and Jill of America.

I know. I know.

You have someone on both sides of the gallery. Welcome to the People's House. That was a nice Valentine's shout out there. Kudos to you, sir. Representative Mathis.

Representative Danny Mathis from down Cochran Way is recognized for a morning order.

Thank you, mister speaker. I hope my group's got there. We were taking a picture earlier. We got the, Blakely County FCCLA. They're they're coming in now, mister speaker.

So I'm gonna get them. Miss Cheryl Parks has brought this group up from my hometown Cochran, Bletchley County and I'm so proud of them and they do a wonderful job down there and they're gonna have a pancakes and politics down there they want me to come to. So I'm a I'm looking forward to that too. So if I could get y'all just to wave and stand at Bleckley County FCCLA, if y'all will do that, I appreciate you so much. And thank you, mister speaker.

Thank y'all down in Bleckley. We appreciate it. Thanks for being here. A great organization. A lot of folks from SCCLA are here today, so thanks for, FCCLA.

Yes. Representative Hong, are you ready? Representative Hong is recognized for a morning order. Give the lady your attention, please, and friends.

Thank you, mister speaker. Good morning.

The lady will suspend just for a minute. Okay. Proceed.

Thank you, mister speaker. We have a great group of our AAPI community here celebrating the Lunar New Year. This year, the Lunar New Year falls on February 17, and we have approximately 495,000 AAPI community here in Georgia. This year is the, year of the fire horse, which comes every sixty years, which symbolizes rapid change, high energy, independence, and ambition. If we can stand, our AAPI community here, they're dressed very pretty, and we can give them a hand.

And our AAPI caucus will be having an official Lunar New Year celebration on February 17, so I hope you all can join. Thank you, mister speaker.

Welcome. Lunar New Year. What'd you say? Fire horse? Yes.

Awesome. That is we're kinda rapidly changing, aren't we? Welcome to the people's house. We appreciate y'all. Representative Mark representative Martinez, representative Dicks Donatucci, other friends, and almost recognize.

Thank you, mister speaker. Oh, if you pause for a minute, let's get every all your friends. Suss suspend just for a minute. Proceed. Gentlemen may proceed.

Thank you, mister speaker. Black Americans have played a pivotal role advancing the principles of liberty, justice, and equal opportunity. Black entrepreneurs, inventors, scholars, and leaders have contributed and strengthened our economic culture and mobile fabric of our nation. The principles of limited government, free enterprise have been championed by great black leaders such as Booker t Washington, Clarence Thomas, and Condoleezza Rice. Therefore, today, colleagues and mister speaker, I wanted to congratulate and thank our members of the Georgia Association Black Republican Council for their contribution to our state and for being here today.

Thank you.

And you can welcome them, representatives. There's some of them up there. There's some also to your right over here by me. They're all over the place here, so thanks for being here. Thanks for being engaged.

Chairman Crow chairman Clint Crow is recognized to let us know about some good old local folks that are here.

Yes, sir.

Chairman Crow.

Thank you, mister speaker. Colleagues, I, am honored today to welcome a group from, our community in Butts County. We've got some members from the Butts County Chamber of Commerce, and other local leaders here today. We've got them up in the gallery. And, also, if you, on your desk, you should've had a, flyer that, tells you about our legislative reception we're gonna have today from four to six in the Blue Room at, the freight depot.

Hope you all can join us. We're gonna have fresh air barbecue, so, that should be enough of a draw for anybody. So if you would please join me in welcoming folks from Butts County to the capital.

Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you, mister chairman. That's a good barbecue too. Thanks for being here. Appreciate y'all. Chairman Williamson, are you ready?

Ladies and gentlemen, I'm gonna ask that you pay special attention for this morning order. It's important to all of us what the chairman's gonna speak to us about in this morning order. Chairman Williamson.

Thank you, mister speaker. Colleagues, I need a show of hands for any member in this chamber that's a survivor of cancer. Do we have any hands? Chairman, anybody else? I know

To your left. That's him over here.

Where I need y'all to join me down here at the well, please. Please come up and join me at the well. If you don't mind, please. I know a a chair lady, Silcox is not with us. I know that she's a cancer survivor.

Ladies, please come on up. It's important. We've got cancer survivors right here. Well, I'm, here to this morning to welcome your latest member of this special fraternity, Chairman Stan Gunner. And Stan, if you'd come up here, his wife Rita shared with us that, Stan was declared cancer free of, on Friday.

It's something to celebrate. I asked Rita if he got to ring the bell. He was out patient. Didn't have that chance. So I'm asking you to stand to ring this bell right here in celebration of this cancer free diagnosis.

Thank you.

Okay. If I may, Thank you. About two years ago this time, I got the, diagnosis that I had metastatic prostate cancer. Pretty scary when knowing that my daughter-in-law died of metastatic breast cancer. So I I knew that, kinda had a death sentence hanging over me.

For a while there, I wasn't sharing that information with anybody, you know, except I did with Bruce. And he reminded me that I'm not relying on the power of prayer. And so I started sharing that information and I wanna thank you and Vicky for the prayers you've given me and all y'all that knew about my situation, the the whip here. Thank you all for praying for me. I've been in God's hands the whole time, one way or the other, and I'm satisfied with that.

And, let me just say to the men and the women in here, get your annual physical, have all the tests done because that's how I got that's what saved my life. They caught it early. I had it only in one place in my shoulder. They got that. They got the prostate and then here I am today.

So thank y'all.

Thank you. Thank you, mister speaker. Yield well.

I can't really add to that. Power of prayer works. There's no doubt about that. Congratulations, chairman Gunther. Representative mix and representative deloach.

K. Let's see that. Darien area McIntosh and Catalan Jessup. Yeah. Gentlemen recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, we have today, Wayne County, Chamber of Commerce's youth leadership group, up here in the chamber. They wanna say, welcome to the chamber and, their fearless leader, the mayor of Small Number 1 Small Town USA, Jason Weaver. Thank you for being here. And representative Bell, I understand one of the, students in that group has, a an issue with you and a piece of legislation you have on chicken wings.

So if you're around, they're gonna find you. But, welcome to the chamber today. Thank you. And to you do well, mister speaker.

Thanks for leadership, Wayne. Mayor, good to see you. Appreciate you and what you're doing. Representative Santos, did your folks have your folks arrived? Well, let's give them one more minute.

I've got something I can do. And we'll give you one more minute, and then we'll you have to proceed with it, and then we'll we'll have completed morning orders. Well, they're here. Well, come on down then. The lady's gonna be recognized, and she has some friends gonna come with her, I believe.

Representative Santos is recognized to recognize some folks in the gallery. Ladies recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. This morning, we gather here, Henry County delegation, to welcome the very, very beautiful geranium city, the city of McDonough. Could you please stand?

Nice. Alright.

The city of McDonough goes back to 1823 and we're located South Of Atlanta, about 30 miles south, and we just wanna welcome you to the house. This is your house and we thank you and we appreciate, mayor Kamali Varner. I don't think she's up there with you, but she might be in the senate. But we welcome you all. Thank you.

We had the, officers here for the city of McDonough as well, and we appreciate your service to the city of McDonough and beyond. Thank you.

Thank you for those good friends from McDonough. Fast growing part of our state. Completes our morning orders. We do have a invite resolution. I'm gonna invite representative Terry Cummins to join me in Sonic Edge.

Terry. Alright, members. Get your attention, please. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption of house res resolution eleven thirty seven one one three seven. Members, give the clerk your attention, and then we'll recognize representative Cummings to speak to the resolution.

Mister Clerk.

House resolution eleven thirty seven by representative Cummings at 39th, Parsons at the 44th, Williams at the 37th, Adesana the third forty third, Campbell thirty fifth, and others. A resolution congratulating Sonic Edge of Pebblebrook High School for winning the twenty twenty five international championship of high school acapella and for other purposes.

Yeah. I'm I'm excited to hear about this. What an accomplishment. We also have representative Campbell as a part of representing this folk these folks. So at this point in time, we're gonna turn it over to, representative Cummins.

Let her let her tell us a little bit about this great honor and this, great talent. Ladies recognized.

Good morning, everyone. Thank you. It is indeed an honor this morning to bring this group to you. I was reading a newspaper and I saw a clip about a high school group called Sonic Edge winning an acapella national competition twice in a row. So when I saw that they went to the high school in my district, I really had to get them down here.

These students are a part of the Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts at Pebblebrook High School. So they represent all sectors of Cobb County. There are five students here with me today, but there are 17 students in Cobb County that are a part of this group. I have with me today, Elise Lloyd, who also won for best soloist.

Raise your hand. I'm gonna call you.

Miss Elena Higgins. Gabriela Umizar Silva, Christopher Hendricks, and Matthew McKenna. If you've ever seen the movie Pitch Perfect, picture, this with high school kids. These kids have only this group has only been in existence for four years, And I'm going to let the directors, talk to you a little bit about the group. But Doctor, Dana Giles, who is with us today, she's the principal.

She saw a need to bring in another aspect of the performing arts. And she's the reason why we have this wonderful group of very talented students with us today. Again, they won the national the international championship of high school acapella competition twenty twenty four and twenty twenty five.

Wow. Trey.

Hi. My name is Trey Giddens, and I am the proud director of Sonic Edge A Capella. On behalf of Pebblebrook High School, our principal, doctor Dana Giles, and our magnet director, mister Robert Connor. I wanna thank you so much for recognizing the efforts and the accomplishments of our students. Sonic Edge a capella is a group that's in its, fourth year of existence, but our third year of being a competition group.

And in the first two years, they won both rounds of competition for the international championship of high school a capella, beating out over 3,000 other students from all across the nation and traveling to New York. We were, blessed and privileged enough to just get back this weekend from starting this year's competition cycle where we traveled to Knoxville, Tennessee to compete in this year's competition for the national championship of high school acapella. And we are proud to say that Elise once again won best soloist, and they won a quarter final champions. So we will be heading back out on the road next month to Durham, North Carolina to compete for for the semifinals. So keep your fingers crossed and thank you again so much for recognizing our students and all the efforts, excuse me, that they put in every single day.

Thank you so much.

Congratulations. I know this didn't happen. Y'all all very beautiful and very handsome, but I suspect you have some a lot of talent as well. So congratulations for your hard work and, mister director, for helping develop that talent. But what a great honor.

Hey. We know Georgia's the best place to live, work, and raise a family, don't we? But we have the best some of the best talent. We recognize some others today in anywhere in the world. International, that's pretty strong.

Thank y'all. Good luck to you in 2624, 2526.

That's right.

I can feel a three peat coming on y'all. Members, we're gonna take a photo up here or two. And then if you would like to join, join them in the in any room and get a photo and congratulate them, that'd be perfect. Thank you. Other members of the Cobb delegation, if you wanna hang around, we'll get you in the photo as well.

Member is my favorite part of the Jackson family. I'll just have to be honest about it. Former representative Camille Jackson. Camille Hobson Jackson. We're so glad to have her back.

She's a a dear friend and a mother to two wonderful boys. Three. Three wonderful boys. Are they here?

No. No.

They're not here. They're working.

Yes. And they should be.

Absolute. Y'all help me four girls. Four girls too. And four girls. We're gonna leave those out.

Y'all join me in welcoming her back here to the people's house. She was a great member of this house. Members, thank you for your participation this morning and your attention to folks who are here visiting us from all over the state. We appreciate your patience and your attention. We'll move on now to the rules calendar.

Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to house bill one two one five twelve fifteen?

House bill twelve fifteen by representative Parish with a hundred and fifty eighth and others to be entitled in act to amend code section fifteen six two of the official code of Georgia Annotator relating a number of judges to superior courts so as to provide for a third judge of the superior courts of the middle judicial circuit. This bill that referred to the committee on judiciary, that committee recommends that this bill do pass.

Chairman Butch Parrish from Emmanuel Candler Bullock.

Truett.

Truetteland. Come on down and tend to business. The gentleman's recognized to present house bill twelve fifteen.

Thank you, mister speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the house, this bill simply appoints or makes a third judge available to the, middle judicial circuit. This this was recommended by the judicial council. The governor has placed the money in the budget for this additional judge, and I would ask you to, vote yes on this with me so that we could add this additional judge to help with the increased workload that they have down in the increased workload that they have down in the middle of judicial circuit. Mister speaker, if you have any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.

If not, I'd ask for a favorable consideration.

Gentleman has no questions. And there's no questions, no speakers. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill?

Hearing none, the report of the committee has agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed, we'll vote no. And, mister clerk, will you unlock the machine?

Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine? On the passage of house bill twelve fifteen, the yays are 166, the nays are zero. This bill haven't received a requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed.

Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to house bill nine five seven nine fifty seven?

House bill nine fifty seven by representative Clifton of the hundred and thirty first and others being titled back to amend. Title 40 of the official code of Georgia annotated relating to motor vehicles and traffic shall provide for the operation of miniature on road vehicles on certain highways. This bill I'm referred to the committee on motor vehicles. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

Representative Rob Clifton from over in Columbia County and some other parts is recognized to present house bill nine fifty seven. Representative Clifton.

Thank you, mister speaker. Ladies and gentlemen, I'll be quick. This is the mini truck bill. It's the exact same bill we passed out of the house last year. Hoping to get it a little bit further along this year.

So, I'll be real quick about the bill. We are adding mini trucks and allowing them to be driven on county and city roads. The vehicles have to be older than 25 years old. This is very similar to what we did with side by sides, few years back. We're just adding we're creating a definition for mini truck and adding that word, into the section.

Mister speaker, with that, I will yield for questions.

Gentleman has a couple of questions. Park Whip Whip Park. I'll get that right. Has a question. You can either one either way you wanna go with that.

There we go. The gentleman's recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

Yes.

So I had two questions. First, on line 19, the definition of a miniature on road vehicle states that these are imported vehicles. Are any of these miniature trucks domestically manufactured?

So domestic manufacturers would have to read the meet the federal guidelines, and therefore, they would not apply to this bill. They would already be allowed to be driven.

So so this would just permit foreign imported vehicles on our county and local roads?

That's correct.

Do you

know how many manufacturers this would potentially benefit foreign manufacturers potentially benefit?

I do not. I know there's a lot of these vehicles already over here because people are bringing them over and using them for personal use. So we're just allowing individuals to be able to use them on county and city roads.

Does the gentleman yield for one more question? Yes. With respect to, the local control aspect, you know, I know the bill allows for cities and counties to opt out, but does it require any sort of affirmative action from local governments in order to opt out? Does it require any additional funds or expenditures, for a city or county to say, we don't want these on our on our streets?

So as far as local control, if cities do not want these on their city and county roads, then they can, enforce that and, get that message out there however they deem fit.

Thank you.

Yes, sir.

Representative Chaz Cannon to your right is recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

Yes. I do.

If I

were to have one of these, mini trucks on private property, could I use it to shoot feral hogs with?

If we can get this bill passed and the governor will sign it. Absolutely. Yes, sir. We can.

Thank you, mister speaker.

Leader estrations recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. This is Jim Munee.

Yes, sir.

Representative, what are the differences in this legislation compared to the mini truck legislation that this house has passed overwhelmingly, what seems like several years in a row?

The only difference between this bill and last year's bill is the date. We changed, twenty twenty five of last year to 2026 this year for when it will go into effect. There's nothing else that has been changed.

No other change from when this house has previously passed the same language, it sounds like, repeatedly over the past few years as I recall.

That's correct.

And, do you yield for one other question?

Yes, sir.

You, referenced that this follows the, side by side structure and that it's local roads speed restriction. Is that framework consistent with how local governments would deal with types of vehicles like these as per as proposed in this legislation? In other words, with respect to how we've treated similar vehicles, does your bill follow that framework?

Yes, sir. Absolutely.

Thank you.

Representative Jasmine Clark to your left is recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

Yes.

Can you explain just I'm very curious about why they need to have been manufactured for twenty five years. So these are quite old by the time they're allowed to be on our roads. Is that correct?

Yes. It is. Federal guidelines requires any, automobile, within earlier or outside of this time frame to meet federal guidelines and therefore, that is not something we are trying to overrule at this point.

So this brings parity with federal guidelines?

I believe so.

Alright. Thank you.

Representative Gamble up to the right is recognized for a question.

Thank you. Thank you, mister speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

Yes, sir.

Is it not true that you and I have had extensive conversations about this legislation and and why we need this clarity and that, I have a lot of constituents who have talked to me about how important this is, and I'm looking forward to, voting in support of this legislation.

Yes, sir. I appreciate it. And I will add, you would be very surprised to see the amount of emails I have gotten on this bill with support asking, me to run it, get it all the way through. There's a lot of support behind these vehicles that people are very unaware of.

Thank you. Sounds like you got two votes anyway. Let's see. Chairman Gullett is recognized for the final question.

Thank you, mister speaker. General yield?

Yes, sir.

Doesn't this just really set clear minimum requirements for these vehicles to be used on road safely?

Mister speaker, I will yield the well and ask for your favorable consideration.

The gentleman has yielded the well. We have no further discussion on the bill. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the to the passage of the bill?

Hearing none, the report of the committee is agreed to. Shall this bill now pass. All in favor of the passage of the bill, we'll vote yes. All those opposed, we'll vote no. And mister Clerk, will you unlock the machine?

For what purpose does chairman Thomas rise?

Parliamentary inquiry.

State your inquiry.

Is it not true that I was the only member of this body to vote against this bill last year, but I am voting for it this year?

Well, I think a lot of lot of other people changed their mind too, I guess. Well, you seem a light. I can tell. So I'm glad you were educated. That's what we do here.

When we disagree with each other, we we educate those members. For what purpose does representative Whit Burchet rise?

Parliamentary inquiry?

State your inquiry.

Is it not true that the bill allows for local control by allowing for the city or county to prohibit by ordinance or resolution these mini trucks. Is that not true, miss Bigger?

Sounds like you've read the bill. No further questions. Have all members voted? All members voted. If so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine on the passage of house bill nine five seven?

The yays are 162. The nays are five. This bill, having received the requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed. Boy, y'all have a great honor. I got the boykins up here with me.

We're gonna take a photo as soon as we call this next bill. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to house bill six seven six six hundred and seventy six?

House bill 676 by representative Clifton of the hundred and thirty first and others to be entitled to act to amend part three of article eight of chapter 14 in title 44 of the official code of Georgia Annotated relating to mechanics and material relative to liens so as to provide for a fine for any frivolous mechanic lien filed. This bill I've referred to the committee on judiciary. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

Representative Rob Clifton is recognized to present another bill. There's a reason you're kinda doing these things today, isn't it?

Yes, sir. And if I could take a moment, I wanna thank you and leadership for allowing me to run these bills today. My wife, started contractions yesterday. So, this baby is coming sooner than later. So I'm gonna try to get all this done, and, I appreciate you and your leadership, sir.

You have thirty seconds to be done with your bill. You need to get home. The gentleman's recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Today, I have house bill six seven six. This is a frivolous lien bill. So the law and the code is very specific on what you need to do in order to have lien rights. Unfortunately, in today's day and age, filing a lien on a property has been become a tactic for, entities that may not have rights to bully their way into getting what they want.

All we are doing here is adding a penalty so that if someone does, file a frivolous lien, the penalty would be $1,500 in addition to attorney's fees and court fees. With that, mister speaker, I will yield for questions.

You did pretty good. Let's say you do with the questions. Rep representative Flannoy to your left is recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. Will the gentleman yield? Yes. So as a former, commercial and residential title examiner, will this bill not only be beneficial to clearing title, but also, prevent from hindering those who are trying to purchase homes from getting homes?

Absolutely.

Thank you for the bill.

Gentleman has no further questions.

Thank you, miss Peter. Oh my goodness. I I've got baby brain. I'm blaming on my wife. Thank you, mister speaker.

And I ask for your favorable consideration.

We know where you need to be. Go take care of mama and those those other children and new baby. Boy or girl. Alright. Congratulations to you.

We wish you all the best. Let's say a prayer for you and his family and that new child, if you will. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill.

Hearing none, the report of the committee has agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. Those opposed will vote no. Mister Clerk, will you unlock the machine?

What's next? Have all members voted? All members voted. All members voted. If so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine?

On the passage of house bill six seven six, the yays are 165, then days are zero. This bill hadn't received a requisite requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to house bill six five seven six fifty seven?

House bill six fifty seven by representative Hagan and the 156 and others to be entitled in act act to amend title 37 of the official code of Georgia annotated relating to mental health so as to provide for the qualifications of recovery community organizations for substance use. This bill I have referred to the committee on public and community health. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

Shirley Hagen from Lyons, Georgia is recognized to present the bill. Not to be confused with Vidalia. This is own set of folks down there in Lyons. You're recognized.

Absolutely correct, mister speaker, and thank you very much. And I don't know if y'all noticed how high this mic was after Rob Clifton was up here. He is very tall. Members, colleagues and friends, we know that substance addiction is an epidemic in Georgia and in the whole United States, but also in Georgia, we know that there is hope for many because the recovery community in Georgia is so strong. House bill six five seven provides consistency of care and quality of support for a person or family in substance abuse recovery by defining certified peer specialists and laying out requirements for recovery community organizations.

And I don't know if y'all knew this but Georgia has the second largest number of RCOs in the nation, only behind Texas, and the beauty of our recovery community organizations is their uniqueness. In some states, they have such strict guidelines on the RCOs that they all are the same, but in Georgia, ours are unique and that is important because a person who is especially newly in recovery and seeking help, they need to go somewhere where they feel comfortable. So our RCOs are known to be very specific to their community so that they can be as supportive and welcoming to people who need their help as possible. So, all of the r c o's in Georgia are supportive of this legislation. It is not a department bill but I have spoken with commissioner Tanner of DBHDD and he's also supportive of this language.

It provides quality and consistency, but it also allows for our RCOs to maintain their individuality. So mister speaker, that is the bill.

Lady has no questions. Good job.

Thank you, mister speaker. Members, ask for your favorable consideration. I yield the will.

We do have a member who signed up to speak in favor of the bill. Representative Park Cannon is recognized to speak to the bill. Give the lady your attention as she enters well. Representative Cannon is recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Hi, members. I'm here excited about this bill. I think there's been a lot of thought and discussion with the community about this bill which is really great. And particularly, I'm interested because this could provide improved support for pregnant and postpartum people with substance use disorders.

This can help create more clear standards for our c o's and certified peer specialists who really do the behind the scenes work of helping ensure that pregnant and postpartum families receive consistent support at various times of the day and night, individualized support, and most importantly, evidence based support that is culturally sensitive. You know, often families go through different treatments after having a baby and are sometimes considered more eligible to relapse. After they've had a baby, their risk of relapsing and overdosing maternal and infant health outcomes. Secondly, I'm excited about us recognizing that medication assisted treatment and harm reduction approaches work when you put them together, when you explicitly recognize that there are multiple pathways to recovery which can be medication, but a lot of times is harm reduction. And, this bill really looks at some of the best practices around harm reduction.

Many medical organizations consider Medicaid, medication assisted treatment as the standard of care, and that's typically the standard of care for pregnant patients with opioid use with a disorder in this way because it reduces their risk of overdose. However, it's only best practice when it's accompanied with harm reduction which means that maybe somebody is using again and maybe they won't get in trouble for using again. And so not just having this almost abstinence only minded perspective, but truly a harm reduction mindset helps encourage people get the care that they need in the postpartum period. I'm excited about the greater consistency and quality control that peer support service organizations have been working on. I think requiring a certification through DPH is a good idea.

It does create training and professional standards that maternal health advocates have seen be really important to have just simply standardizing training, standardizing some of the social needs in the way that we talk about them, help people with perinatal depression, help people with birth trauma that they've experienced, and decrease their use for risk for substance use. Lastly, I just want to thank everybody who worked on this because it's better when we have a stronger statewide coordination of our recurve recovery resources. And hopefully, we will have funding at some point and that funding could help create more programs and reduce some of the service gaps that even LGBTQ Georgians have spoken to, seeing. And for folks in rural districts, this is important for your districts most importantly who have low levels of obstetric providers or are considered what March of Dimes would say to be in a maternal, care desert and would allow for some of those underserved families to get the maternal recovery resources they need. I encourage everybody to go to support.org and to sign up so that you start to get some more information about this.

And thank you. I yield the well.

Ladies, yield the well. She had a question, but that question was also not going to be asked, so we'll move forward. That completes the, the presentation and discussion on house bill six fifty seven. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered.

Is there any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee has agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed, no.

And mister Clerk will unlock the machine. For what purpose is cheerleading camp, Ryce?

Parliamentary inquiry.

State your inquiry.

Mister speaker, isn't it true that when individuals in recovery have the opportune opportunity and option to work with peer counselors, their rate of recovery is higher because they're dealing with individuals who are actually have they been where they've been. And I appreciate this bill for my community because we have a wonderful peer to peer recovery community organization and they have success stories every day. Thank you.

Thank you. Making us aware of that. For what purpose does represent representative Barnes rise? Parliamentary inquiry. State your inquiry.

Thank you, mister speaker. Is it not true that this bill will also, bring services to our youth who are in recovery as well?

Thank you for making that point. I think I agree with you as well. That completes, our discussion is and I think we've all voted. So if all members so voted, if so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine on the passage of house bill six fifty seven? The yays are 167, the nays are two.

This bill haven't received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. Congratulations. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption of house bill six hundred and thirty two six three two?

House bill six three two by representative Bonner. The seventy third and others being titled not to amend chapter 12 of title 43, the official code of Georgia Annotator relating disabled veterans and blind persons engaging in peddling, operating businesses, or practicing professions so as to clarify certain veterans' eligibility for exemptions. This bill, I have referred to the Committee on Regulated Industries. That committee recommends that this bill do pass.

I like clarifying. Chairman Bonner is recognized to present house bill six thirty two.

Thank you, mister speaker. House bill six thirty two simply clarifies an existing benefit for our disabled veterans, that makes them exempt from the payment of occupational taxes. This bill updates eligible dates of service consistent with federal code and establishes a formal process through the Georgia Department of Veterans Services for this. Again, this simply clarifies an existing benefit due our disabled veterans in Georgia. With that, mister speaker, I'll be happy to take any questions.

To your left up front, Whit Park is recognized for a question.

Thank you, mister speaker. To the gentleman, thank you for the bill.

Do do you yield? I do.

On line 55, it increases the physical disability rating from 25 to 30. Is there anybody currently receiving the exemption that would lose it by this change?

No. Because the, the VA awards these, credits in multiples of 10. So if someone has a 25, percent disability, it's basically rounded up to 30.

Thank you.

Representative Carmen Rice, to your left. Thank you, mister Ladies recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Does the gentleman yield?

I do.

Is it not true that house bill six thirty two helps disabled veterans build stable lives, making it easier for them to work and start small businesses?

Absolutely. Well said. Thank you.

Gentleman has no further questions.

Alright. Thank you, mister speaker. I yield the well and ask for your favorable consideration.

Gentleman has yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is any objection to agreeing to the report of the committee which was favorable favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee has agreed to.

Shall this bill now pass. All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed, we'll vote no. And Mr. Clerk will unlock the machine.

Have all members voted? All members voted? If so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine on the passage of house bill six three two? A yays are 169. The nays are zero.

This bill having received requisite constitutional majority, is therefore passed. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to senate bill one six two, 162?

Senate bill 162 by senators Hufstedler to the fifty second and others to be entitled to act to amend article one of chapter 34, title 43. The official go to Georgia and Teddy relating to Georgia Composite Medical Board so as to provide for the board to implement an automated credentialing system for health care providers in this state. This bill that referred to the committee on public and community health, that committee recommends this bill do pass by committee substitute.

Chair, lady Cooper is recognized to present senate senate bill one sixty two. The lady is recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Ladies and gentlemen of the house, I think there's not one single person in this chamber that does not does not realize how

Maybe we'll suspend for a moment. Please continue.

Thank you. I think everybody in this chamber realizes how short of doctors we are. And one of the problems we have is when we find a young doctor that wants to come or a doctor from another state, they have to find get a license in this state, then they have to get credentialed at a hospital or wherever they're going to work. And then if they want to, have Medicaid, they have to be credentialed by the federal government. All of this takes time.

So what this bill does as of 01/01/2027, it instructs the board to update its data management system and we would have a one process, not for the federal part, for Medicaid, but at least for getting a doctor his license and credentialing for other hospitals. It would allow the board to collect all that data as it is licensing the physician and it would also know what the hospitals wanted for credentialing and if they had a special thing that they wanted, a special hospital, then they could add that too. And the board would look at that and be able to give the doctor his license quicker and his credentialing quicker. And that would be a major concern, thing, major positive things for Georgia going forth and getting more physicians and getting them to where they can practice more quickly.

If there

are any questions, I'll be glad to yield well. If not, I'll ask for your favorable vote.

Leader Heagley to your left, right in front, has a question. Ladies recognized.

Thank you, missus speaker. Does the gentle lady yield?

I will.

Can you tell us the estimated time of going to this new system? How fast doctors would be able to get their license. I mean, how much time are we saving? I appreciate the bill because it

is taking

too long right now.

Thank you. That is on an individual basis because we have to rely on the physicians to get there when they first come to get their school credentials and where they graduated from medical school and where they did their residency and a lot of it has to do with how fast that comes in. But usually, that's not the holdup. The other thing this does is once all that information is in place, let's say the information arrived on the February 3 and the board had met on one on the February 1. This would allow the executive director of the board to go ahead and give temporary license and let them start working until the board could meet to confirm that if everything was in and everything met the standard.

So there's no way to tell, but it can take months now for us to get a doctor credentialed.

Lady yield for another question. Represent Cameron or mister Mike Cameron to your right.

Well, sir.

This is

the gentleman to yield. Will this have any effect on the after a doctor's credential for hospital like getting credentialing for a health insurance company? As I came out of that that area and, it takes sometimes a long time for physicians to get the credential.

It should help but that depends on the health insurance company. But it definitely will on placing them in hospitals, and I hope that they would use the same information because it will be compiled in one place.

Lady has one more question. Representative Reese, on your left in the back.

Thank you, mister speaker. That's Lady Hill.

Yes. I will.

Isn't it true that this bill will help us get doctors through the process faster hopefully helping in some of our rural areas where we are in desperate need of health care providers?

It certainly will. It's even helping and I will tell you that, our medical school came up with helping us think about doing this because they were having to get people that had residency credentialed at different hospitals and that was causing a backup of our kids in residency being able to go through their rotations. And they one of the doctors up in Athens came up with this, one of the faculty, and we are sort of mirroring that. So thank you, mister speaker. I will yield well now and ask for your favorable consideration of the senate bill one six two.

The lady has yielded the well. Is there any objection to the previous question being ordered? Hearing none, the previous question is ordered. Is there any objection to adopting the committee substitute? Hearing none, the committee's substitute is adopted.

Is there any objection agreeing to the report of the committee, which was favorable to the passage of the bill? Hearing none, the report of the committee has agreed to. Shall this bill now pass? All in favor of the passage of the bill will vote yes. All those opposed will vote no.

And mister Clerk will unlock the machine. Have have all members have all members voted? All members voted. If so, mister Clerk, will you lock the machine on the passage of senate bill 162? Yays are one sixty seven, and nays are zero.

This bill hadn't received the requisite constitutional majority is therefore passed. We're moving on to afternoon orders. We're gonna recognize first for afternoon orders. You'll have a maximum max of two minutes max. See if you can beat it.

Chairlady Kemp, you're recognized. Representative Ali, you're on deck. It would be chair Matheak.

Thank you, mister speaker and members of the house. Bullying and dehumanizing rhetoric have no place in this chamber, our state, or in this country. As elected officials, we are tasked with the duty of doing the people's business and representing those who entrusted us with their votes. Disagreement is expected, but intimidation and dehumanization are not. When individuals are not labeled or treated less than human, it does real harm.

It silences voices, erodes trust, and weakens our institutions. Words matter, especially rhetoric used by those entrusted with public authority. Stability is not weakness. It is leadership, and it requires discipline, restraint, respect, even in moments of disagreement. The tone we set here shapes a discourse in our communities and the conduct we are willing to tolerate.

If we want a stronger Georgia and a stronger democracy, we must reject bullying in all of its forms and commit ourselves to civil respectful discourse. Thank you.

Lady has presented her afternoon order. Representative Ali he'll he'll be in a few minutes, I guess. Okay. He's coming up now. The gentleman's recognized.

Chair Matheiak, you're next.

Thank you, mister speaker. And members of this house, as is the time honored tradition that has been started by my predecessor, I wanted to direct your attention to the screen where we have, a child that is up for adoption. As you all know, the foster care system is very near and dear to my heart as is many people in this room. This this son of Georgia is up for adoption, and one of the things that we can make a difference through more than just legislation is to show folks family and to show folks human connection and to show folks community. And so once again, it always is through d it's my turn now dot d h s dot georgia dot gov.

Thank you so much for the opportunity.

Thank you, representative. Chair Lenny Matheak, chairman Powell, and representative representative Wilkerson, you're on deck.

Can I bring a friend with me?

If you have one, you can bring him. She has a friend. She's gonna bring you along. Ladies recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. This or the this morning, representative LaHood and I would like to remind you that tonight is, a little reception for seniors and everybody's in invited at the Painted Park on Highland Avenue tonight at 05:00. But I also wanted to remind you that Wednesday, our seniors from all over the state will be here, and I invite you to visit with them on Wednesday as well. Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you very much. Chairman Powell, representative Wilkerson, got more recognized.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen of the house. Today, representative Wilkerson, I'm bringing to you a piece of bipartisan legislation. In the early nineties, the state, the current debt law that we elected state schools, our local school superintendents, but local governments could have an appointed superintendent. That changed in '94 and went in effect of all appointed. What we brought to you today is because a lot of constituents have talked to us about desires to elect a superintendent.

Those people who are directly responsible for spending so much of the local monies to education and setting education policy. So what we're proposing in this today would be that a constitutional amendment to allow by local legislation and referendum for those counties that wanna have a an elected school superintendent that they could do so.

Now this would be an option. It would not be mandatory. You would keep your current process in place. And if you decide to do it in the local community, you could. So it's giving an option to the local communities that would love to see them electing their superintendent as it was years ago.

So if you're interested, please see chairman Powell and and, or myself.

Appreciate it.

Thanks. Okay. How are you? Strong team right there. We have one more afternoon order.

Represent Park Cannon. Ladies recognized for afternoon order. Give the lady your attention, please.

Thank you, mister speaker. Today marks one year since the tragic loss of Adrianna Smith. I spoke with her mother again last evening, and she wanted to share with everyone that there will be 10 billboards digitally placed throughout Atlanta, Georgia so that people don't forget her. She says she thanks everyone for their support. This has been a very hard time for her and her family.

And she just wants to say thank you for all the prayers and the messages that she has received. She hopes that no one else gets hurt and hopes that there are changes in Georgia laws for this. As you may remember, Adrianna Smith was pregnant, a nurse, and unfortunately suffered, an issue in her brain and was not able to regain her consciousness and she remained pregnant up until, twenty something weeks and, baby Chance, was delivered and baby Chance is still fighting for his life. He's in his second hospital now after many, many surgeries, and their family is still very much grieving. But today, we just think about Adrianna Smith and about her mom, miss April Newkirk.

I love you. Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you, represent representative. That concludes our afternoon orders. Mister Clerk, will you read the caption to a group of privileged resolutions?

Honoring the life and memory of Brian Daniel Waters, commending and congratulating doctor Ekertina Mirza Kallova, Recognizing and commending miss Stacy Mabrey. Recognizing and commending miss Noella Sargento. Recognizing and commending Jason Colbert. Recognizing 02/19/2026, Alpha Day at the state capital, recognizing and commending T. E.

Moy Junior, recognizing Eden Pethel, recognizing the city of McDonough, Georgia upon its first annual McDonough Day at the state capital, commending Georgia trauma professionals, the Georgia trauma commission, and the Georgia trauma foundation, and recognizing 02/24/2026 as trauma awareness day at State Capitol. Recognizing the first full week in May as tardive dyskinesia awareness week twenty twenty six. And for other purposes, that completes the reading with privileged resolutions.

Is there any objection to adopting the privilege resolutions? Hearing none, the resolutions are adopted. We'll move on to announcements now. Chairman Chokas, you can slow down. I don't want you to injure yourself or anything like that.

Take your time.

It's alright. I'm getting ready for the marathon. Anyway, tomorrow thank you, mister speaker. Tomorrow morning at 8AM, Room 506, small business development. We'll be meeting, and we've got some great presentations.

So hope to see you there, 05:06 8AM. Thank you. Thank you, mister speaker.

Representative Tran, gentleman's recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. The cap delegation, we have a meeting today upon adjournment in Room 514. The cap delegation meeting in Room 544514 upon adjournment. Thank you, mister speaker.

Representative Ballard. Representative Bethany Ballard is recognized for an announcement.

Thank you, mister speaker. We will have a curriculum and academic achievement subcommittee meeting today at 01:00 in CLOB 506. Thank you.

Chairman Gunther, gentleman's recognized. Ring the bell. Now he's gonna make an announcement.

Thank you, mister speaker. We have a judiciary committee meeting this afternoon. Currently, it's scheduled at 01:00. I have a, chairman's lunch to go to. So when we get back or I get back from that, that's when we'll start up.

01:32, judiciary, committee meeting. Thank you.

Representative Vance Smith is recognized for an announcement.

Thank you, mister speaker. Y'all, I know these may get pushed back, but there's a 01:30 subcommittee meeting of ways and means on the ad valorem tax. L o b. And then at 02:00, there's a subcommittee meeting of the natural resources committee, the resource management subcommittee. And it's supposed to be at two, but you're gonna pay attention.

I think things may get pushed back just a little bit, but both of those in the CLOB, four six for ways and means, 04:15 for natural resources. Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you, representative Smith. I hate to be a party pooper, but we're gonna move all committee meetings back one hour. All committee meetings this afternoon will be moved back one hour so you can plan accordingly, same place, but not the same time, one hour later. That completes our announcements. Members.

So some people don't want to age, so evidently, Trey Rhodes does not wanna acknowledge he has a birthday today. So he skipped out on us. So let's all wish chairman Trey Rhodes a happy birthday when you see him. If you have pages, we're gonna take some page photos down front. So I ask you to join me down front.

We'll take some page photos. The leader of this house, leader illustration, is recognized for a motion.

Thank you, mister speaker. I move that this house stand adjourned until Tuesday, 02/10/2026 at 10:00AM.

On the motion of the majority leader that this house adjourns, stay and adjourn until 10AM tomorrow, Tuesday, 02/10/2026. All those in favor, listen clearly now, will say aye. All opposed, no. No. Yeah.

We're not listening, but the ayes have it. We are adjourned.