Transcript Highlights:

• The nation of Georgia and America are valued partners.
• Sadly, Georgia faces a threat to its freedom.
• </c> you Atlanta and the state of Georgia you Atlanta and the state of Georgia have<00:19:24.960><c>
• What purpose does the gentleman from Georgia seek recognition?
• Without objection, the gentleman from Georgia is recognized for one minute. Mr.

Bills: HR30

Keywords: honor, legacy, Jimmy Carter, human rights, presidential achievements, diplomacy, Georgia, Nobel Peace Prize, James Earl Carter Jr., President Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Plains Georgia, Georgia politics, House resolution, memorial resolution, tribute, condolences, bipartisan, Carter Center, democracy

Transcript Highlights:

• Fuller from Georgia. I yield him as much time as he may consume. Thank you, Mr.
• For what purpose does a gentleman from Georgia seek recognition? Mr.
• First in the Georgia General decades.
• </c> from small family farms across Georgia from small family farms across Georgia to<05:46:27.040><c
• For what purpose does a gentleman from Georgia seek recognition? Mr.

Bills: HR1206 , HB6387 , HB4690 , HR1182 , HR1189

Keywords: David Scott, Representative David Scott, Georgia, House resolution, memorial resolution, condolence resolution, death of a member, adjournment in honor, Congressional tribute, House of Representatives, ceremonial resolution, obituary resolution, Clean Air Act, wildfire risk, air quality monitoring, exceptional events, regulations, environmental policy, energy efficiency, federal buildings

Transcript Highlights:

• FOR WHAT PURPOSE DOES MEMBER From Georgia, wish to speak? Mr.

Bills: HR776 , HR43 , HR226 , HR42 , HR835

Keywords: Coptic Christians, human rights, Egypt, religious freedom, US-Egypt relations, minority rights, violence prevention, inauguration, Congress, House attendance, ceremony, legislative session, inaugural ceremony, House of Representatives, President, Vice President, adjournment, aviation, transportation, centennial

Bills: HCR75 , HR1259 , HR1251 , HCR96 , HR1346 , HR1252 , HR1274 , HR1275

Keywords: Iran, military force, War Powers Resolution, U.S. Armed Forces, hostilities, Congress, national security, China human rights, People’s Republic of China, PRC, political prisoners, religious freedom, free speech, arbitrary detention, dissidents, Hong Kong democracy, Uyghurs, Zion Church, Pastor Jin Mingri, Pastor Gao Quanfu

Transcript Highlights:

• As Commissioner of Georgia DOT, Mr.
• I understand that Georgia has about $240 million in PROTECT grant funding.
• Georgia has not done that, but we've tried to do some other things.
• Same in Georgia.
• I know it was even colder down in Georgia. Yes, we...

Committee: Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

Keywords: Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, IIJA, bipartisan infrastructure, funding flexibility, NEPA, environmental reviews, bureaucratic delays, federal funding, infrastructure investment

Summary: The committee meeting focused on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Act, discussing the ongoing implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Chairman Capito highlighted the bipartisan nature of the legislation and the necessity of refining existing provisions to ensure effective delivery of transportation projects. Notable emphasis was placed on the need for flexibility in funding to address inflation impacts and delays caused by bureaucratic hurdles, especially relating to environmental reviews under NEPA. Witnesses from state transportation agencies provided valuable insights into real-world challenges faced in project execution, ultimately underscoring the importance of continuous federal support for infrastructure development. The discussion also touched on the broader implications of federal funding freezes by the previous administration, which have reportedly hindered several ongoing and planned projects. This issue raised significant concern among committee members, who urged the need for reliable funding and the removal of unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles that could cause delays in project implementation. The meeting concluded with a commitment from the members to work collaboratively to overcome these challenges and ensure a smooth path forward for critical infrastructure investments.

Transcript Highlights:

• FROM GEORGIA.
• from Georgia reserves.
• from Georgia reserves.
• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized. >> I reserve. >> The gentleman from Georgia reserves.
• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized. >> I reserve. >> The gentleman from Georgia reserves.

Bills: SCR29 , HB7380 , HB5200 , HB1681 , SB98 , HB5201 , HR1343 , HB7022 , HB7386

Keywords: internet freedom, Iran, cybersecurity, VPN, DTC technology, information access, human rights, digital tools, Emergency Reporting Act, FCC, Federal Communications Commission, Disaster Information Reporting System, DIRS, network outage reporting, outage notifications, 9-1-1, public safety answering point, PSAP, emergency communications center, broadband

Transcript Highlights:

• First of all, can you explain how the Georgia subsidies and Kentucky are the same, or is Georgia doing
• </c><00:07:54.080><c> doing</c> are they the same or as Georgia doing are they the same or as Georgia
• Georgia to really show the world you Georgia to really show the world you know<00:13:28.560><c> what<
• Georgia doesn't have a cap.
• </c><00:19:56.720><c> is</c> only way that you get to Georgia is only way that you get to Georgia is

Summary: The committee first took up Senate Bill 1, which would create a Kentucky Film Office and a Kentucky Film Leadership Council to promote film production in the state. Sponsors said the bill is intended to expand Kentucky’s use of film tax incentives, improve marketing and infrastructure, and attract productions that could generate jobs, tourism, and broader economic development. They noted a committee substitute made two changes: adding a salary cap for the film office executive director and correcting a date. Members asked about whether the office should instead be housed in the Economic Development Cabinet, how Kentucky’s refundable credit compares with Georgia’s transferable credits, the bill’s obscenity language, the size of the current incentive cap, and whether there should be reporting on the program’s results. Supporters cited a University of Louisville study estimating about $200 million in industry revenue in 2022 and argued the state is not fully using existing credits; an outside witness, Andrew McNeel, opposed the bill, calling the incentives subsidies, warning that Georgia’s uncapped program could lead to pressure to raise Kentucky’s cap, and arguing the bill could subsidize films with little lasting local benefit. After debate, the committee adopted the substitute and passed Senate Bill 1 as amended by House Committee Substitute 1 with an expression of opinion that it should pass. Several members explained their votes, including concerns about transparency, local hiring, and the need for further review. The committee then moved on to Senate Bill 76, which would raise the threshold for a retainage/escrow requirement in certain real estate improvement contracts from $500,000 to $2 million. The sponsor said the change is meant to reflect construction cost inflation since the statute was enacted in 1990. The transcript indicates a motion and second were made, but the discussion was cut off before any final action on the bill is shown. Finally, the committee heard Senate Bill 162, a simplified bill on unemployment insurance fraud. The sponsor said it would require suspected fraud to be referred to the appropriate state or federal law enforcement authorities, including the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, county or Commonwealth’s attorneys, and, where applicable, the U.S. Department of Justice, to create a clearer process and accountability. The transcript ends during the presentation, before any vote or committee action on SB 162 is recorded.

Transcript Highlights:

• They don't retain as many jobs in Georgia as we do here.
• If we had competed heavily with Georgia ten years ago, we probably wouldn't be talking today, but Georgia
• These folks do not want to work in Georgia.
• Georgia is very poor.
• I've worked at places like Georgia and New Mexico.

Transcript Highlights:

• in ocean science from the University of Georgia.
• From a K-12 school principal to president of South Georgia College illustrates his of South Georgia College
• Walker played a key role in bringing Fredo Lays in the Georgia National Fairgrounds to Perry, Georgia
• Speaker, I rise today to honor the recent winners of Miss Georgia 2026 and Miss Jine Georgia 2026.
• At the 81st annual Miss Georgia scholarship competition, Sophia Wooten, representing Northwest Georgia

Bills: HCR108 , HB3300 , HB7128 , HB7757 , HB7305 , HB7266 , HB7258 , HB7257 , HB3350 , HB4662 , HB5347 , HB8873

Keywords: HCR108, H. Con. Res. 108, War Powers Resolution, Lebanon, Lebanese Armed Forces, U.S. Armed Forces, hostilities, military withdrawal, troop removal, concurrent resolution, Congressional war powers, executive war powers, foreign policy, Middle East, diplomatic facilities, security cooperation, cease hostilities, military engagement, war authorization, non-authorization of force

Transcript Highlights:

• </c> Jack from the great state of Georgia. Jack from the great state of Georgia.
• </c><03:33:25.760><c> The</c> gentle lady from Georgia. The gentle lady from Georgia.
• </c> gentleoman from Georgia is recognized. gentleoman from Georgia is recognized.
• ,</c><03:36:52.560><c> the</c> Carolina, the lady from Georgia, the Carolina, the lady from Georgia,
• Gentleman from Georgia Georgia Georgia &gt;&gt; reserve &gt;&gt; reserve &gt;&gt; reserve &gt;&gt; reserves

Bills: HB4423 , HB5348 , HB4430 , HB4431 , HB4429 , HB3716 , HR225 , HB5349 , HB5346 , HB5345 , HB5284 , HB4313 , HR1262 , SB616 , HR176 , HB2159 , HB4323 , HB2066 , HB4549 , HB4495 , HB4491 , HB3174

Keywords: Burma, Myanmar, World Bank, International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, foreign aid, sanctions, military coup, democracy, development financing, multilateral lending, Treasury Department, Executive Director, international financial institutions, human rights, junta, national interest waiver, Social Security, SSN, Social Security number

Transcript Highlights:

• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized.
• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized.
• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized.
• The gentleman from Georgia is recognized.
• </c><02:45:54.160><c> must</c> Notably, my home state of Georgia must Notably, my home state of Georgia

Bills: HJR139 , HB1958 , HR556

Keywords: balanced budget, federal government, amendment, taxation, government spending, impeachment, federal judge, judicial misconduct, abuse of power, high crimes and misdemeanors, Charles R. Breyer, Judge Breyer, Northern District of California, U.S. District Court, House resolution, National Guard, Los Angeles, executive power, separation of powers, constitutional crisis

Transcript Highlights:

• Georgia is a Black Sea nation that has always prized its hard Georgia have peacefully taken to the Georgia
• But the Georgia Dream has turned into a Georgia nightmare. In Georgia and America, Dr.
• the Georgia dream has turned into a Georgia Georgia Georgia nightmare.<03:44:28.000><c> In</c><03:44:
• In Georgia and America, Dr. nightmare. In Georgia and America, Dr.
• Georgia. The question is, will the House Georgia.

Bills: HR36 , HR530 , HB1800 , HB2416 , HR1316 , HB1724 , HB1540 , HB1486 , HB1512 , HB1503 , HB1912

Keywords: federal programs, government efficiency, budget cuts, committee, oversight, rules resolution, House Rules Committee, procedural rule, floor procedure, appropriations, military construction, Veterans Affairs, VA funding, fiscal year 2026, immigration enforcement, special interest aliens, DHS reporting, monthly report, inadmissible, deportable

Transcript Highlights:

• Chairman, can we have some gentlemen tell us how it's been a burden for Georgia? >> Uh, yes.
• not Georgia.
• Most of the time the film industry is leasing equipment in Georgia, bringing it back here. >> I know
• </c> done in Georgia. No. done in Georgia. No.
• , bringing it back equipment in Georgia, bringing it back here. here. here.

Bills: HB42 , SB246 , SB38 , SB194 , SB183 , SB253 , SB160

Committee: Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development

Keywords: unclaimed vehicles, towing, Department of Revenue, notification requirements, abandoned vehicles, real estate, residential property, single-family home, homeowner protection, property solicitation, unsolicited offer, wholesaling, real estate wholesaling, assignment contract, equitable interest, investment property, house flipping, predatory real estate practices, title cloud, deceptive trade practices

Transcript Highlights:

• I know obviously it's in Georgia.
• And so it's been very successful in Georgia.
• I know obviously it's in Georgia. I don't know how long it's been in Georgia. programs like this.
• I know obviously it's in Georgia.
• And so it's been very successful in Georgia. States.

Committee: All JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE

Summary: The committee first received a report on the executive protection detail, which was filed without questions. Members were then given a long advance list of House and Senate bills ready for consideration, followed by several amendment requests from agencies. The committee adopted amendments for the Auditor of State to increase special deputy expense allowance, the Administrative Office of the Courts for court interpreters and substitute court reporters, and several other items including local sales tax refunds, county property tax redistribution, and local law enforcement funding. It also held one amendment on House Bill 1034 and moved a Northwest Arkansas Community College cash fund increase tied to tornado-related campus repairs. The committee then considered a series of member amendments and appropriation items, including increases for the Public Defender Commission and deputy prosecuting attorneys to cover higher bar license fees, and a $12 million federal appropriation-only item. A lengthy discussion followed on a proposal from Senator Wallace and Representative Tosh to fund a pilot program for prison cell-phone detection/jamming technology at two correctional facilities. Sponsors and Department of Corrections officials said the system would target illegal contraband phones, would be procured through an RFP, and would be a two-year pilot; members raised questions about legality, cost, scope, data, and whether the department should use existing budget authority. The committee ultimately advanced the item by motion. The committee also took up an amendment from Senator Caldwell for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, seeking a $4 million appropriation increase. Testimony emphasized that the division’s extension offices and research functions are underfunded, that salaries are not competitive, and that the request would help with staffing and flexibility; other members questioned why the division needed more appropriation authority when it already had room under current limits and noted that the request exceeded the higher education board’s recommendation. The amendment was adopted after extended debate. Finally, the committee began acting on governor’s letters, adopting amendments for a $150 million increase to the homestead property tax credit, a $23,000 reallocation for the Insurance Department’s conference costs, $100,000 for property appraisal review work, $1.5 million for career and technical education professional development, $300,000 for DFA regulatory federal spending, $5 million for Inspector General fraud investigations, a consolidation of appraiser/abstractor/home inspector appropriations, deletion of a completed Fort Chaffee readiness center appropriation, and a revised reappropriation for corrections capital projects that would add special language restricting use of the $73.7 million prison-expansion reappropriation. The committee also heard a summary of a supplemental appropriations package involving fund transfers for pregnancy resource centers, senior centers, assistance grants, used tires, and UAMS pregnancy/stroke programs.

Transcript Highlights:

• Football coaches in Georgia, and then the five highest-paid public school coaches in Alabama.
• When we talk about Georgia, I want you to take a look at Valdosta High School.
• They're leaving Florida to go to Georgia or Alabama.
• So the way that Texas and Georgia have...
• So the way that Texas and Georgia have... Dr. Ramjack, thank you.

Summary: The Education Pre-K through 12 Committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White. The students spoke about the value of education-based athletics, leadership, and the need for safe, equitable opportunities. Damon then discussed FHSAA issues including rising sportsmanship problems, ejections, violent incidents, recruiting allegations, transfers, mental health pressures on student athletes, and the need for qualified coaches. He said the association tries to be proactive, work with schools on discipline, and emphasize that school changes should be for academic reasons rather than athletics. Senators asked about mental health, transfer rules, and a recent Jacksonville incident; Damon explained the current transfer exceptions and said the association lacked authority over the Jacksonville football game because the schools were not in FHSAA football. The committee then heard a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, have not kept pace with the expanding year-round demands of coaching, and amount to very low hourly pay in many sports. He also said Florida’s restrictions on booster club funding and minimal certification requirements contribute to turnover and difficulty retaining qualified coaches. Hickman and Ward described coaching as a demanding, year-round profession that affects students beyond athletics, including academics and mental health. The superintendents said they value coaches but must balance compensation against limited district funds and other staffing needs; one noted Walton County uses a dedicated administrative lane for football coaching and athletic administration. Senators discussed whether booster club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should be tied to performance, and whether any increase in base student allocation would actually reach coaches. Public commenters, including Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, urged support for coaches and emphasized their broader impact on students’ lives and school safety. At the end of the meeting, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, with no appearance forms filed, voted unanimously to recommend confirmation. Senator Burgess then moved to adjourn, and the committee concluded the meeting.

Transcript Highlights:

• Football coaches in Georgia, and then the five highest-paid public school coaches in Alabama.
• When we talk about Georgia, I want you to take a look at Valdosta High School.
• They're leaving Florida to go to Georgia or Alabama.
• “South Georgia.
• So the way that Texas and Georgia have...”

Committee: Senate Education Pre-K - 12

Summary: The committee heard a presentation from Florida High School Athletic Association Executive Director Craig Damon, joined by student athletes Sydney Daniel and Taylor White, on current issues in high school sports. Damon said the association received more than 309 allegations this year, including 113 recruiting complaints, but only two coaches were suspended for recruiting violations, and those were self-reported. He focused on rising sportsmanship problems, violent incidents, and ejections, saying the association is working with coaches and athletic administrators on prevention and positive-behavior campaigns. He also discussed mental health pressures on student athletes, the effects of frequent transfers and school choice on team stability and community pride, and the need for more qualified coaches on campus who understand interscholastic rules and student support responsibilities. Senators asked about the transfer system, violent conduct, and whether the association would propose changes; Damon said he would support guardrails that protect school choice while limiting midseason athletic transfers. The committee then took up a panel on high school coaches’ compensation led by Florida Coaches Coalition Executive Director Dr. Andrew Ramgett, with Coach Mike Hickman, Coach Charlie Ward, and superintendents from Okaloosa and Walton counties. Ramgett argued that coaching supplements are outdated, often amounting to very low hourly pay despite year-round duties, and said Florida’s system has not kept pace with increased responsibilities, inflation, or neighboring states. He also criticized restrictions on booster-club support, minimal coaching certification requirements, and turnover among coaches, and urged changes that would allow coaches to negotiate fairer compensation and receive external funding. Hickman and Ward emphasized the long hours, family strain, and mentoring role of coaches, while the superintendents said districts face finite budgets and must balance coach pay against teacher, bus driver, and other staffing needs; they also warned that booster-funded pay could create inequities between wealthy and less affluent communities. Senators discussed whether booster-club funding should be allowed, whether compensation should vary by performance, and whether any new funding should be categorical. Public comment followed from Florida Athletic Coaches Association Executive Director Shelton Cruz and former coach Tyrone McGriff, both of whom stressed the broader educational and safety impact of coaches and asked lawmakers to support the next generation of coaches. After the presentations, the committee took up confirmation hearings for appointments on tabs 3 through 6 and, by a single roll-call vote, recommended all appointees favorably. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• In looking at other state plans, Georgia has a check-off on their tax forms... Plans.
• But just as Georgia funds theirs, are you familiar with the programs that...?
• Are you familiar with the programs that they have in Georgia? I thought this was brilliant.
• But were you aware—have you ever heard of what Georgia is doing? I was not. I was shocked.
• The sad thing is my sister was a resident of Georgia before she came to Alabama.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> Yield two minutes to the gentleman from Georgia, Mr. Carter.
• &gt;&gt; YIELD TWO MINUTES TO THE GENTLEMAN FROM GEORGIA, MR. CARTER.
• UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA, OUR IN GEORGIA IT WAS PRAISE $FOR THE DOUBLE DOGS INITIATIVE AND HIGHLY REGARDED
• GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY'S TREASURED BALD EAGLE MASCOT FREEDOM.
• For two decades, he inspired thousands at Georgia Southern athletic events, the St.

Bills: HB1670 , HR493 , HR492 , HR491 , HB5140 , HB4922 , HR713 , HR721 , HB2721 , HR707

Keywords: fertility, health benefits, family planning, assisted reproductive technology, employees, fertility treatment, ART, in vitro fertilization, IVF, infertility, family building, reproductive health, oocyte preservation, sperm preservation, embryo preservation, artificial insemination, gamete donation, embryo genetic testing, federal employee health benefits, FEHB

Transcript Highlights:

• by the Georgia Business Journal's 2024 Best of Georgia Awards.
• by the Georgia Business Journal's 2024 Best of Georgia Awards.
• </c><00:39:05.640><c> business</c> named best museum in Georgia business named best museum in Georgia
• Georgia awards conducts the best of Georgia awards every<00:39:38.000><c> year</c><00:39:38.520><c>
• I thank my friend from Georgia.

Bills: SB5 , HR165 , HR53 , HR55 , HR54

Keywords: immigration, detention, theft, security, enforcement, Laken Riley Act, deportation, mandatory detention, ICE detainer, Department of Homeland Security, DHS, noncitizen, alien, inadmissibility, burglary, larceny, shoplifting, assault on law enforcement, serious bodily injury, parole

Transcript Highlights:

• Eighty percent of the new load in Georgia is coming from data center development, and the Georgia Power
• Eighty percent of the new load in Georgia is coming from data center development, and the Georgia Power
• Eighty percent of the new load in Georgia is coming from data center development, and the Georgia Power
• Eighty percent of the new load in Georgia is coming from data center development, and the Georgia Power
• to the point where the to Georgia to the point where the Georgia<00:42:34.720><c> legislature</c><00

Committee: Senate Energy, Utilities, Environment, and Climate