Legislative Update

Friends,

Week Eight was certainly the busiest to date with Crossover Day on Wednesday. For fifteen hours, state lawmakers took action on more than sixty pieces of legislation. While we worked long into the night, I am proud of the bills we passed and look forward to the days ahead as we approach Sine Die on March 29.

Tax Reform

On Thursday, the House gave final passage to HB 918, which is the largest tax cut for Georgians in eighty years. I was proud to be a co-signer of the bill.

I was honored to work with Speaker David Ralston and House leadership to pass tax reform legislation that will cut rates, double the standard deduction, and save Georgia taxpayers $5 billion over 5 years.

Crossover Update

Distracted Driving: Every year, thousands of Georgians die in car wrecks caused by distracting driving. The House passed HB 673 to restrict smartphone usage in Georgia while operating a vehicle. This proposed legislation is now under consideration in the Senate.

Mental Illness: Under HB 999, people with a history of mental illness will be unable to purchase or own a firearm under certain conditions. This legislation ends a state requirement to purge the records of those who are unwillingly committed for mental health treatment after five years. It is a common sense step to take in the direction of protecting the public at large, while still protecting our Second Amendment Rights.

Rural Growth: HB 951 establishes a Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation (CRPI), which will be tasked with helping rural communities grow and thrive. Recommended by the House Rural Development Council, the CRPI will be housed within a University System of Georgia institution.

Leadership Walton

We were honored to have both classes of Leadership Walton at the State Capitol this week. Big thanks to Teri Smiley, Executive Director of the Walton County Chamber, for her service to our community and the Chamber’s support of this great program. We are “Walton Proud!” of it.

Under the Gold Dome

Big thanks to Presley Rowe for serving as my House Page this week. We appreciate his service and hard work.

This week, we welcomed long time family friend, Pastor Tony Dyer, and his wife Debbie to the State Capitol. Tony previously pastored the First Christian Church in Monroe and did a great job leading our morning devotional as the “Pastor of the Day.”

As always, it is an honor to represent you and your loved ones in the Georgia General Assembly. Please feel free to call (404-656-5024) or email (bruce.williamson@house.ga.gov) with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,