Rep. Alan Powell: Legislative Newsletter – Week 4
By State Representative Alan Powell, HD 33
The Georgia House of Representatives returned to the State Capitol following a winter storm that impacted much of the southern part of the state.
We were joined in the House Chamber by the judges of our state’s judicial system to hear Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs deliver his third State of the Judiciary address.
The Chief Justice discussed our state’s initiatives to increase access to legal services and improve the administration of justice, as well as the importance of an independent judiciary in preserving the rule of law. He concluded by reiterating his appreciation for the legislature’s cooperation and support in enhancing the protection of Georgia’s judicial system, particularly by improving judicial compensation. He emphasized this effort will be pursued once again during the legislative session through two pieces of legislation: House Bill 85, addresses compensation for superior court judges, and House Bill 86, which pertains to compensation for statewide judges.
The pace of our legislative work picked up as the Appropriations Subcommittees continued meeting to review the sections of the Amended Fiscal Year (AFY) 2025 budget and House committees began meeting to discuss various bills assigned to them based on policy area. I am honored the Committee on Assignments reappointed me Chairman of the House Regulated Industries Committee, as well as to serve as a member of Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Motor Vehicles, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Rules and Transportation Committees.
While the workflow was continuous, we also made sure to take a moment of reflection and remembrance, honoring the millions of innocent lives lost during the Holocaust. We adopted House Resolution 50, which designates January 27, 2025, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day, to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that such atrocities are never forgotten. Monday also marked the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz- Birkenau.
Governor Kemp unveiled his desire to press for tort reform. The concern is that Georgia has had a series of runaway verdicts that is troubling to small businesses. Such ideas as seatbelt mitigation in automobile accidents, limitations on premises liability, as well as manipulations of actual compensatory and punitive damages are all areas of concern. At the same time, the Governor has assured Georgians that legitimate injuries and proper allocation of payment to injured and people will continue to occur. I expect this bill will have fierce debate and lobbying efforts on both sides of the question, including the insurance industry. This bill will begin in the Senate and I await the handiwork of the Senators. I will continue to report to you on the contents of this bill, once it has been made available.
The House was honored to have Congressman Mike Collins join us as President Trump signed into law his first piece of legislation during his second term—the Laken Riley Act. Women and girls throughout the nation are safer because of President Trump’s leadership to crack down on illegal immigration and secure our southern border. Last year, the Georgia House was proud to pass HB 1105 which laid the groundwork for the success of this administration’s deportation efforts, and we’ll continue to work alongside President Trump to make our communities and nation safe again.
My colleagues and I will continue to consider legislation that best serves Georgians, and I will be sure to update you about our legislative work. As we continue through the session, I hope that you will reach out with your questions or concerns regarding legislation and the issues that are significant to you and your family. Feel free to call my Capitol office at 404-463-3793 or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative.