[February 26, 2024] | Week seven; boy! These days are going fast.
Congratulations on our Pickens Lady 'Nettes and Guys for working so hard to advance to the state playoffs. What a run for these two teams. Enjoyed watching the games on Facebook.
Please let me know if you are coming to the Capitol. I missed at least three folks who just popped in, and we couldn't connect. I will always make time for you, if I know you are coming. A quick call to my office as soon as you know will make it happen. Saying that, we had a bunch of folks visit the Capitol with groups and alone... Really makes us smile to see our home friends, even on the busiest day.
I have had a few ask me about School Zone Speed Cameras and bills in the legislature. There are two: one to completely do away with them, and one to more tightly regulate them. The more-tightly-regulate-them is in the Senate for them to work on and pass, and the completely-do-away-with-them bill passed the House Motor Vehicles committee this past week. Let me know what you think.
Every now and then, a bill gets a standing ovation, and my friend Chairman Alan Powell got one for his work on House Bill 993. This would give criminal penalties for individuals who knowingly and intentionally groom minors and/or use electronic means to persuade, induce, entice, or coerce them into committing sexual offenses or acts of human trafficking. Perpetrators of this crime would face felony imprisonment ranging from one to five years, and those who commit these heinous acts could be charged regardless of whether crimes are committed within or outside of our state if it involves a minor who lives in Georgia. I was so proud for him and his work on this. The General Assembly has taken decisive action in recent years to combat human trafficking in our state. This bill now moves to the Senate.
We have a lot of storage facilities around here, and we passed House Bill 934, which would allow a self-service storage facility rental agreement to be executed and delivered electronically. There are a number of rules around it to safeguard both sides. Daddy always said, "Read your contract."
Of course, we did a lot of other bills this week. If you would like the whole list, just ask; be glad to send them to you.
It does get pretty busy in the days ahead with Crossover on Thursday as our deadline for passed House bills to be transferred to the Senate. My number one job is to be your voice at the Capitol. I encourage you to visit me at my Capitol office, or call me if you have any questions or concerns regarding the bills, the legislative process, or any other measures considered under the Gold Dome.
My Capitol office number is 404-656-7153. My email is rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your State Representative.