Georgia lawmakers are hard at work to pass as many bills as possible before the clock runs out on the 2024 legislative session.  

In the Senate today, there was a quick update on the condition of Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson. The former state senator revealed recently that he was suffering from Stage 4 pancreatic and liver cancer. Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) said Thompson is starting treatment.

The Senate then took up nine House bills and passed them.

Cattle rustlers in Georgia? Not on the Senate’s watch as they “branded” HB827 with their seal of approval. The bill will increase punishment for cattle thieves and protect caged wild animals at places like zoos.

Here are a few bills of note:

First, if you are a cattle rustler, or enjoy a good cow tipping, then House Bill 827 may ruin your day. Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell) spoke about the bill, which deals with trespassing or theft of livestock. HB 827 makes it a crime to break into, injure or kill any caged wild animal. It also gives agriculture investigators some new policing powers.

Next, there’s HB 1028, which is a clean-up bill that removes and revises some health-related provisions. Sen. Ben Watson (R-Savannah) spoke about the bill, which includes removing sanitation inspections at jails by the Department of Health.  

Finally, there’s House Bill 1033. Sen. Bill Cowsert (R-Athens) took the floor to mention this one, which will help keep utility workers safe by adding increased penalties for those who try to harm them. 

The House also took up a slew of bills this morning.

Senate Bill 426 seeks to limit the ability to sue commercial insurance companies directly immediately after trucking accidents. The House passed it unanimously, 172 to 0, with Rep. Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) calling the bill “significant.”

SB 480, which would create a loan repayment program for mental health workers, also passed easily. Supporters including Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta) say it could increase the number of mental healthcare workers in Georgia.  

The House also took up SB 456, which seeks to increase access to caretakers for disabled adults.  

Rep. El-Mahdi Holly (D-Stockbridge) spoke about a personal connection to the measure, which passed unanimously.

To protect Georgia judges' personal privacy, Rep. Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) presented a bill on Monday that would limit access to certain personal information of state and federal judges, justices, and their spouses.

Judge safety was also on the docket for the House. SB 508 would keep information private about where judges live. Lawmakers including Rep. Matt Reeves (-–Duluth) cited attacks on judges in other states as a reason why the legislation is needed. It passed 170 to 1.

And Rep. Mandisha Thomas (D-South Fulton) announced she will not run for reelection. She plans to challenge U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath for her U.S. House seat this year.  

The House and Senate return on Wednesday for Day 37. In the meantime, the chambers will face off in their annual kickball tournament tomorrow evening.  

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