'Lawmakers': Remembering former UGA student Laken Riley on Day 26

On Day 26, lawmakers remembered Laken Riley, the former University of Georgia student killed in Athens, Ga., last week. 

The murder quickly became a politicized debate over border control and immigration over the weekend, with Republican state Sen. John Albers weighing in today, along with Democratic state Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes.

In business news, it was Hyundai Day at the Capitol — a chance for the newest car manufacturer setting up shop in the state to show off their electric vehicles.  

But the upcoming Feb. 29 "Crossover Day" is driving many legislators to get their legislation passed in their chambers by the Thursday deadline.   

Eighteen bills and resolutions were on the Senate’s rules calendar. 

Some of them are more notable than others.

Senate Bill 235 would create HBCU Innovation and Economic Prosperity Planning Districts, which proponents say will help the colleges — and the neighborhoods surrounding these schools — with opportunities for investment and improvement. The bill passed 46 to 7, despite opposition from senators who graduated from the state’s HBCUs.

Then there’s SB 351. If that bill becomes law, parents will have to give children under 16 permissions to access certain social media accounts. It also would promote responsible digital citizenship and the safe use of social media, limit online social media access and prohibit online “bullying” when using public school-issued electronic devices. 

The House started the day with a moment of silence by U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff for Riley. He addressed calls for more security at the U.S. border. And, separately, he urged both chambers to take action to protect foster children in Georgia. 

Then, House representatives wrangled a measure increasing the penalties for livestock theft. The bill passed 156 to 12. 

After lunch, the House passed the amended fiscal year 2024 budget after debate in a conference committee with the Senate this morning. The budget adds money for mental health services and building improvements.  

House members debated another bill that affects hunting and fishing rights. HB 1172 removes references to the public trust doctrine which gives the state authority over all rivers and waterbeds. Supporters say it could curb trespassing. Critics say it opens the door for landowners to limit access to waterways. The bill passed 107 to 60. 

The Senate also passed the amended budget in the afternoon.  

Lawmakers come back to the Capitol tomorrow for another busy day, on Day 27.

Join host Donna Lowry and capitol reporter Sarah Kallis at 7 p.m. on GPB-TV for the 54th season of GPB's Lawmakers.