With Crossover Day Behind Them, Lawmakers Work To Wrap Up Session

Editor's note: the following was submitted by State Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell).

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This week, the Georgia Senate completed day 31 of the 40-day legislative session. With the deadline of Crossover Day successfully behind us, my colleagues and I are now focused on getting our bills heard in the House.

On Wednesday, we began the process of standing before House committees to present our bills, and representatives have been doing the same before Senate committees. A lot of work remains to be done and I am confident we will have a successful and efficient last nine days of session.

Along with a very busy Crossover Day Monday and several committee meetings throughout the week, the Senate celebrated Law Enforcement Appreciation Day at the Capitol on Wednesday. It was an honor to acknowledge the brave men and women who serve our local and statewide police departments. They are dedicated to public service and protect us every day. We must do all we can to support them in their efforts so they can continue to keep us safe within our communities and around the state.

On Crossover Day, Senate Bill 77 passed out of the Senate with a vote of 42-4. SB 77, which I sponsored, requires the collection and analysis of DNA samples from individuals convicted of felonies or those who are indicted for serious offenses.

A timeline and procedure guideline for the DNA collection process is established through SB 77. DNA samples may be collected by oral swab or noninvasive procedures from individuals indicted for a “serious offense,” which includes serious violent felonies and 12 other criminal offenses. Individuals indicted of these offenses must provide their DNA as a condition of bail or pretrial release.

Those serving a sentence in a detention facility or those who are under probation or parole must provide a DNA sample as well. The bill allows individuals to apply for expungement under certain circumstances. I look forward to having SB 77 heard in the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee soon.

Here are brief summaries of some of the other bills the Senate took action on:

• Senate Bill 269: This legislation would require every state agency that provides funding to a county or city government to certify that the local government receiving funds is not operating a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants.
• Senate Bill 369: This legislation addresses local control for the use and safety of fireworks. SB 369 would create new restrictions on locations where consumer fireworks may not be used and would revise permitted time periods in which consumer fireworks may be ignited. To ensure safer consumer usage, SB 369 would allow the Governor to restrict fireworks during a time of drought and would restrict the use of fireworks by individuals under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Senate Bill 350: This legislation would dedicate tax revenue derived from the sale of fireworks to local law enforcement agencies, trauma care and fire safety.
• Senate Resolution 558: This legislation is the constitutional amendment which enables Senate Bill 350. The resolution proposes a referendum for citizens of Georgia to vote whether to dedicate the revenue specified in SB 350 or not.

It is a great honor to represent the 56th Senate District, and I encourage you to reach out to me with comments, questions and concerns. Your feedback is crucial to my work at the Georgia State Capitol because the reason I am here is to represent your best interests.

Sen. John Albers serves as chairman of the State and Local Government Operations. He represents the 56th Senate District which includes portions of North Fulton and Cherokee counties. He may be reached at his office at 404.463.8055 or by email at john.albers@senate.ga.gov.

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