Candidate website

AJC/ACC Voter Guide - Local & Legislative Questionnaire

The candidate's website says, "Banking and Financial Institutions Creating Banking Improvement Zones ... Senate Bill 20, sponsored by Sen. Michael Rhett (D – Marietta), would allow for the establishment of banking improvement zones in under-served areas ... Local governments within banking improvement zones would be able to deposit funds into the banks..."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 781, carried by Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon), would create revisions to streamline existing statutes in order to make department regulations more efficient. – HB 781"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) carried House Bill 105, which would establish an excise tax on rideshare trips, as well as create an income tax exemption for payments related to Hurricane Michael relief. – HB 105"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R – Rome) carried House Bill 779, which would revise the amount of distribution percentages for title ad valorem tax proceeds... These percentages would differ depending on if the municipality does or does not have an independent school district. – HB 779"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 276... would require the collection of sales tax from marketplace facilitators who conduct at least $100,000 in sales to Georgia customers... The sales tax would be remitted to the Department of Revenue through the marketplace facilitator..."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 808... would extend the period in which a loaner vehicle may be exempt from an ad valorem tax from 30 days within a 366 day period to 45 days within a 366 day period."

Supports revising tax credit definitions and processes for production companies in House Bill 1037, including application and audit requirements for certain tax credits through the Department of Revenue.

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 416... would reduce the salaries of members of the General Assembly by 10% for the 2021 fiscal year and the salary of the Lt. Governor by 14% for the current fiscal year."

Supports legislation enabling insurance companies to credit ceded liabilities to reinsurers on balance sheets, incorporating NAIC's model law into Georgia's Insurance Code. – SB 188

Supports legislation enabling insurance companies to credit ceded liabilities to reinsurers on balance sheets, incorporating NAIC's model law into Georgia's Insurance Code.

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 758... would amend the Georgia Motor Carrier Act of 2012 by defining a motor carrier improvement and prohibiting the consideration of the deployment or implementation of such when evaluating the employee status of an individual. – HB 758"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 408... would provide the Labor Commissioner with emergency rulemaking authority, amend the calculation of maximum benefits payable and authorize a work-sharing program. – SB 408"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 315, sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R – Marietta), clarifies that mechanics or materialmen sign- ing an “interim waiver and release” only waive their lien and bond rights and not other rights. – SB 315"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) sponsored Senate Bill 443, which would establish uniform regulations on garnishment proceedings and actions."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) carried House Bill 230, which would allow a new type of corporation, called a benefit corporation, to be established in Georgia... Benefit corporations would be for-profit companies..."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 337, carried by Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon), would require that peer-to-peer car-sharing programs assume liability over the owner for bodily injury or property damage to a third party during the car-sharing period."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick) sponsored Senate Bill 26 which would allow the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia to count past service in the Georgia Defined Contribution Plan as creditable service. – SB 26"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 176, sponsored by Sen. Ellis Black (R – Valdosta), would require public employers to contribute to the Employees’ Retirement System of Georgia on behalf of returning retired employees. – SB 176"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 294, sponsored by Sen. Ellis Black (R – Valdosta), would permit the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS) to make alternative investments of up to 5% of the value of the TRS fund. – SB 294"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 295... would ensure the minimum salary program for Georgia’s constitutional officers is not increased by any cost-of-living adjustments or performance-based increases that were applied prior to January 1, 2020."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Brian Strickland (R – McDonough) carried House Bill 1102 which would make revisions to the Homestead Option Sales and Use Tax, also known as HOST, by authorizing the replacement of the tax through a county referendum. – HB 1102"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega) sponsored Senate Bill 371, which would allow the state to invest in railways and railroad equipment... – SB 371"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), carried House Bill 820, which would create the Georgia Freight Railroad Program... The Program would be administered by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Transportation and would be composed of three subprograms: the Rail Enhancement Plan, the Rail Preservation Plan, and the Rail Industrial Plan."

The candidate's website says, "Rhett said his banking bill, which would establish incentives for banks to open in underserved communities, passed with unanimous support and is awaiting the governor’s signature."

The candidate's website says, "But the effort is largely a symbolic one for now. The budget crunch created by the coronavirus means that the Legislature will need to find the funding for it later."

The candidate's website says, "Kay Kirkpatrick added, “I am honored to be recognized as someone who supports our positive business climate in Georgia and will continue to address strengthening our workforce.”"

Supports Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, endorsed by Georgia Chamber of Commerce for her commitment to policies that bolster free enterprise and job growth in State Senate District 32.

The candidate's website says, "ATLANTA (10/19/2020) – The NFIB Georgia PAC, the political action committee of the state’s leading small business advocacy organization, has endorsed Dr. Kay Kirkpatrick in the Senate District 32 race. The PAC is comprised exclusively of NFIB members."

The candidate's website says, "The NFIB Georgia PAC endorsement is critical to candidates’ campaigns. Small business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members, and acquaintances to go to the polls."

The candidate's website says, "NFIB Georgia PAC’s political support is based on the candidates’ positions and records on small business issues."

Supports policies fostering free enterprise and job growth, as the Georgia Chamber of Commerce endorses Dr. Kay Kirkpatrick for State Senate, confident in her ability to make effective economic decisions as an orthopedic surgeon.

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 462, sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon), would rename industrial loans as installment loans and transfer their regulation from the Industrial Loan Commissioner to the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance. – SB 462"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 1008, carried by Sen. Lee Anderson (R – Govetown), would revise the definition of ‘residential industrialized building’ to provide that the structure can contain permanent metal chassis. – HB 1008"

The candidate's website says, "Exempting Taxes on Hurricane Michael Relief"

Supports exempting Taxes on Hurricane Michael Relief.

The candidate's website says, "Extending the Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Period for Loaner Vehicles"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen) carried House Bill 780, which would allow the State Properties Commission to take into account opinions of value when determining the valuation of state property, under certain circumstances."

The candidate's website says, "Establishing Workplace Requirements for Expressing Breast Milk and Labor Rules"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon) sponsored Senate Bill 373, which would adjust the duties and standards of con- duct for directors and officers of nonprofit corporations, electric management corporations and foreign electric cooperatives. – SB 373"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 966, carried by Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla), would establish regulations on the harvest and sale of saw palmetto berries and would establish penalties for violations. – HB 966"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 446, sponsored by Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry), would reduce the time for the disposal of unclaimed bonds from seven years to two years."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla) carried House Bill 861 which would redefine the term “commercial motor vehicle” in Georgia Code... HB 861 also includes language adopting federal regulations on commercial motor vehicles."

The candidate's website says, "$300 million or more to be exempt from the current voting requirements regarding its authority to issue a bond certificate. – SB 43"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Lee Anderson (R – Grovetown) sponsored Senate Bill 144 which would enable the Department of Revenue (DOR) to issue off-premise sales permits for tobacco products... Permits would be valid for 1-10 days & DOR would set rules and regulations related to the permits."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 292, carried by Sen. Larry Walker (R – Perry), would eliminate certain payments required to be made by the University System of Georgia to the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia. – HB 292"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 664... would require full-time employees of the Office of Legislative Counsel, who are employed on June 30, 2020 and after, to become enrolled in the Georgia Judicial Retirement System... Current employees will have the option to remain in the Employees Retirement System or to enroll in the Judicial Retirement System."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 848, carried by Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla), would provide the Department of Administrative Services with further options concerning the disposal of surplus property. . – HB 848"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick) carried House Bill 953, which would add a new Code section to provide that certain terms in particular types of state contracts ... become unenforceable. – HB 953"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Bruce Thompson (R – White) carried House Bill 914 which would authorize the issuance of certain professional licenses to military spouses licensed to practice in another state. – HB 914"

The candidate's website says, "Lawmakers, including Ralston, highlighted some of the efforts that passed this year, such as the state budget and the hate crimes bill, despite the coronavirus interrupting the session and causing revenue shortfalls."

The candidate's website says, "I don’t think there’s any way that the budget situation that we look at for FY2022 ... is going to be any different or brighter than the situation we just dealt with..."

The candidate's website says, "Georgia officials including Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan praised the measure as necessary to keep the doors open for critical food programs catering to underserved youth."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 893... would revise the timeline for when insurance companies must submit their assessments to fund the Special Insurance Fraud Fund. Under the new revisions, assessments are due on September 1 of the year of assessment."

The candidate's website says, "House Resolution 935, carried by Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta), would recreate the Georgia Commission on Freight and Logistics. – HR 935"

The candidate's website says, "House Resolution 1167, carried by Sen. Bill Heath (R – Bremen), would allow for the conveyance or lease of state owned property in several counties across Georgia. – HR 1167"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 442, sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick), would prohibit the addition of certain amendments to the property owners’ association instrument that would stop a non-owner occupied lot from still being leased or rented. – SB 442"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla) sponsored Senate Bill 474, which would allow the Governor to assign the responsibility of constructing, maintaining and operating certain welcome and tourist centers to the Department of Natural Resources. – SB 474"

The candidate's website says, "Nonprofit food programs could also receive donations of food made in church kitchens and businesses under the bill... Food prepared in homes could not be donated."

Supports tax exemption for Cherokee County seniors over 62 and disabled residents with 5-year residency from school district property taxes, effective for those qualifying in 2024.

Supports tax exemption from school district property taxes for Cherokee County seniors over 62 and disabled residents with 5-year residency.

Supports tax conformity with federal codes from 2019, a new sales tax reporting system, and job tax credits for PPE manufacturers and certain businesses affected in 2020 and 2021.

Supports tax conformity with federal codes from 2019, a new sales tax reporting system, and job tax credits for PPE manufacturers.

Supports aiding businesses of all sizes, drawing on her healthcare business experience, especially amid COVID-19, and intends to maintain a productive relationship with the Chamber to address statewide business concerns.

Supports aiding businesses of all sizes, drawing on her healthcare business experience, especially amid COVID-19.

Supports creating banking improvement zones in under-served areas to foster economic development, with local governments depositing funds at fixed interest rates, as per Senate Bill 20 by Sen. Michael Rhett.

Supports Senate Bill 20 which creates banking improvement zones in under-served areas to foster economic development, with local governments depositing funds at fixed interest rates.

Supports Senate Bill 359, granting COVID-19 liability immunity to businesses, especially healthcare providers following CDC guidelines, while allowing lawsuits for negligence in cleaning or social distancing, acknowledging lawsuit difficulties for virus contraction could burden small businesses.

Supports Senate Bill 359, granting COVID-19 liability immunity to businesses, especially healthcare providers following CDC guidelines, but still allowds lawsuits for negligence in cleaning or social distancing.

Supports legislation enabling taxpayers to recover litigation costs if superior court appeals reduce assessed values by 15% or more, and endorses virtual ad valorem tax appeal hearings. – SB 410

Supports Senate Bill 410 which enables taxpayers to recover litigation costs if superior court appeals reduce assessed values by 15% or more, and endorses virtual ad valorem tax appeal hearings.

Supports diversifying state investments to include mutual funds and empowering the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to loan funds for land and water conservation projects to local entities and NGOs. – HB 901

Supports House Bill 901 which diversifies state investments to include mutual funds and empowering the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to loan funds for land and water conservation projects to local entities and NGOs.

Supports legislation mandating break time and spaces for breastfeeding employees, revising benefit calculations, establishing work-sharing programs, and empowering the Labor Commissioner with emergency rule-making authority during state emergencies. – HB 1090.

Supports House Bill 1090 which mandates break time and spaces for breastfeeding employees, revising benefit calculations, establishing work-sharing programs, and empowering the Labor Commissioner with emergency rule-making authority during state emergencies.

The candidate's website says, "“I understand the burden over regulations can cause small businesses,” said Senator Kirkpatrick. “As your State Senator, I will continue to work hard to cut red tape so can focus on what’s important— your business.”"

Said, “I will continue to work hard to cut red tape so can focus on what’s important— your business.”"

The candidate's website says, "full access to data for comparing prices and quality across companies."

Supports providing "full access to data for comparing prices and quality across companies."

Said "I support lowering barriers to free market solutions to create more workforce housing".

- Supports tax exemption from school district property taxes for Cherokee County seniors over 62 and disabled residents with 5-year residency.
- Supports tax conformity with federal codes from 2019, a new sales tax reporting system, and job tax credits for PPE manufacturers.
- Supports aiding businesses of all sizes, drawing on her healthcare business experience, especially amid COVID-19.
- Supports Senate Bill 20 which creates banking improvement zones in under-served areas to foster economic development, with local governments depositing funds at fixed interest rates.
- Supports Senate Bill 359, granting COVID-19 liability immunity to businesses, especially healthcare providers following CDC guidelines, but still allowds lawsuits for negligence in cleaning or social distancing.
- Supports Senate Bill 410 which enables taxpayers to recover litigation costs if superior court appeals reduce assessed values by 15% or more, and endorses virtual ad valorem tax appeal hearings.
- Supports House Bill 901 which diversifies state investments to include mutual funds and empowering the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority to loan funds for land and water conservation projects to local entities and NGOs.
- Supports House Bill 1090 which mandates break time and spaces for breastfeeding employees, revising benefit calculations, establishing work-sharing programs, and empowering the Labor Commissioner with emergency rule-making authority during state emergencies.
- Said, “I will continue to work hard to cut red tape so can focus on what’s important— your business.”"
- Supports providing "full access to data for comparing prices and quality across companies."
- Said "I support lowering barriers to free market solutions to create more workforce housing".

Economy

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 426, which would require any spill of ethylene oxide to be reported to the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources within 24 hours... It would also create a public website with information on all reported spills. – SB 426"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 857... would prohibit the Director of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources from issuing permits for railroad ties treated with creosote or naphthenate for purposes of commercial electricity generation."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 123, sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick), would increase the surcharges on depositing coal combustion residual ash into certain solid waste facilities from $1.00 to $2.50. – SB 123"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Lee Anderson (R – Grovetown) carried House Bill 1057, which would prohibit the distribution of fertilizers or selling of liming materials which contain domestic septage. – HB 1057"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 833, carried by Sen. William Ligon (R – Brunswick), would allow the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to create regulations related to long-term anchoring in Georgia’s rivers... – HB 833"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 244... would require Electric Membership Corporations to comply with rates, fees, terms, conditions and specifications for pole attachment requirements by communications service providers..."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 972, carried by Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell), would provide civil penalties when an operator trans- porting natural gas violates or fails to comply with orders of the Public Service Commission. – HB 972"

The candidate's website says, "House Resolution 1094... would authorize non-exclusive easements to be granted for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of certain facilities that reside on property owned by the state of Georgia... – HR 1094"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 445, sponsored by Sen. John Kennedy (R – Macon), would allow certain water and sewer authorities to be certified as a local issuing authority and to grant permits for land-disturbing activities in their service areas."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 43, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Payne (R – Dalton), would add “transmission” to the list of acceptable uses of electric or gas revenue bonds. SB 43 would also allow governmental bodies with electric utilities worth"

The candidate's website says, "Prohibiting the Use of Creosote or Naphthenate Treated Railroad Ties"

Supports prohibiting the use of Creosote or Naphthenate Treated Railroad Ties.

- Supports prohibiting the use of Creosote or Naphthenate Treated Railroad Ties.

Energy & the Environment

Supports public health and safety, works on insurance issues, authored bills for billing transparency, emergency prescriptions, telemedicine, and aims to reduce maternal mortality in Georgia.

The candidate's website says, "As a physician, Kay is passionate about improving Georgia’s healthcare and insurance system. She has passed several bills to increase healthcare access and improve choices for patients."

Has passed several bills to increase healthcare access and improve choices for patients.

Believes insurance disputes with hospitals harm communities by threatening patient care and essential health systems, especially during the strain of the COVID pandemic.

Believes insurance disputes with hospitals harm communities by threatening patient care and essential health systems.

Supports legislative efforts to enhance transparency in healthcare, addressing the information asymmetry where providers know more about medical services than consumers, likening the sector to a "black box."

Supports legislative efforts to enhance transparency in healthcare, addressing the information asymmetry where providers know more about medical services than consumers.

The candidate's website says, "As a recovered COVID-19 patient, she has worked with our Department of Public Health to improve our pandemic response... and she supported legislation to protect our healthcare workers during the pandemic."

Has worked with the Georgia Department of Public Health to improve the state's pandemic response... and she supported legislation to protect healthcare workers during the pandemic.

Supports extending Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers in Georgia from two to six months postpartum to reduce the state's high maternal mortality rate.

Supports healthcare billing reform; endorsed House Bill 888 to prevent surprise billing, facilitate insurer-provider dispute resolution, and mandate an all-payer health claims database under insurance commissioner oversight.

Supports healthcare billing reform; endorsed House Bill 888 to prevent surprise billing, facilitate insurer-provider dispute resolution, and mandate a health claims database under insurance commissioner oversight.

Supports increased transparency in pharmacy benefit managers' operations, citing their obscure role in prescription drug pricing and advocating for clearer regulations as seen in Senate Bill 313.

Supports Senate Billl 313 which increases transparency in pharmacy benefit managers' operations, citing their obscure role in prescription drug pricing and advocating for clearer regulations.

Supports revising pharmacy benefit manager regulations, including increased fees, anti-steering measures, mandatory reporting, and granting enforcement authority to the Insurance Commission. – HB 946

Supports House Bill 946 which revises pharmacy benefit manager regulations, including increased fees, anti-steering measures, mandatory reporting, and granting enforcement authority to the Insurance Commission.

Supports legislation requiring parental consent for minor's DNR orders and redefines 'parent' to include legal guardians or those with legal authority in such decisions.

Supports legislation requiring parental consent for minor's Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders and redefines 'parent' to include legal guardians or those with legal authority in such decisions.

Supports legislation for extended medication supplies to aid Georgians, especially the elderly and vulnerable, during emergencies like hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize public exposure.

Supports early prescription refills in emergencies, excluding Schedule II drugs, under Senate Bill 391, sponsored by Senator Kirkpatrick, for Georgians in disaster-affected counties.

Supports Senate Bill 391, which allows early prescription refills in emergencies, excluding Schedule II drugs, for Georgians in disaster-affected counties under.

Supports enhanced breast cancer prevention, mandating a public health list of high-risk factors and insurance coverage for screenings for high-risk individuals over 30, as enacted by House Bill 1125 on August 5, 2020.

Supports enhanced breast cancer prevention, mandating a public health list of high-risk factors and insurance coverage for screenings for high-risk individuals over 30, as enacted by House Bill 1125.

The candidate's website says, "In several states around the country, stalled contract negotiations between hospital systems and insurance companies are affecting access to trusted physicians and hospitals and complicating decisions about patient healthcare."

Said, "stalled contract negotiations between hospital systems and insurance companies are affecting access to trusted physicians and hospitals and complicating decisions about patient healthcare."

Supports revising the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act to authorize national FBI fingerprint background checks for licensing physical therapists and assistants in Georgia.

- Has worked with the Georgia Department of Public Health to improve the state's pandemic response... and she supported legislation to protect healthcare workers during the pandemic.
- Supports extending Medicaid coverage for low-income mothers in Georgia from two to six months postpartum to reduce the state's high maternal mortality rate.
- Supports healthcare billing reform; endorsed House Bill 888 to prevent surprise billing, facilitate insurer-provider dispute resolution, and mandate a health claims database under insurance commissioner oversight.
- Supports Senate Billl 313 which increases transparency in pharmacy benefit managers' operations, citing their obscure role in prescription drug pricing and advocating for clearer regulations.
- Supports House Bill 946 which revises pharmacy benefit manager regulations, including increased fees, anti-steering measures, mandatory reporting, and granting enforcement authority to the Insurance Commission.
- Supports legislation requiring parental consent for minor's Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) orders and redefines 'parent' to include legal guardians or those with legal authority in such decisions.
- Supports legislation for extended medication supplies to aid Georgians, especially the elderly and vulnerable, during emergencies like hurricanes and the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize public exposure.
- Supports Senate Bill 391, which allows early prescription refills in emergencies, excluding Schedule II drugs, for Georgians in disaster-affected counties under.
- Supports enhanced breast cancer prevention, mandating a public health list of high-risk factors and insurance coverage for screenings for high-risk individuals over 30, as enacted by House Bill 1125.
- Said, "stalled contract negotiations between hospital systems and insurance companies are affecting access to trusted physicians and hospitals and complicating decisions about patient healthcare."
- Supports revising the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Act to authorize national FBI fingerprint background checks for licensing physical therapists and assistants in Georgia.

Healthcare

The candidate's website says, "The state Senate passed Senate Bill 388 Feb. 16... The bill calls for a local ballot referendum election no later than the May 21 primary election. If a majority of Cherokee County voters approve it, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025..."

Said, "The Georgia Senate Republicans have heard the calls of millions of Georgians who have raised deep and heartfelt concerns that state law has been violated and our elections process abused in our November 3, 2020 elections. We will fix this. ... Our state constitution precludes us from calling a special session due to the lack of a three-fifths majority in both"

The candidate's website says, "The state Senate passed Senate Bill 388 Feb. 16... The bill calls for a local ballot referendum election no later than the May 21 primary election. If a majority of Cherokee County voters approve it, it would go into effect Jan. 1, 2025."

Said, "The Georgia Senate Republicans have heard the calls of millions of Georgians who have raised deep and heartfelt concerns that state law has been violated and our elections process abused in our November 3, 2020 elections. We will fix this."

Said, "We will continue to conduct public hearings up to and through January 5, 2021 to ensure that fraud and misconduct do not taint the next election."

The candidate's website says, "We call upon the Secretary of State to immediately release a certified list of all voters in the November 3, 2020 General Election and a certified list of all newly registered voters in Georgia from October 5-December 7, 2020."

Said, "We will fully fund the Secretary of State’s call to investigate out-of-state residents who attempt to move here for the sole purpose of voting in our run-off... We will make sure that these criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."

Said, "Posterity and legitimacy of our Republic – guaranteed to us by our Constitution – require no less than our diligence, our time, and our utmost attention... Do not fall prey to the ploys of the Left, who would have you stay home and not exercise your right to vote on January 5, 2021... Join the Senate Republican Caucus to ensure we get every possible legal vote cast in the run-off election. An overwhelming victory for our Senators and our Public Service Commissioner on January 5, 2021 will send a strong message!"

The candidate's website says, "Now that the bill has been signed, the senior homestead expansion will be on the ballot in the May 21 election, said state Rep. Brad Thomas, R-Holly Springs, who chairs Cherokee’s legislative delegation."

Said, "I have received many messages and calls concerning this past election... However, there are some elected officials that are being threatened. Let me be clear when I say that violence and threats are never okay with me."

Said, "violence and threats are never okay with me" in relation to threats received by representatives about the 2020 elections.

Said, "We will reform our election laws to secure our electoral process by eliminating at-will absentee voting... We will require photo identification for absentee voting for cause, and we will crack down on ballot harvesting by outlawing drop boxes."

Supports eliminating at-will absentee voting, requiring photo identification for absentee voting for cause, "cracking down on ballot harvesting" by outlawing drop boxes.

Said, "We insist that all counties immediately preserve all data from the November 3, 2020 General Election in order to conduct a forensic audit... We call on the State Elections Board to oversee and monitor that closely."

Supports 2020 Georgia election fraud theories and repeated audits of the states election procedures.

Said, "I am working every day to get to the truth in order to protect our legal votes."

Said, "We are calling upon the elections officials to engage the GBI to investigate any and all fraudulent activities, including those which were brought to light during Senate committee hearings on December 3, 2020."

Said, "We are calling upon the elections officials to engage the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate any and all fraudulent activities, including those which were brought to light during Senate committee hearings on December 3, 2020."

Said, "As soon as we may constitutionally convene, we will pass legislation to reverse the detrimental effects of the consent decree which was entered into in March 2020."

Said, "As soon as we... convene, we will pass legislation to reverse the detrimental effects of the consent decree which was entered into in March 2020."

Believes in adhering to the state constitution, which prevents calling a special session without sufficient legislative support, and acknowledges the impossibility of changing past election results, while noting a faster resolution may come from the Supreme Court.

Acknowledges the impossibility of changing past election results and believes the Supreme Court will resolve questions of election fraud.

Supports a constitutional amendment to allow citizens to seek court relief against state or local actions that violate state or federal constitutions, as outlined in House Resolution 1023, which unanimously passed.

- Supports eliminating at-will absentee voting, requiring photo identification for absentee voting for cause, "cracking down on ballot harvesting" by outlawing drop boxes.
- Supports 2020 Georgia election fraud theories and repeated audits of the states election procedures.
- Said, "I am working every day to get to the truth in order to protect our legal votes."
- Said, "We are calling upon the elections officials to engage the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to investigate any and all fraudulent activities, including those which were brought to light during Senate committee hearings on December 3, 2020."
- Said, "As soon as we... convene, we will pass legislation to reverse the detrimental effects of the consent decree which was entered into in March 2020."
- Acknowledges the impossibility of changing past election results and believes the Supreme Court will resolve questions of election fraud.
- Supports a constitutional amendment to allow citizens to seek court relief against state or local actions that violate state or federal constitutions, as outlined in House Resolution 1023, which unanimously passed.

Voting & Elections

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 823... would prohibit an individual who knowingly uses a commercial vehicle to traffic someone for labor or sexual servitude from operating a commercial vehicle in Georgia for life and would revoke their commercial driver’s license."

The candidate's website says, "Kay is a protector of services for seniors as well as those with mental health issues and disabilities... She is an advocate for victims of domestic violence and successfully passed legislation this session to clarify language to prevent dual arrests on domestic violence calls... She supported legislation on hate crimes and protections for our first responders."

Said, "Governor Brian Kemp signed seven pieces of legislation to further support and encourage law enforcement officers, including Senate Bill 358... which would provide for basic law enforcement training at no cost to former members of the armed forces."

The candidate's website says, "Governor Brian Kemp Signs Legislation to Support Free Basic Law Enforcement Training Tuition for Former Members of the Armed Service"

The candidate's website says, "ATLANTA, GA (April 29, 2022) | ... Governor Brian Kemp signed seven pieces of legislation to further support and encourage law enforcement officers, including Senate Bill 358 ... which would provide for basic law enforcement training at no cost to former members of the armed forces."

The candidate's website says, "Governor Brian Kemp Signs Legislation to Support Free Basic Law Enforcement Training Tuition for Former Members of the Armed Service - Senator Kay Kirkpatrick"

The candidate's website says, "(Fayetteville, GA) – Today, GA2A, formerly GeorgiaCarry.org, celebrated the passage of SB319 – “Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021” – and SB259 in the State Senate."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Tonya Anderson (D – Lithonia) sponsored Senate Bill 288, which would expand the ability of certain individuals to request that their records be restricted for misdemeanors and conditional discharges... It would also adjust the automatic record restriction procedure for local ordinance violations..."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Brian Strickland (R – McDonough) sponsored Senate Bill 435, which would allow victims of human trafficking to petition that their convictions be vacated if they were a direct result of their trafficking. – SB 435"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 578... would allow the Department of Human Services to receive conviction data on volunteers, students and interns who would be directly involved in the care, treatment, custodial responsibilities of a patient or for administrative support functions."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) carried House Bill 911, which would create a new offense of improper sexual contact by a foster parent and establish penalties for violations of this offense. – HB 911"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Burt Jones (R – Jackson) carried House Bill 983 which would make numerous revisions to Georgia’s Sexual Offender Registry including: ... requiring offenders to provide landline and mobile phone numbers. – HB 983"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 993, carried by Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro), would require that the state registrar provide certain documents related to child abuse or neglect to the Department of Family and Child Services (DFCS)... – HB 993"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 301, which would allow a county sheriff to request that offenders who commit an additional misdemeanor or felony crime while in the custody of the Department of Corrections (DOC) to remain in DOC custody..."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 342... would create a process for certification and form minimum requirements for volunteer firefighters and volunteer fire departments..."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 341... would allow retired peace officers and correctional officers, who maintain their certification, to be utilized by local police and sheriff departments to assist in times of a declared emergency or disaster."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Brian Strickland (R – McDonough) sponsored Senate Bill 393, which would create the Legal Division of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and give attorneys authority to prosecute civil or criminal cases... – SB 393"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 394, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell), would grant authority to the Attorney General to investigate sex trafficking and affairs of the state, as well as investigate and prosecute Medicaid fraud. – SB 394"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 375, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga), would prohibit the sale and possession of tobacco and vapor products for persons under the age of 21 and establish penalties for noncompliance. – SB 375"

Supports legislation enabling brain injury indemnification for public safety officers to go to legal guardians and death benefits to dependent children in school aged 18-24. – HB 1017

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 245, carried by Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro), would allow the spouse of a surviving Peace Officers’ Annuity and Benefit Fund member to continue receiving benefits after remarriage. – HB 245"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Resolution 432, sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D – Atlanta), would raise awareness of human trafficking throughout Georgia and recognized Pink Bootz on the Ground for their efforts in assisting victims of human trafficking. – SR 432"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Renee Unterman (R – Buford) carried House Bill 341, which would add memory cards, flash drives, hard drives and data storage devices to the list of devices whose data may not be transferred without the owner’s consent."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Bruce Thompson (R – White) sponsored Senate Bill 337, which would expand the prohibitions related to transmitting sexually explicit content to include falsely created images or videos. – SB 337"

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 477: would define the term “predominant aggressor” during investigations of family violence and allow an officer to arrest an individual identified as such. SB 477 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Resolution 474 – Highlights the availability of federal funding ... to support local programs offering quality legal representation (QLR) in cases involving child welfare and protection."

The candidate's website says, "You can view the full list of the seven public safety bills signed on Monday here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2022-04-25/gov-kemp-signs-legislation-support-law-enforcement-and-protect-georgians."

The candidate's website says, "The group also praised Senator Kay Kirkpatrick for her unwavering support of the 2nd Amendment."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 38... would allow a county police department to be abolished either through an act of the General Assembly or by a resolution of the local governing authority..."

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 799... would remove current prohibitions on a person’s ability to obtain a temporary driving permit or have their license reinstated after being convicted for a driving under the influence offense."

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Jesse Stone (R – Waynesboro) carried House Bill 984, which would specify the time period in which a defendant is required to file certain motions... HB 984 passed with a vote of 45 to 0."

The candidate's website says, "Senate Bill 308... would remove the Georgia Bureau of Investigation from the process of identifying and investigating abandoned vessels and withdraws the requirement to notify the Georgia Crime Information Center of abandoned vessels found. – SB 308"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Tyler Harper (R – Ocilla) carried House Bill 998 which would update regulations on hunting under the influence... and permit the use of air guns for hunting, under certain circumstances. – HB 998"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Randy Robertson (R – Cataula) sponsored Senate Bill 402, which would change the conditions in which an individual can be released on their own recognizance. – SB 402"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell) carried House Bill 463 which would define how a notice of a suspended license can be sent... and outline the framework for issuing electronic driver’s licenses. – HB 463"

The candidate's website says, "House Bill 759, carried by Sen. Dean Burke (R – Bainbridge), would add new substances to the definition of dangerous drug and add Solriamfetol as a Schedule IV substance. – HB 759"

The candidate's website says, "Sen. Bill Cowsert (R – Athens) carried House Bill 487, which would expand the state’s Disaster Volunteer Relief Act to include any state employee who is a certified disaster service volunteer of the Civil Air Patrol, under certain conditions. ..."

The candidate's website says, "Reeves, who voted against the hate crimes bill in 2019, said he voted for it this session because “it was the right thing to do.”"

The candidate's website says, "On stage, Cobb legislators pointed to the hate crimes bill as a bipartisan effort that passed in the last two weeks of the legislative session that could signal an opportunity for lawmakers to work together next session."

The candidate's website says, "Adopting Safety Requirements For EMCs Working Along Railroads"

The candidate's website says, "“This bipartisan bill … strikes a balance between public safety and the needs of hungry kids in our community,” Kirkpatrick said from the Senate floor Thursday."

Supports implementing a hate crime penalty statute, mandating enhanced sentences for crimes motivated by victims' characteristics, with specific penalties for misdemeanors and felonies, and establishing reporting requirements.

Supports legislation enhancing penalties for crimes against first responders, proposing imprisonment and fines for bias-motivated intimidation.

Supports Senate Bill 358 to honor military service and bolster public safety by addressing rising crime rates and encouraging more trained officers, showing gratitude to uniformed personnel for state safety.

Supports legislation defining trauma scenes and mandating registration and background checks for practitioners handling such scenes.

Supports enhancing retirement contributions and benefits for peace officers, revising fine collections, and expanding eligibility to jail officers through Senate Bill 249.

Supports revising background checks and licensure for certain healthcare professionals, incorporating fingerprint submissions to FBI and GCIC, influenced by legislation from Senators Thompson and Kirkpatrick, enacted August 3, 2020.

Supports revising background checks and licensure for certain healthcare professionals, incorporating fingerprint submissions to FBI and Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).

- Supports implementing a hate crime penalty statute, mandating enhanced sentences for crimes motivated by victims' characteristics, with specific penalties for misdemeanors and felonies, and establishing reporting requirements.
- Supports legislation enhancing penalties for crimes against first responders, proposing imprisonment and fines for bias-motivated intimidation.
- Supports Senate Bill 358 to honor military service and bolster public safety by addressing rising crime rates and encouraging more trained officers, showing gratitude to uniformed personnel for state safety.
- Supports legislation defining trauma scenes and mandating registration and background checks for practitioners handling such scenes.
- Supports enhancing retirement contributions and benefits for peace officers, revising fine collections, and expanding eligibility to jail officers through Senate Bill 249.
- Supports revising background checks and licensure for certain healthcare professionals, incorporating fingerprint submissions to FBI and Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC).

Public Safety

The candidate's website says, "Sen. P.K. Martin (R – Lawrenceville) sponsored Senate Bill 367, which would reduce the number of mandatory state assessments for K-12 students, change testing dates for state assessments and grant the Georgia Department of Education the ability to analyze assessments implemented by local school boards."

- Supports enhanced oversight of local school finances, mandating corrective plans and audit-related training for new board members through Senate Bill 68.