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Last week marked our busiest yet, as our votes on the Senate floor and work in our committee meetings accel­erated in anticipation of Crossover Day, which will fall on March 15. Though the week brought with it long debates and passionate discussions, the end result was the successful passages of several bills that strengthen our Second Amendment rights, protect the health and safety of pregnant mothers and loosen long overdue restrictions when it comes to the use of masks by our students in schools. Additionally, the Senate passed its version of the amended budget for 2022, completing one half of our yearly Constitutional obligation.

On Monday, we took the time to consider a number of bills related to gun rights. SB 319 is known as the “Georgia Constitutional Carry Act” and, essentially, would waive the license requirement for any lawful weapons carrier to carry their firearm. Our Constitution makes it as clear as day that there should be no hurdles imposed by the government that inhibit a lawful weapons carrier from having their firearm on them. I will always stand up for the right of Georgians to stand up and exercise their Second Amendment rights.

“SB 319 is the first bill on permitless carry to pass either chamber,” said Jerry Henry, Executive Director of GA2A. When permitless carry and other protections are signed by Governor Kemp, law abiding citizens will no longer be required to seek permission to exercise their God given and constitutionally enumerated right to self-defense. This legislation is a huge step forward in the fight to Shield The Second.

The group also praised Senator Dean Burke for his unwavering support of the 2nd Amendment.

“We are proud that Senator Burke ignored the half-truths and lies perpetuated by the gun-grabbers and did the right thing for his constituents and the citizens of Georgia. We are grateful for Senator Burke’s support of SB319 and SB259 and applaud his courage to stand up for our freedoms and shared values.”

I sponsored Senate Bill 496 which would require coroners or county medical examiners to perform death investigations of pregnant females. SB 496 would also clarify circumstances in which an individual is deemed to have died unattended by a physician. SB 496 passed with a vote of 44 to 0.

Finally, the Senate successfully passed House Bill 910, representing the amended budget for the 2022 fiscal year (AFY22). This budget is based on a revenue estimate of over $30 billion, and while the bulk of that number will go towards education, we are also funding important issues such as expanding nursing capacity and providing our rural main streets with the funds they need to continue to attract opportunities for growth.

Next week will prove to be busier still, as our deadline to report legislation out of commit­tee falls on Wednesday of next week. That being said, there is still ample time for your to contact your legislators and inform them of the issues that matter most to you.

I remain dedicated to serving your interests as your State Senator.

Please feel free to contact me with your thoughts or concerns on pending issues, or whenever I can be of service. My legislative offices are:

421-B State Capitol
Atlanta, GA 30334
Office: (404) 656-0040

1608 Pineland Drive
Bainbridge, GA 39819
Phone: (229) 243-6267

You can also stay in touch by visiting our website at http://www.senate.ga.gov/spo/en-US/SenateVideo.aspx to watch a live stream of the Senate in action, as well as archived committee meetings, and review legislation that we are considering.
Follow me on Facebook for updates throughout the year.
I am honored to serve Senate District 11. Thank you for allowing me to be your Senator.

Sincerely,
Senator Dean Burke