Local Government

Senator Billy Hickman, representing Georgia’s 4th Senate District, provides an update on key legislative developments following Crossover Day, including the successful passage of two bills he sponsored in the Senate.

Georgia lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 150, which would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom 60 days after retiring with 25 years of service, as a temporary solution to the state’s shortage of 5,300 teachers.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is investigating financial discrepancies within the Bulloch County Public Works Department, focusing on no-bid contracts, invoicing practices, and emergency spending related to disaster cleanup.

Cindy Steinmann has announced her resignation as Interim County Manager for Bulloch County, bringing to a close a decade of service to the community. Her departure, effective April 9, 2025, marks the end of a tenure characterized by significant advancements in county operations and public service.

For the first time since 2020, Georgia voters will head to the polls this year to elect members of the state Public Service Commission (PSC), with special elections scheduled for Nov. 4 to fill seats in Districts 2 and 3.

As Crossover Day approached, Senator Billy Hickman continued working with his colleagues to advance key legislation on education, small businesses, and the state budget.

The Georgia Senate passed SB 124, allowing children of active-duty military parents to access the state's $6,500 private school tuition subsidy without first attending an underperforming public school.

Sports betting and several other high-profile bills failed to advance in the Georgia General Assembly before the Crossover Day deadline, leaving key issues unresolved for another year.

Following the tragic school shooting at Apalachee High School, Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns outlined key legislative priorities to enhance school safety, including expanding mental health services, strengthening firearm detection, increasing penalties for threats, and promoting safe gun storage efforts that have now been addressed through House-passed bills.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has signed a record $40.5 billion mid-year budget that invests heavily in hurricane relief, school safety, prisons, infrastructure, and taxpayer rebates.