January 27-31, 2025 | Georgia House District 170, Represented by Jaclyn Ford After an unconventional week 2 with the record snow across the state, we are back in action at the Capitol this week.   General Updates HB 55: Alapaha Judicial Circuit; superior court; provide for an additional judgeThis bill will save counties (Atkinson, Berrien, Clinch, Cook, Lanier) in the Alapaha Judicial Circuit taxpayer dollars as it will provide faster processing of cases, thus reducing jail time and financial burden on the counties. It passed through the judiciary committee but has to be recommitted due to an amendment to the effective date, which will be changed from July 2025 to January 2026. HB 55 Information HR 43: A RESOLUTION honoring the life and memory of Bryce Alan JohnsonOn January 30, I had the privilege and honor to recognize the late District Attorney Bryce Alan Johnson for his impact on our community and state when the resolution was read during a Morning Order and then presented to his family. Bryce was a great friend to me, and he was a familiar face around the Capitol, as he knew everyone in the political and legal circles of our state. Numerous state leaders and friends of Bryce greeted and paid their respects to his family. They also met with Governor Brian Kemp, Attorney General Chris Carr, Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones, and Speaker of the House John Burns, who shared stories of their relationship with Bryce through the years. I can’t help but think about how much Bryce would’ve loved this, especially seeing his son, Will, being declared Attorney General for the day! Tort Reform Governor Brian Kemp had a press conference on January 30 regarding tort reform. Tort reform is an important topic for this year’s session. What is tort reform? It is a set of changes to the civil justice system that limit people’s ability to file lawsuits and the amount of compensation they can receive. Why does it matter to you? If you are for tort reform, it can help prevent frivolous lawsuits and lower insurance costs. Truck Weights Truck weights are back on the ticket. After much discussion and time last year, the topic of truck weights is being re-introduced for new legislation this year. What’s the issue? Some people want truck weights heavier than they are now, and some people don’t want them heavier. Why heavier? Other states have heavier truck weights, and when trucks are driving interstate crossing state lines, problems can arise because Georgia has a lower truck weight limit. Increasing truck weights is positive for agriculture. Additionally, fewer trucks on the road because they can haul more.  Learn more about this legislation below. Learn About Truck Weights Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Avian Influenza outbreak: There has been an outbreak of avian influenza in north Georgia in at least two commercial herds. This is detrimental to the poultry industry and its producers. While poultry production is not a huge part of the agricultural makeup of District 170, we do have some chicken houses in HD 170 and this impacts the larger agricultural industry since poultry is Georgia’s number one commodity. More information will be available soon. To stay up to date, visit the Georgia Department of Agriculture website.Avian Influenza Updates Natural Resources and Environment In an adjoining district to HD 170, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in a deer on a routine check. Georgia Department of Natural Resources is actively investigating and hosting information sessions for area residents to learn about CWD. Public information sessions have been scheduled to provide an opportunity for area residents to learn about CWD and ask questions related to DNR’s response. Information Sessions are scheduled for Feb. 4-8, 2025: Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.: Cook County Extension Service Office (206 East 9th Street, Adel, GA 31620)Feb. 6 at 7 p.m.: Virtual (WRD Facebook Page)Feb. 8 at 10 a.m.: Lanier County High School Auditorium (52 West Patten Ave., Lakeland, GA 31635)Feb. 8 at 2 p.m.: Lowndes County Historic Courthouse (100 East Central Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601)Source: GA DNRLearn more about CWD HereRural DevelopmentDue to the schedule mix-up last week because of the weather, the Rural Development committee has not met yet. Stay tuned for an updated out of that committee soon.  As always, thank you for your support. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments during this legislative session. – Jaclyn Ford

HD 170 Constituents at the Capitol

Dr. Jesse and Mandy McMillan visited the state Capitol on January 30 with the Georgia Dental Association LAW Day.Jeremiah Thomas from Nashville is a “Destination Dawg”. He was visiting for the Georgia Council for Developmental Disabilities Day at the Capitol.Kelli and Kendalyn Ferner, formerly from Tifton, visited the Capitol for National MS Society State Action Day at the Capitol.