Savannah gun-control ordinance targeted; Fentanyl sentencing Act; Alzheimer's bill

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary Hosted by Peter Biello, Georgia Public Broadcasting | Released: March 10, 2025

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1. Savannah Gun-Control Ordinance Under Scrutiny

The Georgia Senate recently passed a controversial bill, SB 163, which targets a Savannah ordinance aimed at preventing gun thefts. The local law, enacted last year, penalizes gun owners with fines up to $1,000 if they leave firearms unattended in unlocked vehicles. SB 163, introduced by Republican State Senator Colton Moore (Dade County), seeks to undermine this ordinance by allowing those fined to sue the city for up to $50,000.

Colton Moore (00:58): “When citizens in northwest Georgia go to a place like Savannah and there is a mayor there who has put in ordinances that violate their Second Amendment rights, my piece of legislation simply says that those citizens have a right of tort to sue those governments for violating those rights.”

Democratic State Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah opposes the bill, arguing that it removes a crucial tool for law enforcement to curb gun-related crimes, especially in the bustling downtown area.

Derek Mallow (02:15): “We keep our tourists safe. We have robust law enforcement agencies and they said city council help us to curb the amount of unlocked firearms that are being stolen out of vehicles.”

SB 163 now moves forward to the Georgia House for further consideration.

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2. Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Fentanyl Traffickers

Georgia progresses in its fight against the opioid crisis with the introduction of Senate Bill 79, the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act. This legislation proposes mandatory minimum sentences of up to 35 years in prison and fines reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars for individuals caught possessing 28 grams of fentanyl. The bill follows Austin's Law, which imposes involuntary manslaughter charges on drug dealers whose substances result in fatalities.

Ellen Eldredge (04:04): “Senate Bill 79 could mean up to 35 years in prison and hundreds of thousands in fines for those possessing 28 grams of fentanyl.”

Republican State Senator Colton Moore highlighted the necessity of SB 79, emphasizing that previous laws only penalized after a death occurred, whereas this bill holds traffickers accountable regardless.

Colton Moore (04:39): “In other words, on the front side, somebody dies and the reaction is now we can go after the person that sold the pill that killed that individual.”

SB 79 is slated to proceed to the Georgia House for debate and voting.

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3. Vaccine-Related Legislation Stalls

Two bipartisan vaccine-related bills failed to advance in the recent General Assembly session:

• House Bill 218: Proposed lowering the minimum age for flu vaccine eligibility upon hospital discharge from 50 to 18.
• House Bill 173: Aimed to ensure that middle school students receive comprehensive information about vaccines preventing HPV, meningitis, tetanus, and other diseases.

Despite their bipartisan support, both bills did not survive the crossover day deadline, the final opportunity for bills to pass before the session concludes. Representative Darlene Taylor, the sponsor of these bills, expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the importance of informed parental decisions.

Darlene Taylor (03:26): “As a parent, I wanted as much information that I can have to make a good decision, and I feel like the best way to help parents is to let them have the information.”

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4. Supporting Caregivers of Seniors with Cognitive Decline

Georgia's aging population is growing rapidly, with those aged 65 and older increasing faster than other age groups. In response, a new bill has been introduced to support caregivers of seniors experiencing cognitive decline, such as Alzheimer's disease. The legislation, which has passed the State House, aims to provide enhanced training for Georgia police officers to better identify and assist individuals in distress due to cognitive issues.

Nancy Petra (05:26): “Maybe she gets in the car and she goes to the Walmart where she always goes, and maybe if people are approaching her, she’s getting agitated and so someone calls the police.”

Georgia Alzheimer's Association advocate Nancy Petra highlighted the challenges families face when caring for loved ones with degenerative diseases, advocating for the bill as a crucial step in prioritizing the state's elderly residents. The bill awaits Senate approval.

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5. Conclusion of the Search for Missing Atlanta Teacher Gary Jones

After a month-long search, the body of Gary Jones, a teacher and track coach from Westminster School in Atlanta, was found in Lake Oconee. Jones and his fiancée, Jocelyn Wilson, went missing on February 8 during a boating trip. Wilson’s body was discovered a day later. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills confirmed the findings to the public.

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6. Reflecting on the 60th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday

Marking 60 years since the infamous Bloody Sunday event in 1965, civil rights leader Andrew Young shared his reflections on the day’s unintended chaos. Initially planned for the first Sunday in March, the march was accidentally scheduled, leading to a confrontation with Alabama state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Young recounted his attempts to communicate with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to prevent arrests, emphasizing that the violent attack, while unintentional, significantly propelled the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Andrew Young (06:56): “The march on Bloody Sunday was a mistake. It was the first Sunday in March and we thought it was the second Sunday.”

Young's insights offer a nuanced perspective on the events that galvanized the civil rights movement.

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7. Governor Brian Kemp's $37 Billion Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Governor Brian Kemp's proposed $37 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 has cleared a significant hurdle, with budget writers in the State House approving the spending plan. The budget focuses on addressing the state's troubled prison system, affected by a recent federal audit, by allocating an additional $250 million on top of the $345 million from the FY25 mid-year budget. Public education also sees substantial investment, with over $100 million earmarked for student support services, mental health counselors, and safety measures.

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8. Upcoming Lunar Eclipse Visible in Georgia

Sky enthusiasts in Georgia can look forward to a lunar eclipse visible across the entire state. Beginning at 11:57 PM on Thursday and peaking at 2:58 AM on Friday, the eclipse will cast the Earth’s shadow over the moon, giving it a distinct reddish hue. Clear skies will enhance visibility, weather permitting.

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9. Georgia Sports Highlights

• Basketball: The Atlanta Hawks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a narrow final score of 120-118, overcoming a 17-point halftime deficit and a late rally by the Pacers.

• NCAA Tournament: The Georgia Bulldogs have rekindled hope for NCAA tournament aspirations with a convincing 79-68 victory over Vanderbilt, ending a decade-long absence from the "big dance."

• Soccer: Atlanta will host a doubleheader featuring top English Premier League teams. Manchester United will face Everton, and Bournemouth will compete against West Ham United at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on August 3.

• Baseball: The Battery, Atlanta’s premier shopping and dining district anchored by Truist Park, is set to undergo major renovations ahead of the MLB All-Star Game in July. Planned upgrades include new LED screens, additional seating, more restrooms, and digital lockers.

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Stay Informed For more updates and detailed reporting, visit GPB News or subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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This summary captures the key discussions and insights from the March 10, 2025, episode of Georgia Today. For the full experience, tuning into the podcast is recommended.

Transcript

[Ellen Eldredge]

DBHDD is reminding people that the Good Samaritan law can save lives during alcohol and drug overdoses. People are urged to call 911 and stay until help arrives. More [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to the Georgia Today Podcast. On this podcast, you'll find the latest reports from our GPB news team. Send us feedback or story Ideas to Georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. Today is Monday, March 10th. Here's what's coming up on today's episode. A new bill passed by the Georgia Senate targets a Savannah ordinance meant to curb gun theft. Those convicted of trafficking fentanyl could soon receive mandatory minimum prison sentences. And a new bill seeks to support caregivers of seniors suffering from cognitive decline.

[Nancy Petra]

Maybe she gets in the car and she goes to the Walmart where she always goes. And maybe if people are approaching her, she's getting agitated and so someone calls the police.

[Orlando Montoya]

These stories and more coming up on this edition of Georgia today. A Savannah gun control ordinance is the target of a new bill passed by the Georgia Senate. GPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Benjamin Payne]

SB 163 passed along party lines shortly before the crossover day deadline last week, with Republicans in support and Democrats opposed. The bill takes aim at a local law in Savannah enacted last year and meant to prevent gun thefts. That ordinance allows the city to fine gun owners up to $1,000 if they leave a firearm unattended in an unlocked vehicle. The new Senate bill would allow people facing those fines to in turn sue the city for up to $50,000. It was introduced by Republican State Senator Colton Moore of Northwest Georgia's Dade County.

[Colton Moore]

When citizens in northwest Georgia go to a place like Savannah and there is a mayor there who has put in ordinances that violate their Second Amendment rights, my piece of legislation simply says that those citizens have a right of tort to sue those governments for violating those rights.

[Benjamin Payne]

Democratic State Senator Derek Mallow of Savannah spoke out against the bill, saying it would take away a valuable tool police now have at their disposal to help prevent crime, especially in the city's popular downtown.

[Orlando Montoya]

We keep our tourists safe. We have robust law enforcement agencies and they said city council help us to curb the amount of unlocked firearms that are being stolen out of vehicles.

[Benjamin Payne]

SB163 now heads to the Georgia House. For GPB News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Orlando Montoya]

Two vaccine related bills with bipartisan support will not be advancing in this year's General assembly. House Bill 218 aimed to lower the age of patients offered a flu vaccine upon discharge from a hospital from age 50 to age 18. And House Bill 173 would have made sure patients starting in middle school were given information at school about vaccines that protect against hpv, meningitis, tetanus and other diseases. But neither of these bills made it past crossover day. That was the day last week on Thursday when all bills either had to pass in the House or the Senate to stay alive for the year. Here's the bill's sponsor, Representative Darlene Taylor, speaking last month.

[Darlene Taylor]

And it's important, and I feel like it is. As a parent, I wanted as much information that I can have to make a good decision, and I feel like the best way to help parents is to let them have the information.

[Orlando Montoya]

Meanwhile, Georgia's vaccine rate among teenagers for most routine shots is pretty consistent with US Averages, while the rate of vaccination for younger children is much lower. A bill that did make it past crossover day would create mandatory minimum sentences for those trafficking in fentanyl. GEPB's Ellen Eldredge reports on the Fentanyl Eradication and Removal act.

[Ellen Eldredge]

Senate Bill 79 could mean up to 35 years in prison and hundreds of thousands in fines for those possessing 28 grams of fentanyl. The law comes on the heels of Austin's law passed last year by the Legislature that creates an involuntary manslaughter charge for anyone selling drugs that leads to a death. It was named after the 30 year old son of Gus Walters. He died of a fentanyl overdose in 2021, Walters says. After Austin's law passed, advocates realized that for the law to work, someone has to die. So SB79 is needed for punishment.

[Colton Moore]

In other words, on the front side, somebody dies and the reaction is now we can go after the person that sold the pill that killed that individual.

[Ellen Eldredge]

The bill now heads to the Georgia House. For GPB news, I'm Ellen Eldredge.

[Orlando Montoya]

Georgia's senior population Those people age 65 and up is growing faster than most other age groups, according to the latest census data. For seniors with cognitive decline, the experience can be scary. So advocates and family members are pushing for a new state law, giving more support from public safety providers. GPB's Sophie Gratis has more.

[Sophie Gratis]

Nancy Petra with the Georgia Alzheimer's association says there are hundreds of families that can relate to watching a loved one be diagnosed with a degenerative disease. But early signs are not always easy to spot until maybe one day when a loved one goes to run an errand, petra says.

[Nancy Petra]

Maybe she gets in the car and she goes to the Walmart where she.

[Sophie Gratis]

Always goes, except this time that loved one forgets why they're there and gets confused or frightened.

[Nancy Petra]

And maybe if people are approaching her, she she's getting agitated and so someone calls the police.

[Sophie Gratis]

Legislation that passed the state House Wednesday would create more training for Georgia police to identify and respond to people in these situations. The bill still needs to pass the Senate, but Petra says it's a good step towards prioritizing Georgia's aging residents. For GPB news, I'm Sophie Gratis.

[Orlando Montoya]

The month long search for missing Atlanta teacher Gary Jones came to an end yesterday. Putnam County Sheriff Howard Sills says Jones body was found in Lake Oconee. According to WMAZ in Macon, Jones was a teacher and track and field coach at the Westminster School in Atlanta. Jones and his fiance, Jocelyn Wilson, disappeared on February 8 while boating. The body of Jocelyn Wilson was found a day later. This month marks 60 years since Bloody Sunday when civil rights marchers were attacked by Alabama state troopers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. Civil rights leader and former ambassador Andrew Young says the march wasn't exactly supposed to happen that way. He spoke with GPB's Pamela Kirkland.

[Andrew Young]

The march on Bloody Sunday was a mistake. It was the first Sunday in March and we thought it was the second Sunday. Two or three hundred people showed up wanting to march from Selma to Montgomery. I called Dr. King and talked to him while he was in his pulpit. I said, we can't turn these people around.

[Orlando Montoya]

Young says Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Told him not to get arrested. The violent attack on peaceful protesters shocked the nation and helped push Congress to pass the Voting Rights act of 1965. You can hear more from Pamela's conversation with Andrew Young this Wednesday on MORNING EDITION and later this week here on Georgia Today. Governor Brian Kemp's $37 billion fiscal year 2026 state budget has cleared a key hurdle. Budget writers in the State House today approved the spending plan, sending it to the full House for a vote expected later this week. The budget emphasizes needs in the state's troubled prison system blasted in a federal audit. State prisons are set to get $250 million in the FY26 budget on top of $345 million adopted last week in the FY25 mid year budget. Other big ticket items are in public schools, with student support services, mental health counselors and safety measures accounting for more than $100 million in new. A lunar eclipse will be visible across Georgia this week as the earth's shadow falls over the moon, sometimes giving the moon a reddish tint. This lunar eclipse will be visible across the entire U.S. in Georgia, the eclipse will begin at 11:57pm on Thursday and will reach its peak at 2:58am on Friday. Sky watchers should get a clear view, weather permitting. In Georgia sports, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers at home on Saturday, fending off a late game rally by the visitors. The hawks led a 17 point halftime lead slip, and the two teams were neck and neck with minutes to the final buzzer. Final score 120 to 118. Hawks in other basketball Georgia is increasingly confident about the team's NCAA tournament outlook. The Bulldogs haven't been in the big dance in 10 years, but removed a lot of doubt about their prospects this year with a 7968 win over Vanderbilt at home on Saturday. In soccer, four top English teams will play an Atlanta doubleheader as part of a summer series in three American cities, the English Premier League said yesterday. Manchester United will face Everton and Bournemouth will face West Ham United at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Aug. 3. And in baseball, expect major upgrades this summer at the Battery, the shopping and dining district anchored by the home of the Atlanta Braves truest park. The Battery last week announced a facelift ahead of the MLB All Star Game in July, with new LED screens, more seating and more restrooms and digital lockers among the planned improvements. And that's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. This podcast updates daily Monday through Friday, but find the latest news any time of the day, seven days a week at gpb.org news hit subscribe on this podcast. It only takes a moment and it'll help you to stay current with us in your feed. If you have feedback, send that to us@georgia todaypb.org I'm Orlando Montoya. Thanks for tuning in.

[Darlene Taylor]

Each morning. It's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up First From NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.