Sen. Larry Walker III Applauds Signing of Legislation to Strengthen Georgia’s Workforce

ATLANTA (May 6, 2024) - Today, Sen. Larry Walker III (R-Perry) expressed his gratitude for the signing of three critical pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering Georgia's workforce. Senate Bill 354, Senate Bill 373 and Senate Bill 195, all sponsored by Sen. Walker, were signed into law by Governor Brian P. Kemp after receiving bipartisan support in the Georgia General Assembly.

"I am deeply thankful to Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Governor Brian Kemp and my colleagues in the Georgia General Assembly for prioritizing the needs of hardworking Georgians through the passage of this legislation," said Sen. Walker. "As part of the Lt. Governor's red tape rollback initiative, these measures will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of everyday Georgians by removing unnecessary barriers and streamlining their licensing process."

SB 354 removes the licensure requirement for 'blow dry styling,' hair washing and makeup application services, excluding those that alter hair color or structure. This move aims to increase job opportunities and entrepreneurship in the beauty industry, addressing critical workforce shortages.

Additionally, SB 373 mandates expedited licensure for marriage and family therapists relocating to Georgia, facilitating a smoother integration of qualified professionals into our workforce.

Furthermore, SB 195 makes Georgia the third state in the nation to join the Social Work Licensing Compact, enabling social workers to practice across state lines and addressing shortages in vital social services.

The need for these legislative measures is underscored by recent workforce shortages across various sectors in Georgia. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state faces shortages in healthcare, education and skilled trades, with over ninety thousand job openings reported in March alone.

Sen. Walker emphasized, "These bipartisan efforts are essential steps toward addressing workforce shortages and ensuring that Georgians have access to the opportunities and services they need to thrive. I am proud to have played a part in advancing these critical initiatives, and I look forward to their positive impact on our state."

You can find more information on this legislation here.

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Sen. Larry Walker III serves as Secretary of the Senate Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents Senate District 20 which includes all of Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Pulaski, Treutlen, and Wilcox Counties and a large portion of Houston County. He can be reached at [email protected].