Valencia Stovall in GA legislative records

On Civil Rights: Welcome everyone, instead of "religious liberty"

Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed the "religious liberty" bill that triggered a wave of criticism from gay rights groups and business leaders. In a press conference at the state Capitol, Deal said House Bill 757 doesn't reflect Georgia's welcoming image as a state full of "warm, friendly and loving people"--and warned critics that he doesn't respond well to threats of payback for rejecting the measure.

The governor's veto infuriated religious conservatives who considered the measure, House Bill 757, their top priority. Last year's Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex weddings galvanized their efforts. In stark terms, the governor said earlier this year that he would reject any measure that "allows discrimination in our state in order to protect people of faith." Rooting his critique in biblical language, he urged fellow Republicans to "recognize that the world is changing."

Rep. Stovall voted NO; passed Senate 37-18-1 Mar.16; passed House 104-65-11 Mar.16

Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 757 Mar 16, 2016

On Gun Control: Voted NO on "campus carry;" it won't make students safer

Gov. Nathan Deal vetoed legislation that would allow college students to carry concealed guns onto campuses after lawmakers defied his personal request for changes that would make exceptions to the gun rights expansion.

House Bill 859 would legalize firearms at all public colleges in Georgia. "If the intent of HB 859 is to increase safety of students on college campuses, it is highly questionable that such would be the result," Deal wrote in his veto message.

The gun measure, known as the "campus carry" bill, was long sought by conservatives and Second Amendment activists who cast it as a crucial safety measure for students, faculty and administrators to protect themselves.

Deal [had requested the legislature] to exempt on-campus child care facilities & office space in a separate measure, but they declined to make changes.

Rep. Stovall voted NO; passed Senate 34-17-5 Mar.11; passed House 113-59-8 Feb.22

Source: AJC on Georgia legislative voting records: HB 859 Feb 22, 2016

On Health Care: Let ObamaCare plans cover abortion

Legislative Summary: A BILL relating to insurance, to provide opt out of funding abortions through qualified health plans: No abortion coverage shall be provided by a qualified health plan offered within the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act [ObamaCare], except in the case of medical emergency.

OnTheIssues Interpretation: ObamaCare requires that healthcare plans fund abortions; this state law would remove that stipulation from Georgia insurance plans offered under ObamaCare. Voting NO means abortion coverage would be required in healthcare plans.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 37-18-1 on March 18, vote #676; passed House 105-64-7 on March 18, vote #795; Rep. Stovall voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 21

Source: Georgia legislative voting records: SB 98 Mar 18, 2014

On Principles & Values: Monument to Ten Commandments at State Capitol

Legislative Summary: A BILL to provide for placement of a monument depicting the Ten Commandments at the Capitol Building. Subject to the availability of funds, there shall be placed within the capitol building or grounds a historic granite monument depicting:

The Preamble to the Georgia Constitution;
The part of the Declaration of Independence which states that men 'are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights'
and the Ten Commandments.

Gifts and donations from private individuals, organizations, or foundations shall be accepted.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 40-10-3 on March 12, vote #619; passed House 138-37-5 on March 3, Rep. Stovall voted YES; vote #663; signed by Gov. Deal April 29.

Source: Georgia legislative voting records: HB 702 Mar 3, 2014

On Welfare & Poverty: No mandatory drug testing for food stamp recipients

Legislative Summary: A BILL to require drug testing for applicants for food stamps; to provide requirements; to provide that any person who fails such drug test shall be ineligible to receive food stamps; to provide for reapplication; to provide for children's food stamps; and to provide for confidentiality of records. The term 'established drug test' means the collection and testing of bodily fluids administered in a manner equivalent to that required by the Federal Workplace Drug Testing Program. However, where possible and practicable, a swab test shall be used in lieu of a urinalysis. Drug tests may be conducted when any information obtained by the department that reasonable suspicion exists.

Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 21-32-3 on March 20, vote #729; passed House 100-67-13 on March 20, vote #865; Rep. Stovall voted NO; signed by Gov. Deal April 29.

Source: Georgia legislative voting records: HB 772 Mar 20, 2014

The above quotations are from Legislative voting records for Georgia House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts from Legislative voting records for Georgia House and Senate. Click here for other excerpts by Valencia Stovall. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
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Page last updated: Feb 13, 2023