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Week EightHealthcare We continued our efforts towards quality healthcare for all through House Bill 1339. This bill aims to modernize and refine healthcare regulations while addressing various challenges within our rural communities. If passed into final law, this measure would overhaul the state’s certificate of need (CON) laws. As such, the bill would stipulate the following:
We are confident that these changes will bring us closer to ensuring equitable and effective healthcare delivery for all Georgians. If passed, First Responders will gain access to PTSD treatment insurance under House Bill 451. This bill would require public entities to offer insurance to first responders diagnosed with work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This coverage would include a $3,000 cash benefit and income replacement disability benefits, which would be provided 90 days post-diagnosis. We are hopeful that this benefit will assist our first responders in dealing with PTSD and grave consequences that often follow as a result of exposure to horrific incidents. Georgia gun owners will be rewarded for their responsible ownership through House Bill 971. Also known as the Firearm Safe Handling and Secure Storage Tax Credit Act, this bill would allow a Georgia taxpayer to claim a tax credit for eligible expenses incurred for responsible gun ownership. Those furthering their education through firearm safe handling courses and the acquisition of firearm secure storage are eligible to claim the credit for expenses or $300, whichever is less. Those seeking this tax credit would be required to apply with the Department of Revenue for preapproval, with a cap of $10 million a year, applicants will be considered on a first come, first serve basis. Georgia’s servicemembers will find additional relocation support through House Bill 880. This bill allows the spouses of servicemembers to continue practicing their jobs without a license in certain circumstances. To qualify, spouses would be required to hold a current license in good standing, submit an expedited license by endorsement application along with the servicemember’s military orders. These documents must be filed prior to relocation and the individual must be employed by an in-state employer. We are hopeful this legislation will assist us to furthers streamline the licensing process to the many military spouses seeking employment opportunities upon relocation to our great state. Our efforts to address the mental health crisis in our state continues through the passage of House Bill 1104. This bill would require athletic associations to post guidelines and relevant materials on their website to inform and educate students, parents and/or guardians, school personnel and coaches about mental health risks and available resources for students. Further stipulations of the legislation are as follows:
In recognition that student athletes can face immense pressure, it is crucial that we support, educate, and provide resources to address mental health concerns while participating in school sports. During the pandemic, we saw an outcry from loved ones who were not allowed to see those who were hospitalized or in assisted living facilities. To ensure this never happens again, we passed House Bill 663, or the “No Patient Left Alone Act.” This bill would permit a minor or an adult who is admitted to a hospital or long-term care facility, to have a parent, guardian, person or caregiver to be physically present with them at all times while the patient remains in the hospital or facility. Under the bill, the caregiver would be required to adhere to the policies of the hospital or long-term care facility, and their access could be suspended or terminated under certain circumstances. Further, the Department of Public Health would not be able to act against hospitals and facilities for granting access to visitors. Finally, caregiving rights could not be terminated, suspended or waived by the hospital or long-term care facility, the Department of Public Health or any governmental entity, regardless of emergency declarations by the Public Safety House Bill 1201, passed last week gives further support to Human Trafficking victims. This bill would allow victims to have their sentence vacated when related to the possession of a controlled substance as a first offense, if the crime was a direct result of being victimized in this vile practice. The victim would be able to petition the court by providing documentation from the Attorney General detailing their status as a victim of trafficking. If it is determined that the defendant committed the offense due to a result of human trafficking, then a discharge and dismissal of the offense would be determined by the court. During the pandemic, we saw an outcry from loved ones who were not allowed to see those who were hospitalized or in assisted living facilities. To ensure this never happens again, we passed House Bill 663, or the “No Patient Left Alone Act.” This bill would permit a minor or an adult who is admitted to a hospital or long-term care facility, to have a parent, guardian, person or caregiver to be physically present with them at all times while the patient remains in the hospital or facility. Under the bill, the caregiver would be required to adhere to the policies of the hospital or long-term care facility, and their access could be suspended or terminated under certain circumstances. Further, the Department of Public Health would not be able to act against hospitals and facilities for granting access to visitors. Finally, caregiving rights could not be terminated, suspended or waived by the hospital or long-term care facility, the Department of Public Health or any governmental entity, regardless of emergency declarations by the governor. Amended Budget We have completed part of our constitutional duty through the passage of our Amended Fiscal Year Budget, also known as, House Bill 915. Following passage, Governor Kemp signed the bill into law on Thursday, February 29. Noteworthy investments would include:
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Week Nine2025 Fiscal Year Budget Week nine was eventful as we completed our constitutional obligation of passing a balance budget through House Bill 916, also known as the 2025 Fiscal Year Budget. The budget will go into effect on July 1 of this year, the beginning of Georgia’s fiscal year attached is an overview of the House version of the budget. Nothing, budget wise, will be set in stone until receiving the Governor’s final signature. Please click here to see the HOUSE version of the budget. Veterinary Medicine Our workforce within the field of Veterinary medicine will support through Senate Bill 410. This bill would require the State Board of Veterinary Medicine to allow those with an active veterinary license or veterinary technician license from another state to acquire a license to practice in certain shelters or clinics in our state. Further, the board would be required to implement a process that would allow technicians in good standing with another state to qualify for a one-time, temporary six-month license to practice in government or nonprofit shelter medicine, nonprofit sterilization clinics or nonprofit mobile sterilization programs registered in Georgia. Notably, this bill should alleviate the significant backlog of spay and neutering services in veterinary practices across Georgia. Healthcare Last week saw final passage to Senate Bill 334 also known as the Helping Firefighters Beat Cancer Act. This measure ensures that firefighters who move between departments will continue to receive benefits aimed at supporting and providing them with adequate coverage in the event of accidents, injuries or illnesses, such as cancer from hazardous chemicals, incurred while on duty. Georgia Colonels Additionally, the House took up Senate Bill 337, a measure that would authorize the governor to appoint honorary Georgia Colonels who would replace the governor’s aides-de-camp staff. This legislation would allow the governor to appoint one or more persons each year with the honorary title of Georgia Colonel based on their distinguished service to the state. The bill also allows the General Assembly to appoint Georgia Lieutenant Colonels which would be bestowed through a joint resolution to one or more persons each year and would be for the duration of their life. We also passed the following during the ninth week of session:
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If you have questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to us directly. As always, thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as your voice under the Gold Dome. May God bless you and keep you, may He continue to bless the great state of Georgia. Respectfully, Stan Gunter Representative of Georgia’s 8th District |
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