Monday, February 7, marked the start of the fifth week of the 2022 legislative session. Unfortunately, I missed a couple of days because I tested positive for Covid the prior Thursday. However, I was able to return to Atlanta midweek.
While several bills passed out of the House last week, the amended Fiscal Year 2022 budget was the most notable. Last year, the original Fiscal Year 2022 budget was set at a revenue estimate of $27.2 billion, but Georgia’s economy has since performed better than expected. The state anticipates robust collections for the rest of this fiscal year, which ends on June 30. The AFY 2022 budget is now set at $29.8 billion, and this amended budget will allow the state to utilize about $2.6 billion in new funds before the current fiscal year ends.
Some of the other bills we passed on the House floor this week include:
- House Bill 412, which would create the Georgia Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, set the operating standards for the board and include licensing requirements for applicants for a behavior analyst license;
- House Bill 430, which would revise the definition of “advanced nursing practice” to include clinical nurse specialists and contains the educational or certification requirements, amend the definition of “advanced practice registered nurse” (APRN) to include several nursing specialties, provide eligibility requirements for licensing of APRNs and renewal requirements for licenses;
- House Bill 826, which would create a ballot referendum for area residents to consider the creation of the City of Lost Mountain in Cobb County;
- House Bill 840, which would create a ballot referendum for area residents to consider the creation of the City of Vinings in Cobb County;
- House Bill 1011, which would remove the permit requirement for low-speed vehicles using an amber strobe light and clarify that permits for emergency vehicles to operate flashing or revolving emergency lights would be valid for five years from the date of issuance;
- House Bill 1049, which would add two members to the State Board of Long-Term Care Facility Administrators and increase the number of board members who are nursing home, personal care home, or assisted living community administrators, bringing the total number of board members to 11 after June 30, 2022;
- House Bill 1055, which would increase the defined weight limit for an “all-terrain vehicle” from 2,500 pounds to 3,500 pounds.
During a joint session with the Senate, Chief Justice Nahmias provided a comprehensive update on how the judicial system has adapted to the pandemic, as well as the challenges the courts still face. The Chief Justice highlighted that one of its most helpful responses to the pandemic has been leveraging technology and offering virtual court proceedings to keep cases moving efficiently in many of our courts. However, our courts are still working tirelessly to address the backlog of cases that have resulted from the pandemic, particularly among serious criminal cases that continue to strain the system. He praised the state’s substantial federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funding that was recently allocated to the judicial system to address case backlogs. Priority will be given to backlogs of serious violent felony cases. The Chief Justice also informed the joint session that the judicial system’s main priority going forward will be resolving this backlog and handling the influx of new criminal cases due to higher crime rates than before the pandemic began.
When we return to the State Capitol this week, we will have four packed days under the Gold Dome. While this session is getting busier by the day, one of my top priorities will remain connecting with my constituents to hear your feedback about the work we are doing in Atlanta. I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns regarding legislation that has been discussed or passed so far. You can email me directly at leesa.hagan@house.ga.gov. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative and legislative voice at the Capitol.