The Georgia House of Representatives kicked off the sixth week of the 2024 legislative session on February 12. We convened in the Chamber for four days and made significant progress as we passed 34 bills and resolutions by the end of the week to send to our Senate counterparts. I’ll highlight several of those bills below. On Tuesday, we reached Legislative Day 20, which means we are now more than halfway through our 40-day session.
A Second Chance
Firstly, House Bill 909, which I am proud to sponsor, passed out of the House unanimously. It would automatically restrict and seal the records of an individual who is sentenced under Georgia’s First Offenders Act. Our FO Act was put in place in 1968. The intent was to prevent an isolated mistake from leading to a lifetime of barriers to the workforce, housing, etc.. While the intent remains the same, because unsealed court documents can be found on the internet by private background check companies, the FO Act has lost much of its effectiveness over time.
Interestingly, Georgia Crime Information Center data shows that only about 2% of those receiving a FO sentence are not successful in completing it. This legislation has potential to have a significant positive impact on Georgia’s workforce. It is important to note that at any point someone violates his or her FO sentence, records would be unsealed. It is necessary to be tough on crime to protect our communities and families. However, it is also important to show compassion for those who are willing to correct past mistakes and give them a second chance. This bill now moves across the hall for Senate consideration.
AEDs in Public Schools
This week, we passed House Bill 874, which would require every public school in Georgia to have a functional automated external defibrillator (AED) machine on the premises of school grounds at all times and during school-related functions. This crucial legislation would safeguard Georgia’s students, teachers, staff, and visitors by guaranteeing they have access to this lifesaving equipment. It gives them a chance a survival. HB 874 would empower teachers and school staff to respond effectively in emergency situations. At this time, the bill moves over to the Senate.
Protect our Border
Passed along party lines, House Resolution 1019 establishes the Georgia House of Representatives’ opinion regarding the United States’ southern border. The House has established that the Biden administration has failed to secure the border and has therefore put the American people at significant risk. We support increased protection for America’s borders in the pursuit of ending illegal immigration and smuggling. We further support Governor Kemp’s efforts to aid the state of Texas in defending herself and call on the federal government to finish building the border wall.
Other Bills Passed
Other bills and resolutions passed in the House last week include:
House Bill 282 – would provide a significant step to enhance career preparedness among middle and high school students. The bill underscores the importance of practical instruction and training experiences with a focus on equipping students with essential skills for the workforce. The Department of Education would be tasked with assembling comprehensive resources and materials on career readiness and employability, ensuring that state public schools have access to vital tools for student success. This legislation would pave the way for a more robust and effective approach in preparing our youth for future career paths.
House Bill 576 – would prohibit an individual’s Covid vaccine status from being used to determine whether a person is eligible for an organ transplant. Everyone who is otherwise qualified for an organ transplant should have the chance to receive one despite their vaccine record.
House Bill 925, or the Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act. It would prohibit any governmental entity from discriminating against a place of worship during an emergency situation. In other words, if any business or government office is permitted to open during a state of emergency, places of worship would also be afforded the same right.
House Bill 984 – would allow developmentally or physically disabled individuals the chance to remain on their parent or guardian’s insurance beyond the cutoff age.
House Bill 1010 – expands parental leave for state employees and teachers. This bill would modify the current law by extending paid parental leave for state employees to six weeks. The current three-week period following birth, adoption, or foster care placement is often inadequate for many parents. HB 1010 would grant parents additional time at home with their families. By expanding this benefit, our state could also retain and recruit the best and brightest workforce.
House Bill 1022, the Colton-McNeill Act – would fortify protections for disabled minors by elevating penalties for acts of cruelty against them. The legislation would address a critical gap in existing laws and would impose harsher consequences for perpetrators who target vulnerable children. By increasing penalties, the bill would send a clear message that Georgia does not tolerate the mistreatment of disabled children. Our goal is to safeguard their well-being and ensure justice for those who suffer from these reprehensible acts.
Visitors to the Capitol
This past week, there were many visitors to the Capitol from the 156th district. If you haven’t visited the Capitol yet during session you have another chance next week!
- Noah Gordy, a student at Toombs County Middle School, served as my House Page on Monday. His parents, Ashley and Jonathan, joined us in the Chamber, as well. I’m thankful Noah was able to assist us in conducting our legislative business of the day.
- Also on Monday, Ursula Spence spent the day spreading a very worthwhile message during Cancer Prevention Day at the Capitol.
- Representatives from Altamaha and Canoochee EMCs met with me and other legislators to advocate for policies benefiting their members.
- Kim Clark, Wheeler County Tax Commissioner, attended Constitutional Officers Association Day at the Capitol.
- The Ben Hill County and Toombs County 4-H students visited the Capitol with what is being hailed as the largest group to ever visit. I can tell they are learning a great deal about their state government based on the large number of informed questions they asked during our time together over lunch.
- Mallorie Corley, Toombs County FCCLA Advisor, brought her Family, Career, & Community Leaders of America group to the Capitol. We are fortunate to have so many adults in our community who invest their time and energy in tomorrow’s leaders.
In conclusion, the Georgia House of Representatives will reconvene for our seventh week of session on Tuesday, February 20. I invite you to share any questions or concerns you have about legislation under consideration via email at Leesa.Hagan@house.ga.gov. Also, if you plan to visit the Capitol over the next few weeks, please let me know. I’d love to meet with you. Visit my Constituent Services page for information about visiting the Capitol or watching our proceedings online. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your state representative.
Regards,
