On February 20, my House colleagues and I reconvened for days 23 through 25 of the legislative session and many hours of committee hearings. During week seven, we focused on key legislation to better Georgians’ lives. With the approaching February 29 “Crossover Day” deadline, we prioritized public safety, behavioral healthcare, and education. The week was short but impactful, and we worked hard to pass legislation for the benefit of our constituents. One bit of news that I was sad to receive was that Chairman Penny Houston would not seek reelection. She is a legend around the Capitol, known for her steadfast commitment to her community and for her ability to tell it like it is with exceeding grace and truthfulness. I will miss my friend Ms. Penny next year.
Criminals Targeting Children
Last week, my colleagues and I took a crucial step to protect Georgia’s most vulnerable citizens. The House unanimously passed House Bill 993 aiming to combat online exploitation and crimes against minors. This legislation introduces criminal penalties for individuals intentionally grooming minors via electronic means to commit sexual offenses or human trafficking. Offenders could face felony imprisonment ranging from one to five years. Importantly, this bill applies irrespective of where the crimes occur, emphasizing the commitment of the General Assembly to justice, dignity, and the protection of human rights for all Georgians, particularly the well-being of our minors.
Deepfake Election Interference
The House passed House Bill 986 to combat election interference through artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep fake technology. This AI-generated content aims to deceive voters and impact election outcomes by posting media online that depicts a real individual’s speech or conduct that did not actually occur. The bill introduces felony charges for creating and soliciting deep fake content in campaign advertisements. It would ensure legal consequences for those attempting to manipulate elections. Deep fake involves digitally creating videos, sounds, or images that appear real but did not occur. Offenders of election interference through deep fake ads could face felony charges, one to five years imprisonment, and a fine up to $50,000. HB 986 also emphasizes that using AI-generated content in campaign ads is legal with proper disclosures, establishing a precedent for accountability and security.
Informed Decisions Regarding Military Service
In our commitment to enhance educational opportunities for Georgia’s students, the House approved HB 995. This bill mandates public school systems to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a nationally recognized multiple-aptitude assessment. Targeting 11th and 12th graders, the test predicts future academic and occupational success in the military. Administered during regular school hours, it provides students valuable insights. Parents can opt their child out if military careers aren’t of interest. HB 995 helps address declining military recruitment by guiding students toward suitable paths by aiding informed decisions about their abilities in the armed forces.
Other Bills Passed
Other bills passed by the House during the seventh week of session include:
House Bill 793 – would allow applicants for a license in social work who are enrolled in the last semester of their Master’s degree program for social work to sit for the social work licensing examination before graduation. This would expedite their entrance into the workforce.
House Bill 896 – would allow a woman to petition the court after divorce to restore her legal surname to her maiden name. The motion could be filed at any time after the judgment and decree of divorce is entered, with no publication in a legal organ required. This process can take up to eight months and cost several hundred dollars currently.
House Bill 907 – would outline the responsibilities of motor vehicle drivers in the event they encounter a funeral procession. It would require drivers on a two-lane road to pull to pull over so the procession can have the right-of-way. In order for drivers not in the funeral procession to be aware of its beginning and end, both lead and rear vehicles must display flashing hazard lights.
House Bill 987 – would amend current law relating to the school equalization grant. The minimum required millage rate or effective millage rate would be reduced from 14 to 10 mills, beginning July 1, 2024. School systems that receive equalization would have to meet this requirement or risk a 25 percent midterm adjustment of the initial equalization grant amount.
House Bill 1001 – would allow drivers to present their license digitally on their cell phone upon the request of a law enforcement officer. The bill would not require the licensee to release their cell phone to the officer under this circumstance. Presenting a digital copy of the license would not constitute a consent to search and seizure of the cell phone.
House Bill 1170 – would require government buildings and courthouses that already contain AEDs to provide opioid antagonists, like Naloxone. These drugs could save lives in the event of opioid overdose on the premises. The potentially life-saving drug would be located in AED boxes. With the current alarming fentanyl presence in drugs and with the federal government’s continued refusal to address the drug trafficking nightmare at the southern border, my colleagues and I have worked hard to combat tragic drug overdoses in Georgia.
It was a Crowded capitol last week!
Visitors to the Gold Dome from House district 156 included:
- Denise Graham, Supportive Employment Manager for The Jessamine Place in Fitzgerald, visited to advocate for House Bill 1125 which would phase out subminimum wage to persons with disabilities.
- Kim Garvin with First District RESA and Rodney Garvin, Head Football Coach at Vidalia High School, visited on Tuesday. These two are strong advocates for our public schools.
- Wiregrass Technical College President DeAnnia Clements and Michael Williams, Vice President for Economic Development, were at the Capitol for a TCSG senior leadership event
- Chris Moore and James McLaughlin, Department of Natural Division of Law Enforcement, visited for Law Enforcement Day at the Capitol. Thank you to all LEOs who sacrifice so much to keep Georgians safe.
- Austin Futch returned to the Capitol for what seems like a weekly visit. This time, he was there with South Georgia Leads. It is inspiring to know that district 156 has young leaders like Austin who are incredibly involved in the community.
- Wheeler County Superior and Juvenile Courts Clerk Carol Bragg came to Atlanta for Court Clerks Day at the Capitol.
- Members of Vidalia High Schools’ SkillsUSA group visited on Thursday as part of their state conference. They were chaperoned by their leaders Gray Meredith and Amy Gillies.
Wrap up
The Georgia House will resume its work on Monday, February 26, with only two legislative days remaining until “Crossover Day.”. With this deadline rapidly approaching, it is important that I hear about issues that are significant to you. Please reach out to me with your thoughts or concerns regarding legislation that is still up for consideration. You can reach me via email at Leesa.Hagan@house.ga.gov. As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as the representative for House district 156.
Kind regards,
