(Editor’s note: This is a look at recent action in the Georgia Legislature and how Bryan County’s legislators voted. It was compiled by Correspondent Corey Barnes.)
Retirement policies for public employees
The House on March 13 approved, 167-2, Senate Bill 333 which concerns deferred compensation plans. The governing authority of a municipality may pay costs or fees association with an employee’s participation in a deferred compensation plan. Sen. Ben Watson sponsored the bill in the Senate. The bill moves on to Gov. Nathan Deal and will become law if signed.
Voting yes: Jesse Petrea, Ron Stephens, Jan Tankersley.
Reclassifying Marijuana Resolution
The House on March 15 adopted, 158-5, House Resolution 1363 which urges the United States Congress to amend the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug so its medical benefits may be researched. As an alternate, the resolution encourages the passage of the Marijuana Effective Drug Study Act (MEDS Act).
Voting yes: Stephens, Tankersley.
Not voting: Petrea.
HOPE Grants & Scholarships
The House on March 15 approved, 158-0, Senate Bill 82 which concerned eligibility for HOPE scholarships and grants. Members of the Georgia National Guard or members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States located in Georgia may be classified as a legal resident of Georgia and be eligible for HOPE scholarships and grants. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Petrea, Stephens, Tankersley.
Penalties for Medicaid Fraud
The House on March 15 approved, 152-5, Senate Bill 321 which related to civil penalties for false or fraudulent Medicaid claims. The bill increases the civil penalties imposed to allow the state to recover the maximum penalty authorized by federal law. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Petrea, Stephens, Tankersley.
Lottery Anonymity
The House on March 19 approved, 173-1, Senate Bill 331 related to lottery prize winners. If an individual wins awards of $250,000 or greater and submits a written request then the corporation shall keep all information regarding the winner confidential. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Petrea, Stephens, Tankersley
Designating Facilities for Newborns
The Senate on March 14 approved, 48-0, House Bill 513 which concerns developing standards for a sign that the Department of Human Services would post to any medical facility, fire station, or police station to inform the public that the facility is an authorized location to leave a newborn child. A mother may leave her newborn child at these locations and avoid criminal prosecution. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Ben Watson.
Controlled Substances
The Senate on March 14 approved, 48-0, House Bill 830 related to controlled substances. The bill adds numerous medications to the Schedule I and Schedule II lists. Ron Stephens co-sponsored the bill in the House. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Watson.
Continuing Enrollment
The Senate on March 19 approved, 54-1, House Bill 852 related to enrollment in a public school. A local board of education may allow a student who has been enrolled in a public school for more than half a year to continue attending that school even if his or her family moves during the year. The parent will be responsible for costs of transportation, and the arrangement will only be allowed if the student has no chronic disciplinary or attendance problems. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Watson
If you want to read about other bills facing the General Assembly please visit http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/VoteList.aspx?Chamber=2