Review of Several Bills
It has been just under one month since the 2015 legislative session of the General Assembly came to a close. Although we adjourned for the year, there is still a lot of work that needs to be handled prior to January of 2016. Out of session our schedules remain hectic with study committee meetings, constituent issues, round table discussions, legislative panels and district events.
The best part of being out of session is having the chance to catch up with all of you at these events! My last column concentrated on the details of a couple of major issues, but there were a lot of bills that I did not get to cover. While there were many bills passed this year, below is a quick reference list highlighting bills of interest.
Bills Signed by
Governor Deal
House Bill 1—Haliegh’s Hope; Medical Cannabis Oil treatments for certain conditions was signed into law by Governor Deal on April 16th.
Senate Bill 1—Ava’s Law; Mandates Autism insurance coverage for children under a certain age was signed into law on April 29.
House Bill 91—More Diplomas for Georgians; Retroactive measure that allows high school students who failed the Georgia graduation test prior to 2011 receive their diplomas. This bill was signed into law by Governor Deal on March 30, effective immediately.
House Bill 397—Soil and Water Conservation Commission; This bill makes the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, once a stand-alone agency, part of the Department of Agriculture. The legislation was signed into law by Governor Deal on April 8.
Opportunity School District Education Reform; The constitutional amendment that will allow the state to take over failing schools that do not meet certain standards for three consecutive years. This bill was signed by Governor Deal on April 21. The education reform is now in the hands of Georgia voters who will cast a ballot either in favor of or against the measure during the 2016 General Election.
Other Bills of Interest Awaiting
Governor’s Signature
House Bill 17—Hidden Predator Act; Extends the statute of limitations for civil actions for childhood sexual abuse.
House Bill 57—Solar Financing; Allows third party financing for small businesses and home owners to obtain solar panels for use on property.
House Bill 110—Firework Sales; Legalizes and sets parameters for the distribution, transportation and retail sale of consumer fireworks.
Senate Bill 2—College / Tech School Coursework to Count Towards High School Diploma; Allows local boards of education to award a high school diploma to students taking classes at postsecondary institutions. The bill allows for college / tech classes to count towards high school course credit that meet certain criteria.
Senate Bill 101—Buffer for Coastal Marshlands; Provides soil erosion protection on coastal marshlands by establishing a 25-foot buffer where “land disturbing” activity is not allowed.
Senate Bill 132—Quality Basic Education Act; Allows all high school students in public or private schools, to apply to a postsecondary school in order to take more classes. If accepted, the student can get credit for the class at the high school and post secondary institution.
If you are interested in learning more about the bills listed above, or any other legislation passed during the 2015 session please visit www.legis.ga.gov and click on the legislation tab.
On a personal note, as many of you know, Paul and I lost our sweet daughter Cammie Holmes McCook in April. I cannot begin to tell you how much the love and support you have shown to us over the last few years, especially the last month, has meant to us. Your prayers have been felt every step of the way and continue to help us during this difficult time. We have been overwhelmed by your kindness and we cannot thank you enough!
Again, thank you for allowing me to serve you. It is an honor to work for you and this great state. If you ever need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to contact me at anytime. God bless each and every one of you and may God continue to bless Georgia!