Lawmakers completed Day 35 of the session on Thursday. This means that just five days remain in the session as both chambers are busy working to move bills before Sine Die. Here is your recap of the 10th week of the 2023 legislative session in Georgia.
– On Tuesday, lawmakers memorialized the legacy of former Speaker David Ralston in celebration of what would have been his 69th birthday. At the same time, Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, introduced a resolution honoring Ralston’s life and work.
– Shortly after it hit his desk this week, Gov. Brian Kemp signed a $1 billion tax rebate into law, which will provide $250-$500 rebates to taxpayers in Georgia.
– House Bill 155, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin, R-Alpharetta, would require most licensing boards to recognize occupational licenses obtained in other states. It passed the Senate 54-0 this week after also passing the House without a dissenting vote earlier this year.
– House Bill 203, sponsored by Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta, would amend telemedicine laws to include eye examinations. It passed the Senate 51-1 this week after passing the House earlier.
– Senate Bill 3, sponsored by Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, would require state agencies to assess whether current educational requirements, such as a four-year college degree, for many state jobs are necessary. It passed the House 168-0 this week after passing the Senate earlier.
– Senate Bill 1, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, would permanently extend Georgia’s prohibition on local governments requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination for services. After passing the Senate earlier in the year, it cleared the House Public Health Committee this week, sending the bill to the floor.
– This week, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced four “priority” study committees that will be outlined post session. This includes the Senate Occupational Licensing Study Committee, the Senate Study Committee on Expanding Georgia’s Workforce, the Senate Study Committee on Certificate of Need (CON) Reform and the Senate Study Committee on Foster Care and Adoption.
