(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.)
Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center
The House on March 21 approved, 154-9, House Bill 354 regarding the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority. The bill renames the Authority as a public corporation under the state’s sanction. They will have the power to purchase property, employ people, make contracts, and construct and maintain projects. Ron Stephens and Jesse Petrea co-sponsored the bill in the House while Ben Watson sponsored it in the Senate. The bill moves on to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk and will become law if signed.
Voting yes: Jesse Petrea, Ron Stephens and Jan Tankersley.
Hiring Real Estate Brokers
The House on March 23 approved, 156-1, Senate Bill 397 related to acquisition and disposition of property. The bill allows municipalities to hire state licensed real estate brokers to assist in the sale of property. Ron Stephens sponsored the bill in the House and Ben Watson sponsored it in the Senate. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Petrea, Stephens, Tankersley.
Committee on Short-Term Rentals
The House on March 23 approved, 142-16, House Resolution 1398 related to short-term rental providers. The resolution creates a seven-person House study committee on short-term rental providers. The committee will meet between now and the end of the year to study the topic and report back on any recommendations. Ron Stephens co-sponsored the bill.
Voting yes: Petrea, Stephens, Tankersley.
“Surprise Billing and Consumer Protection Act”
The House on March approved, 92-63, Senate Bill 8 related to medical billing. The bill covers notification for costs of services for patients as well as provide for procedures for dispute of resolution for surprise bills for nonemergency services. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Stephens and Tankersley
Not voting: Petrea
Georgia Student Finance Authority
The Senate on March 21 approved, 50-0, House Bill 700 related to educational loans. Georgia National Guard members would be eligible to apply for educational loans for degree programs at any eligible postsecondary institution in the state. Ben Watson sponsored the bill in the Senate. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Ben Watson.
Low THC Oil
The Senate on March 23 approved, 31-17, House Bill 65 related to the establishment of the Joint Study Commission on THC Medical Oil Access. The group will annually review the conditions that have been shown through medical research to be effectively treated with low THC oil. Recommendations will be made to the General Assembly by Dec. 1 of each year. Ron Stephens sponsored this bill in the House. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting yes: Watson
Registered nurse ratio
The Senate on March 23 approved, 34-12, House Bill 927 related to nursing in healthcare. The bill allows a delegating physician to enter into a nurse protocol agreement with up to eight advanced practice registered nurses at one time. He or she may also supervise up to eight such nurses at any one time. The previous law allowed for four. The bill moves on to Gov. Deal’s desk for consideration.
Voting no: 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