The third week of the 2024 legislative session brought an array of activities as the Georgia House of Representatives reconvened at the Gold Dome on Monday, January 22. During this busy week, the House Rules Committee held its initial meeting of the year, setting the first group of bills to come up for a full House vote. In this second session of the 157th Georgia General Assembly, bills unresolved from the 2023 legislative session remain eligible for consideration, resulting in the final passage of measures carried over from the last session.
Antisemitism Defined
The House provided the much-awaited final passage to House Bill 30, addressing antisemitism. Previously introduced and passed in the 2023 legislative session, this bill adds antisemitism as a category covered by hate crimes law while preserving Georgian’s freedom of speech. Aligning with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition, the bill requires state agencies enforcing discrimination laws to consider this definition in their enforcement efforts. The passage of HB 30, with its internationally recognized definition, is a significant victory against antisemitic acts. It is particularly timely given the recent surge in such incidents across the nation. country. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation and proud of the House for leading on this effort. We stand with our friends in the Jewish community to show the world that hate has no place in Georgia. HB 30 now heads to Governor Kemp’s desk to be signed into law.
License Plates for Ambulances & Hearses
A unanimous victory was secured with the passage of House Bill 804, advocating for distinct license plates for ambulances and hearses. The bill mandates the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue separate plates, clearly indicating “Ambulance” and “Hearse” for their respective vehicles. The current practice of combining both on a single plate would be replaced to reflect the specialized roles these vehicles play. This legislation would take effect on January 1, 2025. This bill now moves over to the Senate.
Radiology Assistants
House Bill 434, focusing on the licensure of radiologist assistants, also gained significant support with a vote of 152-2. The bill empowers the Georgia Composite Medical Board to establish criteria for licensure, renewal, and regulations concerning qualifications, scope of practice, and supervision. Radiologist assistants play a crucial role in enhancing efficiency and productivity for radiologists, and this licensure aims to strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce to improve patient care. This bill now moves over to the Senate
NEW BILLS FILED DURING WEEK 3 OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION
This past week, I filed a new bill that you’ll probably remember from last year:
House Bill 1026 – As many of you may remember, last year I sponsored a bill which would have named the Southeast Georgia Soapbox Derby in Lyons as Georgia’s official soapbox derby. Because of decisions made by the Senate committee to which it was assigned, the bill which passed the House twice unanimously never received a vote in the full Senate. To read about what happened to this bill last session, read here and here. Last week I filed a new bill which aims to do exactly what last year’s bill would have done. I am thankful for House leadership and many other colleagues which are co-sponsoring this bill with me. I’m hopeful it will make it to the floor for a full vote in the next couple of weeks.
I co-sponsored a few bills last week recognizing important traditions and groups in Georgia:
House Bill 1034 – Establishes a “National Sugarcane Syrup Day” in Georgia. This would help to preserve the art of making sugarcane syrup by honoring those who continue with this longstanding family farm tradition and by raising public awareness of the differences between natural sugarcane syrup and artificial syrups. This tradition is alive and well in House district 156, and I’m happy to support it.
HR 829 recognizes February 20 as Georgia FFA (Future Farmers of America) Day at the Capitol. The Georgia FFA Association ranks as the third largest state FFA association in the nation. Currently, there are more than 89,000 members in 390 local chapters across the state.
HR 911 recognizes February 7, 2024, as Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs) of Georgia Day in Georgia. CACs provide a child-friendly setting and a multidisciplinary approach to investigate and address child abuse. They offer free forensic, medical, and therapeutic services, reducing trauma and supporting healing for hundreds of victims every year.
An Honor
On another note, last week CPAC honored me with their Award for Conservative Excellence based on my 2023 voting record. According to their scorecard, I had the most conservative record in the Georgia House last year. Overall, House Republicans received an average of 80% on the scorecard. Senate Republicans received an average of 87%. If you would like to see the complete ratings report for 2023, you will find it here.
Visitors to the Capitol last week
Dr. Leah Cook and Dr. Hank Cook of Fitzgerald visited Atlanta last week for Georgia Dental Association Day at the Capitol. Anna and Samuel, their twins who are currently in dental school, joined them. Good dental health is vital to your overall health. Thanks to dentists all around the state for what you do to help keep Georgia smiling.
During the next week of session, my colleagues and I will work to ensure considered legislation serves the best interests of Georgians. Your input is valuable, and I encourage you to reach out with your questions or concerns. Whether by email or a visit to the Capitol, I am here to discuss significant matters with you. Contact me at Leesa.Hagan@house.ga.gov. Thank you for allowing me to represent you.
Regards,
