Last week, my colleagues and I returned to the Georgia State Capitol for the fifth week of the 2025 legislative session. The House has been hard at work, tackling issues that matter and advancing important bills through the legislative process. With Crossover Day quickly approaching on March 6, the pace is only getting faster. Crossover Day, or Legislative Day 28, is the deadline for bills to clear their respective chambers and continue moving forward.
Advancing Legislation for Georgia
One of the key pieces of legislation we passed this week was House Bill 61, which builds on House Bill 804 from last session. HB 61 would require separate license plates for ambulances and hearses, clarifying their distinct purposes. Right now, both vehicles share the same plate reading “Hearse/Ambulance,” a holdover from the days when hearses were also used to transport patients. With this update, ambulances and hearses would have their own plates. The bill passed unanimously and now heads to the Senate.
Another important bill, House Bill 199, enhances the safety of our state’s judges and their families. This bill was a priority in Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs’ recent State of the Judiciary Address. HB 199 would require all state and local government entities to remove or redact publicly available information that identifies someone as a judge, justice, or their spouse. The bill is a response to the alarming rise in swatting incidents targeting judges and elected officials. By ensuring that personal information is protected, we can help keep our judiciary safe and make sure our judicial system is not compromised.
Strengthening Georgia’s Workforce
On Wednesday, we honored the late State Representative Richard Smith by passing House Bill 216, the Richard H. Smith Georgia CHIPS Advancement in Research and Economic Development Act. This bill would continue his vision of making Georgia a key player in the semiconductor industry. HB 216 creates a fund to support workforce education and training programs in semiconductors, microelectronics, and related fields. With this investment, we can build a skilled workforce, reduce reliance on foreign production, and strengthen Georgia’s position in innovation and economic growth. The bill received overwhelming support and now moves to the Senate.
Keeping with the theme of workforce development, we also passed House Bill 81. This bill creates the Interstate Compact for School Psychologists, making it easier for licensed school psychologists to work in other states without additional licensing hurdles. Shortages of school psychologists have left many students without the support they need. By easing licensure barriers, HB 81 ensures Georgia students have access to quality psychological services, no matter where they live. This bill also helps military families by allowing licensed school psychologists to relocate with fewer restrictions.
Reducing regulatory burdens for Georgians just makes good sense.
The Legislative Process in Action
Each bill we pass goes through a set of steps before it can become law. Here’s a quick look at how a bill moves through the legislative process:
- Introduction: A bill is introduced and assigned to a committee.
- Committee Review: The committee discusses the bill, makes changes if needed, and votes on whether it should move forward.
- House Vote: If the bill passes out of committee, it goes to the full House for debate and a vote.
- Senate Process: If approved by the House, the bill follows a similar process in the Senate.
- Governor’s Desk: If both chambers approve the final version, it goes to the governor for a signature or veto.
As we approach Crossover Day, bills that haven’t cleared their chamber yet must move quickly. If they don’t pass by the deadline, they can’t continue this session unless attached to another bill.
Honoring Dedicated Georgians
Beyond our legislative work, we had the privilege of recognizing outstanding individuals and groups making a difference in our state.
- Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives: These hardworking individuals restored power to communities hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. Their dedication helped countless families recover from storm damage.
- Georgia’s Tree Farmers: We honored tree farmers for their contributions to agriculture and their critical role in clearing storm debris. Their efforts were essential in recovery operations.
- Georgia Farm Bureau: Led by former State Representative Tom McCall, this organization continues to support agriculture, Georgia’s largest industry.
- Morehouse College: We celebrated Morehouse College’s 158th anniversary and recognized President Dr. David A. Thomas for his leadership as he prepares to retire.
Recognizing these individuals and organizations reminds us of the incredible people who make Georgia great.
Visitors to the Capitol Last Week
Last week’s visitors to the Gold Dome included:
- Mrs. Mallorie Corley and members of the Toombs County High School FCCLA group.
- Becky Gay, Director of the Fitzgerald Ben Hill Communities in Schools program.
- Leadership of Altamaha EMC and Canoochee EMC.
- Kasey and Beau Jackson. Kasey is the Director of the Toombs County Young Farmers.
- Wheeler County Clerk of Courts, Carol Bragg, visited for Constitutional Officers Association of Georgia Day at the Capitol.
- Vidalia High School’s FBLA, HOSA, FCCLA, TSA, and SkillsUSA groups and their leaders including Shellie Cleghorn and Gray Meredith.
- Barry Bloom, Jeff Davis Hospital CEO, and Ben Floyd, Coffee Regional Medical Center VP of Operations, testified in the House Rural Development committee meeting last Wednesday in favor of House Bill 262.
Looking Ahead
The Georgia House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday, February 18, after the observance of Presidents’ Day. With the Rules Committee meeting more frequently, we’ll see even more bills come up for votes on the House Floor.
As we continue through this legislative session, I encourage you to stay informed and engaged. You can track the status of bills on the official Georgia General Assembly website and our House social media pages. For information on how you can track bills and watch committee meetings, visit my Constituent Services page.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out. I’d love to hear from you! You can best reach me during session via email at Leesa.Hagan@house.ga.gov.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative for Georgia’s 156th House district – the best in the state!