State Rep. Jason Ridley: Highlights from the House for March 19

Published 11:04 pm Monday, March 19, 2018

Thursday, March 15, marked the 35^th day of the 2018 legislative session. We had a productive week of committee hearings and policy debate as both the House and Senate passed bills now under consideration by Governor Deal. Initiatives for the benefit of our healthcare systems and our military remain as top priorities, as we make our way through the final days of session. 

Health care measures

The Health Act 

Last week we passed Senate Bill 357, also known as the Health Act. If signed into law, SB 357, will establish the Health Coordination and Innovation Council. The 18-member council, made up of academic, industry leaders and government experts, will be responsible for streamlining and coordinating all components of our state’s health care system. They will work to coordinate major functions of our health systems, while developing strategies to stabilize costs and improve access to quality care. The bill also establishes an advisory board that woulda provide guidance to the council. The council’s responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the effectiveness of previously enacted and ongoing health programs

• Determining how to best develop new approaches and promote innovation 

• Effectiveness of existing resources, expertise and improvement opportunities. 

We are confident this bill is a major step forward in addressing the health care-related challenges our state faces.  

Autism support

Children with autism will now have additional access to vital treatments and therapies, thanks to the unanimous passage of Senate Bill 118. SB 118 increases the age of coverage for autism treatments from six-years-old to 20-years-old. The bill also increases the coverage limit from $30,000 to $35,000 annually. Further, SB 118 requires insurers to provide coverage for applied behavior analysis, which is a necessary medical treatment for autism. If signed into law, SB 118 would take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. 

Elder abuse prevention

Sadly, elder abuse in our state has been on the rise in recent years. In an effort to address this issue, we passed Senate Bill 406. This bill would create the Georgia Long-term Care Background Check Program, requiring elder care providers in personal care homes or other assisted living facilities to undergo a comprehensive, fingerprint-based criminal background check. Care facility owners, applicants, and employees of personal care services will be subject background check requirements, taking effect Oct. 1, 2019. Further, the bill implements a central caregiver registry so that those looking to hire a personal caregiver could access information on eligible and ineligible applicants.

Rural hospital assistance

In an effort to assists our struggling rural hospitals, we passed House Resolution 1376. HR 1376 urges the newly developed House Rural Development Council (RDC) to gain input from state hospitals regarding their financial condition. The resolution also encourages the RDC receive recommendations from the hospital industry on any legislative or regulatory changes that could assist in sustaining our state’s health care systems. While many of Georgia’s hospitals are very profitable, others, especially those in rural areas, are at risk. We are hopeful the recommended provisions in this measure will provide the council with information needed to turnaround and financially stabilize our state’s rural hospitals.

Agriculture education act

We continue support of Georgia’s largest industry, agriculture, through the passage of Senate Bill 330, also known as the Georgia Agricultural Education Act. Georgia’s agricultural education program for grades 6-12, will now be developed by the Dept. of Education and industry experts to adhere to the nationally recognized three-component model of school-based agricultural education. The three-component model consists of the following:

• Daily classroom and lab instruction

• Hands-on, experimental learning through a supervised agricultural experience program

• Leadership and learning opportunities through participation in agricultural education programs, such as the Future Farmers of America (FFA)  

Further, the bill authorizes the establishment of an elementary agricultural pilot program to determine whether a statewide implementation of such would be of benefit to Georgia students.

Military measures

This session we have passed a number of bills to benefit our state’s military, including Senate Bill 395. This bill establishes the 18-member Georgia Joint Defense Commission, responsible for advising the governor and the General Assembly on state and national military issues. The commission will be responsible for the following:

• Recommending policies to support the long-term sustainability and development of Georgia’s active and civilian military; 

• Developing programs to enhance communities’ relationships with military installations

• Preparing a task force for potential base realignment or military installation closures in the state

• Submitting an annual report to the governor and the Georgia General Assembly on the state of Georgia’s military installations in preparation for possible BRAC closures

Further, this bill establishes the Defense Community Economic Development Grant Program which will assist military communities with projects, events and activities promoting our military installations. 

The second pro-military measure passing the House last week was Senate Bill 82. This bill allows members of the Georgia National Guard or reserves, located in Georgia, to be classified as legal residents under the eligibility requirements for HOPE scholarship and grant programs. This expansion would only apply to those stationed in Georgia or who list Georgia as their permanent home. Currently, only active-duty military service members, their spouses and children are eligible to receive Georgia’s HOPE scholarships and grants.

Brunch bill 

Monday, March 12, also brought final passage to Senate Bill 17, also known as the “Brunch Bill.” This legislation would allow local governments to authorize alcoholic beverage sales beginning at 11 a.m. on Sundays, if approved by voters through a local referendum. SB 17 applies only to establishments who show half of their annual gross sales are made from food or overnight room rentals. If SB 17 becomes law, it is expected to increase sales by $100 million and generate approximately $11 million in additional state and local tax revenue. 

Monday, March 19, begins our five-day countdown as we make our way to Day 40, scheduled from March 29. I will continue to send updates regarding legislation and in the meantime, please reach out to me with questions or concerns. Reminder — this is simply an update and does not reflect my support or opposition to any bill. It is a pleasure to work for the betterment of our district and I am honored that you allow me the privilege of serving as your voice under the Gold Dome!

Jason Ridley, R-Chatsworth, represents District 6 in the state House of Representatives.