Transportation and budget conference committees highlight the final week as the medical marijuana bill, HB 1, is passed and an agreement on autism.
Final passage and sent to the Governor
HB 1 - “Haleigh’s Hope Act” allowing the use of cannabidiol oil (medical marijuana) containing 5 percent THC for the treatment of drug-resistant disorders including: cancer, when such diagnosis is end stage or the treatment produces related wasting illness, recalcitrant nausea and vomiting; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage; seizure disorders related to diagnosis of epilepsy or trauma-related head injuries; multiple sclerosis, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage; Crohn’s disease; mitochondrial disease; Parkinson’s disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage; or sickle cell disease, when such diagnosis is severe or end stage. Passed 48-6.
SB 2 - Allows local school boards to award diplomas to students who dual enroll in certain postsecondary institutions. Local school boards are permitted to award diplomas to students who: are enrolled in dual credit courses; complete rigorous coursework at an eligible postsecondary institution; are at least 16 years old; complete state required ninth- and 10th-grade core courses; receive an acceptable score on the readiness assessment required by the postsecondary institution; and complete either an associate degree program or a technical college degree program. Passed 43-2.
HB 164 - Extends the current suspension of continuing education for teacher recertification to June 30, 2017. Passed 50-0.
HB 366 - Allows 16- and 17-year-old minors to work without obtaining academic approval or an employment certificate. Passed 50-5.
HB 86 - Moves the Division of Aging Services out from under the department of Human Services to a new stand-alone agency, the Georgia Adult and Aging Services Agency. Passed 45-1.
HB 198 - “Jason Flatt Act” requires annual suicide awareness and prevention education training for certificated school system personnel. Passed 45-1.
HB 393 - Allows manufacturers of zero-emission vehicles (electric cars) to sell factory-direct to consumers. Passed 48-4.
HB 91 - Eliminates the Georgia High School Graduation Test. Passed 50-3.
HB 199 - Sets standards for notification to land owners of entrance and exit of property when logging. Passed 49-0.
HB 325 - Requires seat belt use in vans that carry up to 15 passengers. Passed 45-5.
HB 177 - Closes the reporting loop between DFCS and a school when a school employee makes a report of suspected child abuse. Passed 52-0.
HB 299 - Allows lenders to charge a convenience fee to debtors paying off loans through credit cards, debit cards or other electronic payments. Passed 31-13.
HB 505 - Allows physical therapists to treat patients without referral from a physician for eight visits or 21 days from the initial visit, whichever occurs first. Passed amended 46-6.
HB 57 - Allows homeowners and businesses to finance solar power technology that meets state and federal safety requirements, with certain capacity limits, for personal use or to be fed back to the grid. Passed 51-0.
HB 131 - Expands the definition of “bullying” to include cyber bullying coming from electronic communication originating off school campuses or technology. Passed by substitute 49-1.
HB 443 - Allows employers to create a veterans’ preference employment policy. Passed 51-1.
Legislation, meeting schedules and legislative actions may be accessed at: www.legis.ga.gov.
I may be reached at
234 State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334
(404) 656-5038 (phone)
(404) 657-7092 (fax)
E-mail at Jack.Hill@senate.ga.gov
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