BURT JONES:: Bills passed take on legislative priorities

On March 28, the Georgia General Assembly adjourned Sine Die. On Tuesday, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones announced an update on his legislative priorities for the 2024 Legislative Session.

“I am extraordinarily proud of the work that we achieved in the Georgia General Assembly to empower Georgia businesses and protect Georgia families,” Jones said. “I want to thank the Senators who sponsored each of these priorities for their hard work and dedication to help make a difference for Georgians. Their continued hard work does not go unnoticed, and I believe these measures will have a positive impact on the lives of Georgians. I look forward to Gov. Kemp signing these measures into law.”

Create a Stable Work Force:

Senate Bill 384 – Provides for the development and administration of the state of Georgia as Model Employer Program to increase employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Senate Bill 399 – Encourages the Commissioner of the Technical College System and the Chancellor of the University System to coordinate efforts to expand transfer opportunities between the two systems.

Senate Bill 440 – Creates the Accelerated Career Diploma Program to establish accelerated career education grants for participating students.

Senate Bill 497 – Creates an apprenticeship program in high-demand fields and public administration.

Increase Public Safety

Senate Bill 421 – Enhances penalties for “swatting” and drive-by shootings.

Senate Bill 465 “Austin’s Law” – Addresses the sale and distribution of substances such as fentanyl.

Back the Blue Act – Establishes the Back the Blue Fund which will distribute voluntary contributions to provide bonuses to deputy sheriffs and jailers.

Protect Georgia’s Youths

Senate Bill 351 – Enacts reforms to combat cyberbullying, to develop educational programs regarding safe teenage internet and social media use, and to provide for age verification, parental consent, and data privacy for teenage users of social media platforms.

Tax Reform and Transparency

The passed legislation addresses long-standing issues with local property taxes and caps annual assessments for households at the rate of inflation. 

The passed legislation reduces the tangible personal property tax burden on small businesses.

Expanded Health Care Access

The passed legislation reforms Georgia’s antiquated Certificate of Need laws, expanding access to health care. Removes thresholds to enable health care providers to increase care and availability of services while decreasing wait times. Additionally, allows for an exemption for birthing centers, while increasing access to services for perinatal care for mothers and infants and psych and substance abuse care.

Put Children and Families First

This legislative package is an extension of the work done during the 2023 session to assist our agencies with the placement of foster care children into a permanent home. These bills will also further support the state’s efforts to keep the number of kids in hotels at zero. The package of legislation passed in 2024 further makes strides to improve the welfare of children throughout our state, particularly those in our foster care system.