Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) discusses his comprehensive school safety legislative package during a press conference at the Georgia State Capitol on Monday morning. Photo: Georgia House of Representatives.

The Georgia General Assembly got off to a fast start on Monday with the State Senate taking up its first substantive measures of the session before both bodies filled the afternoon with committee hearings. But before legislators scattered to the committee meeting rooms throughout the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building, Speaker of the House Jon Burns (R-Newington) unveiled his school safety legislative package in a press conference backed by legislators and individuals affected by the shooting at Apalachee High School. The package includes a statewide student information-sharing database, threat assessment teams, an anonymous reporting app, and funding for school safety and student mental health initiatives. More details on the package and all of the day’s happenings in this #GoldDomeReport.

In this Report:

• Speaker Unveils School Safety Legislative Package
• Floor Action
• Committee Notes
• New Legislation
• What’s Next

Speaker Unveils School Safety Legislative Package

In a press conference backed by House Republicans and members of the Barrow County community impacted by the shooting at Apalachee High School, Speaker Jon Burns unveiled his school safety legislative package on Monday. Described as “ a comprehensive approach to securing our school buildings, prioritizing the mental health of our children and keeping Georgia’s students safe”, the Speaker’s proposal (as reported in a press release) includes:

• A School and Student Safety Database (S3) to collect and integrate data to evaluate the behavior of students who may pose a threat to schools, school staff, or students while maintaining the highest standards of student information privacy.
• Threat Assessment Teams consisting of school administration, mental health professionals, and law enforcement personnel in each local school system.
• An anonymous reporting app where tips can quickly and efficiently be evaluated and provided to law enforcement and the necessary personnel across the state as needed.
• Creation of qualified mental health coordinator positions to allow an individual to be primarily responsible for coordinating efforts to identify and intervene with students at risk of mental health concerns.
• Requiring students to receive instruction in violence prevention and suicide awareness.
• Increasing penalties for terroristic threats.
• Providing tax incentives for the purchase of safe storage equipment including firearm safes and trigger locks as well as for gun safety training and courses.

Floor Action

The Senate voted on the following measures on Monday:

• SB 16 - Public Officials; bail bond business; modify provisions — PASSED 51-2
• SR 7 - State Highway System; dedicate certain portions — ADOPTED 52-0

Committee Notes

Joint House and Senate Education Committees

The House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Chris Erwin (R-Homer), and the Senate Education & Youth Committee, chaired by Senator Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro), met jointly on Monday to hear presentations on school safety and literacy.

After opening remarks by the Chairmen and Speaker Jon Burns, the Joint Committee opened testimony with a presentation by Linda Criblez, Deputy Director for Homeland Security at GEMA, and Justin Hill, Deputy Superintendent for Whole Child Supports at the Georgia Department of Education. Criblez began by noting that school safety threats and gang activity in schools have increased dramatically this year. She focused on the importance of information sharing across agencies and jurisdictions in addressing school safety threats — noting that it won’t be easy and will require many lawyers, but it is possible. Criblez also promoted its Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) training program. Hill highlighted the programs within the Department of Education focused on student discipline and support and the department’s partnership with GEMA.

Kevin Tanner, Commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities next presented to the Joint Committee. Commissioner Tanner talked about the Apex Program, which seeks to deploy mental health workers in school districts and mental health resilience and substance abuse recovery clubhouses.

The Joint Committee also heard presentations from the Georgia Council on Literacy and the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement on Literacy in Georgia. No action was taken during the meeting.

Senate Health and Human Services Committee

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Senator Ben Watson (R-Savannah), convened on Monday afternoon to hear the following measure:

• SB 6, authored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), amends Title 26 to authorize the use of testing equipment to determine whether a controlled substance has been adulterated. The bill broadens the fentanyl test strip authority provided in a previous legislative session to allow other types of drug testing strips and equipment to be possessed and used without violating the statutory ban on “drug related objects.” Senator Kirkpatrick presented the bill as a Committee Substitute to provide additional clarity. After several individuals spoke in support, the committee recommended the bill DO PASS by Committee Substitute and be sent to the Rules Committee.

The committee subsequently heard the following presentations:

• Mary Boatwright Quinn provided a brief overview of the inaugural 2024 Georgia Report on Dementia, an initiative of the Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementia (GARD) collaborative. She highlighted that 40% of dementia cases are associated with modifiable risk factors. The entire report is available online.
• Lynn Durham of the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education presented on the state of colorectal cancer in Georgia.

House Committee on Ways & Means - Public Finance Subcommittee

The subcommittee, chaired by Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), had one bill on its agenda on Monday:

• HB 136, authored by Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta), includes changes to the Fostering Success Act. The author presented his initiative which will allow youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice who are aging out of the system to take advantage of the program and it also addresses the tax credit allowed to individuals and businesses (adding that it now can be used by insurance companies which have a premium tax liability), expanding it to the capped amount of $30 million (versus $20 million which is current law). Heidi Carr, a representative from Fosteringsuccessact.org testified about the initiative and success of the program. Carr noted that the program is a life changer for many youth, and by expanding to youth involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice it may lessen the number of youth in the adult system.  She noted that around 87% of youth involved in the juvenile justice system end up involved in the adult justice system.  Education, however, helps with this statistic — providing housing, education, counseling, medical, and transportation services to these youth. While only a little over a year old, there were 70 youth who reached out for assistance within months of it being signed into law and another 300 youth have asked for assistance. No vote was taken at the hearing.

House Insurance Committee

The committee took up its rules for the year and adopted those without discussion. The subcommittees were highlighted, and Chairman Lumsden explained that the normal process is for bills to move through the subcommittee process before being addressed by the full committee. Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) noted that she was not assigned to any subcommittee; the chairman assigned her to the Property and Casualty Subcommittee.  Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) asked that he be moved to the Property and Casualty Subcommittee from the Life & Health Subcommittee.  Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville) noted he was on the Administrative Subcommittee yet he was licensed as Life & Health.  Chairman Lumsden said that he would revisit the subcommittees and straighten those out.

House Insurance Committee - Life & Health Subcommittee

The subcommittee took up two proposals on Monday under its Chairman Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville).  No votes were taken on the below bills:

• HB 182, authored by Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), is a life insurance bill brought to the author by the Department of Insurance. There are individual and group life insurance policies. There are always “exceptions” which means things are not covered. Military personnel are a good example and why there is military life insurance.  In group life, the term is broader for the exception, making it “active duty” which is the exception for military personnel. This legislation is to correct the situation (LC 520067) and address the exception. Insurance Commissioner John King also made comments about the proposal. King also had 42 years of active military service, and Senator Ed Harbison (D-Columbus) brought the issue to his attention. This is bipartisan and an attempt to take care of the service members. The legislation involved a traffic accident involving an active military service member who was killed on leave. Active duty to King is someone actively involved in a military combat activity and that exclusion should apply to that. He argued that the military service member was negatively impacted because he was doing his job. Representative Sandra Scott (D-Rex) expressed her thanks for the bill as she is a military veteran. Commissioner King indicated that the industry needs to hear with clarity what is needed. There is 5,000 active duty personnel in Gwinnett County, and 10,000 who have a disability rating per Representative Matt Reeves (R-Duluth).
• HB-124, authored by Representative Mitchell Scoggins (R-Cartersville), spoke to the proposal. He also had with him Jessica Gowan to speak to the initiative, addressing concerns that three moms had when their children developed PANS and PANDAS. 1 in 200 children in the United States are affected by either PANS or PANDAS. It affects children’s behaviors. Many insurance companies deny treatment. Functional integrative medicine is a treatment for these children. This legislation amends Titles 33 and 45 and mandates coverage for these PANS and PANDAS. Strep throat can be a root cause of PANDAS. Representative Scoggins's own granddaughter is affected by the PANS pediatric issue — it generally does not impact anyone until they are three years of age and does not impact adults.  Ozone therapy has been used with his granddaughter and IVIG to help fight off bacterial diseases. Some of the diagnostic tests are expensive — about $1000 — which are not covered by insurance company policies. 17 states have implemented coverage; 12 more states are considering legislation to get insurance coverage for PANS and PANDAS. The fiscal note is slight — perhaps $.46 more cost per premium (based on a Maine study).

Gowan has three children with PANDAS, but all are doing well now.  She has testified previously about both PANS and PANDAS.  Previously, there was a lack of provider awareness. Diagnosis and treatment took about nine months. She described the strain on her marriage as well as the financials to get her children diagnosed and treated. Chairman Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) has been supportive of getting a clinic opened to see these children according to Gowan. She noted that insurance mandates are not politically palatable and understands the concern.  Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville) asked about the substitute, IVIG and Ozone therapy are covered by the State Health Benefit Plan in this initiative. Representative Karen Mathiak (R-Griffin) asked if there is a marker at birth; there is none — just when a child has strep throat. There were questions about whether children “grow out” of the disease; yes, it appears.  There may be a genetic marker per Gowan but no published literature on that yet. There were questions including, can a FQHC provide treatment if no insurance? And how can we mandate private insurance companies?  Both were questions raised by Representative Noel Williams (R-Cordele). The treatment process initially includes a 30-day course of antibiotics; then NSAIDS; then steroids.  It is very inexpensive to treat if caught early enough.  When there is an extreme onset, which is rare and untreated, is when it becomes expensive. The request is that the State Health Benefit Plan solely cover PANS and PANDAS.  Representative Scoggins noted he believes that all insurance companies should cover the two. Representative Gambill asked if the IVIG was produced in the United States; it is a blood plasma product.

A few other individuals spoke to the legislation. Ada Owens, a resident of St. Simons, testified about her son’s journey with PANDAS. More than $48,000 was spent by her family to cover the expenses and they have health insurance (but it does not cover). After IVIG treatment, her son’s health has improved fully.  Early detection leads to earlier treatment. Her son Arthur also spoke to the committee and described his illness and the impact on his behavior. PANS can be triggered by mycoplasma pneumonia, COVID-19, and other diseases. Representative Karen Mathiak (R-Griffin) asked about the neurological piece, which will be shared outside of the hearing.  Lucy Ward also shared her journey, noting she and her two brothers have been diagnosed with PANDAS. Her late diagnosis, however, led to autoimmune encephalitis.

House Health Committee

Chairman Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) convened the House Health Committee on Monday afternoon to work through a full agenda, including three pieces of legislation and two presentations.

• HB 94, authored and presented by Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), requires health insurance policy coverage for standard fertility preservation services (and storage for up to one year) when a medically necessary treatment for cancer, sickle cell disease, or lupus may directly or indirectly cause an impairment of fertility. There were a few who spoke in support of the bill, including private citizens who testified that they would have been positively affected by such a measure. Lynn Goldman of the Georgia Fertility Network voiced her organization’s support, and Jesse Weathington on behalf of Georgia Association of Health Plans shared that the member organizations have no issue with the bill. The measure received a unanimous DO PASS recommendation and will move on to the Rules Committee.
• HB 87, authored and presented by Rep. David Clark (R-Buford), requires health insurance policy coverage for medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic devices and their materials and components. Current law provides for only one device per affected limb every three years. This bill expands that to three devices every three years. Rep. Clark explained that while some devices are suitable for all occasions and durable enough to last three years, most people’s daily lives require multiple devices per affected limb depending on the activity, and many devices simply need to be replaced more often due to wear and tear.

Several visitors spoke in favor of the bill, sharing personal stories of life with limb loss and limb difference. Susie Barrett testified alongside her young son Elliot, who was born without a right leg. She described his being born at all as a miracle, and shared that despite their “excellent” insurance (a luxury many of their friends do not have), they still meet their max out-of-pocket every year. Families with affected children have it especially hard because kids are constantly outgrowing devices. She said that most people who need more devices need them not to scale mountains, but just to live. Rep. Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) asked young Elliot if he was enjoying being at the Capitol more than being at school today, to which he gave a somewhat timid but definite “yes” with a smile.

One gentleman noted that running his small business requires heavy-duty braces for his legs, but that he also needs light-duty orthotics for daily life. He showed the room the orthotics he was wearing, noting that they cost roughly $3,000 each. HB 87 will allow him to have both sets covered by insurance.

The only concern was raised by Jesse Weathington on behalf of Georgia Association of Health Plans; they are concerned that treating physicians would be giving the sole determination of medical necessity and would like that language to be struck. There is no other part of medical benefit that is treated this way. He commented that while “nobody likes utilization review” it is a necessary part of the role insurance companies play to control fraud, waste, and abuse. Chairman Hawkins acknowledged GAHP’s concern and said he’s confident that they can work out a solution. This was a hearing-only, so no vote was taken.

Finally, the Committee heard from speakers promoting Arts as Medicine in Georgia, in support of HR 117, by Rep. Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta). This resolution acknowledges inequality as a public health issue and supports access to the arts among BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by systematic barriers. Byrd, Director of Mental Health Programs at the Carter Center; Erin Jones, Senior Director of Sales and Audience Development at the Atlanta Symphony; and Christopher Moses with Alliance Theatre all share the powerful role of the arts in treating mental health. They noted that listening to music can lower cortisol levels by 60%, music therapy has shown 25%  improvements in cognitive function among dementia patients, and other compelling statistics. No vote was taken on the resolution.

House Regulated Industries Committee - Lottery Subcommittee

The Lottery Subcommittee met Monday afternoon upon adjournment of the organizational meeting of the full Regulated Industries Committee. In about 90 seconds, the subcommittee passed out a substitute bill to House Bill 74.

• HB 74, by Rep. Alan Powell (R-Hartwell) makes technical changes to the lottery statute. Rep. Powell, who is Chairman of the full Regulated Industries Committee, presented the bill and there were no questions nor testimony.

New Legislation

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the House:

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the Senate:

What’s Next

The General Assembly will reconvene for Legislative Day 11 on Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 10 a.m.