News from under the Gold Dome: June 29, 2020

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Last Friday, June 26, we adjourned the Legislative Session Sine Die which ends the biennial legislative session. Sine Die is a Latin term literally meaning “No More Days”. This was the latest adjourning legislative session in Georgia history. The House of Representatives took many precautions to mitigate any virus spread as you will see in my photographs. The members were spaced apart using the Chamber Gallery and the Appropriations meeting room. We were required to be tested for COVID-19 before returning and all had to wear masks.

There was much work to be done in the final two weeks after being suspended for three months. Many of our final days lasted over 18 hours and even included a historic Saturday session. The COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc on Georgia’s economy and of course the state’s budget. We were forced to make tough decisions and yet keep our schools, healthcare, and public safety intact.

We passed an historic Hate Crimes Bill. House Bill 426 would allow enhanced criminal penalties to be levied against those who target their victims on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, sex, national origin, religion, or physical or mental disability.

We increased protections for our seniors living in care homes and our children. Now, those who prey on our children or aging population will feel the full extent of the law to proactively protect as well as severely prosecute criminals.

We tackled the unfair practice of medical “Surprise Billing”. If signed by the Governor, when you are treated in an emergency situation, all out of network providers must send the invoice to the insurance company and not you. For non-emergency services the patient must provide verbal & written consent before receiving services from an out of network provider. This was much needed and will end the sticker shock of the final medical bill.

Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting and expounding on these bills and others. Until then, stay safe, wear a mask, social distance, and wash your hands!

I am honored to serve the 158th House district and to continue to represent you as the Chairman of the House Health Sub-Committee on Appropriations. I also serve as a member of the Economic Development, Banks and Banking, and Rules Committees.

Please feel free to contact me throughout the session with your thoughts or concerns on pending issues, or whenever I can be of service. My legislative office is located in Room 245 of the State Capitol, and you can reach me by phone at 404-463-2247 or email me at butch.parrish@house.ga.gov

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