In the News

Gold Dome Report - Legislative Day 4

The General Assembly closed the first week of its 2021 Legislative Session with a look ahead at Governor Kemp’s plans for the State’s budgets and his expected legislative initiatives. Before a joint session of the House and Senate, Kemp delivered his third State of the State address, harkening back to his running theme of building on Georgia’s strong foundation and recounting how 2020 posed (and Georgia prevailed in) a storm no one expected. While he acknowledged the challenges and losses in 2020 brought by the coronavirus pandemic, racial tensions, and protracted elections, Kemp outlined robust plans to restore over $1.6 billion to the State’s spending plan while grappling with difficult policy issues like citizens’ arrest. Full coverage of the Governor’s address, as well as key highlights from his Amended FY21 and FY22 budget proposals in today’s #GoldDomeReport.

In today’s Report:

Governor Kemp: “State of the State is Resilient”
HIGHLIGHTS: Governor’s Budget Proposals
New Legislation

Governor Kemp: “State of the State is Resilient”

Recounting how Georgians faced incredible unforeseen challenges in 2020, Governor Kemp used his third State of the State address today to remind legislators and citizens that “our people are our foundation”, and that foundation “survived the storm.” In the hour-long address, Kemp acknowledged the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, racial tensions, and protracted elections that defined 2020, but declared “the state of the State is resilient, and we will endure.” He highlighted the successes and heroes of the year, including Scott Steiner of Phoebe Putney Health System in Albany, which endured the first COVID hotspot in the state; General Tom Carden and every member of the Georgia National Guard, who deployed across the state in response to COVID; Dr. Kathleen Toomey, who has guided the Department of Public Health in the unknown; and Steve Hawkins of America Knits, a new textile business that opened in 2019 and shifted quickly to making PPE. Governor Kemp touched on the state’s current COVID readiness including touting its 80 day supply of PPE.

Governor Kemp also discussed his priorities going forward, including a proposal for an expansion of the PPE tax credit for pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing. He addressed how his budget proposal will accent his administration’s priorities for the upcoming year including $40 million for the Rural Innovation Fund, $20 million this year in rural broadband grants that will continue annually at $10 million, $76 million to implement the state’s 1115 and 1332 Medicaid Waivers, and a one-time $1000 supplement to education workers across the state drawn from federal COVID relief funding. Governor Kemp also proposed restoring $647 million to the QBE funding formula and fully funding education growth. Kemp’s legislative

priorities for this year’s session include “significant” reforms for the state’s citizen’s arrest statute, but Kemp reiterated that his administration will continue to “back the blue.” He highlighted First Lady Marty Kemp’s work to end human trafficking and pledged to support efforts to further increase training for government employees and formulate more effective civil remedies for victims of trafficking.

Governor Kemp concluded his remarks by urging Georgians to move past the “baseless election conspiracy theories” and pledged to get to work to improve the lives of everyone in the state.

HIGHLIGHTS: Governor’s Budget Proposals

Today, Governor Kemp unveiled not only his legislative priorities but also his budget ideas for FY 2021 Amended and FY 2022. The total revenues expended in the FY 2021 Amended Budget are more than $26.5 billion and in FY 2022 a total of $27.2 billion. Georgia’s “rainy day fund” remains strong and was in excess of $2.7 billion in FY 2020. In keeping with his theme, the priorities are around what will drive Georgia’s economic recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of those initiatives are in education, healthcare, support for children and families, and services to rural Georgia.

Below is a brief update on various departments and agencies and the recommendations which have been offered by the Governor - the outlines are not a summary of all changes. In the sections, you will see that Governor Kemp has included $647 million in Amended FY 2021 and $573 million in FY 2022 for K-12 education with this funding fully funding enrollment growth. It further holds individual school systems harmless in FY 2021 Amended due to enrollment reductions relating to COVID-19. You can find full copies of the Governor’s budget proposals here.

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
FY2021 Amended Budget

Adult Developmental Disabilities Services

  • $2,107,045 reduction to recognize savings from the extension of FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and transfer $2,107,045 in state funds to the Direct Care Support Services program for ongoing maintenance of closed state hospitals
  • Utilize up to $500,000 for a feasibility study on implementation of behavioral health crisis center for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be provided to the OPB, House Budget and Research Office, and Senate Budget and Evaluation Office by September 1, 2021
  • Recognize $22,316,316 in state fund savings from the extension of FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and utilize funds for additional community services

Adult Mental Health Services

  • Recognize $3,640,544 in state fund savings from the extension of FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and utilize funds for additional community services

Direct Care Support Services

  • $2,107,045 increase to recognize transfer $2,107,045 in state funds from Adult Developmental Disease Services for ongoing maintenance of closed state hospitals

FY 2022 Budget

Adult Developmental Disabilities Services

  • $379 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%
  • $1,957,356 increase for 100 additional slots for the NOW and COMP waiver programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
  • $10,925,195 increase to reflect the loss of the enhanced FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  • $1,541,873 increase to reflect an adjustment of FMAP from 67.03% to 66.85%

Adult Forensic Services

  • $38,038 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%
  • $4,651,193 increase to annualize the cost of the 40-bed forensic unit at West Central Regional Hospital in Columbus

Adult Mental Health Services

  • $2,335,605 increase to reflect the loss of enhanced FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
  • $257,039 increase to reflect an adjustment in the FMAP from 67.03% to 66.85%
  • Utilize existing funds to expand the housing supports pilot program for the Georgia Housing Voucher Program

Departmental Administration

  • $355,080 increase for four compliance specialists to review corrective action plans related to the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement

Direct Care Support Services

  • $525 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities

  • $67,157 increase to replace one-time funds with state funds for the Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (IPSE) program

Department of Community Health

FY 2021 Amended Budget

Departmental Administration

  • Transfer funds from the Medicaid: Aged, Blind, and Disabled program to the Departmental Administration program to provide funds for prior authorization of independent laboratory services. (Total Funds: $1,700,000) $850,000
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). (Total Funds: $5,994,153) $1,803,847
    Provide funds to plan and implement an All-Payer Claims Database to enable analysis and public reporting of health care costs and utilization for medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services. $750,000
  • Review optional Medicaid services to improve access to care and improve outcomes for children and adolescents involved with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS).

Healthcare Facility Regulation Purpose

  • Transfer funds from the Medicaid: Aged, Blind, and Disabled program to the Healthcare Facility Regulation program for long-term care surveyors to comply with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 mandates with addition of $2,448,000
  • Increase funds for contractual services for nursing home surveys to ensure safe and healthy living conditions with addition of $4,860,000

Indigent Care Trust Fund

  • Increase funds to provide the state match for Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for private deemed and non-deemed hospitals with addition of $35,745,727 (total funding with federal funds attached of more than $108.4 million)

Medicaid- Aged, Blind, and Disabled

  • Reduce funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: ($267,764,091)) ($88,094,386)
    Increase funds for the hold harmless provision in Medicare Part B premiums. (Total Funds: $3,781,082) $1,254,185
  • Reflect savings for the Part D Clawback as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. ($26,097,967)
  • Reduce funds to reflect the extension of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) (215,620,121)
  • Transfer funds from the Medicaid: Aged, Blind, and Disabled program to the Departmental Administration program to provide funds for prior authorization of independent laboratory services. (Total Funds: ($1,700,000)) ($850,000)
  • Transfer funds from the Medicaid: Aged, Blind, and Disabled program to the Healthcare Facility Regulation program for long-term care surveyors to comply with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) COVID-19 mandates. ($2,448,000)
  • Language directing the Department to replace $101,741 in state general funds with nursing home provider fee funds.
  • Language to the Department to replace $295,052 in hospital provider payment funds with state general funds.

Total Changes in the program are reductions of ($331,856,289)

Medicaid- Low-Income Medicaid

  • Increase funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: $165,815,682) $54,557,505
  • Reduce funds to reflect the extension of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) ($127,537,792) 3.
  • Language directing the Department to Replace $50,000,000 in tobacco settlement funds with state general funds to reflect projected revenues.
  • Language directing the Department to replace $2,599,133 in hospital provider payment funds with state general funds. (Total Funds: $0)

Total Changes are reductions in the program of ($72,980,287)

PeachCare for Kids

  • Increase funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: $39,453,012) $6,664,517
  • Reduce funds to reflect the extension of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) ($1,570,972)

Total Changes to the program of $5,093,545

There were no changes to the State Health Benefit Plan, the state’s insurance plan for retirees, teachers and employees.

FY 2022 Budget

Departmental Administration

  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%. $311
  • Provide funds for prior authorization of independent laboratory services. (Total Funds: $1,700,000) 850,000
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). (Total Funds: $10,554,597) $2,625,513
  • Reduce one-time funds for planning and implementation of an All-Payer Claims Database. (750,000)

Total Changes to the program of $2,725,824

Healthcare Facility Regulation

  • Increase funds for contractual services for nursing home surveys to ensure safe and healthy living conditions with addition of $4,860,000

Indigent Care Trust Fund

  • Increase funds to annualize the state match for Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) payments for private deemed and non-deemed hospitals. (Total Funds: $105,580,694) $35,000,000

Total Change to the program of $35,000,000

Medicaid Aged, Blind and Disabled

  • Reduce funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: ($217,694,331)) ($72,078,593)
  • Increase funds for the hold harmless provision in Medicare Part B premiums. (Total Funds: $18,695,236) 6,309,642
  • Increase funds for the Medicare Part D Clawback payment. $6,463,107
  • Increase funds to reflect the loss of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) $81,809,247
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) from 67.03% to 66.85%. (Total Funds: $0) $21,361,609
  • Language for the Department to Replace $2,763,018 in state general funds with nursing home provider fee funds. (Total Funds: $0)
  • Language for the Department to replace $3,104,879 in state general funds with hospital provider payment funds. (Total Funds: $0)

Total Changes for the program of $43,865,012

Medicaid- Low-Income Medicaid

  • Increase funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: $399,359,780) $132,228,023
  • Increase funds to reflect the loss of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) 78,944,842
  • Increase funds to restore a one-time reduction from retro rate amendment and risk corridors. 51,097,342
  • Replace $62,089,929 in tobacco settlement funds with state general funds. (Total Funds: $0)
  • Reduce funds to reflect a repeal of the Health Insurer Fee (HIF). (Total Funds: ($117,151,691)) ($38,545,835)
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) from 67.03% to 66.85%. (Total Funds: $0) $13,080,620
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (e-FMAP) from 76.92% to 76.80%. (Total Funds: $0) 678,663
  • Language for the Department to replace $27,351,143 in state general funds with hospital provider payment funds. (Total Funds: $0)
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). (Total Funds: $197,468,585) $65,460,836

Total Changes for the program of $302,944,491

PeachCare for Kids

  • Increase funds for growth in Medicaid based on projected need. (Total Funds: $18,212,907) $4,013,032
  • Increase funds to reflect the loss of the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) 4,671,721
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (e-FMAP) from 76.92% to 76.80%. (Total Funds: $0) 775,065

Total Changes for the program of $9,459,818

There are no changes to the State Health Benefit Plan.

Department of Education

FY 2021 Amended

Agricultural Education

  • $505,727 increase to offset austerity reduction for the Area Teacher Program, Extended Day/Year, Young Farmers, and Youth Camps.

GNETS

  • $3,669,163 increase to offset the austerity reduction for the GNETS grants.

Non Quality Basic Education Formula Grants

  • $420,000 increase to offset the austerity reduction to feminine hygiene grants.

Preschool Disabilities Services

  • $2,523,306 increase to offset the austerity reduction for grants.

Quality Basic Education Equalization

  • $829,212 reduction for Equalization grants to reflect corrected data for Cartersville City Schools.

Quality Basic Education Local Five Mill Share

  • $1,931,955 reduction for new State Commission charter schools and to correct data for Cartersville City School.

Quality Basic Education Program

  • $567,546,563 increase to offset the austerity reduction for K-12 education.
    $41,112,461 increase for a midterm adjustment based on enrollment growth.
    $26,398,856 increase for the State Commission Charter School supplement.
    $3,304,450 increase for a midterm adjustment to the State Commission Charter School supplement training and experience.

Regional Education Service Agencies

  • $889,508 increase to offset the austerity reduction for grants to RESAs.

Technology/Career Education

  • $674,030 increase to offset the austerity reduction for Extended Day/Year, Vocational Supervisors, Industry Certification, and Youth Apprenticeship programs.

Testing

  • $5,366,103 increase to administer Georgia Milestones in accordance with federal requirements.
  • $1,163,364 increase to revise testing standards to align with curriculum changes for Math and English in accordance with ESEA.
  • $362,641 increase for PSAT and AP exams.

FY 2022 Budget

Agricultural Education

  • $505,727 increase to offset austerity reduction for the Area Teacher Program, Extended Day/Year, Young Farmers, and Youth Camps.

GNETS

  • $3,669,163 increase to offset the austerity reduction for the GNETS grants.
  • $3,388,741 decrease for enrollment and training and experience decline.

Non-Quality Basic Education Formula Grants

  • $420,000 increase to offset the austerity reduction to feminine hygiene grants.
  • $846,116 reduction for Residential Treatment Facilities based on attendance.
  • $44,046 reduction for Sparsity Grants based on enrollment decline.

Preschool Disabilities Services

  • $2,523,306 increase to offset the austerity reduction for grants.
    $4,887,959 reduction based on enrollment decline.

Quality Basic Education Equalization

  • $71,919,829 increase for Equalization grants.

Quality Basic Education Program

  • $567,546,563 increase to offset the austerity reduction for K-12 education
  • $166,085,556 reduction for enrollment decline.
  • $113,617,112 increase for training and experience and health insurance.
  • $36,239,723 increase for the State Commission Charter School supplement.
  • $893,044 reduction for differentiated pay for newly certified math and science teachers.

Regional Education Service Agencies

  • $337,465 reduction based on enrollment decline.

Technology/Career Education

  • $674,030 increase to offset the austerity reduction for Extended Day/Year, Vocational Supervisors, Industry Certification, and Youth Apprenticeship programs.

Testing

  • $5,315,882 increase to administer Georgia Milestones in accordance with federal requirements.

Office of the Governor

FY 2021 Amended

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency

  • $222,535 increase to provide one-time funds for retirement and leave payouts
  • $118,649 increase to account for increased workload due to the pandemic

Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity

  • $37,774 increase for two equal employment compliance officers to investigate additional employment discrimination cases and leverage additional federal funds

FY 2022 Budget

Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget

  • $1,037 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity

  • $113,320 increase for two equal employment compliance officers to investigate additional employment discrimination cases and leverage additional federal funds

Georgia Professional Standard Commission

  • $1,745 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Governor’s Office of Student Achievement

  • $2,488 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Department of Human Services

FY 2021 Amended Budget

Adoptions

  • Recognize $3.4 million in state funds savings from the enhanced FMAP percentage during the COVID-19 public health emergency and utilize funds for adoptions caseload growth

There are no changes in the Child Welfare Services program area.

Departmental Administration

  • Language directing the Department to reduce funds to reflect the increased enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (e-FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. ($537,534)
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). 4,080,449
  • Language for the Department to recognize savings from the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health
  • Emergency and transfer $412,940 in state funds from the Out-of-Home Care program for a projected deficit in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) contract due to an increase in SNAP cases related to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. $ 412,940
  • Provide funds for Integrated Eligibility System cloud migration implementation. (Total Funds: $2,536,042) 1,368,500

Total Changes to the program are $5,324,355

Federal Eligibility Benefit Services

  • Increase funds for Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) adjudication services to reflect a change in $750,000
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). $707,702

Total Changes to the program are $1,457,702

Out-of-Home Care

  • Reduce funds to reflect the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. (Total Funds: $0) ($2,245,582)
  • The Department is directed to recognize savings from the enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and transfer $412,940 in state funds to the Departmental Administration program for a projected deficit in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) contract due to an increase in SNAP cases related to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. ($412,940)

Total Changes to this program are a reduction of ($2,658,522)

FY 2022 Budget

Adoptions Services

  • Increase funds for caseload growth in adoptions. (Total Funds: $12,484,933) $4,517,500
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) from 67.03% to 66.85%. (Total Funds: $0) $114,265

Total Changes for this program are $4,631,765

Departmental Administration

  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%. $375
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the enhanced-Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (e-FMAP) from 76.92% to 76.80%. $496,313
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). $7,251,485

Total Changes to the program are $7,748,173

Elder Abuse Investigations and Prevention

  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%. $389
  • Increase funds for personnel for 13 adult protective services caseworkers to investigate reports of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of seniors and adults with disabilities. $973,765
  • Increase funds for personnel for three public guardianship caseworkers to coordinate and monitor all services needed for the health and welfare of guardianship clients. $231,226
  • Increase funds for personnel for one central intake specialist to support the additional caseworkers. $71,956

Total Changes to the program are $1,277,336

Elder Community Living Services

  • The Department is directed to transfer funds and 21 positions from the Elder Support Services program to consolidate program budgets and expenditures. (Total Funds: $10,633,305). $3,895,576

Total Changes to the program are $3,895,576

Elder Support Services

  • Transfer funds and 21 positions to the Elder Community Living Services program to consolidate program budgets and expenditures. (Total Funds: $10,633,305) ($3,895,576)

Total Changes to the program are a reduction of ($3,895,576)

Federal Eligibility Benefit Services

  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%. $398
  • Increase funds for Office of State Administrative Hearings (OSAH) adjudication services to reflect a change in $750,000
  • Provide funds to begin implementation of the Patients First Act (2019 Session). $943,603

Total Changes to the program are $1,694,001

Out-of-Home Care

  • Increase funds to reflect the loss of Title IV-E funds associated with the October 1, 2021 implementation of the Family First Prevention Services Act and the statewide transition to increased family-based placement settings. (Total Funds: $0) $6,577,151
  • Increase funds to reflect an adjustment in the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP) from 67.03% to 66.85%. (Total Funds: $0) $80,069
  • Decrease funds to reflect savings from a reduction in Out-of-Home Care utilization due to a decline in average monthly placements. (Total Funds: ($16,399,985)) (14,369,249)

Total Changes to the program are a reduction of ($7,712,029)

Commissioner of Insurance

FY 2021 Amended Budget

Departmental Administration

$194,899 increase to provide one-time funds for one filled executive position

Fire Safety

  • $100,000 increase to reflect projected loss of other funds for nursing home inspections
  • $79,963 reduction to replace state funds with federal funds for manufactured housing inspections

FY 2022 Budget

Fire Safety

  • $100,000 increase to reflect projected loss of other funds for nursing home inspections
  • $79,963 reduction to replace state funds with federal funds for manufactured housing inspections

Special Fraud

  • $2,424,304 increase for 15 positions and regular operating expenses

Department of Juvenile Justice

FY 2021 Amended Budget

There are no changes to the Community Services Program.

There are 10% raises proposed, using existing funds, for juvenile correction officers in the RYDCs and YDCs, beginning April 1, 2021.

FY 2022 Budget

There are no changes to the Community Services Program except for a small addition made for the Teachers Retirement System in the amount of $1,208.

There are 10% raises proposed, using existing funds, for juvenile correction officers in the RYDCs and YDCs.

Department of Public Health

FY 2021 Amended Budget

Emergency Preparedness/Trauma System Improvement

  • $289,000 increase to recognize savings from the enhanced FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and transfer $289,000 from the Infant and Child Essential Health Treatment Services program for the Grady Regional Coordinating Center for the continued coordination of emergency room use

Infant and Child Essential Health Treatment Services

  • $289,000 reduction increase to recognize savings from the enhanced FMAP during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and transfer $289,000 from the Infant and Child Essential Health Treatment Services program for the Grady Regional Coordinating Center for the continued coordination of emergency room use

Infectious Disease Control

  • $144,026 increase to accurately reflect the reduction of FY2021 vacant positions

Georgia Trauma Care Network

$458,575 increase to reflect fireworks excise tax revenue collections
$8,607,207 increase to reflect 2020 Super Speeder collections and reinstatement fees

FY 2022 Budget

Departmental Administration

  • $653 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Emergency Preparedness/Trauma System Improvement

  • $849 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%
  • $506,000 increase to support Grady Memorial Hospital’s efforts to continue the coordination of emergency room use in the 13-country metro Atlanta area

Child and Infant Essential Health Treatment Services

  • $3,931 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%
  • $30,963 increase to reflect and adjustment in the FMAP percentage from 67.03% to 66.85%

Infectious Disease Control

  • $144,026 increase to accurately reflect the reduction of FY2021 vacant positions
  • $85,650 increase for the second year of a three-year pilot for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for individuals at risk of HIV pursuant to HB 290 (2019 Session)

Inspections and Environmental Health Control

  • $173,600 increase to provide funds for body art licensure pursuant to the passage of SB 214 (2019 Session)

Vital Records

  • $908 increase to reflect an adjustment in the employer share of the Teachers Retirement System from 19.06% to 19.81%

Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund

  • $68,772 reduction to reflect FY2020 collections

New Legislation

The House read and assigned the following legislation to committee today:

  • HB 3, authored by Representative Erick Allen (D-Vinings), amends O.C.G.A. § 12-9-7 to increase permitting requirements for any permit request to release more than 50 pounds of ethylene oxide per year. The bill also requires for these permit holders to allow measurement devices to ensure compliance. This bill was referred to the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee.
  • HB 26, authored by Representative Dar'shaun Kendrick (D-Atlanta), amends O.C.G.A. § 48-7-40.30 to add a definition of "investor" for the purposes of income tax credits for investments. The new definition includes an individual that is obligated to pay taxes based on the underlying Chapter or a pass-through entity formed for investment purposes with a total amount of capital under $5 million. The bill also adds Historical Black Colleges and Universities to the list of qualified businesses. The bill was assigned to the House Ways & Means Committee.
  • HB 29, authored by Representative Dar'shun Kendrick (D-Atlanta), amends O.C.G.A. § 45-12-178 to direct the Office of Planning and Budget to prepare and publish a "Georgia Wealth Report.”
  • HB 54, authored by Representative Debra Bazemore (D-Riverdale), amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-143 to authorize, but not require, local Boards of Education to require sex education courses to include best practices and safety information about tampon usage for females. The bill also creates a new Code Section at O.C.G.A. § 31-1-19 to encourage school health care workers who provide tampons to female students to advise them of risks and best practices. The bill was assigned to the House Education Committee.
  • HB 55, authored by Representative Debra Bazemore (D-Riverdale), creates a new Code Section at O.C.G.A. § 34-1-11 to prohibit prospective employers from requesting salary history of applicants during the hiring process. The bill was assigned to the House Industry and Labor Committee.
  • HB 69, authored by Representative Dar'shun Kendrick (D-Atlanta) amends Title 50 and Title 36 to create a cause of action against a state employee that violates a person's constitutional rights. The bill empowers juries to decide, as a question of fact, if a state employee acted in a grossly negligent manner or violated state law in their official role. The bill also removes qualified immunity as a shield from liability for state employees in these instances. Finally, the bill increases the allowable damages from $1 million to $5 million in a single occurrence and from $3 million to $10 million in aggregate occurrences. The bill was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • HB 70, authored by Representative Dar'Shun Kendrick (D-Atlanta), amends O.C.G.A. § 50-1-10 to require that all appointments to state boards must consist of a number of minorities so that the full makeup of each board reflects the proportions of minority groups within the state. This bill was referred to the House Governmental Affairs Committee.
  • HB 71, authored by Representative Donna McLeod (D-Lawrenceville), amends O.C.G.A. § 20-2-172 to direct the State Board of Education to create a pilot program to employ an alternative student funding formula based on the recommendations of the 2015 Education Reform Commission. The pilot program will be implemented in up to six school systems for at least four years. The bill sets forth the weight to be used for students as follows:
    • (1) Students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through grade three 0.2872 weight
    • (2) Students enrolled in grades four and five 0.0800 weight
    • (3) Students enrolled in grades nine through12 0.0822 weight
    • (4) Career, technical, and agricultural education students 0.0502 weight
    • (5) Students with disabilities – Category A 0.4089 weight
    • (6) Students with disabilities – Category B 0.7099 weight
    • (7) Students with disabilities – Category C 1.7762 weight
    • (8) Students with disabilities – Category D 2.4710 weight
    • (9) Students with disabilities – Category E 4.8947 weight
    • (10) Students identified as intellectually gifted 0.3231 weight
    • (11) Economically disadvantaged students 0.0970 weight
    • (12) English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) program students 0.1937 weight

This bill was referred to the House Education Committee.

  • HB 72, authored by Representative Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), amends O.C.G.A. § 49-4-159.1 to allow an extension of Medicaid benefits for mothers up to a year postpartum. The bill was assigned to the House Health and Human Services Committee.
  • HB 73, authored by Representative Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus), amends O.C.G.A. § 33-24-59.30 and 49-4-152.6 to require all insurers and CMOs within the state to limit the total cost sharing amount for a 30 day supply of insulin to no more than $50. Additionally, the bill requires insurers and CMOs to submit annual reports containing a list of the top 25 most expensive drugs available to their members along with the frequency of the provision of the drugs to members of the plan. The bill was assigned to the House Insurance Committee.
  • HB 75, authored by Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), amends O.C.G.A. § 48-5-32 to provide that the required advertisement for a proposed change in a millage rate that does not exceed the roll-back rate may be combined with the report required by the Code Section. These provisions do not apply to any subdivision for which a base year assessed homestead exemption has been enacted or in a consolidated government in which assessed values of homesteads have been frozen. This bill was referred to the House Ways & Means Committee.
  • HB 76, authored by Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), amends O.C.G.A. § 46-4-164 to increase the percentage limitation of EMC investments in a gas affiliate. Current law allows investments up to 15%. This bill increases that amount to 60%. This bill was referred to the Senate Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee.
  • HB 77, authored by Representative Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta), amends O.C.G.A. § 21-2-420 to allow local election superintendents to permit voters to vote in any precinct within their county. The decision to allow any-precinct voting must be made at least 30 days prior to the election. This bill was referred to the House Special Committee on Election Integrity.
  • HR 13, authored by Representative Dar'Shun Kendrick (D-Atlanta), urges the US Congress to enact legislation removing cannabis from the federal Controlled Substances Act, allowing private banking services for cannabis related businesses, and encouraging scientific research related to cannabis products. This resolution was referred to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.
  • HR 14, authored by Representative Al Williams (D-Liberty), creates the National Statuary Hall Collection Replacement Committee and approves a request for the statue of Alexander Hamilton Stephens to be replaced with a statue of John Lewis in the US Capitol. This resolution was referred to the House State Properties Committee.

The Senate read and assigned the following legislation to committee today:

  • SB 6, authored by Senator John Albers (R-Roswell), amends O.C.G.A. § 28-5-41 to allow the Chairmen of the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee each to request up to five economic analyses per year on individual provisions of existing or proposed law, with a specificity of a single tax exemption, exclusion, or deduction. This bill was referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
  • SB 8, authored by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), amends O.C.G.A. § 46-4-164 to increase the percentage limitation of EMC investments in a gas affiliate. Current law allows investments up to 15%. This bill increases that amount to 60%. This bill was referred to the Senate Regulated Industries Committee.

The article ran in J.D.Supra on 1/15/2021.