HB 253 – Died

By Representative Martin Momtahan

Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64036

HB 253 would have provided for enhanced penalties for the distribution of any controlled substance which contained any amount of fentanyl – by anyone – there was an enhanced penalty if the person was within 1,000 feet of any substance use treatment facility and, again, distribution was defined in such a manner that anyone could be charged. Expect HB 253 to be back in 2024 under a new bill number.

 

HB 520- Senate read and referred

By Representative Todd Jones HB 520 – THE Behavioral Health Bill for 2023

Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64634

HB 520, the successor legislation to HB 1013 – The Mental Health Parity Act. After receiving overwhelming bi-partisan support in the House of Representatives, HB 520 stalled in the Senate. HB 520 received much media attention and there is much speculation as to why this important legislation stalled. The important point is this – HB 520 is delayed, not dead. We know we enjoy strong bi-partisan support in the Senate. In the interim GC4R will work with our partners to address concerns and participate in the development advancing the policy in 2024. HB 520 was designed to address building a statewide workforce for mental health and addiction medical services. It contains provisions to address the statewide shortage of mental health providers, understand the capacity for in-patient mental health and substance use treatment, streamline the ways that state agencies involved in behavioral health can share data, and address the needs of so-called “familiar faces” (people that cycle between homelessness, jails, and hospitals due to serious mental illness). The bill also expands the Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission to include two “peer support specialists.

 

 SB 3- Passed the General Assembly, Awaiting Governor decision

By Senator John Albers
Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/63492

The “Breaking Barriers to Jobs” legislation which required state agencies, departments, boards and other entities to reduce the number of positions for which a four-year college degree is required. There are barriers still in place which create barriers for peers in recovery to gain acceptance to Georgia colleges and universities, this is an important effort to remove barriers to employment.

 

SB 47- Passed the General Assembly, Awaiting Governor’s decision

By Senator Chuck Hufstetler

Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/63778

SB 47 provides that vaping in restricted areas is a misdemeanor punishable by fine. The changes prohibit vaping in the same areas that smoking is currently banned in Georgia.

 

HB 181 – TABLED in Senate – Alive for 2024

By Representative Rick Townsend

Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/63848

“The Kratom Bill” was complex and saw many substitutes and amendments. The current version of the bill aims to impose regulations on kratom, similar to the types enacted in other states. HB 181 now seeks to raise the minimum age from 18 to 21, ban certain forms of kratom use (vaping), expand the labeling requirements, require manufacturers to register with the state, and mandate that kratom be sold behind the counter or in a locked glass case—among other restrictions.

 

HB 414 – PASSED the General Assembly Awaiting Governor Decision

By Representative Shaw Blackmon

Click link to read bill: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/64374

HB 414 provides for a grant program within the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities to provide behavioral health services to military service members, veterans, and their families