Committee Reports
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Chairman Ben Watson (R-Savannah) and the Health and Human Services Committee took up one proposal, SB 116, authored by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula). The legislation seeks to enact in Chapter 5 of Title 49 the “Maternity Supportive Housing Act.” The legislation would allow nonprofits to own and operate housing for women who are ages 18 and older and who need a place to live while pregnant and for up to 18 months after the child is born; pregnant women can bring their existing children to these homes. These facilities would be different than homes provided to younger girls (typically those in foster care who become pregnant). Senator Robertson noted that it was to exclude government interference; there is a need for these homes as waiting lists exist. Senator Robertson reminded the Committee as a former law enforcement officer he knew well the pipeline to prison and this would perhaps help alleviate some of this pipeline of women.Senator John Kennedy (R-Macon) made some inquiries regarding necessary insurance, noting that perhaps some wording needed to be changed so that property and casualty coverage is in place. Mike Griffin, the lobbyist for the Georgia Baptist Mission Board, supported the legislation noting that many of his churches want to make a bigger difference and move the needle on maternal and infant mortality. Other supporters were Elizabeth Reed, with the Georgia Life Alliance, and Elizabeth Hathorn, with Whispering Hope. Whispering Hope is wishing to build a home for these women to serve six women at one time; the funds used would be private and not involve state money. Larry Ramsey with ACCG noted that ACCG did not oppose the use of maternity homes but it does oppose language addressing the preemption of local control in the bill. He noted that there were issues relating to zoning and also argued the constitutionality of the proposal because of the “home rule” provision and that federal law prohibits the treatment of protected classes differently. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation but the vote was 6-4.