Bryan County News Guest column: Restroom Access Act introduced
By State Rep. Ron Stephens.
This week in the Georgia General Assembly, we were in full swing as many of us started to introduce bills we have talked about in the past and new legislation that just has become more pressing for us to do something about.
One bill I introduced, is a bill that most people would never consider an issue, but those afflicted, it’s a real problem. I introduced House Bill 99 or the Restroom Assess Act. Some people are afflicted with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, other inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome, or any other medical condition that requires immediate access to a toilet facility or that requires use of an ostomy device. Many stores in this country have private restroom facilities for employees only and are not normally given access to patrons. This bill allows a customer to request usage of the facility and holds harmless the restroom provide
Committee Reports
House Insurance Committee
The House Insurance Committee, chaired by Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) met this morning to consider a single measure.
HB 205, authored by Representative Noel Williams (R-Cordele) relates to new standards for travel insurance. The bill is a NAIC model act for travel insurance endorsed by the Georgia department of Insurance. It clarifies standards for permitting consumers to opt out of coverage offered by travel agents or carriers. The bill passed unanimously.
House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs
Newly named Chairman of the House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs, Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella), held his first Committee meeting stating from the outset that he had large shoes to fill with recently retired Chairman Tom McCall (R-Elberton). Other members of leadership of this Committee are Representative Susan Holmes (R-Monticello) and Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven). This large, 28-member committee overs
Bryan County News Guest column: State capitol update: It’s back to work Rep. Ron Stephens
By State Rep. Ron Stephens.
The Georgia General Assembly’s 156th Legislative Session was sworn in on Monday, January 11th. In the House of Representatives, 180 representatives took their seats as the first of no more than 40 days of the 2021 legislative session convened. I am honored to be elected again by the voters of District 164 to serve as their representative to the People’s body of the Georgia General Assembly.
To arrange 180 newly elected members into committees and take in member’s request what committee’s they would like takes time. To that end, next week will be devoted to committee selections and for freshman elected, office and seat assignments.
Wade: The second week of session
The Georgia General Assembly resumed its work on Tuesday, Jan.19 for the second week of the 2021 legislative session, which is commonly known as “budget week.” The House and Senate Appropriations committees held a series of joint budget hearings this week, where Governor Brian Kemp delivered opening remarks and presented his formal recommendations for the amended budget and upcoming fiscal year budget. Later in the week, House Appropriations subcommittees quickly got to work to further examine the recommendations and requests for the current year’s amended budget.
I attended these budget hearings mostly virtually and it was still a busy week under the Gold Dome as we worked to ensure that critical state funds are spent wisely while our state continues on the road to economic recovery.
Wade: Starting the 2021 session State Rep. Will Wade and dozens of other new legislators were sworn in at the Georgia State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021. Photos submitted to the Dawson County News.
On Monday, January 11, 2021, newly elected members of the Georgia General Assembly from across the state gathered at the State Capitol for the first day of the 156th Legislative Session. Since Monday marked the first day of the 2021-2022 term, every member of the Georgia House of Representatives took the oath of office and was formally sworn in by Superior Court Chief Judge Brenda Weaver. It was an honor to take the oath and be sworn in to represent the citizens and of our great district. Once we were sworn in, we promptly got to work to cast our first vote of the legislative session to re-elect our leaders who will guide the House through our next two years of public service. After hearing the nominations, Speaker David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)