Rep. Mark Newton

Maddy summaryHR 554 is a symbolic resolution commemorating the 70th anniversary of the 1954 nationwide polio vaccination campaign, which eradicated polio in the U.S. It honors the scientists, medical workers, and communities - including Georgians - who contributed to this public health milestone. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals; it is purely ceremonial, acknowledging the campaign’s role in ending a disease that caused paralysis and death. The resolution was adopted by the House on March 6, 2025, and directs the Clerk to distribute copies publicly.

A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending Richard L. Jackson, recipient of the 2025 Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Ann Cramer Lifetime Achievement Award; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 543 is a ceremonial resolution by the House of Representatives recognizing Dr. Teresa T. Byrd for her work in obstetrics and gynecology, including her leadership as director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Wellstar Kennestone and her research on cervical dysplasia and HPV. It does not create new laws or policies but formally honors her professional contributions through a public commendation. The resolution was adopted by the House on March 6, 2025, and includes no binding requirements or financial obligations. This type of resolution is standard practice for acknowledging individual achievements in public service.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to imposition, rate, computation, exemptions, and credits for income taxes, so as to create a tax credit for certain employers that offer individual coverage health reimbursement arrangements to employees; to provide for terms, conditions, and limitations; to provide for preapproval; to provide for aggregate annual limits; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 15-6-2 of the O.C.G.A., relating to the number of judges of superior courts, so as to provide for a sixth judge of the superior courts of the Augusta Judicial Circuit; to provide for the appointment of such additional judge by the Governor; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 64 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation and licensure of pharmacy benefits managers, so as to provide that such managers have a duty of care to insureds, health plans, and providers; to provide for definitions; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for a priority of duties; to provide for a private right of action; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the O.C.G.A., relating to mandatory reporting requirements for nurses, so as to require registered professional nurses and advanced practice registered nurses in outpatient settings to immediately notify his or her supervising or delegating physician when he or she is subject to a complaint or report made to the Georgia Board of Nursing; to require the Georgia Board of Nursing to transmit to the Georgia Composite Medical Board copies of certain complaints and reports received relating to care rendered in certain settings which requires physician involvement; to provide for definitions; to provide for confidentiality and privileges relating to communications between the boards; to provide for an exception; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the O.C.G.A., relating to general provisions regarding insurance, so as to require major medical coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings for certain men; to amend Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the O.C.G.A., relating to state employees' health insurance plan, so as to require coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings for certain men; to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the O.C.G.A., relating to medical assistance generally, so as to require coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings for certain men; to provide for a plan amendment when necessary; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (HR 459) passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on February 28, 2025. It formally recognizes and commends Matt Brinson for his 48-year career with Planters Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) and his community service in Jenkins County, Georgia. The resolution highlights his leadership at Planters EMC, roles on various energy cooperative boards, his 2014 Jenkins County Citizen of the Year award, and his family-owned restaurant. It does not create any new laws, policies, or obligations - its sole purpose is to express formal appreciation upon his retirement.

Maddy summaryHR 397 creates a House Study Committee on Healthcare Quality and Reporting to examine Georgia's healthcare data systems. The committee, composed of nine members including five legislators and four non-legislative experts (like healthcare data analysts and Medicaid representatives), will study how healthcare reporting affects providers, Medicaid, and insurers. It will assess data integration, HIPAA compliance, reporting burdens, and best practices for improving healthcare quality and cost transparency. The committee must report its findings by December 1, 2025, but will not enact laws itself.