Rep. Lee Hawkins

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 33-24-56.3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to colorectal cancer screening and testing, so as to provide for guidelines and recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, examinations, and laboratory tests; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 43 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to Medicare supplement insurance, so as to provide for Medicare supplement policies to be issued and renewed for individuals under 65 years of age who are eligible by reason of disability or end stage renal disease under federal law; to provide for open enrollment periods; to prohibit an insurer from charging premium rates for such policies for such individuals that exceed premium rates charged for individuals who are 65 years of age; to provide for a short title; 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 Part 2 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to university system, so as to require the possession of opioid antagonists by institutions within the University System of Georgia; to amend Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to technical and adult education, so as to require the possession of opioid antagonists by units within the Technical College System of Georgia; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 3 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to remove the requirement of having a licensed physician in automated external defibrillator programs; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution formally recognizes and commends Donna W. Hyland upon her retirement from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. It acknowledges her four decades of service, including 18 years as the organization's Chief Executive Officer, and highlights her leadership in pediatric healthcare and advocacy for children's health in Georgia. The resolution authorizes the House Clerk to provide a copy of the document to Hyland as a gesture of appreciation for her contributions to the organization and the state.

Maddy summaryHR 1473 creates a House Study Committee on Lupus to examine challenges faced by people with lupus in accessing disability benefits. The committee, composed of seven members (four House Health Committee legislators and three non-legislative experts including medical and patient advocacy representatives), will study issues like delayed Social Security approvals, documentation difficulties due to lupus' variable symptoms, and the financial strain on patients. It will not enact laws but will research these problems and recommend potential legislative solutions by December 2026. This resolution directly affects lupus patients and advocates by initiating a formal review of their disability claim process challenges.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to provide for the certification of community health workers; to provide for definitions; to provide for the establishment of the Georgia Community Health Worker Certification Committee; to provide for membership, powers, and duties of the committee; to provide for the approval of training programs; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

A RESOLUTION creating the House Study Committee on Medicaid Waiver Populations and Long-Term Financial and Administrative Sustainability; and for other purposes.

A BILL To be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of hospitals and related institutions, so as to require that licensed general hospitals and birthing centers make available a water safety education video to parents or guardians of newborn infants; to provide for a form; to provide for department duties; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a House Study Committee on Diabetes Related Amputations to investigate the causes and impacts of limb loss due to diabetes in Georgia, particularly affecting underserved and rural communities. The committee will consist of 13 members including state representatives, medical professionals, health officials, and two patients, who will analyze data, evaluate current care practices, and identify barriers to prevention and treatment. The group is authorized to hold up to four meetings and will submit a report with findings and policy recommendations by December 1, 2026, which will be made publicly available. Funding for the committee comes from existing House appropriations, with specific expense allowances for non-legislative members. The resolution aims to establish a data-driven foundation for future legislative action to improve diabetes outcomes and reduce preventable amputations across the state.