Rep. Lee Hawkins

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to provide for an annual public report on the amount of prescription drug rebates and other price concessions applied to premium reductions for state health plan participants; 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 31-7-18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to vaccinations for influenza and pneumococcal disease for certain discharged patients, vaccinations or other measures for health care workers and other employees in hospitals, immunity from liability, and standing orders, so as to lower the age from 50 to 18 years old at which hospitals shall offer inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus prior to discharge; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 304 creates a temporary House Study Committee on the Costs and Effects of Smoking to examine smoking-related health impacts and economic costs. The committee, appointed by the Speaker with five members, will study medical expenses, Medicaid/Medicare burdens, childhood health effects from secondhand smoke, and productivity losses. It must file a report by December 1, 2025, with findings potentially leading to future legislation. This is a procedural resolution focused on research, not immediate policy changes.

Maddy summaryHR 847 creates a House Study Committee to examine Georgia's public health funding structure. The committee, composed of five House members appointed by the Speaker, will study current funding levels, services provided by public health agencies, and whether additional state support is needed - addressing that less than 10% of health agency funds currently go to public health. It cannot change funding directly but will recommend potential legislative actions. The committee must complete its work and submit a report by December 1, 2025. This resolution does not allocate new funds or alter existing budgets.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding insurance, so as to require certain health benefit policies to cover genetic testing for an inherited mutation and cancer imaging under certain conditions; to provide for definitions; to exclude such coverage from any cost-sharing requirements; to protect the eligibility of health savings accounts; to provide for rules and regulations; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryHR 72 is a resolution creating the House Study Committee on Cancer Care Access to examine barriers in Georgia's cancer care system. The committee will specifically study access issues affecting rural Georgians and minority populations, along with screening programs, economic impacts of cancer centers, medical education, and workforce development needs. Composed of 12 members including legislators, healthcare professionals, and community representatives, the committee must report findings by December 1, 2025, but does not enact new laws. This procedural resolution establishes a temporary body to gather data and recommend policy changes, focusing on improving cancer care access.

Maddy summaryHR 611 creates a Georgia House Study Committee to examine challenges in child placement after hospital discharge, specifically focusing on minors discharged from psychiatric hospitals or emergency rooms. The committee will study gaps in community services, transitional care, and responsibilities of state agencies, hospitals, and insurers for these children. It will also assess costs and explore ways to prevent parental disengagement and abandonment. The committee must complete its work and submit a report by December 1, 2025, but will not enact new laws.

A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to holidays and observances, so as to designate October 9 of each year as "PANDAS Day" in Georgia; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 896) is a ceremonial measure congratulating the Georgia Pharmacy Association on its 150th anniversary. It formally recognizes the association's founding in 1875 and its role representing over 14,000 pharmacists and 26,000 pharmacy technicians across Georgia. The resolution has no policy impact - it solely expresses the Georgia House of Representatives' appreciation for the association's history and work in pharmacy advocacy and community health. It does not create new laws or affect any regulations.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (HR 861) honors Trooper Chase Winston Redner, a Georgia State Patrol officer who died in the line of duty on February 20, 2024. It recognizes his service, including his work on the Specialized Crash Reconstruction Team and his dedication to law enforcement. The resolution formally commends his life and legacy and directs the House Clerk to provide a copy to his family. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect policy.