Last week, my colleagues and I returned to the Georgia State Capitol for the fifth week of the 2025 legislative session. The House has been working hard, tackling key issues and passing important bills. As we get closer to Crossover Day on March 6, the pace is picking up. Crossover Day marks the deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber, making it a crucial milestone in the legislative process.
Clarifying Vehicle License Plates
One important bill we passed this week was House Bill 61. This legislation updates current law to allow separate license plates for ambulances and hearses. Right now, both vehicles share the same plate that reads “Hearse/Ambulance.” This practice dates back to a time when hearses were also used to transport patients to hospitals.
HB 61 would require the Georgia Department of Motor Vehicles to issue distinct plates labeled “Ambulance” and “Hearse.” Additionally, motor-driven ambulances would have an annual $20 license fee. By making this change, we are ensuring that ambulances and hearses are properly identified, reflecting their separate roles in our communities.
Protecting Georgia’s Judges
Ensuring the safety of our judges and their families remains a top priority. This week, we unanimously passed House Bill 199, which addresses growing concerns over threats and privacy breaches targeting our judiciary. Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs highlighted this issue during his recent State of the Judiciary Address.
HB 199 would require all state and local government entities to remove or redact any publicly available content that specifically identifies a judge, justice, or judicial spouse. This measure is especially critical as we’ve seen an alarming rise in swatting incidents aimed at elected officials and judges. Protecting those who uphold the law is essential to maintaining justice and order in our state.
Boosting Georgia’s Semiconductor Industry
On Wednesday, we honored the legacy of the late State Representative and former House Rules Chairman, Richard Smith, by passing House Bill 216, the Richard H. Smith Georgia CHIPS Advancement in Research and Economic Development Act. This bill supports Georgia’s growing semiconductor industry by creating a fund for grant and loan programs that will:
- Provide workforce education and training for careers in semiconductors and microelectronics.
- Strengthen partnerships between educational institutions and the industry.
- Reduce reliance on overseas production by developing a skilled workforce at home.
Georgia has a prime opportunity to become a leader in this industry, and HB 216 moves us in the right direction.
Expanding Access to School Psychologists
House Bill 81 also received House approval this week. This bill, developed by the Council of State Governments, the Department of Defense, and the National School Psychologists Association, would establish an interstate compact for school psychologists. The compact would allow qualified professionals to obtain equivalent licenses in member states, improving access to these services for students.
Currently, many states face shortages of school psychologists due to licensing barriers. HB 81 helps address this problem by making it easier for licensed professionals to relocate and continue serving students. This is especially helpful for military families, who frequently move between states. By reducing these barriers, we can better support students’ academic and emotional well-being.
Honoring Georgia’s Educators
This week, we took an important step in supporting families of fallen Georgia educators by passing House Bill 105. This bill increases financial compensation for teachers who lose their lives in service from $75,000 to $150,000. This aligns with the compensation already provided to public safety officers killed in the line of duty.
This indemnification would be paid to the teacher’s estate in either equal installments over five years or as a lump sum. Only immediate family members would be eligible to receive these funds. If no spouse or family member exists, the funds would not be paid. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, this measure provides greater financial security for grieving families and acknowledges the sacrifices of Georgia’s educators.
Additional Bills Receiving Votes Include
In addition to these major bills, we passed several other measures that impact our state. As a reminder, now that these bills have passed the House, the next step in the legislative process is to move over to the Senate for consideration.
- House Bill 15 – Updates Georgia’s banking laws, modifies credit union requirements, and adjusts procedures for mortgage lending and criminal background checks.
- House Bill 36 – Expands the list of medical professionals authorized to evaluate individuals for guardianship appointments.
- House Bill 74 – Adjusts regulations for the Georgia Lottery Corporation regarding coin-operated amusement machines.
- House Bill 137 – Increases the contract value threshold for certain state contracts from $100,000 to $250,000 before requiring additional oversight.
Recognizing Outstanding Georgians
Beyond passing legislation, we had the privilege of honoring several remarkable groups this week.
- Georgia Electric Membership Cooperatives – We recognized their hard work in restoring power after Hurricane Helene, highlighting their dedication to our communities.
- Georgia’s Tree Farmers – Their contributions to our state’s agriculture and storm recovery efforts were acknowledged on the House Floor.
- Georgia Farm Bureau – Led by former State Representative Tom McCall, this organization continues to advocate for agriculture, which is Georgia’s largest industry.
- Morehouse College – Celebrating its 158th anniversary, Morehouse remains a beacon of higher education. We also honored its retiring president, Dr. David A. Thomas, for his leadership and dedication to Georgia’s students.
Looking Ahead
The Georgia House of Representatives will continue our work at the State Capitol on Tuesday, February 18, following Presidents’ Day. With committee meetings ramping up, we expect more bills to come up for votes on the House Floor.
I encourage you to stay informed and engaged. You can track legislation and votes on the Georgia General Assembly website and our official House X (Twitter) page. Your input matters to me, and I welcome your thoughts on the issues affecting our community. Feel free to schedule a call or visit my Capitol office at 404-656-0152 or email me at [email protected]. Also, please see my Constituent Services page to find answers to frequently asked questions.
Thank you for the honor of serving as your representative. I look forward to continuing this work on behalf of the 30th district – the best district in Georgia!