The Georgia House of Representatives returned to the State Capitol on Monday, February 24, to continue our legislative work. This past week, we met for four days, dedicating Tuesday to committee meetings. While we didn’t gather on the House floor that day, we worked hard to advance important bills. As we approach Crossover Day—when bills must pass the House to be considered by the Senate—I want to share updates on key legislation so you know what bills passed last week and have successfully moved to the Senate.
Protecting Fairness in School sports
One of the most discussed bills this week was House Bill 267, also known as the Riley Gaines Act. This bill addresses fairness in school sports by requiring separate restrooms, locker rooms, and sleeping arrangements for male and female athletes. Schools and post-secondary institutions must also designate sports teams and competitions by biological sex to maintain a level playing field.
This bill protects opportunities for female athletes while ensuring that all students are treated with respect. It also includes provisions for reasonable accommodations for students who do not wish to use gender-specific facilities. By passing HB 267, we are reinforcing Georgia’s commitment to fairness, safety, and the integrity of athletic competition.
This legislation has sparked important discussions among educators, parents, and students about the fundamental principles of fairness, privacy, and biological reality in competitive sports. Supporters argue that it upholds equal opportunities for female athletes, protects personal privacy in locker rooms and shared spaces, and maintains the integrity of women’s sports. Opponents, largely from left-leaning activist groups, raise concerns about inclusivity and the impact on students who reject the concept of biological sex. However, most Georgians believe prioritizing fairness and safety in sports is essential to preserving the rights and opportunities of female athletes, ensuring a level playing field for future generations.
Strengthening Literacy in Georgia
House Bill 307 builds on last year’s Georgia Early Literacy Act by incorporating dyslexia support. This bipartisan bill expands resources for students struggling to read at grade level. It aligns instruction with the science of reading and prevents ineffective teaching methods, such as the three-cueing system.
Additionally, the bill establishes the Georgia Literacy Coach Coordination Council to standardize training for literacy coaches. HB 307 removes outdated language from previous laws and prioritizes evidence-based reading instruction. It does not ban picture books or flashcards but clarifies that they should be supplemental tools rather than the primary method of instruction.
Reading proficiency in early grades is one of the strongest indicators of future academic success. According to national studies, students who struggle with reading in third grade are far more likely to fall behind in other subjects. By prioritizing literacy and dyslexia intervention, HB 307 gives teachers the tools they need to help students succeed, preparing them for lifelong learning and achievement.
This bill has received strong bipartisan support, reflecting a shared commitment to improving education. As we implement these changes, I encourage teachers, parents, and school administrators to provide feedback on how we can further strengthen literacy programs across Georgia.
Addressing AI-Generated Exploitation
As technology evolves, so do the risks. House Bill 171, the Illegal AI Activities Act, targets the growing problem of AI-generated obscene material involving children. This legislation creates penalties for producing, distributing, or possessing computer-generated explicit content depicting minors. Offenders face up to 15 years in prison, with additional penalties if AI plays a direct role in committing a crime.
The bill also enhances sentencing for other crimes involving AI. If AI significantly contributes to an offense, a judge can impose an additional 12 months in prison for misdemeanors or up to two extra years for felonies. The bill allows courts to monitor offenders more closely, restricting their use of certain technologies and preventing them from seeking positions of public trust, such as serving on school boards.
By closing legal loopholes, HB 171 protects Georgia’s children and ensures AI technology is not used for exploitation. This legislation helps law enforcement stay ahead of emerging threats. It underscores our commitment to keeping children safe from harm in the digital age.
Artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace, and while it brings many benefits, it also presents new challenges. Lawmakers across the country are looking at ways to regulate AI responsibly. Georgia is taking a proactive approach, setting a precedent for addressing these concerns before they become larger problems.
Ethan’s Law: Safeguarding Parental Rights
House Bill 253, or Ethan’s Law, protects parental rights during the reunification process. Currently, judges can order children to attend out-of-state reunification programs, sometimes against a custodial parent’s wishes. This bill prohibits courts from forcing families into such programs, especially when they involve coercion or violate previous custody rulings.
The bill prevents courts from ordering reunification camps, therapeutic retreats, or similar programs if they require out-of-state travel, violate court orders, or compromise the child’s safety. Additionally, it bans the use of force or intimidation by private transport services. These restrictions safeguard children and ensure that family reunification efforts prioritize their well-being.
By passing Ethan’s Law, Georgia is taking a firm stance in protecting the rights of custodial parents and ensuring that reunification processes remain safe and just. Family court decisions should always be made in the best interests of children, and this legislation reinforces that principle.
Cases of forced reunification have raised serious concerns nationwide, with some programs facing allegations of emotional and physical abuse. HB 253 makes sure that Georgia families will not be subjected to these risks. This bill provides critical protections for parents and children navigating difficult custody situations.
Other Notable Bills Passed This Week
- House Bill 14 – Designates cornbread as Georgia’s official state bread.
- House Bill 78 – Allows the Firefighters Pension Fund to invest up to 20 percent of assets in alternative investments. HB 78 would also allow the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) of Georgia to invest up to 10 percent of assets in alternative investments.
- House Bill 108 – Protects veterans applying for benefits while ensuring ethical business practices. Many veterans face delays or denials, with over 300,000 appeals backlogged at the VA—some taking up to 10 years—leading them to seek private claims consultants. HB 108 ensures these businesses operate fairly by prohibiting upfront fees, deceptive promises, and referral-based compensation. It mandates written agreements, caps fees at five times the awarded monthly increase, and bans international call centers from handling veterans’ data.
- House Bill 113 – Restricts state purchases from foreign entities of concern.
- House Bill 134 – Requires the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) to provide coverage for children diagnosed with Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS). Starting July 1, 2025, SHBP policies must cover diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of these disorders.
- House Bill 136 – Amends state law relating to tax credits for contributions to foster child support organizations. It would expand qualified expenditures to include wraparound services for aging foster children and some justice involved youth.
- House Bill 163 – Requires restaurants to clearly label lab-grown meat on menus.
- House Bill 233 – Officially designates Brunswick stew as Georgia’s state stew.
- House Bill 303 – Creates the Original 33 Memorial Act to honor black Republicans expelled from the General Assembly after Reconstruction.
- House Bill 352 – Expands Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors for patients with gestational diabetes. This is a valuable measure to reduce the chance that those with diabetes will be hospitalized.
- House Bill 373 – Requires insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings for high-risk men.
- House Bill 423 – Provides for Next Generation 9-1-1 systems and services. It would require all new 9-1-1 systems to conform to wireless enhanced 9-1-1 standards.
- House Bill 428 – Codifies the right to access in vitro fertilization (IVF), reinforcing our commitment to making Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.
- House Bill 444 – Establishes April as Georgia Native Plant Month.
These bills reflect our commitment to strengthening Georgia’s economy, protecting families, and preserving our state’s unique heritage. To find any of these bills so you can read them for yourself, visit the Georgia General Assembly website.
Looking Ahead to Crossover Day
Next week marks the start of our eighth week of session, culminating in Crossover Day on Thursday, March 6. This is the crucial deadline for bills to pass the House before heading to the Senate for further consideration. If you have any questions or concerns about legislation, I encourage you to reach out. For other frequently asked questions, visit my Constituent Services page. My office is always open, and I welcome your input.
As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your representative. Your support means everything as we work together to build a stronger Georgia.