The Georgia House returned last Tuesday for week six of the 2026 session. We are now past the halfway point of session, and the pace has picked up. Committee meetings fill the mornings and afternoons, and floor votes fill in the rest. Although not every proposal directly affects communities like those in District 30, many shape the conditions in which we live and work. I stay focused on how each measure affects families, small businesses, schools, and public safety in our district. Let me walk you through several key bills.
Protecting Ratepayers
One major bill we passed this week was House Bill 1063. Energy policy remains a serious topic. This bill protects Georgia families and small businesses from carrying the cost of large data center expansion. Georgia now hosts more than 100 data centers, and demand continues to rise. While growth brings opportunity, fairness must guide that growth. Families should not subsidize infrastructure built for global tech companies.
HB 1063 prevents electric utilities from shifting construction and operating costs for new data centers onto residential or small business customers. In addition, the bill codifies cost rules already adopted by the Public Service Commission so those protections cannot be weakened later.
The bill also sets clear contract standards for new data centers, including:
- Minimum billing requirements so facilities cover their own costs
- Flexible contract terms based on project scale
- Performance and credit safeguards
- Termination provisions that protect customers
This bill reflects a balanced approach. Georgia can support development while protecting ratepayers.
Addressing Overdose and Strengthening Foster Care
Public health and child welfare remain priorities at the halfway point of session. We passed House Bill 419 to improve overdose response on college campuses. The bill requires institutions in the University System and Technical College System to keep opioid antagonists readily available.
In addition, campuses with AED devices must store an opioid antagonist within three feet of the device. That simple step allows for faster response during emergencies. The bill also allows trained personnel to administer the medication and provides legal protection for those who act in good faith.
We also passed House Bill 256 to strengthen protections for foster caregivers. Support for families caring for vulnerable children matters. The bill extends rights already granted to traditional foster parents to relative caregivers. Furthermore, caregivers may apply a reasonable and prudent parent standard for extracurricular activities. The bill also protects caregivers from retaliation if they raise concerns with DFCS.
House Bill 943 adds another layer of support. It creates a five-year pilot program offering autism screenings for children in foster care. Research shows that proper diagnosis can reduce placement disruptions and create greater stability. Early identification often leads to better outcomes.
Student Safety and Juvenile Justice Reform
Student safety remains front and center at the halfway point of session. We unanimously passed House Bill 970 to expand the list of healthcare professionals who may conduct sports physicals.
Beginning next school year, required physicals must include a cardiovascular screening that follows national guidelines. Georgia has faced tragic losses in recent years. This bill takes proactive steps to identify risks earlier.
We also passed House Bill 1061, the Mandi Ballinger Act. The bill creates a 12-member committee to study whether Georgia should treat certain 17-year-olds within the juvenile system instead of adult court. Many other states have already made this change, so thoughtful review of juvenile justice policy is appropriate.
Staying Engaged as the Session Continues
We are now moving into week seven. After the halfway point of session, the calendar tightens and decisions come faster. Committee meetings will continue daily, and priority bills will move to the floor.
If you have questions about any measure, please reach out. Your voice matters at every stage. Thank you for the honor of serving House District 30.