ATLANTA (April 15, 2014) | Sen. Don Balfour (R- Snellville) joined Governor Nathan Deal at the National Infantry Museum near Fort Benning in Columbus, Ga to sign three pro-military bills into law, Senate Bill 391 (sponsored by Sen. Balfour), Senate Bill 320 and House Bill 740.
“Today is a great day for servicemen and women, veterans and their families throughout the state of Georgia,” said Sen. Balfour. “The signing of these bills reconfirms our commitment to the men and women that so bravely defend our freedom every day. This legislative package will provide our military with better alternatives to the judicial process, healthcare options and recreational activities. Today also held special significance for me as my son, Trey, trained at Fort Benning’s Infantry School before being deployed to Afghanistan. I remain dedicated to supporting efforts that strengthen our troops and provide the best possible life for all military personnel and their families.”
Senate Bill 391 will encourage medical facilities to make a good faith effort to join the southern regional TRICARE network; the health care program serving uniformed service members, retirees and their families worldwide. SB 391 requires Georgia medical facilities to apply to the TRICARE managed care support contractor for certification beginning on July 1, 2015.
Senate Bill 320 authorizes the creation of veteran’s court divisions in any court with criminal jurisdiction, and will operate under standards and practices established and updated by the Judicial Council of Georgia. House Bill 740 will allow full-time military personnel on active duty and their dependents to be considered residents of this state for certain hunting and fishing privileges, no matter their state of residency or where they are stationed.
The bills will go into effect on July 1, 2014.
For Immediate Release:
April 15, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028