ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – A resolution that would set the framework for the sale of fireworks in Georgia passed the Senate today by a vote of 44 to 5. Senate Resolution 378 contains a proposed constitutional amendment allowing local authorization in regards to the sale of fireworks in Georgia, with taxes on the fireworks being exclusively used for trauma care and firefighter training. SR 378 was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga). Continue reading “Constitutional Amendment: Fireworks, Future Sales and Framework Passes Senate”
Senate Passes Bill to Protect Georgia’s Senior Citizens and Individuals with Special Needs
ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – Sen. John Albers (R –Roswell) applauds the passage of SB 207, which passed the Senate by a vote of 47 to 4. Sponsored by Sen. Albers, this legislation will allow private home care providers to obtain first offenders information on potential job applicants.
Continue reading “Senate Passes Bill to Protect Georgia’s Senior Citizens and Individuals with Special Needs”
Senate Passes Bill to Set Groundwork for Medicaid Reform
ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – Sen. William Ligon (R–Brunswick) applauds the passage of Senate Bill 163, which passed the Senate by a vote of 39 to 10. Sponsored by Sen. Ligon, this legislation would require the Board of Community Health to examine and identify options for reforming Georgia’s Medicaid Program. If passed, this effort is expected to bring significant cost savings to the state.
“Today, approximately 17 percent of the roughly 10 million people who call Georgia home receive health insurance from our state’s Medicaid program, and that number is only expected to grow,” said Sen. Ligon. “The passage of Senate Bill 163 will lay the groundwork for effective Medicaid Reform and help ensure our state’s long-term fiscal stability.”
Under this legislation, the Board of Community Health will analyze the possible expansion of managed care, measures used by commercial insurers to encourage healthy consumer choices, and the use of accountable care organizations and patient centered medical homes.
By December 31, 2013, the board is responsible for providing a report to the Governor, House Speaker, President of the Senate, and members of the House and Senate Health and Human Services Committees on its findings and recommendations.
Senate Bill 163 will now transfer to the House of Representatives for consideration.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 5, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028
Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Penalty for Vehicular Homicide
ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – The State Senate passes Senate Bill 116, sponsored by Sen. Curt Thompson (D-Tucker), strengthening penalties for vehicular homicide by a vote of 32-18. Continue reading “Senate Passes Bill Strengthening Penalty for Vehicular Homicide”
Bill Granting Parental Access to Child Health Records Passes Senate
ATLANTA (March 5, 2013) – Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit health insurers from denying a parent the right to inspect, review, or attain copies of their child’s health insurance records, passed the Senate today by a vote of 49 to 3. This bill was sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R- Brunswick). Continue reading “Bill Granting Parental Access to Child Health Records Passes Senate”