ATLANTA (August 5, 2020) | Today, Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (R – Marietta) joined Governor Brian P. Kemp for the final signing of bills for the 2020 legislative session. In total, the session saw the passage of 342 bills and resolutions, including local and general, 11 of which were legislation carried or sponsored by Sen. Kirkpatrick.
“In spite of the challenges of the 2020 legislative session and my own bout with COVID, I had a very successful session,” said Sen. Kirkpatrick. “I was able to pass six important bills that help the citizens of Georgia and carry five others that also passed. These bills are helpful to patients, especially women, as well as victims of domestic violence, nonprofit organizations and the Holocaust Commission. As a physician, I look forward to continuing my healthcare agenda and representing District 32.”
An overview of Sen. Kirkpatrick’s legislation can be viewed below:
Sponsored Legislation:
- Senate Bill 134: wouldreassign the Georgia Commission on the Holocaust to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.SB 134 was signed by the Governor onAugust 5, 2020.
- Senate Bill 345: known as the “Save our Sandwiches” bill,would update Georgia Code to allow nonprofit organizations to safely operate their summer feeding programs which distribute food to hungry children. SB 345 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020.
- Senate Bill 477: would define the term “predominant aggressor” during investigations of family violenceand allow an officer to arrest an individual identified as such.SB 477 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020.
- Senate Bill 391: would require health insurers to provide early refills for a 30 day supply of certain prescription medications. SB 391 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020.
- Senate Bill 308: would remove the Georgia Bureau of Investigation from the process of investigating abandoned vessels in public waters. SB 308 was signed by the Governor on July 29, 2020.
- Senate Bill 381: would assert that certain information and data obtained by the state from the Department of Agriculture from the Food and Drug Administration will remain confidential under specific circumstances. SB 381 was signed by the Governor on July 29, 2020.
Carried Legislation:
- House Bill 521: would allow dental professionals licensed in another state to temporarily receive a license to practice in Georgia in order to provide care to low-income patients. HB 521 was signed by the Governor on July 16, 2020.
- House Bill 752: would revise the background check and licensure process for physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and psychologists, as it relates to the submission of fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Georgia Crime Information Center. HB 752 was carried by Sen. Bruce Thompson (R – White), but included language from Senate Bill 417, sponsored by Sen. Kirkpatrick. SB 417 related to criminal background checks for an expedited physician licensee. HB 752 was signed by the Governor on August 3, 2020.
- House Bill 791: would allow health insurers to provide early refills for a 30 day supply of certain prescription medications in the case of emergencies, as well as to dispense up to a 90 day supply of certain maintenance medications. HB 791 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020.
- House Bill 1114: would provide Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers for a period of up to six months following the date of birth, as well as coverage for lactation care and services. HB 1114 was signed by the Governor on July 16, 2020.
- House Bill 1125: would require the Department of Public Health to create and maintain a list of factors that can indicate a higher risk for breast cancer, as well as for the State Health Benefit Plan to provide coverage for breast cancer screenings for individuals aged 30 or higher that are at high risk. HB 1125 was signed by the Governor on August 5, 2020.
To view all legislation signed by Gov. Kemp this session, please follow this link: https://gov.georgia.gov/executive-action/legislation/signed-legislation/2020-signed-legislation
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For Immediate Release:
Aug. 5, 2020
Kessarin Horvath, Sr. Communications Associate
Kessarin.horvath@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028