Today, Monday, February 29, 2016 is day 30 at the Capitol - better known as Crossover Day. Any bill that does not receive a passing vote in its original chamber by midnight tonight cannot move on in the legislative session. Because 2016 is the second year of the biennial session, no bills will be held over to be heard next year. Any bill that gets introduced next year must start over from the beginning - even if the bill was already heard during this legislative session.
SB 271: Senator Burke
This bill brings up the difficult subject of involuntary hospitalization for people with mental illness. The bill outlines procedures for involuntary commitment; in particular, it establishes the requirement for a Committee for Continued Involuntary Treatment Review at each hospital. As described in the bill, this committee would consist of physicians and possibly psychologists. This is a medical model which does not take into account the knowledge and recommendations of people with lived experience. The bill also addresses the right of the individual to receive written notice of his/her right to petition for a writ of habeas corpus [legal action by which people can seek relief from involuntary detention]. Also included in the language of the bill would be a period, not to exceed one year, where a person could be ordered into involuntary treatment. The bill does not indicate specific times or procedures for any reviews during this period of time.
This bill was referred to the Senate Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee. The first hearing was February 2nd, and representatives from Mental Health America (MHA) of Georgia as well as the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN) spoke in order to address concerns about some of the language in the bill and urge the legislature to make appropriate changes. In response, the bill was sent to sub-committee, where MHA of Georgia and GMHCN spoke again to discuss the importance of including Certified Peer Specialists in decisions about involuntary treatment, as well as mandated review processes and a reduced period of time for involuntary treatment. Changes were made to the bill to utilize person-first language, and there was a lot of discussion about the potential future role of CPS, although this was not included in the current bill.
SB 271 was passed in the Senate on February 22nd with 5 votes against the bill: Senators Albers, Cowsert, Crane, Harbin, and Mckoon. The bill will now be assigned to the HHS committee in the House.
HB 722: Representative Peake
This bill addresses the ongoing legislative conversation surrounding medical use of cannabis products in the state of Georgia. This legislation would increase who would be covered under the category of medical necessity, as well as the legal percentage of THC permitted in medical products. The bill is inclusive of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, among other specified conditions.
This bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, and has received multiple hearings.
This bill is on the floor of the House today. If it passes it will be assigned to the Senate.
HB 768: Representative Hawkins
This bill establishes the Georgia Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) program. The bill creates a qualified ABLE program in the state of Georgia that will allow individuals to create tax-exempt savings accounts to pay for the qualified expenses of eligible individuals with disabilities. Any person can make contributions to the account, including the beneficiary, family, and/or friends. Mental Health America of Georgia would like to ensure that this bill is inclusive of people with mental illness, as in the federal ABLE legislation.
This bill was referred to the House Ways and Means Committee and passed out of committee on February 17th.
This bill already has passed the House with Bipartisan support. It now moves to the Senate Finance committee.
HB 859: Representative Jaspers
This bill authorizes the carrying and possession of handguns by weapons carry license holders in public institutions of postsecondary education.
This bill has passed the House floor and is now in the Senate. It has been assigned to Senate Judiciary.
When this bill is heard, it will be important to explain to the senate committee members the correlation between suicide on campuses and handgun availability.
As you have been following these legislative Advocacy Updates, you can see that many of the bills we have been reporting on are no longer moving through this session. It is possible that additional bills will be added to both the House and Senate calendars for consideration before the end of the day. This report is based on the House and Senate Calendar as it is currently set.
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 1, 2016 is ELECTION DAY. Make sure your voice is heard...PLEASE VOTE.
