Campus Felony Crimes Hearing
This week, the House and Senate Higher Education Committees held a joint hearing on campus sexual assaults, due process and mandatory reporting.
During the hearing, representatives from the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia and Georgia Independent College Association updated lawmakers on their sexual assault policies and procedures. The University System recently modified its processes and now requires training and preventive education for all students. The committee praised the three groups for working together and coming up with a uniform set of policies and urged officials to conduct this training as soon as possible for incoming students. There was no vote on any legislation and Chairman Fran Millar advised that he had no plans to bring HB 51 forward for a hearing at this time.
Free Speech Policies
SB 339, sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R-Brunswick), would require the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to develop and adopt a policy of free expression. Assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.
HOPE Legislation
HB 713, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Chandler (R-Grayson), providing for eligibility requirements to receive the HOPE scholarship as a Zell Miller Scholarship Scholar relative to students who graduated from an ineligible high school or a home study program. It sets eligibility at 91st percentile or higher of the ACT. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.
Move On When Ready Act
HB 722, sponsored by Rep. David Casas (R-Lilburn), amends the Move On When Ready Act to expand the definition of “eligible postsecondary institution” where a student may earn dual credit. The bill expands the definition to include any nonprofit, baccalaureate degree-granting institution that has been in existence for 10 or more years with a physical location in Georgia and is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education. Assigned to the House Education Committee.
Veterans Legislation
HB 719, sponsored by Rep. Sandra Scott (D-Rex), would require housing authorities to develop and implement policies granting housing preferences to veterans who are homeless. Assigned to the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee.
HR 888, sponsored by Rep. Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine), creating the Joint Study Committee on Converting Closed Hospitals to Veterans Homes. Assigned to the House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee.
Other Legislation
HB 701, sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R-Dawsonville), would allow for the testing of all forms of opioids for state employment. Assigned to the House Health & Human Services Committee.
HB 702, sponsored by Rep. Heath Clark (R-Warner Robins), establishes a service cancelable education loan program for students in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics who work in federal civil service positions at defense installations in Georgia. Assigned to the House Higher Education Committee.
SB 331, sponsored by Sen. Steve Henson (D-Stone Mountain), would allow the winner of a lottery prize to remain anonymous. Assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.
SB 334, sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) would transfer the Georgia Board of Nursing from the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State to the Department of Community Health. Assigned to the Senate Health & Human Services Committee.
HB 706, sponsored by Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville), would allow participants in state retirement programs, including the Teachers Retirement System, to assign benefits to a funeral director or funeral business for the purposes of paying for the participant’s funeral. Assigned to the House Retirement Committee.
Calendar Set-Thru Sine Die
The House and Senate adopted an adjournment resolution this week that will take them all the way to Sine Die. Day 28 also referred to as Crossover Day is set for February 28. Crossover Day is the last day a bill can cross over from one chamber of the General Assembly to the other in bill form. Sine Die or the last day of session is scheduled for March 29.
Intern Spotlight: Guadalupe Mora
The Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP) is a “humbling, once in a lifetime opportunity,” says political science major Guadalupe Mora. She heard of the great experience her classmates had in the program and decided to apply.
“I hope to strengthen my communication, interpersonal and networking skills as much as possible, but I also hope to grow as a person and see how I can take what I learned here and apply it to the needs of my community and in my future endeavors,” states Guadalupe.
Assigned to House Transportation and MARTOC, Ms. Mora’s duties include preparing material for committee meetings, handling mail, paperwork and constituent issues.
Guadalupe is a member of the GSU Catholic Student Association. She also teaches a faith formation class to high school students at her church. Ms. Mora’s goal is to work for the United Nations after graduating from GSU, and later obtain a master’s degree in International Affairs. Her favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Helpful Links
Information on legislative activities including bills and resolutions as well as webcast of daily sessions in both Chambers and committee meeting are available via the General Assembly website at www.legis.ga.gov
Upcoming Events
Day 11: The House and Senate will convene at 10:00 am on Monday, January 29.
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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS TEAM
Tom Lewis, Senior Advisor to the President
Julie Kerlin, Director of Government & Community Affairs
Jason Thomas, Assistant Director of Government & Community Affairs
Debbie Jones, Associate to the Director
Georgia State University
P.O. Box 3999
Atlanta, Georgia 30302
404-413-2030 (office) • 404-413-1410 (fax)
Visit Georgia State University’s Office of Government and Community Affairs:
** ga.gsu.edu (http://ga.gsu.edu)
