ATLANTA — It was an eventful and long last day of the state assembly session under the gold dome of the Georgia State Capitol. Here's what we had our eyes on throughout the day.
First responder's compensation, residential leases, immigration, sports betting, non-licensed hair stylists, compensation for the wrongfully committed, and puberty blockers were all issues in the spotlight.
Governor Brian Kemp will have 40 days to sign, veto, or allow legislation to become law without his signature.
Ashley Wilson Act:
House Bill 451, also known as the Ashley Wilson Act, got final passage from the House. The bill would give first responders who witness trauma on the job worker's compensation.
Before workers could get compensated, but only if they were diagnosed with PTSD and are physically injured. The bill creates an insurance program and helps pay for therapy for law enforcement officers, paramedics and firefighters.
Governor Brian Kemp will get the last say as the bill waits for his signature.
Fit for Human Habitation:
House Bill 404 will require a clause in all residential leases that the premises are fit for human habitation. This clause could hold landlords accountable for the conditions of their property.
Here in Central Georgia, we've reported on several landlord arrests for sub-par housing. The bill passed both chambers and now goes to Kemp for his approval.
Immigration:
House Bill 1105 would require state and local law enforcement to work with federal immigration officials, to detain and report people in the U.S. illegally.
It comes after the death of Laken Riley, who was allegedly killed by Jose Ibarra on the University of Georgia campus. Ibarra had illegally crossed the southern border and was in the U.S. as his immigration case moved forward.
Under this bill, those cities and towns that don't comply could lose funding. At the end of the session, the House agreed to the Senate substitution on the bill, and now it will head for the governor's office.
Sports Betting:
As the legislature adjourned, sports betting in Georgia did not make it to the floor. It's a conversation that started years ago and it really gained momentum this session.
The Senate Bill 386 would legalize sports betting for college and professional sports but only online. Resolution 579 would let the voters decide. The constitutional amendment would allow betting but with changes to where revenues go.
They say 80% of new revenues would go toward funding pre-k programs and college scholarships until those programs are fully funded. As for the other 20%? 15% would go to aiding people with gambling problems and the last 5$ percent would be used to build a fund to recruit and host major sporting events.
The Sports Betting Alliance at the capitol said the state could see a tax revenue boost of more than 140 million dollars annually, but others worry about its impact on gambling addiction.
Hairstylist Licensing Change:
Senate Bill 354 bill that would allow people who want to style hair and apply makeup without a state license passed. It passed the Senate 40 to 11.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Larry Walker from Perry. The bill does have some exceptions. If a stylist wants to use chemical products or extensive heat, they will still need a cosmetology license.
No Compensation for the Wrongfully Convicted:
A bipartisan bill that stalled tonight would have compensated six wrongfully convicted Georgians and 6 resolutions also stalled that sought to them.
We shared the story of Joey Watkins. He was sentenced to life for a crime he did not commit and served 20 years in prison. He would have received more than one million dollars if this bill passed.
Ban on Puberty Blockers:
House Bill 1170 was originally introduced to provide Narcan, the opioid overdose-reversal drug, in some government buildings.
Now, the version that was passed today by the Senate included banning puberty blockers for minors. This bill restricts gender-affirming care for transgender youth in the state. The revised bill waits for final approval from the House.
Ultimately, the legislation did not pass before Sine Die.