2023 Legislative Insider as of 2.6.23

It's been a relatively quiet few weeks at the Capitol due to opening week being mainly ceremonial and the second week being Budget Hearings. Additionally, it took an unusually long time to receive committee chair and member appointments for both the Senate and the House. You can find the Senate Committee list here and the House Committee list here. (house link - https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/house, senate link - https://www.legis.ga.gov/committees/senate)

The most significant update is that House Rep. Lee Hawkins (our resident House dentist, as you all know) is now the Chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and Chairwoman Sharon Cooper is now the chair of a newly created committee called "Public Health." No one is exactly sure what kind of bills will go to this new committee, but I will keep you updated as we learn more.

Last week, we heard from the Governor as he delivered his State of the State address, unveiling his key priorities for 2023 with the quotable: "the campaigns have been run and the people have spoken; so for the Georgians of today and tomorrow, let's get it done." So, while it may have been a slow start, the anticipation that the other shoe is about to drop is real as both the priorities of the Governor and the Majority Caucuses become more clear. We are actually starting to see legislation move in both Chambers and committee meetings have begun to happen a little more regularly this week.

Hot button issues this session will most likely include tax credits and incentives, transportation, gaming and gambling, and the expansion of both telehealth and Medicaid. You can also expect debates on surprise medical billing reforms, foster care, Certificate of Need (CON) reforms, new fintech lending options, and concert ticket reforms after the Taylor Swift catastrophe.

We have several opportunities for you to join us at the Capitol this session. The remaining LAW Days are:

• Wednesday, February 8th: Central District 
• Wednesday, February 15th: Northwestern District 
• Thursday, March 9th: Southeastern District, Georgia Dental Society 
• Wednesday, March 15th: Dentists from any district, other dental specialties, students

You can register here.

Your GDA legislative team is watching legislation as it's coming in and working hard on your behalf under the Gold Dome. If you have any questions about this report, your state legislators, or the legislative session, please do not hesitate to contact me at theresa@gadental.org.