Friday marks that time of year when the Georgia legislature reaches out from May and reminds that yes, what they do actually matters and has an impact. Whether that impact is positive or negative may depend on your point of view but the impact cometh nonetheless. July 1 is the day when many laws that were passed in the previous session go into effect. And there are plenty.
The 115 page summary document laying out the new laws and regulations covers 53 different topics from agriculture to “Waters of the State”. Well over 150 bills were passed by the Legislature that are outlined in the report by the Legislative Services Committee.
One law that is likely to get plenty of attention allows for students at least 18 years old to carry Tasers and stun guns on Georgia’s public college campuses. HB 792 likely represents part of the negotiation involved in the veto of HB 859, that would have allowed conceal carry permit holders to carry handguns on public campuses.
Act 422, HB 34 enacts the “Georgia Right to Try Act.” Essentially, this law allows patients with advanced illness to have access to “investigational drugs, biological products and devices” that may not be fully approved. It also allows for manufacturers to make such drugs available but that health benefit coverage is not mandatory and that use of such treatments will not affect a physician’s license.
Many of the laws effects may not be noticed by anyone except for a small number of people that are involved. Exhibit A is Act 555, HB 1030 that revises the membership of the Georgia Seed Development Commission. Unless you own a large plant-related company, are a botanist at the University of Georgia or you are the Agriculture Commissioner, you are probably not very concerned with the membership of the seed commission. Another law, SB 279, added the commissioner of juvenile justice and commissioner of natural resources as voting members of the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. The mission of the Council is to provide citizens with “qualified, professionally trained, ethical and competent peace officers and criminal justice professionals.” It was established in 1970 by the General Assembly as a regulatory body. Presumably the initial law creating the Council outlined the number of voting members and a new law was needed to change that.
One law that may be felt by a great number of people is HB 172, relating to Watercraft and the operation of said craft while under the influence of “alcohol, toxic vapors, or drugs.” Section 2 of the bill revises subsection (o) of Code Section 52-7-12 to change the term homemade or inflatable raft to mean “any platform which floats on the water for 41 purposes of providing buoyancy to a person and which renders transportation with only 42 the aid of such person’s hands, arms, legs, or feet.” What does all that mean? A toast is due to State Rep. Eddie Lumsden (R- Armuchee) for sponsoring the bill that separated boating under the influence from floating under the influence. So grab your favorite adult beverage and think of Mr. Lumsden as you sip, worry-free, while floating down your favorite river.
