Crossover Day at the State Capitol is always a hectic day. Crossover Day 2020 may be remembered as one of the most unique. The Senate adjourned for the day before dinner, and leaders of the House and Senate announced that they were suspending the session indefinitely after Friday out of an abundance of caution for coronavirus.
This came after both the House and Senate approved the amended FY20 budget. The approved version of the mid-year budget includes $100 million to fight COVID 19 that Governor Brian Kemp requested. The Governor said the additional funds were needed to ensure Georgia has the resources needed to prevent the spread of the virus.
One bill that made it through Crossover Day was SB 463 by Sen. John Kennedy (R-Macon) which would require counties to take action if voters wait in line for more than an hour before checking in to vote on Election Day. This could include adding precincts, voting equipment or poll workers. The bill passed 35-19.
Democrats opposed the bill, many stating concerns about confusion over new precincts. However, Kennedy argued that no precincts would be changed during this election cycle.
Legislation that officials say would make it easier for foster parents to hire child care sailed through the House Thursday and passed 112-0. House Bill 912 by Rep. Bert Reeves (R-Marietta) would allow foster parents to leave children in their care with a babysitter for up to three days without having to get approval through the state Division of Family and Children Services. Currently, state law sets a limit of two days. The bill has the support of Governor Kemp.
The House passed HB 719 which lowers or eliminates criminal penalties for having sex, sharing needles and donating blood without disclosing a positive HIV status. While having sex without telling a partner that you are HIV-positive is still a felony under this bill, the penalty is decreased from 10 years in prison to five. The new version of the bill also addresses “intent to infect.” HB 719 (Rep. Deborah Silcox, R-Sandy Springs) passed 124-40.
