Most new laws in Georgia take effect on July 1. But members of the Georgia General Assembly delayed some laws this year until January 1, and that means the beginning of 2023 this week brought changes that Georgians need to be aware of. This includes portions of a law overhauling insurance coverage for mental health, new ways for parents to challenge materials used in schools, ways for food truck operators to save both money and headaches, and tax credits for those donating to law enforcement.
The most prominent of these new bills is the Mental Health Parity Act – the historic bill credited to the late Speaker David Ralston. Under House Bill 1013, health insurance companies must report to the state Insurance Department how they supply mental health coverage for children, adolescents, and adults. According to officials, this regulation requires insurance companies to cover mental health care equally to physical health care.
Under House Bill 1013, Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King is required to analyze compliance by May 15 and submit a report of his findings by Aug. 15. The new law requires the state insurance department to create a system to track complaints about unjust coverage denials and uphold grants for court-ordered mental health treatment programs.
This bill also helps pay to set up more mental health crisis centers across Georgia.
Senate Bill 332 increases the number of online sellers who need to publish contact information. This new law is designed to protect consumers by making it more difficult to sell fraudulent goods online. According to state officials, online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay and Etsy must give consumers the full name of third-party companies or individuals with more than $20,000 in yearly sales. Companies that fail to comply with the law will be suspended.
Senate Bill 226 became law Sunday and allows parents to file complaints with school districts about books, websites, and other materials they believe are obscene or harmful to their children. Under this new law, schools will be required to investigate these complaints within seven business days and decide if they should ban the material or restrict access. The school officials are required to follow-up with parents within 10 business days
All titles of any materials appealed must be listed on the school district’s website for a year, regardless of the decision made by the district.
Senate Bill 361 allows tax credits on state income tax for anyone donating to law enforcement foundations that aid local police agencies. This new law also grants police and sheriff’s departments $75 million per year in tax credits, with up to $3 million per agency. Agencies can use the money for officer salaries, training, equipment, or for programs that dispatch social and health workers to mental health emergencies. The Less Crime Act will allow you to get tax credits if you donate to law enforcement foundations and will be capped at $20 million.
A new law also allows food trucks to only have one permit to sell across all counties in Georgia instead of multiple permits per county. According to state officials, the law streamlines paperwork and operating costs. Operators still need to submit their health permit to each county they wish to operate in.
