In an election year, particularly one such as this that features a host of legislators running for higher office, goings on at the legislature can take on some new meaning. Additionally, the natural and sometimes exacerbated adversarial relationship between the Senate and House that is always simmering can sometimes roar to the surface, resulting in surprising defeats or late changes in the post-Crossover days of the legislature.
This year’s example might be Speaker David Ralston’s (R-7 Blue Ridge) Mental Health Parity Act – HB 1013. Ralston rarely sponsors bills himself and often stays silent, or at least cagey, on pending legislation but he has come out in full force in favor of the mental health bill, including a Sunday op-ed urging the Senate to pass the bill.
After being passed 169-3 in the House earlier this month, the bill met some stiff opposition in Senate committee on Monday. Opponents have said the bill is too broad and conservatives concerned about overreach have begun to marshal their resources for opposition in the senate.
At one point, the Republican chairing the hearings on the bill threatened to clear the room as things got hectic with the crowd. State troopers even arrived to limit crowd size and ensure security. Internet rumors about the bill have helped to juice some opposition, including a reference to the World Health Organization – which was used in the bill to help define mental illness but internet sources are saying could lead to an impact on gun laws. Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-82 Decatur) called some of the rumors “bordering on ridiculous.”
But there are genuine concerns that some senators are hoping to address.
A frequently thorny issue included in the bill involves involuntary commitment. House sponsors insist it is a critical piece of treating mental health issues but opponents warn that police officers are not necessarily capable of making these types of decisions. The bill also includes a database that would help first responders know whether a person that are dealing with has a history of mental health issues. One of the lead co-sponsors on the bill, Rep. Todd Jones (R-25 South Forsyth) has a son with mental health issues and his wife delivered some emotional testimony during House debate about the first time their son was arrested, holding a knife and yelling about protecting Atlanta from monsters. Fortunately, the responding officer recognized and was patient enough with Jones’ mental health issues that the situation did not escalate.
One of the major pieces of the bill is that “Parity” question mentioned in its title. This section of the bill involves increased enforcement of an existing federal law that requires health insurances companies to treat behavioral health issues the same as physical coverage.
The Georgia recovery community has come out strongly in favor of the bill. Jeff Breedlove, chief of communications and policy for the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, has urged passage of the bill. “Over 30 grassroots citizens organizations have endorsed HB 1013 as passed by the House – our message to the Senate – not perfect but preserve strong language for Georgia families,” said Breedlove.
