Georgia Speaker Jon Burns, R-Newington, has announced a number of study committees to explore critical issues in Georgia like school attendance, election procedures, insurance rates, medical marijuana and gaming.
“During this past legislative session, the Georgia House considered a number of measures aimed at improving policy areas that impact Georgians and their families,” Burns. “These study committees will gather the facts, hear input from all sides and find ways to put forward smart policy that continues to make Georgia the best place to live, work and raise a family.”
The House Study Committee on Student Attendance in PreK-12 Education will provide a comprehensive review of student attendance in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 to examine the root causes of chronic absenteeism, evaluate best practices for improving student attendance and engagement and recommend legislative and policy initiatives to improve student attendance and engagement. Rep. Chris Erwin, R-Homer, will serve as Chairman.
“Student attendance is one of the most critical — and often overlooked — factors in academic success,” said Erwin. “When students miss school, they miss opportunities. This committee will take a close look at what’s driving chronic absenteeism and how we can better support students and families in staying engaged. I’m committed to ensuring every child in Georgia has a real chance to learn, grow, and thrive.”
The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Georgia’s Medical Marijuana Policies will study and evaluate Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures surrounding medical marijuana and other cannabis-derived drugs and hemp products to ensure that there is a level playing field that protects Georgia’s families and consumers alike. Rep. Mark Newton, R-Augusta, has been named Chairman of this committee. Two non-legislative members will also serve on this committee.
“With the increasing use of medical marijuana and hemp-derived products in Georgia, it’s critical that our state’s policies are clear and consistent, with the goal of safeguarding those that sell and use these products,” said Newton. “This committee will carefully examine how we can protect patients and consumers, support medical providers and ensure safe and transparent regulations. I am eager to get to work and present solutions that protect patients, consumers and distributors alike.”
The House Study Committee on Reducing and Prioritizing Mandates for Public School Administration will conduct a review of existing mandates relating to public school administration to evaluate best practices for reducing and prioritizing mandates for public school administrators and recommend legislative and policy initiatives to that end. Rep. Shaw Blackmon, R-Bonaire, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, will chair the committee.
“Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of school leaders to focus on instruction and student success, and I am dedicated to ensuring that this committee will engage with educators, administrators and policy experts to assess which mandates best support student achievement and which may be restructured or streamlined,” said Blackmon.
Some other committees include:
The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Election Procedures will study and evaluate Georgia’s current laws, policies and procedures for administering Georgia elections. The committee will also analyze the statewide and local elected officials and boards that oversee the administration of our elections. This committee will be chaired by Rep. Tim Fleming, R-Covington. Rep. Victor Anderson, R- Cornelia, will serve as vice chair.
The Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Insurance Rates will conduct a thorough examination of the insurance industry’s rate-setting practices, profit margins, claims processing and regulatory compliance to ensure that Georgia’s businesses, citizens and consumers are not being subjected to unjustified rate hikes. Rep. Matt Reeves, R-Duluth, will serve as chair Rep. Eddie Lumsden, R- Armuchee, will serve as vice chair.
The House Study Committee on Gaming in the State of Georgia will study how legalization of gaming in this state, if approved by the people and enabled by the General Assembly, would contribute to the economy and workforce development of this state as to revenue expectations and quality of jobs being available when weighed against what social and societal ills may come to Georgia if gaming is approved by the citizens of this state, as well as determine if the legalization of gaming would also increase tax revenues for Georgia and aid in meeting the budgetary demands of government. Rep. Marcus Wiedower, R-Watkinsville, will serve as Chairman
