Legislative Update

The 2015 Legislative Session got off to a very busy start in January. Here are the key updates on our legislative agenda priorities:

Financing Solar for Georgians
HB 57, the Solar Power Financing bill, passed the House Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications unanimously on January 28th. It passed House Rules Committee on February 4th, and moves to the full House on February 9th. Read more> You can also read about the bill’s potential impact for consumers as outlined in the AJC.

Protect Our Seniors
Representative Wendell Willard (R-Sandy Springs) and Senator Renee Unterman (R-District 45) held a press conference to announce House Bill 72 (HB72) on January 16th at the Capitol. The legislation aims to close up gaps left after the passage of House Bill 78 back in 2013. Read more> We will keep you updated as the bill moves forward through the House Non-Civil Judiciary Committee.

Support Closing the Coverage Gap Through Medicaid Expansion
On January 27, 2015, Georgia Watch joined 15 other advocacy organizations for Coverage Day at the Georgia Capitol. The day-long event raised awareness about the need for Medicaid expansion in Georgia and provided advocacy organizations a forum to highlight their ongoing efforts to enroll consumers in affordable health insurance plans. Georgia Watch’s Health Access Program Director, Beth Stephens, Community Education Director (and licensed navigator), Elise Blasingame, and Duke Law extern, Lindsey Stephens, shared the organization’s successful efforts to reach hundreds of consumers seeking affordable healthcare during the first and second open enrollment periods. Read more> A Medicaid Expansion bill has not been introduced at this point.

Oppose Legislation That Would Permit Abusive Debt Settlement Practices
HB 1154 has not yet been re-introduced. You can read our position statement here. Georgia Watch will provide updates as we learn more.

Oppose Nursing Home Binding Arbitration Bill
This bill has not yet been introduced. Georgia Watch will provide updates as the process moves forward. Read more>