GAWL At The Gold Dome brings the latest legislative news to you
See the legislation GAWL is following this year:
Amendment to Fair Employment Act
Expands the Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
Firearms Restrictions After Acts of Domestic Violence
Replicates federal law that prohibits a person from receiving, possessing, or transporting a firearm after a civil or criminal family violence order has been issued against him or her.
Stopping Sexual Harassment in Government
Requires sexual harassment training for members of the General Assembly and department heads in the the state executive branch every two years. Also expands the current policy to allow lobbyists and other visitors to the state Capitol to report inappropriate interactions with lawmakers to a legislative ethics committee.
"Close the Gap" Bill
Allows state dollars to draw down federal funding to expand Medicaid coverage. Bill aims to expand Medicaid coverage to the maximum percent of the poverty level or “close the gap” in coverage.
Hate Crimes Bills
Several bills that create a "hate crimes" statute. Georgia has not had a hate crimes statute since 2000. Each bill would establish punishments and sentencing guidelines for crimes that target victims due to race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, mental disability, or physical disability. HB 660 does this in the form of an enhanced sentence. HB 663 and SB 316 do this by establishing separate crimes that carry minimum sentences.
Whole Women's Health Act
Codifies into state law the 2016 US Supreme Court's decision in Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt, which held that state regulations regarding abortion clinics must be rooted in medical necessity and scientific evidence.
Georgia Tenant Victim Protection Act
Allows a victim of domestic violence to terminate a lease after a civil or criminal family violence order has been issued. Similar legislation has been enacted in 27 states.
