by Sen. Matt Brass (R – Newnan)

With Crossover Day behind us, our sights are now firmly set on Sine Die, the last day of our 2018 legislative session. With only eight legislative days remaining, we will be busy until the gavel falls for the final time, usually around midnight on day 40. Last week we had two days set aside to focus on committee work as we began working through the House bills passing to the Senate on Crossover Day. However, we still had plenty of time to pass several bills and honor special guests in Chamber.

The biggest piece of legislation passed last week was the Amended Fiscal Year 2018 Budget, also known as the “baby budget.” This is the amended version of last year’s budget and is revised to take into account increased state revenues and the changing needs of Georgia’s state agencies. The amended budget stands at $24.6 billion with the majority of expected revenues designated for healthcare or education. Our attention now moves towards the General Fiscal Year 2019 budget, so we can completely fulfill our constitutional obligation to pass a balanced budget.

Last week, I also introduced SR 983 which proposes the creation of a Joint Study Commission on Low THC Medical Oil Access. In 2016, the General Assembly passed a law which permits limited use of medical cannabis oil to treat certain conditions. However, it is clear that there are more patients who could benefit from expanded access to these and similar treatments. This study committee, if adopted, would examine how we can best utilize the use of medical cannabis oil, while weighing medical, legal and safety concerns. I am eager to get to work on this issue so that we can bring relief to those in our state suffering from chronic pain and incurable illness.

Other bills receiving passage this week include HB 275, which would put hunters in South Georgia on an even playing field with those in North Georgia. Under current law, hunters in South Georgia can use bait to entice game, while those in north Georgia cannot. This legislation would make it clear that hunters across Georgia would be permitted to use bait if they so choose. We also passed HB 135 which would allow more law enforcement officers the opportunity to buy into the Employees Retirement System (ERS). This bill would expand the list of those eligible to include investigators with the Department of Driver Services, as well as investigators and K-9 handlers with the Department of Corrections. This will make it easier for more public safety professionals to become a part of ERS and take meaningful steps toward the retirement that they deserve.

As this week begins our tenth week under the Gold Dome, we will continue to work hard vetting and debating legislation that will benefit all of Georgia. If you ever have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to my office. I will be happy to help.