What a Session

On April 2nd, Georgia’s state legislature finally ended their three-month session with some important bills that Governor Kemp can pass or veto. These bills could affect all of us, for better or worse. Here is the list of the top bills or amendments that were taken up this session:

First, HB 481, more commonly known as the “heartbeat bill.” This bill that was recently passed by the GA House restricts women from receiving an abortion if the doctor detects a “heartbeat” from the embryo, which can happen as early as in six weeks. What’s controversial about this regulation is that, according to the Feminist Women’s Health Center in Atlanta, most patients do not know that they are even pregnant at six weeks. As a pro-choice advocate, this is troubling because women cannot make a conscientious decision while barred in a such a short time frame. In fact, Georgia’s law, if signed by Governor Kemp, will directly challenge Roe v. Wade, the legal federal precedent set by the Supreme Court--which was the goal to protect women’s rights from the very beginning. Now, that the heartbeat bill is ready to be signed by Kemp, who has been a pro-life advocate, it is more important than ever for all of us to make our voice count by directly contacting the governor’s office.

Next is SB 200, a transportation bill which contained an important amendment that would another transit referendum in Gwinnett until 2026. Republicans proposed the amendment claiming that the 2019 election results needed a “cooling off period so the will of the voters is respected.” This is incredibly dirty politics and spin because the special election’s mere 17% voter turnout, the outcome can is anything but representative. The vote was placed in March specifically to drive down turnout and cause it to fail, which worked. If we really want to know the “will of the voters,” we will hold the next referendum on the November 2020 ballot. Thankfully, this amendment was rejected and Gwinnett’s voters retain the right to make their own choices about Gwinnett.

The 40-day legislative session also discussed an important issue that is on my agenda: medical marijuana. Many Georgians, especially children, require medical marijuana to treat severe seizures, cancers, and other chronic illnesses. HB 324 allows for several private companies and state universities to legally cultivate marijuana, which would then be distributed to pharmacies for those with a medical marijuana marijuana prescription. This bill, which Kemp has said he will sign, is a great step in the right direction, but I would like to see the legislature go further next session.

Last but not least, the past legislative session finally passed what could become Georgia’s first enactment of hate crimes legislation. Hate can be inflicted as a weapon to intimidate or harass a specific group of people, which hinders the democratic values of equality and freedom. HB 426 heightens the penalties of hate crimes that can be “because of the actual or perceived race, color, religion, 19 national origin, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability” up to 12 months in prison or a fine of $5,000. Establishing hate crimes legislation will positively impact our communities with more love and understanding for one another.

These influential bills will affect all of our communities in one way or another. However, it is always important to keep in mind that while Governor Kemp may be the one signing or vetoing these bills, it is our voice he should be representing. Just because a bill has been passed or dismissed during the legislative session does not mean it is official law yet. Governor Kemp has 40 days from April 2nd to sign or veto these bills. So, I encourage you to continue contacting Kemp’s office and making your voice count. Call him at 404-656-1776 or email him at georgia.governor@gov.state.ga.us. You may also write letters of concern to the following mail address [206 Washington Street, Suite 203, State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334]. Let’s continue the good fight and build a bridge toward Gwinnett’s future!