And So It Begins ... The 2015 Legislative Session

The 2015 Legislative Session will begin January 12, marking the beginning of the first term of the 153rd legislative session. Legislators will have exactly 40 days to discuss, vet, and pass legislation to be considered by Governor Deal for 2015. We have a number of potential topics on our legislative agenda that are likely to arise throughout the session.

Education & Youth
Common Core: Georgia joined 46 other states in adopting the Common Core Standards in fall 2012. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should gain throughout their K-12 education in order to graduate. To date, three states have passed legislation to withdraw their states out of Common Core Standards. We may see legislation regarding the status of Common Core in our state.

Finance
Fractional Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax: Currently, local governments can only levy a 1 percent Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) in Georgia. In the past, legislation has been proposed that would authorize local governments to request a fraction of a full penny for SPLOST revenue from its voters. We may see another attempt to pass fractional SPLOST legislation.

Health and Human Services
Medical Cannabis: Last session, legislation was introduced that would provide research on the benefit of medical cannabis for patients with cancer, glaucoma or seizure disorders. Although the legislation did not pass, a study committee met over the summer to discuss the pros and cons of legalizing, regulating possession, cultivating, and distributing medical cannabidiol oil (CBD) in Georgia. Expect to see legislation regarding CBD oil to be presented this session.

Insurance and Labor
Insurance Coverage for the Treatment of Autism: Although thoroughly discussed during last session, we can expect legislation requiring health insurance plans to provide coverage for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The bill from 2014 would have required plans to cover children 6 years of age or younger who are diagnosed with ASD and to cover applied behavior analysis (ABA) up to $35,000 annually.

Transportation
Ride-Sharing Services: Last session, a bill was introduced that would have required transportation referral service providers, such as Uber, to obtain a permit from the Dept. of Public Safety. The House Study Committee on For-Hire Transportation Services examined the manner in which government regulates existing and new forms of for-hire transportation services.

Transportation Funding: In order to address the potential funding transportation shortfalls our state is facing, the Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure met to review ongoing transportation needs in various regions of the state and discuss new or alternative funding mechanisms for state and local transportation projects. Legislation regarding the future of funding our transportation system will probably make its way to the General Assembly sometime this session.

As we move through the legislative session, I will continue to keep you updated on the status of legislation that will impact our community.