Addressing Public Safety and Healthcare in District 159 and Beyond

Friends,

In recent years some of the most pressing issues we have faced as Georgians have revolved around healthcare and public safety. That’s why I was glad to see the governor sign important pieces of legislation at the Capitol and in our region of Georgia to address these important issues. 

To ensure that hospitals are able to protect their patients from criminal actors, the Governor signed HB 383.  Introduced by Representative Matt Reeves of Duluth and carried by Senator Ben Watson of Savannah, this legislation allows hospitals to establish campus police forces to protect their doctors, nurses, and other professionals - as well as their patients.  

To provide for the best modern cancer care treatment available, the General Assembly passed and the Governor signed HB 85.  Introduced by Representative Sharon Cooper of Marietta and carried by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick of Marietta, this legislation ensures that biomarker testing - some of the most modern diagnostic testing available - is fully covered by insurance in order to allow Georgians and their doctors to make the best treatment decisions possible.  

Later in the week, the Governor traveled to Savannah to sign legislation establishing constitutional oversight provisions for Georgia prosecutors.  As we’ve seen in cases ranging from Brunswick to Athens and Atlanta, the role of prosecutors in enforcing our laws and keeping Georgians safe can be just as important as that of the General Assembly or the Governor. We enact the laws, but prosecutors must enforce them.  That’s why I was glad to see the Governor sign SB 92.  This legislation has been championed for several years by Representative Joseph Gullett of Dallas. It creates the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission with the task of investigating prosecutorial misconduct and removing prosecutors who meet the grounds established under the law.  No one in Georgia is above the law - that includes elected and appointed government officials.  

Additionally, while in coastal Georgia the governor signed the 2024 budget into law at the site of the future Hyundai manufacturing plant in Ellabell.  I am hopeful that the House, Senate, and administration priorities included in this budget - which is required by the Constitution to originate in the House of Representatives - will address needs in Georgia ranging from teacher and law enforcement pay to public safety and healthcare needs and tax cuts for everyday Georgians.  

All of the legislation I’ve discussed today  was created with one goal in mind - keeping Georgia the best state in which to live, work, and raise a family.

Always remember that should you have questions about my work as your Representative or as Speaker of the House, you can always reach out to me at 404.656.5020, Jon.Burns@house.ga.gov, or on Facebook at www.FB.com/JonBurnsGA.  If you wish to sign up for my weekly emailed newsletter, visit https://www.friendsofjonburns.com/home to sign up.