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LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Pharmacy HB416, introduced by Rep. Silcox (R-Sandy Springs), authorizes qualified pharmacy technicians working under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist to administer all the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) vaccines to adults 18 years and older. During the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness (PREP) Act, pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians were granted increased authorizations to expand accessibility to immu nizations. With the public health emergency ending on May 11, 2023, this legislation was necessary to allow Georgia’s pharmacy technicians to continue providing this important service to all Georgians looking for more access to healthcare Status: Passed Metal Theft SB60 by Sen Bo Hatchett (R- Cornelia), seeks to curb metal theft, including theft of catalytic converters Status: Passed Increase in TANF for Pregnant Women HB129 by Governor’s Floor Leader, Rep. Soo (R-Lawrenceville), extends TANF (cash assistance) to pregnant women who meet income requirements. Status: Passed

General Government SB60 , carried by Governor Floor Leader Bo Hatchett (R-Corne lia), creates a state Office of Inspector General to look at fraud, waste, and abuse in state government. Status: Passed Sick Pay Sunset Removed SB61 by Sen. Strickland (R-McDonough), removes the sunset on existing sick pay laws. Status: Passed Tort- Apex Doctrine SB74 by Sen. Tillary (R-Vidalia), includes language commonly referred to as the apex doctrine, which provides for certain criteria required to secure the deposition of certain high ranking public and corporate employees. Originally, this was a bill to permit a class action to be brought against someone who misrepresents themselves advertising their legal services when it is not the true

nature of their business. Status: Passed Vaping Added to Clean Indoor Air Laws

SB47 by Sen Hufstetler (R-Rome), adding vaping to the state's clean indoor air laws (prohibiting smoking inside). Note there was quite a bit of conversation in the committee about increasing taxes on vape and similar products, however no tax increase was added. Status: Passed

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