KEMP PRAISES LEGISLATION PASSED BY THE GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY DURING 2022 SESSION

(Media release from the Office of Governor Brian Kemp):

Governor Brian P. Kemp on Tuesday made the following statement on his administration’s budget and legislative package to build a safer, stronger Georgia crossing the finish line on Sine Die:

Last night, we made history when we closed the books on one of the most successful and impactful legislative sessions the Peach State has ever had. We worked hard, together, to pass both budgetary and legislative measures that direct money back into the pockets of hardworking Georgians, put parents, students, and teachers first, invest in our workforce, support Georgia’s thriving economy, strengthen public safety, and create innovative solutions to our healthcare challenges. I’m very proud of what we accomplished this year, and my administration thanks Lt. Governor Duncan, Speaker Ralston, and members of the Georgia General Assembly for working with us to get our entire legislative package and more across the finish line. I look forward to the positive impact these measures will have on Georgians as I finish signing them into law.

Below, please see a list highlighting many of the proposals championed, or supported, by Governor Kemp in the 2022 convening of the Georgia General Assembly. The Office of the Governor has 40 days to review all bills passed by the Georgia General Assembly. As the office conducts its review, additional updates will be provided on measures that are signed into law. As a reminder, the Office of the Governor posts all signed or vetoed legislation here.

Directing Money Back into Pockets of Hardworking Georgians:

Tax refund: HB 1302
Gas tax suspension: HB 304
Income tax cut: HB 1437
Military retirement tax exemption: HB 1064

Putting Parents, Students, and Teachers First:

Teacher Pay Raise: HB 911
Historic K-12 per-student Investment: HB 911
Unmask Georgia Students: SB 514
Parents Bill of Rights: HB 1178
Safeguards Against Divisive Ideologies and Fairness in School Sports: HB 1084
Obscene Materials: SB 226
Return to Work: HB 385
Restore Austerity Cuts Made During Pandemic: HB 911

Making Higher Ed More Accessible and Affordable and Enhancing Workforce:

Elimination of Institution Feed: HB 911
General Educational Development (GED) Diplomas Voucher Bill: SB 397
Student Access Loan: HB 1435
Commercial Drivers License Workforce Programs: HB 911
Streamlining Workforce Readiness Programs: HB 1331

Supporting Georgia’s No. 1 Industry:

Farm to Food Bank: SB 396
Freedom to Farm: HB 1150

Strengthening our State’s Foster Care and Adoption Systems

10% Provider Rate Increase for Foster Parents, Relative Caregivers, Child Caring Institutions, and Child Placing Agencies: HB 911

Protecting Georgians:

Constitutional Carry: SB 319
First Lady Marty Kemp’s Priority to Crack Down on Human Traffickers: SB 461
Gang Prosecution Unit: HB 1134
Enhanced Fleeing and Eluding penalties: HB 1216
Clarification of Penalties for Possession of Firearms by Felons: SB 479
Clarification of penalties for Possession of Child Molestation and Pornography: HB 1188
Additional Trooper School Class: HB 911
Add Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Degrees to High-Demand Career Initiatives: HB 911
$5,000 Raise for State Law Enforcement and State Employees: HB 911

Creating Innovative Healthcare Solutions:

Mental Health Parity Act: HB 1013
Lowering Insurance Premiums: HB 911
Expanding Choices: HB 911
Addressing Workforce Shortages for Physicians and Nurses: HB 911