NEWS

This marks the end of the 2024 state legislative session and initiates the 40 days for Governor Brian Kemp to either approve or reject all legislation passed.

Here’s an overview of key legislative updates relevant to the Savannah Chamber’s 2024 agenda:

HB 915, the FY 2024 supplemental budget, successfully passed both the House and Senate, and the Governor has signed it into law. The budget includes allocations such as:

• $178 million for the design, construction, and equipment of the dental school at Georgia Southern University on the Savannah Armstrong campus, in collaboration with Augusta University.
• $15.5 million for constructing the Gateway child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit in Savannah.
• $8 million for the Savannah Convention Center Riverwalk expansion.
• $3 million for Live Oak Libraries to replace the Oglethorpe Mall Library.
• $5 million for renovating Georgia Southern University’s College of Business building

HB 916, the FY 2025 appropriations bill, has passed both chambers and awaits the Governor’s approval. It includes provisions like:

• $125,000 for the operations of the new Gateway child and adolescent crisis stabilization unit in Savannah.
• $7 million for Savannah State University HVAC renewal.
• $4 million increase in one-time funding for Tybee Island beach restoration.
• $500,000 one-time funding for Chatham Area Transit.
• $4,692,816 for Medical College of Georgia expansion at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus.

SB 426, which has passed both chambers, aims to end direct-action lawsuits against trucking insurers, potentially reducing premiums and encouraging more insurance carriers to write policies for trucking businesses.

HB 206 Support is expressed for legislation establishing Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) programs in Georgia, which promote energy efficiency and conservation improvements in construction and renovation projects through low-interest rate financing.

HB 880, advocating for policies to facilitate military family relocation into the state and communities, including licensure portability and occupational licensing reform for military spouses, awaits the Governor’s decision, which proposes licenses be issued within 30 days after official orders are received, is also awaiting the Governor’s decision.

HB 1078 Efforts are underway to seek state approval for a new capitated healthcare initiative, the “Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly” (PACE) program, which would provide comprehensive care for individuals receiving Medicare and Medicaid, with Savannah being considered for a pilot program concerning these healthcare initiatives, has passed both chambers and awaits the Governor’s approval.

For more information on the Chamber’s 2024 Legislative Priorities, contact Jared Downs, Vice President of Governmental Affairs, at JDowns@SavannahChamber.com.