NEWS

Last week the Georgia General Assembly returned to session on Monday, March 20, Tuesday, March 21, and Thursday, March 23, completing legislative days 36 through 38 of the 40-day session. The legislature will reconvene this Monday, March 27, for legislative day 39. Tuesday, March 28, will serve as the last committee workday of the session, and Wednesday, March 29, will be the final day of the 2023 Legislative Session.

2023 is the first year of the two-year biennium session. So, bills not receiving final passage this year will remain eligible for consideration next year.

Last week there was movement on several pieces of legislation that align with the Savannah Chamber’s Legislative Agenda.

Among those were:

HB 514, the Housing Regulation Transparency Act, passed out of the Senate Rules Committee and should be voted on by the full Senate this Monday or Wednesday. HB 514 does align with the Savannah Chamber’s position on assisting endeavors to construct, renovate, and acquire affordable housing by waiving fees for affordable housing development. HB 514 allows local governments to waive regulatory costs of developing and building single-family housing of less than 2,500 sq feet. HB 514 also states that if a city or county intends to adopt a moratorium on residential development, it will be limited to 180 days in length and may not be extended or renewed until 180 days have passed.

SB 195 remains on hold in the House Rules Committee due to a conflict. SB 195 creates an expedited licensing process of 30 days (from the previous 90 days) for military personnel and spouses. SB 195, passed out of the Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, aligns explicitly with the Savannah Chamber’s long-held position to support proactive military legislation.

SB 112 passed out of the House Higher Education Committee and has been sent to the Rules Committee for consideration. SB 112 would establish a pilot program for individuals who have previously dropped out of school and will provide the needed resources to further their education. This bill creates a pathway for non-traditional students to gain the skills and training necessary to enter the workforce in hopes of helping to address our statewide labor challenges. The program is for individuals at least 21 years of age who would become eligible to receive a Georgia high school diploma upon completion. Additionally, this program would alleviate traditional burdens for adult learners, such as childcare, transportation, and financial challenges.