Georgia House of Representatives

07/01/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/29/2022 18:25

Reps. Scott, Schofield, Davis Make Constituents Aware of New Laws Effective July 1, 2022

ATLANTA - State Representatives Sandra Scott (D-Rex), Kim Schofield (D-Atlanta) and Viola Davis (D-Stone Mountain) seek to make constituents aware of Georgia's new laws that will go into effect on Friday, July 1, 2022.

"While so much news coverage has been dedicated to life-changing decisions made in Washington, D.C., decisions made by legislators at our own State Capitol will begin to change the lives of Georgians for better or for worse starting this week," said Rep. Scott. "Georgians should begin having conversations with their families, friends and neighbors about these new laws and how it will impact them. Fortunately, House staff have prepared a comprehensive report that will make it easier for families to understand these new laws."

"Many bills signed by Governor Kemp will soon take effect and will positively or negatively impact the lives of all Georgians," said Rep. Schofield. "There still remains a huge disparity when it comes to the passing of true bipartisan legislation. I hope that these new laws can bring the level of oversight, accountability, transparency and honesty that Georgia needs."

"With humble spirits and bipartisan agreements, House Democrats were able to pass legislation that includes many Democratic priorities, such as the Mental Health Parity Act, which will improve the overall mental health system in Georgia," said Rep. Davis. "I want to commend the Democratic legislators who drafted previous versions of this bill and chose to step aside to ensure its passage for the good of Georgians. I am also happy our state will finally increase postpartum Medicaid coverage after Democrats have pushed for more than a decade to expand this coverage to address Georgia's high maternal death rates. Finally, as a veteran, I am grateful that House Bill 1064 will provide income tax exemptions for military retirement income."

Following each legislative session, July 1 is the effective date for bills that do not specify otherwise. More than 150 House and Senate bills and resolutions that were passed during the 2022 legislative session will go into effect this Friday, including House Bill 911, the state's Fiscal Year 2023 budget. Other impactful bills include House Bill 1013, the Mental Health Parity Act, and Senate Bill 338, which will extend postpartum Medicaid coverage to one full year after birth.

The House Budget and Research Office has published comprehensive reports that highlight each bill that will go into effect this Friday. These reports are organized numerically.

To view a report of all legislation effective July 1, please click here.

To view a report of key legislation effective July 1, please click here.

*Editor's Note: A photo of the three legislators is attached. (From left to right: Reps. Scott, Schofield and Davis.)

Representative Sandra Scott represents the citizens of District 76, which includes portions of Clayton and Henry counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2010 and currently serves on the Defense & Veterans Affairs, Human Relations & Aging, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, Science and Technology and Special Rules committees.

Representative Kim Schofield represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2017 and currently serves on the Health & Human Services, Interstate Cooperation, Information and Audits and Small Business Development committees.

Representative Viola Davis represents the citizens of District 87, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves on the Natural Resources & Environment, Insurance, Interstate Cooperation and Science and Technology committees.

###