A CONSUMER HEALTH ADVOCATE’S GUIDE TO THE 2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

Information for Action 2018

1 2 Contents

About Georgians for a Healthy Future » PAGE 2

Legislative Process Overview » PAGE 3

How a Bill Becomes a Law (Chart) » PAGE 8

Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff » PAGE 10

Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff » PAGE 11

Georgia House of Representatives » PAGE 12

House Committees » PAGE 22

Georgia State Senate » PAGE 24

Senate Committees » PAGE 28

Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations » PAGE 30

Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters » PAGE 33

Advocacy Demystified » PAGE 34

Glossary of Terms » PAGE 36

50 Hurt Plaza SE, Suite 806 , GA 30303 (404) 890-5804 www.healthyfuturega.org ABOUT GEORGIANS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE Georgians for a Healthy Future (GHF) is a nonprofit health policy and advocacy organiza- tion that provides a voice for Georgia consumers on vital and timely health care issues. Our mission is to build and mobilize a unified voice, vision and leadership to achieve a healthy future for all Georgians.

Georgians for a Healthy Future approaches our vision of ensuring access to quality, afford- able health care for all Georgians in three major ways 1) outreach and public education, 2) building, managing, and mobilizing coalitions, and 3) public policy advocacy.

GEORGIANS FOR A HEALTHY FUTURE’S 2018 POLICY PRIORITIES INCLUDE: 1. Increase the number of Georgians with health insurance. 2. Guarantee access to quality health care services for Medicaid and PeachCare beneficia- ries. 3. Ensure access to care and financial protections for consumers purchasing private health insurance. 4. Set and enforce standards that provide for equitable coverage of mental health and substance use treatment services by health plans. 5. Support partners in integrating health and equity in the policies across every sector to address social determinants of health that prevent equitable access to care and equi- table health status.

KEY STAFF CONTACT

Laura Colbert Executive Director [email protected] 404-890-5804 4 Legislative Process Overview

I. HISTORY AND OVERVIEW The has operated since 1777, when Georgia became one of the thirteen original states. The General Assembly consists of two chambers, the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each chamber is elected by Georgia voters every two years. Elections occur in even-numbered years (e.g., 2016, 2018, and 2020). The Georgia Constitution sets the Senate membership at “not more” than 56 senators. The House membership is set at “not fewer” than 180 representa- tives. With a total membership of 236, Georgia’s General Assembly is the third largest in the . The Georgia Constitution also states that the General Assembly begin its session on the second Monday in January of each year, for no longer than 40 total days. Typically, the session runs into late March or early April because the 40 official session days are often not consecutive.

II. HOW DOES A BILL BECOME A LAW? The way a bill becomes a law is called the legislative process. The legislative process begins with an idea that addresses a need or interest in the state. The idea can begin with a legislator, legislative committee, citizen or group of citizens, an advocacy organization, or other group. A legislator decides to sponsor (or own) a bill addressing this need, either with a new law or a bill that will change an existing law. A nonpartisan lawyer in the Office of Legislative Counsel advises the legislator on legal issues and drafts (or writes) the bill.

A) INTRODUCTION AND FIRST READING: Once the bill has been drafted, the legislator files the bill with the Clerk of the House if the legislator is a Representative or the Secretary of the Senate if s/he is a Senator. The Clerk or the Secretary then assigns the bill a number. On the next legislative day after filing, the bill is formally introduced in its assigned chamber (e.g. the House or the Senate). In chamber, the bill’s title is read during the period of 1st readings. Immediately after 1st reading the chamber’s presiding officer assigns the bill to a committee. Bills are usually sent to committees based on subject matter, but the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House have the choice about where a bill is assigned.

5 B) SECOND READINGS (HOUSE): In the House only, on the next legislative day, the House Clerk reads the bill’s title in chamber again. The actual bill is already assigned to a committee. (In the Senate, the 2nd reading comes after a bill receives a favorable report from the committee to which it has been assigned.)

C) COMMITTEE: A committee is responsible for studying the bill. The committee often asks for advice and testimony from experts, and relevant data and information. The committee may take comments from those who are interested in or affected by the bill. During the committee meetings, the bill’s author and other legislators may testify. After considering a bill, committees may:

•  Recommend Bill or Resolution Do Pass—this means that the committee suggests the bill be passed by the full chamber; or •  Recommend Do Not Pass—this means the committee suggests the bill should be rejected by the full chamber; or •  Recommend Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes) — this means the committee suggests that the bill be changed or edited in some specific ways before the full chamber votes to pass it; •  Report without recommendation (in House); or •  Hold Bill—the committee does not allow the bill to move to the full chamber for a vote.

Often, a bill will be sent to a subcommittee, based on subject area. Then the full committee can hold hearings and make revisions. If the full committee approves the bill, it is “reported” to the full chamber. If the committee takes no action on the bill, it “dies.” Final Committee action is reported to the chamber in a written report.

D) SECOND READING (SENATE): Bill is read for the second time on the legislative day following Committee report.

6 E) THIRD READING AND PASSAGE: If a bill is reported favorably by committee, it is returned to the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate. They prepare a General Calendar of bills that have been favorably reported from committees. For the first ten days of session, the chamber’s presiding officer will call up bills from this calendar for floor action. This means the chamber can debate the bill, add amend- ments, or vote on the bill. Beginning the 10th day of session, the Rules Committee meets, chooses bills from the General Calendar, and creates a Rules Calendar for the next day’s floor consideration. During the last 30 days of session, the chamber’s presiding officer calls up bills from the Rules Calendar for consideration by the entire House or Senate. When the presiding officer calls up a bill from the Rules Calendar, the Clerk reads the bill’s title (3rd reading). The bill is now ready for floor debates, amendments, and for voting.

F) TRANSMISSION: If the bill is approved by a majority of the voting membership of that chamber, it is signed by the Clerk or the Secretary and sent—or “transmitted”—to the other chamber for its consideration. The process described above is then repeated. If the second chamber passes the bill, it is returned to the chamber where it started. Most of the time, any important bill passed in one chamber will be changed by the other. If those changes are accepted by a majority of the voting membership in the originating chamber, this bill is approved and ready to be submitted to the Governor.

G) CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: However, if the originating chamber rejects the changes, a conference committee may be formed. A conference committee is comprised of three members from each chamber, appointed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Both versions of the bill will go before the conference committee so that differences can be worked out. In this situation, a bill’s passage requires both chambers to agree to the Conference Committee’s final report. If both chambers accept the Conference Committee report, the bill is approved and may be sent to the Governor.

7 H) GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE/VETO: If requested, a bill may be sent to the Governor immediately after passage. Most of the time, bills go to the Governor following the last day of the legislative session. The Governor may approve or veto (reject) a bill within six days of receiving it while the General Assembly is in session. After the final day of the legislative session, he has 40 days to approve or veto a bill. If the Governor takes no action within that time, the bill becomes a law. If the Governor vetoes the bill, the General Assembly may override the veto with a two-thirds vote by each chamber during the next session. A law becomes effective July 1 of the same year, unless a different date is written in the language of the law.

After a bill has become law, it is assigned to the appropriate state or federal agency to be carried out. At this point, the agency develops rules and policies related to the new law. This provides advocacy organizations, interest groups, and the public with additional opportunities to shape a law’s effect.

III. PUBLIC INFORMATION The Georgia Constitution requires that both the House of Representatives and Senate maintain a journal of their proceedings; the Clerk of the House of Represen- tatives and the Secretary of the Senate keep the legislative records.

The Clerk of the House of Representatives is an officer of the House, elected by a majority of the members of the House for with the same two-year term as the Representatives serve. The Secretary of the Senate is elected by a vote of the Senators for the same two-year term as the Senators serve. Each Office serves as the keeper for all bills, resolutions, substitutions, amendments, records, papers and official documents filed with their respective chamber. Other responsibilities include keeping record of the daily proceedings of the chamber, tallying votes, and certifying all engrossed and enrolled copies of bills.

8 The Office of the Clerk of the House makes copies of bills available to the public. For official records of the House or the Clerk of the House, visithouse.ga.gov/ , call (404) 656-5015, or go to Room 309 in the Capital. Helpful links include:

• House First Readers—resolutions read the first time and referred to committee. Available at house.ga.gov/clerk/en-US/FirstReaders.aspx

• House Daily Status—describes actions taken by the House on all bills and resolutions during the legislative day. Available at www.house.ga.gov/ CLERK/en-US/DailyStatusSheets.aspx

• House Rules Calendar—set by the Committee on Rules, lists bills and resolutions to be read the third time and acted upon by the House. Available at house.ga.gov/clerk/en-US/HouseCalendars.aspx

Like the Clerk of the House, the Office of the Secretary of the Senate provides legislation, applicable votes, and other documents online at senate.ga.gov/sos, or in Room 353 of the State Capitol. These documents include:

• Senate First Readers—a brief summary of all bills and resolutions read the first time and referred to committee. Available atsenate.ga.gov/sos/en-US/ FirstReaders.aspx

• Senate Daily Status—describes actions taken by the Senate on all bills and resolutions during the legislative day. Available at senate.ga.gov/sos/ en-US/2016SenateDailyStatus.aspx

• Senate Rules Calendar—set by the Committee on Rules, lists bills and resolutions to be read the third time and acted upon by the Senate. Available at senate.ga.gov/sos/en-US/SenateCalendars.aspx

• Composite Status shows the bill number, title, committee referral and actions on Senate and House legislation in both chambers. Available at http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Composite.aspx?CompType=S

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Governor may sign Bill is enrolled and bill or do nothing, Act and other laws enacted at the sent to the Governor and bill becomes law. session are printed in the Georgia Laws (if requested). Governor may veto series. Also, act is incorporated into the Otherwise, all bill, which requires Official Code of Georgia Annotated. enrolled bills sent to two-thirds of Act becomes effective the following Governor following members of each July 1, unless a different effective date adjournment sine die. house to override. is provided in act.

Illustrations and Text © 2004 Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The 11 Constitutional Officers & Health Policy Staff

Governor Attorney General 206 Washington Street Christopher Carr 111 State Capitol 40 Capitol Square, SW, Atlanta GA 30334 404-656-1776 (phone) 404-656-3300 (phone)

Key Health Policy Contacts in the Governor’s Office: Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner Ralph Hudgens › Katie Childers, 2 MLK Jr. Drive, West Tower, Ste 704 Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy 404-656-2070 (phone) 404-656-1784 (phone) [email protected]

› Carey Miller, Executive Counsel Labor Commissioner 404-651-7715 (phone) Mark Butler [email protected] 148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE Ste 600 404-232-7300 (phone) Governor’s Office of Planning and Budget: Public Service Commission Chairman › Lee Wright, Division Director, Stan Wise Health and Human Services Division 244 Washington St, SW 404-656-7923 (phone) 404-656-4501 (phone) [email protected] Secretary of State 214 State Capitol Lieutenant Governor 404-656-2881 (phone) 240 State Capitol State Superintendent of Schools 404-656-5030 (phone) Richard Woods 2066 Twin Towers East Agriculture Commissioner 404-656-2800 (phone) Gary Black 19 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-3600 (phone)

12 State Health Care-Related Agency Commissioners & Health Policy Staff Contacts

Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities Commissioner Judy Fitzgerald 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 24th floor 404-657-2252 (phone)

Department of Community Health Commissioner Frank Berry 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 6th floor 404-656-4507 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Community Health: › Lisa Marie Shekell, Director of Communications and Legislative Affairs 404-657-9118 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Human Services Commissioner Robyn A. Crittenden 2 Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 29-250 404-656-5680 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Human Services: › Ashley Fielding, Director Office of Legislative Affairs and Communications 404-656-4937 (phone) [email protected]

Department of Public Health Commissioner J. Patrick O’Neal 2 Peachtree Street, NW, 15th floor 404-657-2700 (phone)

Key Legislative Contacts in the Department of Public Health: › Keisha Dixon, Chief of Staff 404-657-2700 (phone) [email protected]

› Christine Greene, Deputy Chief of Staff [email protected]

› David Bayne, Director of Government Relations [email protected]

1311 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

Representative (D-66) Representative (R-31) 512-D CLOB 217 CAP 404-656-7859 404-656-5126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-42) Beth Beskin (R-54) 409-F CLOB 601-F CLOB 404-656-0116 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-23) Representative (D-143) 131-B State Capitol 509-G CLOB 404-656-5116 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-103) Representative (R-146) 612-H CLOB 501-E CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-0178 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Paul Battles (R-15) Representative William K Boddie Jr (D-62) 401-K CAP 404-C CLOB 404-463-7853 404-656-0109 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-63) Representative (R-72) 411-F CLOB 507-G CLOB 404-656-0126 404-656-0202 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) Representative (R-102) 509-A CLOB 504-A CLOB 404-656-0220 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

D. C. “Dave” Belton (R-112) Representative (D-61) 401-B CLOB 512-A CLOB 404.656.0152 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Karen Bennett (D-94) Representative (D-137) 507-A CLOB 409-A CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-139) Representative (D-77) 607-C CLOB 409-C CLOB 404-656-0287 404-656-0116 [email protected] [email protected] 14 Representative Jon Burns (R-159) Representative Geoff Cauble (R-111) Majority Leader 612-B CLOB 338 CAP 404-656-0325 404-656-5052 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Joyce Chandler (R-105) Representative (R-20) 601-G CLOB 401-F CLOB 404-656-0254 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected] Representative David Clark (R-98) Representative Johnnie Caldwell, Jr. (R-131) 608-C CLOB 402 CLOB 404-656-0298 404-656-5087 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-147) Representative (D-58) 408-C CLOB 512-F CLOB 404-657-1803 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-97) Representative Wesley Cantrell (R-22) 416 CAP 401-E CLOB 404-656-9210 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected] Representative J. Collins (R-68) Representative (R-4) 404-E CLOB 601-E CLOB 404-656-0109 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-18) Representative John Carson (R-46) 504-B CLOB 607-A CLOB 404-656-0188 404-656-0287 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Christian Coomer (R-14) Representative (D-92) 415 CAP 509-D CLOB 404-656-5024 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-43) Representative David Casas (R-107) 436 CAP 601-H CLOB 404-656-5069 » 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

15 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative John Corbett (R-174) Representative (R-29) 508-C CLOB 504-F CLOB 404-656-0213 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Clay Cox (R-108) Representative (D-154) 507-C CLOB 411-H CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative John Deffenbaugh (R-1) Representative (R-30) 507-D CLOB 401-D CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-13) Representative Darrel Ealum (D-153) 245 CAP 409-B CLOB 404-463-2248 404.656.0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pam Dickerson (D-113) Representative (R-104) 611-E CLOB 113 CAP 404-656-0314 404-651-7737 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Robert Dickey (R-140) Representative Earl Ehrhart (R-36) 245 CAP 245 CAP 404-463-2246 404-463-2246 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-45) Representative (R-116) 401-G CAP 245 CAP 404-463-7853 404-463-2245 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-78) Representative (R-144) 512-E CLOB 401-E CAP 404-656-7859 404-656-7855 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-85) Representative (R-121) 507-H CLOB 401-H CLOB 404-656-0202 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-59) Representative (D-126) 604-D CLOB 604-C CLOB 404-656-0265 404-656-0265 [email protected] [email protected] 16 Representative (D-118) Representative (R-67) 604-B CLOB 401-C CLOB 404-656-0265 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-57) Representative (R-151) 604-G CLOB 131-A CAP 404-656-0265 404-656-5105 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dan Gasaway (R-28) Representative (R-8) 612-E CLOB 504-D CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Carl Gilliard (D-162) Representative Meagan Hanson (R-80) 512-G CLOB 612-D CLOB 404-656-7859 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-24) Representative (R-148) 612-F CLOB 401-B CAP 404-656-0325 404-656-7855 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-75) Representative Brett Harrell (R-106) 408-D CLOB 613-D CLOB 404-657-1803 404-463-3793 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-40) Representative (R-150) 218-A CAP 415 CAP 404-656-5943 404-656-5025 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Deborah Gonzalez (D-117) Representative (R-27) 509-C CLOB 508-D CLOB 404-656-0220 404-656-0213 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative J. Craig Gordon (D-163) Representative Michelle Henson (D-86) 607-H CLOB 512-I CLOB 404-656-0287 404-656-7859 [email protected] [email protected] »

17 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (R-3) Representative (D-128) 612-C CLOB 611-H CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-0314 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Scott Hilton (R-95) (R-11) 507-E CLOB 401-H CAP 404-656-0202 404-463-7857 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-161) Representative Jan Jones (R-47) 401-A CLOB Speaker Pro-Tempore 404-656-0152 340 CAP [email protected] 404-656-5072 [email protected] Representative (R-179) 404-F CLOB Representative Jeff Jones (R-167) 404-656-0109 501-G CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0178 [email protected] Representative (D-81) 511-E CLOB Representative (D-53) 404-656-6372 411-D CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0126 [email protected] Representative Susan Holmes (R-129) 501-F CLOB Representative (R-25) 404-656-0178 607-E CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0287 [email protected] Representative (R-170) 245 CAP Representative Vernon Jones (D-91) 404-463-2248 607-B CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0287 [email protected] Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-124) 511-H CLOB Representative (R-16) 404-656-6372 408-A CLOB [email protected] 404-657-1803 [email protected] Representative (D-136) 609 CLOB Representative Dar’shun Kendrick (D-93) 404-656-5058 409-E CLOB [email protected] 404-656-0116 [email protected] Representative Derrick L. Jackson (D-64) 509-F CLOB 404-656-0220 [email protected] 18 Representative (R-114) Representative Howard Maxwell (R-17) 501-C CLOB 402 CAP 404-656-0178 404-656-5143 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Knight (R-130) Representative Tom McCall (R-33) 228-A CAP 228-B CAP 404-656-5099 404-656-5099 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Dominic LaRiccia (R-169) Representative Dewey McClain (D-100) 508-B CLOB 509-B CLOB 404-656-0213 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Brenda Lopez (D-99) Representative Bill McGowan (D-138) 511-F CLOB 511-D CLOB 404-656-6372 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-122) Representative John Meadows (R-5) 501-A CLOB HM-1 CAP 404-656-0178 404-656-5141 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-12) Representative (D-55) 612-A CLOB 511-G CLOB 404-656-0325 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Pedro “Pete” Marin (D-96) Representative Billy Mitchell (D-88) 611-A CLOB 411-A CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0126 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Chuck Martin (R-49) Representative (R-156) 417-A CAP 226-B CAP 404-656-5064 404-656-5115 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-73) Representative Marc Morris (R-26) 607-F CLOB 601-D CLOB 404-656-0287 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected] »

19 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative (D-83) Representative (R-44) 607-D CLOB 401-F CAP 404-656-0287 404-463-7853 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Sheila Clark Nelson (D-125) Representative (R-141) 511-C CLOB 218-C CAP 404-656-6372 404-656-5132 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-123) Representative (R-166) 612-G CLOB 408-B CLOB 404-656-0325 404-657-1803 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-89) Representative John David Pezold (R-133) 611-G CLOB 504-E CLOB 404-656-0314 404.656.0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Chad Nimmer (R-178) Representative (R-155) 401-J CAP 504-C CLOB 404-463-7857 404-656-0188 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-69) Representative (R-32) 417-B CAP 613-B CLOB 404-656-5146 404-463-3793 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-82) Representative Jay Powell (R-171) 604-E CLOB 133 CAP 404-656-0265 404-656-5103 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-142) Representative (R-48) 404-B CLOB 507-F CLOB 404-656-0109 404-656-0202 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Samuel Park (D-101) Representative (D-127) 611-F CLOB 409-D CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0116 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-158) Representative (R-149) 245 CAP 401-D CAP 404-463-2246 404-656-7855 [email protected] [email protected] 20 Representative (R-50) Representative (D-60) 601-B CLOB 509-E CLOB 404-656-0254 404-656-0220 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Paulette Rakestraw (R-19) Representative Sandra Scott (D-76) 501-H CLOB 611-D CLOB 404-656-0178 404-656-0314 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-7) Representative (R-35) Speaker of the House 401-I CAP 332 CAP 404-463-7857 404-656-5020 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-84) Representative (R-34) 512-B CLOB 608-B CLOB 404-656-7859 404-656-0298 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (D-177) Representative (R-120) 411-B CLOB 113 CAP 404-656-0126 404-651-7737 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Jason Shaw (R-176) Representative (R-6) 218-B CAP 612-B CLOB 404-656-7153 404-656-0325 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Deborah Silcox (R-52) Representative Terry Rogers (R-10) 404-D CAP 113 CAP 404-656-0109 404-651-7737 [email protected] [email protected] Representative (R-70) Representative (R-109) 228-C CAP 601-C CLOB 404-656-7149 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected] Representative Michael Smith (D-41) Representative (R-152) 604-F CLOB 218-D CAP 404-656-0265 404-656-6801 [email protected] » [email protected]

21 Georgia House of Representatives in Alphabetical Order

» Representative Richard H. Smith (R-134) Representative Steve Tarvin (R-2) 220 CAP 601-A CLOB 404-656-6831 404-656-0254 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-135) Representative Darlene Taylor (R-173) 404-A CLOB 404-G CLOB 404-656-0109 404-656-0109 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Jason Spencer (R-180) Representative Tom Taylor (R-79) 501-E CLOB 614-B CLOB 404-656-0178 404-656-3947 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-165) Representative (R-37) 604-A CLOB 415 CAP 404.656.0265 404-463-8143 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative Ron Stephens (R-164) Representative “Able” (D-56) 226-A CAP 511-B CLOB 404-656-5115 404-656-6372 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-90) Representative (D-39) 411-G CLOB 512-C CLOB 404-656-0126 404.656.7859 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (D-74) Representative (D-132) 611-C CLOB 611-G CLOB 404-656-0314 404-656-0314 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative David Stover (R-71) Representative Scot Turner (R-21) 411 CLOB 401-G CLOB 404-656-0126 404-656-0152 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-160) Representative Jonathan Wallace (D-119) 401-C CAP 404-G CLOB 404-656-7855 404.656.0109 [email protected] [email protected]

Representative (R-9) Representative (R-172) 614-A CLOB 508-A CLOB 404-656-3947 404-656-0213 [email protected] [email protected] 22 Representative Andrew J. Welch (R-110) 220 CAP 404-656-5912 [email protected]

Representative William “Bill” Werkheiser (R-157) 601-D CLOB 404-656-0254 [email protected]

Representative David Wilkerson (D-38) 409-F CLOB 404-656-0116 [email protected]

Representative (R-51) 132 CAP 404-656-5125 [email protected]

Representative “Coach” Williams (D-87) 507-B CLOB 404-656-0202 [email protected]

Representative (D-168) 511-A CLOB 404-656-6372 [email protected]

Representative Ricky A Williams (R-145) 607-G CLOB 404-656-0287 [email protected]

Representative Bruce Williamson (R-115) 415 CAP 404-656-5024 [email protected]

NOTE: House District 175 is currently vacant. 23 House Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

House Appropriations 245 State Capitol House Health & Human Services Committee 404-463-2247 436 State Capitol 404-656-5069 The main focus of the committee is the writing of the state’s amended and general fiscal year budgets This committee is responsible for legislation that for Georgia’s state agencies and departments. The affects the conditions of safety regulations and committee also hears legislation that has considerable social services for the citizens of Georgia. This impact on state revenue or expenditures. Committee also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical professionals as well as Committee Members: medicinal provisions. Representative Terry England, Chairman Committee Members: Representative John Carson, Representative Sharon Cooper, Chairman Vice Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Lee Hawkins, Vice Chairman Representative Katie M. Dempsey, Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Timothy Barr Representative Robert Dickey, Representative Karen Bennett Chairman of Subcommittee Representative James Beverly Representative Earl Ehrhart, Representative Katie M. Dempsey Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Demetrius Douglas Representative Penny Houston, Representative Karla Drenner Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Spencer Frye Representative Chad Nimmer, Representative Craig J. Gordon Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Buddy Harden Representative Butch Parrish, Representative Matt Hatchett Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Michele Henson Representative Jason Shaw, Representative Scott Hilton Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Henry “Wayne” Howard Representative Andrew J. Welch, Representative Rick Jasperse Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Sheila Jones Representative Ed Rynders, Secretary Representative Trey Kelley Representative Trey Kelley, Ex-Officio Representative Jodi Lott Representative Jay Powell, Ex-Officio Representative Karen Mathiak Representative Billy Mitchell Health Subcommittee Members: Representative Howard Mosby Representative Butch Parrish, Representative Mark Newton Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Don Parsons Representative Lee Hawkins, Representative Allen Peake Vice-Chairman of Subcommittee Representative Jesse Petrea Representative Matt Dollar Representative Betty Price Representative Pat Gardner Representative Jimmy Pruett Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Kim Schofield Representative Jesse Petrea Representative Dexter Sharper Representative Ron Stephens Representative Deborah Silcox Representative Darlene Taylor Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Pam Stephenson

24 House Insurance Committee House Rules Committee 220 State Capitol HM-1 State Capitol 404-656-6831 404-656-5141

This committee deals with legislation concerning all This committee oversees the flow of legislation from aspects of insurance and the insurance industry. passage in committee and making the determination of what bills should be debated and voted on the Committee Members: House floor. Also included in that task is the ap- Representative Richard H. Smith, Chairman proval of guests who are invited into the chambers Representative Shaw Blackmon, Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives to be recognized. Representative John Carson, Secretary Representative Buzz Brockway Committee Members: Representative Johnnie Caldwell Jr. Representative John Meadows, Chairman Representative Park Cannon Representative Brett Harrell, Vice Chairman Representative Heath Clark Representative Richard H. Smith, Secretary Representative Matt Dollar Representative Mandi L. Ballinger Representative Chuck Efstration Representative Tommy Benton Representative Bubber Epps Representative James Beverly Representative Dan Gasaway Representative Jon G. Burns Representative Rich Golick Representative Johnnie Caldwell Jr. Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Christian Coomer Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Sharon Cooper Representative Jeff Jones Representative Katie M. Dempsey Representative Eddie Lumsden Representative Karla Drenner Representative Howard Maxwell Representative Earl Ehrhart Representative John Meadows Representative Barry Fleming Representative Brad Raffensperger Representative Rich Golick Representative Bert Reeves Representative Gerald E Greene Representative Renitta Shannon Representative Matt Hatchett Representative Jason Shaw Representative Lee Hawkins Representative Mickey Stephens Representative Carolyn Hugley Representative Steve Tarvin Representative Mack Jackson Representative Darlene K. Taylor Representative Jan Jones Representative Sam Teasley Representative David Knight Representative Bruce Williamson Representative Chuck Martin Representative Greg Morris Representative Butch Parrish Representative Allen Peake Representative Alan Powell Representative Jay Powell Representative Terry Rogers Representative Ed Setzler Representative Lynn Smith Representative Calvin Smyre Representative Ron Stephens Representative Jan Tankersley Representative Wendell Willard Representative Al Williams Representative Bruce Williamson Representative Robert Trammell. Ex-Officio

25 in alphabetical order

Senator (R-56) Senator (D-44) 110-D CAP 432 CAP 404-463-8055 404-463-5260 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Lee Anderson (R-24) Senator (R-30) 325-B CLOB 121-J CAP 404-656-5114 404-463-2478 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Tonya P. Anderson (D-43) Senator (R-47) 323-B CLOB 121-I CAP 404-463-2598 404-656-4700 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-21) Senator (R-51) 303-B CLOB 421-F CAP 404-463-1378 404-656-9221 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Ellis Black (R-8) Senator (R-16) 304-A CLOB 302-A CLOB (404) 656-3932 (404) 656-0078 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-28) Senator (D-15) 304-B CLOB 431 CAP 404-656-6446 404-656-0074 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-11) Senator (R-7) 305-A CLOB 301-B CLOB 404-656-0040 404-463-5263 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Gloria Butler (D-55) Senator (R-31) 420-C CAP 110-C CAP 404-656-0075 404-656-3943 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-46) Senator Steve Henson (D-41) Majority Leader Minority Leader 236 CAP 121-B CAP 404-463-1366 404-656-0085 [email protected] [email protected]

26 Senator Jack Hill (R-4) Senator John F. Kennedy (R-18) 234 CAP 421-C CAP 404-656-5038 404-656-0045 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-52) Senator Greg Kirk (R-13) 121-C CAP 320-A CLOB 404-656-0034 404-463-5258 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-2) Senator (R-13) 110-B CAP 304-A CLOB 404-463-5261 404-656-3932 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-35) Senator William T. Ligon (R-3) 121-D CAP 121-E CAP 404-463-1379 404-656-0045 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Rick Jeffares (R-17) Senator (D-26) 327-B CLOB 305-B CLOB 404-463-1376 404-656-5035 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (R-25) Senator P. K. Martin IV (R-9) 327-A CLOB 113 CAP 404-656-0082 404-656-7454 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-10) Senator Joshua McKoon (R-29) 420-D CAP 319-A CLOB 404-656-0502 404-463-3931 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator Harold V. Jones II (D-22) Senator Fran Millar (R-40) 323-B CLOB 319-B CLOB (404) 463-3942 404-463-2260 [email protected] [email protected]

Senator (D-6) Senator Butch Miller (R-49) 304-B CLOB 113 CAP 404-656-6446 404-656-7454 [email protected] [email protected] »

27 Georgia State Senate in alphabetical order

» Senator (R-53) Senator (R-17) 453 CAP 113 CAP 404-656-0057 404-656-7454 [email protected] Senator (D-38) Senator (D-36) 121-A CAP 420-B CAP 404-463-8053 404-463-8054 [email protected] [email protected] Senator Bruce Thompson (R-14) Senator (D-42) 302-B CLOB 321-B CLOB 404-656-0065 404-656-5109 [email protected] [email protected] Senator (D-5) Senator Michael “Doc” Rhett (D-33) 121-H CAP 321-A CLOB 404-463-1318 404-656-0054 [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-19) Senator (D-34) 324-B CLOB 420-A CAP 404-656-0089 404-656-5095 [email protected] [email protected] Senator (R-37) Senator David Shafer (R-48) 303-A CLOB President Pro Tempore 404-657-0406 321 CAP [email protected] 404-656-0048 [email protected] Senator (R-45) 121-F CAP Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-12) 404-463-1368 110-A CAP [email protected] 404-463-5259 [email protected] Senator Larry Walker III (R-20) 113 CAP Senator Jesse Stone (R-23) 404-656-7454 325-A CLOB [email protected] 404-463-1314 [email protected] Senator (R-1) 320-B CLOB 404-656-7880 [email protected]

28 Senator John Wilkinson (R-50) 421-A CAP 404-463-5257 [email protected]

Senator Michael Williams (R-27) 324-A CLOB 404-656-7127 [email protected]

Senator (D-39) 305-B CLOB 404-656-5035 [email protected]

29 Senate Committees with Jurisdiction over Health Care Issues

Senate Appropriations 234 State Capitol 404-656-5038

The Appropriations Committee is responsible for proposing legislation that allocates funds to the numerous government agencies, departments, and organizations on an annual basis. With its fourteen sub-committees, Appropriations is responsible for holding hearings as well as approving legislation for a $22 billion balanced budget.

Committee Members: Senator Jack Hill, Chairman Senator Frank Ginn Senator Jesse Stone Senator Renee S Unterman, Senator Tyler Harper Senator Horacena Tate Vice Chairman Senator John F. Kennedy Senator Curt Thompson Senator Steve Gooch, Secretary Senator William T. Ligon, Jr. Senator Blake Tillery Senator Chuck Hufstetler, Senator David Lucas Senator Lindsey Tippins Ex-Officio Senator Butch Miller Senator Larry Walker III Senator John Albers Senator Jeff Mullis Senator Ben Watson Senator Ellis Black Senator Nan Orrock Senator John Wilkinson Senator Dean Burke Senator Valencia Seay Senator Michael Williams Senator Bill Cowsert Senator David Shafer Senator Vincent Fort Senator Freddie Powell Sims

Appropriations Subcommitte, Community Health Committee Members:

Senator John Albers Senator Nan Orrock Senator Renee S. Unterman Senator Dean Burke Senator Valencia Seay Senator Ben Watson

Senate Health and Human Services 121-F State Capitol 404-463-1368

The Health and Human Services Committee considers legislation that affects the conditions of safety regulations and social services for the citizens of Georgia. This Committee also addresses the legal areas surrounding medical professionals as well as medicinal provisions.

Committee Members:

Senator Renee S Unterman, Senator Gloria Butler Senator , Jr. Chairman Senator Bill Cowsert Senator Nan Orrock Senator Dean Burke, Senator Chuck Hufstetler Senator David Shafer Vice Chairman Senator Lester Jackson Senator Larry Walker III Senator Fran Millar, Secretary Senator Greg Kirk Senator Ben Watson Senator Steve Henson, Ex-Officio Senator Kay Kirkpatrick 30 Senate Insurance and Labor 121-E State Capitol 404-463-1383

Primary jurisdictions are insurance, workers’ compensation, and unemployment compensation. Committee jurisdiction also includes child labor, convict labor, labor standards and disputes.

Committee Members:

Senator Burt Jones, Chairman Senator Marty Harbin Senator Renee S Unterman Senator David Shafer, Senator Ed Harbison Senator Larry Walker III Vice Chairman Senator Greg Kirk Senator P. K. Martin IV, Secretary Senator Joshua McKoon

Senate Rules 453 State Capitol 404-656-0057

The Rules Committee establishes the rules for the orderly procedure and placement of bills on the legislative calendar.

Committee Members:

Senator Jeff Mullis, Chairman Senator David Shafer, Senator Butch Miller Senator Jack Hill, Vice Chairman Ex-Officio Senator Horacena Tate Senator Fran Millar, Secretary Senator John Wilkinson, Senator Curt Thompson Senator Bill Cowsert, Ex-Officio Ex-Officio Senator Lindsey Tippins Senator John F. Kennedy, Senator Gloria S. Butler Senator Renee S. Unterman Ex-Officio Senator Steve Henson

31 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contacts for the 2018 Georgia Legislative Session

AAUW of Georgia Feminist Women’s Health Center Georgia Budget & Debbie Karvey Kwajelyn Jackson Policy Institute State Public Policy Chair Community Education & Laura Harker 678-520-2231 Advocacy Director Health Policy Analyst [email protected] 404-248-5445 404-420-1324 x103 [email protected] [email protected] Advocates for Responsible Care Dorothy Leone-Glasser Megan Gordon Georgia Council on Executive Director Public Affairs Coordinator Substance Abuse 404-633-5843 & Lobbyist Dawn Randolph [email protected] 404–941–1196 Governmental Affairs Director [email protected] 678-764-4502 (cell) American Academy of 404-523-3440 (office) Pediatrics, Georgia Chapter Georgia Academy of Family [email protected] Rick Ward Physicians Executive Director Fay Fulton, MHS Georgia Equality 404-881-5091 Executive Vice President Jeff Graham [email protected] 404-321-7445 Executive Director [email protected] 404-523-3070 American College of Physicians, [email protected] Georgia Chapter Georgia Academy of Nutrition Mary Daniels and Dietetics Georgia Public Health Executive Director Kelly Schriver, MS, RD, LD Association 770-965-7606 Executive Director Scott Maxwell [email protected] (404) 539-6667 Governmental Affairs Consultant [email protected] 404-216-8075 American Diabetes Association [email protected] Rebecca Drake Elizabeth J. Appley, Esq. Associate Manager, Community Legislative Counsel Georgia Rural Urban Summit Health Strategies (404) 523-3800 (office) Larry Pellegrini 404-320-7100 x 3040 (404) 877-8772 (cell) Executive Director [email protected] [email protected] 404-483-0719 (office) [email protected] American Heart Association, Georgia Association of Greater Southeast Affiliate Community Service Boards Michael Cortes Robyn Garrett-Gunnoe Government Relations Director Association Director [email protected] (912) 312-3205 O:(678) 224-2085 [email protected]

Georgia Breast Cancer Coalition Fund Amy Upchurch Executive Director (404) 633-6499 [email protected]

32 Georgia Watch Healthy Mothers, Healthy Mercy Care Beth Stephens Babies Coalition of Georgia Tom Andrews Senior Director of Public Policy Elise Blasingame President & Advocacy Executive Director 678-843-8502 404-525-1085 770-451-0020 x 201 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Diana Lewis Liz Coyle Hemophilia of Georgia Marketing & Advocacy Manager Executive Director Jeff Cornett RN MSN 678-843-8509 404-525-1085 Vice President of Research & [email protected] [email protected] Public Policy 770-518-8272 (office) National Multiple Georgians for a Healthy Future 404-210-8861 (cell) Sclerosis Society Laura Colbert [email protected] Heather Breeden Executive Director Manager, SE Advocacy 404-890-5804 Nichelle Sims JD 843-810-6075 [email protected] Associate Director of Research [email protected] & Advocacy Grady Health System 770-518-8272 (office) Parent to Parent of Georgia Matthew Hicks 770-715-8872 (cell) Claire Dees Vice President, [email protected] Community Engagement Government Relations Specialist 404-616-5977 Lupus Foundation of America, 770-451-5484 [email protected] Georgia Chapter 1-800-229-2038 Maria Myler [email protected] Jocelyn Whitfield President & CEO Director, Government Relations 770-333-5930 Karen Addams 404-616-9496 (office) [email protected] Information Services Director 404-420-6917 (cell) 770-451-5484 [email protected] March of Dimes 1-800-229-2038 Emily Jones H-STAT (Health Students Director, Advocacy and Planned Parenthood Southeast Taking Action Together) Government Affairs Porsha White Akshaya Kannan 404-720-5336 Public Policy Manager Advocacy Chair [email protected] 404.688.9300 407-462-8596 [email protected] [email protected] Mental Health America of Georgia Racial Justice Action Center Yosha Dotson Xochitl Bervera Program Outreach Coordinator Director 833-707-3585 404-861-0756 [email protected] [email protected]

»

33 Health Care Advocacy Organizations & Associations Contact Information for the 2018 Georgia Legislative Session

» Susan G. Komen Great Atlanta Cati Stone Executive Director 404- 814-0052 [email protected]

Tamara Susan Nash Mission Manager 404-814-0052 [email protected]

Urban Health Initiative, Emory School of Medicine Carolyn B. Aidman, PhD Associate Director 404-778-1425 678-472-5858 (cell) [email protected]

Voices for Georgia’s Children Erica Fener Sitkoff Executive Director 404-521-0311 (office) [email protected]

Polly McKinney Advocacy Director 678-427-5945 (cell) [email protected]

YWCA of Greater Atlanta Helen Robinson Director of Advocacy 404-835-1650 [email protected]

34 Media: Health Care, State Government & Political Reporters Contact Information for the 2018 Georgia Legislative Session

Associated Press Atlanta Business Chronicle Georgia Public Broadcasting Kathleen Foody Ellie Hensley Radio 404-736-9146 Health Reporter Eric Burns [email protected] 404-249-1064 News Director @katiefoody [email protected] (404) 685-2677 or 404-685-2670 @AtlBizEllie The Atlanta Journal- Georgia Report Constitution Dave Williams Tom Crawford Greg Bluestein Government Reporter 404-522-9127 Governor and state politics 404-249-1044 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] @gareport @bluestein @AtlBizGovt Georgia Trend Jim Galloway Athens Flagpole Susan Percy Political Insider columnist Blake Aued Editor 404-526-5520 706-549-9523 (770) 931-9410 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] @politicalinsidr @BlakeAued STAT Aaron Gould Sheinin Atlanta Magazine Max Blau Legislature and state agencies Thomas Wheatley [email protected] 404-526-5823 [email protected] @MaxBlau [email protected] @thomaswheatley @asheinin WABE News, Atlanta’s Augusta Chronicle NPR Station Chris Joyner Tom Corwin Jim Burress State government watchdog Health Reporter [email protected] reporter tom.corwin@ @jimburress [email protected] augustachronicle.com @cjoyner @AUG_SciMed Lisa Hagen [email protected] Jim Salzer CNHI @TwitrHagen Investigative reporter: state tax, Jill Nolin budget and ethics rules State Government Reporter Johnny Kauffman 404-526-5511 (762) 231-9518 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] @JohnnyIK @jsalzerajc @jillnolin Elly Yu Kristina Torres Creative Loafing [email protected] State government, politics Carlton Hargro @ellywyu and the Legislature Editor In Chief [email protected] carlton.hargro@ @The_KristinaT creativeloafing.com @CarltonHargro Misty Williams Health Reporter 404-526-5610 Gainesville Times [email protected] Joshua Silavent @AJCHealthcare [email protected] @joshuasilavent Ariel Hart Health Reporter Georgia Health News myajc.com and ajc.com Andy Miller (404) 526-7261 404-386-8290 [email protected] [email protected] @gahealthnews 35

ADVOCACY DEMYSTIFIED: Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

AD-VO-CATE (N. AD-VUH-KIT): ONE THAT DEFENDS OR MAINTAINS A CAUSE OR PROPOSAL

Advocacy may seem overwhelming, but it’s a lot easier—and can have a bigger impact—than you might imagine. You already have the knowledge, passion, and commitment to be a successful and effective health care advocate. All you need are the right tools.

THE THREE TENETS OF ADVOCACY: HOOK LINE SINKER

THE HOOK IS THE START OF ANY THE LINE IS WHY THIS ISSUE IS THE SINKER IS WHERE YOU CONVERSATION. IMPORTANT TO YOU. TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE “THE ASK.”

Make sure to tell the legislator (or Is it because of a personal experi- whoever your audience is) who you ence? Do you know someone who Do you want your legislators to are, where you live and why you is affected by a lack of access to support a public policy measure are contacting them. Legislators care? In your professional capacity, that will improve access to health hear from lobbyists all day long but is this an issue that you deal with care in Georgia? Do you want to they don’t always hear from their often? Why do you care and more encourage other partners in your constituents, whom they have a importantly, why should they? The local community to support a duty to represent. line is the opportunity to make this cause? Make sure to ask, “Can I a personal issue and not a vague, count on your support?” He or she anonymous one. may not immediately have a firm answer, but this is an opportunity to spur your target audience to think about the issue more deeply and come up with a reason to support or oppose a solution. It is also a great opportunity to follow up with useful information that can help you make your case. What would you like to see done to make a change?

36

Tools and Strategies for Effective Consumer Health Advocacy

YOU KNOW WHY YOU’RE SPEAKING OUT...NOW HERE’S HOW:

MAKE A CALL, SEND A LETTER, SEND AN EMAIL

Whenever you reach out to a legislator or key decision-maker, make SOCIAL MEDIA sure to include your name, address, why you care about the issue and ask for a concrete deliverable. The power of social networking is that it is a simple way to share your opinions and proposed “Hello, my name is X and I am a constituent of Legislator Y. I want to solutions to basic health care problems with encourage my legislator to support Issue Z because it will improve friends and family and in turn get them thinking my community’s access to affordable, quality health care. Can I count about the issues most important to them. on Y’s support?” Like it, Tweet it, Share it

TELEVISION / RADIO / NEWSPAPER RELATIONSHIPS

See an article about health care that you agree with or disagree with? Writing a letter-to-the-editor to share your opinion and proposed solutions is a great way to maximize exposure for some of the most pressing health care issues across the state. Take opportunities to meet with your local Editorial Board to inform them of key health care issues facing your community.

COMMUNITY-LEVEL ORGANIZATIONS

Are you a part of the local PTA? Do you attend Neighborhood Planning meetings or City Council Hearings? Do you volunteer with your church or other religious institutions? Bringing the challenges and opportunities of the future of our health and health care to these groups and partners brings the people who have the most to gain from a local perspective into the problem solving process, helping ensure its success.

37

Glossary of Terms

Adjournment suspension of formal business until a set date or time in the future

Appropriation money allocated in the state budget to various governmental departments and agencies for their operation

Bill a draft of a proposed law presented for discussion and debate

Calendar an organized list of legislation which has been reported out of committees and is ready for floor action

Caucus a meeting of the members of a legislative body who are members of a particular political party or align based on shared values (e.g. the Rural Caucus or the Working Families Caucus)

Chamber a hall for the meetings of a legislative body (e.g. the Senate Chamber)

CLOB Coverdell Legislative Office Building, located across Mitchell Street from the Capital

Code A systematic and comprehensive compilation of laws, rules, or regulations that are consolidated and classified according to subject matter

Committee a group of legislators appointed to consider and make recommendations concerning disposition of bills, resolutions and other related matters

Conference committee a committee composed of members from the two chambers specifically appointed to reconcile the differences between House and Senate versions of a bill

38

Glossary of Terms

Study committee a committee charged with examining a specific matter or proposal outside of the legislative session

Constituent a citizen who resides within the district of a legislator

Constitutional majority when one party makes up more than two-thirds of the membership of a legislative body

Cross-over Day the final day for a bill to move from one chamber to the other. Bills that do not cross over cannot be passed during that session. Georgia’s Cross-over Day is Day 30 of the legislative calendar.

General Assembly the legislative body, encompassing both the House and the Senate

Law the system of rules that regulate the actions of citizens and may be enforced by government entities

Legislative Counsel serves as legal counsel for the General Assembly and provides services to all members in their official capacities on a confidential, nonpartisan, and impartial basis. Primary responsibilities include drafting legislation, counseling legislators and legislative committees, and issuing legal opinions to legislators on statutory interpretation and constitutionality

Legislative session period of time in which the legislature is convened for purpose of lawmaking. The Georgia legislative session lasts 40 legislative days

Legislator a member of a legislative body elected by constituents within a legislative district

39

Legislature the legislative body of a state. Georgia’s legislature is also referred to as the Georgia General Assembly

Lobbying seeking to influence a politician or public official on an issue

Motion a proposal made to the presiding officer calling for a specific action

Quorum the minimum number of persons who must be present to conduct business either on the floor of the chamber or in a committee. A quorum usually is one more than half of the membership.

Resolution a legislative proposal that does not require action by the governor if adopted by the Legislature. Resolutions are used to recognize accomplished citizens, express an opinion held by the legislature, and establish study committees

Sine Die the last day of the legislative session after which legislative business will be finished. In Georgia, Legislative Day 40 is referred to as “Sine Die”.

Sponsor the legislator(s) introducing a bill. The bill sponsor(s) is “in charge” of the bill and may testify in support of the bill, make changes to reflect stakeholder input, and help to move the bill through the legislative process in each chamber

Statute a written law

Testimony formal comments made to a committee or chamber concerning a bill, resolution, or other matter. Testimony may be made by subject-matter experts, people who will be impacted by a legislative action, industry stakeholders, the bill/resolution sponsors, and others.

40

Veto the action of the governor to disapprove a legislative measure

Well, taking of comments made by legislators in support or opposition to a bill on the floor of a legislative chamber

41 Notes

42 43 Information for Action

50 Hurt Plaza SE, Suite 806 2018 Atlanta, GA 30303 404-890-5804 44www.healthyfuturega.org