Senate committee approves bill letting DOL send benefit notices electronically if applicant opts in

The Georgia Senate Insurance and Labor Committee voted to approve Senate Bill 191 on Feb. 25, allowing applicants for Department of Labor benefits to opt in to electronic service of agency notices while preserving U.S. mail as the default.

The change, sponsored by Senator Sean Steele, gives applicants the option to receive DOL time-limit notices by email or other electronic means; committee supporters said electronic service speeds decisions and reduces turnaround time.

Senator Sean Steele, the bill’s sponsor, told the committee the measure “is a very simple bill” that lets applicants choose between snail mail and electronic service. He said electronic delivery “expedites significantly and shortens the amount of turnaround time to be able to render an opinion.”

Jeffrey Babcock, senior deputy general counsel with the Georgia Department of Labor, told the committee the bill is structured as an opt-in for electronic service and will not conflict with federal rules. “No. No, sir. It isn't. And that's the, why it will be an opt in only electronically, and it will be mailed by default,” Babcock said when asked whether federal requirements might limit the change.

Committee members moved to pass the bill and, after no further debate or amendments were requested, the chairman called for the ayes. The transcript records the committee approving the measure and sending it to the rules committee.

The bill makes a procedural change to how DOL delivers statutorily timed notices; it does not alter substantive benefit eligibility or the statutory time limits themselves. The committee did not ask for further amendments and provided no additional implementation timetable during the hearing.

Senate Bill 191 will proceed to the rules committee for consideration.