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Rules committee previews several bills; SB 1 set for floor, SB 5 and SB 6 presented, SB 24 discussed
Summary
Chairwoman Kirkpatrick presented SB 5 and SB 6; Senator Burns presented SB 24; the committee scheduled SB 1 for the Senate floor tomorrow after a successful motion to place it on the calendar.
The Senate Rules Committee heard brief presentations on multiple bills and set one for the floor.
Chairwoman Kirkpatrick presented Senate Bill 5, describing it as the legislative successor to a prior measure often called the Gold Card legislation. She said SB 5 “creates a fast track for providers who get approved for, insurance prior authorization almost all the time.” Committee members asked no questions and the bill presentation moved forward as informational.
Chairwoman Kirkpatrick also discussed Senate Bill 6, which expands prior law regarding fentanyl test strips to cover additional testing equipment for other street drugs. “This simply broadens it to accommodate, testing equipment for other drugs that, we don't even know are on the street yet,” she said. Committee discussion was limited and no amendment was offered in committee.
Senator Burns presented Senate Bill 24, a measure that would allow—but not require—local jurisdictions to extend a property tax freeze for qualifying historic properties. Burns described the existing eight‑year freeze and said SB 24 would permit local ordinances to extend the freeze up to 20 years for designated historic property; he said the bill “does not impact the revenue of the state of Georgia” and that localities would decide whether to adopt extensions.
Senator Dolezal presented Senate Bill 1, the Fair and Safe Athletic Opportunities Act, which he described as establishing three categories of sport—male, female and coed—and restricting participation based on a biological criterion defined in the bill. Committee members discussed placing SB 1 on the floor. Senator Anderson moved to place SB 1 on the Senate calendar for tomorrow; Senator Beach seconded. The committee called the vote; the chair recorded three opposing votes and the motion to place SB 1 on the floor passed.
Committee leaders said they intend to continue regular rules meetings and urged committee chairs to move department bills promptly ahead of crossover deadlines.
