Committee advances bill to create Georgia Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Senator Davenport presented Senate Bill 108 to the State Planning & Community Affairs committee, saying the measure "basically creates the commission for the blind and visually impaired" and would transfer direction and supervision of blind services now in the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to a new commission appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the House.

The bill’s substitute language includes a requirement that the Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled provide a paid librarian liaison certified by the Georgia secretary of state to the commission to help ensure braille, audio and electronic offerings are widely used. Sponsor statements emphasized the commission’s focus on employment and tailored services for blind and visually impaired Georgians and noted prior attempts to pass a similar provision.

Committee members questioned whether GVRA would continue to operate other vocational rehabilitation programs and whether the funds supporting blind services would "follow the commission." The sponsor and GVRA witnesses said the broader GVRA agency would remain in place while funds tied to blind services would transfer to the commission if the bill became law.

After public testimony and extended debate about administrative costs and svc continuity, a motion to advance the bill to Rules passed following hand and online vote counts; committee leadership announced the motion carried and the measure will go to Rules for further consideration.