During the state convention meeting, Debbie Karvey spoke briefly about key public policy issues followed in the Georgia General Assembly legislative session.  In 2013, Georgia AAUW Public Policy supported and was present at the capitol to focus on the following bills:

HB 141 … Human Trafficking Bill (Passed) to provide for posting of hot line resource for victims of trafficking in recognized demographic areas.

HB 142/142 … Ethics bill (Passed) to provide for $75 cap on gifts to legislators from lobbyists as well as greater transparency in expenditure disclosure and reporting.

HB 78 … Elder Abuse Protection Bill (Passed) to strengthen laws protecting a growing vulnerable population by moving all code to the criminal code and to require reporting to both APS and law enforcement.  Additionally the bill now includes definitions of sexual abuse and expands mandatory reporting to include EMT/EMS staff and all health care personnel.  Image of Governor Deal signing bill on May 6, 2013)

HB 272 … Juvenile Justice Bill (Passed) provides for a much needed update to the codes on managing social needs and criminal processes for children in Georgia.

HB 290 … Family Care Act (Not Passed) would require employers offering sick leave to recognize family care needs of the employee.   We will continue to support LWVGA, 9 to 5, Georgia Job Collaborative in this effort.

Georgia AAUW is working to actively engage in lobby and grassroots activity – look for updates and an opportunity to participate as we organize for greater visibility in mission advocacy across the state.  Continue to use The 2 Minute Activist and AAUW resources to follow, support and advocate for women’s issues via AAUW’s website:  www.aauw.org.

Debbie Karvey