The Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives summarizes the latest legislative session.

SAVANNAH, Georgia. (WTOC) - The deadline for Governor Brian Kemp to sign the laws passed by Georgia state legislators has expired. Now, the Speaker of the House is summarizing the recent legislative session with WTOC. Among the many bills that were approved by the Georgia House of Representatives, Speaker John Burns highlights the laws concerningschool choice expansionandaccess to healthcare in rural areasas one of the most significant.

Burns, representing part of Effingham County, notes that Bill 13-39, signed by Governor Kemp last month, simplifies the process of opening rural hospitals under certain conditions, such as the training of future medical professionals. "The quality of life in Georgia in terms of healthcare is still not at the level we would like to see it, but we are getting closer to that goal," emphasizes Burns.

In addition, a number of bills have been adopted concerningpublic safetyincluding bill 11-05, which punishes prison guards in Georgia for failing to report the immigration status of inmates.

Some bills that attracted increased attention were not presented to the governor, such asexpansion of the Medicaid programandlegalization of sports bettingThe topics that, according to speaker Burns, may be discussed at the next session. "It is important to understand what frameworks should be established and to carefully consider all opinions – both those in favor and those against," he adds.

Before the lawmakers return to Atlanta for the next session, they will first need to secure their positions, as all seats in the General Assembly are up for election this year. All rights reserved 2024, WTOC.