--- title: Senate Health and Human Services Committee, March 16, 2026 collection: meetings id: 2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services cite_as: Senate Health and Human Services Committee, March 16, 2026, video https://vimeo.com/1174136624 (machine transcript by Georgia Commons) canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services.md text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services/text source_url: https://vimeo.com/1174136624 date: 2026-03-16 status: machine transcript corpus_version: meetings-2026-10-23-8c15ead0f18d license: Machine transcript and summaries by Georgia Commons from the General Assembly's public video; the video stays on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel; see about.md publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice. up: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16.md previous: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/house-health.md next: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-finance.md index: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/index.md chamber: Senate body: Senate Health and Human Services Committee body_url: https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/senate-health-and-human-services.md meeting_kind: committee session: 2025-2026 Regular Session start_time: 2026-03-16T15:00:00-04:00 location: 450 CAP duration_seconds: 5319.0 video_id: 1174136624 video_title: 03/16/2026 Senate Committee on Health and Human Services agenda_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HHSAgenda3.16.26.pdf bills_discussed: - HB 1374 - HB 1278 - HB 1396 - HB 1329 - HB 1238 - HB 1097 summaries_model: gpt-6.1-sol transcript_turns: 770 transcript_chars: 110971 parts: - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services.md?start=0 - https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services.md?start=59982 --- # Senate Health and Human Services Committee, March 16, 2026 Senate Health and Human Services Committee; March 16, 2026; 2025-2026 Regular Session. Video, on the General Assembly's Vimeo channel: https://vimeo.com/1174136624. Agenda: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/agendas/senate/HHSAgenda3.16.26.pdf. > This is a machine transcript of the General Assembly's video, made by a speech-recognition model. It is not an official record and can mishear words, names, and numbers. Speakers are not identified. The video is the record: every timestamp links to the moment it plays. ## Summary written by Georgia Commons Written by gpt-6.1-sol from the transcript below. It is not part of the record. Quote the transcript or the video, not the summary. The committee recommended passage of six bills. It unanimously approved [HB 1374](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1374), covering health provider payment methods and state contract renewals, [HB 1278](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1278), concerning dental sedation permits, and [HB 1329](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1329), updating drug laws. After debate over reporting requirements for privately funded homeless services, the committee approved [HB 1396](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1396) by a 6-4 vote and rejected an amendment to apply it statewide. The committee unanimously approved [HB 1238](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1238) after adding language about providing services in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible. It also unanimously approved an amended substitute for [HB 1097](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1097), concerning national background checks for people serving vulnerable populations. ## Bills discussed (6) Each account was written by gpt-6.1-sol from the stretch of the transcript it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda. ### HB 1374. Insurance; methods of payment to healthcare providers; provide certain requirements [HB 1374](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1374) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:09:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=548s), turns 2 to 80. The sponsor said [HB 1374](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1374) would require providers to agree in writing before receiving insurance payments through virtual credit cards that carry processing fees. The sponsor said workarounds had weakened earlier legislation and that providers were losing 2% to 5% on payments representing roughly 80% to 90% of their income, contributing to higher fees. A second presenter explained a substitute provision requiring state contract renewals above competitive bidding thresholds to follow the same procurement process as new contracts. That presenter said this would prevent contractors from entering with a low bid and later receiving much larger renewals without competition. In response to a member's question, the presenter confirmed that this was the purpose of the renewal restriction. Another member questioned payment terminology, which the sponsor attributed to legislative counsel's drafting. The chair recorded support from the Medical Association of Georgia and Georgia Dental Association. The committee unanimously recommended passage of the substitute. ### HB 1278. Professions and businesses; improve efficiencies in issuance of permits for dentists to administer conscious sedation and general anesthesia [HB 1278](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1278) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:17:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1049s), turns 80 to 85. The sponsor said [HB 1278](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1278) would allow remote evaluations for dental sedation permits rather than requiring an in-person office visit each time a dentist applies. The sponsor said the Board of Dentistry requested the change because finding dentists willing to leave their practices to conduct visits was difficult, especially in southwest Georgia. The sponsor said the change could increase the availability of sedation permits, which the sponsor described as particularly useful for children with behavioral difficulties or difficulty tolerating dental work. Members asked no questions, and the committee unanimously recommended passage. ### HB 1396. State government; require certain privately funded organizations that operate a shelter or provide outreach services to homeless individuals participate in the Georgia Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) [HB 1396](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1396) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:20:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1209s), turns 97 to 281. The sponsor said [HB 1396](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1396) would require privately funded shelters and outreach organizations operating within 1,000 feet of specified public facilities in Atlanta to report services and recipients through the Homeless Management Information System. The sponsor said better data would help coordinate services and assess public spending. Several members questioned the Atlanta-only scope, costs, consultation with the city, police citations, and government requirements on churches. The sponsor said the obligation would fall on organizations, not the city, churches would be covered, and violations would receive noncriminal citations. The sponsor said Atlanta had been contacted and no objection was known, but Central Presbyterian had not been consulted. The sponsor defended the narrow scope as an incremental rollout and cited concerns about uncoordinated outreach, safety and trash. Supportive members said existing counts were incomplete and better data could identify unmet needs, duplicated services and program results. Other members remained concerned about burdens on charitable work and how the data would be used. An amendment to expand the requirement statewide failed 4-6. The committee recommended passage 6-4. A member then called for a minority report. ### HB 1329. Controlled substances; Schedule I; provide certain provisions [HB 1329](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1329) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:44:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2682s), turns 282 to 340. The sponsor described [HB 1329](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1329) as the annual drug-law update, covering newly altered illicit opioids, newly available medications, drugs for parasitic worms, vaccines and epinephrine. In response to a member, the sponsor confirmed that the bill aligns Georgia's drug schedules with federal schedules. Asked about possible federal changes to THC scheduling, the sponsor said those could be addressed next year. A member asked why the reference to messenger RNA was removed from language about COVID vaccines. The chair and sponsor explained that the broader wording would include all COVID vaccines, including messenger RNA vaccines, rather than exclude that type. The committee unanimously recommended passage. ### HB 1238. Community Health, Department of; submit a waiver request to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to authorize the qualification of certain caregivers for Medicaid reimbursement [HB 1238](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1238) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [0:50:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3005s), turns 341 to 498. The sponsor said [HB 1238](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1238) would direct the Department of Community Health to seek federal Medicaid approval for caregiver support services for families of children under 21 at risk of placement outside the home. The sponsor described children remaining in hospitals or psychiatric facilities after stabilization because families lacked support, and said funding could help families stay together and free treatment capacity. Members asked about agency coordination and timing. The sponsor described meetings with relevant agencies and said the department was already working on the request, with a December 31 deadline. A department witness said the waiver would primarily cover respite care and family training that federal officials would not allow under the state Medicaid plan, with services delivered in home and community settings. One member proposed requiring the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible to meet recipients' needs. Another worried this could limit coverage during an acute crisis. The department witness raised no objection but said application details would govern services. NAMI expressed support. The amendment passed 6-2, and the committee unanimously recommended passage as amended. ### HB 1097. Mental health; criminal background, license status, and registry checks for owners, applicants, and employees of certain mental health facilities; provide [HB 1097](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1097) (2025-2026 Regular Session). From [1:07:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4022s), turns 501 to 768. The sponsor said [HB 1097](https://georgiacommons.org/bills/2025-2026/hb1097) would give the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities national background-check authority omitted when oversight of certain treatment and residential programs moved from another department. The sponsor said checks would cover employees, owners and contractors, and an FBI notification program would flag later disqualifying offenses without repeated checks. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation attorney said the substitute also authorizes national checks for other state agencies serving vulnerable populations. One member raised repeated fingerprinting across agencies and asked about staff qualifications, consent and annual checks. Witnesses confirmed qualification and consent requirements. The sponsor said annual fingerprint checks would burden providers and that specified serious offenses, including controlled-substance offenses, would disqualify workers. Another member questioned immunity for errors that could cost someone a job. A department attorney said the language mirrors existing law and protects agencies from errors originating elsewhere. A third member asked about DNA collection. The GBI attorney said the bill grants no such authority and that changing the fingerprint-based federal framework would require a federal law change. The committee unanimously adopted a missing-word correction and unanimously recommended passage of the amended substitute. > The transcript runs 110,971 characters. A reader that cannot take it at once can read it in 2 parts: part 1 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services.md?start=0; part 2 https://georgiacommons.org/meetings/2026-03-16/senate-health-and-human-services.md?start=59982. ## Transcript (770 turns) [0:08:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=491s) State Senate Health and Human Services committing to order. And if, uh, uh, senator from the coast, uh, Chairman Hodges, number 10. There you go. [0:08:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=503s) Would you pray with me, please? Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the many blessings you've bestowed upon us, Lord, particularly the opportunity to be here today and as a group to tend to the affairs of our state. Lead us and guide us in all we do. Give us wisdom, and these things we ask in Christ's name. Amen. Amen. [0:08:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=525s) Thank you, Senator. We appreciate that. Uh, we have, uh, we're gonna look a little bit out of order here with the, um, uh, the way we're doing the bills today, 'cause we have some people like Appropriations, uh, Chair that's still working on balancing a budget. So we're gonna go with HB 1374. Uh, this is, uh, Chairman Hawkins and, uh, Chairman Tillery. Uh, y'all want to both come up would be fine, and wherever y'all want to be. [0:09:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=559s) And, um ... [0:09:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=567s) So just, uh, let me just sort of set the groundwork today. Uh, we have about, uh, one, two, three, four, six bills if, uh, that we're gonna do today. We, uh, have a limited amount of time, uh, so if we can be as concise. All of these are, uh, uh, a department or agency bills, so they have been ironed out. We have looked at them, uh, from the, uh, from the House and committees and rules and, uh, here and w- we've looked at them again. [0:09:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=598s) We're gonna look at them again today, but, uh, we much appreciate that. Uh, the floor is yours, Chairman, uh, Hawkins. [0:10:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=605s) Uh, thank you, Chairman Watson. Uh, before you, you have, uh, House Bill 1374. This is actually a bill that we passed, uh, I think about eight years ago. I carried it back then. This addresses a, a, a new approach to payment for healthcare providers that was devised where the, uh, insurance company would send the provider, instead of a check, would send them a sheet of paper with numbers to enter into the, uh, credit card machine. [0:10:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=633s) Can, can I interrupt you just for a second? I apologize to the committee and to the audience there. Uh, the reason, uh, Chairman Tillery is there is that we do have a, a substitute and the underlying bill is absolutely unchanged. [0:10:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=646s) Right. [0:10:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=646s) And, and Chairman Tillery will... You're gonna explain your portion of the bill and Chairman Tillery's gonna explain- [0:10:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=650s) Yeah [0:10:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=650s) ... his portion of the bill. [0:10:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=651s) Yeah. [0:10:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=651s) It is in your, um, it is in your folder, and it is, uh, a substitute House Bill 1374, LC 492816 S. So make sure everybody, uh, has that. 492816 S. [0:11:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=666s) Yes. Yes. Right here. [0:11:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=669s) Uh, I apologize. [0:11:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=670s) No, it's okay. [0:11:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=671s) We should- [0:11:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=671s) No. [0:11:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=671s) I, I should've said that from the outset. [0:11:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=674s) No. [0:11:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=674s) All righty. Back to the star witness there. Okay. [0:11:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=677s) Okay. I haven't seen the substitute, so the line I'm, I may refer to may be the wrong line. But, but, uh, the change in this bill from the old method, and the reason we're doing this, is because there were some workarounds that happened and now they're back to sending these, uh, pieces of paper with the credit card dial-in number. And a- again, our providers do not realize that they're actually paying to be paid. And so what, at the end of the year, what that means is our overhead goes up 'cause, uh, we're losing 2 to 5% on about 80 to 90% of all income. [0:11:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=715s) That's where insurance has gotten to. So at the end of the year, you meet with your folks and they say, "Oh, you gotta increase your fees up to here to stay where you were last year." So this is driving the, uh, cost of healthcare. So what this bill does is it says, "Express acceptance makes a clear and direct agreement to the terms of payment method commain- communicated, especially by the healthcare benefit plan to the healthcare provider in writing, in simplifying acceptance of payment method." So in other words, this is an opt-in now, in writing, that the provider or his agent signs, and it stays like that until they change their mind and wanna be charged to be paid. [0:12:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=759s) That's it. And what would I, I, I couldn't hear you. And what would Uh- ... charge to be paid mean? Yeah. If they wanna be charged to be paid, they, they can go ahead and sign up for the, the, uh, virtual credit card. [0:12:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=773s) All right. Uh, do we have, uh, we're gonna let Chairman Tillery, uh, present. Uh... [0:12:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=779s) Well, thank you, Chairman Watson. I appreciate Chairman Hawkins for letting me ride along with him here. You know we've had a debate for a long time when folks enter into state contracts, they have to go through procurement rules, and the procurement rules for entering the contract are different for renewals. So you can enter in, and I'm gonna give you wrong numbers, but they change based on how you're entering the contract. You can enter in if, uh, the department may not have to go through certain procurement, uh, mechanisms if the bid is less than $5,000. So you enter in for $5,000, and then you renew it one year later for $1,005,000. [0:13:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=813s) That has always frustrated me. It has been irritating. I think it's just a, a way to get around state procurement. So what Section 2.1 does, basically says, "If you're renewing and it's gonna be above these amounts, you gotta go through the same process as you had to if you were first getting it." It's just a good government bill. There's nothing else to it, and, uh, hope it will help us stop some of the games that folks think are fun to play with state dollars. [0:14:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=842s) All right. Does anybody, uh, have questions from the committee? Um, so you are on four. [0:14:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=848s) Yes, sir. [0:14:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=848s) Okay. Senator Tillery [0:14:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=851s) Yeah. [0:14:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=852s) Are you attempting to add integrity to government? [0:14:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=856s) Uh, at, uh- [0:14:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=859s) It's a heavy lift [0:14:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=859s) ... I know you did that last week with your Epstein amendment, and I'd like to try to do that with dollars. [0:14:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=863s) Thank you. I appreciate that. [0:14:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=868s) All right, uh, no further questions. Uh- [0:14:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=871s) Mr. Chairman [0:14:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=871s) ... late arriving question here. Please bring that mic up to you. And is that number one, Senator Orrock? [0:14:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=877s) Mr. Chairman, Senator Orrock. [0:14:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=878s) Two. [0:14:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=878s) Two. [0:14:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=878s) Okay. [0:14:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=878s) Uh-huh. Thank you. So is the meat of the, uh, bill, is it the, the paragraph A on the last page, 167, no contract for any purchase that was effectuated without competitive bidding solely because the contract price did not exceed it. Um, it, it- can you explain that paragraph? Uh- [0:14:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=897s) Yes, ma'am [0:14:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=897s) ... uh, it l- looks like it might be the heart of it. [0:14:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=899s) It, y- you're absolutely right, Senator Orrock. If you could enter into the contract, not have to go through competitive bidding, we're not gonna let you renew the contract above competitive bidding prices- [0:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=910s) Mm-hmm [0:15:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=910s) ... simply 'cause you were in. There are different rules once you're- [0:15:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=913s) That's it [0:15:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=913s) ... the, the contractor. That, that- [0:15:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=915s) So that's it. [0:15:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=916s) Yeah, you shouldn't be able to, uh, game the system to lowball to enter in, and then explode on the backside through no-bid ways. [0:15:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=924s) Mm-hmm. Thank you. [0:15:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=927s) All right, any further questions? If not, I'm happy to entertain a motion. [0:15:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=930s) Mr. Chair, one more. [0:15:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=931s) Okay. [0:15:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=931s) Yeah. [0:15:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=932s) Oh, I'm sorry. Four. [0:15:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=934s) Um, Mr. Chair, on line 39, I just wanna be clear, where it says, "Method communicated explicitly by the health benefit plan," health, health being the right word and not healthcare benefit plan, is that correct? 'Cause I noticed health- [0:15:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=946s) Oh, yes. It's healthcare [0:15:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=947s) ... healthcare. [0:15:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=947s) Yes, healthcare. [0:15:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=948s) Okay, so the, the word there is health. Should that be healthcare on, uh- [0:15:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=953s) Well, it is followed plan to the healthcare provider, so health benefit. Uh, legally, that's the way they, they- [0:15:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=959s) That, that was, that was my question, doctor- [0:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=961s) Yeah [0:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=961s) ... since I, since- [0:16:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=962s) Mm-hmm. [0:16:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=963s) Thank you. I appreciate that. [0:16:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=964s) It was legislative council. [0:16:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=965s) Yeah. [0:16:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=966s) Mm-hmm. [0:16:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=967s) But thank you for the... Yeah, just trust the professionals. [0:16:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=971s) Yeah. All right. I make a motion. All right, uh- I second. Yeah, looks like we got a motion and a second maybe. I mo- motion that we do pass. All right. Motion do pass. And let's see. And we have a second? Yep. [0:16:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=993s) Just wanna make sure. So we have a motion to do pass 492816S, and, uh, I have a second. Any further discussion? No discussion. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed like sign. Passes unanimously. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, appreciate it. You're welcome. Thank you. And did we- Thanks again. Did we decide Tillery's gonna be carrying this, I presume. [0:17:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1021s) Okay. [0:17:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1021s) Okay. [0:17:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1021s) I'll, I'm happy to if you want me to. [0:17:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1022s) Thank you. All righty. So, um, we're gonna ask, uh, the... And you know, I presume that the folks who signed up to speak for that, uh, apologize, uh, were speaking in favor. Yes. Okay. I, I apologize. It is entered that, uh, MAG and GDA both are in favor of that. So next bill is, w- since, uh, Chairman Hawkins is in that seat, we're gonna do 1278, let him get that done and get on his way. [0:17:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1053s) Thank you, sir. 1278 addresses an issue that was brought to me by the Board of Dentistry. Right now, uh, per code, each time a dentist applies for a sedation permit, it requires an insight visit. That means a dentist goes to the d- dental office. They're having trouble now finding dentists going to, especially the Southwest, and losing a day out of their office to do these sedation permits. And, you know, time has changed, and you can do these by, uh, uh, Zooms and, and things like that. [0:18:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1086s) So this is, um, th- they've asked, uh, f- for, for the consideration of this. We feel like it will increase the number of sedation permits, which are primarily used for those, uh, young folks with behavioral, uh, problems and some young kids that just can't stand to sit still or have anybody, you know, work on their mouth. That's the bill. [0:18:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1110s) Uh, do we have questions from the, uh, from the committee? No questions. Uh, all righty. It's, it's not that many words. You're correct. It's pretty straightforward. And, uh, anybody have a motion- Do pass ... to pass from Chairman, uh, Robertson. Second. Senator Mangham is second, and this is LC 521018, and we have a do pass. All those in favor say aye. Aye. Aye. All those opposed like sign. [0:19:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1142s) Passes unanimously. All righty. [0:19:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1145s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, committee. [0:19:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1146s) Mr. [0:19:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1152s) Chairman. [0:19:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1163s) Mm-hmm. [0:19:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1164s) Uh, uh, just real quick. [0:19:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1168s) Yes. [0:19:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1168s) Russ Goodman, I wanted to share that, uh, longtime chair of, uh, the, the House, uh, Committee on, uh, Health, Buddy Childers, uh, has, uh, has just passed away. [0:19:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1181s) Mm. [0:19:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1181s) He, he run for, uh, he was the chair probably for 25 years or so. [0:19:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1187s) I'm sorry to hear that. [0:19:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1191s) Yeah. Uh, I appreciate the opportunity. Thank you. [0:19:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1193s) Thank you. Thank you for doing that, Senator Orrock. [0:20:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1206s) All right, um, Leader Estraian, House Bill 1396. [0:20:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1214s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman, members of the committee. This is LC560608 as passed in the House. Over the past few years, the General Assembly's made substantial investment in addressing the unsheltered homelessness problem, particularly in the city of Atlanta. Uh, there have been substantial funds expended of local, state, and federal dollars, including in our budget this year. Um, I've worked on this issue for several years, and this, I view, as the next step in the process, which really revolves around the data collection component. [0:20:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1251s) So all, um, organizations receiving state funds must enter into the HMIS. It's a Homelessness Management Information System administered through DCA, those who are being served and the nature of the service. What this would require on a very limited scale, it would just be within the city of Atlanta and just, uh, for private organizations administering outreach services or operating a shelter within 1,000 feet of certain, um, public facilities such as schools, universities, um, that they too would have to, have to enter into the HMIS system. [0:21:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1297s) Now, this is important, I believe, because number one, we wanna make sure that, uh, state funds that are being expended are spent as efficiently and effectively as possible. But in my mind, more importantly, that unsheltered homeless individuals are actually receiving the services that they need. And having the data so that we can better analyze, um, what, uh, services they are receiving, I think is critical for that analysis. Be happy to answer any questions, but I tried to draw the bill so that it would just narrowly apply to have this limited focus and data set for future analysis. [0:22:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1337s) Thank you. [0:22:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1338s) Any questions from the committee? Uh, Senator Merritt, uh, you're on the- [0:22:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1343s) I'm on 11. [0:22:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1343s) 11. Thank you. [0:22:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1345s) Um, thank you, Representative. Uh, I have a few questions. Number one, why are we targeting just the city of Atlanta? If we wanna make... If we wanna really address homelessness, I think this would be a statewide. You are asking for state money. And does the city of Atlanta know- [0:22:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1362s) So, uh- [0:22:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1362s) ... or worked with them on this? [0:22:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1363s) So initially, the, um, uh, previous draft was much more broad, and my concern is that there may be unintended consequences or private organizations captured in other parts of the state. As we're rolling this out, I think that initially doing it just within Atlanta and just within these, um, for these limited locations within 1,000 feet of, uh, certain facilities, I think is a more limited means by which to ensure that these nonprofit organizations, you know, organizations not receiving government funds aren't, um, unintentionally captured. [0:23:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1401s) That if we have a limited area in which this applies, it would allow us to incrementally put this in place. [0:23:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1409s) Okay. My next question is, wouldn't this be an unfunded mandate for the city of Atlanta? And have we even looked to see if how this impacts like training, support, technical, anything? And again, my question is, have you checked with the city of Atlanta on this at all? [0:23:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1425s) So, uh, the city of Atlanta has been contacted about this legislation, as I understand, and although I've not heard it directly from them, they have no objection that I'm aware of to it. To answer your, your, the first part of your question, it's not an unfunded mandate because what we're dealing with are pr- are organizations that would be choosing to provide these outreach services. There's no obligation on the city. And to ensure that, uh, these well-meaning organizations, I mean, my, my heart goes out to... They're not, these people are trying to help. [0:24:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1456s) But that there wouldn't be a characterization that it would be some sort of criminal violation. So the, it, uh, it states here that it's a, a, it would just be subject to a non-criminal citation. [0:24:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1468s) Okay. This has to do with lines six and seven. [0:24:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1470s) Yes, ma'am. [0:24:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1470s) You have, um, that, um, never mind. There are non-crim... This is a non-criminal citation is necessary instead of a senate, a civil administrative process. Can you explain that? That's on the line six and seven, I think. [0:24:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1485s) Yeah, the intent there was to, in working with legislative council, the intent was to just ensure it would not be a criminal citation, that no one would be charged criminally based upon, uh, this requirement. Um, as far as a, I, I think you may be talking about- [0:25:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1501s) A civil administrative process is what it is. [0:25:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1502s) Yes, ma'am. I mean, I, I'm a former prosecutor, but I'm not sure I really... It seems to me this is as light a touch as you can give, that effectively they would get a warning if they, if they weren't using the system. [0:25:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1518s) Chairman Robertson. [0:25:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1519s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Leader, thank you for bringing this legislation forward. Would this be applicable to churches that provide those services that you're talking about? [0:25:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1528s) Yes, sir. [0:25:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1528s) Okay, because what we have found is that there tends to be a lot of individuals congregating in those areas. And when we look to provide services for the state, would you not agree that a lot of times we miss the data in order to understand exactly how big the problem is? [0:25:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1542s) Yes, sir. I absolutely agree. [0:25:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1544s) Okay. Thank you. I appreciate that. [0:25:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1545s) Thank you. [0:25:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1545s) And, and there was a question asked about the impact on the city of Atlanta. The impact would actually be on the organization that was offering the service, right? To where they would need to be reporting this information. [0:25:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1555s) Yes, sir. [0:25:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1555s) It wouldn't, it wouldn't be the city of Atlanta's responsibility, would it? [0:25:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1559s) That's exactly right. Correct. [0:26:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1560s) Thank you. [0:26:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1560s) It would not be the city of Atlanta's, uh, responsibility. [0:26:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1563s) Thank you. [0:26:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1564s) The city of Atlanta works with these organizations. [0:26:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1567s) All right. Uh, Senator Allrant. [0:26:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1570s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, I, I, I have a great time to speak to the author. Before we convene the, uh- [0:26:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1580s) Senator Orrock, you mind grabbing that mic a little bit closer? [0:26:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1582s) Sure. Thank you. Um, I, I, I'm concerned about this bill because it, um... Are we drawing a bill here to, um, address the situation at the capital? Is it people inside the capital that are concerned about what's happening a- across the street? I mean, that we have Central Presbyterian has an outreach center, uh, and offers a lot of services to, to homeless, uh, people. And, uh, the, uh, senator just mentioned, uh, people congregating. [0:26:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1616s) What, what are we trying to... Why are... What is this heavy hand of the law on private organizations? [0:27:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1622s) Sorry, is that a question there? [0:27:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1623s) Yeah. Uh, what are- [0:27:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1624s) Okay [0:27:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1624s) ... what, what, why are we using the heavy hand of the law and, and, a- and having- [0:27:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1629s) All right. So we got it. All right [0:27:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1630s) ... to, to, uh, of the, of... What does the language say? Um, um, issuing a citation by a police person, a policeman, for a violation, and the violation is not entering something into a database? Uh, it's just this, this, uh, kind of eludes me as to where, what we're, where we're going with this. [0:27:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1651s) What we're trying to capture is organizations that may be outside of Atlanta that are coming to Atlanta to provide outreach services and who, um, may not be providing data, uh, well, are not providing data, which is critical so that service, so that organizations to assist unsheltered homeless, uh, can use those, um, use those dollars most effectively, that the state, which is, uh, appropriating dollars, the, the taxpayers funds are using most effectively. [0:28:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1684s) And that, as I've said previously, that unsheltered homeless are receiving the services that they need. [0:28:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1691s) Well, if, uh, if I'll allow them to have a couple more questions. [0:28:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1693s) You can. Wait, hold on just a second. Got Chairman Kirkpatrick over here. [0:28:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1700s) Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, just a couple things. So DCA would be accountable for administering, they administer the HMIS? [0:28:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1709s) They already do. [0:28:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1710s) 'Cause I think we all know we've seen a lot of struggles with the PIT count that happens in January every year, and, uh, that data is very incomplete across the state. [0:28:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1721s) Completely agree. Yes, ma'am. [0:28:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1722s) So, um, is this, would this help us with getting more information more consistently? [0:28:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1729s) Yes, it would. And it, and it would help to, I think, also track the unsheltered homeless individuals who are receiving those services as well as the organizations that are providing that support. It'd help in both ways. [0:29:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1746s) Senator, Senator Mangham. [0:29:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1749s) Thank you, uh, Mr. Majority Leader. [0:29:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1753s) Yes, sir, Senator. [0:29:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1755s) Um, are we, are we targeting persons who are only receiving private funded organizations that are only receiving government state funds? [0:29:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1767s) Yes. [0:29:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1767s) Or is this any church? If my church wants to go out here and feed 11 people, am I going to be required to register in this, in this, uh, registry? [0:29:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1779s) If you're receiving state funds, you're already required. This would capture organizations that aren't receiving government funds that are providing the services within this limited area, these outreach services within a limited area. And you can see it here. It's medical care- [0:29:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1794s) Yeah [0:29:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1795s) ... clothing, food, or shelter. [0:29:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1798s) So just follow- [0:29:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1799s) Hold, hold on. Hold on, Chairman. Senator Mangham, you have one more question follow up there? [0:30:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1806s) I, I, I, I need to get kinda clear on this. I'm very, very troubled with the government stepping into... There is a separation of church and- [0:30:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1814s) Is there a question here? [0:30:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1815s) Yes, sir. [0:30:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1816s) All right. Let's go. [0:30:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1817s) I'm very troubled by this legislation requiring a private church, for example, to register or the, the, the government requiring them to do anything, and I'm trying to understand what is it you're try- what data are you requiring and for what purpose? [0:30:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1834s) Yes, sir. [0:30:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1834s) What is the com- whether it's compelling or otherwise? [0:30:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1837s) Yes, sir. So the short answer is, in my meetings with, uh, with the City of Atlanta and with leadership of the City of Atlanta, a big problem is that well-meaning organizations will come into Atlanta and will, say, hand out food, which then leaves trash everywhere, which then makes it impossible for the city to know the individuals who have been served. I mean, we're talking about all kinds of different services that are being offered without any planning in advance, without any permit to offer those, with concern as to the safety of, uh, these outreach services that are being provided. [0:31:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1873s) There's no oversight whatsoever. These are organizations that are well-meaning, who I am not, uh, trying to, uh, trying to cast doubt on their well intention, but it is an issue for the City of Atlanta right now that these folks are coming into Atlanta and doing these things. And so the first step, I'm not seeking to criminalize that. I'm not seeking to take any punitive steps toward these well-meaning, often faith-based organizations whatsoever. [0:31:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1904s) All we're saying is that we just need to track the da- we need some data as to what is being offered and to whom it is being given. [0:31:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1912s) So, so am I to understand- [0:31:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1914s) Um, you know- [0:31:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1914s) ... you need data to determine who is causing trash? [0:31:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1917s) There's, there's all ki- I invite you to talk to the s- [0:32:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1920s) I, I think, listen, I'm not, I'm not going back and forth here. So anybody? Sally Harrell? No, I'm sorry. [0:32:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1925s) Follow-up question. Yeah. So I'm- [0:32:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1926s) Chairman Harrell [0:32:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1927s) ... trying to figure out what you're trying to get at. Um- Collecting data is good 'cause it documents the problem. Is that correct? [0:32:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1935s) Yes. [0:32:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1936s) Okay. So why wouldn't you collect it from everyone then? Why are you targeting just- [0:32:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1941s) Mm-hmm [0:32:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1941s) ... organ- private fundly- funded organizations that are 1,000 feet from a school, a childcare center, or a public park? [0:32:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1949s) First of all, we, a- as I said earlier, uh, those receiving government funds are already doing it. The issue is that within certain areas, that those are not, uh, we, we don't have a means currently to track that or to get that data if it's pri- if it's a privately funded organization providing the outreach services. So the idea was to do this on a very limited scale in a very limited area so that it could be monitored, and that frankly, the folks providing these services could be informed and educated about the HMIS system so that they could begin to implement it. [0:33:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1984s) So choosing to do it for only organizations that are 1,000 feet from a school, a park, or a childcare is just- [0:33:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1990s) And privately funded [0:33:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=1991s) ... to make it, and privately funded, is just to make it small? No other reason for why you're targeting things that, or services that are close to these categories: childcare, school, park? [0:33:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2003s) So the reason that comes to mind for me is you can quickly identify organizations that may be doing it within certain proximities within the Atlanta area, and say, "Okay, you have a shelter in this location. Here's the HMIS system. Maybe you aren't familiar with it. Here's how we can get you logged into it. Here's how you can begin tracking that data." The idea was if you did it on a very small scale and helped these well-meaning organ- organizations to get into the program, that that would help to streamline that process. You wouldn't have a huge... You know, if we try to just do this, require it statewide everywhere, that would be incredibly problematic. [0:33:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2037s) If we can do it on a much smaller scale and be helpful, I mean, I want... I don't wanna thwart, stop these good deeds that are being done. I just want to, um, to help ease them into the data, this data system which is already established so that we can get that information. [0:34:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2054s) You can do that under discussion if you want to. All right, Senator Orrock, you wanna circle back here? [0:34:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2060s) I do, because I had, had- [0:34:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2061s) There you go. You got it. [0:34:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2063s) Thank you. I had, I had not finished the points that I wanted to inquire about. Um, [0:34:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2071s) this language is, is true, places organizations in a, a, a, th- a, a violation posture. I mean, you, it, it, it seems like it's coming down on organizations, uh, as though they're a perpetrator of some sort, when they are out of the goodness of their heart, uh, trying to offer services to those in need. Um- [0:34:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2095s) Senator, I adamantly disagree. This, this, I have worked very hard to make it clear that this is in no way to prosecute or pursue well-meaning organizations. This cite, non-criminal citation is language with which I think what you just said is clearly not the case in this bill. [0:35:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2116s) Have you, uh, spoken with the Central Presbyterian, uh, leadership about th- the, this approach? They, they're l- right across the street and have conducted for over 25 years the kinds of programs of delivering services. [0:35:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2130s) I have not spoken to Central Presbyterian. What I would just say is the objective in- and intent here is to capture, in many cases, organizations which are not located in Atlanta, but come to Atlanta and are a source of complaints or are, are a source of issue and consternation for the city of Atlanta because they are outside or they're organizations outside of the city that come into Atlanta and provide services without, uh, the proper process being followed to provide those services, and, and with a real impact to the city. [0:36:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2162s) Thank you. [0:36:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2162s) So there's a process being violated by them, you say? S- th- they're not following the proper process now? [0:36:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2167s) Right. If you... Look, again, I, what I... All right. I, I really, um, do not, I, I think any attempt to characterize this as, uh, looking at folks who, charitable organizations looking to do good as this being in opposition to them, I think is very unfair. What I would just say is this, that organizations may come in and, say, hand out food and do not follow the city of Atlanta's process or offer other services that don't follow the city of Atlanta's process that's in place to provide those services, and it's being done to individuals, unsheltered homeless individuals who I think, uh, we need to be assured are going to be safe, and that, um, and so step one is to provide the data. [0:36:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2216s) Rather than just the onus being on the police or a code enforcement officer to go out and simply say, um, you know, "You can't do this. It's a violation of Atlanta's city code," step one is to get the data, get them participating in the HMIS system so that we can ensure that that's part of the overall plan for how we serve and assist unsheltered homeless. [0:37:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2238s) I think that's, uh, v- very laudable. Really appreciate that. I'll recognize- [0:37:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2241s) Yes, follow up [0:37:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2241s) ... we'll get that in discussion. Chairman, uh, Robertson. [0:37:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2244s) Yes, Mr. Chairman. Um- [0:37:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2248s) Supervisory [0:37:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2248s) Recognize him for a motion. [0:37:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2250s) At the r- at the right time, Mr. Chairman, I'd like to make a motion to pass. [0:37:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2252s) It is the right time. [0:37:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2253s) Thank you. [0:37:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2253s) And- [0:37:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2255s) Second [0:37:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2255s) ... second from- [0:37:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2256s) Senator Cowsert [0:37:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2257s) ... Senator Cowsert, and now is the time for further discussion if you have it, 'cause this is what this is boiling down to, discussion. I'll recognize you, Senator Merritt. [0:37:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2264s) So I have another question, uh, first. [0:37:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2265s) Uh, you know what? We're out of questions. This is discussion, 'cause that's what it's been anyway. Let's do it. [0:37:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2269s) Okay. Well, I'll, I'll discuss it with you. This is my discussion where this is my issue with this bill. Again, I understand the city of Atlanta is working with these organizations. I think we're all in agreement there. I'm clear on that as well. However, has the City of Atlanta expressed any widespread failures? Are they asking for this data collection? Uh, I have concerns that you have not properly engaged with the city. [0:38:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2292s) We- [0:38:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2292s) I have not heard, uh, I don't think anyone from the city has come here to testify that they're seeing failures in these organizations in the city of Atlanta, and I also have an issue with us targeting- [0:38:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2301s) Senator Merritt, we, we all appreciate what you have- [0:38:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2303s) ... a specific city- [0:38:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2304s) We certainly agree with your thoughts [0:38:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2305s) ... and not make it a widespread- [0:38:26](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2306s) All right. Senator Manaham [0:38:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2309s) We, I mean, listen, we got it. You, you disagree with that. We got that loud and clear. Chair. There you go. [0:38:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2315s) I, I, I'm very puzzled. My colleague to my left seems to know a little bit more than I do about the proper procedures, and I'm very... I have so many questions that it's ridiculous. I have served meals on these streets to homeless people, and me personally, I have given out more than 11. So I can see myself being in violation. I don't even know the process. We have a problem, Mr. Chairman, with homelessness. I, I abhor, in fact, I from the well spoke of it when I first got here, that I don't like passing by people sleeping under the bridges. [0:39:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2351s) We need to do something about it. But I don't know what the purpose of this data is, how it will be used, and what the, what these, quote-unquote, "proper," the failing to follow the proper proc- process- [0:39:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2365s) Understood [0:39:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2365s) ... what is the process? [0:39:26](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2366s) All right. We appreciate that. [0:39:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2368s) And, uh, I need to be educated. [0:39:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2370s) I, I do, I do have a, I have a follow-up with that. With Senator, our vice chair- [0:39:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2374s) So- [0:39:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2374s) And just listen here. [0:39:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2376s) Yeah, if you look at the DCA website on the HMIS, the purpose is to generate an unduplicated count of homeless individuals and analyze needs and prevent duplication of services and measure outcomes. So, I mean, I think we're, we've got big holes in our data. We keep throwing money at homelessness and not making enough progress. [0:39:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2399s) Resolution number 21. [0:40:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2401s) So I'm just, uh, there is a reason that this thing exists and to try to, um, uh, we've got a system that is not working very well now, and part of the problem is we don't have good data on who's providing what, and are they making progress? Do these programs work? So that's, that's what it says on the website. [0:40:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2422s) Mr., Mr. Chair, and to the committee, I vi- I was, I sat as the vice chair of the Committee on Homeless and Unsheltered, and what we discovered really quick is the January pick does not give us the absolute numbers. So we made a recommendation for an August pick, a January and an August pick, so we could find out who's out there living unsheltered or homeless at the coldest and at the hottest time. We made that recommendation, and none of the cities took that recommendation, including the City of Atlanta. I drive here every morning from where I s- where I'm s- living when I'm here in Atlanta, and I drive past homeless people outside and next to places that are supposed to be providing services. [0:41:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2461s) But every time we brought somebody in front of that committee and asked them for a number, how many homeless people were in the City of Atlanta and how many homeless people were in the other parts of Metro Atlanta, nobody could give us good numbers. Everybody was making estimates. But most of them were asking for some kind of help. Um, and I think that we have had failure. There's a man, a homeless man, who died in the City of Atlanta within the shadows of a church. Let that sink in for a minute, because I know everybody wants to walk right past it and act like it just happens everywhere, but it doesn't. [0:41:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2496s) And we have somebody that comes up here, gives us an opportunity to get data so that we can make educated decisions, and we shouldn't take everything as an attack when people come up because they happen to mention the City of Atlanta. I think this is good, I appreciate it, and I look forward to working, uh, with the, uh, with the leader and others who want to make things better and hopefully get something like this through. [0:41:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2519s) I have a motion. Mr. Chairman. [0:42:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2523s) Uh. [0:42:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2523s) Motion to amend. [0:42:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2527s) Oh. You're number 11 here. [0:42:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2529s) Yes, sir. [0:42:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2530s) Okay. [0:42:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2530s) I have a motion to amend where it says City of Atlanta to make it statewide. Um, if, if I agree with you, we have a homelessness problem- [0:42:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2538s) So you have a, you have the words for that? So you wanna- [0:42:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2540s) I, I, if, leg counsel can, uh, make those words and strike where it says City of Atlanta and make it statewide for the State of Georgia. That's what I would like. I agree with you. [0:42:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2550s) And, uh- [0:42:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2550s) We have a homelessness problem. We have one- [0:42:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2552s) I'm listening to your- [0:42:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2552s) ... in Gwinnett County. It's not just- [0:42:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2553s) I'm- [0:42:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2553s) ... in the City of Atlanta [0:42:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2554s) I'm opposed to it. [0:42:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2555s) Okay. [0:42:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2556s) But, uh, it's line 56 to 60 that restricts it to Atlanta. [0:42:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2561s) Okay. And you have a s- [0:42:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2561s) Line 13. [0:42:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2562s) Is there a s- is there a second? [0:42:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2568s) Am I 13? [0:42:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2569s) Yes. [0:42:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2569s) 10 miles or so. [0:42:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2569s) It fails. Fails or- [0:42:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2569s) I don't think they heard, I don't think they heard you. [0:42:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2570s) Oh, I'm sorry. Is there a second? [0:42:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2572s) Second. [0:42:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2572s) Second. [0:42:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2573s) Sec- [0:42:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2573s) Okay. And, um, so all those in f- all those in favor of the amendment, uh, raise your right hand. [0:43:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2586s) That's four. All those against the amendment, raise your right hand. [0:43:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2593s) Six. One, two, three, four, five, six. Six, four, it fails. Or four, six, it fails. Thank you. Um, so looks like, uh, there's been a motion, seconded, and all those in favor, raise your right hand. One, two, three, four, five, six. All those against. One, two, three, four. Thank you. All right. Thank you, uh, leader. Really appreciate you bringing that. And, uh, I mean, I think this helps delineate who is homeless, and, uh, hopefully we can help these people. [0:43:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2628s) I think that's your ultimate goal, and I really appreciate that. Hopefully, this will, uh, give us some, a better data that we can work on. Thank you much. [0:43:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2634s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, members. [0:43:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2638s) Minority report [0:44:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2676s) All right. My chairman of my delegation, Representative Ron Stephens, HB1329. [0:44:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2687s) All right, and, uh, the floor is yours. But we're talking, let's see, let's make sure we got the right, um, LC650071. [0:44:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2698s) Yes, sir. [0:44:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2699s) And this, uh, looks like the annual cleanup bill. Um, the floor is yours. [0:45:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2706s) A- and to make sure that I... I'll talk quickly so before we lose a quorum, Mr. Chairman. This is the annual cleanup bill, the drug update bill. Uh, section one talks about drugs that are class one narcotics that are primarily illicit, um, opiates, whenever they're, uh, changed their formula a little bit. And, um, those have, don't have a medical use and they're highly addictive. Class, um, section two, uh, page two and three talks about all the brand-new drugs that are about to be available, and I can tell you about all these wonderful conditions they're s- going to treat, and there's some pretty amazing stuff on the, uh, on the horizon. [0:45:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2745s) And section three talks about the antihelminthic drugs and, um, and the vaccines that are there. Uh, section four talks about epinephrine. Epinephrine, Primatene Mist, as you might know, is over the counter. And, um, Mr. Chairman, that is the, that's the bill. [0:46:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2764s) All right. Anybody have any questions? Just annual cleanup bill. It's not a cleanup bill, it's an addition bill. [0:46:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2770s) A up- update. [0:46:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2770s) And, and a little bit of cleanup there. Um, you've been on this committee before. You've seen it, and we've been here more than one year. You've seen it. Uh, so at the appropriate time. [0:46:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2784s) Right there. [0:46:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2785s) All righty. We got a late arriving question from the powerful rules chair, and, uh, here we go. [0:46:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2792s) Only in my own mind, Mr. Chairman. Um, so we're, you're essentially matching, it's the annual bill where we're matching the same schedule as the feds, correct? [0:46:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2805s) Yes. [0:46:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2805s) With these additions. [0:46:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2806s) Yes, sir. [0:46:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2807s) All right. What about, so the president has made some comments on moving, I guess, THC or whatever to c- schedule three. Is that, we'll just address that next year? [0:47:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2820s) Uh, yes, sir. [0:47:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2821s) Okay. Thank you. [0:47:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2825s) We ever do, I might add. [0:47:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2827s) We might. This year. [0:47:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2830s) Just, just would like to know s- [0:47:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2834s) Well, I would like- [0:47:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2834s) Did you bring- [0:47:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2834s) ... to see research on it. [0:47:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2836s) Yeah, absolutely. I'd, um- [0:47:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2837s) Anything doing that, I just want to see some- ... a little hard data on it, research. [0:47:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2842s) 100%. [0:47:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2843s) I know data is a faux pas around these parts today, but... [0:47:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2848s) Mr. Chairman, if I may, uh, one- [0:47:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2849s) I thought he was gonna say something. [0:47:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2850s) We might have a discussion on that one. [0:47:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2852s) J- if I can just add one thing. There's another bill coming before your committee that I'd, I'd just like to mention very superficially. Two drugs that are being res- that have been researched in Emory University are gonna treat two conditions that we need to address, one of them PTSD for our veterans that have been suffering for years, and also life-threatening depression for two drugs that- [0:47:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2873s) Yeah [0:47:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2874s) ... might have agreed. [0:47:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2874s) That, that's actually on on Wednesday. So, um- [0:47:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2877s) It's a good bill [0:47:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2878s) ... if we get through today's session. So here we go. Uh, Senator Harrell. [0:48:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2886s) Hi, yes, my question is about line seven- 71, um, which refers to the COVID vaccine. Why is mRNA struck? [0:48:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2896s) That's a good question. That came to us, um, I believe, and I might have to go back to the physician here, who was in the studies for mRNA, as I might, uh, recall. Um, there are- [0:48:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2907s) So there are several more vaccines now that are not messenger RNA, just made in a different way. [0:48:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2914s) Well, I, I understand that, um, that there are a variety of COVID vaccines made in different ways. [0:48:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2919s) For sure. [0:48:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2919s) But why are we striking mRNA? [0:48:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2921s) 'Cause this includes- [0:48:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2922s) Because it, because it will include all of them. [0:48:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2926s) It, to include mRNA plus the rest of them. [0:48:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2928s) It doesn't, it doesn't exclude- [0:48:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2930s) Oh, okay [0:48:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2930s) ... mRNA, so. [0:48:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2931s) Okay. Thank you for cl- the clarification. [0:48:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2933s) Clarification. There we go. Um, Senator Kirkpatrick. [0:48:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2938s) Yeah. At appropriate time, I'd like to make a motion to pass. [0:49:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2943s) Thank you so much. Do I hear a second? S- second from our marijuana expert also. Uh, and, uh, any further discussion? All those in favor say aye. [0:49:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2956s) Aye. [0:49:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2957s) All those opposed say no. I heard nothing. Passes unanimously. Thank you. [0:49:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2962s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Members [0:49:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2963s) Thank you so much. Am I carrying that, uh- [0:49:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2965s) Please. [0:49:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2965s) Okay. All right, great. Happy to. Appreciate that. Okay. All right, can you keep moving [0:49:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=2983s) for me? I'm reminded that this next one also is a department bill, and Chair Lady Dempsey, uh, is up. And then we have the green jacket fella back there. He's, uh, he's next. Okay. All right. Thank you. Ch- chair Lady Dempsey, we are on House Bill 1238. [0:50:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3007s) Right. [0:50:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3008s) And, uh, let's make sure everybody has that in their folders. And it is also not a substitute. It is clean LC600227. [0:50:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3017s) That's right. [0:50:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3018s) And, uh, there we go. Floor is yours. [0:50:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3021s) Okay. So, um, during the interim, I chaired a study committee in the House to deal with our children that are stuck in hospitals and psychiatric residential treatment centers after they have gone through crisis and are stabilized, a- or a medical issue and that is stabilized. Many times that foster parent or adoptive parent has been in a hospital setting- Multiple times, many times, and they have run out of the capacity to continue to care for that child. Or sometimes it is that is in endanger to bring them back to the home they have been in. [0:50:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3056s) It's not that the parent necessarily wants to walk away, but there is just not the capacity to be able to do it. So this bill came from DCH. Uh, it was presented actually to us during the study committee, that, um, there was a mechanism they felt they could put forward to request, uh, uh, to pursue requesting the 1915i Medicaid Waiver program. I'm excited that it was their idea actually, and they brought it to us. [0:51:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3087s) This is to deal with children under the age of 21. So I know the Senate, I believe, had a bill that dealt with adults, but this is for that group particularly, and it will, um, allow for many of the wraparound services and care, and pay for that, which is the biggest challenge, to help families stay together, to free up capacity in, uh, the treatment centers and the hospital, and to help those children stay at home with appropriate care at the appropriate time, and that is all that this is. [0:52:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3129s) Anybody with any questions or- [0:52:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3131s) Question. [0:52:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3132s) All right. Question, Chair Lady. [0:52:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3133s) Thank you, Chair Lady, and, uh, obviously you know as well as I do that there's some other departments that are involved with this population. [0:52:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3145s) Absolutely. [0:52:26](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3146s) Uh, DFCS frequently gets involved with this population, and DBHDD frequently gets involved with this population. So, um, I would think it would be very important for those three agencies to work together on this, and they've got mechanisms set up to do that. And I just wanted to ask you if you had, uh, had those conversations. [0:52:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3167s) The reason we did the study committee, it actually started with a bill that was in the House, and we brought each of those agency heads and some of their staff together for a meeting, a private meeting, in essence, between them and myself. And, um, at that time it was more of a finger-pointing of, uh, "We can't do that and we can't do that." While they all wanted to help, there are certainly issues around the word, uh, abandonment, when a child is abandoned and left there. There's a six-month process actually right now in law because of that word, where it's kind of the hospital or the treatment center just has to keep them. [0:53:26](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3206s) And they might not be getting the care they need, the services they need, and they are left. And so, um, this is one of the ways that DCH came forward with. Everyone wants to help, but I feel like we have to start somewhere first of all with finding the funding. The therapeutic care will not come in to take care of them at that time unless there is someone to pay for it. That's the greatest challenge. Hospitals and treatment centers right now are just basically eating those funds, just, you know, having to pay for it. [0:54:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3240s) So it's just, it's a process to help, and it really is. It is, um, I think it has great potential to help families not feel they have to walk away, and to intervene earlier at times too. It, it's, um, I think it's a good way to deal with this, 'cause this is a real challenge. I had really mostly heard about adults that we hear are stuck in emergency rooms, but that's not the only place that these children are too. [0:54:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3265s) Sorry, I have a question. [0:54:26](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3266s) Yeah. [0:54:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3267s) Uh, Chairman Brass. [0:54:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3271s) Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Madam Chair, thank you for bringing this. Um, I'm just curious, did we, when you worked with DCH on this, did they request a certain timeframe- [0:54:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3284s) So- [0:54:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3284s) ... um, to give them time to get together the waiver? [0:54:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3288s) So they have actually already made the application. [0:54:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3291s) Okay. [0:54:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3291s) It's, we are in process. This is allowing for that to go forward. And, uh, the bill itself says that not later than December 31 of this year- [0:55:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3301s) Mm-hmm [0:55:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3302s) ... that they will submit that request. So they, they are in the working phase of trying to do that. It was their idea, their solution- [0:55:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3309s) Okay [0:55:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3309s) ... which is really exciting. [0:55:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3311s) Uh, follow up, Mr. Chairman, if you allow. Can you teach me how to do that? 'Cause I'd, uh, given them a, a similar bill on a IMD waiver about f- five years ago, and to my knowledge it still has not been completed. [0:55:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3327s) I'll be glad to try to help. [0:55:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3328s) Thank you. [0:55:29](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3329s) You know I will. [0:55:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3330s) All right. Any, any further questions? Senator Orrock, you have a question or- [0:55:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3335s) Uh, yeah. Well, uh, thank you for the bill, and it sounds like it, it's, uh- [0:55:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3340s) Yeah [0:55:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3340s) ... uh, past time to address this. [0:55:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3343s) I know. [0:55:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3343s) Uh, my, my, my very small question is on line 15. Uh, uh, and maybe this is for leg counsel, but out of home placement, out of home, isn't it supposed to be hyphenated? You're putting together words to a, uh, uh, to describe, to describe a placement. And- [0:56:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3363s) So is this judiciary or HH question? [0:56:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3365s) Well, well, no, it, it, it, uh- [0:56:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3367s) No. [0:56:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3367s) It's English 101. [0:56:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3368s) Okay. All right. [0:56:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3370s) Yeah. Out hyphen of hyphen home. [0:56:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3372s) Okay, Senator Orrock. [0:56:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3373s) Just, uh- [0:56:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3373s) Hyphen or not? [0:56:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3374s) Hyphenate it. Yeah. [0:56:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3376s) Okay. [0:56:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3376s) Yeah, because it's a, you're, you're ta- [0:56:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3378s) She's, she's working on it [0:56:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3379s) ... you're taking- [0:56:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3380s) Working on it. [0:56:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3380s) Okay. [0:56:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3380s) Okay. There we go. Uh- [0:56:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3382s) That's okay. Thank you very much [0:56:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3383s) ... let me recognize the governor's floor leader, uh, on number- [0:56:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3388s) Long, long serving. [0:56:28](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3388s) Yeah, long, longest- [0:56:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3390s) Now- [0:56:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3390s) ... serving governor's floor leader [0:56:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3391s) ... I don't know if anybody's actually fact-checked that. [0:56:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3393s) Yeah. [0:56:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3393s) But it was a fun, uh- [0:56:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3395s) And, and y'all meet with the governor every day, right? [0:56:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3397s) I eat breakfast with him at the mansion every single day. [0:56:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3400s) Oh. [0:56:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3400s) Mr. Chairman. I actually, yeah, that's right. You, you, you can think that if you'd like. [0:56:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3405s) You look tired. [0:56:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3406s) Sure. [0:56:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3406s) I think- [0:56:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3407s) We, we all do [0:56:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3408s) ... I think you run on adrenaline- [0:56:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3409s) Um- [0:56:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3409s) ... like the rest of us. [0:56:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3412s) Seriously, and, and to go back, I'm not trying to make this judiciary, but I was talking to someone out in the hall, and I know there's two, like, kind of paramount decisions, the Olmstead Act and the Family First Act, where, um- [0:57:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3423s) Yeah [0:57:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3424s) You're s- we're supposed to provide these services, um, in the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible. [0:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3432s) Correct. [0:57:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3432s) I was gonna ask, would you consider it a f- a friendly amendment if at the end of line [0:57:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3442s) 17 we added, "In the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible to meet the recipient's needs," just to reinforce that in Georgia Code? [0:57:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3454s) So it'd be line 17 where it ends- [0:57:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3458s) Strike the period [0:57:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3459s) Well, you wouldn't strike... Yeah, you would strike the period. [0:57:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3461s) Strike the period. [0:57:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3462s) Make a com- [0:57:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3463s) Make it a sentence. [0:57:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3466s) After where it says, "For the provision of respite care and related services." [0:57:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3470s) Yep. [0:57:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3470s) You come out, strike the period. [0:57:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3472s) And then put, "In the least restrictive, comma, most family, hyphen, like setting possible to meet the recipient's needs," period. [0:58:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3484s) Um, it certainly sounds good to me. I think DCH is in the room. Would it be okay if they- [0:58:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3490s) Yes, please [0:58:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3491s) ... comment? [0:58:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3491s) Please. If y'all wouldn't mind, um, just go to W1 if you would, witness one, would be great. Thank you. Just, uh, tell us who you are and who you represent please, ma'am. [0:58:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3502s) Yes, sir. Brandy Sylvan, director of government relations with the Department of Community Health. Uh, I don't have any concerns with that, uh, suggested language. I did just wanna clarify, though, some of the, the services that this waiver is intended to offer is primarily respite care, uh, and family training. So I think by default in nature it is going to be in that, that home setting. Um, you know, the reference to out, out-of-home placement is saying that we're trying to address kids who are at risk of out-of-home placement. [0:58:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3535s) That's the population that is intended for the waiver. So, but the actual services by nature are gonna be designed to be in that home setting. [0:59:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3543s) Good for the in-home service. [0:59:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3544s) Okay. Line- [0:59:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3546s) But you would consider a friendly amendment? [0:59:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3548s) Yeah, I have no... I don't have, I don't s- [0:59:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3549s) Okay [0:59:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3549s) ... I'm not our general counsel, but I think she'd sign off on it. [0:59:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3553s) Okay. S- so, uh- [0:59:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3555s) I just, I just wanted to ask the author, um, Senator Hatchett, I, you know, I, I do think that's implicit in the way we're delivering care now. Would, are we tying our hands? And just, just, this is just a, a real question, this is not a leading question. Are we tying our hands that if, um, we did get this waiver and there was a flare up and we needed to put somebody back in a non-community based setting that was, uh, more of an acute circumstance, that we couldn't use the funds to cover that? I mean, do, do we need this, or are we just, are we unintentionally locking ourselves in and constraining what might come to pass? [0:59:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3593s) May- may- maybe there's a season of time that someone would need to go back into a more acute setting for three weeks or two weeks or a week to get back. I just don't want to, I don't wanna outsmart ourselves with that. And, and I don't, because I don't know that... D- I share a concern that if we don't say that, that we're gonna get a waiver that's gonna not deliver that setting. Is that, is that, is that a real concern? [1:00:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3619s) In, in other words, less is better sometimes. I got you. [1:00:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3621s) Less is more. I, I, I don't know why we'd wanna constrain ourselves with that clause on the end of the sentence when we can find out, wait a minute, we need, we need these dollars to cover these kids for this period of time for a week because they maybe have, have some acute circumstance. I, I, I would... I don't know that we need to add that. [1:00:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3638s) I think it just reinforces it. [1:00:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3640s) So, uh, Chairman Kirkpatrick. [1:00:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3642s) I'm just trying to understand the bill. And it looks simple, but if you, uh, read it carefully, basically what the waiver's authorizing is the qualification of caregivers of the recipients of Medicaid for the provision of respite care and related services. So it's not, uh, the, the people under 21 are already- [1:01:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3667s) They're the patients [1:01:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3667s) ... well, the ones that are 18 are already eligible for Medicaid. DFCS doesn't have any jurisdiction over people from 18 to 21. So we're not talking about the recipients, we're talking about the caregivers. Is that correct? [1:01:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3684s) So, and I do believe that that is part of the reason that the initial suite of services approved by CMS are services that are directly benefiting the child, the member. The ones that they said had to be offered through the waiver instead of through the state plan were geared more toward the family relief, right? The respite care for the family member and the training for the family member. So I think that that is kind of why that is worded the way it is. [1:01:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3713s) So it's not, when you say caregivers, you're talking about... Sorry, Mr. Chair. Um, th- that includes the families or behavior aides or does it include the hospitals? [1:02:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3727s) So the, the behavior a- those are, are, are already included in the state plan amendment services. Uh, so, so anything that is a direct service for the child is already in our state plan. This is just to offer those additional ones that CMS would not allow us to cover under the state plan. But, um, talking, uh, with regards to the setting, the, this waiver would be for services in the home and community setting. [1:02:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3752s) Thank you. [1:02:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3753s) Right. [1:02:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3754s) All right. Um, Ms. Hamrick, did you want to, uh- [1:02:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3759s) We're in favor. NAMI, I represent NAMI [1:02:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3761s) ... So, uh, Ms. Hamrick represents NAMI, and she is supportive and waives for testimony. Thank you so much. Um, did you wanna offer that amendment? I'm not sure it's gonna pass, but I'd be happy to take a vote. Uh- [1:02:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3774s) I would like to offer it. [1:02:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3775s) He... All right. [1:02:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3776s) If we had the wording. [1:02:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3776s) So do we have the wording? Are we clear on the wording on that? Uh- [1:03:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3780s) What's the purpose of it? [1:03:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3783s) You wanna- [1:03:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3784s) Is it a rationale? Is it basically just to clarify in some way- [1:03:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3790s) Maybe. [1:03:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3790s) So my understanding is that there's basically the Family First Act and then an Olmstead decision that says that services like that have to be provided in a family-like, in the least restrictive, most family-like environment. And so this amendment reinforces that services will be provided- [1:03:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3814s) And- [1:03:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3814s) ... in that environment. [1:03:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3815s) You know, again, I don't have any concerns with it. I, I don't know that it's necessarily simply, necessary simply because this bill is just authorizing us to submit the waiver. You know, those, all of the details of the waiver would be in that application. [1:03:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3829s) All right, so, all right. [1:03:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3830s) But again, I don't have any concerns. [1:03:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3832s) Gotcha. [1:03:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3832s) I, I don't. [1:03:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3832s) All right, so why don't we do this? So, uh, can you read your amendment to us one more time? [1:03:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3838s) Yeah. It would be- [1:03:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3839s) Pam [1:03:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3839s) ... yeah [1:04:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3841s) ... one [1:04:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3841s) After line 17 where it says, "Services," you would add, "In the least restrictive, most family-like setting possible to meet the recipient's needs." [1:04:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3856s) Okay. And do we have a motion on that? Oh, I'm sorry. Let's get, let's get a motion to pass the bill. [1:04:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3861s) I motion do pass HB 1238 LC 600227. [1:04:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3867s) All right, we have a motion do pass. Have a, uh, LC 600227. Have a second, uh, Senator Setzler. Uh, and we, uh, have an amendment. Uh, you read your amendment. Uh, do we have, uh, got a motion for the amendment from the author? Do I have a second? Second. Senator Orrock has, gave us the second. [1:04:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3893s) Senator Hickman, two-thirds. [1:04:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3893s) All right. Any further discussion on the amendment? I don't think so. Same. All those in- [1:04:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3898s) Still have to vote. [1:04:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3898s) Hold on just a second. I thought I had to say no on it. What does it say? The most, most, I didn't know I could say it. What'd you want me to say? [1:05:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3908s) I've got most of it. Do you need a hyphen in there? [1:05:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3911s) Yeah, family-like. Home-like. [1:05:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3914s) Family-like. It's an adjective. Describing. [1:05:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3918s) Said the most- I'm not, well, I'm not gonna do the hyphens. Okay. So the, uh, I'm sorry. The, the, uh, so, uh- Home-like ... you know, no further discussions. All those in favor of the amendment, raise your hand. One, two, three, four, five, six. Okay. All those opposed, one, two. Okay. So the amendment passes. So now we're in the posture of, um, passing LC 600227 as amended. [1:05:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3954s) All those in favor raise your hand. Uh, looks like we are unanimous. Okay. Thank you so much. Thank you. All righty. Uh, and did you have someone to carry this already? I believe Senator Hatchett is gonna carry it. Oh, yes. I think he is. He seems to credit very well. He is certainly, he is owning that one. That's good. I appreciate that. All right. I think he cleans up the breakfast too. There we go. Thank, thank you so much. Thank you. All right. Uh, and if you wanna make those hyphen changes on the floor, you can have at it, but, uh, uh, that works. [1:06:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3985s) Thank you. Yeah. [1:06:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=3997s) So I was asked to put Representative Petrie from first to last, but, uh, in our committee, we're saving the best for last. So, uh, he is my state representative, Representative Petrie from the great state of Chatham. And, uh, oh, he's brought a crew with him. [1:06:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4017s) Yeah. [1:06:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4017s) And all righty. He's going to... We got, uh, HB 1097 LC 620404S. Make sure everybody has that, uh, in front of them. And, um, hmm, hang on. Yeah, hang on just a second. Let's see. Where is that? [1:07:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4051s) Is it in here? [1:07:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4056s) Oh, here we go. Oh, I'm sorry. I'd, I'd overlooked it. It was so bright here. It's, it is the pink one in our, uh, folder there, and you do have the, uh, summary there. And, uh, the man with the green jacket, it is yours. [1:07:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4073s) Thank you, Chairman. And, uh, I was wondering where your green jacket was today. You know, tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day. [1:07:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4077s) It is not St. Patrick's Day yet. [1:07:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4079s) Ah, it's, uh- [1:08:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4080s) So it's close [1:08:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4080s) ... tomorrow we're not in. [1:08:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4081s) It's, it's close. I got my green tie. All right, you're good. [1:08:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4084s) All right. Chairman, uh, thank you. So we're on LC 620404S. That is a substitute House Bill 1097. This is a bill that was brought, uh, to me by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. A- as y'all may recall, uh, to give you the backstory on this, last year we passed House Bill 584. I carried that measure, and what it did was move adult residential mental health programs, community living arrangements, uh, drug abuse treatment programs, and narcotic treatment programs out from under the regulation of the Department of Community Health and move them to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. [1:08:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4128s) That was done in the interest of efficiency because those particular, uh, uh, licensed programs are, uh, uh, are work underneath DBHDD anyway. So the licensure requirements that were dealt with by Community Health under healthcare facility regulation was dealing with all of them. Now they've been bifurcated in the, in the interest of efficiency. What we failed to do at that time, uh, it turned out, was to move the authority for DBHDD to do criminal record background checks. [1:09:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4161s) And so the, the, the, the genesis of this bill was to make sure that we have the ability, uh, that DBHDD has the ability to do criminal background record checks. And so to that point, I will mention, uh, I'm gonna start with section two first, and I'll be brief, but section two is really where the bill began. And what you'll find there is, uh, several things. But the breadth of what we're doing, I have two gentlemen here that'll introduce you, their, themselves to you from DBHDD and GBI as needed. [1:09:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4195s) But to give you the, the theme here, we're giving the authority statutorily to DBHDD to do these criminal record background checks on individuals who work in these facilities. Obviously, it's real important when you're working with disadvantaged and disabled individuals that we know that we have people that have no criminal background, particularly in certain areas. So what you find here is we're giving the authority to do that, so we're granting DBHDD the statutory authority to conduct nationwide criminal history checks. [1:10:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4230s) And by the way, uh, we're, they're, they're more rigorous here, I think is the best way to say that, than what they have today. Um, uh, much of what's happening today are statewide background checks, and in a, in a time when people migrate as they do, you don't really get much when you're doing a statewide background check. So these are, these are criminal background check, and, um, the, and all of that is done through GBI in that process. I do wanna mention that you'll see, uh, much of this measure is procedural, but on page... [1:11:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4264s) I wanna call your attention to something real important, and that is rap back. On page 13, lines 1317 to 1321, we're giving DBHDD not only ability to do, do these background checks, but for them and the, and, uh, subsequently, the providers that serve them to be automatically updated when there is a crime committed. And that is called rap back, and that is not available today as well. [1:11:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4294s) So we've, we've made it a more robust process, and now we've given the authority to DBHDD. Is there anything you two gentlemen would like to add to that so far? [1:11:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4305s) No. [1:11:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4305s) Anything at all, sir? [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4306s) No, sir. [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4306s) Anything? [1:11:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4306s) Not so far. [1:11:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4307s) Oh, man. I am pretty good. [1:11:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4309s) It's a good summary. [1:11:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4309s) Te- tell us who you are and who you represent. [1:11:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4311s) Yes, yes. Sure. Um, good afternoon. I'm Tracy Altman. I am, uh, deputy general counsel for programs with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. Okay, great. [1:12:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4323s) Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. My name is Philip Curtis. I'm an attorney with the, uh, Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Uh, thank you to the committee, and thank you for the, uh, sponsor for bringing this bill. [1:12:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4332s) Truly a multiple department, uh- [1:12:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4336s) Yes, it, multiple departments involved with this, and, uh, but less so than before, where you had DCH, DBHDD, and GBI. So, um, I will say then, finally, uh, and we'll, we'll take any questions, but the first section, uh, Mr. Chairman, section one then, uh, came after the bill was introduced. That's why you have a sub. The governor's office added that piece, and that is, um, a piece, and again, if, if we need assistance in describing this, but basically what we're doing here is trying to resolve having to do this in the future where we have to, by statute, give every department the ability to do criminal record checks. [1:12:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4373s) It has been discovered, as I understand, that through the National Child Protection Act, that, um, that all agencies will be able to do criminal record checks on their own. [1:13:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4384s) Mm-hmm. [1:13:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4385s) Uh, once we put this in statute, which is what section one is. Anything you would add to that, sir? [1:13:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4391s) Y- yes, sir. Uh, Mr. Chairman, just briefly, section one allows all state agencies, just not DBD, DBHDD, to conduct, uh, national background checks according to FBI policy for those state agencies serving vulnerable populations. [1:13:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4405s) Okay. [1:13:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4405s) So it is, uh, it is a, it is a way for state agencies serving vulnerable populations to have access to that national background checks in hopes of getting national background checks for those individuals serving our most vulnerable populations. [1:13:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4420s) Okay. Any... W- we're gonna ask some questions. Any, uh- [1:13:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4423s) Yeah. That- [1:13:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4423s) You finished with that? [1:13:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4424s) Yeah. That's- [1:13:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4425s) Help me- [1:13:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4425s) Good enough [1:13:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4425s) ... before it... And we'll come to you. Help... Did you say rap back? What do, what do you say? Rap back. Yeah. Okay. And- That's what we, um, that's what we refer to it as. There's probably a better de- uh... What, how would you describe this, sir? [1:13:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4437s) No, that... Well, it's, it's how the FBI describes it, and it's an FBI program, so, uh, it's rap back. [1:14:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4441s) Rap back. [1:14:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4442s) And essentially what that means is- [1:14:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4443s) How do, how do you spell that? [1:14:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4443s) R- R-A-P, space, B-A-C-K. [1:14:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4447s) R-A-P, blank. And- [1:14:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4447s) I've seen it hyphenated. [1:14:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4448s) No hyphen. [1:14:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4450s) I've seen it not hyphenated. [1:14:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4451s) Uh-oh. Okay, so you, so another words, the... So you've checked somebody out, and two years later they commit a felony, and you, you get notified that they committed a felony because you- Yes, Chair ... uh, are in this, this particular instance. And that is not the case today, so unfortunately, this is so superior. So if you're, let's say you're a community living arrangement, and you're serving intellectually disabled individuals, and you've hired somebody as a caregiver, and they have a clean criminal record. Well, you're not gonna criminal record check them every year, and you're not required to. [1:14:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4482s) You qu- you, you criminal record check them when they're hired. If two years go by, and they, uh, commit some crime- Child ... that is on this list- Right ... right now, you aren't prompted on that. Rap back, it goes straight to these guys, and then the provider learns, hey, this, this individual's no longer able to work in that facility. Okay. So all of this in the interest of protecting the vulnerable. Thank you. Questions? Uh, Senator Robertson, you're on number four. [1:15:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4508s) Thank you. Appreciate it. I met with a, a group during the summer, and they had some concerns that they work with multiple state agencies. [1:15:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4517s) Mm-hmm. [1:15:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4518s) But they have to get a background check at every state agency and be fingerprinted at every state agency. [1:15:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4523s) Yeah. [1:15:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4523s) In other words, there's no one central place where they can be fingerprinted, have their criminal history done, and then be able to use that to work at multiple agencies, and I think that may be something we need to talk about in the future. But the criminal history will be run by somebody within DBHDD? Okay, so, um- [1:15:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4545s) Yes, sir [1:15:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4545s) ... and it will be run, I guess, through, they'll be running GCIC and NCIC. Is that correct? [1:15:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4553s) That's, well, the request, as I understand it, will go to GCIC, and GCIC would then forward it to NCIC. [1:15:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4559s) That's- [1:16:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4560s) Yes. Yes. [1:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4561s) Right. [1:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4561s) Correct. [1:16:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4561s) They, they get both. [1:16:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4562s) So do they have a t- so do they have a TAC officer within that agency that, that's qualified to do that, to, to maintain, to follow the protocols of GCIC and NCIC? [1:16:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4572s) They would be, they being any individual accessing the automated criminal record history information system, must be qualified to do so. Yes, sir. [1:16:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4580s) So do, how many individuals would be qualified to do that? [1:16:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4585s) Uh, I, I do not know at this, at each specific- [1:16:27](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4587s) Because to be clear, it would be illegal for anyone to run a criminal history on anybody without that individual's permission, correct? The individual has to sign a waiver- [1:16:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4596s) The consent [1:16:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4596s) Yes. [1:16:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4597s) Yes. [1:16:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4597s) They have a- [1:16:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4598s) Every employee- [1:16:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4598s) If they wanna be, if they wanna participate, they give the agency the permission to run the criminal history, right? [1:16:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4603s) Yes, sir. [1:16:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4603s) Yes, sir. And Senator, to your good point, uh, that is not only employees, it's employees, it's owners, and it's contractors. [1:16:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4612s) Right. [1:16:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4612s) That, so anyone that could be, uh, in a situation where, with vulnerable adults where they could be harmed in some way m- uh, is criminal record checked. But they always give consent. It goes to the department, which contracts with GBI, as does DCH, to do this, the fingerprinting and background checks. [1:17:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4628s) Well, I think every law enforcement agency in the state contracts with GBI- [1:17:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4631s) Yes, sir. Yes [1:17:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4632s) ... for GCIC and- [1:17:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4633s) Now, yes, sir [1:17:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4634s) ... to, to, with an RI number. [1:17:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4636s) Ju- just to be clear- [1:17:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4637s) Yeah [1:17:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4637s) ... this is for- [1:17:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4638s) Yeah [1:17:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4638s) ... non-criminal justice- [1:17:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4638s) No, no, I- [1:17:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4639s) ... purposes. [1:17:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4639s) Right [1:17:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4639s) So when you say law enforcement- [1:17:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4641s) Well, but- [1:17:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4641s) ... totally different method [1:17:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4642s) ... but, but what I'm talking about law enforcement agencies still have to get a release from a employee. Somebody that wants to come work for them, they have to sign that release before they can run, uh, GCIC via NCIC, and then if somebody runs somebody without that permission, then that is a criminal violation, correct? [1:17:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4660s) Is it a criminal violation? I do not know. I know it is a administrative violation. [1:17:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4663s) It is an administrative, but I, but I believe, I believe there are criminal charges that can be brought. Maybe it's just under color of law, under- [1:17:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4669s) I, I believe so [1:17:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4670s) ... under that side maybe so. [1:17:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4671s) I would have to look at that one. [1:17:52](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4672s) Yeah. Because, uh, everybody's criminal history is their criminal history. [1:17:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4676s) That's correct. [1:17:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4676s) And okay, I just wanna make sure. And the RAP Back, um, why aren't these individuals, because, uh, you know, I, I'm not running through all the codes on here, but, um, would, would there not be a reason why we would not run criminal histories annually? [1:18:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4699s) What was the question? [1:18:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4700s) What was the question, sir? I'm sorry. [1:18:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4701s) Would there be a reason we would not want to run criminal histories annually? [1:18:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4705s) Yes, sir. Well, so yes, a huge burden on, uh, on providers. Yeah, running them annually would be, this is a far superior. This way it's done, and you never worry about it again- [1:18:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4714s) Well, it's, it's, it's- [1:18:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4715s) ... with RAP Back [1:18:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4715s) ... it's done unless there's a code, there's a violation of law that, that is not caught up in RAP Back, correct? [1:18:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4721s) Well, yeah, now, so to your point, yes. So this, so in order to serve, there are certain offenses that are itemized here- [1:18:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4729s) Right [1:18:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4729s) ... that, uh, they're looking for. Any violation of any law is not gonna prohibit somebody from working, uh, in one of these locations, but, but these are the ones... And by the way, I know before you, you don't have, all you have is code sections. [1:19:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4745s) Correct. [1:19:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4745s) But if you'd like, I'll read them to you. In, involuntary manslaughter, cruelty to children, abuse, neglect, and exploitation of a disabled adult or elder person, exploitation- ... intimidation of disabled adult, statutory rape, child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, improper sexual contact of an employee, agent, or foster parent, arson, theft and related offenses, concealing the death of another person, failure of a mandated reporter, um, and then all the felony violations, you know, crimes against the person, sexual offenses, forgery, controlled substances, criminal attempt, burglary, and operating an unlicensed personal care home. [1:19:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4783s) And- [1:19:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4783s) So it's looking for those- [1:19:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4783s) Aggra- aggravated assault- [1:19:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4786s) Yes, sir [1:19:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4786s) ... would be, would be on there and- [1:19:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4788s) Yes, sir [1:19:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4788s) ... and would, would any, um, narcotics charges, anything of that nature be included in that? [1:19:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4795s) Um, yes. [1:19:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4796s) And I see, I see you nodding your head. [1:19:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4798s) Yes. Yes. [1:19:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4798s) These guys are the experts. Yeah. [1:19:59](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4799s) Okay. I just wanna make sure because this seems like a short list. [1:20:02](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4802s) Controlled substance. [1:20:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4803s) Right. [1:20:03](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4803s) That'd be chapter 13, title 16, sir. Yes, sir. [1:20:05](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4805s) Okay. All right. [1:20:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4806s) Controlled substances as well. So there's, but if it, if it hits one of those, that provider gets a letter that says, "You can't employ this person anymore." So it's a, it's a huge success. But going back to your ir- initial question, for a provider to have to have, you know, you're talking about caregivers. [1:20:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4824s) Right. [1:20:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4824s) Every year to send a caregiver to, you know, spend 50 bucks to do yet another fingerprint, it's very cumbersome, it's burdensome- [1:20:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4831s) Well, now the- [1:20:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4832s) ... and it's now difficult [1:20:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4834s) ... the criminal histories don't nec- don't require fingerprints. [1:20:38](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4838s) Um, we're, we are required to do fingerprints. [1:20:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4840s) Right. Right. What I'm saying is- [1:20:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4841s) Every year [1:20:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4841s) ... everybody's initially required to do fingerprints. Fingerprints never change. Criminal histories do. And so that's, uh, most agencies- [1:20:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4848s) Yeah [1:20:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4848s) ... do just run the NCIC, GCIC criminal background. They run the fingerprints on the initial hire. [1:20:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4855s) Yeah. [1:20:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4855s) Um- [1:20:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4855s) We, i- in this realm, everybody's fingerprinted every time. [1:20:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4858s) Yeah. And to be clear, fingerprints aren't like the old day. Everything's digital now and inkless and, and, and, and pretty smooth and easy. But I appreciate- [1:21:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4866s) Yeah [1:21:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4866s) ... the legislation. [1:21:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4867s) Thank you for the good questions. [1:21:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4869s) Well, uh, yeah, well, if you d- uh, we will. If we didn't have anybody else to carry this bill, then I think we got a real good one right here. [1:21:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4875s) I think so as well. [1:21:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4876s) Oh, well, what- [1:21:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4876s) Yeah. [1:21:16](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4876s) Y'all got somebody else to carry it. [1:21:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4878s) The, uh, s- 12, uh, you're on, Senator Merritt, you're on- [1:21:22](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4882s) I'm 11 [1:21:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4883s) ... 11. Sorry. [1:21:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4883s) Hey. Hi. [1:21:24](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4884s) Hey there. How are you? [1:21:25](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4885s) I just had, uh, I just needed clarification. It's on line 306, 307, 308. Um- [1:21:37](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4897s) It, the immunity that's there, like you're collecting, um, it's protecting the state agencies for collecting all of this information, but if something is found wrong and somebody loses their job over it- [1:21:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4909s) Mm [1:21:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4909s) ... I see the state has immunity from that. [1:21:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4911s) Yeah. [1:21:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4911s) Can you explain? [1:21:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4913s) I, I can ex- That, that is, um, uh, customary, and so I'll let these guys speak more fully to that. But yeah, um, the state is immune from, uh, an error they might have. And anything you, you gentlemen would like to add to that? [1:22:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4927s) Grab that mic a little bit closer so- [1:22:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4928s) Sure. [1:22:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4929s) Yeah. Did y'all like this? [1:22:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4929s) What bill was that? Uh, it was, uh, 308, uh, 306, 307, 308, 309. Yeah. [1:22:19](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4939s) State immune. We got our attorney here. [1:22:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4943s) Um, yes. I, uh, again, customary. Uh, this, this language, like a lot of language in this bill, was actually, um, um, carried over from existing legislation that allows the Department of Community Health to conduct its background checks, and this particular provision is also in DCH's legislation, uh, as well in their statutory authorizations. But, um, yeah, I mean, it is, it- it's always possible that somewhere along the, the, the line, say the FBI misreports something to us, it- it's to protect the state agency from, from facing liability for mistakes that we didn't make. [1:23:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4989s) Okay. So it's just pretty standard practice- [1:23:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4991s) Right [1:23:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4991s) ... that y'all have liability. [1:23:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4993s) Correct. Thank you, Senator, um, Chairman, uh, Setzler. Thank you. [1:23:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=4998s) Thank you, Chair. Um, fingerprints are used throughout here as kind of the, um, kind of the identifier. Is there any authority in this granted at all to take DNA from people who are potential employees? [1:23:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5013s) No, sir. [1:23:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5014s) Okay. Um, is there any ability in, in its reference to the FBI, if the FBI changes their procedures to include DNA, would that come in by reference automatically? [1:23:43](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5023s) It would not. The policy that governs, the FBI's policy that governs fingerprint-based national background checks for employment and licensing purposes is a law, it's a national law. So federal law would have to change- [1:24:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5040s) Okay [1:24:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5040s) ... for FBI policy to change as it, as, as you're asking, sir. [1:24:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5044s) Okay. Th- th- th- that's, 'cause that, that matters to me. I think there's, there's a variety of opinions on the proper uses of DNA, and I think it's... I'm just, uh, sensitive to people who are trying to work in this setting, and fingerprints all make sense to me. It's, I just- [1:24:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5057s) This en- [1:24:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5057s) ... wanna make sure we're locking that in. [1:24:18](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5058s) This entire system is predicated on, uh, the 10 print, your, your 10 fingers. [1:24:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5063s) So, so this is in our statute, but you're saying the federal framework the FBI operates under is in federal statute, too. It's not s- not, not, an executive, uh, order can't be issued to change that. [1:24:32](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5072s) No, sir. [1:24:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5073s) Thank you. [1:24:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5076s) So all those out there that did 23 and Me, they're still safe then. Is that what you're saying? Okay. I gotcha. Yeah. Uh, so we are approaching, uh, yes, the end of the meeting, and, uh- [1:24:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5093s) There's one amendment on 75 [1:24:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5093s) ... do I have a motion- [1:24:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5094s) Move to pass, Mr. Chairman. [1:24:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5095s) Move to pass, Senator- [1:24:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5097s) Sir. [1:24:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5097s) I'm sorry. Hang on. Yeah. [1:24:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5098s) Mr. Chairman. [1:24:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5098s) Yeah. [1:24:58](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5098s) I was just reminded of something, if I could interject. Um, there is, uh, w- why don't you explain it, sir? [1:25:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5106s) One, o- uh, one motion, uh, for, or at the appropriate time, uh, a motion to amend, um- [1:25:11](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5111s) Okay. Let, let me get the... So we got the motion to pass, do pass. [1:25:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5117s) 45. [1:25:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5117s) And we got a second, uh, Senator Harrell. And now would be the appropriate time. [1:25:23](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5123s) So for the committee's consideration on line 45 of the bill, there's a missing or, um, O-R, um, "whom the authorized agency or qualified entity provides care." [1:25:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5135s) Mm-hmm. [1:25:35](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5135s) It's- [1:25:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5136s) 45. [1:25:39](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5139s) I would move that. [1:25:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5141s) Okay. So line 45, there should be an... [1:25:46](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5146s) W- after agency. [1:25:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5148s) Yeah. [1:25:48](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5148s) After agency. [1:25:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5149s) It was line- [1:25:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5150s) The authorized agency [1:25:50](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5150s) ... whom the a- authorized agency or qualified entity provides care. [1:25:54](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5154s) Yes, sir. [1:25:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5155s) Is that, is that correct? [1:25:55](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5155s) Yes, sir. [1:25:56](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5156s) We clear on that, Legislative Council? Okay. Is everybody clear on the, so basically line 45, after the word agency, we're putting the word or before qualified. [1:26:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5167s) Is that the one? [1:26:07](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5167s) Yes, sir. [1:26:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5168s) Okay. [1:26:08](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5168s) Okay. [1:26:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5169s) So moved. Do we have a second? [1:26:12](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5172s) Second. [1:26:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5173s) Second. All right. And- [1:26:14](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5174s) Some further discussion. [1:26:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5175s) All right, further discussion. [1:26:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5177s) Mr. Chairman, I just wanted to point out on line 210, you've got a hyphen between face-to-face and a hyphen between hands-on. So maybe we take those out on the floor. [1:26:30](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5190s) You know, that is, I think that- [1:26:31](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5191s) We got it right, Senator. [1:26:33](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5193s) No, no. He doesn't like hyphens. [1:26:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5194s) I, I, I- [1:26:34](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5194s) I'm protecting my chairman here. [1:26:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5196s) Yeah. You're right. You're exactly right. I appreciate that, you pointing that out. [1:26:40](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5200s) Ooh. [1:26:41](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5201s) I, I stand corrected. Okay. There we go. Uh, so you can co- [1:26:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5205s) You could've made it when it- [1:26:45](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5205s) Well, I mean, I'm more than happy to make an amendment and take them out. [1:26:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5207s) No, no, no. No, I think that, uh, Chairman Hatchett's got, I mean, uh, Leader Hatchett, uh, might need to discuss that with the governor, but I think it'd be okay to do a floor, uh, change on that one. Maybe even in rules might be the place to do that- [1:27:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5220s) We can [1:27:00](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5220s) ... that we can make that change. Uh, I really appreciate that, you pointing that out, so. [1:27:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5224s) Looking out for my chairman. [1:27:06](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5226s) All right. So where were we? I got lost in that one. [1:27:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5229s) Whoo. [1:27:09](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5229s) Uh, I think we are at, um- [1:27:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5230s) Ready for a vote. [1:27:13](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5233s) We need to vote on the amendment. All those- [1:27:15](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5235s) Motion to approve the amendment. [1:27:17](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5237s) All those in favor of the amendment, uh, just say aye. [1:27:20](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5240s) Aye. [1:27:21](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5241s) All those opposed like sign. Unanimous. And so now we're voting on the underlying bill, uh, LC62-0404S as amended. That's House Bill 1097. Uh, all those in favor say aye. [1:27:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5256s) Aye. [1:27:36](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5256s) All those opposed like sign. Passes unanimously. All right. And did you have somebody that's gonna carry that? [1:27:42](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5262s) I really do not yet, sir. [1:27:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5264s) Okay. [1:27:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5264s) I need to- [1:27:44](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5264s) Does anybody volunteer on the committee? [1:27:47](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5267s) I think Senator Robertson already has. [1:27:49](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5269s) I've, I've called upon Senator Brass. I think he was- [1:27:51](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5271s) Oh, Chairman Brass I think was gonna carry it. [1:27:53](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5273s) Oh, Chairman Brass was asked. They just told me. Okay. [1:27:57](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5277s) The powerful Rules Chairman will, will, uh, will be doing that for us. [1:28:01](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5281s) I love that idea, Chairman. [1:28:04](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5284s) Thank you so much. Uh- [1:28:10](https://vimeo.com/1174136624#t=5290s) Our, thank you, guys. We appreciate, uh, truly a department bill. Uh, we are, on Wednesday we're still meeting. We got a little bit longer on Wednesday, so two hours on Wednesday. We're gonna have a bunch of bills then, too, and some changes and some, uh, good bills. Meeting adjourned.