Georgia CommonsHouse Health Committee, April 1, 2026
2025-2026 Regular Session · 403 CAP · 34 min
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.
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Summary
Written by an AI model (gpt-6.1-sol) from the transcript. It is not part of the record, and the video is what was said.
The committee considered a substitute for SB 39 concerning certification of community health workers. The sponsor said the proposal would establish common training and competency standards and help rural and underserved communities access care. A committee member asked about funding, and the sponsor said funding was expected in the amended budget but was not guaranteed. The committee approved the substitute by voice vote, with no opposition heard.
Bills discussed (1)
Each account covers the stretch of the meeting it names. The bill's number is said in that stretch, unless it was the only bill on a committee's agenda.
SB 39. Employees' Insurance and Benefits Plans; expenses for gender-affirming care under the state health benefit plan or with any state funds; prohibit coverage
From 0:27:53 · turns 1 to 54
The sponsor presented a substitute replacing the prior contents of SB 39 with community health worker certification provisions previously advanced as HB 291. The sponsor said it would define workers’ responsibilities under medical providers’ direction and establish consistent training, standards and competency certification through the Department of Community Health. The sponsor said existing hospital and health-center programs would share standards, benefiting rural and underserved communities, mental health care and expectant mothers. Citing a Lowndes County pilot, the sponsor reported annual savings exceeding $26,000 per patient. The sponsor said the proposal would not mandate payments, services or coverage and would take effect only with specific funding. Asked by one committee member about that condition, the sponsor said money would be needed to establish a committee within the department and was expected in the amended budget, but could not be guaranteed. A second member thanked the sponsor for replacing the previous bill and supported the proposal. The committee gave the substitute a do-pass recommendation by voice vote, with no opposition heard.
Transcript
60 turns. Select a time to play that moment of the video.
- 0:27:10
Good afternoon. Um, I know this is a sort of a short notice on this meeting and I apologize, but, uh, we do have a member who is, um, very interested in some legislation that's very important to the patients of this state, especially the patients in middle and South Georgia with community folks, um, in healthcare. And that's what we're here for, is to help our s- citizens in healthcare and make sure that we do everything we can to provide good quality healthcare that's affordable and accessible.
- 0:27:45
So some of you may have heard that this was gonna be SB 6, uh, 367. Th- that's incorrect. This is SB39. So all those who are thinking, thought we're doing 367, if you, if you wanna leave, you can. If you wanna listen to a very good legislator with a very good subject that will still hold your interest and involve you, you may sit where you are. How about Chair Lady Taylor, would you come on up and present? Yeah, she deserves that.
- 0:28:17
SB39 or a version thereof.
- 0:28:24
Thank you.
- 0:28:24
That's it.
- 0:28:26
Your Honor. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Committee, I appreciate the opportunity to be here today and share this legislation with you. Um, today I'm bringing you SB39, formerly HB291. It concerns community healthware care workers and simply establishes a foundation and an ability to develop a structure for those who provide healthcare assistance in local communities. What we'll actually do is identify who and what a community healthcare worker is, outline what they can and cannot do.
- 0:28:59
It'll work under the direction of medical providers. We're going to be developing rules and criteria for these much needed community workers. We're gonna provide consistent training, uniform standards, and certify competency. This is the vehicle to build and establish a certification program and provide additional health workers and added credibility to the field. If this sounds familiar, it is because this bill, under HB291, has passed the House committee and the full House overwhelmingly, and it also passed the Senate Health Committee overwhelmingly.
- 0:29:36
It brings better healthcare resources to rural and underserved areas throughout Georgia. It aligns with the Department of Public Health current strategic plan to increase the skilled public workforce to help the needs of our state. It is also something that is needed at the federal level, and they are in- endorsing it. It standardizes any, uh, e- entry into the community health workforce, and it identifies those core competencies. Their impact has been proven. This is very important.
- 0:30:07
A pilot program in Lowndes County showed an annual cost savings of to- over $26,000 per patient after its implementation. It ensures that healthcare services are accessible and culturally sensitive to different communities' needs. It's pivotal given Georgia's diverse population. We will benefit both mental health needs and the benefit of our expectant mothers. Currently, several hospitals, including Emory and Grady, and even our FQHCs, have their own programs.
- 0:30:40
This will align everyone with the same standards. The program will be established and overseen by the Department of Community Health. It does not mandate any payment or services or coverages. It's just identifying it, what it is and who it is and what they can do. It is subject to appropriations, but by investing in the certification of community health workers, we not only enhance the workforce, but also pave the way for better healthcare resources, especially in our rural and underserved areas.
- 0:31:11
Let us recognize and support the work of community health workers as we provide more hands-on care for patients and we'll have a healthier Georgia. I'll be happy to answer any questions.
- 0:31:26
Well, you did a great job. There's not a question in sight.
- 0:31:32
I think-
- 0:31:33
It's a good bill, y'all.
- 0:31:35
Representative Gisler, I knew you wouldn't disappoint me.
- 0:31:39
No, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, section two says that the act becomes effective only if funds are specifically appropriated. And I know we're in the middle of appropriations right now for the budget. It, what's that look like?
- 0:31:49
Um, this, it means that we will have to have the funds to set this committee up within the community health-
- 0:31:54
Mm-hmm
- 0:31:54
... uh, in Department of Community Health, and it just so happens that I chair Community Health and it will be in the amended budget.
- 0:32:01
Okay.
- 0:32:01
I can't guarantee it, but I know it's there. But if you don't-
- 0:32:05
All right
- 0:32:05
... at least admit that you know it has to be funded. So I'm, I look for it to be, um, funded in the amended. I didn't wanna put it in this budget and then not have the bill pass.
- 0:32:14
Okay.
- 0:32:14
And then didn't need the funds, I could use them elsewhere.
- 0:32:17
Sure. I appreciate that. I-
- 0:32:19
Thank you
- 0:32:19
... I've learned that nothing is, is for certain until it's done, so-
- 0:32:21
And you're right
- 0:32:22
... I appreciate that. Thank you
- 0:32:22
... it isn't done till it's done.
- 0:32:24
And then we forget it.
- 0:32:25
Yeah.
- 0:32:26
Representative Davis.
- 0:32:28
Thank you, Chairman. I just wanna say thank you for doing this bill and replacing the bill that was there before. Thank you. It's very needed, and I think this is gonna help everybody.
- 0:32:39
Yeah, it is.
- 0:32:39
Thank you.
- 0:32:40
Thank you.
- 0:32:40
I'm kind of a bulldog. I don't give up easy.
- 0:32:43
To say the least.
- 0:32:44
Yes.
- 0:32:45
We started this, what, at 10:00 last night?
- 0:32:48
Yes.
- 0:32:48
And all day today. Okay. Uh, is that Mitchell who's made the act? Chair Lady made the act.
- 0:32:57
How about a due pass, Mr. Chairman?
- 0:32:59
All right. Do I hear a second?
- 0:33:01
Second.
- 0:33:01
All those in favor say aye.
- 0:33:03
Aye.
- 0:33:03
All those against say nay. Congratulations.
- 0:33:07
Thank you, Committee-
- 0:33:08
You have-
- 0:33:08
... Chairman
- 0:33:08
... a due pass on SB39 LC46-1566S.
- 0:33:16
Yes.
- 0:33:17
And again, I wanna thank this committee for all your work this year and your attention to detail. You've done a lot of good work this year, and you pro- uh, have provided a lot of opportunity for a lot of folks in the state to receive some healthcare. And thank you to the audience also. I know you sat here for long hours in sort of a hot room and, and, and put up with us-
- 0:33:35
Hot room
- 0:33:35
... with these long, long, uh, hours. So thank you very much.
- 0:33:40
We won't forget.
- 0:33:40
I hope you have a great sunny day. Thank you. This meeting's adjourned.