770 445 3379

facebook-Button-300x100 google-Button-300x100
facebook-Button-300x100 google-Button-300x100
Dallas-New-Era-Logo-818x88
Dallas-New-Era-Logo-656x81
Dallas-New-Era-Logo-458x68
Dallas-New-Era-Logo-439x59r
Dallas-New-Era-Logo-317x49

Gold Dome Report- Representative Micah Gravley

gravley315As of May 9 th , Governor Deal’s deadline to veto legislation passed, which was good news for many of us, who waited anxiously in hopes he would sign our bills into law. As confetti filled the room and the Speaker declared "Sine Die," the last night of session, I couldn't help but to be a bit overwhelmed by the amount of pride I felt over what we accomplished this year. Don’t get me wrong, there is always room for improvement, but I am pleased to report that all of the measures I worked very closely on passed with flying colors and remained veto free from Governor Deal! Protection for Fire Fighters, Medical Cannabis Expansion, and Campus Carry are all items that I have been working on for a number of years and I am thrilled that they will now become official Georgia code.

House Bill 280- Campus Carry
One of the bills we were most concerned about was the Campus Carry legislation, House Bill 280, which Governor Deal vetoed last year, but signed this year, after certain changes were met. Under this year's legislation, licensed gun owners, 21 years of age, could carry concealed handguns on public college campuses. Currently, Georgia is among 17 states that ban concealed weapons on campus. Although last year's measure was vetoed, we did work to address concerns, primarily dealing with where on campus concealed handguns are allowed.  As always, my commitment to uphold YOUR God given Constitutional rights remain a priority and I will continue to support these efforts, especially, Constitutional Carry, which is the gold standard for 2nd amendment rights.

House Bill 146 – Fire Fighter Cancer Act
After two years of hard work, support from both House and Senate legislators and partnering with Georgia Fire Fighters, Governor Deal signed HB 146 into law on Thursday, May 4 th 2017. The law will go into effect January 1, 2017. The Fire Fighter Cancer Act will provide the vital insurance benefits needed when Fire Fighters are diagnosed with specific types of cancer. So many people played pivotal supporting roles in making sure this bill made it to the Governor’s desk. House Speaker David Ralston, Senator John Albers, Tom Gehl with GMA, members of the Georgia General Assembly, and firefighters across the state of Georgia are all to be commended on their dedication to seeing this bill through to the finish line. Fire Fighters in Georgia have always put the safety of our citizens and communities first. On May 4 th , Georgia put the men and women in our Fire Service first with the signing of HB 146.

HB 9- Upskirting Legislation
House Bill 9, which closes a loophole in privacy law, passed in the final hours of session in the form of HB 104. We brought this bill forward in response to a Court of Appeals ruling that overturned the conviction of an individual for recording cell phone video underneath a woman’s skirt in a retail store. Governor Deal signed this measure into law, thus criminalizing the use of a device, such as a camera or mobile phone, to secretly observe, photograph, videotape, film or recording underneath or through a person’s clothing while in a public place. I was proud to co- sponsor this piece of legislation.

House Bill 65- Expansion of Medical Cannabis 
Also receiving the Governor’s signature was the House and Senate compromise for the expansion of medical cannabis oil usage. Senate Bill 16 expands the allowable conditions list to the following illnesses: Tourette’s syndrome; Autism spectrum disorder; Epidermolysis Bullosa; Alzheimer’s disease; AIDS; Peripheral neuropathy; Hospice patients. SB 16 also allows the following:

  1. Reciprocity of medical cannabis registration cards issued by other state.
  2. Waves the one year residential eligibility requirement for the oil registr.
  3. Requires physicians to report information regarding dosage and effect.

Over the past few years, I have had the pleasure of building strong relationships and partnering with patients, parents and children in need of medical cannabis oil. Many of whom have become like family to me. While we unfortunately did not address the limited in state growth and access issues, I feel confident that we will continue to move forward in the right direction where this measure is concerned, giving Georgia families access to this critical medicine for their loved ones.

The beginning of this Summer feels quite different than last. In 2016, we were disappointed with some of the results of pending legislation. This year, however, proves that hard work paired with negotiation and diplomacy, we can accomplish a great deal! While the last few months have been a whirlwind, it is an absolute pleasure to work on your behalf and represent the citizens and families of House District 67. In closing, I would like to say thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Your kind words mean the world and they push me to be the best legislator I can be, serving for the betterment of our district and our Georgia citizens.ga legislator500