Jon Burns
HOUSE PASSES HALFWAY MARK

The Georgia House of Representatives has just completed our seventh legislative week. As we move closer to Day 30,

known as Crossover Day when any bill expected to pass this year must have passed at least one c h a m b e r,

our days are

g r o w i n g longer and our work more important.

This week, the House heard from both of Georgia's U.S. Senators and from one Congressman on the ongoing PeachCare crisis. Both Senators Saxby Chambliss and Johnny Isakson addressed the full House and delivered messages of hope for the future of PeachCare. Congressman Sanford Bishop from Georgia's third congressional district also visited the House and stressed his desire to quickly resolve the PeachCare funding crisis.

We adopted several important measures this week that, if approved by the Senate and signed by the Governor, will provide additional protections for the elderly, disabled and children. House Bill 155 requires background checks on owners of personal care homes, private home care providers, community living arrangements and child welfare agencies. House Bill 233 expands the definition of "exploitation" as it relates to the improper use of a disabled or elderly person's property or resources. The new definition of It was an honor to welcome "exploitation" includes 'undue influence, coercion, harassment, duress, deception, false representation, false pretense, or other similar means.' House Bill 153 requires DFACS to give at least five (5) days notice of a placement change of a child in their custody to the court, parents, guardians, and attorneys of record. In an emergency situation, only courts would be required to be notified. Kate Anna Akins and Sara Brown, both of Bulloch County, Georgia, to the State Capitol this week. Kate and Sara served as Pages for a day. The Page program is open to student 12 years of age and older, and is a one day opportunity for them to experience their state government up close.

As the session progresses, I will continue to keep you up to date on key pieces of legislation and important events at the State Capitol. As always, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to contact me at my Capitol office at (404) 656- 0213.