Georgia’s new laws begin on January 1st

With the start of 2023, several new laws will go into effect in Georgia on Sunday, January 1st. Here’s an explanation of what to expect.

While most Georgia statutes go into effect July 1, the General Assembly has postponed some statutes or portions of statutes to January 1. The General Assembly usually delays legislation dealing with taxes levied annually.

Mental health

Starting Sunday, health insurance companies must report to the state Department of Insurance how they provide child, adolescent and adult mental health services through House Bill 1013. This regulation is part of the state’s previously passed Mental Health Parity Act and requires insurance companies to cover mental health, according to state officials. Nursing care is just as important as physical health care. Insurance Commissioner John King has until May 15 to analyze compliance and to report on his findings by August 15. The new law also states that the department must create a system to pursue complaints of unfair insurance denials and maintain grants for court cases. ordered mental health treatment programs. Additional requirements will begin later in 2023 to 2024, according to state officials.

teaching material

Concerned parents can file complaints with school districts about books, websites, and other materials they believe are obscene or harmful to their children through Senate Law 226. The law requires schools to review and rule on complaints within seven business days whether the material should be banned or restricted access and follow-up with parents within 10 business days. Parents also have the legal right to share their concerns with the board during a public meeting. All titles of the disputed materials must be listed on the school district’s website for one year, regardless of the district’s decision.

tax credits

Individuals who donate to law enforcement foundations that support local law enforcement agencies are eligible for tax credits on their state income taxes. According to state officials, Senate Bill 361 grants police and sheriff’s departments $75 million a year in tax credits, with up to $3 million per agency. Agencies can use the money for civil servant salaries, training, equipment, or for programs that dispatch social and health workers to mental health emergencies.

Police and sheriff’s departments aren’t the only agencies to benefit from tax credits in 2023. House Bill 1041 will increase tax credits for donations to rural hospitals by $15 million to a total of $75 million. The Community Ministry of Health has designated 56 suitable hospitals. Each hospital can receive up to $4 million per year.

permits

Food truck operators are supported by House Bill 1443 because they only need a single permit from their home county health department to operate. According to state officials, the law streamlines paperwork and operating costs. Operators must still submit their health permit to each county in which they wish to operate.

online seller

2023 will see an increase in the number of online sellers required to post contact information through Senate Bill 332. According to state officials, the law protects consumers by making it more difficult to sell fraudulent goods online. Marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon must provide consumers with the full name of third-party companies or individuals with annual sales of more than $20,000. In most cases, the seller’s address, telephone number and e-mail address must be provided. Companies that don’t comply with the law will be suspended, according to state officials. Online marketplaces are required to provide consumers with a phone number and email address to report suspicious activity.