Governor Brian Kemp has signed 21 House Bills into law. One of those measures is House Bill 217, which was sponsored by District 117 Representative Houston Gaines. He says the measure would legalize programs that hand out clean needles to help prevent the spread of HIV and other diseases.
“I’m excited that Governor Kemp has signed our bill into law, signed it before we even adjourned on Sine Die,” Gaines said. “I appreciated Gov. Kemp’s commitment to public health. I think we’re moving forward in a really positive direction on healthcare in a lot of different directions but certainly this bill is a step in the right direction.”
Gaines says the new law will have several benefits for Georgia residents.
“It’s going to help us reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C, help us chip away at the opioid crisis, and reduce healthcare costs for all Georgia. We’re very excited and I really appreciate Gov. Kemp getting this bill signed into law.”
It authorizes the Georgia Department of health to oversee the program and provide other resources as well, like substance abuse and harm reduction counseling, education and health referrals.
After the Georgia General Assembly adjourns, the Governor has forty days to review a bill or resolution intended to have the effect of law and sign, veto, or take no action on the measure, allowing it to become law. The last day for the Governor to sign or veto a bill or resolution is May 12, 2019. Kemp has listed the signed measures on his website.
