Thursday, February 6, marked the end of Legislative Day 13.
With most legislative committees having completed their initial meetings to adopt procedural rules, committee work on budget and legislation is now in full swing on the Senate and House sides. The General Assembly adopted an adjournment calendar that, although subject to change, governs the schedule through the remainder of the 40-day legislative session. Crossover Day, the day by which legislation must pass at least one body to remain viable as stand alone legislation, is scheduled for March 6, while Sine Die, the final day of the session, is scheduled for April 4. It’s an exciting time under the Gold Dome and a number of bills that concern the delivery and access to healthcare have been introduced. This update highlights a few of the measures NGHS is in favor of below.
On January 30, several NGHS hospital leaders and clinical staff joined other health care and business community representatives to show support for Governor Brian P. Kemp’s proposed healthcare liability reform initiatives as he revealed his much-anticipated legislative tort reform package. During the conference, Governor Kemp highlighted several initiatives aimed toward improving access to care for patients and stabilizing insurance costs for Georgia businesses and consumers. The legislation, if passed, would provide for “truth in damages,” meaning juries would see actual costs related to healthcare services received by a plaintiff. The bill package also seeks to eliminate “anchoring,” which would allow juries to decide on a fair payment for pain and suffering, without being influenced by an attorney who may present an excessive amount.
The tort reform package, which includes several legal reform measures in addition to those outlined above, consists of two bills: SB 68 and SB 69, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy and others. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and hearings will be held this week. The bills are expected to be the subject of vigorous debate as they move through the legislative process.
HB 139, introduced by Rep. Todd Jones, would prohibit drug manufacturers and wholesalers from restricting licensed pharmacies from acquiring and dispensing drugs purchased through federal 340B drug discount program arrangements. HB 139 was assigned to the House Health Committee. This issue is a key initiative for the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) and many of its members.
It was an exciting end to the week with the “little budget,” the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget, clearing the House floor yesterday by a vote of 166-3. HB 68 is sponsored by Speaker Jon Burns and includes $35,642,908 to provide one-time grant funds to supplement federal Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital funds for 45 public small rural and critical access hospitals. If approved, these funds will be used to assist these hospitals in financial stabilization and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene. GHA has worked closely with House Appropriations Chairman, Rep. Matt Hatchett, on this issue over the last several months. Next, the bill goes to the Senate for its consideration.
A number of other healthcare bills and initiatives have been introduced and are being closely monitored as they move through the legislative process. The NGHS Governmental Affairs team will continue to keep you updated on the key developments and, beginning next week, this update will include a breakdown of all list of bills on our radar under the Gold Dome. In the meantime, if you have questions, please contact NGHS’ Executive Director of Governmental Affairs, Elizabeth Holcomb at [email protected].