Rep. Hagan: Week 7 Session Update

The Georgia Ho u s e of Repr esentatives reconvened on February 24, kicking off an i m p o rtant week of lawmaking at the State Capitol. As we move closer to Crossover Day, my colleagues and I have been working hard to pass meaningful legislation that will impact families and businesses across Georgia. Last week was our busiest yet, with several key bills making it through the House. Let’s take a look at what bills passed and what they mean for our district and state.

Protecting Women’s Sports and Privacy One of the most talked- about bills of the session, House Bill 267, or the Riley Gaines Act, passed the House last week. This bill ensures that schools and colleges in Georgia maintain separate restrooms and changing areas for male and female athletes. It also requires that sports teams be designated as male, female, or co-ed, ensuring fairness in competition. Additionally, HB 267 requires Georgia’s legal documents to use the term “sex” instead of “gender,” reinforcing the importance of biological distinctions in state records. This measure is about fairness, privacy, and protecting opportunities for female athletes. Improving Literacy with the Georgia Early Literacy and Dyslexia Act House Bill 307, which builds upon last year’s Georgia Early Literacy Act, is another major step forward for education. This bill renames the act to include dyslexia, ensuring that students struggling with reading receive targeted, science-based instruction. HB 307 also bans outdated teaching methods like the three-cueing system, which has been shown to be ineffective in literacy development. Instead, it mandates high-quality, evidence-based reading instruction. Additionally, the bill creates the Georgia Literacy Coach Coordination Council, which will help standardize training for literacy coaches across the state. As a former teacher, I know firsthand how critical early literacy is, and this bill will go a long way toward ensuring all Georgia students get the support they need.

Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Exploitation Technology is evolving rapidly, and unfortunately, bad actors are using artificial intelligence (AI) to create obscene content involving children. House Bill 171, also called the Illegal AI Activities Act, makes it a criminal offense to distribute, solicit, or possess AI-generated obscene material depicting minors. Those convicted could face up to 15 years in prison, with additional penalties for crimes where AI played a role. This legislation closes a dangerous loophole and ensures that our laws keep up with emerging technology. Protecting Georgia’s children is always a top priority, and I’m proud to support this bill. Strengthening Parental Rights with Ethan’s Law House Bill 253, also known as Ethan’s Law, was another major win for families. This bill prevents Georgia judges from ordering children to attend out-of-state reunification programs, which have been used to force children into contact with previously unfit parents. The legislation ensures that parental rights are respected and that children’s safety remains a top priority. In some cases, these court-ordered programs have led to deeply distressing experiences for children who have already endured trauma, forcing them into environments that may not be safe or in their best interests.

Ethan’s Law establishes clear guidelines that protect families from being subjected to these questionable practices. Under this legislation, courts will no longer have the power to mandate reunification camps, therapeutic retreats, or similar programs that require children to travel across state lines to reconnect with a parent deemed unfit. It also ensures that any court-ordered reunification efforts within Georgia prioritize the child’s well-being, requiring thorough oversight and accountability.

For far too long, families have been left navigating a legal system that doesn’t always consider the emotional and psychological toll of forced reunification. By passing this bill, we are taking a major step toward correcting these injustices. Children should never be compelled to reestablish a relationship in an environment that could be harmful to their wellbeing. I am proud to stand behind Ethan’s Law to provide families with the legal protection they deserve. Additional Bills Passed Last Week Along with these key measures, we passed several other important bills, including: • House Bill 14 – De clares cornbread as the official state bread of Georgia (because why not?).

• House Bill 78 – Al lows the Firefighters Pension Fund to invest more funds in alternative investments.

• House Bill 108 – Pro tects veterans from predatory benefits consultants who charge unfair fees.

• House Bill 124 – Re quires insurance coverage for children diagnosed with PANS and PANDAS.

• House Bill 163 – Mandates clear labeling of lab-grown meat in food service establishments.

• House Bill 352 – Ex – pands Medicaid coverage for continuous glucose monitors for patients with gestational diabetes.

• House Bill 428 – En sures continued access to in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in Georgia.

These are just a few of the bills that passed last week, and more are on the way as we approach Crossover Day.

Looking Ahead to Crossover Day March 6 marks Crossover Day, the deadline for bills to pass out of their original chamber to remain eligible for final passage this session. This means we have another packed week ahead! If you have questions about any legislation, please reach out. I value your input and want to hear your thoughts on the issues that matter most to you and your family.

To stay updated, visit my website at LeesaHagan. com and check out my previous posts on key legislative issues.

Rep. Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons) and 4-H State President Kingston Ryals of Vidalia in Atlanta for Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol.

By Leesa Hagan R-Vidalia (District 156, Georgia House of Representatives)