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By Vance Smith
Represents Georgia House District 133

We have completed the last full week of the Georgia General Assembly and, actually, this past Saturday and Sunday were designated as Committee Days. I worked several hours in my Legislative Office Saturday preparing for our final day, Monday April 4.

Two of the bills I am carrying have passed the House and Senate and go to the governor for his signature. My third bill, HB 1291, passed the Senate late Friday by a vote of 44-8.

It comes back to the House, where I will agree to some positive changes made by the Senate.

This legislation gives a tax incentive to “high tech” companies and the Department of Economic Development uses this incentive to bring these companies to Georgia. The benefit to Georgia is these companies pay high salaries to our workforce.

My fourth and last bill is HB 1352, which would aid citizens who are trying to recover “unclaimed property” from the Department of Revenue.

This legislation has passed the House. I went to the Senate Rules Committee several times to get this legislation on the calendar to go to the Senate Floor.

It has made their calendar but was not called up Friday.

Will continue to work this bill in the Senate and hope it is called up Monday for a vote.

This bill would be a tremendous help to our citizens to reclaim property that belongs to them. 

HB 1013, the Mental Health bill, passed both chambers this past week. 

This legislation would require parity for mental health coverage to the same degree as coverage for physical care to make accessing these services easier for Georgians. I was excited to support this bill and look forward to it’s success.

I appreciate the letters, emails and calls. Please continue to contact me at 404-656-0254 or Vance.smith@house.ga.gov