The Georgia General Assembly convened for an unprecedented special legislative session on Monday, March 16, 2020. Governor Brian Kemp signed a public health state of emergency to address the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in Georgia on Saturday, March 14. My colleagues and I convened for one legislative day to consider this important executive order. Article V, Section II, Paragraph VII of the Constitution of the State of Georgia grants the governor the power to convene a special session of the General Assembly, and Gov. Kemp called the House and Senate into a special session to take immediate action on ratifying the public health state of emergency through a joint resolution. This is the first time in our state’s history that this type of emergency has been declared.

Georgia officials have been closely monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in Georgia over the last few weeks, and in just a matter of days, an increasing number of Georgians have tested positive for the virus. For this reason, Speaker of the House David Ralston and Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan made the decision to suspend the 2020 legislative session until further notice out of caution and in the interest of the health and safety of my colleagues in the General Assembly, our staff, and the public. We suspended the regular legislative session indefinitely after we adjourned for Legislative Day 29 on Friday, March 13.

The following day, after President Trump signed a national emergency declaration for the U.S., Gov. Kemp declared a public health state of emergency to allow our state to address the growing threat of COVID-19. In consultation with the Georgia Commissioner of Public Health, the Georgia Coronavirus Task Force, and other state health and emergency preparedness officials, Gov. Kemp determined that a public health emergency exists in the state and that it is necessary to take action to protect the health, safety and welfare of Georgia’s residents.

 

House Resolution 4EX

My colleagues and I adopted House Resolution 4EX during the special legislative session, which concurs with the governor’s executive order and ratifies the public health state of emergency.

  • This public health state of emergency will assist health and emergency management officials across Georgia by allowing all of the state’s resources to be made available for the mitigation and treatment of COVID-19.
  • The governor’s emergency executive order will allow the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) to direct specific health care action in extraordinary circumstances, suspends restrictions on hours of commercial vehicle operation and vehicle height, weight and length thresholds to assist in preparation and response efforts and authorizes the Georgia Composite Medical Board and Georgia Board of Nursing to grant temporary licenses to applicants who are in good standing in other states to assist in addressing health care needs.
  • Additionally, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency will be the lead agency for responding to this public health emergency and will coordinate all emergency response activities.
  • Gov. Kemp will also have the ability to compel a health care facility to provide services or the use of its facility if such services or use are reasonable and necessary for emergency response, as well as implement a mandatory vaccination or quarantine program.

 

While our state and country face uncertain times, I encourage my constituents to take proactive measures to protect their families and communities against COVID-19. With preventative measures, we can join together as a state to help our health care systems manage coronavirus cases, as well as reduce the exponential rise of coronavirus cases across Georgia. The DPH has provided helpful information on best practices that will help reduce the rise of positive cases over the next few weeks. I urge my constituents to follow the DPH’s guidelines and wash their hands, avoid touching their faces and practice social distancing to help slow the spread of the virus. For more information on how to reduce the risk for coronavirus, as well as how to take action if someone is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, please visit the DPH’s website at www.dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus

I also encourage you to reach out to me with questions or concerns regarding the state’s plan to address COVID-19. You can reach me locally by phone at 404.656.0152. You may also email me at dale.washburn@house.ga.gov. Remember to visit my Facebook Page for more news and updates.

As always, I want to thank you all for allowing me to serve as your state representative. God bless you and your families.

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