Here’s a list of Georgia laws going into effect on Jan. 1
Nearly 300 bills were signed into law by Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019, according to 11 Alive.
While many have gone into effect already, there are still many others in Georgia that have yet to take effect, including the so-called “heartbeat bill” that would outlaw abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is usually around six weeks.
Here’s a list of some of the laws going into effect on Jan. 1, including the current status of a few others.
HB 481 - ‘Heartbeat bill’
The Living Infants Fairness and Equality (Life) Act, also known as the “heartbeat bill,” is on hold. A federal ruling in October prevents the bill from becoming law until a challenge makes it way through the court system.
If this bill becomes law, abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected would be banned throughout the state, except in cases of a medical emergency or when a mother’s life is in danger.
HB 478 - Stricter child abuse registry
Before the passage of this law, convicted child abusers could be listed on the state’s registry as young as 13.
Now, they have to be at least 18 years of age or older to be added to the registry.
HB 266 - Tax deductions for 529 Plan
If you use the state’s 529 Plan to save for college, the state tax deduction will be increasing.
The deduction will be going from $2,000 to $4,000 per child in college if you’re a single taxpayer or going from $4,000 to $8,000 per child if you file with a spouse.
According to the SEC, a 529 Plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help save for future college costs.
HB 63 - ‘Step Therapy’ workaround
HB 63 will give doctors a way around something called “step therapy,” when an insurance company makes you try certain medicines first before you can try the medicine prescribed by your doctor.
Previously, you would have to try a certain medication and wait for it to fail before you could get the drug your doctor thought would work better for you.
Now, after Jan. 1 and with a health plan that starts or is renewed on that date, HB 63 will give doctors an easier path to help a patient avoid “step therapy.”