Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp has made a decisive move to streamline government operations and enhance security with a series of new legislative measures. Joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, and state officials, Kemp signed into law SB 96, HB 113, and several other bills aimed at reducing bureaucracy and strengthening safeguards against foreign interference. The governor emphasized that their overarching goal is to improve the efficiency of services provided to Georgians and ensure that state agencies are well-protected.
One of the key pieces of legislation, SB 96, championed by Senator Drew Echols and Representative Matthew Gambill, cuts down on inactive or duplicative state agency boards. Kemp stated, "Every day we serve the people of Georgia, it’s important for us to remember that we work for them," highlighting the administration's commitment to public service. In addition to SB 96, he also signed HB 113, which mandates the Georgia Technology Authority to create and maintain a list of companies connected to so-called foreign adversaries. According to a release from the Governor's office, this list will inform state purchasing decisions, thereby bolstering security. This bill was sponsored by Representative Lauren McDonald and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchman.
The legislative package included several other significant bills. HB 148, sponsored by Representative John Carson and Senator Billy Hickman, introduces alternative pathways for CPA qualification in Georgia. Furthermore, HB 322 spearheaded by Representative Lee Hawkins and Senator Max Burns allows dentistry professionals licensed elsewhere to secure a teaching license in Georgia, facilitating expertise exchange within academic settings.
In another effort to make professional certification more accessible, HB 579, supported by Representative Matt Reeves and Senator Larry Walker, delegates licensing approval powers to the Professional Licensing Board Division Director. Additionally, Kemp's administration has reformed the regulation of the used motor vehicle industry with HB 630, simplifying administrative procedures, while, maintaining safeguards against malpractice within the sector. These moves are part of broader efforts to eliminate excess government waste, and expedite the professional licensure process.
Beyond these reforms, the government has also re-examined contractor licensing through HB 635, fostering fairness by setting more objective criteria and reducing discretionary power during licensure. Meanwhile, SB 125, a bill sponsored by Senator Larry Walker and Representative Lee Hawkins, revamps engineering and land surveyor licensing pathways and integrates third-party electronic databases for monitoring certain license compliances. These administrative overhauls point towards Governor Kemp's dedication to efficient governance, enhancing economic opportunities for the state's workforce.
