Evans Examiner: Week 8
This week marks Week 8 of the legislative session. Crossover Day is now behind us, and we are working on the Senate Bills that crossed over from the Senate.
The Capitol is still busy. We're switching gears back to the beginning of the process with these Senate Bills: working hard in Committees to make sure nothing was overlooked. However, my focus is still advocating for the people of House District 57 and ensuring your voices are represented under the Gold Dome.
Yellow Rose Award Ceremony
I had the privilege of recognizing Nancy Daves for the Georgia Women's Caucus' Yellow Rose Award. This award honors outstanding women who are making a difference in their communities through leadership, service, and advocacy.
Nancy Daves served in leadership for numerous conservation organizations in Georgia. This includes the Tybee Island Marine Center, the Georgia Sierra Club, and the Georgia Interfaith Power and Light. She truly is a star and worthy of this prestigious award.
Post-Crossover Town Hall Recap
Our post-Crossover Day Legislative Town Hall went very well!
State Senator Sonya Halpern and I gave an in-depth overview of all legislation that had passed both out of the House and the Senate. We covered the following topics: Education, Healthcare & Social Services, Public Safety & Criminal Justice, Taxation & Finance, Property & Civil Law, and General Government & Infrastructure.
The conversations were robust, and it was thanks to the wonderful guests who attended. Representing such engaged constituents is the best part of my job. Thank you for those who were able to make it both in person and virtually!
Bills that Passed the House this Week
There were fewer bills up for consideration than last week. However, we voted on the Budget Bill. Dive in below!
Each year we pass the “big budget” to fund our state government for the upcoming fiscal year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027). The FY 2027 budget totals $76.6 billion across all funding sources, including federal funds, dedicated trust funds, and other revenue. Of that, $38.5 billion comes from state funds. This budget adds funding in many crucial areas. I’ve linked here to a document prepared by the House of Representatives that gives an outline of the budget items in each area of the budget. I voted yes.
SB 220: Putting Georgia's Patients First
This bill expands the Medical Cannabis Patient Registry by clarifying and adding qualifying conditions such as intractable pain, lupus, severe arthritis, and severe insomnia, while also establishing that registration cards for patients with incurable conditions do not require annual recertification. Under the bill, registered patients are permitted to possess up to 20 fluid ounces of medical cannabis or products containing a cumulative total of 12,000 milligrams or less of THC, provided the substances are in labeled pharmaceutical containers. This bill also explicitly excludes authorized medical cannabis from the Georgia Controlled Substances Act and revises criminal penalties to protect compliant patients, caregivers, and licensees. I voted yes.
HR 1049: Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Day
This resolution designates the Wednesday of the last week in October of each year as Fentanyl and Opioid Awareness Day in Georgia. The resolution highlights the urgent need for this observance due to a significant rise in opioid-related overdose deaths and the extreme potency of fentanyl. To address this crisis, the resolution encourages Georgia policymakers to prioritize educational outreach by having conversations that educate people on the risk, dangers, and effects of fentanyl. Having naloxone, an antidote for opioid poisoning, is also encouraged to be available in middle schools, high schools, and universities by this bill. I voted yes
Committee Work
I've mentioned it before, but I can't overstate the importance of committee work. This Wednesday we were discussing a bill that aimed to ensure that insurance claims were not denied on AI input alone. I pointed out that the bill needed stronger language. After the meeting, we all worked together as a committee and with legislative counsel to better protect Georgians!
Meeting Constituents & Others from Georgia Youth Justice Coalition
I had the honor of being visited by more constituents of District 57 and some passionate folks from the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition.
The Georgia Youth Justice Coalition is comprised of students who advocate for justice in our state. They champion movements for fair maps, fair budgets, and meaningful policies for Georgia's children and families.
Legislative Page Spotlight: Anna Ward
I enjoyed having Anna Ward join me as a page this week. Anna is a pro, as this is her second session as a page. Anna is a freshman at Midtown High and her future is certainly bright. Her dad’s legal colleague Rep. Marvin Lim joined us for a picture with the Speaker. Anna is clearly a fan favorite!
Post Sine Die Legislative Town Hall — Less Than a Month Away!
Make sure your calendars are marked for my upcoming joint townhall with State Senator Sonya Halpern. We will be going over what we have witnessed so far under the gold dome.
We also will be answering questions, so please come with a curious mind! RSVP is not necessary but encouraged so we can anticipate crowd size. RSVP to Elijah Johnson at elijah@staceyevans.com.
What’s next?
I encourage you to stay engaged. Please continue to reach out to my office with your questions, concerns, and ideas. It is a privilege to serve you, and I remain committed to fighting for District 57 every single day. Stay up to date with the links below!
👩⚖️ Tune into the Rules Committee Meeting at 9am - Monday
📸 Watch the House Floor Chamber at 10am - Monday
⚖ Tune in the Judiciary Committee Meeting at 1:30pm - Monday
In service,
Stacey Evans