FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 11, 2024
ATLANTA, GA- March 11, 2025 – The Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA) and Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) are proud to support a series of legislative bills aimed at enhancing protections, resources, and rights for older Georgians. While not all of these bills are CO-AGE legislative priorities, they are crucial to our advocacy efforts and align with our mission to improve the lives of seniors across the state.
Key Legislation Includes:
· House Bill 238: Improved Training for Peace Officers seeks to enhance law enforcement training by requiring peace officers to receive specialized instruction on handling interactions with vulnerable citizens, including those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. The goal is to improve officers’ ability to recognize, communicate with, and safely assist individuals with cognitive impairments, ensuring better outcomes for both law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“The Georgia Council on Aging strongly supports HB 238, as at-risk adult training for law enforcement is critical to ensuring safe, informed responses to individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Proper training reduces risks for both seniors and officers, preventing unnecessary trauma and improving public safety.” – Debra Stokes, Executive Director
HB 238 is a proactive step toward building safer, more dementia-friendly communities. We urge legislators to prioritize the well-being of older adults by advancing this bill.
· HB 529: Protecting Seniors from Online Automatic Renewals – Ensures businesses clearly disclose renewal terms, obtain consumer consent, and provide easy cancellation options.[DW1] It has passed the house on March 6, 2025, and will now be voted on in the Senate.
· HB 463: Property Tax Relief for Senior Volunteers – Offers tax reductions for seniors who volunteer, fostering civic engagement while easing financial burdens. Passed unanimously on March 4, 2025.
· HB 291: Certification for Community Health Workers – Establishes a certification program to ensure standardized training and improve care, especially in underserved areas. It has passed the house on March 6, 2025, and will now be voted on in the Senate.
· SB 72: Expanding Access to Critical Treatments – Allows critically ill patients to access investigational treatments[DW2] . This bill reflects our multi-disciplinary priority in 2024.
About The Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA) & CO-AGE The Georgia Council on Aging (GCOA) advocates for policies and programs that improve the quality of life for older adults across the state. As an advisory body to the Governor, General Assembly, and state agencies, GCOA works to educate, inform, and recommend solutions that support aging Georgians and their families.
The Coalition of Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly (CO-AGE) is a statewide network of advocates committed to championing legislative priorities that impact seniors. Through advocacy, education, and community engagement, CO-AGE empowers citizens to have a voice in shaping policies that affect older adults.
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.gcoa.org.
###
Contact:
Dwayna Williams
(470) 728-0989
Debra Stokes
(404) 434-1380
Comentários