summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
02/13/2025
02/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to handicapped persons, so as to create the Commission for Blind and Visually Disabled Persons; to transfer the direction and supervision of the Georgia Industries for the Blind from the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency to the commission; to provide for a short title; to provide for definitions; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for the transfer of functions to the commission; to provide for the composition and appointment of commission members; to provide for an executive director; to provide for duties and powers of the commission; to authorize the commission to license blind persons to operate vending facilities; to transfer the oversight of the delivery of deaf-blind services and techniques that lead to maximum independence and employment for individuals with both a hearing and a vision loss to the commission; to provide for an annual report; to provide for a complaint process; to amend Chapter 9 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, so as to establish the role of the commission in facilitating the operation by blind persons and other persons with disabilities of vending facilities on state property; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Commission for Blind and Visually Disabled Persons, a new state agency that will take over responsibilities previously managed by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for blind and visually impaired individuals. The commission will be responsible for developing and implementing vocational rehabilitation services, independent living programs, and business enterprise opportunities specifically for blind and visually impaired people. The bill defines blindness as having a central visual acuity of 20/200 or a visual field of 20 degrees or less, and establishes that the commission will be composed of nine members (a chairperson and eight members), with a majority being blind or visually impaired and at least one member being deaf-blind. The commission will have broad powers, including licensing blind persons to operate vending facilities, coordinating deaf-blind services, purchasing specialized equipment, working with libraries to improve access, and providing technical assistance to other state agencies to ensure accessibility. The commission will be administratively assigned to the Department of Human Services and will be required to publish an annual report and maintain a complaint resolution process. The bill emphasizes principles of individual dignity, personal responsibility, and full societal integration for blind and visually impaired individuals.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (15)
Gail Davenport (D)*,
Jason Esteves (D)*,
Sonya Halpern (D)*,
Sally Harrell (D)*,
Donzella James (D)*,
Emanuel Jones (D)*,
Harold Jones (D)*,
RaShaun Kemp (D)*,
Derek Mallow (D)*,
Randal Mangham (D)*,
Josh McLaurin (D)*,
Nikki Merritt (D)*,
Sheikh Rahman (D)*,
Freddie Sims (D)*,
Kenya Wicks (D)*,
Last Action
Senate Read and Referred (on 02/13/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70259 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/232218 |
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