IVF and tort reform bills pass House; Savannah rezones for more affordable housing

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary: "IVF and Tort Reform Bills Pass House; Savannah Rezones for More Affordable Housing"

Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Orlando Montoya
Host Organization: Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB)

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Introduction

In the March 28, 2025 episode of Georgia Today, host Orlando Montoya presents a comprehensive overview of significant legislative and community developments across Georgia. The episode delves into the passage of pivotal bills in the House, Savannah's proactive zoning revisions for affordable housing, and innovative initiatives addressing homelessness in Augusta. Through in-depth reporting and insightful interviews, the podcast offers listeners a clear understanding of the issues shaping Georgia today.

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1. IVF Protections Bill Advances to Governor’s Desk

Timestamp: [00:52] – [01:52]

Governor Brian Kemp's tort reform agenda received a substantial boost as a bill protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) advanced through the House and Senate. This landmark legislation is poised for Governor Kemp's signature, marking a significant victory for reproductive rights advocates in the state.

Key Points:

• The IVF protections bill ensures legal safeguards for couples undergoing fertility treatments.
• Sponsored by Representative Lehman Franklin, the bill addresses concerns sparked by the Alabama Supreme Court's decision to classify frozen embryos as children, potentially restricting IVF access.
• The legislation's passage underscores a multi-year effort to secure reproductive freedoms in Georgia.

Notable Quotes:

• Orlando Montoya: "A bill enshrining into law protections for in vitro fertilization is now headed to the governor's desk." [00:52]
• Representative Lehman Franklin: "I'll be able to share that to my daughter one day and show her that I don't know how old she has to be, maybe five or ten something, but I get to sit her down and say, you know, you played a part in this and you were in your mama's belly during this whole process." [01:37]

Implementation:

• The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
• Sarah Kalis of GPB highlighted the personal stakes involved, as Representative Franklin and his wife anticipate welcoming a daughter through IVF assistance.

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2. Tort Reform and Litigation Financing Regulations

Timestamp: [02:01] – [02:37]

Governor Kemp's priority to limit lawsuits gained momentum with the passage of Senate Bill 69 in the state House. This legislation aims to regulate third-party financing in litigation, particularly targeting foreign entities involved in financing lawsuits.

Key Points:

• Senate Bill 69 seeks to establish stringent regulations on litigation financing to prevent undue external influence.
• Representative James Burchett emphasized the absence of current regulations: "Nowhere in the code will you find it. So what this bill seeks to do is put some guardrails and regulation on the industry." [02:24]
• The bill passed the House with a vote of 98 to 69 and is now advancing to the Senate for further consideration.

Related Developments:

• A separate bill limiting lawsuits related to business property crimes received final approval last week, curbing when Georgians can sue businesses for injuries stemming from crimes on their properties.

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3. Governor Kemp’s Potential Salary Increase and State Officials' Pay Raises

Timestamp: [02:37] – [03:38]

Amid legislative activities, Governor Brian Kemp is on track to receive a significant pay raise, positioning him among the highest-paid governors nationwide. This change is part of House Bill 86, which also benefits various statewide elected officials.

Key Points:

• House Bill 86 increases the governor's annual salary from $182,000 to $250,000.
• Other statewide officials, including the Attorney General and State School Superintendent, will also see substantial salary hikes.
• The bill, initially focused on judicial pay raises, was amended to include these additional roles, making its passage notable.
• Donna Lowery of GPB's Lawmakers program reported that the bill now awaits House approval.

Notable Quotes:

• Donna Lowery: "His yearly salary would increase from 182,000 to $250,000. Other statewide office holders, the attorney general to the state school superintendent would also see significant bumps in their salaries. And now the bill must go to the House for action. But it would make him one of the highest paid governors in the Nation." [03:18]

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4. Savannah’s Zoning Code Revision for Affordable Housing

Timestamp: [03:38] – [04:36]

Addressing the pressing need for affordable housing, the Savannah City Council approved a revised zoning code designed to facilitate the development of high-density multi-family housing units. This strategic move aims to alleviate the city's housing shortage and accommodate its growing population.

Key Points:

• The new ordinance, termed the Affordable Housing Overlay District, removes previous restrictions on building high-density housing in selected neighborhoods previously dominated by single-family homes.
• City leaders anticipate an increase in housing supply, fostering more inclusive and economically diverse communities.

Notable Quotes:

• Mir Van Johnson: "About not having affordable housing if we're not willing to take the big bold moves it's going to take to get us there. We have to create it, and it happens by density, and density has to be citywide." [04:26]

Supporting Data:

• Federal statistics indicate that the median rent in metro Savannah has surged by over 55% in the past five years, underscoring the urgency of these zoning changes.

Reporter:

• Benjamin Payne of GPB provided detailed coverage on Savannah’s efforts to expand affordable housing through innovative zoning reforms.

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5. Vidalia Onions Pack Date Announcement

Timestamp: [04:48] – [05:00]

Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee have set the pack date for this year’s Vidalia onions, scheduled to hit shelves starting April 15th. Despite enduring adverse weather conditions, including a tropical storm, hurricane, floods, and six inches of snow, the harvest remains robust.

Key Points:

• The pack date determination considers soil and weather conditions throughout the growing season.
• The resilience of this year’s crop highlights the agricultural sector's adaptability amidst climate challenges.

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6. Concerns Over USPS Privatization and Augusta’s Mailbox Initiative

Timestamp: [05:00] – [07:52]

Amid growing fears that the Trump administration may privatize the U.S. Postal Service, postal workers in middle Georgia voiced their concerns through protests in Macon. Simultaneously, Augusta is pioneering solutions to address homelessness by providing stable mailing addresses to its homeless population.

Key Points:

• Postal Service Concerns:

  • The national association of Letter Carriers organized a protest to oppose potential privatization, citing risks such as higher prices and reduced delivery services, especially in rural regions.
  • The resignation of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has intensified scrutiny over the USPS's future operations.
  • Letter carriers in Warner Robbins highlighted their critical role, managing over 31,000 daily rural deliveries.

• Augusta’s Mailbox Initiative:

  • The city introduced 50 mailboxes managed by Gap Ministries, aimed at giving homeless individuals a reliable address.
  • This initiative facilitates access to essential services, including obtaining birth certificates and state-issued IDs, which are often prerequisites for employment, housing, and education.

Notable Quotes:

• Nomi Stanton: "Having an address is one of the things that our clients actually told us would make their lives easier because we know that Vital Documents is a way for you to get ahead. So that's a birth certificate that's being able to go to the DMV and get a state issue id. If you don't have an address, you're unable to do those things." [06:28]
• Nomi Stanton: "If you have just left a domestic violence situation and you're in a safe home, you need a legitimate address to be able to establish your children in school." [06:28]

Details of the Initiative:

• Location: Front of Gap Ministries in Augusta.
• Leadership: Nomi Stanton, chair of the homeless task force and leader of Gap Ministries.
• Purpose: To provide a stable mailing address, enabling access to essential services and improving overall well-being for homeless individuals.

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7. Delta Air Lines Targets Southwest Customers with Loyalty Offer

Timestamp: [07:52] – [08:17]

In a strategic move to capitalize on Southwest Airlines' recent policy changes, Delta Air Lines has launched a limited-time offer targeting Southwest's A-List and A-List Preferred members. Delta is allowing these members to enroll as Delta Gold and Platinum Medallion members at no cost.

Key Points:

• The offer aims to attract Southwest's loyal customer base, potentially expanding Delta's market share.
• This initiative follows Southwest's discontinuation of its popular free baggage policy, which has led to customer dissatisfaction.

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8. Savannah Memorial Health to Expand Hospital Facilities

Timestamp: [08:17] – [09:00]

Savannah's Memorial Health is set to inaugurate a $265 million, five-story medical tower to enhance its main hospital campus. This expansion responds to the region's growing healthcare demands.

Key Points:

• Expansion Details:
  • Addition of 90 new beds to accommodate increased patient loads.
  • Enhanced facilities for food service, supply chain management, and parking.
• Construction Timeline:
  • The commencement and completion dates for construction are anticipated to be announced in the forthcoming weeks.

Objective:

• To meet the healthcare needs arising from significant population growth and ensure the community has access to comprehensive medical services.

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9. Atlanta Honors Former Mayor Shirley Franklin

Timestamp: [09:00] – [10:00]

In a heartfelt tribute, Atlanta has renamed a segment of Central Avenue and a city west side park in honor of Shirley Clark Franklin, the city's first female and first black mayor. Her legacy of public service and city improvements are celebrated by current and former leaders.

Key Points:

• Honors Bestowed:
  • Shirley Clark Franklin Boulevard: Newly christened section of Central Avenue.
  • Shirley Clark Franklin Park: Renamed west side park recognizing her contributions.
• Legacy Highlights:
  • Initiated the Atlanta Beltline, a highly regarded bike and pedestrian trail.
  • Spearheaded improvements to the city's sewer system, enhancing infrastructure.
• Notable Attendees:
  • Current Mayor Andre Dickens and former Mayor Andrew Young participated in the ceremony, underscoring Franklin's impact on Atlanta's development.

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10. March Madness Kicks Off in Atlanta and Savannah

Timestamp: [10:00] – [11:30]

Georgia is gearing up for an exhilarating sports weekend as March Madness takes center stage in Atlanta and Savannah. Fans are flocking to local venues to support their teams and enjoy the high-stakes basketball action.

Key Points:

• State Farm Arena:
  • Hosts the NCAA Men's Southern Regional, Suite 16, and Elite Eight matchups.
• Mercedes Benz Stadium:
  • Atlanta United faces New York City FC in a highly anticipated soccer match.
• Truist Park:
  • Savannah Bananas present their unique "banana ball" games, attracting sold-out crowds on both Saturday and Sunday.
• Fan Advisory:
  • Officials urge attendees to review venue security guidelines.
  • Recommendations to anticipate heavy traffic and limited parking, with an encouragement to use public transportation to mitigate congestion.

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Conclusion

The episode of Georgia Today offers a thorough exploration of legislative advancements, community initiatives, and notable events shaping the state. From critical reforms in reproductive rights and litigation to innovative housing solutions and celebratory honors for influential leaders, the podcast encapsulates the dynamic landscape of Georgia. Listeners gain valuable insights into how these developments impact everyday lives and the broader trajectory of the state.

For more detailed coverage of these stories, visit gpb.org/news.

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Summary prepared by Orlando Montoya, Georgia Public Broadcasting.

Transcript

[DBHDD Representative]

DBHDD is urging Georgians to store and lock away all medications to prevent theft and keep them away from children and pets. Old medications can be disposed of at Dropbox locations. Dropbox locations can be [e-mail].

[Orlando Montoya]

Hello and welcome to Georgia Today. On this podcast we feature the latest reports from the GPB News team. On today's episode, governor Brian Kemp's tort reform bill clears another hurdle. Savannah revises its zoning code to encourage more affordable housing and the city of Augusta unveils mailboxes to establish addresses for those without stable housing.

[Nomi Stanton]

You need a legitimate address to be able to establish your children in school. If you don't have an address, you're unable to do those things.

[Orlando Montoya]

Today is Friday, March 28th. I'm Orlando Montoya. A bill enshrining into law protections for in vitro fertilization is now headed to the governor's desk. GPB Sarah Kalis has more on the latest. In a multi year effort, IVF passed.

[Sarah Kalis]

The House and Senate overwhelmingly and is expected to be signed by Governor Brian Kemp. The bill's sponsor, Representative Lehman Franklin, introduced the bill after concerns about access to the treatment following the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos can be considered children. Franklin and his wife battled infertility for years and are welcoming a daughter in May with the help of ivf.

[Representative Lehman Franklin]

I'll be able to share that to my daughter one day and show her that I don't know how old she has to be, maybe five or ten something, but I get to sit her down and say, you know, you played a part in this and you were in your mama's belly during this whole process.

[Sarah Kalis]

The protections will go into effect July 1st. For GPB news, I'm Sarah Kalis at the State Capitol.

[Orlando Montoya]

The second part of governor Brian Kemp's top priority for this legislative session, limiting lawsuits, has passed in the state House. Senate Bill 69 would set regulations around third parties financing lawsuits, such as banning foreign entities from being litigation financiers. Representative James Burchett Currently there are no.

[Representative Lehman Franklin]

Provisions whatsoever that outline regulations on litigation financing. Nowhere in the code will you find it. So what this bill seeks to do is put some guardrails and regulation on the industry.

[Orlando Montoya]

The bill passed 98 to 69. It now goes back to the Senate. The other bill limiting lawsuits in Georgia got final approval last week. It puts the brakes on when Georgians can sue businesses for injuries flowing from crimes on business properties, among other limits. Governor Brian Kemp soon could be one of the highest paid governors in the country. State senators agreed to amend a bill that passed in the House giving a pay raise to state Supreme Court judges and other judges. Donna Lowery, host of GPB's lawmakers, says a salary bump for other state officials was added. Including the governor.

[Donna Lowery]

His yearly salary would increase from 182,000 to $250,000. Other statewide office holders, the attorney general to the state school superintendent would also see significant bumps in their salaries. And now the bill must go to the House for action. But it would make him one of the highest paid governors in the Nation.

[Orlando Montoya]

House Bill 86 gives a pay raise to most of Georgia's statewide elected officials. The Savannah City Council yesterday voted to revise its zoning code with the goal of green lighting more affordable housing units. JPB's Benjamin Payne reports.

[Benjamin Payne]

Zoning can be a confusing topic, but in a nutshell, Savannah's new ordinance is about addition by subtraction. That is, the law removes certain restrictions on where developers can build high density multi family housing. In doing so, city leaders hope to add to Savannah's housing supply in the coming years. Passed by council members at their Thursday meeting, the so called Affordable Housing Overlay district will encompass several neighborhoods beyond downtown, places where single family homes have long been the norm. Savannah Mir Van Johnson we can't complain.

[Mir Van Johnson]

About not having affordable housing if we're not willing to take the big bold moves it's going to take to get us there. We have to create it, and it happens by density, and density has to be citywide.

[Benjamin Payne]

Federal data show the median rent in metro Savannah rose by over 55% over the past five years. For GPP News, I'm Benjamin Payne in Savannah.

[Orlando Montoya]

Vidalia onions are headed towards shelves starting April 15th. The Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and the Vidalia Onion Committee announced the pack date yesterday for the iconic South Georgia sweet onion. The annual pack date is determined based on soil and weather conditions during the growing season. This year's crop withstood a tropical storm, a hurricane, floods and six inches of snow. Postal workers in middle Georgia are raising alarms about potential threats to mail service amid growing concerns the Trump administration could privatize the U.S. postal Service. Members of the national association of Letter Carriers held a protest in Macon on Sunday. They say privatization could mean higher prices and fewer deliveries, especially in rural areas. It comes as Postmaster General Louis DeJoy resigned this week amid growing scrutiny. Letter carries and Warner Robbins say their office alone makes more than 31,000 daily deliveries in rural Georgia. Augusta area residents without homes now at least can have an address. The city's homeless task force in March unveiled a bank of 50 mailboxes that caseworkers can assign to clients without stable housing. Caseworkers can use the mailboxes to get their clients services to address problems contributing to their homelessness. Task Force chair Nomi Stanton says an actual address, not just a post office box, is often required for basic needs.

[Nomi Stanton]

Having an address is one of the things that our clients actually told us would make their lives easier because we know that Vital Documents is a way for you to get ahead. So that's a birth certificate that's being able to go to the DMV and get a state issue id. If you don't have an address, you're unable to do those things. So there are organizations that will allow you to apply for a birth certificate and it can come to them, that's one thing. But when it comes to a state issue id, you need to have an address. Also, if you look at every job application, every application for a home, every application to get your kids registered for school, you need an address. So if you have just left a domestic violence situation and you're in a safe home, you need a legitimate address to be able to establish your children in school. And so the thought behind it was bring all of the nonprofits together, everyone that has someone in case management, active case management, this would be a gift.

[Orlando Montoya]

The mailboxes are located in front of Gap Ministries. Nomi Stanton leads Gap Ministries, that's a volunteer organization serving those in need.

[NPR Host]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to unfold, understand, choose to join the world every morning with Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.

[Orlando Montoya]

Delta Air Lines is testing the loyalty of Southwest Airlines customers. The Atlanta based carrier yesterday announced a limited time offer aimed at Southwest a list and A list preferred members. They now can enroll as Delta Gold and Platinum Medallion members for free. It's the latest move among several airlines following the unpopular end of Southwest's long standing free bag policy. Earlier this month, Savannah's Memorial Health plans to build a $265 million, five story tower to increase bed space at its main hospital campus. The health system says the project is aimed at meeting the region's needs, stemming from significant recent growth. In addition to 90 new beds, the expansion also includes more food service, supply chain and parking spaces. Expected construction dates were to be announced in coming weeks. Atlanta honored former Mayor Shirley Franklin Thursday by renaming part of Central Avenue and the city's west side park in her honor. The newly christened Shirley Clark Franklin Boulevard and Shirley Clark Franklin park celebrate the legacy of Atlanta's first female mayor and the first black woman to lead a major Southern city. Franklin served two terms starting in 2002 and is credited with launching the Atlanta Beltline, the city's popular bike and pedestrian trail, and improving the city's sewer system. The current mayor, Andre Dickens and former Mayor Andrew Young joined in honoring Franklin's lifelong commitment to public service. Atlanta is bracing for a jam packed sports weekend as fans pour in for March Madness. Atlanta United and the Savannah Bananas. State Farm arena hosts the NCAA Men's Southern Regional, Suite 16 and Elite Eight matchup starting tonight. Next door, Atlanta United take on New York City FC at Mercedes Benz Stadium on Saturday and the viral Savannah Bananas bring their wild brand of banana ball to Truest park for two sold out games on Saturday and Sunday. Officials are urging fans to check the venue's security rules before they go and plan for heavy traffic and tight parking or take public transit to arrive car free. That's it for today's edition of Georgia Today. If you'd like to learn more about these stories, visit gpb.org news we'd like you to hit subscribe on this podcast that helps us out so that you're always current with us in your feed. And if you have feedback, we'd love to hear it. Send story ideas too to Georgia [e-mail] I'm Orlando Montoya. I'll talk to you again next week.

[NPR Host]

Each morning it's a new opportunity, a chance to start fresh. Up first from NPR makes each morning an opportunity to learn and to understand. Choose to join the world every morning with Up First, a podcast that hands you everything going on across the globe and down the street, all in 15 minutes or less. Start your day informed and anew with up first by subscribing wherever you get your podcasts.