Senate passes gun-tax holiday bill; Atlanta nightlife report; Insurance clawbacks

Summary

Georgia Today Podcast Summary
Episode: Senate passes gun-tax holiday bill; Atlanta nightlife report; Insurance clawbacks
Release Date: February 13, 2025
Host: Peter Biello

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1. Georgia Senate Passes Gun-Tax Holiday Bill

Timestamp: 00:37 - 01:46

The Georgia Senate made headlines by passing Senate Bill 47, which establishes an 11-day sales tax holiday in October for the purchase of guns, ammunition, and gun storage devices. Sponsored by Republican Senator Jason Anabatarte, the bill aims to make firearm acquisitions more affordable for Georgians.

• Senator Jason Anabatarte emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "People are wanting to keep themselves safe. They want to keep their families safe" (00:45).

• Democratic Senator Emanuel Jones opposed the legislation, criticizing its timing following the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School last fall. He remarked, "I don't understand the logic behind trying to continuously promote guns in the state when we know the effect that it's had on gun deaths" (01:37).

The bill garnered significant support, passing with a vote of 31 to 21, and is now headed to the House for further consideration.

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2. Boosting Semiconductor Manufacturing in Georgia

Timestamp: 01:51 - 02:29

In a strategic move to enhance Georgia's technological landscape, the Georgia House passed HB 216, which proposes the creation of a new Chips and Advanced Technology Commission. This body is tasked with expanding semiconductor production, supporting related academic programs, and advising state officials on industry developments.

• Republican State Representative Vance Smith highlighted the critical need for local chip production, stating, "We need to bring that home because over 90% of the chips right now that go in your phone, your appliances, your cars, all that's made in Taiwan, over 90% of it. So we need to bring it back to Georgia" (02:17).

The commission will replace an existing advisory panel and is set to operate until 2028. Following its passage in the House, the bill now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.

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3. Legislative Changes to Judicial Information Redaction

Timestamp: 02:29 - 03:10

The Georgia House also passed HB 199, a bill aimed at modifying the process by which judges request the redaction of personally identifiable information, such as phone numbers and addresses. Previously, judges were required to submit their information to a central database for redaction.

• Representative Trey Kelly explained the rationale behind the change, stating, "Through the process of implementation this year, we've realized that asking all of our judges to submit this sensitive information to one central database may not be the most secure way to protect that information" (02:55).

Under the new bill, judges will instead fill out a specialized form to request redaction, eliminating the need for a centralized database. Notably, Vance Smith supported the move, adding, "They're not going to participate" (05:25), in reference to insurance companies' inadequate reimbursement rates for mental health professionals.

The bill passed unanimously, reflecting bipartisan support for enhanced data security measures.

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4. Impact of Insurance Clawbacks on Mental Health Providers

Timestamp: 03:10 - 06:28

A significant segment of the episode delved into the growing issue of insurance clawbacks, where insurers demand repayment from mental health providers years after services have been rendered. This practice is forcing many therapists to abandon insurance networks, thereby limiting access to affordable mental health care.

• Tracey Hooper, a licensed professional counselor in Holly Springs, shared her personal experience, stating, "They demanded Hooper pay them back for what amounted to six months' worth of sessions with a client a year after care. When insurance companies do this, providers like Hooper call it a clawback. She says clawbacks are devastating to business owners like her" (04:25).

• Amanda Marks from RTI International highlighted the disparity in reimbursement rates, mentioning, "Insurance reimbursement rates for doctors who treat physical health are up to 70% higher than for psychiatrists who are also medical doctors" (05:21).

• Joe Feldman, from the nonprofit Cover My Mental Health, noted the broader implications, saying, "People just get frustrated and either pay on their own or more likely, don't get care because it's too expensive" (06:07).

The episode also featured discussions with Amanda Marks, who expressed concerns about the accessibility of mental health services, and Tracey Hooper, who emphasized the crucial role insurance plays in making therapy accessible to those in need.

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5. Federal Health Funding Uncertainty Affects Georgia Researchers

Timestamp: 06:39 - 07:17

Uncertainty surrounding federal health funding under the new Trump administration is posing challenges for Georgia's research community. The statewide public health conference has been canceled, and significant grant reductions from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) threaten to cost Emory University an estimated $140 million.

• U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff issued a statement urging the administration to *"reverse this dangerous policy, which will put health at risk and which will put our hospitals and our research institutions at risk" (07:10).

A federal judge has temporarily blocked some of these cuts, providing a brief respite for the affected institutions.

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6. Atlanta Nightlife Industry Economic Impact Report

Timestamp: 07:17 - 08:19

Atlanta's Nightlife Division released a comprehensive report detailing the economic significance of the city's bars, restaurants, and arts venues. The study highlighted that the nightlife sector generated $5.1 billion in revenue in 2024 and supported over 40,000 jobs. However, the industry faces ongoing challenges due to lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, including customer attrition and rising labor and supply costs.

• Amanda Andrews reported, "Nearly half of consumers report they're going out less than last year. Citing transit and safety as concerns" (07:36).

In response, Mayor Andre Dickens announced initiatives aimed at revitalizing the nightlife scene, such as discounted parking for workers, enhanced pedestrian infrastructure, and grants to bolster safety features.

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7. Atlanta City Council President Announces Retirement

Timestamp: 08:19 - 09:36

Doug Shipman, the President of the Atlanta City Council, announced via social media that he will not seek re-election due to his family's medical challenges. While specific details were withheld, Mayor Andre Dickens extended his support and respect for Shipman's privacy during this difficult time.

Shipman has served as council president since 2021, and his departure marks a significant change as the entire council and mayor are up for re-election in November.

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8. Progress on Hurricane Helene Debris Removal

Timestamp: 09:36 - 10:10

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that Ben Hill County is the first in Georgia to achieve 100% debris removal from Hurricane Helene, successfully clearing roadways and public spaces. To date, over 2.8 million cubic yards of debris have been removed, with more than 150 personnel still actively involved in cleanup efforts across counties like Candler, Dodge, Lowndes, McIntosh, and Montgomery.

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9. Governor Kemp to Attend Munich Security Conference

Timestamp: 10:10 - 10:54

Governor Brian Kemp is set to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany, where he will participate in discussions on international economic relations and geopolitics. This annual event is recognized as a premier forum for debating global security policies and fostering bilateral meetings that could lead to increased investment and job creation in Georgia.

Governor Kemp has a history of international engagement, having led a trade mission to Germany and Poland just last month.

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10. Port of Brunswick Surpasses Port of Baltimore

Timestamp: 10:54 - End

In a significant development for Georgia's economy, the Port of Brunswick has overtaken the Port of Baltimore as the leading U.S. gateway for automobile imports and exports. In 2024 alone, over 873,000 cars and trucks were processed through Brunswick, bolstered by more than $262 million invested in expansions and upgrades. The decline of Baltimore as a top auto port followed a deadly bridge collapse that rendered it inoperative for several weeks.

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Conclusion

Today's episode of Georgia Today provided a comprehensive overview of pressing legislative actions, economic reports, and significant developments affecting both the state of Georgia and its capital, Atlanta. From the Senate's move on gun-tax holidays to the burgeoning challenges faced by mental health providers due to insurance clawbacks, the podcast delivered in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts. Additionally, updates on federal funding uncertainties, the vitality of Atlanta's nightlife, and international engagements underscore the multifaceted nature of Georgia's current landscape.

For more detailed insights and continuing coverage, subscribe to the Georgia Today podcast and stay informed on the issues that matter to you.

Transcript

[Peter Biello]

Foreign welcome to the Georgia TODAY podcast from GPB News. Today is Thursday, February 13th. I'm Peter Biello. On this podcast, we feature the latest reports from the GPB news team. We're open to your feedback and story tips. Send them to us by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org On today's episode, the Georgia Senate creates a tax holiday for guns, ammo and gun storage devices. Atlanta releases a new report on the economic impact of the city's nightlife industry. And we'll take a look at the impact of so called insurance clawbacks.

[Vance Smith]

People just get frustrated and either pay on their own or more likely don't get care because it's too expensive.

[Peter Biello]

These stories and more are coming up on this edition of GEORGIA today. Let's start the show today with a bit of what's going on at the state Capitol. The Georgia Senate yesterday passed a bill that would create a sales tax holiday for guns, ammunition and gun storage devices. GPB's Sarah Kalis has that story.

[Sarah Kalis]

Senate Bill 47 would create an 11 day period in October where Georgians could buy guns and related items with no sales tax. Republican Senator Jason Anabatarte sponsored the bill.

[Tracey Hooper]

People are wanting to keep themselves safe. They want to keep them families safe.

[Peter Biello]

And whether that's buying a weapon or.

[Tracey Hooper]

Or doing other means to keep their families safe.

[Sarah Kalis]

Democrats like Senator Emanuel Jones oppose the legislation and say that the bill is insensitive in the wake of a deadly shooting last fall at Apalachee High School.

[Peter Biello]

I don't understand the logic behind trying to continuously promote guns in the state when we know the effect that it's had on gun deaths.

[Sarah Kalis]

The bill passed 31 to 21 and now moves to the House. For GPB News, I'm Sarah Kalis.

[Peter Biello]

At the state Capitol, Georgia lawmakers are moving to boost the state's role in semiconductor manufacturing. The state house yesterday passed HB 216, which would create a new chips and Advanced Technology Commission. The group would work to expand semiconductor production, support related academic programs and advise officials on the industry. Republican State Representative Vance Smith says bringing chip production to Georgia is critical.

[Vance Smith]

We need to bring that home because over 90% of the chips right now that go in your phone, your appliances, your cars, all, all that's made in Taiwan, over 90% of it. So we need to bring it back to Georgia.

[Peter Biello]

The commission would replace an existing advisory panel and would operate until 2028. The bill now moves to the Senate. The Georgia House passed a bill yesterday that would change how judges request their personally identifiable information to be redacted, things like phone numbers and addresses. Representative Trey Kelly says the House passed a similar bill last year that asked judges to enter their personal information into a database for the information to be redacted.

[Vance Smith]

Well, through the process of implementation this year, we've realized that asking all of our judges to submit this sensitive information to one central database may not be the most secure way to protect that information.

[Peter Biello]

The new bill, HB199, would eliminate the database and instead provide a form for judges to fill out requesting their information be redacted. The bill passed unanimously. Imagine you've gone to see a mental health professional, and because it's covered under your plan, your insurance foots the bill. Now imagine your insurer comes back to the therapist, maybe even years later, and says they want the payment back. That's an insurance clawback. And as GPB's Ellen Eldredge reports, the more it happens, the more therapists say they'll only take cash.

[Tracey Hooper]

Tracey Hooper's therapy office is in Holly Springs, about 40 miles north of Atlanta in Cherokee County.

[Amanda Marks]

I do have candy. It typically lures the teenagers, but you.

[Tracey Hooper]

Are welcome to She's a licensed professional counselor. If you see a quote therapist, it's likely to be an LPC like Hooper. Hooper is the only one in her practice who accepts health insurance at all. She's in network with one of the major companies, but last April, the insurance giant blindsided her.

[Amanda Marks]

They realized that they paid out of the wrong plan, which I have no way of knowing which one is perhaps primary and and then they come back for all of the money.

[Tracey Hooper]

They demanded Hooper pay them back for what amounted to six months worth of sessions with a client a year after care. When insurance companies do this, providers like Hooper call it a clawback. She says clawbacks are devastating to business owners like her, she says imagine it's.

[Amanda Marks]

Payday and you're expecting your paycheck to look a certain amount, and then your boss comes in and says, you know what? I'm unhappy with the job you did two years ago, so sorry you're not getting paid. This week.

[Tracey Hooper]

Hooper took a $400 hit from that clawback. Episodes like that are driving therapists from insurance programs. Tammy Mark is with RTI International, a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute. She says insurance reimbursement rates for doctors who treat physical health are up to 70% higher than for psychiatrists who are also medical doctors. So even psychiatrists are quitting insurance if.

[Peter Biello]

The health plan is not going to reimburse them enough to participate.

[Vance Smith]

They're not going to participate.

[Tracey Hooper]

Marks says that's why close to half of children in Georgia who need residential psychiatric care must go out of network. Amanda Marks is a licensed professional counselor in Cobb County. She specializes in treating substance use disorders, complex trauma and eating disorders. She has never signed up to accept insurance.

[Amanda Marks]

I attempted the process years ago and then just in complete honesty and transparency, just got overwhelmed and stopped because I felt like I would need a lawyer to help me understand the contracts.

[Tracey Hooper]

Joe Feldman runs the nonprofit Cover My Mental Health. He says the effects of clawbacks and confusing contracts ripple out to people seeking care.

[Vance Smith]

People just get frustrated and either pay on their own or more likely, don't get care because it's too expensive.

[Tracey Hooper]

Back in Tracy Hooper's office, she still has no clarity on her contract with the big insurance company, but they have paused clawbacks. For now, she's sticking with them.

[Amanda Marks]

I I want services to remain accessible.

[Tracey Hooper]

For people because Hooper knows that for many, if it wasn't for insurance, they'd have no therapy at all. For GPB news, I'm Ellen Eldridge.

[Peter Biello]

Uncertainty over federal health funding in the new Trump administration is affecting Georgia researchers. Georgia's statewide public health conference has been canceled, and reductions in grants paid by the National Institute of Health could cost emory University alone $140 million. That's according to an email sent to staff. Georgia US Senator Jon Ossoff today said the, quote, drastic cuts have the potential to slow progress toward cures and prevention. Today I am urging the Trump administration to reverse this dangerous policy, which will put health at risk and which will put our hospitals and our research institutions.

[Vance Smith]

In Georgia at risk.

[Peter Biello]

A federal judge on Monday temporarily blocked some cuts from taking effect. The city of Atlanta has released a report on the economic impact of the city's bars, restaurants and arts venues. As GPB's Amanda Andrews explains, they're looking to address challenges for customers and business owners as the industry grows.

[Amanda Andrews]

The study from the Nightlife Division of City Government found nightlife establishments in Atlanta generated $5.1 billion in revenue in 2024 and supported over 40,000 jobs. But the industry is still recovering from COVID 19 pandemic related customer losses and rising labor and supply expenses. The study found nearly half of consumers report they're going out less than last year. Citing transit and safety as concerns, Mayor Andre Dickens says his office is committing to strategies that will improve the nightlife industry, like discounted parking for workers, more pedestrian infrastructure and grants to improve safety features, among others. For GPB News, I'm Amanda Andrews.

[Peter Biello]

Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman says he won't seek re election. In a social media post, Shipman says his family is facing medical challenges that will require his time and attention. Shipman didn't provide specifics and asked for privacy, atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a statement. His thoughts are with the Shipman family. Shipman was elected president of the city council in 2021. The entire council and mayor are up for re election in November. The U.S. army Corps of Engineers says South Georgia's Ben Hill county is the first Georgia county to be 100% free of debris from Hurricane Helene in roadways and public spaces. The agency said today that it has removed more than 2.8 million cubic yards in its debris removal mission. Across Georgia, progress is more than 90% complete in Candler, Dodge, Lowndes, McIntosh and Montgomery counties. More than 150 personnel are still actively deployed in the mission. Governor Brian Kemp plans to attend the Munich Security Conference in Germany this weekend. Kemp says that he's looking forward to participating in a roundtable discussion with foreign leaders and partners on international economic relations and geopolitics. The annual conference is the world's leading multinational forum for debating international security policy. It also provides a valuable opportunity for bilateral meetings with economic development prospects that can lead to more jobs and investment in Georgia. This will be the governor's second trip to Europe already this year. Last month, he led a trade mission to Germany and Poland. The Port of Brunswick has surpassed the Port of Baltimore as the top US Gateway for automobile imports and exports. The the Georgia Ports Authority said yesterday that more than 873,000 cars and trucks moved through Brunswick in 2024. The port recently finished more than $262 million in expansions and upgrades. Baltimore had been the number one auto port in the US for more than a decade before a deadly bridge collapse last year shut it down for weeks. And that is a wrap on Georgia Today. We do appreciate you tuning in. We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to your news consumption. Glad you choose us. We hope you'll choose us tomorrow as well. The best way to remember to do that is to subscribe to this podcast. So subscribe now and we'll pop up in your feed tomorrow afternoon. You can always check for news [e-mail] news as well. I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

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