The Senate took up another controversial bill and the House approved several measures unanimously on Tuesday.

Senate Bill 39 would prohibit state employee health insurance and benefits plans from paying for gender-affirming medical care.

The Republican-backed bill was proposed under the premise that state taxpayers wouldn't want their tax dollars going to this type of medical care. However, legal loopholes have permitted minors to receive such treatments, even after bills banning procedures were passed.

“The reason we had to save state taxpayer dollars now is because what has happened through judicial rule, settlements or otherwise, we've said, hey, while the General Assembly has spoken and spoken clearly and said loudly, we do not think that these surgeries should occur in our state, there's a back door that's happened here,” Sen. Blake Tillery (R-Vidalia) said. “The back door that's happened is through settlements, court decisions, otherwise.

“We are paying for those surgeries, and we are allowing those surgeries on minors. And we're not just allowing those surgeries on Georgia minors, we're paying for those surgeries on Georgia minors. Transgender surgeries on Georgia minors paid for with Georgia taxpayer dollars, but since we banned them in Georgia, guess for what we pay for them at, out of state.”

Democrats countered that this was just another mean-spirited example of Republicans trying to discriminate against the transgender community.

“I have in my hand a letter signed by over 200 doctors in less than 24 hours,” Sen. Rashaun Kemp (D-Atlanta) said. “They're the ones that should be making this decision, but instead we're telling them, no, we're going to take that power and that responsibility away from you and all those years that you have put in to making wise decisions to insure the better health of society. We're going to take that away from you, and we want to then make that decision here in the Senate chamber.

“Y'all, please stop. We need to stop with this mean-spirited attack on the trans community,” he added.

Democrats also say that it will be legally challenged like similar previous bills and likely lose in court.

“SB 39 directly violates at least two court cases: Rich v. Georgia and Bostock v. Clayton,” Sen. Nikki Merritt (D-Grayson) said. “Bostock makes it clear that employees cannot be treated differently solely based on their identity. That decision was decided on a 6-3 by the Republican-dominated Supreme Court. And SB 39 seeks to undo a legal settlement.”

A Democratic amendment was proposed that would allow therapy for children seeking mental health care regarding gender dysphoria. That amendment failed, but SB 39 was passed 33 to 19 along party lines.

On a lighter note, two new special license plates were approved honoring the Shepard Center and the Georgia Transplant Foundation. Both organizations would each receive a portion of the plate fee.

“So today, while a license plate bill might not seem like the most important thing that happens, it's an opportunity for us to just support two great organizations,” Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell) said. “And the exposure will have more people be aware of being an organ donor, know what it's like to be an organ recipient and those who might struggle any assistance from the Shepard Center.”

The bill passed unanimously.

Also in the Senate, all of the governor's 2025 appointees, along with the Judicial Qualification Commission and the Judicial Legal Defense Fund, were passed mostly unanimously.

Over in the House, another license plate bill and others received that body's unanimous approval. A bill to create separate license plates for ambulances and hearses received a ringing endorsement from the Funeral Home Caucus.

“Isn't it not true that I just want to make sure that the new members of this House of Representatives know that I am the chair of the Funeral Home Caucus,” Rep. Patty Stinson (D-Butler) said. “And is it not further true that I want the new members to know that I am the strawberry queen of this Georgia House of Representatives? And is it not for the truth that I want all members of this House of our President to know that I really appreciate your love and support as I'm on this health journey, because I know this is only temporary, because I know I have the love and support of all of you in this House of Representatives.”

One bill applies safety rules for operating commercial vehicles with updated federal standards, and two more dealt with routine updates to state-owned property.

Members also recognized Russ Yeomans, Georgia Tree Farmer of the Year, who thanked them for passing the mid-year budget, which includes disaster relief funds for farmers impacted by storms.

“We are so thankful to you all for what you do and just glad to be a part of Georgia forestry," Yeomans said. "No. 1 forestry state in the nation.”

Tuesday was also Sex Trafficking Awareness Day at the Capitol.

"Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others in a horrific crime perpetuated against women and children,” Rep. Sandy Donatucci (R-Buford) said. “Please, if you would stand to recognize Brooke Ruffin with Street Grace as well as the amazing people that are working for this cause.”

Also, senators in the Children and Families Committee heard from education advocates about the impact of cellphones in schools.

Watch Lawmakers tonight to see Rep. Will Wade (R-Dawsonville), Rep. Lauren McDonald III (R-Cumming), Rep. Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah), and Rep. Dexter Sharper (D-Valdosta) discuss the latest on the legislative session.

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