Erwin, Hatchett talk about HB1013 during Post-Legislative Lunch
The Toccoa-Stephens County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Post-Legislative Lunch on Thursday.
State House Representative for District 32 Chris Erwin and 50th District State Senator Bo Hatchett came before a large crowd to discuss the top issues and their challenges and concerns during this past Legislative Session.
One topic Hatchett presented at the Chamber’s Pre-Legislative Session held earlier this year, was mental health reform.
On Thursday, Hatchett explained that he was able to address Mental Health during the session.
“We passed a lot of good legislation that’s going to have a big impact, and 1013 in particular. I think one of the most important pieces of 1013 is the co-responder, which is someone who’s trained in mental health to go with officers to evaluate someone and take them to a facility. When you come across someone suffering from mental illness, you have three options. Do nothing, take them to jail, or take them to the hospital. House Bill 1013 is going to go down as one that is historic,” he said.
Erwin agreed with Hatchett about the significance of House Bill 1013.
The event was held at the Reflections Event Center on Black Mountain Road.
Some of the other major issued discussed during the Post-Legislative Lunch included the budget, tax policy, education, and healthcare.