Today, Lt. Governor Burt Jones issued a statement on Mental Health Awareness Month and the General Assembly’s efforts to destigmatize mental health and improve access and affordability of quality mental health care services in Georgia.

“The mental health of Georgians is vitally important,” said Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones. “I am proud of the work we have done in the Senate to address mental health issues within our state, particularly the mental health of children and veterans. I look forward to seeing the progress made in addressing our children’s mental health thanks to Senate Bill 351 as well as the findings and proposed legislation from the Study Committee on Veteran’s Mental Health and Housing. Thanks to these initiatives, we can continue to improve the mental health of Georgians by improving access to quality, affordable mental health care and working to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.”

Senate Bill 351 – Enacts reforms to combat cyberbullying, to develop educational programs regarding safe teenage internet and social media use, and to provide for age verification, parental consent, and data privacy for teenage users of social media platforms in order to improve the mental health of Georgia’s children.

Senate Resolution 527 – Senate Study Committee on Veterans' Mental Health and Housing. The following members will serve on the five-member committee:

Senator Chuck Payne (R – Dalton) – Chairman of the Study Committee

Senator Ed Harbison (D – Columbus)

Senator Josh McLaurin (D – Sandy Springs)

Senator Shawn Still (R - Norcross)

Senator Rick Williams (R – Milledgeville)