It’s been a long and rocky road, but HB 193 by Rep. Emory Dunahoo (R-Gainesville) received its final vote in the process on March 29th! This bill was introduced to allow Georgia financial institutions, if they so choose, to offer savings accounts that include a “sweepstakes” component (such as the Save to Win program), and was pursued to give credit unions an option to help encourage savings among members to make a dent in the number of individuals who cannot handle a $400 emergency. Our thanks to Sen. P.K. Martin (R-Lawrenceville) for presenting it on the Senate floor, and to all the individuals who played a part in keeping this bill inching forward. You can access both of these legislators’ email addresses and/or home office address to send a personal thank you if you like.
Much energy was put forth in keeping this bill afloat amid the multiple challenges in the process, testifying in hearings, lobbying legislators and holding multiple private meetings with key leaders to keep the bill moving forward. The bill was amended in the House to strengthen the bill and make it explicitly clear that it was not “gambling,” and work was put forth to fight back against unwanted pro-gambling amendments (which would have derailed the bill), but GCUA is pleased that it was one of the few to make it through the process. The bill now awaits consideration by the Governor, who has 40 days after the end of each session to review the bills that passed and either sign, veto or quietly let them become law.
