ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) was recently appointed by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) to serve as the chairman of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances.
“Substances like kratom pose serious health risks to young Georgians,” said Rep. Townsend. “These substances are often marketed as natural products and are easily accessible to minors; however, the long-term effects these products have on young, developing minds can be detrimental. This is an extremely important topic that deserves our attention at the state level, and I am grateful that Speaker Burns appointed me to lead the charge as chairman of this study committee.”
The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances will evaluate the impact of these products on minors to strengthen protections, reduce access and create healthier outcomes for Georgia’s youth.
Speaker Burns also appointed the following study committee members: State Representatives Jordan Ridley (R-Woodstock), Michelle Au (D-Johns Creek), Steven Meeks (R-Screven), Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), Danny Mathis (R-Cochran) and Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia).
More information about 2026 study committees may be found here.
Meeting notices, agendas and additional details for 2026 study committee meetings will be posted here.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
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