ATLANTA – The Georgia House Democratic Caucus, led by House Minority Leader James Beverly (D-Macon), today issued the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 112 by the House of Representatives on Tuesday, February 9:
“On Tuesday, February 9, the Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 112 by a vote of 99-69. HB 112 would extend the provisions found in the Georgia COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act, which waives liability for employers if an employee contracts the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
“Republican leadership in the Georgia House wants you to think this bill is about protecting small businesses – It’s not. HB 112 would attack our hardworking neighbors and families who are forced to work in hazardous environments that show blatant disregard for their safety and well-being by removing their opportunity to have a day in court.
“Our country has long stood by our workers’ rights to have their voices heard in our justice system through civil cases; HB 112 silences that right and their voice. Voting against HB 112 was not a vote against Georgia’s small businesses. Instead, it was a vote in favor of a worker’s rights that are put into danger by bad-actor employers who have no standard for treating their workers properly.
“Georgia Republicans are only pretending to help our small businesses while they send millions of our tax dollars to out-of-state special interests. In contrast, Georgia House Democrats are turning our words into action and fighting to provide relief for our hurting businesses, demanding investment in our communities and protecting the rights of our workers.”
Representative James Beverly represents the citizens of District 143, which includes portions of Bibb County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and currently serves as House Minority Leader. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and on the Ethics, Health & Human Services, Retirement, Rules, Small Business Development and Special Rules committees.
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