ATLANTA – State Representative Matt Reeves (R-Duluth) today announced that Governor Brian Kemp signed House Bill 383, the Safer Hospitals Act, on Tuesday, May 2. HB 383 aims to provide solutions for rising rates of violence that endanger medical staff and patients.
“The Safer Hospitals Act protects the medical facilities and professionals that our communities depend on,” said Rep. Reeves. “We’ve seen a dramatic spike in violent attacks in health care settings, particularly since the pandemic. This has led to injuries and to many nurses leaving the profession, worsening the shortages we already face.”
Sponsored by Rep. Reeves, HB 383 will allow hospitals to form campus police departments using POST-certified officers. This bill also extends the assault and battery victim protections to all hospital employees, which previously only applied to emergency room workers.
“This reform will create police forces that are trained and equipped to handle situations likely to arise in a hospital, such as knowing how to de-escalate in a situation involving someone experiencing a mental health crisis,” Reeves said. “This will bring better outcomes for all involved.”
Rep. Reeves is vice chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and serves on the Georgia House Majority Caucus deputy whip team. During the 2023 legislative session, he also spearheaded House Bills 711 and 748, legislation that will give local voters a chance to usher in the first major Gwinnett property tax cut in 35 years.
Representative Matt Reeves represents the citizens of District 99, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Judiciary Committee and Secretary of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee. He also serves on the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.
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