ATLANTA – State Representative Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) today commented on the passage of House Bill 54, the Fallen Hero Bill, by the Georgia Senate Higher Education Committee. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Rules Committee.
“I would like to thank the members of the Senate Higher Education Committee for recognizing the need for this legislation,” said Rep. Waites. “This bill will send a strong message to our public safety community that the General Assembly stands with them and their families. I am hopeful that HB 54 will pass the Senate Rules Committee and receive a vote on the Senate floor next week, and I encourage my colleagues in the Senate to support this meaningful legislation for the families of those who have already made the ultimate sacrifice for our great state.”
HB 54 would supplement the existing Georgia Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant administered by the Georgia Student Finance Commission by providing additional funding to cover any tuition expenses not provided by the grant. Under this legislation, the increased cost would be funded by adding a voluntary donation option to the filing forms for Georgia Income Tax forms and Georgia Motor Vehicle Driver’s License forms. HB 54 has been endorsed by the Georgia Association of Police Chief’s, Georgia Sheriff’s Association, Georgia Firefighters Association and the Georgia Association of Fire Chief’s.
For more information about HB 54, please click here.
Representative Keisha Waites represents the citizens of District 60, which includes portions of Clayton and Fulton counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2012, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Juvenile Justice, Public Safety & Homeland Security, Special Rules, and Transportation committees.
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