Governor Brian Kemp has signed Betsy’s Law, also known as SB 116 into law. Betsy’s Law is a bill allowing nonprofits to offer free maternity supportive housing residences and resources for pregnant and postpartum women.
“SB 116 will help us support Georgia mothers and their newborns by ensuring free housing and wraparound resources for pregnant and postpartum women in need are easy to come by and local regulations do not incumber these needed services,” Kemp said. “Betsy’s Law has a meaningful history behind it, and I appreciate all who worked with members of the Georgia General Assembly to send this piece of legislation to my desk to be signed. Marty and I are committed to continuing Georgia’s reputation of being a state that protects life at all stages.”
Maternity supportive housing residences must register and pay an annual fee to the Georgia Department of Human Services. These residences must also comply with local building codes, have property insurance, have access to wraparound services, and have written policies for admission and intake.
Now, counties, cities, and consolidated governments cannot constrain or place occupancy requirements on these residences unless those same restrictions would apply to a single family living in the residence.
According to Kemp, Betsy’s Law will empower pregnant and new mothers with options and resources in tough times to protect both them and their children.
The bill was sponsored by Sen. Randy Robertson and Rep. Sharon Cooper.
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