There are a good many new laws going into effect today in Georgia that were passed by the General Assembly earlier this year and signed by Governor Brian Kemp. 

Some of the new laws include:

House Bill 1010 — doubles paid parental leave for state workers following the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child in their home, providing a total leave of up to 240 hours. The General Assembly passed legislation three years ago authorizing 120 hours of paid parental leave for state employees.

House Bill 1332 — The No Patient Left Alone Act ensures visitation rights for patients in hospitals or nursing homes. The bill was championed by Rep. Matt Hatchett, R-Dublin, whose mother died alone of COVID in a hospital.

Senate Bill 420 — prohibits foreign nationals or agents of foreign nationals from countries designated as adversaries by the U.S. Commerce Department from buying agricultural land in Georgia.

Senate Bill 494 — establishes regulations for the licensing and production of hemp products and prohibits their sale to anyone under age 21.

House Bill 1341 — declares the white shrimp Georgia’s official crustacean, a move designed to promote the product in restaurants and grocery stores.