A bipartisan group of Georgia lawmakers has introduced House Bill 82, known as the Georgia Guest Worker Act, to tackle labor shortages by creating a guest worker program. This program would allow qualified immigrants to come to Georgia to fill jobs in industries with a lack of available workers, following federal rules. The bill aims to establish a legal way for foreign workers to address labor gaps while protecting current workers. Before launching the program, the Labor Commissioner must study whether a true labor shortage exists and identify the industries in need. Only if there are not enough qualified citizens and hiring guest workers won’t harm existing employees can the program begin. The bill sets strict eligibility rules and employer responsibilities, including paying fees and providing health insurance, housing, and meals. Violations could result in fines, and the program requires identification cards for guest workers and their families. The bill would start three months after approval by the Georgia Attorney General.