Today the Georgia House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HB 972, legislation that will curtail the operation of illicit pill mills in Georgia. The bill, sponsored by Representative Tom Weldon, will provide the Georgia Composite Medical Board the authority to license and regulate pain management clinics.

Attorney General Sam Olens thanked the members of the House for their support of this critical legislation to combat the surge of pill mills and prescription drug abuse in communities across Georgia.

“I am grateful that the members of the House recognized the urgent nature of the prescription drug abuse epidemic in Georgia and swiftly approved HB 972,” said Olens. “As a result of a tough law passed in Florida last year, we have seen a rapid influx of what amounts to narcotic traffickers into our State. It is essential that Georgia enact a similar law to stop these criminals from moving their businesses here and harming our communities. HB 972 strikes a balance that will allow us to identify and curb bad actors without getting in the way of the many excellent doctors who offer legitimate pain management to patients.

“I appreciate the dedication and commitment of Representative Tom Weldon and Chairman Sharon Cooper toward ensuring passage in the House, and I look forward to assisting Senator Buddy Carter as he works to advance the legislation in the Senate.”