SB 285 Advances to House Ways & Means Committee

The Peace Officers’ Annuity & Benefit Fund (POAB) of Georgia is providing an update regarding Senate Bill 285 (SB 285), legislation currently moving through the Georgia General Assembly that could significantly strengthen the long-term funding of the Fund.

SB 285 has successfully advanced through the Georgia Senate and has now been assigned to the House Ways & Means Committee, marking an important step in the legislative process.

POAB leadership expressed appreciation for the members and supporters who have already contacted their legislators regarding the bill and encouraged continued engagement as the measure moves forward in the House.

How Can You Help?

Members of the law enforcement community and supporters of the Fund are encouraged to contact both their State Representative and members of the House Ways & Means Committee to share their support for SB 285.

Contact House Ways & Means Committee Members

You can contact the committee members by selecting the representative name from the Georgia Assembly's House Ways & Means Committee Member list.

Find Your Legislator

Anyone can locate their State House and State Senate districts using the Georgia General Assembly’s “Find Your Legislator” tool.

By entering an address, you can determine their State House and Senate districts and access contact information for your elected officials. When using the tool, be sure to select the contact information listed under the red box labeled HOUSE to locate your State Representative.

Why This Matters

As currently proposed, SB 285 would establish a public safety support surcharge on telephone services. The proposed funding mechanism would include:

• A $1 per month surcharge on monthly telephone service subscriptions
• A $1 surcharge per retail transaction on prepaid wireless services

Revenue generated through this surcharge would be directed to the POAB as a dedicated funding source.

The intent of the legislation is to provide a sustainable revenue stream to support the Fund and its members, helping strengthen its financial position for the future.

Based on current revenue projections, the legislation has the potential to significantly enhance the Fund and support meaningful improvements to benefits for both active and retired members in the years ahead.

Thank you for your continued support of the Fund and for helping strengthen its future.