'Georgia Recovers' License Plate; Rep. Allen Introduces HB326

SMYRNA, GA — Legislation to create a special license plate that would honor those recovering from addictions and mental health challenges, as well as allies and professionals, was introduced by State Representative Erick Allen (D-Smyrna). It will create awareness on the “power of recovery,” he announced Friday.

House Bill 326 would create the “Georgia Recovers” license plate for Georgians who have an interest in supporting recovery from substance abuse disorders and mental illness to demonstrate that recovery from addiction is possible.

The specialty license plate would feature the Georgia Recovers program logo and the phrase “Recovery is Real” across the bottom.

“Allowing drivers to purchase this special license plate will help save lives across Georgia,” Allen said in a news release. “Addiction and mental illness are serious health conditions that affect countless families in every neighborhood across the state. These plates will increase awareness and help educate residents about the power of recovery, because, in fact, recovery is real.”

HB 326 would support the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse’s (GCSA) Georgia Recovers program and the Georgia Mental Health Consumer Network (GMHCN).

The bill would direct funds from the sale of the special license plate to both GCSA and GMHCN. No taxpayer revenue will be used to create the license plates, and funds collected from the sale of the license plates would go towards GCSA and GMHCN’s efforts to reduce stigma and support recovery in Georgia.

“This license plate helps break the stigma around addiction and breaking the stigma saves lives,” said Neil Campbell, executive director of the GCSA. “Sadly, thousands of Georgia families have been touched by addiction and recovery should be the expectation.”