Georgia House considers Kelley-backed bill to revise colorectal cancer screening insurance requirements

A bill introduced by State Rep. Trey Kelley in the Georgia House seeks to bring insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screening in line with national medical standards, the Georgia State House reports.

The legislation, filed as HB1211 on Thursday, Feb. 5, during the 2026 regular session of the 158th General Assembly, holds the official description: ‘Insurance; guidelines and recommendations for colorectal cancer screening, examinations, and laboratory tests; provide.’

Below is our summary based on the actual bill text, including clarifications to outline its effects.

In summary, the bill would update Georgia’s requirements for health benefit plans to cover colorectal cancer screenings, exams, and lab tests in accordance with guidelines from specific national medical organizations and federal agencies. These include the American Cancer Society, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Radiology, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, or national coverage determinations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, based on the patient’s age, family history, and guidance from the attending physician after patient consultation.

The measure lists Rep. Lee Hawkins (Republican-27th), Sen. Ben Watson (Republican-1st), and Rep. Demetrius Douglas (Democrat-78th) as co-sponsors, joined by three additional lawmakers.

Since the start of the session, Kelley has put forward 15 bills, with seven becoming law.

Kelley earned a BS from Shorter University in 2008 and a JD from Georgia State University College of Law in 2014.

A Republican, Kelley was elected in 2013 to represent Georgia’s 16th House District, succeeding former Rep. Rick Crawford.

As explained in Georgia, the legislative process begins with a legislator—often working on behalf of a constituent—drafting a bill alongside the Office of Legislative Counsel. After filing, the bill receives its first reading and committee assignment for further discussion and review. Once approved, it moves to the chamber floor for a final reading, debate, and vote. Passage in both chambers, possibly by way of a conference committee to resolve differences, sends the bill to the governor. The governor then has six days during session—or 40 days after Sine Die adjournment—to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually for a 40-day session starting on the second Monday in January.

Information in this article was obtained from the Georgia State House. The source data can be found here.