Representative Imani Barnes

Imani Barnes is a Georgia Democratic Party member serving in the Georgia House of Representatives representing District 86. A lifelong resident of DeKalb County, she brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and community advocacy to her legislative role. As a parent and community advocate, Barnes is deeply committed to addressing disparities affecting her district's diverse families, small businesses, and underserved populations.

Education

Barnes holds a *Doctor of Public Health * degree and has pursued advanced training through prestigious fellowship programs. In December 2024, she was selected to join the 2025-2026 Prenatal-to-Three Innovation Fellowship cohort hosted by Future Caucus, recognizing her commitment to bipartisan policy addressing key healthcare issues.

Political Experience

Before her election to the Georgia House, Barnes ran a grassroots campaign for Tucker City Council in 2021, narrowly losing in the runoffs by 62 votes. This experience motivated her to seek representation for House District 86 when the opportunity arose.

Legislative Priorities and Achievements

Barnes has established herself as a leader on multiple critical issues:

• Health Equity and Mental Health: She introduced HB 109, the Georgia EmPATH Act, establishing a grant program for emergency psychiatric assessment and treatment units in hospitals offering evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals in mental health crisis.

• Maternal Health: She sponsored the *Healthy Mothers Now Act *, aimed at reducing Georgia's maternal mortality rate by expanding postpartum care access in underserved and rural communities.

• Medicaid Expansion: She sponsored HB 74 to expand Medicaid coverage for individuals living with lymphedema.

• Childhood Hunger: One of her signature priorities is ending childhood hunger in schools through data-informed solutions.

• Biomedical Research Recognition: She passed HR 69, officially designating the third Thursday in April as Biomedical Research Day in Georgia to recognize the contributions of scientific innovation to public health, education, and the economy.

Her legislative work is grounded in public health principles, research-driven strategies, and a commitment to equity-driven policymaking that prepares Georgia's youth for success in a rapidly changing world.