Upper chamber report 2010 March 18

TOP STORY
Legislative Day 27: Healthcare Legislation takes Center Stage

MARCH 18, 2010 . DAY 27
Upper Chamber Report

By Katie Wright

CHAMBER (March 18, 2010) - It was an exciting day under the Gold Dome as legislators worked to pass legislation for a better Georgia. The day began with Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) asking the Senate to reconsider his Health Care Freedom of Choice Constitutional Amendment (Senate Resolution 794), which is aimed at protecting Georgians' right to choose their health care. The Senate voted 31-19 to reconsider the measure,
which was placed back in the Rules Committee where it awaits a second turn on the Senate Floor.

With an extensive list of

bills on the calendar, the

Senate buckled down for

a long day in chamber.

Hill presented his second

piece of legislation, Sen-

ate Bill 317, aimed at

protecting a citizen's

right to purchase health

Sen. Judson Hill presents his health care bills

care. Hill asked the Sen-

ate to take a stand for Georgians by voting in favor of the bill, which

passed with a party-line vote of 31-16. For more information on SB 317,

see Page 8.

The Senate unanimously supported Sen. Emanuel Jones' (D-Decatur) zero-tolerance discipline legislation, SB 299. He said that "zero-tolerance equals zero intelligence", and that he authored the legislation to target the abuse of zero tolerance policies in schools. Jones explained that these policies automatically impose harsh punishments without consideration of the circumstances. For more information on zero tolerance bill, see Page 7.

Natalie Strong, Deputy Press Director Kallarin Richards, Editor in Chief

A student delegation from Morgan County was in the gallery to observe the debate over Sen. Jack Murphy's (R-Cumming) texting legislation. Senate Bill 360, also known as Caleb's Law, is an attempt to prevent needless wrecks and deaths that can occur when drivers text while behind the wheel. Caleb was 18-years-old when he lost his life in an accident that occurred while he was texting while driving. The Morgan County student delegation played an active role in lobbying for this bill, which the Senate unanimously passed. For more information on the texting legislation, see Page 3.

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The Senate also voted in favor of legislation to allow for the development of public private partnerships for reservoirs. Sen. Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville) explained that meeting our state's future water demand is crucial to Georgia's economic development, and increasing water storage is the best way to do so. SB 321 authorizes the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority Water Supply Division and local governments to enter into a water use agreement with the owner of any private reservoir. This bill will help expand water supply across the state at less expense to Georgia taxpayers.

Sen. Donzella James (D-College Park) questioned the mix of public and private dollars and expressed concerned that the public would be shut out of the process of developing these partnerships. Pearson explained that this is not the case and that steps are being taken to ensure public involvement in all aspects of the relationship. Sen. Steve Thompson (D-Marietta) also voiced his concern that the bill could be a dangerous road to follow.

Sen. Curt Thompson's (D-Tucker) bill removes provisions prohibiting MARTA from providing rapid transit contracts to areas beyond MARTA's existing rail system. Under the current law, certain districts can only use bus services. The bill will allow for the extension of existing rail lines into counties but it does not force any metro county to accept MARTA or other transit contracts. While Thompson worked with both sides of the aisle to craft this legislation, Sen. John Wiles (R-Marietta) was concerned that the public would be left out of deciding where these new lines would run. Thompson assured him the public would be involved in the decisions. Thompson expressed his hope that this legislation will encourage metro counties to expand rapid transit lines and turn Atlanta into a more accessible city.

Sen. Curt Thompson urges the Senate to support his MARTA Rail Expansion Bill

Other legislation that passed unanimously was Sen. Ralph Hudgens' (R-Hull) Healthy Georgians Act of 2010, which allows individual and group health plans to include and operate wellness programs. These programs encourage people to exercise, quit smoking, and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits so that they'll have less medical problems in the future. Research shows that 90 percent of health care costs are lifestyle related.

Sen. Don Thomas (R-Dalton) authored Senate Bill 435, which met no opposition on the floor, to target developing, implementing and promoting a statewide effort to combat the spread of Type 2 and prediabetes. Diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States and its prevalence is particularly high in Georgia. Without aggressive action, the number of Georgians with diabetes will more than double in the next 20 years to more than 1.6 million people, resulting in an economic burden of approximately $11.9 billion. This bill creates the Georgia Diabetes Control Office, which will lead the state in the education and prevention of diabetes.

The day ended with Sen. Gail Buckner (D-Atlanta) introducing legislation that targets the insensitive release of gruesome crime scene photos. This legislation is a result of the now infamous open records request by Hustler Magazine for the release of crime scene photos.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Life Saving Texting Bill Passes Senate

By Natalie Strong

ATLANTA (March 19, 2010) - Caleb's Law sponsored

by Senator Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), chairman of the

Public Safety Committee, passed the Senate on Thurs-

day with unanimous approval. Caleb Law's (Senate Bill

360) will prohibit the use of a mobile phone for writing,

sending, or reading a text-based message while operat-

ing a motor vehicle. The bill amends the current code

section to make texting while driving illegal for all

Georgia drivers: both teenagers and adults. The bill is

named in honor Caleb Sorohan, an 18-year-old from

Dahlonega, who died nine days before Christmas after his car crossed the centerline of a rural Morgan County

Sen. Jack Murphy asks Senate to pass Texting Bill

road and ran into a truck carrying horses. It was deter- Currently, 30 other states have some form of legislation

mined that he had been texting while driving.

regarding distracted driving when using cell phones. As

of March 2010 the practice of texting with a cell phone

"As legislators we do our best everyday to make deci- while driving was banned in 20 states and the District of

sions that will positively impact the lives of Georgians Columbia. Texting, specifically by teens, was the sub-

for years to come," said Murphy. "This bill will not ject of an August 2006 Teens Today survey conducted

only make Georgia road's safer, it will save lives. It is by the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety and

time for us to join with the many states around the coun- Students Against Destructive Decisions. The survey

try that are taking proactive steps toward making sure showed that teens considered sending text messages via

that individuals, like Caleb Sorohan, live to see a bright cell phones to be their biggest distraction. Of the teens

future."

surveyed, 37 percent said that text messaging was ex-

tremely or very distracting, while 20 percent said that

A conviction will result in a fine of up to $150. Like- they were distracted by their emotional states and 19

wise, a teenager who is charged twice with texting while percent said that having friends in the car was distract-

driving will be restricted to driving on a class D license ing.

for a period of one year.

Sen. Smith Introduces Educators Salary Protection Act

By Kallarin Richards

ATLANTA (March 19, 2010) Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome) is championing the cause to protect Georgia teachers from additional furlough days. He has introduced the Educators Salary Protection Act to prevent school systems with more than 6 percent funding in their reserve accounts from furloughing teachers, when funding is readily available to prevent the furloughs. The state has exhausted a reserve account of almost $1.8 billion over the last two years. Most of the reserve funding went to education spending.

"Teachers should never be furloughed when local school systems have the funds available to pay their salaries. Across the state there is more than $1.2 billion sitting in school system reserve funds, which, when possible, should be spent on supporting Georgia's teachers," said Smith. "During this economic downturn, some school systems decided to use their reserve fund to avoid teacher furloughs, but many did not. We must defend educators, who are one of our state's most vital resources. They can help shape our children into accomplished adults, creating a skilled workforce that gives our state a competitive advantage in the global marketplace."

Education spending in Georgia increased 34 percent between 2004 and 2010. The FY 2004 budget included $8.59 billion for education spending. The FY 2010 General Budget contained $11.47 billion for education spending.

Senate Bill 515, the Educators Salary Protection Act, has been assigned to the Senate Education Committee.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Accrediting Reports will Impact School Board Members' Salary

By Adam Sweat

and participate in an annual confidential evaluation of

each administrator.

CLOB 310 (March 18, 2010) The Senate Education

and Youth Committee voted to prohibit school board The last bill to receive a vote, SB 521, concerns the

members from receiving their salary or per diem re- enrollment counts for students in dual enrollment pro-

imbursement should they be named in a report by an grams. This legislation will allow a school operated

accrediting agency. The report must specifically by the local school board, charter school, or commis-

name a board member who violated policies or stan- sion charter school to include students in their for-

dards of the accrediting agency that resulted in the mula count who are dual enrolled, in order to receive

school system failing. The School Board Per Diem the amount of state funding if the student is taking

and Salary Bill (Senate Bill 426) received unanimous postsecondary courses at another educational body.

support from the committee members. Sen. Gail The student will have to stay at the state-funded high

Buckner (D-Jonesboro) authored the bill and com- school for the school to receive the money. Spon-

mended her fellow Senators for supporting a bill in sored by Chairman Dan Weber (R-Dunwoody), the

agreement with existing state code.

bill was presented in light of the alarming statistic

that in the past three years, dual enrollment has de-

Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) presented legislation clined from 12,000 students to 4,000 students.

that also received a unanimous vote. The Teacher's

Bill of Rights (SB 320) will provide certified teachers Sen. Freddie Sims (D-Albany) sponsored the Early

with rights when employed in a Georgia public Childcare Program Provisions Bill (SB 451), which

school. Among those are the right to exercise inde- establishes procedures to close and revoke the license

pendent thought and the right to express constructive of a family day-care home where the death of a minor

criticism, the ability to use their professional judg- has occurred. After significant discussion from the

ment to remove a student from the classroom for dis- committee members, Chairman Weber tabled the bill

ruptive behavior, file a grievance about an evaluation for further discussion until the next meeting on Mon-

if the tenured teacher feels the evaluation was false, day, March 22.

Controlled Substances Return to Health and Human Services
By Katie Wright
CAP 450 (March 18, 2010) After much debate, Sen. Buddy Carter's (R-Pooler) legislation targeting substance abuse was put to a vote in Health and Human Services during Thursday's meeting. Senate Bill 418 will create an electronic database of controlled substance prescriptions dispensed in the state and a method to electronically review prescriptions. The most significant change made to the bill throughout the legislative process was to who will have access to the information stored on the database. In its most current form, SB 418 will allow only prescribers and dispensers access to the information. The committee granted passage to the bill.
Sen. Hardie Davis (D-Augusta) presented a bill that received unanimous passage, which addresses death certificates for burn victims. Under SB 493, when a burn victim dies following transportation to a treatment facility, only the attending physician is required to complete the death certificate.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Committee Decides Landfill Legislation is Not Waste

By Katie Wright

that have the means to mix it with

garbage to make more and better

CAP 125 (March 18, 2010)

methane. Currently, they are

Legislation aimed at improving

dumping the waste at a site where

Georgia's recycling and reusing

it will sit in a hole, simply sepa-

efforts was heard by the Senate

rated from regular waste. Pearson

Agriculture and Consumer Affairs

closed the debate adding that with

Committee on Thursday. Sen.

the passage of SB 511, Georgia

Chip Pearson (R-Dawsonville)

will take a giant step toward more

authored Senate Bill 511 that will

green energy and composting.

allow yard waste and trimmings

The committee passed the bill

to be moved from landfills where

with a 3-1 vote.

the waste is simply dumped to

landfills with a gas collection sys-

Chairman John Bulloch (R-

tem that can convert yard and

Ochlocknee) presented SB 447,

vegetative waste to alternative

which will give preference to

energy sources. Currently, under a 1996 ban on yard Georgia companies when the state contracts for public

trimmings in landfills, this is not allowed. While this work as long as by doing so, the state is not incurring

restriction is not being lifted, there will now be a provi- any additional costs. This legislation was a result of

sion stating landfills with gas collection systems can Georgia businesses losing a bid on a state contract in

accept yard waste and trimmings.

South Georgia to Florida companies, paying an addi-

tional $350,000. Those who testified supported the bill

There was significant opposition to SB 511, mostly from and said that they were in favor of fair practices, but that

small business owners working in the composting indus- our neighboring states, excluding Alabama and Tennes-

try. They felt such legislation would hurt their already see, have similar provisions in place that give them a

suffering businesses and funnel composting materials to competitive advantage. It also mandates that all entities

landfills, rather than to their composting businesses. The of state government must adhere to the policies outlined

waste management industry spoke in favor of the bill. in the State Construction Manual for project manage-

They said this was not taking any business away from ment. The committee unanimously approved SB 447.

the composting industry. It is simply allowing waste

management companies to take yard waste to landfills

Heath proposes to eliminate State Ad Valorem Tax
By Raegan Weber

ATLANTA (March 18, 2010) Georgia citizens continue to contact their legislators asking about tax relief, particularly property owners. Recently the Georgia Senate passed property tax assessment and appeal reform, but State Sen. Bill Heath (R-Bremen) has gone one step further.

Heath has proposed to eliminate Georgia's state ad valorem tax. His bill, Senate Resolution 1287, would remove the state quarter mil ad valorem tax on each dollar of assessed property values. The prohibition of the tax begins once state reserve funds reach $500 million.

"Owning your own home is an American Dream, but it is not a dream to be over-taxed. We should do

everything we can to relieve taxpayer burdens," said Heath. "We must get the state out of the ad

valorem tax collection business. Local governments should have the ability to

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Sen. Ramsey Welcomes the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women to the Senate

By Katie Wright

ATLANTA (March 18, 2010) State Sen. Ronald Ramsey (DLithonia) welcomed the DeKalb Section of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) to the Senate on Wednesday. He sponsored Senate Resolution 925 in their honor, to recognize their twenty years of service to our community.

"It is always an honor to recognize groups like the NCNW to the Capitol," said Ramsey. "Their contributions to the community are unmatched. The citizens and families of DeKalb greatly value their services."

Senate welcomes DeKalb National Council of Negro Women chapter

The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. is a council of national African American women's organizations and community-based sections. Founded in 1935, the NCNW mission is to lead, develop, and advocate for women of African descent as they support their families and communities. NCNW fulfills this purpose through research, advocacy, and national and community-based services and programs on issues of health, education, and economic empowerment in the United States and Africa. With its 39 national affiliates and more than 240 sections, NCNW is a non-profit organization with an outreach to nearly four million women.

The southeastern region of NCNW coordinates national projects and supports the activities of ten Georgia sections, which include Spelman College; the cities of Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, and Savannah; the Counties of Camden, Clayton, and DeKalb; and active youth sections in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County.

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manage their taxes at the local level."

The State of Georgia currently levies an ad valorem tax on all property, and is a component of local property tax bills. The state millage rate is a quarter mil (.25/$1,000 assessed value). Counties argue that the state requires them to do property assessments and to collect ad valorem tax. Heath's resolution is a major step in allowing local governments to have more control over property taxation. Removing the state ad valorem tax will have no effect on counties, cities and school funding.

Because this measure is a Constitutional Amendment, it will require a two-thirds vote in the Senate and the House before going to the voters for approval on the November 2010 ballot.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Senate approves Sen. Jones' Zero Tolerance Discipline Bill

By Kallarin Richards

ATLANTA (March 18, 2010) The Georgia State Senate today unanimously voted in favor of Sen. Emanuel Jones' (D-Decatur) legislation to limit the abuse of zero-tolerance discipline policies in schools.

"This is about putting the decisions back in the hands of the educators," said Jones. "Teachers and principles should have the flexibility to levy a punishment that appropriately fits the student. The one-size fits all approach to discipline that has pervaded our schools serves only to ensnare kids into a pipeline to prison."

Hailed as common-sense legislation, Senate

Sen. Emanuel Jones presents his zero tolerance bill to Senate

Bill 299 implements provisions aimed at edu-

cators, students and juvenile courts to foster a learning environment that prioritizes education over punish-

ment. Zero-tolerance policies automatically impose harsh punishments without consideration of the circum-

stances. Under these policies, students have been expelled for bringing nail clippers or scissors to school.

Under Jones' legislation, teachers and principals are encouraged to use their discretion to report a student under the zero tolerance policy, whereas current law requires them to report every incident. The bill also changes the juvenile criminal code to treat a first offense as a delinquent act, rather than a designated felony act. This gives kids a second chance if they commit a minor infraction without the intent to harm anyone. Judges are also prohibited from establishing a standing court order that allows them to send a student directly to jail before receiving a hearing. This will prevent students from being sent to prison for committing a minor infraction that does not call for such harsh punishment.

Over the years, zero tolerance policies have contributed to rising suspension and expulsion rates. The number of children suspended from school has risen from 1.7 million in 1974 to 3.1 million in 2000. Many of these kids are expelled for committing only a minor infraction; kids who have no previous history of misconduct. Findings also indicate that there is great racial disparity in the students who are expelled. In 2000, African-American students represented only 17 percent of public school enrollment nationwide, but accounted for 34 percent of suspensions.

Jones also noted that Georgia spent an average of over $74,000 to house just one youth in a detention center in 2008. With a 1,320 bed capacity, this cost the state almost $98 million. "Creating a pathway from school to jail simply railroads these kids into a life of crime. This is a disservice to our children, but also to our state. Georgia taxpayers are financing the cost of these detention centers, and in such tough economic times this is not something for which citizens, the state or our children can afford to pay the price."

Since its introduction, the bill has received support from a wide range of stakeholders, including the Georgia Association of Educators; the Georgia Association of School Superintendents; Judge Steven Teske, immediate past president of the Georgia Council of Juvenile Court Judges; and the Georgia State Conference NAACP, among others.

The bill now moves the House of Representatives for consideration.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Sen. Judson Hill Committed to Protecting Health care Choice in Georgia

By Matt Colvin

well as protect health care providers from being

forced to perform mandated medical procedures.

ATLANTA (March 19, 2010) State Sen. Judson

Hill (R-Marietta) was joined by Senate Republicans On Wednesday, Hill's Senate Resolution on health

Thursday passing legislation protecting Georgians' care choice protection was blocked by Senate Democ-

rights to choose their own health care. Hill authored rats. Senate Resolution 794 would have allowed

Senate Bill 317, which would prohibit any govern- Georgia citizens to vote on adding a Constitutional

ment, state or federal, from forcing its citizens to par- Amendment to the state Constitution blocking any

ticipate in any health care system.

mandatory requirements for Georgians to buy health

insurance. On Thursday, the Georgia Senate voted to

"Each person should have the right to participate in keep SR 794 alive by voting to reconsider and sent it

private health care, government health care, or exer- back to the Senate Rules Committee.

cise their right not to participate any health care at

all," said Hill. This bill simply protects those basic "While I would have preferred to let Georgians vote

rights of choice that we all enjoy today."

in November to change the State Constitution, this

legislation passed by Senate Republicans will still

Georgia's citizens would be protected from being protect Georgians' right to choose the health care

forced by the government to purchase health care they want," said Hill.

under Hill's measure. Existing private and govern-

ment programs would not be affected by this legisla- SB 317 now heads to the House of Representatives

tion. Hill noted on the floor that this measure prohib- for consideration.

its any government from punishing an individual or

business that does not participate in health plans, as

"Smash and Grab" Burglaries get their own Classification

By Kallarin Richards

CLOB 307 (March 18, 2010) In response to the rash of high profile "smash and grab" burglaries across Metro Atlanta recently, a separate crime will be created under Senate Bill 423 to help better prosecute these crimes that are taking a financial toll on Georgia's retail industry. Michael Liberatore, regional vice president of loss prevention for Macy's, emphasized the impact these crimes have on retailers and the economy. He also highlighted their affect on the young people who are recruited to break into stores after hours and steal thousands of dollars worth of valuable merchandise, leaving behind tens of thousands of dollars in property damage. According to the FBI, Organized Retail Crime is a national issue and is estimated to cost between $15 billion to $30 billion annually. Chairman Preston Smith (R-Rome), author of the bill, previously held a hearing on the legislation. After Liberatore's testimony, the bill passed unanimously.

American news organizations are having trouble dealing with foreign defamation judgments that are obtained against them overseas, where the burden of proof is less stringent than in U.S. courts. Typically these are cases that involve libel or slander. Sen. Bill Cowsert's (R-Athens) SB 488 states that before Georgia courts will
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enforce a defamation judgment obtained in a foreign country, the plaintiff must comply with the state's standard due process. David Vigilante, senior vice president and chief litigation for Turner Broadcasting, noted that using less favorable speech laws are typically efforts used by people outside the U.S. to silence speech within the U.S. He said often times people will use the threat of filing lawsuits in multiple countries to intimidate a news outlet to change their reporting or settle a case. The bill passed unanimously.
Other bills that passed the committee include:
SB 302 outlines new requirements for the distribution of trust accounts that have been dormant for a spe-
cific period of time.
SB 375 is a clean up bill for the newly-created Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabili-
ties.
SB 461 outlines the effective date for federal estate and generation-skipping transfer taxes of wills or trusts. SB 491 clarifies Georgia courts' jurisdiction over nonresidents in domestic relations cases.

Insurance Committee votes to Secure Secret Ballots

By Kallarin Richards
MEZZ (March 18, 2010) The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee voted in favor of securing Georgia workers' ability to vote by secret ballot in union organizing elections. The Constitutional Amendment was proposed last year by former Sen. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) to protect Georgians from a national attempt to
end the use of the secret ballot called The Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA), which would implement a practice commonly known as "card check." Card check is where workers are encouraged to sign a membership card which then serves as a favorable vote for unionizing. Senate Resolution 108 will be carried in the Senate by Majority Leader Chip Rogers (RWoodstock), and if passed by the legislature will be put before voters on the November 2010 ballot.
The committee also voted to create an autism task force under SB 161, which would be charged with developing a plan to educate the public and health care professionals about the advantages and avenues available for early screening, early intervention, diagnosis and treatment of autism. Preliminary studies have found that early intervention and treatment did reduce associated costs. The task force will also examine implementing a cost-effective plan for early screening, diagnosis and treatment, as well as a disease management program. The bill's author, Sen. Johnny Grant (R-Milledgeville), noted that one in 150 kids is affected by this condition and each diagnosed child has a $3.2 million lifetime per capita societal cost.
SB 482, authored by Chairman Ralph Hudgens (R-Hull) also passed, which clarifies current language by affirming that life settlements are not considered "stranger originated life insurance." Rep. Tommy Benton (RJefferson) also saw his House Bill 128 pass, which establishes a 10-year period in which someone can assert themselves as either blind or a disabled veteran to be eligible for tax and fee exemptions.

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT

Legislative Process Dates
Important Dates in the Legislative Process
Introduction - Last day to file and/or 1st Read in Senate. 30 th day - last day to introduce General Senate bills and resolutions (even year). [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 30 th day - last day to accept General House bills and resolutions. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 39th day - last day to introduce General Senate bills and resolutions (odd year). [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] *Note: Senate bills and resolutions must be filed with the Secretary before 4:00 p.m. to be 1st read on the next legislative day.
Deadlines for passage in current year
Committee Report Deadlines - Last day to read report. Report submitted to Secretary by convening. 28th day - General Senate bills and resolutions. 38th day - Local Senate bills and resolutions. 38th day - General House bills and resolutions. 40th day - Local House bills and resolutions. Calendar Management Calendar in numerical order after 2nd reading of legislation; days 1-5. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] Rules Committee sets the calendar for days 6 - 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (b)] General Senate Bills and Resolutions 26th day - File with Secretary of the Senate. [Rule 3-1.2 (a)] 27th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 28th day - Committee report read upon convening. (A recommitted bill already 2nd read - report day 29.) 29th day - 2nd Reading. [Rule 4-2.6] 30th day - Passage [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] and immediate transmittal to House. [Rule 4-2.14] Local Senate Bills and Resolutions 35th day - File with Secretary of the Senate. [3-1.2 (a)] 36th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. (Cannot pass for 2 days.) [Rule 4-2.4 (c) ] 38th day - Favorable report by committee, passage and immediate transmittal to the House. [Rule 4-2.14] 39th day - 2nd Reading in House. 40th day - Favorable report and passage in House. General House Bills and Resolutions 30th day - Transmitted from House and received by Secretary. 31st day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. [Rule 3-1.2 (b)] 38th day - Favorable report upon convening and 2nd reading. (Applies to days 36 - 38) [Rule 4-2.6] 39th day - Passage. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] 40th day - Passage of bills or resolutions tabled day 39; removed from the table on day 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)] Local House Bills and Resolutions 39th day - 1st Reading and referral to committee. 40th day - Favorable report by committee and passage. * Note: On the 30th day and on the last three days of session, bills and resolutions needing action from the House are automatically immediately transmitted. [Rule 4-2.14] 40th day - Passage of bills or resolutions tabled day 39; removed from the table on day 40. [Rule 4-2.10 (a)]

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UPPER CHAMBER REPORT
To view this report online, please visit http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/senate/ucreport.htm