Daily report, 2024 February 9

DAILY REPORT Friday
February 9, 2024

18th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 19th Legislative Day on Monday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Thirteen bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HB 959 Motor vehicles; procedure for passing stationary vehicles on certain highways; provide
Bill Summary: HB 959 updates the Spencer Pass Law to provide guidelines when drivers are approaching and passing a stationary motor vehicle when individuals are present outside of the vehicle or the vehicle is flashing its hazard lights.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. John Corbett (174th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 158 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 01-30-2024 Do Pass

HB 1026 State government; Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby as official soap box derby of the State of Georgia; designate
Bill Summary: HB 237 designates the Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby in Lyons, Georgia as the official soap box derby of the State of Georgia.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) Special Rules
Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 01-31-2024 Do Pass

HB 1034 State holidays; fourth Friday in November as National Sugarcane Syrup Day; designate
Bill Summary: HB 1034 designates the fourth Friday in November as National Sugarcane Syrup Day.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Special Rules
Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 01-31-2024 Do Pass

HB 1048 State symbols; cornbread as official state bread; designate Bill Summary: HB 1048 designates cornbread as the official state bread.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Special Rules
Yeas: 155 Nays: 3

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 01-31-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

Local Calendar
HB 1025 Cherokee County; homestead exemption; provide full value exemption for senior and disabled residents
Bill Summary: HB 1025 revises a homestead exemption from the Cherokee County school district ad valorem taxes for senior and disabled residents with an added residency requirement.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Jordan Ridley (22nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 0 Nays: Recommit to Committee

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

02-09-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 19th Legislative Day, Monday, February 12, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Monday, February
12, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 20th Legislative Day.

HB 300 Solar Technology Trust Fund; fund within state treasury; establish
Bill Summary: HB 300 requires solar power facility agreements to provide procedures for the decommissioning of a solar power facility.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-06-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 461

Revenue and taxation; proceeds to local government regulatory fees be used to pay for regulatory activity and not general operations; require
Bill Summary: HB 461 amends O.C.G.A. 48-13-9, relating to the imposition of regulatory fees by local governments, to require the proceeds of regulatory fees collected by a local government to be used for the related regulatory activity and not the general operations of the local government.

HB 461 eliminates the ability for a local government to impose a fee for construction projects classified as renovation based on the cost of the project and instead requires the use of square feet for the calculation of a fee for an "extensive renovation project", which is defined as a project valued at $75,000 or more to renovate an existing structure.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Structured 02-01-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 516

Transportation, Department of; increase minimum amount for a public road construction or maintenance contract that prohibits negotiation
Bill Summary: HB 516 increases the minimum amount for a public road construction or maintenance contract that prohibits negotiation to $500,000. The bill allows for exemption of the requirement to accept written public comment for 30 days in the event that the public has been afforded the opportunity for comment during the environmental phase of a public-private partnership. If the public is afforded the opportunity for comment during the environmental phase of a publicprivate partnership, the requirement that the department hold a public hearing is also waived.

HB 516 provides an exception to final approval of projects by the board when it has previously approved the proposal based on a determination that the proposal provided the apparent best value to the state upon contract terms most satisfactory and advantageous to the state.

HB 516 amends the Code governing the length of modular unit transporters to allow for an increased

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

length from 80 feet to 84 feet when a permit is purchased.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Derrick McCollum (30th) Transportation

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-01-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 576 Health; prohibit certain health care providers and facilities from discriminating against potential organ transplant recipients due solely to their vaccine status
Bill Summary: HB 576 prohibits an individual's vaccine status from being used to determine priority status on an organ transplant waiting list.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Joseph Gullett (19th) Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-29-2024 Do Pass

HB 809 Occupational therapists; perform dry needling as a physical agent modality if certain training and education requirements are met; authorize
Bill Summary: HB 809 allows for occupational therapists to perform dry needling.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-29-2024 Do Pass

HB 925

Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 925 is the `Protecting Religious Assembly in States of Emergency (PRAISE) Act'. The legislation establishes that any order, rule, regulation, or other directive issued by a governmental entity pursuant to an emergency or health or safety determination which requires closure of any business or facility otherwise open to public use or patronage but which exempts in whole or in part any particular entity or set of entities will exempt to the same extent any place of worship entitled to religious exemption found in Title 26 of U.S.C. Section 501(c)(3) or 508(c)(1)(A).

HB 925 provides for civil action for relief for any person or entity burdened or impaired by violations of this code section.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Modified-Structured 01-31-2024 Do Pass

HB 977

Elections; number of contests subject to risk-limiting audits; expand
Bill Summary: HB 977 sets the risk-limiting audit probability limit at a decreasing percentage beginning with eight percent in 2024 and concluding with a rate of two percent in 2030. The bill clarifies which contests, in addition to specified top of the ballot contests, must be selected for a risklimiting audit and how they are selected.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Governmental Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-31-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 984

Insurance, Department of; Office of the Safety Fire Commissioner; update practices
Bill Summary: HB 984 allows certified law enforcement officers within the Department of Insurance and the office of the safety fire commissioner to use a department vehicle while off-duty under certain circumstances. The bill also repeals O.C.G.A. 33-10-13 to comply with National Association of Insurance Commissioners accreditation standards.

HB 984 allows for developmentally or physically disabled individuals to remain on their parent or guardian's insurance beyond the cutoff age.

Authored By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

House Committee:

Insurance

Committee Action:

01-31-2024 Do Pass

HB 997

Motor vehicles; require disqualification to operate a commercial motor vehicle upon receipt of notification from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of a positive drug test
Bill Summary: HB 997 requires an individual disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle by notice from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to be reinstated only when they have received notification from the FMCSA.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John Corbett (174th) Motor Vehicles

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-06-2024 Do Pass

HB 1022 Colton-McNeill Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1022 is known as the Colton-McNeill Act and increases penalties for committing the crime of cruelty to children against a disabled minor. The first degree of the crime now carries a penalty of between 15 and 30 years, while the second degree of the crime now carries a penalty of between 10 and 30 years.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Juvenile Justice

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-31-2024 Do Pass

HB 1033 Utility Worker Protection Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 1033 is the 'Utility Worker Protection Act', which adds enhanced penalties for protection of utility workers harmed while acting within the course/scope of their employment or while performing official duties. The bill includes a definition for "utility worker", which includes independent contractors and applies to both private and public entities.

The sentencing enhancement is added to the following crimes: Simple assault, making it a high and aggravated misdemeanor; Aggravated assault, making the term of imprisonment between three and 20 years; Simple battery, making it a high and aggravated misdemeanor; and Aggravated battery, making the term of imprisonment between one and 20 years. These enhancements apply to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2024.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-06-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1037 Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant Health; create
Bill Summary: HB 1037 creates the Georgia Commission on Maternal and Infant Health to make policy recommendations regarding perinatal care programs and develop quality metrics. The commission will consist of 14 members with six appointed by the governor, three by the lieutenant governor, and three by the speaker of the House of Representatives.

The commissioner of the Department of Public Health and chief executive officer of the Georgia Research Alliance will also serve as members. A report of findings and recommendations is due on July 1, 2026 and the commission will be repealed.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lauren Daniel (117th) Public Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-30-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

HB 1044 Contracts; increase dollar value of certain public works contracts exempt from provisions relating to retention of contractual payments
Bill Summary: HB 1044 increases the contract value amount from $100,000 or less to $250,000 or less for specified contracts that are exempt from specified contracting and bidding requirements.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Governmental Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 01-31-2024 Do Pass

Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

HB 940

Fair Business Practices Act of 1975; require retail stores to accept cash for purchases
Bill Summary: HB 940 makes it unlawful for a retail store to refuse cash as a form of payment for any good or service offered for sale by said retail store. Retail stores that process consumer transactions with self-operated kiosks should have at least one option within the store where cash can be accepted. This does not apply to venues that have 2,500 or more attendees, airports where more than 500 takeoffs and landings are made, fully autonomous stores, or wholesale clubs.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Todd Jones (25th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 473 House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection in the Tree Care Industry; create
Bill Summary: HR 473 creates the House Study Committee on Safety and Consumer Protection in the Tree Care Industry to study the need for standards, regulations, and licensure for the tree care industry.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1025 Cherokee County; homestead exemption; provide full value exemption for senior and disabled residents
Bill Summary: HB 1025 revises a homestead exemption from the Cherokee County school district ad valorem taxes for senior and disabled residents with an added residency requirement.

Authored By: Rep. Jordan Ridley (22nd)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1135 Dexter, Town of; provide new charter Bill Summary: HB 1135 provides a new charter for the Town of Dexter.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Hatchett (155th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

HB 1140 Haralson County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 1140 revises a homestead exemption from Haralson County School District ad valorem taxes for residents who are 65 years of age or older and whose annual income does not exceed $10,000 by increasing the exempted amount to $8,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

HB 1141 Telfair County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 1141 provides a homestead exemption from Telfair County School District ad valorem taxes in an amount by which the current year assessed value of the homestead exceeds the base year value provided that it does not exceed $25,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

HB 1143 Telfair County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 1143 provides a homestead exemption from Telfair County ad valorem taxes in an amount by which the current year assessed value of the homestead exceeds the base year value provided that it does not exceed $25,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

HB 1145 Bartow County; ad valorem tax; homestead exemption for education purposes; increase income cap
Bill Summary: HB 1145 revises the income requirements of a homestead exemption from certain Bartow County School District ad valorem taxes for disabled residents.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (14th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

HB 1174 Harris County Public Improvements Authority; revise purpose Bill Summary: HB 1174 revises the purpose of the Harris County Public Improvements Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vance Smith (138th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
HR 1019 America's borders; support increased protections Bill Summary: HR 1019 establishes the Georgia House of Representatives' support for increased protection for America's borders in the pursuit of ending the illegal immigration and smuggling.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

02-09-2024 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 9, 2024

Committee Meetings

Committee Meeting Schedule
This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.legis.ga.gov to view all upcoming events.

Monday - February 12, 2024

8:00 AM Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation (House)

506 CLOB

9:00 AM RULES (House)

341 CAP

9:00 AM CREATIVE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT (House)

403 CAP

10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD19) (House)

House Chamber

1:00 PM Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (House)

415 CLOB

1:00 PM Appropriations Subcommittee on Economic Development (House)

341 CAP

1:00 PM Education Subcommittee on Policy (House)

506 CLOB

1:30 PM Leverett Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil (House)

132 CAP

2:00 PM HEALTH (House)

403 CAP

2:00 PM HUMAN RELATIONS AND AGING (House)

406 CLOB

2:00 PM REGULATED INDUSTRIES (House)

606 CLOB

2:00 PM Ways and Means Subcommittee on Ad Valorem (House)

515 CLOB

2:00 PM Education Subcommittee on Curriculum (House)

506 CLOB

2:15 PM Ways and Means Subcommittee on Income Tax (House)

515 CLOB

3:00 PM CANCELED-Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education 415 CLOB (House)

3:00 PM Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources (House) 506 CLOB

3:00 PM Ways and Means Subcommittee on Tax Revision (House)

515 CLOB

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