Tuesday February 25, 2025 COMMITTEE DAY REPORT House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 The House will reconvene for its 23rd Legislative Day on Wednesday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Twenty bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor. Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day, Wednesday, February 26, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 24th Legislative Day. HB 14 State symbols; cornbread as official state bread; designate Bill Summary: HB 14 designates corn bread as the official state bread of Georgia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Special Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-19-2025 Do Pass HB 91 Professions and businesses; licensure for graduates of foreign colleges or schools of veterinary medicine who are board certified in a specialty; provide Bill Summary: HB 91 allows graduates of a foreign veterinary medicine school who are able to submit a transcript, who have completed a residency program of two or more years, and have received board certification from a veterinary medicine organization recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association, American Board of Veterinary Specialties, or other American Veterinary Medical Association board-approved organizations to be able to apply for a veterinary license in Georgia. A graduate may additionally submit an Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certificate or its equivalent, a Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) certificate or its equivalent, or any other document authorized by the State Board of Veterinary Medicine. The bill does not prohibit someone licensed in this way from lecturing or giving instructions in their certified veterinary medicine specialty. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-12-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 108 Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act or SAVE Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 108, also known as the 'Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act' or 'SAVE Act', outlines provisions relating to third-party entities assisting veterans in obtaining benefits. The bill prohibits a person from receiving compensation for referring a veteran to benefits-related assistance or advisement. Additionally, compensation cannot be received for services rendered on a claim filed within the one-year presumptive period of active-duty release without a veteran's House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Next on the Floor acknowledgement of available free services through U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Georgia Department of Veterans Service. Anyone seeking to be compensated for veterans benefit services is required to disclose the amount to be paid, which must be contingent upon an increase in benefits and no more than fives times the amount of a monthly increase. Initial and nonrefundable fees are prohibited. A written disclosure outlined in the bill is required to be provided to the veteran client prior to services being rendered. Lastly, background checks must be conducted for all persons providing such services. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Josh Bonner (73rd) Defense & Veterans Affairs Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-11-2025 Do Pass HB 115 Natural Resources, Department of; certain notice upon registration of a vessel; provide Bill Summary: HB 115 establishes procedure and policy for discovery and subsequent removal of vessels abandoned or left unattended on public property or in public waters of this state. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Game, Fish, & Parks Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-18-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 131 Self-service storage facilities; revise advertisement requirements before an owner can enforce an owner's lien Bill Summary: HB 131 revises self-service storage facility advertising requirements so that storage facility owners attempting to enforce a lien are not required to advertise an auction once a week for two consecutive weeks, but are instead required to publish an auction advertisement once in the legal organ for the county or in any other commercially reasonable manner. The advertisement is deemed commercially reasonable if at least three independent bidders attend the auction. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-04-2025 Do Pass HB 134 Sales and use tax; manufactured homes; revise and expand exemption Bill Summary: HB 134 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3, relating to sales and use tax, by eliminating language that excludes the local portion of sales and use tax from a 50 percent exemption on the sales price of a manufactured home that has been converted to real property. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 156 Transportation, Department of; authority over vertiports; provide Bill Summary: HB 156 defines the term "vertiport" and includes vertiports in the definition of "landing field". The bill also grants the Department of Transportation authority over vertiports. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Todd Jones (25th) Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 171 Crimes and offenses; obscenity; repeal and replace Code Section 16-12-80 Bill Summary: HB 171 is the 'Illegal AI Activities Act'. Section 2 creates the criminal offense of computer-generated obscene material depicting a child, which is committed when someone knowingly distributes, solicits, or possesses with intent to distribute images, videos, drawings, sculptures, or paintings that: 1) include realistic depictions of what appears to be a child; 2) are obscene, and 3) were created through the use of an artificial intelligence (AI) system. The penalty for the crime is between one and 15 years imprisonment, and judges can sentence a convicted individual Page 2 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Next on the Floor to certain probation requirements within O.C.G.A. 42-8-35(b), including certain protections for minors; remote monitoring; and prohibitions involving using drones or seeking election to a local school board. Section 2 is a potential sentencing enhancement. It designates certain crimes, which when conducted using an AI system carry increased sentences. The applicable crimes are: 1) stalking; 2) aggravated stalking; 3) exploitation of a disabled adult, elder person, or resident; 4) enticing a child for indecent purposes; 5) publication or other dissemination of the name or identity of female raped or assaulted with intent to commit rape in violation of 16-6-23; 6) theft offenses; 7) criminal reproduction and sale of recorded material; 8) residential mortgage fraud; 9) forgery and fraudulent practices crimes; 10) offenses against public administration crimes; 11) offenses against public order and safety crimes; 12) offenses against public health and morals crimes; and 13) fraudulent election interference in violation of 21-2-604. Using an AI system is defined as being the proximate cause of an AI system receiving an input or providing an output. Written notice must be given between the time the indictment or accusation is filed and the arraignment that the prosecution intends to seek the enhanced penalties. The standard is beyond a reasonable doubt, and the trier of fact must determine if the defendant knowingly and intentionally utilized an AI system in the commission of the offense. The enhancement is between six and 12 months of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000 if the crime is a misdemeanor, and a minimum of two years of imprisonment and a maximum fine of $5,000 if the crime is a felony. Section 4 changes references from the existing obscenity statute to reflect this new statute to avoid potential constitutional concerns. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Judiciary Non-Civil Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 172 Veterinary education; limits on student loan forgiveness program; provide Bill Summary: HB 172 clarifies eligibility for the Veterinary Education Loan Repayment Program to include former students and specifies that applicants must have practiced in the required specialty for 10 years or less. The maximum award amount for repayment is increased from $80,000 to $90,000, to be paid in increments of $30,000 per 12 months of service. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Huddleston (72nd) Higher Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass HB 176 Appeal and error; judgments deemed directly appealable; change a provision Bill Summary: Section 1-1 of HB 126 defines the term "final judgment" to include cases in which some counts are ordered "dead docketed", so that the case will not remain pending and unable to be appealed. This is a response to the Supreme Court of Georgia's decision in Seals v. Georgia (2021). Section 1-2 provides the statutory authority for the applicable appellate courts to hear direct appeals from guilty pleas on appeal. Section 1-3 allows a defendant who missed the deadline for filing a motion for a new trial or notice of appeal, but is still within 100 days of that deadline, to file an out-of-time motion for that new trial or notice of appeal, if they can meet certain requirements. The requirements are: 1) the defendant must file an initial motion that would later allow for the outof-time motion, if approved; 2) the defendant must show the court one of the following rationales for missing the deadline: A) has the consent of the state, B) can show excusable neglect, C) can show that failure to timely file the motion for new trial or notice of appeal was due to the deficient performance of their counsel, or D) can show other good cause; and 3) if the judge grants the initial motion, then the defendant has 30 days to file the out-of-time motion for new trial or notice of appeal Page 3 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Next on the Floor with that judge. The judge has discretion to allow for extensions of time on this motion. Further, those who had their original out-of-time appeal dismissed due to the Supreme Court of Georgia's decision in Cook v. State (2022), or a case following its precedent, for leave to file another motion until June 30, 2026. An indigent defendant is entitled to representation for both the original motion and, if approved, the subsequent out-of-time motion for new trial or notice of appeal. Section 2-1 clarifies that when a defendant substantially amends their motion for a new trial, then the prosecution will be given 10 days to respond and present evidence, although the court has discretion to provide a longer amount of time. Section 3-1 allows a person to withdraw their guilty plea that results in a conviction after the term of the court ends so long as it is still within 30 days of the entry of the judgment, to address caselaw that said the defendant lacked jurisdiction to allow the defendant to withdraw their guilty plea when the term of court in which that defendant was sentenced expired. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Judiciary Non-Civil Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 208 Special license plates; support state parks and historic sites; establish Bill Summary: HB 208 creates four specialty license plates. The first honors the Shepherd Center, with funds raised disbursed to Shepherd Center, Inc.; the second honors Georgia veterans and their families, with funds raised disbursed to the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation; the third supports the Department of Natural Resources State Parks and Historic Sites Division, with funds raised allocated to the same division; and the fourth promotes the conservation and enhancement of black bass populations, with funds raised allocated to the Georgia Natural Resources Foundation. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) Motor Vehicles Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-21-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 222 Criminal procedure; inclusion of certain contact information on bonds and recognizances; require Bill Summary: HB 222 requires a bond to include the full name, email address, and phone number of the principal and each surety. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Judiciary Non-Civil Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-19-2025 Do Pass HB 233 State symbols; Brunswick stew as the official state stew; designate Bill Summary: HB 233 designates Brunswick stew as the official state stew of Georgia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rick Townsend (179th) Special Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-19-2025 Do Pass HB 253 Ethan's Law; enact Bill Summary: HB 253 is known as 'Ethan's Law'. Section 2 prohibits juvenile courts from ordering family reunification or unification treatments, programs, or services, including camps, workshops, therapeutic vacations, or educational programs. Section 3 defines the term "family reunification or unification treatments, programs, or services" as those that provide educational or experiential workshops, and operates as or utilizes youth transporters or private transportation agents. Section 4 prohibits a judge from ordering family reunification or unification treatments, programs, or Page 4 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Next on the Floor services that as a condition of enrollment require or result in: A) a violation of a court order requiring a child to have no contact with their parent or legal guardian; B) the use of private youth transporters or private transportation agents engaged in the use of force, the threat of force, physical obstruction, acutely distressing circumstances, or circumstances that place the safety of the child at risk; C) a nocontact period between the child and their parent or legal guardian; or D) an out-of-state stay. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Clark (100th) Judiciary, Juvenile Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-20-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 308 Motor vehicles; operation of miniature on-road vehicles on certain highways; provide Bill Summary: HB 308 adds a definition for "miniature on-road vehicle" into Title 40 and lists its characteristics including: can transport people; operates between 25 and 45 miles per hour; has an overall width of 80 inches or less; is designed to travel on four plus wheels; uses a steering wheel; contains a non-straddle seat, has a gross vehicle weight of less than 4,000 pounds; and is not designed to be a golf cart, multi-purpose off-highway vehicle, or all-terrain vehicle. The bill excludes miniature on-road vehicles manufactured 25 years prior to a registration application from having to comply with federal emission standards unless the vehicle has been modified by an importer registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Further Code sections pertaining to license plates, license fees, registration, taxation returns, and vehicle operations are revised to include miniature on-road vehicles. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rob Clifton (131st) Motor Vehicles Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-21-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 392 Georgia Tax Court; certain events; revise dates Bill Summary: HB 392 revises dates related to the establishment of the Georgia Tax Court, with the initial chief judge serving an initial term beginning on April 1, 2026, and persons able to petition the court for relief beginning on and after July 1, 2026. All contested cases pending before the Georgia Tax Tribunal as of June 30, 2026, will automatically transfer to the court as of July 1, 2026. Any petitioner with a case pending before the tribunal that does not wish for the case to be transferred to the court will make a written demand to the tribunal on or before December 31, 2025, with proceedings to conclude prior to June 30, 2026. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Judiciary Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-20-2025 Do Pass HB 410 Insurance, Department of; efficiency in the practices; provide Bill Summary: HB 410 removes language from Title 33 of the O.C.G.A related to administrative processes and regulatory oversight within the Georgia Department of Insurance. The bill also moves agency license renewals from an annual schedule to a biennial schedule. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Buddy DeLoach (167th) Insurance Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-20-2025 Do Pass HB 414 Elections; "person" to include certain nonresidents; revise definition Bill Summary: HB 414 allows the State Ethics Commission to request documentation or information from a person located out of state. The commission is authorized to petition the superior court to obtain such documentation or information if said person refuses to comply. Authored By: Rep. Todd Jones (25th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Page 5 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Next on the Floor House Committee: Governmental Affairs Committee Action: 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 444 Holidays; April of each year as Georgia Native Plant Month; designate Bill Summary: HB 444 designates the month of April of each year as Georgia Native Plant Month. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Special Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-19-2025 Do Pass HR 121 John W. Mixon Georgia Forestry Building; Dry Branch Community; dedicate Bill Summary: HR 121 dedicates the Georgia Forestry Commission building located in Dry Branch, Georgia as the John W. Mixon Georgia Forestry Building. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) State Properties Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-19-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 6 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar. Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee HB 331 Animals; prohibit transfer of certain domestic animals at certain locations Bill Summary: HB 331 makes it unlawful for any individual to engage in the transfer of a dog, cat, or domestic rabbit in public spaces including roadsides; public right of ways; parkways; medians; public or commercial parking lots or sidewalks; parks; recreation areas; fairs; transient or seasonal flea markets; or other transient markets or outdoor locations. This will not apply to people or entities that may be able to produce a valid animal shelter license, transfers at a residence or veterinary office, transfers as part of an event sanctioned by certain agricultural exhibitions, or prearranged transfers that take place at law enforcement facilities. Violators may be fined no more than $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second offense, and $500 for third or subsequent offenses. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 413 Agriculture; prohibit local ordinances that prohibit operation of mobile sawmills on agricultural land Bill Summary: HB 413 prohibits counties, municipalities, consolidated governments, or other political subdivisions from restricting the use of mobile sawmills on agricultural land. Waste produced by sawing logs will be considered agricultural products, which may include sawdust, bark, and slab materials. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 495 Education; Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation; repeal Bill Summary: HB 495 transfers authority of the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation from the University System of Georgia to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The center's director will be appointed by the Department of Agriculture commissioner. It will have a Georgia Rural Development Council composed of 12 members, six of which are appointed by the governor, three of which who live in different geographic areas of the state and are appointed by the speaker of the House, and three of which who live in different geographic areas of the state and are appointed by the president of the Senate. The bill further outlines duties of the center, including producing an annual report, providing information and research, and conducting meetings at least once per quarter. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Robert Dickey (134th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Governmental Affairs Committee HB 416 Local government; enterprise zones; revise class of retailer from which fees may be collected Bill Summary: HB 416 amends O.C.G.A. 36-88-6, relating to enterprise zone criteria, to restrict annual enterprise zone infrastructure fees assessed by local governing bodies to being assessed only on retailers that are qualifying businesses or service enterprises receiving a sales, and use tax exemption for being located within a designated enterprise zone. Page 7 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions The bill amends O.C.G.A. 36-88-10, relating to time limitations for enterprise zones, to change the start of the 30 year duration of an enterprise zone authorized by O.C.G.A. 36-88-6 from beginning at the completion of the redevelopment project and retiring of any revenue bonds related to the project to the first issuance of a bond with a principal amount of at least $100,000. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) Governmental Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Insurance Committee HB 170 Insurance; benefit provider to disclose certain payments to a treating healthcare provider; provide Bill Summary: HB 170 requires benefit providers to disclose payment and reimbursement information to treating healthcare providers within 30 days of a written request. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Karen Mathiak (82nd) Insurance Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 373 Insurance; annual prostate cancer screenings for certain men; require major medical coverage Bill Summary: HB 373 requires insurance providers to provide coverage for annual prostate cancer screenings for men with a high risk for prostate cancer. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lydia Glaize (67th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 420 Insurance; require certain health benefit policies to cover genetic testing for an inherited mutation and cancer imaging under certain conditions Bill Summary: HB 420 defines terms related to healthcare and cancer imaging. The bill requires insurance carriers to cover the cost of genetic testing for patients with a personal or family history of cancer. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Insurance Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 422 State employees' health insurance; include high deductible health plans Bill Summary: HB 422 requires the state employees' health insurance plan to include at least two high deductible health plans. The bill allows enrolled employees to make pretax contributions to their health savings accounts. Government entities outside the scope of this bill are encouraged to offer similar pretax contribution options for their employees. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Derrick McCollum (30th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass SB 5 Private Review Agents; health insurers to implement and maintain a program that allows for the selective application of reductions in prior authorization requirements; provide Bill Summary: SB 5 requires health insurers to implement a program that reduces prior authorization requirements for providers based on quality metrics. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Insurance Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Page 8 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions Intragovernmental Coordination Committee SB 138 Incorporation of Municipal Corporations; transition of certain services related to newly incorporated municipalities in certain counties; provide Bill Summary: SB 138 revises certain requirements of service between a qualified municipality and its county during the transition period, which is the period of the transition of governmental services from a county to that municipality. A qualified municipality is a new municipality created by local Act that becomes law on or after January 1, 2024. The county must have 15 or more municipalities for the provisions to apply. The bill requires the county to provide police or law enforcement services within the boundaries of the municipality, until the municipality notifies the county of their intention to assume those services. If more ad valorem tax is collected within the municipality boundaries than the costs for police services provided by the county, the county must pay the excess funds to the municipality. During the transition period, the municipality will assume ownership over any road rights of way within its boundaries. The county will be responsible for maintenance of those roads during the transition period, at the municipality's discretion. The county will also be responsible for any infrastructure designed to temporarily retain 1,000 gallons or more of storm water, dams, or detention ponds within the municipality, unless otherwise agreed upon. The county will reimburse the municipality a certain percentage of those fees collected of any permitting or application process within the municipality that is not completed when the municipality assumes that service. Any Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) that is in place upon the creation of the municipality will not be required to be renegotiated. The bill allows the municipality to opt into any service provided to another city under the present SDS. If any service is assumed by the municipality in the middle of the county's tax year, the county will give the municipality a pro rata share of any tax or fee collected within the municipality. Certain insurance taxes may be collected by the municipality if all necessary legal steps have been taken to do so within 18 months of a referendum incorporating the municipality. The county must also reimburse any legal expenses resulting from legal action taken against the municipality that is found to be related to actions of the county during the transition period. If a court finds that a county violates any mentioned responsibility, the sovereign immunity of the county is suspended for one year from the date of the judicial ruling. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Judiciary Committee HB 132 Council of Municipal Court Judges; office of senior municipal court judge; provide Bill Summary: HB 132, the 'Municipal Judicial Act', creates the office of senior municipal judge, with the position available upon application by any former municipal court judge or judge of a court exercising municipal court jurisdiction. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 270 Eviction Service and Airplane Evictions Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 270 allows a judge or clerk in the relevant court to grant and issue a summons to a sheriff, lawful constable, or approved process server. Authored By: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Page 9 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions House Committee: Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 304 Local government; Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council; create Bill Summary: HB 304 creates the Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council as an institution designed to improve municipal courts, assist municipal court staff, and assist in training municipal court staff. The council is a state agency comprised of the municipal court staff of all state municipal courts. The council is authorized to elect officers and an executive committee. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Bill Yearta (152nd) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 325 Domestic relations; Protective Order Registry; revise certain definitions Bill Summary: HB 325 allows a member of the state organized militia who alleges stalking by another member of the organized militia to seek a protective order, with subject matter jurisdiction established by evidence that a nexus exists between the alleged conduct constituting stalking and the organized militia. The military judge may grant a protective order on a temporary or permanent basis or approve a consent agreement, and may punish a party's disobedience with contempt. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Reynaldo Martinez (111th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 427 Property; notice to owner and deed holder when another deed is filed by another party; provide Bill Summary: HB 427 subjects a deed, mortgage, or property lien presented to a superior court clerk by someone other than the owner or deedholder to a 45-day waiting period. Within 15 business days of presentation, the clerk will provide the owner or deed holder of record with mail or electronic notice that a conveyance has been presented, and that the instrument will be recorded no less than 45 days from the date not notice unless the clerk receives notice that the recording is unauthorized. The notice and waiting period will be waived if the person has presented a notarized affidavit, presented a notarized power of attorney, or if the person is an insurance agent, attorney, bank agent, public official, servicer agent, professional land surveyor, or licensed mortgage lender. It will also be waived if the person is the owner or one of the owners of the deeded property. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tremaine Teddy Reese (140th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 530 Courts; authorization for electronic filing of pleadings in probate court; provide Bill Summary: HB 530 requires all probate courts on or before January 1, 2028, to provide electronic filing of all pleadings and any other documents related to civil matters in probate court. A court's electronic filing service provider may charge a fee not to exceed $30 per filer per case, in addition to a convenience fee for credit card and bank drafting services. A portion of the transaction fee will be retained by the probate court and remitted to the local governing authority. An attorney will be allowed unlimited access to view and download electronically filed documents, and the judge and their staff will have access to all electronically filed pleadings and documents. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Page 10 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions HB 545 Terry Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 545 revises the Code regarding transcripts of evidence and proceedings so that an appellant files the notice of appeal with the clerk of the court, the appellant requests the transcripts from the listed court reporter, and the court reporter files the transcripts with the clerk of the court. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sheila Jones (60th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Motor Vehicles Committee HB 204 Public Safety, Department of; establish reasonable rates, fares, and charges for transportation by motor carriers of household goods; repeal authority Bill Summary: HB 204 repeals O.C.G.A. 40-1-118 which relates to rates, fares, and charges for motor carrier transportation of household goods. The bill further removes "household goods" from O.C.G.A. 10-1-119 as it relates to rates, fares, and charges approved by the Department of Public Safety on motor carrier transportation. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Dale Washburn (144th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 255 Special license plates; Southern University Alumni; establish Bill Summary: HB 255 creates two special license plates: one honoring Southern University Alumni, with funds raised disbursed to the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter of Southern University Alumni Federation of Georgia, Inc; and one honoring Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., with funds raised disbursed to the Delta Life Development Center. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Dewey McClain (109th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 296 Motor vehicles; presentation of a driver's license in a certain electronic format; provisions Bill Summary: HB 296 clarifies language relating to poll workers in O.C.G.A. 21-2-417 to denote that a Georgia driver's license must be in physical format and issued by the Department of Driver Services. The bill clarifies language relating to hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses in O.C.G.A. 27-2-2 and 27-2-3.1 to denote physical driver's licenses being required to identify an individual. The bill further allows licensees who are required to present their license to a law enforcement officer who possesses proper equipment to show them their electronic format-issued license. The bill notes that by July 1, 2027, all law enforcement officers will acquire equipment that can verify electronic licenses. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 461 Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 461 creates the 'Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act', which allows operators of a motorcycle or bicycle to disobey the instructions of a traffic control device or signal given they have reasonable belief that the device is inoperative due to the light weight of their vehicle. They may only disobey the instructions of the traffic control device or signal if there is no motor vehicle within 500 feet of approaching and the driver proceeds with caution. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 11 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions HB 551 Motor vehicles; conditions, procedures, and limitations for issuance of temporary operating permits; provide Bill Summary: HB 551 relates to motor vehicle temporary operating permits (TOPs) and requires individuals who become a resident of Georgia to register their vehicle within 30 days of becoming a resident. Each day that the vehicle is found in violation of this is considered a separate offense, and the individual in violation will be guilty of a misdemeanor and be fined $100. Vehicles owned, rented, leased, or operated in the state are required to be registered. The bill makes it unlawful for individuals to operate vehicles without a valid license plate or TOP, and removes existing language regarding used and new motor vehicle dealers issuing temporary operating permits. Given there is enough space, if a vehicle does not have a county name decal on its license plate, the individual in violation is subject to a fine no greater than $25. The bill outlines the process for dealers of new or used vehicles issuing TOPs. The issuance of a TOP is done without a fee unless certain circumstances are applicable, TOPs are to be designed by the Department of Revenue and may bear the name of the dealer and its location, and the permit will have an expiration date that is 45 days from point of purchase. The department is allowed to develop and maintain an electronic TOP issuance system and is responsible for monitoring those who violate provisions regarding TOPs. If the department decides to suspend a dealer's access to the TOP issuance system, the dealer has the right to a formal hearing to be held within 30 days of the department's decision. If a dealer has been found to issue TOPs unlawfully, they will be suspended for up to 24 months and are issued a fine of no more than $100 per offense. The bill further revises language relating to dealership plates, dealer recordkeeping, and passive entities that own motor vehicles. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 563 Motor vehicles; authorize licensed physical therapists to certify an individual is disabled for purposes of obtaining special vehicle decals Bill Summary: HB 563 adds licensed physical therapists to the list of physicians who may present an affidavit for the purpose of allowing an individual to apply for a disability parking permit. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Karen Bennett (94th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Regulated Industries Committee HB 251 Nurses; certified registered nurse anesthetist to order and administer anesthesia and an anesthesia plan under certain conditions; provide Bill Summary: HB 251 allows certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) to administer anesthesia and provide an anesthesia plan in coordination with a licensed physician in the state, rather than under the direction and responsibility of that physician. An anesthesia plan is defined as allowing for evaluation of a patient, referral of a patient to other healthcare providers, choosing the appropriate anesthetic agent and technique, and ordering medications and tests related to anesthesia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lauren McDonald III (26th) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Failed Page 12 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 Committee Actions Retirement Committee HB 406 Judicial Retirement System; increase retirement age of superior court judges first taking office on or after July 1, 2026 Bill Summary: HB 406 allows a member of the Judicial Retirement System (JRS) to retire at age 60, but the retirement allowance is reduced by any time served as a superior court judge. Once the member reaches 65, their retirement allowance is adjusted to reflect all their years of creditable service earned as a member of JRS. The bill is certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Retirement Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute State Planning & Community Affairs Committee HB 486 State government; City of Incheon, South Korea as sister city-state of the State of Georgia; designate Bill Summary: HB 486 designates the City of Incheon, South Korea as the sister city-state of Georgia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Soo Hong (103rd) State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass HB 516 State government; authorize county and regional library boards to conduct meetings via teleconference Bill Summary: HB 516 allows county and regional library boards and community service boards to conduct meetings via teleconference. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Kimberly New (40th) State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HR 273 City of Incheon, South Korea; designate as sister city-state of State of Georgia Bill Summary: HR 273 designates the City of Incheon, South Korea as the sister city-state of Georgia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Soo Hong (103rd) State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass State Properties Committee HB 303 Original 33 Memorial Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 303 creates the 'Original 33 Memorial Act', which allows a monument honoring the Original 33, the Black legislators expelled from the General Assembly after the end of Reconstruction, to be placed on capitol grounds or in another prominent place. This is subject to the availability of private funds. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Carl Gilliard (162nd) State Properties Committee Action: 02-25-2025 Do Pass Page 13 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2025 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. Wednesday - February 26, 2025 02/26/2025 8:00 AM Education Subcommittee on Curriculum (House) 02/26/2025 8:00 AM CODE REVISION (House) 02/26/2025 9:00 AM RULES (House) 02/26/2025 9:00 AM Education Subcommittee on Policy (House) 02/26/2025 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD23) (House) 02/26/2025 1:00 PM 02/26/2025 1:00 PM 02/26/2025 02/26/2025 02/26/2025 02/26/2025 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM 2:00 PM 02/26/2025 2:00 PM 02/26/2025 2:00 PM 02/26/2025 2:00 PM 02/26/2025 3:00 PM 02/26/2025 3:00 PM 02/26/2025 3:30 PM HIGHER EDUCATION (Upon Adjournment) (House) Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government (House) INDUSTRY AND LABOR (House) BANKS AND BANKING (House) JUDICIARY JUVENILE (House) TECHNOLOGY AND INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION (House) RURAL DEVELOPMENT (House) GAME, FISH AND PARKS (House) PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY (House) Leverett Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil (House) GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (House) SPECIAL RULES (House) 515 CLOB 132 CAP 341 CAP 515 CLOB House Chamber 606 CLOB 341 CAP 506 CLOB 406 CLOB 403 CAP 406 CLOB 515 CLOB 415 CLOB 506 CLOB 132 CAP 606 CLOB 415 CLOB VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Page 14 of 14