SENATE INFORMATION OFFICE 201 Legislative Offlce Bldg., Atlanta, CA 30334 404656-0028 / 1-800-282-5803
February 22, 1995
HIGHLIGHTS OF MAJOR SENATE ACTION
For the Week of February 20, 1995 (Week #6)
Week number-six of the 1995 General Asuembly was short, but nevertheless, productive.
Rumors of a long weekend recess came to fruition Wednesday morning when the Senate and House agreed to utop the clock and take a four-day recess to give House budget writers time to work on their veruion of the Fiscal Year 1996 budget.
]During the abbreviated three-day legislative week, however, a nunber of significant bills were passed dealing with issues such as auto tag sales, drivers' licenses for teenagers, drunk driving, child support, elder abuse and health care.
The long lines that forr around county courthouses and tag offices each spring could soon k history with the passage of a bill to implement year-round auto tag sales. Although some counties stagger tag sales over the first four months of the year, Georgia is the only state in the nation that does not have a yearround mystem.
In an effort to reduce Georgia's school drop-out rate, the Senate approved legislation which would require 16 and 17-year-olds to show proof that they are in school when they apply for a drivers' license. Supporters say states with similar laws have experienced noticible reductions in the drop-out rate.
Convicted drunkdrivero would carry a special badge of shame if another anti-DUI bill paused by the Senate becomes law. The measure would color-code licenses that are returned to drunk drivers after a suspension period.
Parents who refuse to pay their court-ordered child support could be held in diversion centers until thay ante up under legislation approved this week. The delinquent parents would be allowed to leave the facilities only to go to work.
Two measures targeting elder abuse cleared the Senate. One bill would create a mmodelw power of attorney document to ensure that older Georgians are not swindled by the people who they trust to handle their financial affairs. The second measure would eliminate advanced age as a reason for appointment of a legal guardian.
The Senate also gave the go-ahead to legislation which would: make it illegal to possess false identification; protect the jobs of National Guard membmrm who return from active duty; update the state law on generic drugs; and call on Congress to adopt a balanced budget amendment.
The General Assembly agreed to a four-day recess Thursday through Sunday to give House budget writers an opportunity to finalize their version of the Fiscal Year 1996 budget. When lawmakers return Monday, only 12 days will remain in the 1995 session.

the Floor

LOOKING BACK -- on Friday,
the Senate passed anti-DUI legislationtargetingcommercial truck drivers. Senate Bill 298 would allow authorities to remove commercial truck drivers from the road for at least 24 hours even if they have only a trace of alcohol in their system / and are not subject to DUI charges. Sponsors are Senators Jake Pollard, Roonep Bowen and Bob Guhl.

Senate Bill 154 would require prison inmates who were under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of their arrest, or who have a history of substance abuse, to complete a special program before being released. The measure was introduced by Senators Chuak Clay, Joe Burton and Clay Land.
Senators also gave the go-ahead to legislation proposed by Governor Miller which would create a Georgia Policy Council for Children and Families. The council would coordinate local efforts to address youth-related problems. Sponsors are Senators Mark Taylor, Robert Brown and Guy Middleton.

Staaaered Taus
The long lines that form at county tag offices and courthouses every Spring could soon be little more than a memory. The Senate has passed legislation which would implement a year-round vehicle registration period based on ownersu birthdays.
Senate Bill 280 would drastically change the current law under which the owners of motor vehicles must buy their tags and pay their taxes during the first four months of the year.
The measure is primarily intended to ease the demands on Georgia's larger counties, many of which currently stagger registration over the first four months of the year on an alphabetical basis. It would, however, give less populated counties that do not have problems with long lines the option of maintaining the current system.
Sponsors note that Georgia is currently the only state in the natian that does not have a 10-month or 12-month motor vehicle
-- registration period, More than 6.5 million vehicles are registered
in the state virtually one for every Georgian. The bill was sponsored by Senators Steve Thompson, Don Cheeks,
and Sonny Perdue and passed 50-0.
No-School. No-Driversf License
Teenagers who drop out af school will be walking or riding the bus if Senate Bill 98 becomes law. The measure would require 16 and 17-year-olds who apply for driversf licenses to show proof that they are in school or working toward a GED equivalency diploma. Teenagers with full-time jobs or hardships, sQch as a physical disability, would be exempt.
Proponents of the bill point out that Georgia has the nation's second highest school dropout rate. They say the legislation is designed as an incentive to keep young people in school and to encourage those who have already dropped out to return to the classroom.
After considerable discussion, the bill passed 52-3. Sponsors . are Senators Ed Boshears, Peg Blitch and David Ralston.

Drunk Drivinq
Senators approved some new ammunition for the war on drunk driving with passage of Senate Bill 211.
Under the bill, licenses which are restored to convicted drunk drivers after a suspension period would be specially-colored for ready identification. The special license would remain in force for four years. Sponsored by Senator Donsella James, the bill passed without a dissenting vote.
Child S u m o r t Crackdown
The Senate sent a clear message to those parents who refuse to pay their court-ordered child support with the passage of Senate Bill 7.
Under the bill, a non-custodial parent who is found in contempt of court for not paying child support would be confined to a diversion center. The parent would be allowed to leave the diversion center to go to work, but would otherwise remain confined and have to pay a fee to cover the cost of his or her incarceration. Sponsored by Senator Bob Guhl, SB 7 passed without a dissenting vote.
Elder Abuse
Two important companion bills targeting elder abuse won Senate approval.
Senate Bill 145 would create a "modelw power-of-attorney document. The purpose is to more clearly explain what is involved in delegating the power of attorney and ensure that the elderly are not swindled by the people they trust to handle their financial affairs.
Senate Bill 146 would eliminate advanced age as the sole reason for the appointment of a guardian. It would require that other factors, such as mental disability or a physical illness, be considered in permitting the appointment of a guardian.
Both bills were recommended by the Elder Abuse Task Force which held extensive hearings into the problem of elder abuse over the past year. Sponsored by Senators Mary Margaret Oliver, Jack Hill and Richard Marable, both measures passed unanimously.
False Identification
The Senate has passed legislation which would make it illegal to possess phony identification with the intent to defraud or deceive. Under current law, it is illegal to manufacture or sell phony IDS, but Senate Bill 198 would strengthen the law to include possession of bogus documents.
A first offense would be a misdemeanor, but second and subsequent offenses would be punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
Sponsors say the legislation would aid law enforcement officers in crime reduction efforts and would also help address the problem of illegal aliens who often purchase fake IDS to avoid deportation. Introduced by Senators Steve Farrow, s avid Ralston and Casey Cagle, SB 198 passed 52-0.
Job Guarantees
The Senate has given the nod to a bill which would protect the jobs of Georgia National Guard and Air ~ational Guard members called up to active duty.
Senate Bill 299 would guarantee Guard members their right to reemployment upon their return. Members of the military reserve already enjoy this protection. Sponsored by Senators Ed arbi is on, Pam Glanton and Jack Hill, the measure passed 52-0.

Generic Druas
The S e m t s has passed and sent to the House legislation which woukd update state law regarding prescription drugs. Senate Bill
309 is"designed to reflect advancements in modern medical
technology and would require that generic versions of "advanced delivery syotem~,"such as transdermal skin patches, meet the same standards as brand name drugs. The new medications are used in the treatment of a variety of illnesses ranging from heart disease to diabetes-. Sponsored by Senator Charles Walker, the bill passed unanirnousTy.
Legislation to expand the opportunities for doctors to repay service-cancelable student loans won Senate approval. Senate Bill 262 would also improve access to health care for young people being held.ia.state custody.
Under current law, state loans to medical students can be forgiven if they agree to practice in underserved areas of the state after earning their medical degrees. SB 262 would expand the prograin to include service to the Department of Children and Youth Services. There are between 2,000-6,000 children and teens in state custody who require medical attention. Sponsored by Senator Mary Margaret liver, the bill passed 50-0.
Litterina Costlv
Think before tossing that gum wrapper out the window. The Senate gave its okay to a bill which would drastically increase fines for littering. Senate Bill 107 would increase the fine for littering from a maximum of $200 to a maximum of $500. Local ordinances would have to set fines at least equal to state law. Sponsored by Senators David Scott, Steve Henson and Sonny Perdue, SB 107 passed 52-0.
Prison Sentences
The Senate has passed legislation targeting repeat felons. Senate sill 285 would allow inmates between the ages of 17-30, who are convicted of a second felony, to serve their sentences in an alternative facility such as a boot camp with emphasis on physical labor.
Prisoners convicted for a second time of a violent offense or a sex crime, however, would have to serve their sentences in a prison. Sponsored by Senators Hugh Gillis, Johnny Isakson and Ed Harbison, SB 285 passed unanimously.
~hlancedWldaet Amendmeht
A balanced budget amendment being considered by Congress received a vote of support from the Georgia Senate, Senate ~esolution136, which urges Congress to adopt the amendment, passed 51-2. Sponsors are Senators Clint Day, Casey Cagle and Won Slstin.
South Fulton Develo~ment
In an effort to attract and guide development in the area immediately south of Atlanta, the Senate gave its approval to a measure which would create a Joint Study Commission on Economic Development and Revitalization in South Fulton County.
Sponsors noted that previous studies had yielded few results. The panel proposed under Senate Resolution 101wou%d bring together legislators and community and business leaders from the area to recommend a comprehensive development plan. Sponsored by Senator Donaella James, the measure passed unanimously.

C a m ~ a i a nFinance
Campaign ethics and finance legislation won Senate approval this week. Senate Bill 18 would prohibit political candidates from paying themselves for consulting on their own campaigns. Sponsored by Senators Sallie Newbill, Steve Farrow and Ed Gochenour, the measure passed 50-2.

Committee Action

The momentum of Senate committee action continued to increase this week as the 1995 General Assembly General moved steadily toward a conclusion. Several important measures won favorable recommendations from Senate committees and now await the green light from the Rules Committee to be placed before the full Senate.

public Initiative
Public initiative moved a step closer to becoming the law in
Georgia with the Judiciary Committee's approval of Senate Resolution 4.
The legislation, which has strong bi-partisan support, would give citizens the right to propose laws directly on the ballot. If the General Assembly approves the measure, it will face voter approval in the 1996 election. Sponsors are Senators Perry McGuire, Arthur (Skin) Edge and Sallie Newbill.
Teacher Pay Raises
The Education Committee has given a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 218 by Senator Ralph David Abernathy, 111. The bill would require local school boards to pass along the pay raises appropriated for teachers by the General Assembly. Current law allows local school boards to divert the funds for other uses.
Familv Violence
The Judiciary Committee has recommended passage of legislation aimed at curbing family violence. Senate Bill 341 would set stiffer penalties for repeat offenses. The measure is sponsored by Senator Chuck Clay.
Tree Trimminq
Tree trimming has become an issue of considerable interest and controversy, and the Transportation committee has decided to hold two bills dealing with the issue for further study by a subcommittee.
Senate Bill 321 by Senators Steve Thompson and Nathan Dean deals with application fees for tree trimmers. Senate Bill 169 by Senator Mike Egan would ban tree trimming for billboards on state highways.

rearms possession bv Felons
The special Judiciary Committee has recommended passage of ~ o u s e ~ ~ i87i.l 'I'hemeasure would increase prison terms for people convicted of firearms possession while committing a crime. A first offense 4ould be punishable by 15 years in prison. Second and subsequenta convictions would bring a life sentence.

Around Capitol
Hill

1

The action on the Senate floor and in committee moved quickly

this week, but there are also

many events of interest

elsewhere around the Capitol,

The Georgia Winner and Georgia

Focus programs were held and

there were a number of after-

session dinners and receptions

featuring catf'ish, barbecue and

soul food.

The second annual Georgia Focus project was held this week. The popular program is held in conjunction with the Junior Civitan Clubs and more than 100 young Georgians took part. The purpose of Georgia Focus is to allow outstanding high school students to have dHrect' contact with the legislative process. In the past three years, Georgia Focus students have had the opportunity to visit with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and members of the media.
Georsia Winner
The Georgia Winner program was also held this week at the Capitol in conjunction with Georgia Focus. Carl Bouckaert was honored for his outstanding community involvement by a Sexaate resolution and .luncheon hosted by Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard. Past Georgia Winners include radio personality Rhubarb Jones and Atlanta TV news anchors Monica Kaufman and John Psuitt.

State Senator Eddie Madden of Elberton predicts the budget will be the main focus of the rest of the 11995 legislative session. He believes the next few weeks ulwiP1 be a very difficu1.t time for the appropriations p r o c e s ~ .M~adden suggests, "We can expect quite a bit of controversy and some battle due to the budget process.

Sen. Madden notes that the House has 'Isome serious problems

with the Governorfs recommendations for the budget." He believes

the fepresentatives will come to an agreement, but it will take

some time.

Madden says the Senate's responsibility will be "to mediare

the positions1' when the budget is brought before them.

"We are going to have to try to help resolve the issues

between the Governor's

recommendations, the House 's

recommendations, and what the people of Georgia need, said Madden.

Georgia Senate
Bios
Brief

State Senator Harold J. Ragan of Cairo was first elected to the Senate from southwest Georgia in 1986 and, now, in his fifth term, holds several key committee posts. Ragan, a Democrat, is chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and is a member of the Appropriations Committee. He also serves on the Education Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee.

The Cairo native represents Georgia on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference (SLC) and previously served on the SLCfs Education Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture and Forestry Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
Sen. Ragan successfully guided legislation through the 1994 General Assembly which expands the scope of practice of the state's qualified optometrists in an effort to improve access to health care in rural Georgia. He has also been active in efforts to spur economic growth and create jobs in southwest Georgia.
Ragan has chaired or served on a number of interim study committees including the Senate Ethanol Study Committee and the Joint Health Care Personnel Shortage Study Committee.
Born in Cook County, Georgia, Ragan received his bachelor's degree, master's degree in Education and his six-year specialist certificate from the university of ~ e o r g i a and is a retired vocational agricultural teacher.
Ragan served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1981 with the rank of lieutenant colonel.