Weekly wrap-up 1995 March 10

SENATE INFORMATION OFFICE 201 Legislative Office Bldg., Atlanta, GA 30334 404656-0028 / 1-800-282-5803

#7794

March 10, 1995

HIGHLIGHTS OF MAJOR SENATE ACTION
For the Week of March 6, 1995 (Week #8)

Week eight of the 1995 General Assembly will undoubtedly be remembered as the most hectic and, arguably, the most productive. It was a week dominated by discussion of a record state budget and by unprecedented tax cuts initiated by the Senate.
The Senate version of the $10.7 billion budget for Fiscal Year 1996 was passed following more than four hours of exhaustive debate and discussion. As expected, it emphasizes education. The Senate spending plan also differs sharply from the House version setting the stage for intense negotiations by Senate and House conferees.
It was tax relief, however, that drew the most attention with the Senate's passage of a $240 million cut in income taxes. The legislation provides more generous deductions. The standard deduction for a married couple filing jointly, for example, would more than double.
A second tax cut tentatively passed by the Senate would trim sales taxes by removing the sales tax from groceries. A final vote on that measure was delayed under Senate rules.
In an effort to gauge public opinion on tax relief, Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard and the Senate leadership instituted a statewide toll-free telephone survey line. Callers are able to express support for reductions in property taxes, sales taxes or income taxes. As of late Thursday afternoon, an estimated 4,500 callers had participated in the poll.
Public initiative took a giant leap forward in the Senate this week. The legislation would allow citizens to propose new laws and decide issues of interest directly on the ballot.
In other a ~ t i o n , the Senate passed legislation to further clear the way for Georgia to reimburse Federal retirees and military veterans the state income taxes that the U.S. Supreme Court said were improperly collected.
The Senate has approved some changes in state law dealing with pollution run-off from land-disturbing activities such as construction. The bill would require developers to utilize "best management practicesw to protect the environment.
New legislation to update state law on trade secrets won Senate approval. The bills are designed to better protect information stemming from new technology.
Senators also approved legislation to establish a system of year-round auto tag sales, give cities and counties some relief from unfunded mandates, and give the General Assembly more authority over the operation of the state's major parks authorities.

FY 96 Budaet
After more than four hours of animated debate, the Senate voted 48-7 in favor of House Bill 202, the budget for Fiscal Year 1996.
The $10.7 billion spending plan emphasizes economic development and education. The plan restores a number of education items proposed by Governor Zell Miller, but cut by House budget writers.
Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman George Hooks, who steered the bill through the Senate, described the budget as *Ifiscally sound and conservative." The budget now heads back to the House where the Senate changes will be rejected, setting the stage for a conference committee to forge a final agreement. The conferees are expected-to begin meeting on Friday.
Income Tax Cuts
Major tax cuts totalling an estimated $240 million could soon be on the way for Georgians with the support of Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard and the Senate's approval of House Bill 38.
Initially a bill dealing with corporate income taxes, the personal income tax cuts were added under a substitute proposed by Senators Ron Slotin, Sonny Perdue and Terrell Starr. The final version of the substitute also included Senators Walter Ray, Arthur (Skin) Edge, Chuck Clay, Johnny Isakson and George Hooks. The plan drastically increases standard deductions for personal income tax.
The measure would more than double the deduction for married couples who file jointly from $3,000 to $6,200. Married couples, who file separate returns, would see their deductions rise from $1,500 to $3,100.
Deductions for single tax filers would rise from $2,300 to $3,100. The deduction for heads of households would increase from $2,300 to $5,400.
The legislation is based on recommendations made by the Joint Revenue Structure Study Commission, following three years of study and research. Senators Perdue and Starr served on the committee. The measure passed 52-0.
Sales Tax Cuts
The second major tax cut initiated by the Senate this week deals with the sales tax on groceries. House Bill 684, as amended by the Senate, would roll-back the four-percent sales tax on groceries over the next four years at the rate of one-percent per year. The proposed tax cut would total $500 million.
The amendment was introduced by Senators Chuck Clay, Arthur (Skin) Edge and David Ralston with broad bi-partisan support. Because of the length of the amendment, a final vote on the bill was delayed in accordance with Senate Rule 143.
Income Tax Refunds
Legislation to further clear the way for ~ e o r g i ato reimburse Federal retirees and military veterans the state income taxes that the U.S. Supreme Court says were improperly collected has cleared the Senate.
The measure is a companion to House Bill 90 which passed the Senate and House earlier this year and has already been signed into law.
House Bill 3 addresses the matter of refunds to retirees and veterans who did not file an amended tax return to obtain refunds. Theineasure clarifies the opportunities to file amended returns and ensures that the interest due on the refunds is calculated equally for all eligible retirees.
Handled by Senator Sonny Perdue, HB 3 passed without a dissenting vote.

blic Initiative
Public initiative legislation which would allow citizens to directly decide issues of interest on the ballot moved a step closer to law this week with the passage of Senate Resolution 4 by a vote of 48-6. The legislation would clear the way for citizensponsored statutes and constitutional amendments by popular vote.
Under SR 4, an initiative for a new law would have to be launched by a petition bearing signatures of registered voters equal in number to five percent of the total votes cast in the most recent gubernatorial election. A constitutional amendment would require signatures from eight percent of the registered voters.
To ensure that no one area of the state dominates the process, the signatures would have to be obtained from at least eight of the state's 11 Congressional districts.
The initiative would then appear on the ballot in the next general election and, if approved by a majority of voters, it would become law.
SR 4 was sponsored by Senators Perry McGuire, Arthur (Skin) Edge and Sallie Newbill and drew strong bi-partisan support including Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard. Public initiative legislation was first introduced in the Senate in 1981.
Staaaered Taus
It's a virtual certainty that Georgia will soon have a system of year-round auto tag sales.
Earlier this session, the Senate voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 280 which would implement a staggered registration system based on owners' birthdays.
This week, the Senate gave unanimous approval to House Bill 379 which, under its Transportation Committee substitute, is identical to the SB 280. Handled by Senator Steve Thompson, HB 379 passed unanimously.
American History in the Classroom
The Senate approved legislation that supporters say is designed to ensure Georgia's public schools are able to display reprints or duplicates of historic documents without fear of censorship.
The measure would allow the display of documents such as the United States and Georgia Constitutions, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and the national anthem. It would also permit the display of the writings of presidents as well as signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. In addition, display of the motto nIn God We Trustw would be permitted.
Sponsors say the legislation would give school administrators and teachers the green light to display historic documents and writings, which in some cases may contain religious references, without fear of censorship.
Originally introduced as Senate Bill 324, by Senators Perry YcGuire, Walter Ray and Sonny Perdue, the language was added as an amendment by Sen. McGuire to Senate Bill 71 which passed 54-0.
Economic Develo~ment
Two economic development measures cleared the Senate this week. Senate Bill 404 would create an Institute for Community Economic Development. The agency would be responsible for coordinating public and private resources to spur growth and development in rural areas and economically distressed communities.
A companion measure, Senate Resolution 253, would establish a Community Economic Development Task Force to perform preliminary research work on economic development needs.
Both measures were sponsored by Senators Diane Harvey Johnson, Charles Walker and Rene Kemp. SB 404 passed 31-19. SR 253 passed 46-6.

Environmental Protection

The Senate has approved some changes in state law dealing with pollution run-off from land-disturbing activities such as construction. Senate Bill 375 would eliminate specific standards and instead require that developers use "best management practices1@ in controlling run-off.
Sponsors say the measure clarifies the permitting process and eliminates inconsistencies in the law which have blocked some construction in north Georgia. They say it will also ensure that the staters rivers are not polluted. Sponsored by Senators Mark Taylor, Hugh Gillis and Rene Kemp, SB 375 passed 48-1.

Hazardous Waste Clean-UP

The Senate has approved a measure aimed at giving the state the ability to move quickly to clean up potentially dangerous hazardous waste sites.
Senate Resolution 128 would allow the state to issue bonds to finance clean-up costs when the public health is threatened and rapid corrective action is necessary. The measure would provide state officials with the clear authority and the financial resources to clean up toxic waste sites when there is a threat to the public health or when environmental quality is jeopardized.
A proposed constitutional amendment, SR 128 would require voter approval on the 1996 general election ballot. If voters agree, the state could begin issuing the necessary bonds immediately because enabling legislation passed the General Assembly last year and is already law. Sponsored by Senators Ed Boshears, Peg Blitch and Rene Kemp, SR 128 passed 50-0.

State Parks Authorities

The General Assembly will have more oversight over Georgia's four parks authorities if House Bill 120 becomes law. The measure would create a joint Senate-House legislative oversight committee which would have broad power to monitor the operation of the authorities.
The Jekyll Island, Stone Mountain, Lake Lanier, and North Georgia Mountain Authorities would be affected by the legislation. House Bill 120 was handled by Senator Sonny Perdue and passed 55-0.

Disorderly Conduct

A disorderly conduct statute overturned by the Georgia Supreme Court several years ago could soon be back on the books. Senate Bill 420 corrects the vagueness that the Court cited in its ruling. Senator David Ralston sponsored the measure which passed unanimously.
Consumer Protection - Advertisinq

The Senate has passed a bill targeting fraudulent

solicitation. The measure would require that solicitations to

advertise in @@yellow pagesw type publications be marked

accordingly.

The words, I1This is not a bill. This is a

solicitationu would have to be printed on the correspondence.

Sponsors noted that the legislation does not apply directly to

the yellow pages published by telephone companies, but to similar

publications that are published independently. Senate Bill 361,

sponsored by Senator Eddie Madden, passed 51-0.

Phone T a ~ i n q

Senators gave the go-ahead to a bill which would strengthen state laws against illegal wiretapping. Senate Bill 74 would make it illegal for a person to tape record a telephone conversation without the other party's consent. Sponsored by Senators Ralph David Abernathy, 111, David Scott and Charles Walker, the measure passed 52-0.

Enter~riseZones
In an effort to spur economic growth and create jobs, the Senate gave the nod to Senate Resolution 6 4 . The measure, a proposed constitutional amendment, would clear the way far lawmakers to create enterprise zones i.n cities and counties and offer special tax incentives to attract new business and industry. Sponsored by Senators Steve Thompson, George Hooks and Jack Bill, the resolution was adopted 52-0.
Disclosure of Job Performance
The law which protects some employers from being sued for discPosing poor performance records of former employees would be expanded under House Bill 297.
Employers in the education and health care fields now enjoy immunity from these suits. That immunity would be broadened to include banks and savings and loan institutions, credit unions, and home care providers.
The legislation is designed to encourage former employers to provide accurate evaluations of former employees who are seeking jobs where the public health or safety could be jeopardized. Handled by Senator Chuck Clay, the measure passed 52-0.
Welfare Fraud
Welfare recipients who receive benefits improperly, through no fault of their own, will get a chance to resolve the error without going to court if Senate Bill 4 4 6 becomes law.
Under the measure, welfare clients who receive benefits they are not entitled to would be able to report the error to officials and would also be entitled to a hearing to resolve the matter before it could be referred to prosecutors.
People who deliberately defraud welfare officials, however, would face prosecution. A second sffense would make the culprit ineligible for benefits for one year. SB 4 4 6 was sponsored by Senator Ed Boshears and passed unanimously.
Trade Secrets
A package of legislation to update state law on the protection of trade secrets won Senate approval,
Senate Bill 316 would make information concerning actual or potential customers or suppliers a trade secret, regardless of the form of the information. Under the legislation, information would also be considered a trade secret if any economic value could be derived from its disclosure.
Senate ill 418, meanwhile, would extend trade secret protection to information that is not written, such as formulas that have been memorized.
Both measures were introduced by Senators Jim Tysinger, Mary Margaret Oliver and Paul Broun and passed without dissent.
Counselins for Delinauents, Parents
A bill to more effectively help delinquent children and their families work out their problems cleared the Senate this week. Senate Bill 77 would allow judges to order counseling for delinquent children, as well as their parents, Sponsored by Senators Ralph David Abernathy, 111, David Scott and Charles Walker, SB 7 7 passed without opposition.
Surcharae on Criminal Fines
Georgia's courts would be authorized to add a special surcharge to fines meted out in criminal cases under Senate Resolution 162. The proceeds would be used to help pay for the construction and operation of child abuse treatment and prevention facilities.

The measure is a proposed constitutional amendment which would require voter approval and subsequent enabling legislation. Sponsored by Senators Steve Farrow and Mary Margaret Oliver, SR 162 passed unanimously.
Violence in the Media
The Senate said yes to the creation of a Senate Task Force on Violence in the Media.
The 10-member panel will explore the widespread exposure to violence that children experience through the media and evaluate its impact. Sponsored by Senators Connie Stokes, Mary Margaret Oliver and Bob Guhl, the measure passed unanimously.
Unfunded Mandates
Local governments that would be burdened by unfunded state mandates would get a break under Senate Bill 216. The legislation would allow cities, counties and school boards that could prove a hardship to exempt themselves from the provisions of the mandate for one year. Sponsored by Senator Donzella James, SB 216 passed 53-0.
Commercial Crabbinq
The Senate has passed legislation to impose a 27-month moratorium on commercial crabbing in coastal Georgia. The bill does, however, allow limited recreational crab fishing without the commercial permit. Recreational crabbers would be permitted to set six crab traps and take two bushels of crabs per boat. House Bill 264 was handled by Senator Rene Kemp and passed unanimously.

Around Capitol
Hill

Week number-eight of the General Assembly session was much like previous weeks. The pace of activity of the floor was nearly as brisk as that on the floor and in committees. There were a number of events and receptions, such as the annual Taste of Macon, the Tift County Reception and the "Boss Hoggw reception. Senators also paid tribute to a veteran colleague on his birthday.

H a ~ wBirthday

Senator Paul Broun of Athens was honored by a Senate Resolution that recognized his 79th birthday. Pardons and Paroles Chairman Wayne Garner presented a birthday present to the Senator and Miss Georgia Andrea Kraun delivered a birthday cake. Senator Broun was first elected to the state Senate in 1962.

Police Athletic Leaaue

A news conference was held this week to announce plans for the

. Police Benevolent Association (PBA) to join forces with police
athletics leagues (PALS) in an important crime reduction effort

The program will give police officers and children the opportunity

to spend time together and to help the youngsters develop respect

for the law.

Congressman Sanford Bishop of Columbus and

Lieutenant Governor Pierre Howard, along with state lawmakers, took

part in the announcement.

Taste of Macon
The annual Taste of Macon Dinner was held this week at the
Georgia ailr road Freight Depot. A number of Macon restaurants
provided food for the popular reception, which also promotes Macon's annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

Senator Jim Tysinger of Dekalb County predicts that the last few days of the 1995 legislative session will be very hectic for all involved. One of the most critical pieces of legislation to be finalized is the appropriations bill and Tysinger says, "There are a few questions I have with the particulars of the bill."

"1 hope the conference committee will take everyone's comments into consideration in deciding the outcome of the final billtgl Tysinger commented.
Sen. Tysinger says one of the most important measures the General Assembly has voted on this year is the telecommunications bill which would enhance competition for telephone service.
"1 feel this bill will put Georgia in the forefront of telecommunications in the United States," Tysinger noted. "The Senate's action on this was commendable, especially that of the leadership for doing so much to ensure its p a s ~ a g e . ~
Tysinger also cited legislation, that passed this week, dealing with trade secrets as a priority. The bills expand the definition of trade secrets to include information that is not necessarily written, such as formulas.
"This legislation is desperately needed by our high tech industries," Tysinger said.
"Overall this General Assembly has been very productivetU Tysinger concluded. "1 believe this is because the membership of Republicans in the Senate has increased and, therefore, there is a better balance."

7
Georgia Senate
Bios
Brief

Loyce Turner of Valdosta has served in the Georgia Senate since 1974 and has held a number of key legislative posts during that time including Senate Majority Whip and several committee chairmanships. Now in his 11th term, Turner, a Democrat, is chairman of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and is a member of the Appropriations Committee and its Continuation Committee. He also serves on the Higher Education Committee and the Finance and Public Utilities Committee.

The Valdosta lawmaker is highly regarded as an expert on tax and revenue issues and has represented Georgia on the Federal
. Budget and Taxation Committee of the National Conference of State
Legislatures (NCSL)

Sen. Turner co-authored sweeping pension reform laws which prohibit a state employee from colleqting retirement benefits if he or she has been convicted of a job-related crime and which outlaws the stockpiling of undocumented, unused vacation and sick leave time for the purpose of boosting pension benefits.
He has also successfully sponsored a number of anti-crime bills including a measure which protects a homeowner from civil liability if he kills or injures an intruder.
Turner also successfully steered a major economic development Job Tax Credit law through the Senate which offers businesses special income tax credits for creating new jobs in economically depressed areas of the state.
Born in Turner County, Sen. Turner earned a degree in veterinary medicine from Auburn University and also graduated from the University of Georgia's Banking School. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps from 1951-53.
Turner, a retired veterinarian and banker, is currently a farmer. He and his wife, Annette, are the parents of three grown children and have two grandchildren.