Highlights of Major Senate Action 
For the Week of January 31, 2003 
A week of recess allowed the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee to meet with their colleagues in the House of Representatives to work on the Fiscal Year 2004 budget. The joint Appropriations Committee met with the heads of all state agencies to hear their budget proposals and discuss ways that their department finances could be streamlined in order to balance the 2004 budget. 
On Monday, the Senate reconvened at 1 p.m. After meeting for about an hour, the Senate stood in recess until 7:30 p.m. to hear Governor Sonny Perdue deliver his first State of the State address. Seven State Senators accompanied Gov. Perdue to the Chamber of the Georgia House of Representatives, including President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st, Sen. Peg Blitch of the 7th, Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th, Sen. Mike Crotts of the 17th, Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th, Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd, and Sen. Tom Price of the 56th. Accompanying Gov. Perdue were Sen. Bill Stephens of the 51st and Sen. Dan Lee of the 29th, the Governor's Senate floor leaders. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor and President Pro Tempore Johnson sat with Gov. Perdue during his address. 
"This General Assembly is a different body than the one I left just over a year ago," Gov. Perdue said during his speech. "Today we are truly at two-party state, with shared representation in the legislature and shared responsibility for governing. 
"We've got a new pilot in the cockpit and a new crew in the cabin. We've got a craft that has always been dependable. But it does need a tune-up. And we're short on fuel right now, so we've got to fly smart, efficiently and effectively to reach our destination. The weather is uncertain. The skies are still full of dark clouds. We'll have a bumpy ride for a while. But Georgians, let me be clear - - we will chart our course carefully. We will keep a steady hand on the stick. And we will soar to new heights of accomplishment in Georgia." 
The Governor then went on to talk about one of the top priorities in his administration - - ethics reform. Administration Floor Leaders Bill Stephens and Dan Lee authored the first piece of legislation that will encompass Gov. Perdue's Ethics Reform Act of 2003. 
Gov. Perdue also said he has asked Attorney General Thurbert Baker to withdraw the state's appeal before the U.S. Supreme Court on redistricting. "The challenges," he said, "should be addressed at home, by Georgians, in Georgia's legislature. He 
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 added that his Senate floor leaders will introduce legislation in the next few weeks outlining those principles. "Lieutenant Governor Taylor, Speaker Coleman, Senator Johnson, and every member of the General Assembly, I am asking - - and Georgians are expecting - - this legislation to pass." 
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 The Governor then went on to talk about Georgia's economic recovery, job creation, and the recession. He said that in the past decade, Georgia has gone from leading the nation in job creation to leading the nation in job loss. 
"The effect on our state government has been a record two straight years of declining state revenues and budget shortfalls. That hasn't happened since the Great Depression," he said. "No modern governor has ever faced such a budget process." 
He then told the members of the General Assembly that with additional cuts to other parts of the 2004 budget, the homestead exemption for 2003 property tax bills would be funded without taking money away from education, health care, or other critical needs areas. 
"But let me be clear - - this is a one time thing. Going forward, we have to fund this homestead exemption program in a straightforward manner that pays for it out of general budget funds each year as it should be. 
"We can never again be so irresponsible in leading the public to expect that ongoing programs - - especially tax cuts - - will be funded based on surpluses. Continuing programs must be funded in the general budget, and that's what we will do. 
"I assure you, we're going to keep looking for more savings and more cuts in this budget." 
He then talked about economic development, education, and training, and said that while Georgia will welcome outside companies relocating to Georgia, "We must grow our own companies and develop our own industries, based on our own innovations. 
"We need to ensure that the world knows that the `Open For Business' sign is out in Georgia. 
Governor Perdue then touched on some of Georgia's most precious resources - water, the environment and children. He said he wants to bring an end to the 13year negations between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama on water allocation, and he has invited Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida and Gov. Bob Riley to sit down with him in a "spirit of cooperation and resolve so that we can come to closure on these issues." 
He then promised to protect the HOPE Scholarship and the pre-kindergarten programs for the children of Georgia, but expressed concern over the Georgia public school report card. He said he can sum it up in two words - - "needs improvement." 
He pledged to put the Georgia Department of Education back together. "I, along with our Board of Education, will work in concert with Superintendent [Kathy] Cox so that Georgia's education team is operating from the same lesson plan." He also promised to give classroom teachers greater control over their classrooms and the ability to remove disruptive students from their classrooms so they can focus their efforts on teaching the students who are ready to learn. He also said, "When our budget situation improves, we will give our teachers a raise." 
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 In other news, while more than 75 bills were introduced in the Senate this week, none came up for a vote. In addition, the Senate may recess next week on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in order to work on the budget. 
 
Senate Committees started meeting this week. A compilation on their activities will follow this message. 
 
In Committee Action... 
 
. . . now here's more news 
 
Banking and Financial Institutions 
The Banking and Financial Institutions Committee met Wednesday for its organizational meeting. Following the devotional by Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th, Chairman Don Cheeks of the 23rd proposed the rules for the Committee. The rules were then adopted. Sen. Cheeks introduced the members of the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and asked distinguished guests in the audience to introduce themselves to the Committee. Prior to adjournment, Senator Cheeks spoke briefly about the upcoming legislative agenda. 
 
Economic Development and Tourism 
The Economic Development and Tourism Committee, chaired by Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd, met Thursday. The Committee adopted their rules, and heard from Bill Miller, director of administrative services of the Georgia World Congress Center. Miller told the Committee that the expansion of the GWCC will be through in a few weeks and the grand opening of the third largest convention center in the United States (Chicago is first, Las Vegas is second) will be February 21. He invited all legislators to attend the celebration. With this recent expansion, the Georgia World Congress Center will have 1.4 million square feet of prime exhibit space. Miller did express concern to the committee, that with the recent economic downturn, there was great competition for the trade shows and conventions. He said that the GWCC will meet their budget in 2003, but felt like they will have to make additional budget cuts in 2004. 
 
Education 
Tuesday, the Education Committee was called to order by Sen. Joey Brush of the 24th, chairman. Sen. Brush welcomed the members of the committee, Senate staff, and distinguished guests to the meeting and expressed his desire for the Education Committee to be a free forum dedicated to improving education for Georgia's children. Following the opening remarks and introductions, Sen. Brush called for an adoption of the Committee rules. The rules were adopted. 
 
Ethics and Government Reform 
The Ethics and Government Reform Committee, chaired by Sen. Mike Crotts of the 17th, met on Wednesday. They determined that they would not take up legislation that day, but did adopt the rules of the Committee. They also heard from Georgia Inspector General James "Jim" Sehorn who talked about the importance of his office and the Ethics and Government Reform Committee "interfacing." He told the Committee members that his office would investigate "complaints" received regarding fraud, waste, and abuse within the executive branch of state government. While he said his office will not conduct "criminal investigations," his office will focus on those state agencies that have large budgets, issue licenses, or enter into contracts. He also said his office, which has not been staffed yet, will 
 
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 develop definitions of fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption so that findings of guilt are not "arbitrary." 
Finance 
Tuesday, the Committee, chaired by Sen. Casey Cagle of the 49th, met and adopted the committee rules for the 2003 Legislative Session. 
Health and Human Services 
Wednesday, the Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th, met and adopted the committee rules for the 2003 Legislative Session. 
Higher Education 
The Higher Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th, met Thursday to vote on their Committee rules and to make introductions. In attendance was Board of Regents University System of Georgia Chancellor Thomas Meredith, who presented a status report on the University System of Georgia. The Chancellor mentioned that enrollment was up and that more Georgia residents were both being admitted to, and attending Georgia colleges and universities. Amendments to the Committee meeting rules consisted of the following: quorum of the meetings shall now be four members; rule number 2 was amended so that the Chair may call for debate expansion, if more discussion is necessary; and rule number 6 was amended so that there shall be a 24 hour notice for any amendments being presented at the meetings. The rules were passed unanimously and adopted. 
Insurance and Labor 
Monday, the Insurance and Labor Committee, chaired by Sen. Robert Lamutt of the 21st, met to adopt the Committee's rules and to hear from Commissioner John Oxendine of the Insurance Commission and Commissioner Mike Thurmond of the Georgia Department of Labor. Both commissioners presented the Committee with a brief status report of their respective departments. 
Judiciary 
The Judiciary Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Charlie Tanskley of the 32nd held its first meeting on Monday. Sen. Tanksley welcomed the committee members and asked them to introduce themselves to the audience. After adopting the committee rules, Chairman Tanksley appointed members to three subcommittees. The ConstitutionalJudicial Subcommittee is chaired by Sen. Bill Hamrick and includes Senators Chuck Clay of the 37th, David Adelman of the 42nd, and Seth Harp of the 16th. The Criminal Subcommittee is chaired by Sen. Seth Harp and includes Senators Dan Lee of the 29th, Randy Hall of the 22nd, and Kasim Reed of the 35th. The Civil Subcommittee is chaired by Sen. Clay and includes Senators Bill Hamrick, Randy Hall, Preston Smith of the 52nd, Faye Smith of the 25th, and Rene' Kemp of 3rd. Wednesday, Sen. Tanksley called the Committee's second meeting to order and discussed SB 27, whose author is Sen. Hamrick. SB 27 regards the number of peremptory challenges to jurors in criminal cases by both the state and the defendant, and whether the state should alternate with the defendant exercising the first challenge. Following arguments presented by several state prosecutors, Chairman Tanksley expressed reservations regarding the language of the bill, and chose to hold the bill over until the next committee meeting on Monday. SB 1, regarding criminal negligence against children under the age of 16; is scheduled to be heard by the Judiciary Committee on Monday. 
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 Natural Resources 
The first meeting of the Natural Resources Committee for the 2003 Session was devoted to organizational matters. Chairman Hugh Gillis of the 20th welcomed the members to the committee meeting. After introductory remarks were made, the next order of business was discussion and adoption of committee rules and regulations, which were adopted unanimously. No legislation was introduced or debated. 
Public Safety and Homeland Security 
Tuesday, the Committee held their introductory meeting and voted on two bills. Chairman Rooney Bowen of the 13th called the meeting to order and proposed one change in the committee rules; to change the number of a quorum to four. The motion passed. Sen. Carol Jackson of the 50th, presented SB 7, which seeks to place air ambulances under regulation by the state. The bill received a "do pass" recommendation. Sen. Crotts, presented Senate Bill 8, which will provide for a law requiring motorists to remain in their vehicle and turn off their interior lights when stopped by a police officer. After some discussion, the bill passed by a margin of 4-2 and will go to the full Senate for a vote. 
Regulated Industries and Utilities 
The Committee, chaired by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th met for the first time on Wednesday to vote on Committee rules which were adopted unanimously. Following introductions of Committee members, staff, and guests, Commissioner Robert B. Baker of the Georgia Public Service Commission addressed the committee and stressed the continued need for an energy safety net program designed to provide inexpensive sources of energy to the elderly and low income users. 
Retirement 
The Committee met Thursday for its organizational meeting. Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th, chairman, opened the meeting with a devotional. Following the devotional, the members introduced themselves and adopted the rules. The Committee heard briefly from Jeffrey L. Ezell, executive director of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia and Cecelia Corbin Hunter, director of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. Both Ezell and Hunter reported on the current status of both retirement systems. 
Science and Technology 
The committee met Thursday to vote on their committee rules and to make introductions. Committee Chair David Shafer of the 48th presented the committee rules for this year, stating that they are identical to last year's rules. The rules were passed unanimously and adopted. There was no business discussed in this meeting. 
Special Judiciary 
The committee met Tuesday for its organizational meeting. Sen. Rene' Kemp, chairman, opened the meeting by welcoming the members to his committee. Sen. Kemp proposed and spoke to the rules for the Committee. Following the adoption of the rules, Sen. Kemp introduced the staff working on the Committee. 
Veterans and Military Affairs 
Chairman Seth Harp of 16th called to order Wednesday's meeting with introductions by Committee members. Following introductions, and the adoption of the Committee rules, Sen. Harp spoke about Base Realignment and Closing Commission (BRAC), which is a federal commission that examines the viability of operating or closing military bases. Sen. 
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 Harp advocated a proactive approach in addressing the needs of Georgia's military bases. Following a question an answer session, Chairman Harp distributed a packet of information to attendees regarding the Georgia Department of Defense. In addition, C. J. Roberts, the President and CEO of Savannah's Mighty Eighth Air Force Heritage Museum, spoke regarding the museum's collection of oral histories from American veterans, which has been recently developed into a school curriculum. 
 
Georgia State Senate First Readers (Friday, January 17th through Thursday, January 30th) 
 
Senate Resolutions: 
 
SR 22 
 
Toxic Mold Study Committee; creating Sen. Tate (38th) Rules Committee 
 
SR 23 
 
Designating the Dean Bryant Intersection; and for other purposes Sen. Jackson (50th) Rules Committee 
 
Senate Bills: 
 
SB 1 
 
Cruelty to Children; endangerment; criminal negligence Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th), Brown (26th), Kemp (3rd), Butler (55th), Jackson (50th), and others Judiciary Committee 
 
SB 5 
 
Relating to the offense of distributing material depicting nudity or sexual content through electronic media Sens. Harp (16th) and Mullis (53rd) Science and Technology Committee 
 
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 SB 11 SB 12 SB 13 SB 14 SB 15 SB 16 SB 17 SB 18 SB 19 SB 20 SB 21 
SB 22 (26th) 
SB 23 SB 24 SB 25 
 
Income Taxes; jobs tax credits; less developed areas; portions of counties Sens. Johnson (1st), Hill (4th), and Kemp (3rd) Finance Committee Disabled Adults and Elder Persons; abuse, neglect exploitation of penalties Sens. Unterman (45th), Balfour (9th), and Squires (5th) Special Judiciary Committee DUI alcohol or drugs; new offense of refusal to submit chemical testing Sens. Balfour (9th), Shafer (48th), and Unterman (45th) Judiciary Committee Agriculture; Georgia Dairy Act violations; penalty provisions Sen. Smith (25th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee Condominiums; sale contract, disclosure; maintenance or repair requests Sen. Tate (38th) Special Judiciary Committee Child custody or visitation orders; notices; relocation or change of residence Sen. Harp (16th) Judiciary Committee Child Support; computation of award; guidelines; income deduction orders Sen. Harp (16th) Judiciary Committee Road construction and repair of manhole rings; contractor; regulation Sen. Butler (55th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee Teachers; rights in demotion and non-renewal of contracts Sens. Tate (38th), Smith (25th), and Jackson (50th) Education Committee Assault; person with HIV or hepatitis endangering peace/correctional officers Sens. Jackson (50th), Meyer von Bremen (12th), and Seay (34th) State Institutions and Property Committee Criminal prosecution for offenses against minor children; pleas Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th), Brown (26th), Butler (55th), Jackson (50th), and Smith (25th) Judiciary Committee Criminal records; disclosure; employment; caring for children or elder person Sens. Butler (55th), Squires (5th), Reed (35th), Adelman (42nd), and Brown Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Woman's Right to Know Act; Medical Consent law; abortion procedures Sens. Cheeks (23rd), Seabaugh (28th), Shafer (48th), and Starr (44th) Health and Human Services Committee Child care or daycare facilities; liability insurance coverage Sen. Cheeks (23rd) Children and Youth Committee Torts; immunity; medical or forensic examiners of sexual assault victims 
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 (5th) SB 26 SB 27 
SB 28 (28th) 
SB 29 SB 30 SB 31 SB 32 SB 33 SB 34 
 
Sens. Brown (26th), Thomas (10th), Stokes (43rd), Jackson (50th), and Squires Insurance and Labor Committee Sheriff, Office of; nonpartisan elections Sens. Williams (19th), Lee (29th), Jackson (50th), and Tolleson (18th) State and Local Governmental Operations (General) Committee Trial Juries; size of panels; jury selection; number of peremptory strikes Sens. Hamrick (30th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Golden (8th), and others Judiciary Committee Georgia Fair Lending Act; amend provisions Sens. Cagle (49th), Balfour (9th), Brush (24th), Williams (19th), & Seabaugh Banking and Financial Institutions Committee Electronic/Communication devices; possession by school students Sens. Seay (34th), Starr (44th), Clay (37th), Balfour (9th), and Thomas (2nd) Education Committee Teachers retirement; creditable service in a local school system Sen. Tate (38th) Retirement Committee Ethics reforms; campaign contributions; activities on behalf of inmates Sens. Stephens (51st) and Lee (29th) Ethics Committee Natural gas rates; surcharge on interruptibles; minimum amount Sens. Thomas (2nd), Tate (38th), and Brown (26th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee Designate; The Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum; character education Sens. Thomas (2nd), Hill (4th), and Johnson (1st) Rules Committee Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act; amend provisions Sens. Thomas (2nd), Tate (38th), Seay (34th), and Brown (26th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 
 
SB 35 SB 36 SB 37 SB 38 
 
Local government; service deliver; coordinated/comprehensive planning Sens. Johnson (1st) and Lee (29th) State and Local Governmental Operations (General) Committee 
Nurses; advanced practice registered; prescriptive authority Sens. Thomas (10th), Stokes (43rd), Butler (55th), Jackson (50th), Seay (34th), and others Health and Human Services Committee 
Electric assistive mobility device; lights on garbage trucks; regulate Sens. Thompson (33rd), Johnson (1st), Hooks (14th), and Clay (37th) Transportation Committee 
Georgia Database Protection and Economic Development Act of 2003 Sens. Lamutt (21st), Shafer (48th), Clay (37th), and Zamarripa (36th) 
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 SB 39 SB 40 SB 41 
SB 42 SB 43 SB 44 SB 45 SB 46 SB 47 SB 48 SB 49 
 
Science and Technology Committee Building permits through certain electronic media Sens. Lamutt (21st) and Johnson (1st) Science and Technology Committee Ethics; labor and Employer Campaign Finance Reform Act Sens. Lamutt (21st), Clay (37th), and Crotts (17th) Ethics Committee Ad Valorem taxes; statewide homestead exemption; increase amount Sens. Thompson (33rd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Hooks (14th), Starr (44th), Dean (31st), and others Finance Committee Municipal corporate boundaries; minimum distance requirements Sens. Price (56th), Moody (27th), and Tanksley (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations (General) Committee Municipal charter commissions; provide for the creation Sens. Price (56th), Moody (27th), Tanksley (32nd), and Johnson (1st) State and Local Governmental Operations (General) Committee Guardian ad litem; court appointed; limit liability Sens. Clay (37th), Tanksley (32nd), Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee Criminal procedure; demand for trial; time expiration; appeals Sens. Clay (37th), Tanksley (32nd), Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee Peace Officer/Prosecutor Training Fund; accounting of all deposits Sens. Clay (37th), Thompson (33rd), and Tanksley (32nd) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Pardons and Parole Board; granting relief; written decision made public Sens. Clay (37th) and Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee Juvenile proceedings; disposition and evidence against child in civil action Sens. Clay (37th), Hamrick (30th), and Tanksley (32nd) Judiciary Committee Sandy Springs, City of; incorporation and charter Sens. Price (56th), Moody (27th), and Tanksley (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 
 
SB 50 
SB 51 others 
 
Health Insurers; Consumer Choice of Benefits Health Plan Act Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Golden (8th), Price (56th), Moody (27th), Mullis (53rd), & others Insurance and Labor Committee 
Computer Pornography/Child Exploitation Prevention Act; unlawful acts Sens. Shafer (48th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), Hooks (14th), Tate (38th), & 
Science and Technology Committee 
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 SB 52 others 
SB 53 SB 54 
SB 55 SB 56 SB 57 SB 58 SB 59 SB 60 SB 61 SB 62 SB 63 SB 64 
 
Children's Internet Protection Act; schools, libraries; policies; funding Sens. Shafer (48th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), Hooks (14th), Tate (38th), & Education Committee Georgia Fair Lending Act; amend provisions Sen. Cheeks (23rd) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee Teachers; duties that may not be required Sens. Thompson (33rd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Hooks (14th), Smith (25th), and Tate (38th) Education Committee Adoptions and child-placing agencies; records access; birth records Sens. Thomas (2nd), Squires (5th), Dean (31st), and Thomas (54th) Judiciary Committee Revenue, Dept. of; administration; duties; official office location Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Property tax sales; change certain provisions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Ad Valorem property taxation; change definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Motor vehicle license; fees and classes of agricultural vehicles; definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Excise taxes; rental motor vehicles; change definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Estate tax; federal filing date; definition Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Sales taxes; applicable to commerce and trade; definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Excise taxes; hotel-motel tax; change definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee Coin operated amusement machines; change definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Economic Development and Tourism Committee 
 
SB 65 
 
Cigar/cigarette taxes; change tax definition Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
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 SB 66 
 
Income taxes; change certain definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
 
SB 67 
 
Motor fuel taxes; change certain definitions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
 
SB 68 
 
Tax executions; levies upon goods, chattel, lands, tenements of taxpayer Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
 
SB 69 
 
Intangible taxes; real estate transfer tax; change certain provisions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
 
SB 70 
 
Revenue and Taxation; change certain provisions Sen. Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 
 
SB 71 
 
Disaster relief; counseling services; license exemption Sens. Smith (25th), Squires (5th), and Butler (55th) Health and Human Services Committee 
 
SB 72 
 
Ethics; campaign contributions for judicial offices; prohibitions Sens. Squires (5th) and Unterman (45th) Ethics Committee 
 
SB 73 
 
State property; naming/renaming for a public official; 5 year restriction Sens. Brush (24th), Johnson (1st), and Seabaugh (28th) Judiciary Committee 
 
SB 74 
 
Public accommodation; prohibit discrimination against motorcyclists Sens. Brush (24th), Thomas (10th), Crotts (17th), and Mullis (53rd) Judiciary Committee 
 
SB 75 
 
DUI; prohibitions, punishment; revise and harmonize provisions Sens. Stokes (43rd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Levetan (40th), Adelman (42nd), and Reed (35th) Judiciary Committee 
 
SB 76 
 
State Official Salaries; General Assembly members. Lt. Gov., 10% reduction 
 
Sens. Price (56th), Johnson (1st), Seabaugh (28th), Lamutt (21st), Williams 
 
(19th), 
 
and others 
 
Appropriations Committee 
 
SB 77 
 
Prostitution, Pimping or Pandering; keeping a place for; penalties Sens. Fort (39th), Tate (38th), Reed (35th), Zamarripa (36th), Butler (55th), and Thomas (10th) Special Judiciary Committee 
 
SB 78 
 
Banking and Finance; regulations; comprehensive revisions Sen. Cheeks (23rd) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 
 
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 House Bills 
 
HB 42 
 
Greene County; homestead exemption; certain residents Rep. Channell (77th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 
 
HB 44 
 
Greene County; homestead exemption; certain residents Rep. Channell (77th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 
 
HB 46 
 
Ellaville; city of; council; composition; elections Rep. Skipper (116th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 
 
HB 60 
 
Morrow, City of; new charter Reps. Dodson (84th-Post 1), Barnes (84th-Post 2), Buckner (82nd), Jordan (83rd), and Hill (81st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 
 
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 Around Capitol Hill . . . 
As the second week of the 2003 legislative session kicked into high gear, Georgia communities took the time to express appreciation for the members of the Georgia General Assembly with great entertainment and food, while Georgia organizations spoke with legislators about important issues. Here are some of the highlights from this week: 
Complementary Alternative Medical Association 
Monday, the Complementary Alternative Medical Association (CAMA) gathered in the South Wing of the Capitol to promote its vision for the future of Georgia medicine. CAMA is a nonprofit organization that educates the public about complementary/alternative medical practices by hosting health and wellness expos, researching new advances in the medicinal field, and giving lectures at schools of higher learning. The representatives from CAMA welcomed the opportunity to speaking with members of the Georgia General Assembly about legislation that will impact complementary/alternative medicine and the incorporation of these practices within existing legal and medical infrastructures. 
Effingham County Extravaganza 
Monday evening, the Effingham County Chamber of Commerce sponsored a reception for the members of the Georgia General Assembly at the Depot. The dinner provided a much needed break for the hard working legislators as they work diligently for the people of Georgia. In addition to the festive dinner, Effingham County also sponsored a traditional southern breakfast on Tuesday morning as part of the ongoing festivities for Effingham County Day. 
Savannah-Chatham County Seafood Feast 
After a hard day's work on Capitol Hill, legislators enjoyed good food and musical entertainment at the Savannah-Chatham County Seafood Feast, held Wednesday night at the Depot. This annual event, one of the social highlights of the legislative session, was sponsored by the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and a plethora of other organizations from the coastal region of Georgia as a means of honoring the members of the Georgia General Assembly for their leadership and hard work. Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor and Agriculture Commissioner Thomas Irvin were in attendance for the event. 
Georgia Forestry Association 
Thursday morning, The Georgia Forestry Association gathered in the South Wing of the Capitol to speak with legislators about the importance of protecting Georgia's forests. For almost 100 years, The Georgia Forest Association has been at the forefront of educating the public about reforestation, private property rights, taxation, and federal, state, and local government regulations as they pertain to the preservation of forests. The Georgia Forestry Association has a long history of working with the members of the Georgia General Assembly to protect our natural resources for future generations. 
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Patrice R. Williams Media Specialist 
Terry Ann Edwards Media Specialist Kristina Graves Office Manager Corey Bramblett Session Aide Marie Browning Session Aide Sri Digumarthi Session Aide Kathleen Lewis Session Aide Kathryn Pierce Session Aide Brooke Eldridge Intern 
404-656-0028 or outside the Atlanta area, 1-800-282-5803 
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