Weekly wrap-up 2003 February 17 - March 3

Highlights of Major Senate Action
For the Weeks of February 17, 24, and March 3, 2003
The members of the State Senate passed an austere FY 2003 supplemental budget on Thursday, March 5th, with millions of dollars in spending cuts for virtually every aspect of state government.
The FY 2003 supplemental budget as amended totals just over $16 billion, after the Senate Appropriations Committee deleted an additional $90 million from the Governor's proposal in order to balance the budget. Consistent declines in state revenues over the past two years forced the members of the Senate to cut the budgets of every department in state government.
"We hoped and prayed the economy would be on the way to recovery by now and we wouldn't have to make these cuts, but that hasn't happened," Appropriations Chairman. Jack Hill of the 4th said. "We had to make some very difficult decisions, but without raising taxes and using the rainy day fund, we had to make these cuts.
"We do consider this a work in progress, and hope that we can gather some good ideas from you and from members of the conference committee on how we can cut spending and still serve the people of Georgia."
Sen. George Hooks of the 14th offered a substitute to House Bill 121, restoring many of the cuts made by the Appropriations Committee and encouraging the members of the Senate to spend some of the more than $500 million in the Revenue Shortfall Reserve to make up for the $90 million in additional cuts.
"We have $562,161,715 earmarked for revenue shortfalls in our rainy day fund," Sen. Hooks told the members of the Senate. The money exists for this very purpose to make ends meet. The Governor and the House and this Senate Floor substitute recommend that we unfurl our umbrella and offer the citizens of our state some shelter . . . don't just carry around the umbrella, open it and give our people some shelter."
Numerous amendments were made to the legislation.
Sen. Hooks' amendment failed and the Senate adopted the proposed budget with one amendment that removes $150,000 from the Board of Regents (College of Agriculture) and puts it in the Student Finance Commission for North Georgia College ROTC grants. The supplemental budget passed the Senate 33-21.
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President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st took the well following the Senate debate.

"As we struggle to find further spending cuts, we stare reality in the face. Because of the budget deficit, college students have lost their scholarships mid-year. More children will be packed into portable classrooms, but our teachers will get no additional benefits or assistance. Disabled Georgians will lose critical services. Some
nursing homes and hospitals may be forced to close their doors this summer," Sen. Johnson told his colleagues.

"This budget crisis is going to impact every Georgian in one way or another.

"As I look over Georgia from my new position as leader of the State Senate, I see a state that is hurting. I see people who need their government now more than ever. I
cannot abandon our jobless in a recession. I cannot turn my back on our citizens, who are ill and suffering. I cannot watch one of the best university systems in America be destroyed. I cannot allow our schools to be labeled "last in the nation" anymore."

In a contentious and emotional debate, the Senate passed the Women's Right to Know Act by floor substitute on February 28th. The legislation requires women be given
information regarding prenatal care, childbirth, and neonatal care 24 hours prior to having an abortion by the physician who is to perform the abortion or by a qualified agent of the physician. Other information women must receive prior to an abortion includes notification that the father of the unborn child is liable to assist in the support of the child and that she have the right to review printed materials provided by the State of Georgia.

Several members of the Senate offered amendments to the legislation that was authored by Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th. All attempts to amend the bill failed.

the Senate.

On a personal note, Sen. Faye Smith of the 25th , who suffered a brain aneurysm, underwent surgery on Monday, February 24th at the Medical Center of Central Georgia. Her condition is much improved
and she was expected to be moved out of intensive care and into a private room this week. Our best wishes and thoughts go to Sen. Smith for a speedy recovery and a quick return to her colleagues in

. . . now here's more news

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In Committee Action...
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
Monday, March 3rd, Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th called his committee meeting to order to discuss SB 183 and HB 108. SB 183, presented by Sen. Seth Harp of the 16th, relates to prevention of bioterrorism targeting livestock. Proponents of the bill consisted of Commissioner Tommy Irvin, Susan Parker from the Department of Human Resources, state veterinarian Dr. Lee Myers, Jeff Mehany from the United States Department of Agriculture, and Paul Williams from the Georgia Emergency Management Association. The bill passed out of the committee unanimously as amended. HB 108, presented by Rep. Mac Crawford of the 91st, relates to fraudulently purchasing natural products or chattels. Jeff Harvey from the Farm Bureau stated that the Farm Bureau fully supports the bill. The motion was voted do pass unanimously by members of the Committee.
Appropriations
On Thursday, February 27th, the Appropriations Committee met with several state department heads including Chancellor Tom Meredith from the Board of Regents, Commissioner Jim Martin from the Department of Human Resources, Commissioner Ken Breeden from the Department of Technical and Adult Education, Commissioner Lonice Barrett from the Department of Natural Resources, Commissioner John Oxendine from the Insurance Department, and Deputy State School Superintendent for Finances Scott Austensen. All of the department heads told members of the committee that further cuts in the FY 2003 appropriations budget would result in diminished services to the public and possible layoff of state employees. The Committee members also heard from Robert Hobbs of the Legislative Budget Office. Monday, March 3rd, Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th called the meeting to order, and then introduced Senate Budget Analyst Rob Watts, who presented the Senate's revised budget for FY2003. Watts detailed the changes from the House version. Following questions from the Committee, HB 121, was passed out of Committee as amended.
Banking and Financial Institutions
Tuesday, February 18th, Chairman Don Cheeks of the 23rd, along with the committee members, listened to representatives from the Georgia Department of Banking present SB 78, which is a general housekeeping bill. The bill passed out of the committee. Wednesday, February 19th, Chairman Cheeks held a hearing on predatory lending. The committee heard from speakers representing both the mortgage lending community and constituents.
Defense, Science, and Technology
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On Tuesday, February 18th, Sen. Seth Harp of the 16th spoke to SB 5, relating to the offense of distributing material depicting nudity or sexual content via e-mail when such material is unsolicited. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Robert Lamutt of the 21st introduced SB 38, which relates to the selling and other trade practices of databases. Sen. David Shafer of the 48th assigned SB 38 to a subcommittee composed of Sens. Dan Moody of the 27th, Randy Hall of the 22nd, Tim Golden of the 8th, and Lamutt. Sen. Shafer assigned SB 103 to a sub-committee composed of Sens. Lamutt, Moody, Renee Unterman of the 45th, and George Hooks of the 14th. Sen. Shafer introduced SB 52, relating to educational funding for computers with Internet access in schools and the adoption of Internet safety policies for public libraries. The bill passed by a vote of 6 to 1.
Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, February 27th, Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the committee meeting to order. SB 150, sponsored by Sen. Hugh Gillis of the 20th, relating to price gouging by hotels during special events, did not pass and remained in the committee for further study. Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th presented SB 115, which would change certain procedures for certification of minority business enterprises. The bill passed out of committee. SB 131, sponsored by Sen. Joey Brush of the 24th, would change the terminology defining fireworks in state regulation to exempt sparklers. Changes would also limit their sale to persons over 16. The bill was debated and did not pass out of committee. Finally, SR 53, sponsored by Sen. Nathan Dean of the 31st, creating a Senate Music Industry Committee, was passed out of committee.
Education
Thursday, February 27th, Sen. Joey Brush of the 24th, called the meeting to order for the purpose of discussing SB 143, Alena's Law, which provides for the mandatory training of school bus drivers and regulations for school buses in regards to equipment, scheduling, and operation. Beverly Skipper, Danny Reed, and Mike Jennings, Directors of Transportation for Henry, DeKalb, and Clayton County Schools, respectively, were in attendance to speak on the bill. All three individuals stated that while they support the intent of the bill, they have concerns regarding the practical implementation of such procedures. After much discussion, Sen. Brush assigned SB 143 to a subcommittee that includes Sens. Dan Moody of the 27th, Chuck Clay of the 37th, and Regina Thomas of the 2nd. The Committee met again on Tuesday, March 4. Several bills were on the agenda, including Senate Bill 203 which adds virtual charter schools to the pre-existing charter schools law. The bill is authored by Sen. Tom Price of the 56th. Representatives from Connections Academy, who have maintained virtual charter schools across the nation answered questions from members of the Committee. The bill was given a "do pass" recommendation with one dissenting vote from Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd. Senate Bill 178, which will allow a ten percent pay increase for nationally certified school counselors, similar to the pay increase for teachers who are nationally certified, also received a "do pass" recommendation. Currently there are 73 school counselors who would qualify for the pay increase in Georgia. SB 178 is authored by Sen. Chuck Clay of the 37th. SB 210, by Sen. Mike Crotts of the 17th, allows home schooled student to participate in extracurricular activities in public schools. Sen. Joey Brush of the 24th, chairman of the Committee sent the bill to a subcommittee chaired by Sen. Thomas of the 2nd. SB 193, another bill addressing the restoration of fair dismissal was sent to a subcommittee chaired by Sen. Chuck Clay of the 37th. In addition, Senate Bills 54 and 130, authored by Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd were sent to a subcommittee chaired by Sen. Dan Moody of the 27th. Sen. Thompson's bills address the duties of certified school teachers and the issue of local salary supplements for school employees.
Ethics and Government Reform
Monday, March 3rd, the Ethics Committee reviewed Senate Bills 82, 108 and 113 for final passage. Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd presented SB 82, which would amend O.C.G.A 21-5-53 to allow a political candidate or a public officer to donate excess campaign contributions for the purpose of defraying all or part of the cost of conducting an election for the office for which the campaign funds were donated. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Bill Stephens of the 51st presented SB 108, which would create a Code of Ethics for all government employees within the State of Georgia and addressed such issues as lobbying, nepotism, confidential information, gifts and campaign
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contributions. SB 108 passed by committee substitute as amended. Sen. Brian Kemp of the 46th presented SB 113, which seeks to prevent the Open Record Acts from applying under certain circumstances where information is of a sensitive nature. The committee rescheduled the bill to be heard this Thursday.
Finance
Tuesday, February 18th, Chairman Casey Cagle of the 49th opened the meeting to discuss SB 134 which amends Code Section 52-7-3 (22) so as to provide that "reportable boating accident" means an accident, collision, or other casualty involving a vessel subject to this article which results in the loss of life, injury sufficient to cause incapacitation for at least 24 hours, or actually physical damage to property, including vessels, in excess of $2,000. The bill passed out of committee. There was a hearing on SB 106, which would make it illegal for any person knowingly to coerce, induce, assist, or threaten an individual falsely to declare himself or herself to be an independent contractor or falsely to claim that an individual employed by such person is an independent contractor in order to avoid or evade the withholding and payment of taxes. There was no action taken on this legislation. Tuesday, March 4th, Chairman Cagle opened the committee by requesting Sen. David Shafer of the 48th to speak to SR 12. This piece of legislation proposes a constitutional amendment that would provide additional language to this section that would require any law proposing or increasing any state purpose tax to be approved by a two-thirds roll-call vote of the members of each branch of the General Assembly. The resolution was adopted. In addition, Sen. Shafer introduced SR 160, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia so as to restrict amendments that increase appropriations made by the General Appropriations Act. The resolution was adopted. HB 189 defines the fair market value of carpet samples as 21.9 percent of the total raw material cost of the sample, except that the fair market value of a sample of carpet manufactured for commercial use must be equal to 1 percent of the total raw material cost of the sample. The bill passed out of committee. Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th introduced SB 182, which amends current nuisance abatement law by ensuring that the same definitions and notice requirements are used for nuisance abatement proceedings as are used for judicial tax foreclosures. The legislation also provides for other provisions. The bill passed out of committee. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th introduced SB 160, which excludes from the definition of "employment," those services performed for a Subchapter "S" corporation by its owner for the purpose of determining such corporation's required contribution into the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. The bill passed out of committee. In addition, Sen. Seabaugh introduced SB 161, which deletes language imposing a $150.00 limitation on the amount of interest that may be refunded by a county board of equalization to a taxpayer who, upon appeal, received a final determination of less value for his or her property than was used to determine their property tax assessment for the year in question. The bill passed out of committee.
Health and Human Services
Monday, February 17th, Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented SB 85, which increases the penalty for practicing optometry without a license from a misdemeanor to a felony. Georgianne Bearden spoke in favor of the bill by stating the dangers to the public for those who practice without a license. Molly Fleeman from the Professional Licensing Division of the Secretary of State's office spoke in support of the bill. The bill passed unanimously. Wednesday, February 26th, Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th opened the meeting by asking Sen. Hamrick to speak to SB 162. This piece of legislation provides for an increase in the penalty for violations of various health care licensing provisions from misdemeanors to felonies, and provides for an increase in the penalties for violations of various health care licensing provisions. The bill passed out of committee. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th introduced SB 96, which prohibits a health benefit policy issued, delivered, issued for delivery, or renewed on or after July 1, 2003, not including limited benefit policies for accidents and sicknesses which supplement major medical insurance, from excluding prescription coverage of a drug because it is prescribed for a use that is different from the use the drug has been marketed for by the Food and Drug Administration. The
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bill passed out of committee. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th introduced SB 145, which allows a person the use of mail or other common carriers to see, distribute, and deliver a prescription drug directly to an enrollee in a health benefits plan of a closed panel health maintenance organization or its affiliates by an appropriately licensed pharmacy which is operated by a health maintenance organization. The bill passed out of committee. Monday, March 3rd, Chairman Thomas opened the committee by asking Sen. Liane Levetan of the 40th to introduce SB 171, which provides for the procedure by which a hospital is reimbursed for hospital care for a qualified indigent, in the event payments for costs of services rendered by the hospital is not received from the responsible county governing authority within 90 days of receipt of a statement for services or if the payment is disputed and the payment is not received from the responsible county within 60 days of the date of exhaustion of all administrative and legal remedies. In such cases, the hospital is required to certify to the Comptroller General the amount owed by the county. The bill was assigned to a sub-committee comprised of Sens. Unterman, Preston Smith of the 52nd, and Gloria Butler of the 55th. HB 45, which amends current law by changing the length of term of office for the presiding officer of the Commission of Men's Health, passed out of committee. Currently, the Commission annually elects one of its members as presiding officer. This legislation allows the Commission to elect a member as presiding officer to serve as presiding officer concurrently with the term of office of such member, as specified in Code Section 31-43-7(a). HB 53 authorizes the members of the Advisory Board on Anatomical Gift Procurement to appoint to the Board one consumer member who has been the recipient of an organ, and who has no professional connection with specified entities. The bill passed out of committee. HB 54, which changes the provisions regarding who may operate eye banks in Georgia, passed out of committee. Chairman Thomas introduced SB 190, which repeals current law requiring a serologic test for syphilis for an applicant requesting a marriage license. Following some discussion, the bill passed out of committee.
Insurance and Labor
On Wednesday, February 26th, Sen. Robert Lamutt of the 21st presented SB 166, which reduces the minimum non-forfeiture rate on individual deferred annuities from the current 3 percent per year to 1 percent. On July 1, 2006 the rate will revert back to 3 percent. After hearing from Philip Vance of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the committee passed the bill by a vote of 5 to 3. Sen. David Shafer of the 48th presented SB 156, which provides that if a life insurance contract is issued by a corporation upon its employees in whom it has an insurable interest, the insurer will be required to give written notice of such life insurance and provide the employees an opportunity to refuse to participate. Further, written consent must include an acknowledgment that the corporation may maintain life insurance coverage on the individual even after their employment with the corporation has terminated. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Lamutt informed members of the committee that would discuss SB 164, 165, and 167 together. Sen. Lamutt introduced SB 167 by committee substitute. The committee substitute incorporates SB 164, relating to the Statewide Reserve Ratio, so as to change a provision relating to a change in the tax rate into SB 167. SB 167 provides that through December 31, 2004, the contribution rates to the Employment Compensation Fund for experience rated employers will not be imposed above the level of one percent of the statutory contribution rates. The committee heard from Taryn Trent, Robert Thomas, John Lawrence, and Commissioner Michael Thurmond from the Department of Labor, as well as Les Schneider, Burt Fridlen, Elizabeth Apply, Sylvia Caley, Charles Slaughter, Raymond Taylor and Rep. Nan Orrick of the 51st in regards to SB 164, 165, and 167. Senate Bill 165 relates to the authority to collect an administrative assessment and to deposit the funds in a clearing house. SB 165 was adopted by a vote of 5-0. SB 167 passed out of committee by substitute by a vote of 4 to 2.
Judiciary
On Monday, February 17th, the Judiciary Committee met to discuss SB 45, 104, 105, 80, 75, and 13. Special guest to the meeting was Judge Bailey from Forsyth County. SB 45, introduced by Sen. Chuck Clay of the 37th , relates to demands for a speedy trial, stating that a judge assigned to a case will receive notice as to when the trial should take place and expire, in addition to providing for the
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procedures subsequent to appeal and other matters. The bill was amended for grammatical purposes. Both the amendment and the bill were voted do pass out of the committee unanimously. SB 104 and 105, introduced by Sen. Charlie Tanksley of the 32nd, relate to insufficient funds fees and service charges, increasing the penalty for writing bad checks or having insufficient funds from $25.00 to $30.00, or 5% of the face amount of the instrument, whichever is higher. Both bills passed unanimously as introduced. SB 80 was introduced by Sen. Clay and relates to temporary child support for a deprived child. This bill was passed by committee substitute and passed unanimously. SB 75, presented by Sen. Connie Stokes of the 43rd, relates to DUI by increasing the driver's license suspension period for a first DUI conviction from 120 days to 180 days, depending on the substance being abused. Furthermore, the bill states that an individual whose license is suspended shall not be eligible for a limited driving permit. The bill also authorizes an administrative suspension for refusal to submit to any testing and corrects several obsolete sections. SB 13 was presented by Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th and relates to creating a new offense of refusing to submit to chemical testing. SB 75 and 13 were held in the committee for further discussion. On Monday, March 3rd, the Judiciary Committee met to discuss SB 97, 47, 117, and 1. SB 97 was a substitution bill, presented by Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th. The bill was brought to Senator Hamrick's attention by the State Bar and relates to transfer tax exemption of certain instruments, deeds, or writings from real estate. Bill McFee of the Bar Association expressed the organization's support of the bill. A motion was made and carried unanimously to do pass the bill by substitution. SB 47, presented by Sen. Clay, relates to the procedures associated with making parole announcements and decisions known to the public. Heather Hedrick from the Parole Board was present to support the bill and answer questions committee members had in regards to the bill. A motion was made and carried unanimously to do pass the bill by substitution. SB 117 was presented by Senator Hamrick, and was brought to the Senator's attention by the Georgia Sheriff's Association. The bill prohibits both the sheriff and his/her family members from participating in such businesses as private security, private investigation, or bail bonds. A proponent of the bill was Oliver Hunter from the Georgia Sheriff's Association. A motion was made and carried unanimously to do pass the bill. SB 1 was presented by Sen. Meyer von Bremen of the 12th and relates to child endangerment. Proponents of the bill were Wendy Clifton and Bob Keller of the Clayton County District Attorney's Office, Dr. Patrice Harris of the Burton Child Law and Policy Clinic, Elizabeth Appley with the Partnership against Domestic Violence, John Thomas of the NRA, and Cas Robinson of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta. Others in attendance speaking about the bill were Ronnie Farr from the Citizens for a Safe Government, and Angela Rozar. Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd offered a very limited additional amendment changing language used in reference to properly stored guns. A motion was made to adopt the amendment and seconded. The Senator's amendment failed. A motion was made to pass the amended bill and was carried by a majority vote of the committee members.
Natural Resources and Environment
On Monday, February 17th, Chairman Hugh Gillis of the 20th called the meeting to order. Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th, presented SB 94. The bill relates to the acquisition of residential docks along coastal waterways. After questions from the committee, the bill passed out of committee unanimously. Sen. Williams then presented a committee substitute for SB 122, relating to exemptions for soil drainage control permits. The substitute bill passed out of committee unanimously. Sen. Seth Harp of the 16th presented SB 129, relating to soil classifiers for on-site sewage management sites. The bill passed out of committee unanimously. Rep. Keith Heard of the 75th presented HB 227, which would exempt the Bengal cat from the permit requirement for keeping a wild animal. After Rep. Heard spoke to the bill, representatives of various veterinary and animal associations discussed their objections. Georgia State Veterinarian Dr. Lee Myers said their agency's main concern about the bill was the lack of a proven rabies vaccine for the cat breed. The bill was tabled for further consideration. Monday, March 3rd, Sen. Gillis called the meeting to order. Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th presented SB 172, the Senate version of HB 242. Sen. Hudgens said he was preparing the bill as an alternative to the House bill in case the bill was not moving through its House committee. The bill would require that future environmental regulations be based on cost-benefit analyses to justify
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their implementation. The bill was held in committee awaiting further action of HB 242 in the House. Rep. Terry Barnard of the 121st, Post 1 presented HB 178, relating to coastal marshland protection. Rep. Barnard said the Senate version of the bill was being held in the Rules Committee. A motion was made to hold HB 178 in committee until further notice. The motion carried. Rep. Bob Hanner of the 133rd presented HB 237, a finalized version of a statewide water plan. The bill, based on the recommendations of a study committee, would set guidelines for the management of a future statewide water plan, including rules for inter-basin transfers and additional metering requirements for the agricultural sector. The bill, after much discussion and commentary, was assigned to a subcommittee for further study. Sen. Gillis appointed Sens. Casey Cagle of the 49th, John Bulloch of the 11th, Hudgens, Ren Kemp of the 3rd, and Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th as members of the subcommittee. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th presented SB 207, which would close a loophole allowing clear cutting for development under the guise of tree harvesting. The bill, after some discussion, was voted out of committee.
Public Safety and Homeland Security
On Tuesday, February 18th, Sen. Gloria Butler of the 55th presented Senate Bill 22, regarding the release of certain criminal records in background checks for employment in child and elderly care facilities. The bill had been tabled for further study at the last committee meeting. Sen. Butler offered a substitute of the bill, which would add child welfare agencies as one of its targeted care facilities. The substitute also would attempt to secure funding for the cost of the necessary computer upgrade that would enable the GBI to process additional criminal record requests. The modified bill passed out of committee unanimously. After the bill passed, Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd introduced Marshall Bandy, president of DataFM in Ringold. Mr. Bandy delivered a presentation on the company's telecommunications product, which allows text messages to be sent to selective recipients on FM radio frequencies. Mr. Bandy promoted the technology as a solution to Georgia's security and emergency planning needs. Tuesday, March 4th, Sen. Mullis presented SB 92, relating to the governor's powers to confiscate firearms in a state of emergency. After comments and questions, the bill passed out of committee by a 3-2 vote. Sen. Mullis then presented SB 169, regarding firefighter standards and training. The bill was voted out of committee unanimously. Sen. Bill Stephens of the 51st presented SB 205, which would penalize the possession of certain chemicals relating to methamphetamine manufacture and would increase certain penalties for trafficking in methamphetamine and other drugs. Several members of Georgia law enforcement associations spoke in favor of the bill and its provisions, while pharmaceutical industry representatives raised concerns about prescribed limits of possession of certain over-the-counter drugs used in meth labs. The bill passed out of committee unanimously. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th presented SB 213, which would prohibit indoor fireworks displays and limit outdoor displays to approved permit holders. Fire and Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine spoke to the bill, which was drafted in response to the deadly nightclub fire in Rhode Island. Sen. Seabaugh offered a committee substitute to the bill that addressed specific penalties. The committee substitute was passed unanimously.
Reapportionment and Redistricting
The Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee saw the proposed Senate Redistricting Map (Senfair 1) on February 17, at a meeting chaired by Vice Chair Tommie Williams of the 19th. Sen. Williams told the Committee members that the map had a deviation of one percent as opposed to the current map which has a deviation of five percent. He said that in the current map, 87 counties were split as opposed to 33 counties with the proposed map. Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th expressed concern about "packing" Senate districts for political advantage. Sen. George Hooks of the 14th asked if a new Congressional map would be drawn. Sen. Williams said he had no plans to draw a new Congressional map, but suggested that the Committee poll each member of the Senate. The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee voted on Tuesday, March 4 to pass the Senate Redistricting Map (Senfair 6). Committee Chairman Dan Lee of the 29th expressed his disappointment that many members of the Democratic Caucus had not given input into the new
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map. He also praised Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th for his work on the new map. Sen. Williams is the vice chair of the Committee. Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th questioned whether or not the one percent deviation had been maintained with the changes in the new map. Sen. Lee said that while the Redistricting Standards, passed by the Senate earlier this Session, set the maximum deviation at 2.5 percent, the proposed map retained the one percent deviation as drawn in the original map (Senfair 1). Sen. Brian Kemp of the 46th said he believes it is important to keep precincts and counties whole where possible. Sen. Lee agreed. Sen. Williams added that there were only about 40 precincts in the state that had been split and they were primarily in the metro Atlanta area where it was nearly impossible not to split precincts. Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th expressed concern about the increased number of majority minority districts and "packing." Sen. Brown also submitted an editorial from the February 26 edition of the Macon Telegraph. The new map passed by substitute with Sen. Brown dissenting.
Retirement
At the Retirement Committee meeting on Thursday, February 27th, Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th presented SR 107, which would create a Joint Study Committee on State Retirement Plan Options. The committee would encourage retirees to explore their various options and allow the State Merit System to reduce expenses. In conjunction, Sen. Zamarripa presented SB 159, which would authorize the development of these money-saving options and alternatives in the State Retirement System. The resolution and the bill both passed out of committee, the bill passing as amended. House Bills were then presented to the Committee. HB 266 relates to an increase in benefits for members of the public school employees' retirement fund. The bill passed out of committee. HB 268, relative to a due increase for the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund, passed out of committee. HB 270, which amends rules relating to the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund, passed out of the Committee.
Science and Technology
Tuesday, March 4th, Chairman David Shafer of the 48th, after calling the meeting to order, announced a committee membership change. Sen. George Hooks of the 14th was replaced by Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th. Sen. Shafer then presented SB 51, making it a felony to lure a child into a sexual relationship over the Internet and making it a crime to attempt to do so. The bill was voted out of committee by a 7-0 vote. Sen. Robert Lamutt of the 21st presented SB 39, which would require local and city governments in the state to accept building permit applications electronically or by mail. Several representatives of industry groups spoke in favor of the bill, and a panel of city government officials spoke against it. After much discussion, Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th moved to appoint a subcommittee to study the bill. The motion carried, and the bill was appointed to a subcommittee, to consist of Sens. Randy Hall of the 22nd, Unterman, Lamutt, and Zamarripa.
Special Judiciary
On Tuesday, March 4th Chairman Rene' Kemp of the 3rd called the committee to order to discuss several Senate Bills. Senator Mary Squires of the 5th presented SB 132, changing the filing fees and requirements for corporations, nonprofit corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies for filing articles of incorporation and application for reservation of names. After Warren Rary, from the Secretary of States office spoke in support of the bill, the bill passed unanimously. Senator Squires further presented SB 148, adding a new Code section, which provides that an order of disposition in a proceeding involving deprivation (except an order involving the appointment of a guardian) continues in force for, not more than two years. The court may extend the order's duration under certain specific conditions. The bill passed unanimously. Senator David Adelman of the 42nd presented SB 211, amending chapter 2 of title 14 of the OCGA relating to business corporations. The bill makes several technical changes under which businesses operate. The bill passed unanimously. Chairman Kemp assigned SB's 123, 139, 147, 151, 192 to a subcommittee composed of Sens. Adelman, Carol Jackson of the 50th, George Hooks of the 14th, Squires, and Steve Henson of the 41st. Sen. Kemp also announced that Sen.
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Sam Zamarripa of the 36th had asked to be transferred from this Committee assignment. Sen. Hooks replaces Sen. Zamarripa on the Committee.
State and Local Governmental Operations
Tuesday, February 18th, the Committee met to discuss SB 35, 42, and 43. SB 35, presented by Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st, offered the legislation to amend Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.), repealing the provisions of law requiring the adoption of a local government service delivery strategy agreement by municipalities and counties. Others making comments regarding the bill included Jim Grubiak from the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, Lamar Norton of the Georgia Municipal Association, Mayor Pat Graham of Braselton, and David McCranie of Bryan County. Committee Chair Unterman next reviewed SB 42 and 43. SB 42 seeks to amend Chapter 31 of Title 36 of the O.G.C.A., relating to incorporation of municipal corporations. SB 43 seeks to create a Municipal charter commission. SB 43 had an amendment, which included grammatical corrections and to change the definition of a petitioning district. SB 42, the amendment to SB 43, and SB 43 were passed out of Committee unanimously. On Thursday, February 27th, the State and Local Government Operations Committee met to discuss SB 49, 155, 26, and 153. Committee Chair Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th announced that there would be a hearing on the incorporation and charter of the City of Sandy Springs (SB 49) on Monday, March 3 in the late afternoon. Tom Gehl and Angela Nixon with the Georgia Municipal Association spoke on behalf of SB 155, which relates to State deferred compensation plans. The bill passed unanimously by members of the committee. Sen. Dan Lee of the 29th presented SB 26, which allows for non-partisan sheriff elections, speaking on behalf of the Sheriffs in Georgia. Sheriffs speaking to the bill included Howard Sills of Putnam County, Bill Massee of Baldwin County, Phil Summers of Catoosa County, Richard Foskey of Bacon County, and Wiley Griffin of Decatur County. A motion was carried on the bill and it was voted do pass unanimously by members of the committee. SB 153 relates to the calculation of qualifying fees for elections of county officials. Jim Grubiak of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia spoke on behalf of the bill. A motion was made to pass the bill out of the committee, which passed unanimously by members of the committee. Monday, March 3rd, Chairman Unterman opened the committee by requesting Sen. Tom Price of the 56th to speak to SB 49. This piece of legislation would incorporate the City of Sandy Springs in Fulton County. The bill passed out of committee.
State Institutions and Property
Tuesday, February 18th, Chairwoman Regina Thomas of the 2nd convened the committee meeting to present SR 120 and SR121. SR 120 and SR 121 address the granting of easements and conveyances for state-owned properties, respectively. Raymond Crawford, a representative of the State Properties Commission, addressed the committee regarding the resolutions and opened the floor for questions. Following questions from committee members, the resolutions passed out of committee by a unanimous vote. Sen. Carol Jackson of the 50th spoke to SB 20, which prohibits persons that are infected with HIV and Hepatitis from assaulting peace or correctional officers with infectious bodily fluids and feces. Sen. Jackson then opened the floor for questions. Following questions from committee members, Dr. Joseph Paris, medical director for the Georgia Department of Corrections, addressed the committee about the bill and responded to questions. After discussion, SB 20 passed out of committee by a vote of 8 to 2.
Transportation
Thursday, February 27th, Chairman Tommie Williams of the 19th introduced SB 127 for Sen. Casey Cagle of the 49th. The bill, relating to the allocation of state funds for public roads, was voted out of committee. Sen. Joey Brush of the 24th presented SB 138, which would exempt motorcyclists over 21 from the required helmet law. Several audience members spoke for and against the proposal. Committee members also asked questions and commented on the bill. Sen. Brush offered an amendment to correct one word in the bill, and after the amendment was accepted, the bill was
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voted out of committee as amended. Senate Resolutions 90, 38, and 6, all honorary designations of roads and interchanges, were presented and voted out of committee. Finally, House Resolution 90, which relates to the designation of the Veterans Memorial Highway in Banks County, was voted out of committee. On Monday, March 3rd Chairman Tommie Williams of the 19th called the committee to order to discuss a bill and several resolutions. Neal Childers, general counsel for the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety spoke to SB 173, amending several sections of title 40 of the OCGA relating to motor vehicles and traffic. Mr. Childers explained to members of the committee that these changes were necessary to ensure concurrence with new federal law to ensure that federal funds would be received. After questions from members of the committee the bill passed unanimously. Chairman Williams presented SR 150, naming state route 41 in Meriwether County from the Coweta County line southward to the Talbot County line as the Dan and Marie branch Highway. The resolution passed unanimously. Senator Don Cheeks of the 23rd presented SR 184, designating the 121 bypass around the eastern side of the City of Waynesboro as the Burke Veterans Parkway. The resolution passed unanimously.

Georgia State Senate First Readers (Friday, February 14th through Wednesday, March 5th)

Senate Resolutions:

SR 120
SR 121
SR 122 SR 146 SR 150 SR 159 (11th)

Public property; conveyance; grant utility easements; 15 counties and Tennessee Sens. Thomas (2nd), Price (56th), Hill (4th), Stephens (51st), Brown (26th), and Kemp (46th) State Institutions & Property Committee
Public property; conveyances Sens. Thomas (2nd), Cheeks (23rd), Kemp (3rd), Williams (19th), Lee (29th), and Bulloch (11th) State Institutions & Property Committee
Senate Rules; amend; committee on Ethics, powers, duties Sen. Crotts (17th) Rules Committee
Educational Testing, Study Committee on; create Sen. Seabaugh (28th) Education Committee
Designate; Dan and Marie Branch Highway; Meriwether County Sen. Lee (29th) Transportation Committee
CA: Appropriations; certain sale tax proceeds; local assistance road programs Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Lee (29th), Unterman (45th), Mullis (53rd), and Bulloch
Appropriations Committee

SR 160 others SR 163
SR 171

Taxpayer Dividend Act; increase appropriations Sens. Shafer (48th), Cagle (49th), Balfour (9th), Price (56th), Lamutt (21st), and
Finance Committee
CA: Limitation on Taxation, Spending, and New or Expanded Activities Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Cagle (49th), Shafer (48th), and Mullis (53rd) Finance Committee
Designate; Dixie Highway Auto Trail; NW Georgia and northern metro Atlanta Sens. Clay (37th), Collins (6th), and Tanksley (32nd)
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Transportation Committee

SR 184

Burke County Military Veterans, Burke Veterans Parkway; designate Sen. Cheeks (23rd) Transportation Committee

SR 212

Indemnification of Emergency Personnel, Joint Study Committee Sens. Mullis (53rd), Cagle (49th), Collins (6th), and Kemp (46th) Judiciary Committee

SR 213

CA: Emergency Management Employees and 911 dispatchers; indemnification Sen. Kemp (46th) Judiciary Committee

SR 220

Improvement of the HOPE Scholarship Joint Study Commission; create Sens. Hamrick (30th), Hill (4th), and Johnson (1st) Higher Education Committee

SR 224

Property Conveyances, authorizing in 8 counties Sens. Williams (19th), Brush (24th), and Hamrick (30th) State Institutions & Property Committee

SR 225

China; `The Georgia China Future' initiative to increase trade Sens. Zamarripa (36th), Johnson (1st), Kemp (3rd), Bulloch (11th), Meyer von Bremen (12th), & others Economic Development & Tourism Committee

SR 226

Congressional Delegation; urge pass 2003 Economic Growth and Tax Plan

Sens. Smith (52nd), Price (56th), Tolleson (18th), Lamutt (21st), Mullis (53rd), and

others

Rules Committee

SR 227

Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement; state's payment rights; proposals Sens. Cagle (49th), Shafer (48th), Mullis (53rd), Hamrick (30th), Tanksley (32nd), and others Appropriations Committee

SR 228

Federal Food Stamp Program; urge DHR adopt options to provide access

Sens. Zamarripa (36th), Tate (38th), Reed (35th), Squires (5th), Seay (34th), and

others

Rules Committee

SR 229

Designate; Charles F. Hatcher Highway; Baker County Sen. Meyer von Bremen (12th) Transportation Committee

Senate Bills:

SB 146

Drivers; proper use of radios and mobile phones Sens. Zamarripa (36th), Reed (35th), Brown (26th), Adelman (42nd), Levetan (40th), and Moody (27th) Transportation Committee

SB 147

Family Violence Shelter Confidentiality Act Sens. Adelman (42nd), Collins (6th), Stokes (43rd), Unterman (45th), Stephens (51st), and Jackson (50th) Special Judiciary Committee

SB 148

Juvenile proceedings; deprived child; order of disposition; time period Sens. Squires (5th) and Clay (37th) Special Judiciary Committee

SB 149

Life without parole; imposed in certain cases under certain circumstances
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Sens. Kemp (3rd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Harp (16th), Adelman (42nd), Hamrick (30th), and Reed (35th) Special Judiciary Committee

SB 150

Hotels, Motels; excessive room rates during special sporting events Sens. Gillis (20th), Starr (44th), Crotts (17th), and Bowen (13th) Economic Development & Tourism Committee

SB 151

Peeping Toms; spying upon or invading the privacy of another Sens. Hall (22nd) and Cheeks (23rd) Special Judiciary Committee

SB 152

Employee's Retirement; benefits for certain law enforcement officers Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th), Hooks (14th), Kemp (3rd), Hamrick (30th), Jackson (50th), and Johnson (1st) Retirement Committee

SB 153

Election; qualifying fees; county officials; calculation Sens. Unterman (45th), Mullis (53rd), and Bulloch (11th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee (General)

SB 154

Gwinnett County; Sheriff's Office; filling of vacancies Sens. Unterman (45th), Mullis (53rd), and Balfour (9th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

SB 155

State deferred compensation plans; employer, employee contributions Sens. Golden (8th), Hudgens (47th), Bulloch (11th), Gillis (20th), and Johnson (1st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee (General)

SB 156

Life Insurance; insurable interest on an employee by a corporation Sen. Shafer (48th) Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 157

Payday Lending; deferred presentment or advance cash services; regulate Sens. Cheeks (23rd) and Fort (39th) Banking & Financial Institutions Committee

SB 158

City of LaGrange Gas Authority Act Sen. Lee (29th) Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee

SB 159

Employee's retirement options; early retirement incentives Sens. Zamarripa (36th), Golden (8th), Dean (31st), Starr (44th), Hooks (14th), and others Retirement Committee

SB 160

Employment Security Law; unemployment compensation; exclude certain services

Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Lamutt (21st), Golden (8th), Shafer (48th), and Smith

(52nd)

Finance Committee

SB 161

Ad valorem assessment; taxpayer appeals; refunds; interest amount Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Cagle (49th), Lamutt (21st), Hall (22nd), and Shafer (48th) Finance Committee

SB 162

Health Care Protection Act; health care licensing violations; penalties Sen. Hamrick (30th) Health & Human Services Committee

SB 163

Municipal courts; collection of delinquent fines; cost; enforcement Sens. Tanksley (32nd), Thompson (33rd), and Clay (37th) Judiciary Committee

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SB 164 (28th)

Unemployment compensation; state-wide reserve ratio; employer rate Sens. Golden (8th), Lamutt (21st), Shafer (48th), Balfour (9th), and Seabaugh Finance Committee

SB 165 (28th)

Unemployment Compensation Fund; administrative assessment; allocation Sens. Lamutt (21st), Golden (8th), Shafer (48th), Balfour (9th), and Seabaugh
Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 166

Insurance; individual deferred annuities; non-forfeiture rate Sens. Lamutt (21st), Seabaugh (28th), and Shafer (48th) Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 167 (28th)

Unemployment compensation; employer contribution rates; extend reduction Sens. Lamutt (21st), Golden (8th), Shafer (48th), Balfour (9th), and Seabaugh
Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 168

Ethics, State Commission; power; campaign contribution disclosure Sens. Lee (29th), Stephens (51st), and Crotts (17th) Ethics Committee

SB 169 others

Firefighter Standards and Training; change provisions Sens. Mullis (53rd), Bowen (13th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), Cagle (49th), and
Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

SB 170 others SB 171
SB 172 others SB 173 SB 174 SB 175 SB 176 SB 177

Long-term care services; in-home and community based care Sens. Jackson (50th), Dean (31st), Zamarripa (36th), Gillis (20th), Starr (44th), &
Health & Human Services Committee
Hospital care for nonresidential indigents; reimbursement by counties Sens. Levetan (40th), Unterman (45th), Price (56th), Thomas (54th), Thomas (10th), and others Health & Human Services Committee
Environmental policy; regulatory decisions; publication requirements Sens. Hudgens (47th), Cagle (49th), Gillis (20th), Collins (6th), Shafer (48th), and
Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Commercial motor vehicles and school buses; prohibitions Sen. Williams (19th) Transportation Committee
Torts; transfer of structured settlement payment rights; notices Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Tanksley (32nd) Judiciary Committee
Discovery in felony cases; oral scientific reports; sentence hearings Sen. Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee
Septic tank waste; disposal sites; handling facilities Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Gillis (20th) Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Public records; inspection; refusal to provide access; penalty Sen. Seabaugh (28th)
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SB 178 SB 179
SB 180 others SB 181
SB 182 SB 183 SB 184 others SB 185 SB 186 SB 187 SB 188 SB 189 SB 190
SB 191

Ethics Committee
School Counselors; national certification; state salary increases Sens. Clay (37th), Hamrick (30th), and Thomas (2nd) Education Committee
Patient Safe Prescription Drug Act; regulate electronically transmitted data Sens. Thomas (54th), Unterman (45th), Mullis (53rd), Smith (52nd), Balfour (9th), and others Health & Human Services Committee
Water Planning Act of 2003 Sens. Kemp (3rd), Bulloch (11th), Hooks (14th), Harp (16th), Adelman (42nd), and Natural Resource & Environment Committee
Drivers' Licenses and Auto Insurance; forms of ID for non-citizens Sens. Zamarripa (36th), Brown (26th), Stokes (43rd), Starr (44th), Thomas (10th), and others Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Nuisance abatement liens; tax liens; collection procedures; foreclosures Sens. Meyer von Bremen (12th), Johnson (1st), and Dean (31st) Finance Committee
Livestock; contagious diseases, chemicals, poisons, toxins; reports Sens. Harp (16th), Bulloch (11th), Hudgens (47th), and Gillis (20th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee
Arson or Explosives used during commission of a felony; penalties Sens. Mullis (53rd), Hamrick (30th), Bowen (13th), Smith (52nd), Shafer (48th), &
Judiciary Committee
Natural Gas; discontinuing service to person age 65 or disabled; prohibit Sen. Thomas (2nd) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Abandoned Child Protection; newborns left at medical facility; revise penalty Sens. Hamrick (30th) and Smith (52nd) Judiciary Committee
Terrorism Prevention; rename Organized Crime Prevention Council Sens. Hamrick (30th), Smith (52nd), and Mullis (53rd) Public Safety Committee
Offense of fleeing a pursuing vehicle or police officer; punishment Sens. Hamrick (30th), Smith (52nd), and Mullis (53rd) Judiciary Committee
Peace Officers' Benefit Fund; membership; county jail officers Sen. Hamrick (30th) Retirement Committee
Marriage licenses; repeal testing for syphilis requirements Sens. Thomas (54th), Thomas (10th), Butler (55th), Bulloch (11th), Cheeks (23rd), and others Health & Human Services Committee
Medicaid; claims to recover cost of care from a fault third party Sens. Thomas (54th), Cheeks (23rd), Seabaugh (28th), Johnson (1st), Gillis (20th), and others Health & Human Services Committee
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SB 192 SB 193 SB 194 SB 195 SB 196 others SB 197
SB 198 (33rd) SB 199 (33rd) SB 200 (33rd) SB 201 (33rd) SB 202 SB 203 SB 204
SB 205

Adoptions; access vital records; original birth certificates Sens. Thomas (2nd), Squires (5th), Dean (31st), and Thomas (54th) Special Judiciary Committee
Teachers; contracts; procedures for terminating or suspending; hearings Sens. Moody (27th), Brush (24th), Clay (37th), Tate (38th), and Unterman (45th) Education Committee
Education, local boards; conflicts of interest; certain employee activities Sens. Seay (34th) and Starr (44th) Education Committee
Superior court Clerks' Cooperative Authority; filing fees; real estate Sens. Hall (22nd), Lee (29th), and Jackson (50th) Judiciary Committee
Fulton County; authorization to operate certain recreational programs; repeal Sens. Reed (35th), Thomas (10th), Zamarripa (36th), Levetan (40th), Fort (39th), &
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Fulton County; recreational programs in cities contributing to cost; repeal Sens. Reed (35th), Thomas (10th), Zamarripa (36th), Levetan (40th), Adelman (42nd), and others State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Criminal background checks; child/elder care provider including youth sports Sens. Collins (6th), Brown (26th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), and Thompson
Children & Youth Committee
Child abuse records; prohibited disclosure when criminal action is pending Sens. Collins (6th), Brown (26th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), and Thompson
Children & Youth Committee
Children in protective services; conviction data relevant to adult contacts Sens. Collins (6th), Brown (26th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), and Thompson
Children & Youth Committee
Child abuse records; DHR sharing information to Office of School Readiness Sens. Collins (6th), Brown (26th), Price (56th), Johnson (1st), and Thompson
Children & Youth Committee
Cartersville Building Authority Act; create Sen. Dean (31st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Charter Schools Act; virtual charter schools; provide construction Sens. Price (56th), Johnson (1st), and Brush (24th) Education Committee
Atlanta Board of Education and independent school system Sens. Reed (35th), Tanksley (32nd), Thomas (10th), Zamarripa (36th), Adelman (42nd), and Levetan (40th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Drug trafficking; anhydrous ammonia, methamphetamine, amphetamine Sens. Stephens (51st) and Lee (29th)
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SB 206
SB 207
SB 208 (21st) SB 209
SB 210 others SB 211
SB 212 others SB 213 (18th) SB 214

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Butts County Board of Elections and Registration; create Sen. Crotts (17th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Timber harvesting operations; local regulatory authority Sens. Balfour (9th), Zamarripa (36th), Reed (35th), Seay (34th), Unterman (45th), and others Natural Resources & the Environment Committee
Cobb County Superior Court; deputy clerk; compensation Sens. Clay (37th), Collins (6th), Thompson (33rd), Tanksley (32nd), and Lamutt
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections; provide for Sens. Henson (41st) and Stokes (43rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Home study students; public school extracurricular programs Sens. Crotts (17th), Lamutt (21st), Dean (31st), Starr (44th), Williams (19th), and
Education Committee
Business corporations; mergers or share exchange; shareholders' rights Sens. Adelman (42nd) and Clay (37th) Special Judiciary Committee
Employee's retirement; law enforcement personnel; enhanced benefits Sens. Mullis (53rd), Smith (52nd), Thomas (54th), Hill (4th), Thomas (2nd), and
Retirement Committee
Fireworks; pyrotechnics displays; proximate audience; site permits, license Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Bowen (13th), Mullis (53rd), Seay (34th), and Tolleson
Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
GBI Forensics Sciences Division; authority to disinter/reinter bodies Sens. Mullis (53rd), Hamrick (30th), and Price (56th) Judiciary Committee

SB 215 others SB 216 others SB 217
SB 218
SB 219

Peace Officers; training expenses; reimbursement by hiring agency Sens. Harp (16th), Fort (39th), Thomas (2nd), Thomas (54th), Hudgens (47th), and
Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Charter Schools; funding; facilities fund; surplus property; bulk purchasing Sens. Price (56th), Seabaugh (28th), Thomas (54th), Mullis (53rd), Kemp (46th), &
Education Committee
Civil Actions; class actions; comprehensive revisions Sens. Johnson (1st), Clay (37th), Lamutt (21st), Collins (6th), and Price (56th) Insurance & Labor Committee
Emergency Management Employees, 911 dispatchers; indemnification Sens. Mullis (53rd), Cagle (49th), Collins (6th), and Kemp (46th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
PSC; applications and proceedings; administrative fees
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SB 220 SB 221 SB 222 SB 223 SB 224 SB 225 (16th) SB 226 SB 227 SB 228 SB 229 SB 230 SB 231 SB 232
SB 233 SB 234

Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Thomas (2nd), and Fort (39th) Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee
Cable Television systems; customer service requirements; enforcement Sens. Seabaugh (28th), Thomas (2nd), Bowen (13th), and Tanksley (32nd) Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee
State Road and Tollway Authority; limit use of toll revenues Sens. Price (56th) and Moody (27th) Transportation Committee
Cobb County; Commission on Children and Youth, re-create Sens. Thompson (33rd) and Lamutt (21st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Teachers or other professional employees; contracts; complete terms Sens. Lee (29th), Harp (16th), Zamarripa (36th), and Brush (24th) Education Committee
Powder Springs, City of; city council terms and qualifications for office Sen. Thompson (33rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Civil Practice; Frivolous Litigation Prevention Act Sens. Thompson (33rd), Tanksley (32nd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), and Harp
Judiciary Committee
Teachers Retirement; creditable service; independent school system service Sen. Tate (38th) Retirement Committee
Vehicular homicide in the second degree; change provisions Sen. Clay (37th) Judiciary Committee
License plate; special for professional sports team foundations Sens. Lee (29th) and Reed (35th) Transportation Committee
Driver Licenses; court conviction reports; transmittal fees Sens. Lee (29th) and Bowen (13th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Atlanta and Fulton County Recreation Authority; limitation of powers Sens. Price (56th), Tanksley (32nd), and Moody (27th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Fulton County Library System; specify name; membership Sen. Price (56th) State & Local Government Operations Committee
Internet Child Pornography Prevention Act Sens. Shafer (48th), Cagle (49th), Smith (52nd), Hudgens (47th), Seabaugh (28th), and others Science & Technology Committee
Worker compensation; change provisions Sens. Lamutt (21st), Golden (8th), Blitch (7th), and Balfour (9th) Insurance & Labor Committee
Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; new judgeship; term beginning 1/1/04 Sens. Shafer (48th), Balfour (9th), and Tanksley (32nd) Judiciary Committee
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SB 235

Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; new judgeship; term beginning 7/1/03 Sens. Shafer (48th), Balfour (9th), and Tanksley (32nd) Judiciary Committee

SB 236

Juvenile Proceedings; placement of child following termination order Sens. Stephens (51st), Lee (29th), and Zamarripa (36th) Judiciary Committee

SB 237 (55th)

Insurers; require publication of annual financial statement Sens. Thompson (33rd), Jackson (50th), Reed (35th), Stokes (43rd), and Butler
Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 238

Insurance Commissioner; time period to approve rate filings, rating plans Sens. Thompson (33rd), Meyer von Bremen (12th), Jackson (50th), Reed (35th), Stokes (43rd), and Butler (55th) Insurance & Labor Committee

SB 239

Senatorial districts; apportionment and qualifications; change composition Sen. Crotts (17th) Reapportionment & Redistricting Committee

SB 240

Abortion; proper identification to physician; minor's parent or guardian Sens. Hudgens (47th), Johnson (1st), Starr (44th), Thomas (54th), Shafer (48th), and others Judiciary Committee

SB 241

Family and Children Services, Department of; establish Sen. Thomas (10th) Appropriations Committee

SB 242

Children's Vision Improvement and Learning Readiness Act

Sens. Butler (55th), Thomas (10th), Brown (26th), Stokes (43rd), Dean (31st), and

others

Health & Human Services Committee

SB 243

Georgia Emergency Operations Plan; unified incident command system/training

Sens. Smith (52nd), Mullis (53rd), Bowen (13th), Tolleson (18th), Kemp (46th), &

others

Public Safety Committee

SB 244

Hope Scholarships; part-time students; residency; private school amount Sen. Clay (37th) Higher Education Committee

SB 245

Cobb County; board of commissioners; chairperson; compensation Sens. Clay (37th), Thompson (33rd), Lamutt (21st), Tanksley (32nd), Collins (6th), and Tate (38th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

SB 246

Water Reservoirs; locally funded; state must pay just compensation

Sens. Kemp (46th), Hudgens (47th), Unterman (45th), Crotts (17th), Starr (44th), &

others

Natural Resources Committee

SB 247

Greenspace Trust Fund; taxpayer voluntary income tax contributions

Sens. Kemp (46th), Tolleson (18th), Hall (22nd), Hamrick (30th), Collins (6th), &

others

Appropriations Committee

SB 248

Student Achievement, Office of; create; education accountability assessment Sens. Brush (24th), Lee (29th), and Stephens (51st) Education Committee

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SB 249 SB 250

Student Achievement, Office of; powers; duties, and responsibilities Sens. Brush (24th), Lee (29th), and Stephens (51st) Education Committee
Vehicle certificate of title application; owner's legal name, license number Sen. Bulloch (11th) Transportation Committee

House Resolutions:

HR 25 (110th)

Robert Henry Jordan Memorial Highway; designate Reps. Buck (112th), Buckner (109th), Hugley (113th), Smyre (111th), and Smith
Transportation Committee

HR 106

Sheriff-elect Derwin Brown Memorial Bridge Reps. Chambers (53rd), Watson (60th, Post 2), Greene-Johnson (60th, Post 3) Stephenson (60th, Post 1), Mangham (62nd), and Williams (61st, Post 2) Transportation Committee

HR 107

Staff Sgt. Avely W. Runnels Memorial Highway; designate Rep. Black (144th) Transportation Committee

House Bills:

HB 25

Teachers and other personnel; certain forfeited leave; restoration Reps. Morris (120th), Reece (11th), and Oliver (121st, Post 2) Education Committee

HB 45

Commission on Men's Health; presiding officer; term Rep. Childers (13th, Post 1) Health & Human Services Committee

HB 53

Anatomical gifts; advisory board; add organ recipient Rep. Childers (13th, Post 1) Health & Human Services Committee

HB 54

Eye bank operators; amend provisions Rep. Childers (13th, Post 1) Health & Human Services Committee

HB 56

Renal Dialysis Advisory Council; kidney patients recommend one member Rep. Childers (13th, Post 1) Health and Human Services Committee

HB 87

Bingo; fee for conducting games; increase Rep. Buck (112th) Economic Development & Tourism Committee

HB 121 HB 178

Supplemental appropriations; FY 2002-2003 Reps. Coleman (118th), Buck (112th), Skipper (116th), Westmoreland (86th), O'Neal (117th), and Richardson (26th) Appropriations Committee
Coastal marshlands; protection provisions; exempt certain property Reps. Barnard (121st, Post 1), DeLoach (127th), Day (126th), Keen (146th), Hill (147th), and Purcell (122nd) Natural Resources & Environment Committee
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HB 189

Sales tax; certain carpet samples; fair market value Reps. Buck (112th), Royal (140th), and Williams (4th) Finance Committee

HB 225

World Congress Center Overview Committee; additional members Reps. Coleman (118th), Parrish (102nd), and Buckhalter (36th) Economic Development & Tourism Committee

HB 227

Wild animal permit; exempt Bengal cat Reps. Heard (75th), McBee (74th), and Rogers (15th) Natural Resources & Environment Committee

HB 245

Putnam County; education districts; reapportion Reps. Channell (77th) and Hudson (95th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 248

Putnam County; commissioner districts; reapportion Reps. Channell (77th) and Hudson (95th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 263

Mass transportation service; increase limit of state funds Reps. Smith (13th, Post 2), Noel (44th), Stephens (123rd), and Burmeister (96th) Transportation Committee

HB 287

Joint county and municipal sales tax; two percent levy by consolidated

governments

Reps. Buck (112th), Hugley (113th), Buckner (109th), Smyre (111th), and Smith

(110th)

Finance Committee

HB 307

Structural pest control; insurance requirements Reps. Ray (108th), James (114th), Black (144th), and Purcell (122nd) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

HB 312 (73rd)

Walton County; board of elections; and registration; create Reps. Walker (71st, Post 1), Sheldon (71st, Post 2), Stokes (72nd), and Douglas
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 317 (73rd)

Walton County; Partnership for Families, Children, & Youth; create Reps. Walker (71st, Post 1), Sheldon (71st, Post 2), Stokes (72nd), and Douglas State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 323

Athens-Clarke County Industrial Development Authority; membership Reps. McBee (74th), Heard (75th), and Smith (76th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 333

Catoosa County; board of elections and registration; amend provisions Reps. Forster (3rd, Post 1), Joyce (2nd), and White (3rd, Post 2) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 334

Catoosa County; board of education; reapportion Reps. Forster (3rd, Post 1), Joyce (2nd), & White (3rd, Post 2) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 335 HB 343

Washington County; vehicle registration period; change provisions Rep. Lord (103rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Waycross, City of; commission districts; reapportion
Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 21 of 25
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HB 344 HB 370
HB 375
HB 391 (128th) HB 396 HB 399 HB 402 HB 403 HB 416 HB 419 HB 424
HB 443 HB 445
HB 446

Reps. Boggs (145th) and Mosley (129th, Post 1) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Dublin, City; board of education; compensation Rep. Porter (119th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Cobb County; state court solicitor-general and assistants; compensation Reps. Golick (34th, Post 3), Teilhet (34th, Post 2), Richardson (26th), Stoner (34th, Post 1), Manning (32nd), and Dooley (33rd, Post 3) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Cobb County; state court judges and associate judges; compensation Reps. Golick (34th, Post 3), Teilhet (34th, Post 2), Richardson (26th), Stoner (34th, Post 1), Ehrhart (28th), and Dooley (33rd, Post 3) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Glynn County; board of education; amend provisions Reps. Keen (146th), Mosely (129th, Post 1), Smith (129th, Post 2), and Williams
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Reynolds; City of; mayor and council; compensation Rep. James (114th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Randolph County; homestead exemptions; certain residents Rep. Greene (134th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Evans County; commissioner districts; reapportion Reps. Dodson (84th, Post 1), Barnes (84th, Post 2), and Buckner (82nd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Lake City; City of; homestead exemption Reps. Dodson (84th, Post 1), Barnes (84th, Post 2), and Buckner (82nd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Evans County; education districts; reapportion Reps. Barnard (121st, Post 1) and Oliver (121st, Post 2) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Colquitt, City of; vacancies and city manager Rep. Greene (134th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
State employees; payroll deductions; Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan Reps. Porter (119th), McBee (74th), Garnder (42nd, Post 3), Howell (92nd), and Borders (142nd) Higher Education Committee
Irwin County; board of education; compensation Rep. Roberts (131st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Fulton County; magistrates; increase number Reps. Holmes (48th, Post 1), Campbell (39th), Willard (40th), Sinkfield (50th), Thomas (43rd, Post 1), and Orrock (51st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Fulton County; state court; additional judge Reps. Holmes (48th, Post 1), Campbell (39th), Willard (40th), Sinkfield (50th), Thomas (43rd, Post 1), and Orrock (51st) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee
Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 22 of 25
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HB 451

Forsyth County; magistrate court; chief magistrate Reps. Murphy (14th, Post 2), Knox (14th, Post 1), and Jones (38th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 456

Distance learning and telemedicine; use of funds in Universal Service Fund Reps. Buck (112th), Channell (77th), Parrish (102nd), and Brooks (47th) Appropriations Committee

HB 457

Motor vehicles; reduce speed when passing certain stationary vehicles

Reps. Buck (112), Bridges (7th), Hill (81st), Parham (94th), Boggs (145th), &

Snow (1st)

Transportation Committee

HB 461

Georgia Military Pension Fund; certain active duty not a break in service Reps. Purcell (122nd), Birdsong (104th), and Cummings (19th) Retirement Committee

HB 471

Montgomery County; board of education; nonpartisan election Rep. Morris (120th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 488

Effingham County; board of education; nonpartisan election Reps. Purcell (122nd) & Stephens (123rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 500

Terrell County; chief magistrate; nonpartisan elections Rep. Hanner (133rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 501

Terrell County; probate judge; nonpartisan elections Rep. Hanner (133rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 505

Webster County; vehicle registration period Rep. Hanner (133rd) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 523 Post 2)

Glynn County; community improvement district; Reps. Williams (128th), Keen (146th), Mosley (129th, Post 1), and Smith (129th,
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 587

Wayne County; probate judge and chief magistrate; nonpartisan elections Reps. Mosley (129th, Post 1) and Smith (129th, Post 2) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 588

Talbot County; commissioner districts; reapportion Rep. Buckner (109th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 589

Talbot County; education districts; reapportion Reps. Buckner (109th) and Smith (110th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 592

Monroe, City of; election districts

Reps. Walker (71st, Post 1), Sheldon (71st, Post 2), Stokes (72nd), and Douglas

(73rd)

State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

HB 600

Berrien County; magistrate court; additional magistrate Rep. Houston (139th) State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 23 of 25
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HB 602
HB 623 Post 2)

Cobb County; chief magistrate; compensation Reps. Golick (34th, Post 3), Teilhet (34th, Post 2), Richardson (26th), Ehrhart (28th), Stoner (34th, Post 1), and Dooley (33rd, Post 3) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Bartow County; board of education Reps. Lewis (12th), Childers (13th, Post 1), Cummings (19th), and Smith (13th,
State & Local Governmental Operations Committee

Georgia Senate Weekly Wrap-up Report Page 24 of 25
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SENATE INFORMATION OFFICE STAFF
Merri M. Brantley Director
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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