The Georgia Senate this week, Jan. 13, 2006

Good economic times mean money for all

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here's money in the bank and Gov. Sonny Perdue is spreading it from Lookout Mountain to St. Mary's and from Iron City to Dillard encouraging the state of Georgia to grow. The $18.6 billion fiscal year 2007 budget will see an increase in revenue of $1.24 billion with 72 percent of

the money going to public education.

"In the 21st century global economy, we have only two options," Gov. Perdue said Wednesday at his annual State of the State/Budget address in the House Chambers. "Georgia can lead or Georgia can be left behind. I can guarantee you this so long as I'm Governor, Georgia is going to lead."

Gov. Perdue centered his education initiatives around the classroom, telling the members of the Georgia General Assembly that it is only "common sense" that Georgia should spend its education dollars where they can do the most good and have the biggest direct impact on student achievement.

The Governor also funds a child care tax credit in the new budget starting at 10 percent of the federal credit in the 2006 tax year and ending at 30 percent for the 2008 tax year. It will return $50 million to working parents to assist with the cost of child care.

The FY '07 budget also includes $1 million in funding for a GBI "Meth Force" to target and investigate meth-related crimes statewide. Gov. Perdue also has invited U. S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales to visit Georgia next month to discuss stronger state and federal coordination of anti-meth efforts.

"We will not allow the scourge of meth abuse to run unchecked in our state," Gov. Perdue said. "Georgia will fight back and Georgia will win."

The Governor also addressed eminent domain criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court for ruling that the government can use its "awesome" power to condemn private property and give it to another private owner for profit.

"The Court got it wrong," he said to thunderous applause. "That's not the America I grew up in . . . and that's not the America I want to live in. Private property is one of the bedrock foundations of our freedom. I stand with Georgians in saying we will do whatever it takes to protect our personal property rights."

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Sen. Jeff Chapman of the 3rd chaired a study committee last year regarding eminent domain, and is expected to bring his findings to the Senate later during the 2006 Session.
Some of Gov. Perdue's major budget initiatives include:
9 A four percent across-the-board pay raise for teachers with more than half of Georgia's classroom teachers receiving a seven percent pay raise when the salary schedule step is figured into the equation
9 $10 million to provide every Georgia teacher with a $100 Classroom Gift Card
9 $3 million to recruit high performance principals to serve in Georgia's "needs improvement" middle and high schools. Of the 2,040 schools in Georgia, approximately 300 middle and high schools are in the "needs improvement" category. These schools are the focus of the Governor's High Performance Principals program.
9 Requiring local school districts to spend at least 65 percent of their budgets in the classroom
9 $163 million for class size reductions in k-8
9 $23.3 million to raise Georgia's graduation rates, including a High School Completion Counselor in every high school
9 $285 million in tax savings for senior tax relief
9 Up to $20 million will be returned to taxpayers this winter with a 50 percent reduction in the sales tax on natural gas
9 $60 million in tax relief for small business and reform of the corporate tax system
9 Tax savings of up to $250,000 for land donated by individuals and $500,000 for corporate donations through the Land Conservation Tax Credit
9 434 million in property tax relief
9 $5 million grant program to support rural broadband access
9 $5 million to allow the Georgia Technology Authority to give wireless broadband to three Georgia cities
9 $45 million to add more than 4,300 beds to the state prison system to reduce the jail backlog burden on county jails
9 $1 million to target and investigate meth-related crimes statewide
9 Funding the state's Eminent Scholar program and Centers of Innovation program
9 $5 million to expand the state's Seed Capital Fund for early state bioscience entrepreneurs
9 $5 million for the Life Sciences Facilities Fund to help provide growing bioscience firms with resources to continue to grow
9 $38 million in bonds for the construction of a Nanotechnology Research Center at Georgia Tech to establish Georgia as a global leader in nanotechnology
9 $2 million for seed research to develop alternative fuels
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Schools and libraries across Georgia get bond money for new buildings

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arlier this week, Gov. Sonny Perdue announced projects included in his bond package including $383 million to support the construction of classrooms across Georgia to help local school systems meet the proposed class size

reductions, $227 million for Georgia's Board of Regents to fund critical new construction and

renovation projects throughout Georgia's University system, and $64 million bond package

for Georgia's Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE) to address critical new

construction and renovation needs in Georgia's technical colleges. This bond package is part

of the Governor's Fiscal Year 2007 (FY07) budget proposal. The FY07 budget year begins

July 1, 2006.

The construction money will go to the following areas:

Statewide 9 $68, 240, 000 for repairs and renovations to university campuses across the state of Georgia 9 $21, 500, 000 for equipment and infrastructure for research universities 9 $7, 660, 000 for equipment for FY06 Construction Projects
Bacon County 9 $2, 115, 000 for renovations, design, construction, and equipment of the Alma Center, Alma Campus, at Okefenokee Technical College
Baldwin County 9 $4, 850, 000 for the construction of the Herty Hall Addition at the Georgia College and State University
Bartow County 9 $5, 451, 405 for the construction of the new East Central Elementary School
Ben Hill County 9 $3, 053, 319 for the construction of the new Ben Hill Elementary School
Berrien County 9 $2, 680, 300 for the construction of a new elementary school 9 $369, 824 for the construction of a new elementary school
Bibb County 9 $6, 085, 142 for the construction of a new middle school
Brooks County 9 $5, 213, 895 for the construction of the new Brooks County High Schools
Bryan County 9 $5, 676, 434 for the construction of the new Richmond Hill Elementary
Bulloch County 9 $1, 620, 000 for the construction of a new building for commercial truck driving and fire science at Ogeechee Technical College
Carroll County 9 $4, 700, 000 for the renovation and addition to the Callaway Building at the University of West Georgia

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Catoosa County 9 $6, 114, 215 for the construction of a new high school
Chatham County 9 $3, 800, 000 for the renovation of Historic Hill Hall at Savannah State University 9 $5, 000, 000 for the construction of the Marine Bioscience and Instructional Center at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography 9 $5, 000, 000 for the construction of the Leadership Hall Venture at Armstrong Atlantic University 9 $15, 325, 000 for the design and construction of the Technology Building at Savannah Technical College
Cherokee County 9 $2, 285, 863 for the construction of the new Canton Elementary School 9 $5, 191, 385 for the construction of the new Canton Elementary School 9 $44, 332, 046 for the construction of the new Lamanac Elementary School 9 $1, 453, 686 for the replacement construction of Little River Elementary School
Clarke County 9 $3, 068, 928 for the construction of new classrooms for the new Chase Elementary School
Clayton County 9 $729, 838 for the construction of new classrooms for Callaway Elementary School 9 $751, 014 for the construction of new classrooms at Mount Zion High School 9 $705, 760 for the construction of new classrooms at Jonesboro High School 9 $674, 854 for the construction of new classrooms at Hawthorne Elementary School 9 $495, 175 for the construction of new classrooms at Lake Ridge Elementary School 9 $1, 175, 898 for the construction of new classrooms at Mount Zion High School 9 $458, 056 for the construction of new classrooms at Jonesboro High School 9 $495, 322 for the construction of new classrooms at Lake Ridge Elementary School 9 $5, 296, 841 for the construction of a new elementary school
Cobb County 9 $4, 900, 000 for design, construction, and equipment for the Social Science, Library, and Wilson Buildings at Kennesaw State University 9 $518, 074 for the construction of new classrooms at Shallowford Falls Elementary School 9 $1, 247, 571 for the construction of new classrooms at Shallowford Falls Elementary School 9 $400, 752 for the construction of new classrooms at Norton Park Elementary School 9 $562, 385 for the construction of new classrooms at Norton Park Elementary School 9 $205, 942 for the construction of new classrooms at Still Elementary School 9 $6, 187, 854 for the construction of the new North West Elementary School 9 $16, 684, 099 for the construction of the new West Cobb High School 9 $429, 792 for the construction of new classrooms at Daniell Middle School 9 $46, 464 for the construction of new classrooms at East Cobb Middle School 9 $605, 312 for the construction of new classrooms at Campbell Middle School 9 $593, 460 for the construction of new classrooms at Wheeler High School 9 $611, 188 for the construction of new classrooms at Daniell Middle School 9 $555, 504 for the construction of new classrooms at East Cobb Middle School 9 $168, 200 for the construction of new classrooms at Murdock Elementary School 9 $903, 518 for the construction of new classrooms at Murdock Elementary School 9 $400, 171 for the construction of new classrooms at Russell Elementary School 9 $600, 280 for the construction of new classrooms at LaBelle Elementary School 9 $556, 577 for the construction of new classrooms at LaBelle Elementary School
Coffee County 9 13, 729, 840 for the construction of a new middle school
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Columbia County 9 $3, 048, 062 for the construction of a new middle school 9 $2, 780, 220 for the construction of a new middle school
Coweta County 9 $4, 859, 076 for the construction of new classrooms at Bobby Welch Elementary School 9 $2, 045, 819 for the construction of new classrooms at East Coweta High School 9 $1, 933, 001 for the construction of new classrooms at Northgate High School 9 $215, 329 for the construction of new classrooms at Eastside Elementary School 9 $227, 292 for the construction of new classrooms at Moreland Elementary School 9 $2, 400, 204 for the construction of new classrooms at Newnan High School 9 $358, 882 for the construction of new classrooms at Arnco-Sargent Elementary School 9 $724, 534 for the construction of new classrooms at Bobby Welch Elementary School
Dawson County 9 $475, 047 for the construction of new classrooms at Robinson Elementary School
Decatur County 9 $15, 319, 107 for the construction of the new Bainbridge High School
Doughtery County 9 $4, 714, 672 for the construction of new classrooms at Northwest Elementary School
Douglas County 9 $4, 995, 000 for the design and construction of a new classroom building at the Douglasville Campus of West Central Technical College 9 $484, 672 for the construction of new classrooms at Mirror Lake Elementary School 9 $5, 263, 817 for the replacement construction of the new Chapel Hill Elementary School 9 $1, 210, 000 for the construction of new classrooms at Manchester Elementary School 9 $11, 117, 420 for the construction of the new Manchester Middle School
Emanuel County 9 $1, 400, 000 for design and construction infrastructure utilities corridor and road at East Georgia College
Fannin County 9 1, 421, 992 for the construction of new classrooms at Fannin County Middle School
Fayette County 9 $2, 293, 705 for the construction of new classrooms at Lester Road Middle School 9 $425, 874 for the construction of new classrooms at Brooks Elementary School 9 $365, 904 for the construction of new classrooms at Fayetteville Intermediate Elementary 9 $1, 018, 137 for the construction of new classrooms at Peachtree City Elementary School 9 $ 658, 046 for the construction of new classrooms at Booth Middle School 9 $372, 174 for the construction of new classrooms at East Fayette Elementary School 9 $579, 422 for the construction of new classrooms at Fayette Middle School 9 $1, 196, 361 for the construction of new classrooms at McIntosh High School 9 $598, 666 for the construction of new classrooms at Flat Rock Middle School
Forsyth County 9 $2, 000, 000 for the construction of the Post Road Branch Library 9 $11, 170, 000 for the construction of a new classroom building at Lanier Tech 9 $10, 424, 190 for the construction of new classrooms at West Forsyth High School 9 $6, 948, 287 for the construction of new classrooms at West Forsyth High School 9 $4, 981, 308 for the construction of new classrooms at Piney Grove Middle School
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Fulton County 9 $37, 500, 000 for a new teaching laboratory at Georgia State University 9 $38, 000, 000 for completion of the design, construction, and equipment of the Nanotechnology Research Center Building at the Georgia Institute of Technology 9 $900, 000 for the purchase of research equipment for the Traditional Industries Program 9 $230, 294 for the construction of new classrooms at Mimosa Elementary School 9 $139, 392 for the construction of new classrooms at Crabapple Middle School 9 $215, 186 for the construction of new classrooms at Jackson Elementary School 9 $9, 149, 816 for the construction of new classrooms at Future High School South 9 $434, 380 for the construction of new classrooms at Gullatt Elementary School 9 $472, 754 for the construction of new classrooms at Lee Elementary School 9 $7, 362, 189 for the construction of new classrooms at Future High School South 9 $318, 859 for the construction of new classrooms at Conley Hills Elementary School
Gilmer County 9 $2, 578, 752 for the construction of a new middle school
Glynn County 9 $4, 556, 772 for the construction of the new Glynn County Middle School 9 $196, 008 plus 2005A funds redirected for Glynn Academy
Gordon County 9 $2, 386, 545 for the construction of new classrooms at Gordon Central High School
Grady County 9 $1, 544, 485 for the construction of new classrooms at Shiver Elementary School
Gwinnett County 9 $2, 000, 000 for the construction of the Hamilton Mill Branch Library 9 $77, 440 for the construction of new classrooms at Peachtree Elementary School 9 $1, 606, 314 for the construction of new classrooms at Knight Elementary School 9 $6, 055, 308 for the construction of new classrooms at Oakland Meadow High School 9 $6, 853, 939 for the construction of new classrooms at Grayson Dacula Area Relief Elementary School 9 $260, 470 for the construction of new classrooms at Head Elementary School 9 $396, 062 for the construction of new classrooms at Shiloh Middle School 9 $7, 058, 534 for the construction of new classrooms at Mill Creek Cluster Relief Elementary School 9 $47, 505 for the construction of new classrooms at Dacula Middle School 9 $81, 776 for the construction of new classrooms at Bermar High School 9 $121, 000 for the construction of new classrooms at Lilburn Middle School
Habersham County 9 $819, 460 for the construction of the new Habersham County Elementary School 9 $1, 074, 928 for the construction of the new Habersham County Elementary School
Hall County 9 $5, 000, 000 for design, construction and equipment for a Student Center Addition at Gainesville College 9 $326, 817 for the construction of new classrooms at White Sulphur Elementary School 9 $142, 611 for the construction of new classrooms at Chestnut Mountain Elementary School 9 $232, 338 for the construction of new classrooms at East Hall High School
Hancock County 9 $301, 343 for the construction of new classrooms at Lewis Elementary School 9 $14, 255 for the construction of new classrooms at Lewis Elementary School
Harris County 9 $764, 688 for the construction of new classrooms at Carver Middle School
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Heard County 9 $650, 000 for the construction of the Epheaus Public Library
Henry County 9 $5, 791, 512 for the construction of a new elementary school 9 $5, 791, 512 for the construction of a new elementary school 9 $5, 580, 912 for the construction of a new elementary school
Houston County 9 $2, 620, 007 for the construction of new classrooms at Sandefur Middle School
Laurens County 9 $11, 130, 395 for the construction of the new West Laurens High School
Lee County 9 $1, 408, 812 for the construction of the new Lee County Elementary School 9 $1, 058, 747 for the construction of the new Lee County Elementary School
Lumpkin County 9 $4, 700, 000 for the renovation of the Historic Education Building at North Georgia College 9 $396, 750 for the construction of the new Lumpkin County High School
Madison County 9 $8, 844, 190 for the construction of the new Madison County Middle School
Miller County 9 $10, 761, 357 for the construction of the new Miller County K-12 School
Murray County 9 $366, 351 for the construction of new classrooms at Woodlawn Elementary School
Muscogee County 9 $1, 288, 573 for the construction of a new middle school
Newton County 9 $574, 579 for the construction of new classrooms at Cousins Middle School 9 $529, 515 for the construction of a new high school 9 $574, 580 for the construction of new classrooms at Clements Middle School
Oglethorpe County 9 $5, 000, 000 for the construction of the Animal and Dairy Livestock Facility at the University of Georgia
Paulding County 9 $11, 255, 000 for the construction of a new classroom building at Chattahoochee Tech 9 $8, 134, 039 for the construction of the new North Paulding Middle School 9 $4, 672, 914 for the construction of the new North Paulding High School 9 $6, 136, 485 for the construction of the new North Paulding Elementary School
Peach County 9 $3, 900, 000 for design and construction of campus-wide infrastructure and Huntington Hall Stabilization at Fort Valley State University 9 $68, 422 for the construction of a new elementary school 9 $1, 396, 159 for the construction of a new elementary school
Pike County 9 $7, 440, 844 for the construction of a new middle school
Polk County 9 $6, 890, 779 for the construction of the new Rockmart Middle School
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Richmond County 9 $2, 000, 000 for the construction of the Easy Central Georgia Regional Library
Rockdale County 9 $60, 103 for the construction of new classrooms at Hightower Trail Elementary School 9 $435, 002 for the construction of new classrooms at Hightower Trail Elementary School 9 $495, 105 for the construction of new classrooms at Sims Elementary School
Spalding County 9 $6, 321, 878 for the construction of Carver Road Middle School
Tattnall County 9 $693, 460 for the construction of new classrooms at Tattnall County High School
Towns County 9 $227, 480 for the construction of new classrooms at Towns County High School
Troup County 9 $391, 917 for the construction of new classrooms at Hollis Hand Elementary School
Walton County 9 $2, 232, 837 for the construction of new classrooms at Monroe Replacement Elementary 9 $3, 815, 998 for the construction of new classrooms at Monroe Replacement Elementary
Ware County 9 $2, 300, 000 for the addition to Building A at Waycross College 9 $10, 300, 000 for the design and construction of the Allied Health Building at the Okefenokee Technical College
Whitfield County 9 $4, 650, 000 for the construction of the Whitfield Career Academy at Dalton State College 9 $1, 115, 941 for the construction of new classrooms at Southeast Whitfield County High School 9 $1, 291, 769 for the construction of new classrooms at Northwest Whitfield County High School
Bremen City 9 $679, 070 for the construction of new classrooms at Bremen High School 9 $546, 707 for the construction of new classrooms at Jones Elementary School
Cartersville City 9 $19, 360 for the construction of new classrooms at Cartersville Elementary School
Dublin City 9 $8, 325, 202 for the construction of the new Dublin High School
Jefferson City 9 $448, 820 for the construction of new classrooms at Jefferson Middle School 9 $2, 887, 683 for the construction of new classrooms at Jefferson Academy
Welcome . . . Sen. Tarver!
The Senate welcomed Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd to the Upper Chamber this week. Sen. Tarver won his Senate seat in a special election last year.
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\ V|xx Tv|<
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
The Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Appropriations
The Senate Appropriations Committee did not meet this week.
Banking and Financial Institutions
The Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee did not meet this week.
Economic Development
The Senate Economic Development Committee did not meet this week.
Education and Youth
The Senate Education and Youth Committee did not meet this week.
Ethics
The Senate Ethics Committee did not meet this week.
Finance
On Thursday, January 12, Chairman Casey Cagle of the 49th called the meeting to order to discuss House Bill 970. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th, sponsor of the bill, explained that the legislation will cut the sales tax on natural and propane gas from four to two percent during the months of highest usage. The tax reduction will be in effect for natural gas through April 30 and for propane gas through March 31. Sen. Seabaugh explained the difference on the end date is because of the difference in payment. Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st asked if this legislation would affect the agriculture industry. Sen. Seabaugh replied that the reduction is for residential customer use only. With no further questions or discussion, Sen. Cagle commended the Governor for his support of the bill, as well as for providing $10 million in heating assistance to low income Georgians. He thanked everyone for their help and support. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th moved to pass, with Sen. Bill Heath seconding, and HB 970 passed through committee unanimously.
Health and Human Services
The Senate Health and Human Services Committee did not meet this week.
Higher Education
The Senate Higher Education Committee did not meet this week.
Insurance and Labor
The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee did not meet this week.
Interstate Cooperation
The Senate Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
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Judiciary
The Senate Judiciary Committee did not meet this week.
Natural Resources and Environment
On Wednesday, January 11, the Committee heard from Becky Kelley, Director of the State Parks and Historic Sites Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Director Kelley gave the Committee a presentation on the 75th Anniversary of Georgia's State Parks. She encouraged Senators to participate in the many exciting events surrounding the anniversary occurring throughout the year around the state. For more information visit: www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/75th
Public Safety and Homeland Security
On Tuesday, January 11, Chairman Brian Kemp of the 46th led the first meeting of the Committee for the 2006 session. While no formal legislation was presented to the Committee, Senators heard from several public safety leaders. Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th introduced members of law enforcement agencies from South Georgia who helped end a dangerous high speed chase involving a tractor trailer truck in South Georgia. The committee saw video of the chase, including the dramatic conclusion. Commissioner Greg Dozier of the Department of Driver Services spoke about the status of the department's reorganization efforts. Col. Wayne Hitchens of the Georgia State Patrol spoke to committee members about the status of the Patrol. Director Vernon Keenan of the Georgia Bureau of Investigations detailed their efforts to provide help to areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. Director Mike Sherberger of GEMA then told Senators that the state is making progress in the area of radio communication between law enforcement, thanks to a new radio system. Molly Perry of the Georgia Criminal Justice Coordinating Council also spoke to the Committee.
Reapportionment and Redistricting
On Monday, January 9, the Committee heard from Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th District. Sen. Hudgens introduced Senate Bill 386, asking for changes to the 46th, 47th and 49th senatorial districts. The changes were proposed at the request of the Madison County Commission and Chamber of Commerce, who are asking that their county be represented by a single senator. After a brief question and answer period, the bill was passed from the Committee by an 8-4 vote.
Regulated Industries and Utilities
The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee did not meet this week.
Retirement
On Wednesday, January 11, Chairman Bill Heath of the 31st called the meeting to order to hear a brief presentation from Rep. Bobby Franklin of the 43rd. He is the sponsor of House Bill 149 which exempts ROTH IRAs from garnishment. Sen. David Shafer of the 48th, sponsor of bill in the Senate, added his enthusiastic support. Rep. Franklin noted that the Official Code of Georgia (OCGA) had not been updated to include these type of IRAs since the inception of the ROTH IRA. With no further discussion, HB 149 passed through Committee unanimously. Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th expressed the committee's appreciation to the legislators for sponsoring this bill. Jim Maynard with the Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund gave a brief history of the fund, which began in 1955.
Rules
The Senate Rules Committee did not meet this week.
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Science and Technology
The Senate Science and Technology Committee did not meet this week.
Special Judiciary
The Senate Special Judiciary Committee did not meet this week.
State and Local Governmental Operations
On Wednesday, January 11, Chairman John Wiles of the 37th called the meeting to order by asking for introductions from the Committee and audience members. Prior to the introduction of Senate Bill 399, Sen. David Shafer of the 48th made a small change to the bill's text. Under current law, when a municipal corporation is created within a county which has a special district that provides local governmental services for the unincorporated area, the special district is divided into two or more noncontiguous areas. Any special district taxes, fees, and assessments collected in the noncontiguous area must be spent to provide services in the noncontiguous area. Sen. Shafer introduced SB 399, which permits a noncontiguous area located within 10 miles of another noncontiguous area to be treated as the same noncontiguous area, thus, alleviating the administrative burden of counties, like Fulton County. Sen. Horacena Tate of the 38th offered an amendment to the bill, which would make the bill effective on January 1, 2006. The amendment was approved 5-0. Without further objections from the audience and members, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the amended bill.
State Institutions and Property
The Senate State Institutions and Property Committee did not meet this week.
Transportation
The Senate Transportation Committee did not meet this week.
Veterans and Military Affairs
On Thursday, January 12, the Committee heard from several different veterans' organizations on the state of veterans' healthcare. Oma Parnell, Chairman of the Newton-Rockdale Veterans; Robert Pollard, State Commander of the American Legion; Manis Long, State Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; and other veterans and spouses testified that the VA hospitals are overwhelmed and that services are lacking.
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(Monday, January 9 Thursday, January 12, 2006)
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SR 639 SR 641 SB 642 SR 643 SR 644 SR 645 SR 646 SR 647 SR 648 SR 649 SR 650 SR 651

Sgt. Mike Stokely Memorial Highway; dedicate Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Transportation Committee 01/10/06
Change of Political Party During Term of Office Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 01/09/06
Taxation; limitations on grants of tax powers Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Johnny Grant (25th); John Douglas (17th); David Shafer (48th) and others Rules Committee 01/10/06
LaGrange College Day; recognize January 24, 2006 Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Read and Adopted 01/09/06
Senate Convened; Notify House of Representatives Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and Adopted 01/09/06
General Assembly Convened; notify Governor Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and Adopted 01/09/06
Davis, Retired Master Sergeant Louie D.; condolences Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Kirkland, Dell; Assistant Special Agent in Charge; commend Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Betty L. Siegel Day; declare Janunary 7, 2006 Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); John Wiles (37th); Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st); Steve Thompson (33rd) and Doug Stoner (6th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Court of Appeals of Georgia; congratulate on 100th anniversary Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Robert Brown (26th) Rules Committee 01/10/06
Beasley, Joseph H.; commend Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Gloria Butler (55th); Kasim Reed (35th); Steen Miles (43rd); Terrell Starr (44th) and Vincent Fort (39th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Clayton County Ecumenical Service; recognize Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Kasim Reed (35th); Gloria Butler (55th); Steen Miles (43rd); Terrell Starr (44th); Vincent Fort (39th) and others Read and Adopted 01/10/06
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SR 652 SR 653 SR 654 SR 655
SR 656
SR 657 SR 658 SR 659 SR 660 SR 661
SR 662 SR 663 SR 664

Eminent Domain; limit the power to take private property; redevelopment Sens. Jeff Chapman (3rd); Bill Heath (31st); Judson Hill (32nd); Kasim Reed (35th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
Bremen High School Varsity Competitive Cheerleading Squad; recognize Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Gunn, Jr., Fred; recognize Sen. Bill Heath (31st) and Preston Smith (52nd) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Lottery Funds; reserved for HOPE Scholarship Program; tuition grants; loans; citizens to attend colleges/universities within state Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Seth Harp (29th); Hamrick Williams (30th); Brian Kemp (46th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Nancy Schaefer (50th) Higher Education Committee 01/10/06
Clayton, Xernona; honoring Sens. Gloria Butler (55th); Steen Miles (43rd); Valencia Seay (34th); Horacena Tate (38th); Steve Henson (41st); Robert Brown (26th) and others Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Hunter, Sibyl Ellen; celebrate birth Sen. David Shafer (48th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Ausband, Joseph Tucker; celebrate birth Sen. David Shafer (48th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Hayes, Caitlin Mayes; celebrate birth Sen. David Shafer (48th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Law Enforcement Officers; recognize for pursuit/apprehension of armed robbery suspect in South Georgia Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Greg Goggans (7th) and Brian Kemp (46th) Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Sportmen's Day at the Capitol; proclaim January 10, 2006 Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); George Hooks (14th); Greg Goggans (7th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Ed Harbinson (15th); Brian Kemp (46th) and others Read and Adopted 01/10/06
Simons, Police Chief C. Frank; commend Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Campbell, Carroll; condolences Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Dodson, Jr., Sergeant Philip Allan; condolences Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Robert Brown (26th); John Douglas (17th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06

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SR 672
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Futrell, Specialist Marcus Shawn; condolences Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Robert Brown (26th); John Douglas (17th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Godsey, Dr. R. Kirby; commend Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Robert Brown (26th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Taylor, Corporal Wiliam Grady; condolences Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Robert Brown (26th); John Douglas (17th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Tillman, Gary Earl and Hannah Gail; condolences Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Brian Kemp (46th); Bill Stephens (27th); Bill Heath (31st); Cagle Casey (49th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and others Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Kipp, Anna; condolences Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Brian Kemp (46th); Bill Stephens (27th); Bill Heath (31st); Casey Cagle (49th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and others Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Richt, Mark; Head Coach/ GA Bulldogs football team; recognize Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); John Douglas (17th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Brian Kemp (46th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Georgia, University; men's golf team; commend Sens. Brian Kemp (46th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Seth Harp (29th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Haack, Coach Chris; commend Sens. Brian Kemp (46th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Seth Harp (29th) Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Firefighters' Recognition Day; commend Sens. Brian Kemp (46th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Steen Miles (43rd); Ross Tolleson (20th); Joseph Carter (13th); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Read and Adopted 01/11/06
Georgia Broadband Education Trust Fund; create; disburse funds for purposes of educating; provide for payments Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Regulated Industries and Utilities 01/11/06
Leadership Cook 2005; commend Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and Adopted 01/12/06
Arnold, Mrs. Mary Bryan Weaver; congratulate Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and Adopted 01/12/06
Sawyer, Mark; Eagle Scout; commend Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and Adopted 01/12/06
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SR 679 SR 680 SR 681

Johnson, Andrew; Eagle Scout; commend Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and Adopted 01/12/06
Transportation, Ga. Dept.; urge to change proposed routes I-16 to I-75 exchange in Macon, Ga. Sens. Robert Brown (26th); Cecil Staton (18th); George Hooks (14th); Eric Johnson (1st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Gloria Butler (55th) and others. Read and Adopted 01/12/06
Arnold-Fountain Professional Club; commend Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Terrell Starr (44th); Vincent Fort (39th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Horacena Tate (38th) Read and Adopted 01/12/06

fxtx U|M

SB 372 SB 373 SB 376 SB 377 SB 378 SB 380 SB 381

Penal Institutions; sexual offenders registration/residential requirements; change provisions; change/add definitions Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Judson Hill (32nd); John Wiles (37th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Chip Pearson (51st); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and others. Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
License, Honorary; veterans; provide for unremarried surviving spouse or child of deceased military persons; conditions Sens. John Douglas (17th); Johnny Grant (25th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Cecil Staton (18th); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/10/06
Jury Duty; exemption of certain spouses/children of deceased military persons; define term Sens. John Douglas (17th); Johnny Grant (25th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Cecil Staton (18th); Tommie Williams (19th) and Jack Hill (4th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
Sexual Offenders; registration/residential requirements; criminal procedure; change punishment provisions Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st); John Wiles (37th); Doug Stoner (6th) and John Douglas (17th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
Registered Sex Offenders; areas where minors congregate; change distance requirement Sens. John Wiles (37th); Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st) and Doug Stoner (6th) Judiciary Committee 01/09/06
Agricultural Commodity Commission; equines; definitions; change provisions Sens. Brian Kemp (46th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Casey Cagle (49th); J.B. Powell (23rd) and others Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 01/12/06
State Flags; qualifying public safety officers killed in the line of duty; honor service Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/09/06

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SB 382 SB 383 SB 384 SB 385 SB 386 SB 387 SB 388 SB 389 SB 390 SB 391 SB 392 SB 393

Child Support; calculations; definitions; appeal process; change provisions Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Judiciary Committee 01/09/06
Superior Court Clerk; serve as state, magistrate, juvenile clerk; provide exceptions; bonds, personnel, and compensation; change provisions Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Tommie Williams (19th); William Hamrick (30th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Pearson (51st) and Chip Rogers (21st). Insurance and Labor Committee 01/09/06
Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Compact; enact; regulate designated insurance products; create commission Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/09/06
Insurers; investments in the obligations of certain Canadian cities Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/09/06
Apportionment of House/Senate; provide for composition of state senatorial districts 46, 47, 49; elections Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee 01/09/06
Clarkston, City of; homestead exemption for municipal purposes; 65 yrs/older; definitions; specify terms/conditions Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 01/10/06
Certificated Local Exchange Companies; storm surcharge; one year from the date of disaster Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th); Eric Johnson (1st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/10/06
Georgia Broadband Education Commission; create funding source; promote parity among local exchange carriers Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/10/06
Classrooms First for Georgia Act; require local schools to spend minimum operating funds on direct classrooms expenditures Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Dan Moody (56th); Joseph Carter (13th); Renee Unterman (45th); Cecil Staton (18th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Education and Youth Committee 01/10/06
Urban Redevelopment Law; provide moratorium upon the exercise of power of eminent domain; exceptions Sens. Jeff Chapman (3rd); Bill Heath (31st); Judson Hill (32nd); Kasim Reed (35th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
Natural Resources; fee waiver; spouses/children of certain deceased military persons; provide conditions Sens. John Douglas (17th); Johnny Grant (25th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Cecil Staton (18th); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 01/10/06
Stalking; enhanced penalties for certain violations of statute Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); David Shafer (48th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Greg Goggans (7th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
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SB 394 SB 395 SB 396 SB 397 SB 398 SB 399 SB 400 SB 401 SB 402 SB 403

Computer System Security; persons falsely representing to be a business; prohibit; definitions; penalties/sanctions Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); David Shafer (48th); Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and Greg Goggans (7th) Science and Technology Committee 01/10/06
Cellular Service; no contract shall require subscribers to extend/renew to obtain a change in level of service Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); David Shafer (48th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Science and Technology Committee 01/10/06
Crimes; person who is attacked has no duty to retreat; provide community from prosecution Sens. Greg Goggans (7th); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Judiciary Committee 01/10/06
Prescription Drug Orders, Refills; transmit electronically/facsimile; change certain provisions Sens. Greg Goggans (7th); Don Thomas (54th); Bill Stephens (27th); Don Balfour (9th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Health and Human Services Committee 01/10/06
Criminal Proceedings; plea of insanity; revise procedures of psychiatric evaluations Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Judiciary Committee 01/11/06
Municipal Corporation; special services district; within 3 miles of noncontiguous area treated as same noncontiguous area Sen. David Shafer (48th); Sam Zamarripa (36th); Dan Moody (56th); State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 01/11/06
Motor Vehicles; law enforcement agencies; use of properly equipped all-terrain vehicles Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Jack Hill (4th); David Adelman (42nd); Brian Kemp (46th); John Bulloch (11th) and Bill Stephens (27th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/11/06
Personal Trainers; Ga. Board of Athletic Trainers establish guidelines; provide licensure; qualifications Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Robert Brown (26th); John Douglas (17th); Tommie Williams (19th); David Adelman (42nd); Terrell Starr (44th) and others. Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/11/06
License Plates, Special; create distinctive plates; free of charge for recipients of the Bronze Star Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); John Douglas (17th); Jack Hill (4th); David Adelman (42nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/11/06
Sales Tax; qualifying airlines jet fuel; provide limited period of time for exemption Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Finance Committee 01/11/06

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SB 404 SB 406 SB 407 SB 408 SB 409 SB 410 SB 411 SB 412 SB 413 SB 414

Georgia Broadband Education Commission; create; educate on benefits of broadband technology Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Regulated Industries and Utilities 01/11/06
Life Settlements; revise definitions; provide additional grounds to renew the license of insurance producers; editorial revisions Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Seth Harp (29th); David Shafer (48th) and Dan Moody (56th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
State Health Insurance Plan; provide Governor and Community Health to contract for a state-by-state survey/analysis Sens. Tim Golden (8th); Robert Brown (26th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); George Hooks (14th); Doug Stoner (6th) and Emanuel Jones (10th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
Preservation of Evidence; nationals of foreign states; not lawfully admitted for permanent resident of U.S. Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st) and Preston Smith (52nd) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
Elections; require courts to determine contested elections/primaries on expedited basis Sens. William Hamrick (30th); Preston Smith (52nd) and John Wiles (37th) Ethics Committee 01/12/06
Joint Committee to Study State Health Care Benefit Plan; create Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Robert Brown (26th); Doug Stoner (6th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and Terrell Starr (44th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
Joint Study Committee of the State Health Benefit Plan and Advisory Committee; membership; quarterly meetings Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Robert Brown (26th); Doug Stoner (6th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and Terrell Starr (44th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
State Health Benefit Advisory Committee; create; membership; quarterly meetings; involved in policy-making activities Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Tim Golden (8th); Robert Brown (26th); George Hooks (14th); Doug Stoner (6th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and others. Insurance and Labor Committee 01/12/06
Compulsory School Attendance Law; exemptions; provide local board of education policies; minimum annual attendance; change provisions Sens. Dan Moody (56th); Dan Weber (40th); John Douglas (17th); Regina Thomas (2nd); Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th) and others. Education and Youth Committee 01/12/06
Rural Georgia Economic Development Act; authorize creation of community improvement districts by counties of this state Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Joseph Carter (13th); Johnny Grant (25th); Chip Pearson (51st) and others. Economic Development Committee 01/12/06

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SB 415 SB 416 SB 417 SB 418 SB 419 SB 420 SB 421 SB 422 SB 423 SB 424

HERO; provide surviving spouses shall be eligible students Sens. John Douglas (17th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Johnny Grant (25th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Tommie Williams (19th); Eric Johnson (1st) and others. Higher Education Committee 01/12/06
Enotah Judicial Circuit; create new third superior court judgeship; provide appointment; election; term of office Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Pearson (51st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Judiciary Committee 01/12/06
Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act; selection of regulated provider; change provisions Sens. Regina Thomas (2nd); Robert Brown (26th); Vincent Fort (39th); Steen Miles (43rd); Gloria Butler (55th); Horacena Tate (38th) and others. Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/12/06
Natural Gas Competition and Deregulation Act; prohibit disconnection of gas of certain persons during winter heating season; Sens. Regina Thomas (2nd); Robert Brown (26th); Vincent Fort (39th); Steen Miles (43rd); Gloria Butler (55th); Horacena Tate (38th) and others. Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/12/06
Lottery Proceeds; provide method to recover delinquent child support payments; change certain provisions Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); David Shafer (48th); Ross Tolleson (20th) and John Bulloch (11th) Special Judiciary Committee 01/12/06
Care of a Grandchild Act; power of attorney from parent to grandparent; create pilot program to provide subsidy to certain grandparents Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Eric Johnson (1st); Regina Thomas (2nd); Seth Harp (29th); David Shafer (48th) and others. Judiciary Committee 01/12/06
Criminal Procedure; non-traffic misdemeanor citation; provide conditions for issuance Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Don Balfour (9th); David Shafer (48th) and Brian Kemp (46th) Judiciary Committee 01/12/06
Chiropractors; definitions; scope of pratice; increase penalty for improper practice Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Seth Harp (29th); Gloria Butler (55th); Don Balfour (9th) and David Shafer (48th) Health and Human Services Committee 01/12/06
Ray Biddie/Gene Mullis Act; regulate patient care dialysis technicians; provide licensing requirements; renewal/reinstatement of licenses Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Don Thomas (54th) Health and Human Services Committee 01/12/06
Compulsory Attendance; students' parent in military; granted excused absences to visit parent prior to deployment Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th); Dan Moody (56th); Casey Cagle (49th); Cecil Staton (18th); Chip Rogers (21st) and others. Education and Youth Committee 01/12/06

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[x ex|M

HR 1043

Joint Session; message from Governor Rep. Jerry Keen (179th) and Earl Ehrhart (36th) Read and Adopted 01/09/06

HR 1044

Adjournment; relative to Rep. Jerry Keen (179th) and Earl Ehrhart (36th) Read and Adopted 01/09/06

[x U|M

HB 970

Liquid propane and natural gas; state tax; temporary exemption; provisions Reps. Jay Roberts (154th); Mark Burkhalter (50th); Larry O'Neal (146th); Rich Golick (34th) and Vance Smith (129th) Finance Committee 01/11/06

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Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
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