The Georgia Senate this week, Mar. 10, 2006

SB 529 moves to the House
Senate says "yes" to immigration reform

c

robably the most talked-about piece of legislation to come out of the 2006 legislative session, the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act passed the Senate in a bi-partisan effort on Wednesday, but not before a

lengthy debate and five amendments.

Senate Bill 529, authored by Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st, passed the Senate 40-13, in a step to bring the state into compliance with federal law. Two of the five amendments passed. Amendment One, by Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th, makes any property obtained with false identification as contraband. Amendment Four, authored by Sen. Rogers, refers to fictitious and fraudulent statements.

"I wish that I were not here today to advocate Senate Bill 529," Sen. Rogers said. "I wish that the federal government had protected our borders, but they failed. I wish the state and local governments had used their powers granted them to curb illegal immigration, but they have not.
"What can we do?" he asked. "We can start by using the tools given to us by the federal government to address this problem."

Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th worked on the measure with Sen. Rogers but announced prior to the vote that he still could not vote for it.

"What this comes down to in the poultry world, in the textile world, and yes in the home construction world, it comes down to fear. It comes down to people saying that `I think New Orleans is looking good,'" Sen. Zamarripa said.

"What this bill does, is it creates an environment of fear that has a direct effect on production costs," he added. "As you consider your support for this bill, be very clear that there are economic consequences that are near term. It's more than the economic issues. It is a moral issue of great importance. If you haven't somehow benefited from them, if you can't see the benefit, then you go ahead and cast that vote. But I know that you know that we have all benefited [from illegal immigrants].

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx D y EI

"I am not asking you not to be mad about immigration. I am asking you to be patient. This is a federal issue. At the end of the day I think this bill creates a class of people that are separate and unequal, and there are about a million of them. "
In a rare move, Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st took the well to speak to the legislation.

"We have opened our arms . . . our hearts . . . to people from all over the world," he said. "Our country and our economy welcomed this `fuel' for a growing and developing land. It wasn't always easy as new customs, religions and cultures clashed with the group that came before. In America, prejudice eventually turns into acceptance and understanding and then to brotherly love. America is now a rainbow of people that, blended together makes us rich with diversity and creativity and energy. No other nation is as diverse as we are.

"The impact of illegal aliens on public health is undeniable," Sen. Johnson continued.

"Legal immigrants are medically

"Our heart has no limit. But our pocketbook does."

screened. Obviously there is no health screening of people who sneak into our country and disappear into our communities.

- Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson

"Forty-three percent of non-citizens

have no health insurance. That equals more than nine million people most of whom are

illegals. Their utilization rate of hospitals and emergency rooms the most expensive source

of health care delivery is more than twice the rate of American citizens. That means that

taxpayers pay for their health care. Last year, more than 24,000 illegal aliens cost Georgia

taxpayers more than $114 million."

Senate Bill 529, which Rogers worked on for more than a year, addresses four major components: public safety, public contracts, private employers and public benefits. Specifically, the legislation outlaws human smuggling, which has become a problem in Georgia over the past decade, and requires those arrested on a criminal charge to prove that they are in the country legally.

Since the early 1990s, Georgia has seen an influx of illegal immigrants moving to Georgia to take jobs in the agriculture arena, construction industry and in the carpet mills of north Georgia. Sen. Rogers says that many of these laborers are paid in cash and don't pay taxes. He says that both the businesses and the laborers are cheating the system.

"Every employer and employee should follow the same rules. No business should be rewarded in the marketplace for breaking the law and likewise, no business should be punished in the marketplace for following the law."

Senate Bill 529 now moves to the House of Representatives for approval.

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx E y EI

Senate agrees to voting machine paper trails

g

he Senate passed Senate Bill 500 on Monday, legislation by Sen. Bill Stephens of the 27th, to provide a pilot program in three Georgia counties to equip the state's electronic voting machines with voter verifiable paper audit

trails in the elections slated for November of this year.

The measure, which passed 51-0, is known as the 2006 Georgia Accountability in Elections Act, and will make Georgia one of the first states in the nation with a uniform statewide system of automated touch-screen voting machines capable of producing a paper ballot of every vote cast.

"My hope is that this legislation will take us one more step forward towards having the most trustworthy and secure voting system in the country," Sen. Stephens told his colleagues on the Senate floor. "Implementation of this bill as a test program will give us a chance to determine if Georgia will be one of the states moving forward with a verifiable paper trail to alleviate problems with elections."

Bibb, Camden and Cobb are the counties designated to participate in the pilot program, and one precinct in each of the three counties will participate in the 2006 November General Election and any resulting runoff that may occur in the precinct. Within 30 days of the General Election, and any subsequent run-off, an audit will be performed, which will compare the results from the voter verifiable paper audit trail to the documentation recorded by the electronic voting machines. The results of this audit will be made public.

In what seemed to be a good natured exchange, Sen. George Hooks of the 14th asked Sen. Stephens why no rural counties, like the ones he represents, were chosen for the pilot program. "Isn't it true that rural Georgia has good, solid election superintendents?"

"Having grown up in Fannin County, where occasionally in years past when they didn't like the polling results, they just drove the pick-up with the [election] box on the back of it," Sen. Stephens said. "I know that there are issues in rural Georgia that we also have to deal with."

"You shouldn't have said that Senator . . ." Sen. Hooks replied.

"Well, you've got to have a sense of humor Senator," Sen. Stephens retorted.

"Sarcasm is the language of the devil," Sen. Hooks drawled.

"You should know," Sen. Stephens laughed.

"We tried to design a pilot program that is of very minimal cost to the state of Georgia," Stephens said prior to the vote. "It is important to get this right."

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx F y EI

"Castle Doctrine" gives Georgians right to defend themselves, others in public arena

\

n an extension of the "Castle Doctrine," Senate Bill 396 passed the Senate 40-13, and gives Georgians the right to stand their ground and exercise their right to self-defense if attacked.

Currently, the law allows Georgians to use deadly force to defend themselves or others from a lethal threat. The bill, authored by Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th, clarifies that if used justifiably, people have no "duty" to retreat and the use of such self-defense will not subject one to criminal prosecution or a civil lawsuit from the attacker against whom the force is used.

Sen. Goggans said that while this seems like common sense, there are examples of people who attacked others and then, when successfully fended off, have brought civil lawsuits against the very people they attacked.

"This bill will bring clarity and certainty to victims of violent crime who choose to stand their ground and defend themselves against lethal threats without fear of criminal prosecution or civil lawsuits," Sen. Goggans said after the legislation passed.

Second murder charge may await those who kill pregnant women in Georgia

X

ven if a woman doesn't know she is pregnant, if she is murdered, her killer could be tried on two counts of murder if her unborn child dies in utero, according to Senate Bill 77, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, authored by Sen. Renee

Unterman of the 45th.

Following the brutal killing of Laci Peterson, who was in the last stages of pregnancy, the U.S. Congress passed a law which designates a homicide for the killing of an unborn child. However the federal law only applies when the crime happens on federal property, such as a post office or federal courthouse.

During debate, several amendments were presented by various Senators including Sen. Gloria Butler of the 55th and Valencia Seay of the 34th. Each of the amendments had several amendments of their own most of them authored by Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd. After a short game of "amendment chess," all but one of the amendments were withdrawn and the bill passed basically intact.

If passed by the House and signed by the Governor, this bill will strengthen Georgia's feticide law to offer protection to pregnant women anywhere within the state.

Two other related bills one to require a woman to undergo an ultrasound prior to

submitting to an abortion, by Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th, and the other, allowing

pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions for drugs that terminate a pregnancy, by Sen. Jim

Whitehead of the 24th also passed the Senate last week. These bills are headed for the

House as well.

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx G y EI

\ V|xx Tv|<
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
On Tuesday, March 7, Chairman John Bulloch of the 11th called the Committee to order to discuss three bills. Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th spoke very briefly on Senate Bill 511, which prevents the sale of marijuana/hemp flavored candy. He noted that, due to the concerns raised by the hemp industry during the public hearing on February 21, a substitute bill had been submitted. The bill passed unanimously out of Committee. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st introduced SB 588, which would prohibit the public use or display of an individual's social security number. The bill includes four circumstances under which the law would not be applicable. Both Kirby Thompson of Equifax and Daniel Orrock of Georgia Watch spoke in favor of the legislation. The bill passed unanimously out of Committee by substitute. Sen. Bulloch then introduced SB 613, which expands the authority of the Commissioner of Agriculture to provide safety and security at the State Farmer's Markets. The bill passed unanimously out of Committee.
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 and Tourism
Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 7. Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th presented Senate Resolution 1090, which creates the Civil Rights Commission to coordinate, plan, preserve and promote the Civil Rights Trail of Georgia. Following a motion, the resolution passed out of Committee unanimously.
Education and Youth
Chairman Dan Moody of the 56th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, March 7, to hear several bills. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th presented Senate Bill 617, which makes changes to the complaint policy for teachers and other school personnel. Sen. Moody recommended the bill be assigned to a study committee, and closely looked at during the interim. Sen. Wiles did not object to the suggestion, and SB 617 was held in Committee. Next, Sen. Moody presented SB 610, which establishes that charter schools will not be precluded from using computer and Internet-based instruction for students in a virtual or remote setting. An Alpharetta family spoke in support of the bill, stating that it would be of great benefit to their daughter who is currently enrolled in a charter school. Jim Mullins of DeKalb County Schools spoke against the bill and recommended further study. SB 610 passed by a vote of 4 to 2. Deputy Superintendent of Schools Stuart Bennett then presented SB 618, which broadens code language to allow any child placed in the custody of the Department of Human Resources (DHR) or the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) access to public school instruction. Angela Palm of the Georgia School Council Institute and other advocates asked that language be included to expedite the transfer time periods for student records. Several other advocates spoke in support of the legislation. Deputy Legislative Counsel Betsy Howerton drafted language for an amendment to include rules on the transfer of student records, and SB 618 passed as amended by a unanimous vote. Sen. Moody then recommended that SB 430, sponsored by Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th, be studied during the interim, and the bill was also held in Committee.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx H y EI

Ethics
The Committee met on Tuesday, March 7, to discuss House Bill 1141, which requires that the State Ethics Commission collect fees for annual lobbyist registration and the issuance of ID cards. The Committee was unable to meet a quorum, so the Committee will meet at a later date to discuss legislation.
Finance
Chairman Casey Cagle of the 49th called the meeting to order on Monday, March 6. Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th introduced House Bill 1040, which defines the raw material cost of carpet samples. Roy Bowen, president of the Georgia Textile Manufacturing Association, spoke in favor of the legislation. The bill passed out of Committee unanimously. The Committee then heard from Sen. David Shafer of the 48th who presented Senate Resolution 817, which restricts amendments that increase appropriations. Sen. Shafer included a Substitute that included "reserves." Following questions from the Committee and audience comments, the resolution passed out of Committee unanimously. Sen. Shafer then introduced Senate Bill 585, which allows tax commissioners to transfer delinquent tax liens to a third party. The Committee heard from Andrew Booth, Deputy Tax Commissioner of DeKalb County, who voiced his support. SB 585 passed unanimously out of Committee. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st introduced SB 597, which would authorize the recovery of litigation fees incurred by a taxpayer who won an appeal against county boards of equalization. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th introduced SB 620, which allows motor vehicle rental companies to charge a recovery fee from certain taxes. The bill passed unanimously. The Committee then heard from Rep. Steve Tumlin of the 38th and Sen. John Wiles of the 37th on HB 1014, which extends sales and use tax exemptions for overhead materials purchased by federal contractors. The bill passed unanimously. Then Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th introduced SR 1104, which proposes a constitutional amendment to extend conservation use easements for areas in stream buffers. SR 1104 passed out of Committee unanimously. Sen. Cagle then presented SR 1085, which proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for retirement income exclusions for senior citizens. SR 1085 passed out of Committee unanimously. Rep. Bob Smith of 113th presented HR 1081, which creates a joint study committee to create a funding formula for the Department of Technical and Adult Education (DTAE). The Committee heard from representatives from the Chancellor's Office and DTAE. Sen. Cagle introduced a Substitute which would allow the members of the study committee to elect the chairperson. HR 1081 passed unanimously by Substitute.
Health and Human Services
On Thursday, March 2, the Committee was called to order by Vice-Chairman Renee Unterman of the 45th. Senate Bill 78 was introduced by sponsor Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th. The bill would allow dental hygienists to perform their duties on patients with physical or mental disabilities who reside in institutions or are confined to their homes, under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. The bill passed unanimously out of Committee. Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th then asked Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd to present SB 607. The bill would prevent advance practice registered nurses (APRNs) or physician's assistant to order or dispense dangerous drugs, medical treatments, diagnostic studies and selected controlled substances (per OCGA 43-34-26-1) while located within a general merchandising or business establishment, a portion of which is licensed as a pharmacy. Sen. Smith explained that the primary concern was the emergence of the new "minute clinics" being created in stores such as Wal-Mart and CVS. After some discussion, it was agreed to make one change in the language so the legislation would not affect HMOs. Jay Morgan, representing the Minute Clinics, spoke in opposition to the bill, noting that since eight clinics had opened at CVS stores around Atlanta, more than 4,000 people had been seen with a 91 percent satisfaction rate. David Cook, Executive Director of the Medical Association of Georgia (MAG), expressed concerns that the clinics were set up in conjunction with pharmacies. Dimitrius Malfekuzati, representing the Georgia Nurses' Association, expressed concern about limiting access to healthcare. The bill passed out of Vommittee by a vote of 5 to 2.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx I y EI

SB 603, sponsored by Sen. Thomas of the 54th, would allow APRNs to prescribe most medications, with the exception of Schedule 1 or 2 drugs (i.e., controlled substances) under the direct supervision of a physician. A representative of MAG went through the bill in detail, followed by questions from committee members. Dr. Rick Wherry, a Dahlonega physician representing the Georgia Academy of Family Physicians, spoke in favor of the bill, but did advise that the physician must be actively practicing and have a Georgia license. Mr. Malfekuzati objected to the Substitute, which he said did not reflect the earlier discussion and agreement with the Georgia Nurses Association. Nurse practitioner Lisa Hartman with Georgia Cancer Specialists, said that SB 603 will not be useful because there are too many restrictions. Dr. McNatt said that the Medical Board of Georgia supports closer supervision. Amendments were proposed by Sens. Don Balfour of the 9th and Judson Hill of the 32nd, all of which passed. The bill then passed unanimously by substitute out of Bommittee.
On Tuesday, March 7, Sen. Thomas of the 54th called the meeting to order to discuss a number of bills. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th discussed Senate Bill 565 which would establish the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission. In his remarks, Sen. Staton noted that Georgia has only four Level I trauma centers across the State (Atlanta, Macon, Augusta and Savannah) and better and more accessible trauma care is desperately needed. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Casey Cagle of the 49th introduced SB 648 which would establish a comprehensive program to monitor and detect ineligible recipients of medical assistance through the Georgia Department of Community Health. The bill also passed unanimously.
Sen. Smith told the Committee that he would like to withdraw his bill, SB 587, for addition work and possible passage during the 2007 session. He then introduced SB 602, which would require the privatization of one or more of Georgia's mental health facilities, which are managed by the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). He spoke in favor of public/private partnerships and discussed successful systems in other states. Sen. Smith noted that there are seven facilities around the State, and the West Georgia location has been mentioned as a probable closure. This bill, he said, is a good option to shutting down a facility. Roberta Schulte, representing DHRs Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases, expressed the Department's concern. While not opposed in principle, she said, there was concern over some of the language, in particular the mandate that facilities "shall" be privatized. She suggested "may" be substituted, but Sen. Smith pointed out that would make no change from current law. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th spoke of concerns from his constituents regarding the West Georgia facility, which is included in his district and requested more information. Following additional questions from the Committee, the Substitute to SB 602 passed out of Committee by a vote of 5 to 4.
Higher Education
The Committee was called to order on Tuesday, March 7, by Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st offered Senate Bill 582. The bill requires that homeschooled applicants to the state university system must use the same admission standards as other students. Vice Chancellor Tom Daniel told the Committee that while the Regents do not oppose the bill, they would prefer that the rules remain policy rather than be added to the state code. SB 582 passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Michael Meyer Von Bremen of the 12th presented SB 594. The bill allows honors programs to be added to the weighting for HOPE Scholarship eligibility. Sen. Meyer Von Bremen told the Committee that we should be challenging our students rather than dumbing them down. Mary Alexander with the Georgia Student Finance Commission stated that they feel the legislation is preliminary at this point, and they are studying the matter of weighted courses for future action. The legislation was approved by a 3-1 vote.
Insurance and Labor
Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th called the meeting to order on Monday, March 6. Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th presented Senate Bill 407, which requires the Governor and the Department of Community Health to contract with a Georgia school of public policy for a state-by-state survey of innovative state health care plans. Margaret Price from the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) voiced her support of the legislation. John Upchurch, director of the State Health Benefit Plan, told the Committee about similar reports in the past. The Committee passed the bill by a unanimous vote. Sen. Michael
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx J y EI

Meyer von Bremen of the 12th introduced SB 438, which requires all new third-party administrators in contract with the State Health Benefit Plan to complete the credentialing process with a hospital or provider within a time frame. Upchurch voiced his concerns about the legislation. Kurt Magee with the Georgia Association of Health Plans spoke in opposition to the bill. Ellen Williams of the Georgia Society of Oncologists, Molly Herrin of the American Cancer Society, Margaret Price of PAGE and Jody Grogan of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) spoke in favor of the bill. The Committee passed the bill by a vote of 6-3.
Sen. Hudgens called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 7. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th introduced SB 649, which would allow business to stack their insurance coverage. Stacking refers to the combination of uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage from several policies and enabling a policy holder to collect from more than one auto insurance policy to receive full payment on a policy. The Committee heard from representatives from State Farm, McKenna Long and Aldridge law firm, Georgia Association of Property/Casualty Insurance, Georgia Farm Bureau and CNA Insurance Company, who were all in opposition to the bill. The bill passed out by a vote of 4-2. The Committee then held a public hearing on SB 576 and 579, presented by Sen. Steen Miles of the 43rd. SB 576 would collect data relating to an individual's employer for applicants and their dependents receiving health care benefits under any state-funded or administered health care program. SB 579 require employers of more than 10,000 employees to annually report to the Commissioner of Community Health information regarding employees and health care coverage. The Committee heard from Richard Ray, president of the Georgia AFL-CIO. Mary Lou Romaine-Waymer of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union spoke in favor of both bills.
Interstate Cooperation
The Senate Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
Judiciary
On Friday, March 3, the Committee began by taking up Senate Bill 306. Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd presented the bill on behalf of Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th. The bill changes notice and filing provisions with respect to hospital and nursing home liens. It also changes a provision relating to the effect of release or covenant not to sue on hospitals and other medical provider liens, as well as changes a provision relating to the effect of this part on a settlement or release entered into before entry into a hospital, nursing home or traumatic burn care medical facility. Emily Bagwell, representing the Georgia Association of Property and Casualty Insurance Companies; Bill Clark, representing the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association; Mike Holiman, representing the Superior Court Clerks Association; and Ken Daniel, representing the Doctor's Hospital of Augusta, testified and answered questions from the Committee. SB 306 passed unanimously by Committee Substitute. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th then presented SB 420, which amends the child custody statute by adding a new article to be entitled the Care of a Grandchild Act. Often, grandparent caregivers are not financially able to fully support the children. This bill will create a statutory mechanism to provide both legal authority and some financial support under specified circumstances, in order to enhance family stability. After some minor changes, the bill passed unanimously by Committee Substitute. Chairman Smith then tabled SB 393 for the remainder of the session. Sen. Jeff Chapman of the 3rd then presented SB 555, which makes three main changes to procedures of local independent authorities. It allows for the dissolution of downtown development agencies, installs procedures to ensure that the agencies operate in an ethical manner, and aims to increase public awareness of the operations of all local independent authorities. Mark Woodall of the Sierra Club testified in support of the bill. The bill passed unanimously. Finally, Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st presented Senate Resolution 1040, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide for additional methods for the payment of just and adequate compensation with respect to the taking of private property that results from unreasonably burdensome governmental actions. Several representatives of groups, including the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Municipal Association and Upper Chattahoochee River Keeper testified in opposition to the measure. The resolution received a do pass recommendation by a vote of 4 to 1.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx K y EI

The Committee met again on Monday, March 6, and Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th presented SB 624, which provides for a sixth judge of superior courts for the Coweta Judicial Circuit. The bill passed unanimously by Committee Substitute. Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd then presented SB 622, relating to hospital acquisition, so as to change certain provisions relating to notice of acquisition to the Attorney General. It also changes certain provisions relating to content and form of notice to the Attorney General, fees and retention of experts. Representatives from the Attorney General's Office and the Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals testified in support of the bill. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th presented SR 1027, which creates the Senate Study Committee on Court Surcharges and Additional Fines. The resolution unanimously received a do pass recommendation.
Tuesday, March 7 was the last day Committees could pass Senate legislation prior to the 30th day which will be crossover day this year. The Committee passed Senate Bill 631 unanimously. The measure, by Sen. John Wiles of the 37th, creates an aggravated misdemeanor offense for distributing obscene material. Maggie Garrett of the ACLU testified against the legislation. Sen. Wiles also presented Senate Bill 101, which will allow plaintiffs to request proceedings in Superior Court to be held before and elected judge. Both the Council of Superior Court Judges and the Council of State Court Judges opposed the measure. SB 101 passed 6-1. Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th appeared before the Committee to present Senate Bill 461, legislation concerning eminent domain. There was no discussion and SB 461 passed unanimously. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th, presented Senate Bill 583, regarding the waiver to a trial by jury. This legislation would codify the current common practice. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard testified in favor of the bill. It passed 7-3. Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th returned to the Committee with changes to the state's "hate crimes law" which he authored several years ago. The legislation, which passed 8-3, clarifies language regarding bias or prejudice. Sen. Fort also presented Senate Resolution 1030, which will create a study commission to look at Georgia's death penalty law. Several people testified in favor of the measure, which passed 5-4. Senate Bill 572 passed out of Committee 6-0. The legislation relates to managed care fraud and Georgia's Medicaid program. Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th is sponsoring the legislation.
Natural Resources and Environment
On Thursday, March 2, the Committee met and Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th presented SR 838, which urges and supports the full funding of state and local efforts to clean up hazardous waste sites and properly address waste-related activities, and to control erosion and sedimentation. The resolution received a unanimous do pass recommendation. SB 550 was then presented by Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th. The bill provides for a collection and recovery program for mercury switches removed from end-of-life vehicles in this State. After much discussion, the committee passed the bill unanimously with the understanding that language would be perfected on the floor. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th presented SB 392 provides for a waiver of fees to state parks, historic areas, memorials and recreation for unremarried spouses and children of deceased military persons who were killed in combat after September 11, 2001. The bill passed unanimously.
The Committee met again on Tuesday, March 7, and began by taking up SB 612. Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th presented the bill, which establishes a statewide fine of $25 for the offense of hunting over bait. Dan Forester of the Wildlife Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources spoke to the number of offenses and averages of fines in 2005. Glen Dowling of the Georgia Wildlife Federation testified in opposition of the bill. The bill passed by a vote of 7 to 1. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th then presented SB 604, which provides for current use assessment for certain undeveloped land areas within buffer zones established by law or local ordinance adjacent to rivers, perennial streams, or reservoirs; to provide for exemptions from certain covenant and penalty provisions. Neil Herring of the Sierra Club testified in support of the bill. The bill passed unanimously by Committee Substitute. Sen. Harp then presented SB 575, which changes certain provisions relating to a water supply and water conservation management plan for the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District. The bill would require homes and buildings within the district to be fitted with lowflow plumbing fixtures. Several people testified in opposition to the bill. After much discussion, the bill passed by Committee Substitute by a vote of 5 to 2. Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th then presented SB 191, which provides for expedited review of certain applications for permits or variances performed by qualified professionals under contract
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx L y EI

with the Environmental Protection Division. The bill passed unanimously by Committee Substitute. SR 325 was then presented by Sen. Steen Miles of the 43rd. The resolution urges the State of Georgia to appropriate funds necessary for closure and post-closure care at the Scales Road Landfill in DeKalb County and for compensation of Mr. James Clark. Sen. Miles testified that many of the problems in the resolution have been dealt with since its drafting. Chairman Tolleson asked that she draft a new resolution specific to the issues that have not yet been dealt with and he would withhold action on SR 325. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st then presented SB 294, which relates to county and municipal regulation of timber harvesting, so as to provide for additional limitations on tree ordinances as they apply to individual home-owners cutting tress on their own property. SB 294 passed unanimously by Committee Substitute.
Public Safety and Homeland Security
The Committee was called to order on Tuesday, March 7, by Chairman Brian Kemp of the 46th. Senator Preston Smith of the 52nd opened with a presentation of Senate Bill 637. The bill makes minor changes to Joshua's Law passed by the Legislature last year. Joshua's Law creates a statewide driver's education program in Georgia. After a few questions from the Committee, the bill was approved by unanimous vote. SB 554 was presented by Sen. J.B. Powell of the 23rd. The bill rewrites a section of the state's code governing powers granted to the Governor in a state of emergency. It removes language allowing the Governor to seize legally owned handguns from residents. Sen. Powell says that he was concerned after reading about weapons seized from Gulf Coast residents in other states in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Mrs. Alice Johnson with Georgians for Gun Safety spoke in opposition to the bill. She stated that the law as written does not impede legal gun ownership, and the removal of the emergency powers could contribute to the deaths of police and guard soldiers deployed in the event of an emergency. The legislation was approved by a 4-3 vote. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th introduced SB 491. This bill changes the penalties for a fifth conviction for driving under the influence. After a short debate on the bill, it was passed unanimously. Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th gave a presentation on SB 619. The constitutional amendment creates a new license plate to collect money for brain related injuries. The legislation was passed by a unanimous vote. SB 223 was introduced by Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th. The bill authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) to create and manage a statewide building mapping program for use by Georgia's first responders. After a short debate on funding and management of the program, it was approved by a unanimous vote. The final bill was presented by Sen. Kemp on behalf of Sen. Casey Cagle of the 49th. SB 642 creates a new position of Immigration Enforcement Director in the Office of Homeland Security. After Committee members expressed some concerns over how the position will be funded, the bill was passed by a vote of 4 to 3.
Reapportionment and Redistricting
The Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities
The Committee met on Tuesday, March 7, to consider Senate Resolution 1081 and Senate Bill 599. Chairman Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th presented SR 1081, which creates the Georgia Broadband Education Task Force. The Task Force will work to educate the public on the benefits of broadband technology, and to improve the utilization of broadband within the State. SR 1081 passed by a unanimous vote. Senator Ross Tolleson of the 20th then presented SB 599, which makes changes to the qualifications and education requirements necessary to obtain licensure/certification as an engineer or land surveyor. Specifically, the legislation would allow certified land surveyors to design and layout certain types of grading, retention ponds, stormwater management systems and other facilities. Representatives of the Georgia Association of Surveyors spoke in support of the bill, stating that most certified land surveyors are qualified to design and layout these types of facilities. Members of the Georgia chapter of the American Society of Civil Engineers, as well as some professional engineers, were opposed to the legislation, saying reducing the qualifications for design professionals posed a risk to public safety. After some discussion, SB 599 was amended to include minor changes in language, and it passed unanimously by Substitute.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DC y EI

Retirement
On Thursday, March 2, Chairman Bill Heath of the 31st called the meeting to address four bills. Sen. Heath announced that copies of the bills on the agenda had been distributed to Committee members during the day's extended Senate session, and unless anyone had questions or objections, he would ask, after going over each bill very briefly, for a do pass recommendation. Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th asked for clarification on Senate Bill 644. The bill would extend eligibility in the Employees Retirement System (ERS) for people in the legislative branch of state government who had "temporary full-time service" prior to January 1, 1996 to anyone serving before July 1, 2006. Sen. Fort asked if it was certain that this would not apply to elected state representatives and senators. Sen. Heath assured him that it did not, and Sen. Fort expressed no additional concerns. Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th pointed out that even if a legislator, after no longer holding elected office, were to be hired, he or she would be covered by the retirement system for legislators. In addition to SB 644, House Bill 744, which merges retirement and pensions for members of the Georgia Class Nine Fire Department Pension Fund into the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund; HB 1151, which establishes that the Board of Trustees of the ERS will be the successor to the Employee benefit Council for the purpose of administering any deferred compensation plans provided to employees, and Senate Bill 177, a substitute which specifies that all employees and officers of the State Road and Tollway Authority will become members of the ERS, were briefly reviewed. There were no objections, and the four bills passed unanimously out of Committee.
Rules
The Senate Rules Committee met on Wednesday to give a do-pass recommendation to Senate Resolution 844, recognizing blue grass music week in Georgia.
Science and Technology
Chairman David Shafer of the 48th called the meeting to order on Thursday, March 2, to continue hearing testimony about Senate Bill 596, a bill that creates the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Initiative and the New Born Umbilical Cord Blood Bank. The legislation also makes it illegal for any person or entity to perform human cloning or ship and receive an embryo produced by human cloning. The Committee heard comments from representatives of the Christian Coalition, Americans United for Life, Georgia Right to Life, Georgia Family Council, the Archdiocese of Atlanta and the Georgia Catholic Conference, all in support of the legislation. The Committee also heard from Rusty Kidd, chairman of the Georgia Spinal Injury Trust Commission, who voiced support for stem cell research. Szymon Moldenhawer, executive director for the Babies for Life Foundation and representatives from the Georgia Osteopathic Association and the Georgia Chiropractic Association spoke in favor of the legislation. Then Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd spoke in opposition to the embryonic stem cell research ban in the bill. Sen. Shafer responded to Adelman's comments and presented a Committee Substitute that clarified definitions of "embryo." Sen. Sam Zamarripa of the 36th raised questions about the Committee's knowledge of the complicated science behind SB 596. Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th presented an amendment that would clarify that leftover embryos in fertility clinics would be eligible for research. The amendment failed 3 to 4. Sen. Zamarripa of the 36th presented an amendment that would strip the cloning provision from the bill. The bill failed 3 to 5. Sen. J.B. Powell of the 23rd presented an amendment that would exempt therapeutic cloning research. The amendment failed 3 to 5. A motion was made to pass the bill, and the bill passed out of Committee 5 to 3.
Chairman Shafer called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 7. Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd presented SB 541, which provide that no person shall transmit to an electronic address in Georgia any message that contains advertising material for viewing, use, consumption, sale, lease or rental only by persons over 18 years of age unless the first eight characters of the subject line are "ADV:ADLT." Representatives of the University System, AT&T and Verizon voiced support for the bill. The bill passed out of Committee unanimously. Rep. Mike Keown of the 173rd presented House Bill 1055, which requires each local board of education and governing body of each public library to adopt an Internet usage acceptable-use policy for its school or library by no later than January 1, 2007. The bill passed out of Committee unanimously. Sen. Shafer again introduced SB 596 with a new Committee Substitute that would remove the provisions prohibiting embryonic cloning, thus, preserving the umbilical cord blood bank and commission. After hearing comments from the audience and Committee members, the Committee passed the bill out unanimously.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DD y EI

Special Judiciary
The Committee met on Wednesday, March 8, to take up SB 638. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th presented the bill, which allows a person claiming a lien on aircraft for labor and materials or for contracts of indemnity to file a statement giving notice of his or her intention to claim a lien with the clerk of the superior court within the county that the service was provided. The bill passed unanimously.
State and Local Governmental Operations
The meeting was called to order on Tuesday, March 7, by Chairman John Wiles of the 37th. Senator John Bulloch of the 11th presented Senate Bill 574. The bill makes changes that will prevent new incorporated cities from having a name that is the same or similar as other established incorporated cities in the state. The bill was passed with unanimous support. Sen. Gloria Butler of the 55th district introduced SB 590 for a hearing. The legislation would set rules for private entities allowed to conduct voter registration drives. Bradley Heard with the Charles H. Wesley Education Foundation appeared with Sen. Butler to talk about the proposed changes. He stated that the bill would bring state law into line with the federal Motor Voter Act. Sen. Wiles said that he has reservations about the proposed changes, and believes they could be better addressed through the Secretary of State's office. Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th introduced Senate Resolution 804. This bill will create the North Fulton Boundary Commission to review the city boundaries for newly created north Fulton incorporated areas. He stated that the bill could eliminate many problems before controversial changes would have to be made by the legislature. The bill was approved with a unanimous vote.
State Institutions and Property
Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called the meeting to order on Monday, March 6. Senate Bill 643 was presented by Sen. Grant. The bill moves the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council from the control of the administrative office of the courts to the Department of Corrections. After a short discussion of the bill, Sen. Grant decided to hold the legislation in committee until more facts on cost and reasons for the transfer can be provided. With no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Transportation
Chairman Bill Stephens of the 27th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 7. On behalf of Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th, Sen. Stephens presented Senate Resolution 126, which designates the Clint H. Bryant Memorial Bridge in Murray County. SR 126 passed out of Committee unanimously. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th presented SR 374, designating the Roger Caudell Highway, and the resolution passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th presented SR 1034, which designates the Sergeant Matthew Vincent Gibbs Memorial Bridge in Coffee County. SR 1034 passed out of Committee unanimously. Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th presented SR 873, which designates the interchange of routes I75 and I-285 in Cobb County as the Emory Parrish Interchange. SR 873 passed out of Committee unanimously. On behalf of Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd, Sen. Valencia Seay of 34th presented SR 1028, designating the Dr. Luke Glenn Garrett, Jr. Memorial Highway, and the resolution passed out of Committee. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th presented SR 1093, which designates the Durward D. (Red) Murphy Memorial Bridge in Baldwin County. The legislation passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Grant then presented SR 1094, designating the Charles S. (Buddy) Cowan, Jr. Memorial Bridge, and the resolution passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th presented a Subcommittee Substitute to Senate Bill 431, which authorizes the Department of Transportation to order the removal and relocation of utility facilities occupying any part of the public road system. A representative from the Georgia Department of Transportation spoke in favor of the legislation, and SB 431 passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Whitehead presented SB 578, which provides that commercial waste tank truck receiving or disposing of commercial waste may be inspected and permitted annually by the Department of Human Resources. Bruce Widener of the Georgia Onsite Wastewater Association spoke in favor of the legislation and the bill passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Seay presented SB 483, which requires the DOT to conduct a statewide synchronized traffic signals study. The Committee
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DE y EI

heard from Todd Long, a traffic engineer with DOT, about the feasibility of the study. Sen. Kasim Reed of 35th proposed an amendment to limit the study to the 13-county area surrounding Atlanta. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th suggested that limiting the study to the 13 counties would still be too much. Sen. Stephens suspended discussion on the bill, so Senators Reed, Seabaugh and Seay could discuss the bill further. Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th presented SB 636, which defines biodiesel fuel, and the bill passed by a unanimous vote. The Committee resumed discussion on SB 483, and Sen. Reed proposed an amendment that limited the study to the 10-county region as defined by the Atlanta Regional Commission. The amendment passed unanimously, and the bill passed by a unanimous vote.
Veterans and Military Affairs
The Committee met on Monday, March 6, to take up Senate Bill 402. Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th presented a Substitute to the bill, which creates specially designed license plate for recipients of the Bronze Star. The bill passed unanimously.
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DF y EI

Zxz|t ftx fxtx Y| extwx
(Thursday, March 2 - Thursday, March 9, 2006)

fxtx ex|

SR 1062

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training Program; commend Sens. Casey Cagle (49th); Brian Kemp (46th); Bill Stephens (27th) and Don Thomas (54th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1063

Georgia Sports Hall of Fame; recognize Sens. Cecil Staton (18th) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1064

Private James Boggan Memorial Bridge Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Transportation Committee 03/02/06

SR 1065

Jordan, Mr. Oscar H.; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1066

Towns County; celebrate Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1067

Prevention of the Starvation and Dehydration of Persons with Disabilities; create Senate Study Committee Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Rules Committee 03/02/06

SR 1068

McRae, Buford W.; commend Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1069

Barker, Matthew James; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1070

Cornelison, IV, Albert McKinley; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1071

Baxter, Cassady Reichert; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1072

Holcombe, Wade Everett; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1073

Bennett, Neil T.; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

SR 1074

Hibbitts, Joe; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/02/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DG y EI

SR 1075 SR 1076 SR 1077 SR 1078 SR 1079 SR 1080 SR 1081 SR 1082 SR 1083 SR 1084 SR 1085 SR 1086 SR 1087 SR 1088

Wells, Jr., Warrant Officer Charles Gary; condolences Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06
Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church Day; proclaim March 6, 2006 Sens. Valencia Seay (34th) and Vincent Fort (39th) Read and Adopted 03/02/06
Licensure of Personal Fitness Trainers; create Senate Study Committee Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Rules Committee 03/06/06
Joint Business Incentive Study Committee; create Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Rules Committee 03/06/06
Lowe, Eddie; condolences Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Bill Hamrick (30th) and Johnny Grant (25th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
Dr. Lynda D. Woodruff Appreciation Day; recognize Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Horacena Tate (38th); Greg Goggans (7th) and Gloria Butler (55th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
Georgia Broadband Education Task Force; create Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th); Judson Hill (32nd); David Shafer (48th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/06/06
Coretta Scott King Memorial Park; dedicate Sens. Steen Miles (43rd); Robert Brown (26th); Chip Pearson (51st); David Shafer (48th); Regina Thomas (2nd) and others State Institutions and Properties Committee 03/06/06
Buchan, Derward F.; honoring Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
Prostate Awareness Month; recognize September Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Greg Goggans (7th); Steen Miles (43rd) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
CA: Income Taxation; exclusions for taxpayers 62 and 65 yrs/older Sen. Casey Cagle (49th) Finance Committee 03/06/06
848th Engineer Company and Company C of 648th Engineer Battalion; commemorating Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
Joint Comprehensive Medical Education Study Committee; create Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Greg Goggans (7th); Renee Unterman (45th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Rules Committee 03/06/06
Lung Cancer Awareness Month; recognize November Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Greg Goggans (7th); Renee Unterman (45th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Read and Adopted 03/06/06
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DH y EI

SR 1089 SR 1090 SR 1091 SR 1092 SR 1093 SR 1094 SR 1095 SR 1096 SR 1097 SR 1098 SR 1099 SR 1100 SR 1101 SR 1102 SR 1103

Civil Rights Commission/Civil Rights Trail Study Committee; create Sens. Sam Zamarripa (36th); Robert Brown (26th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Vincent Fort (39th); Chip Rogers (21st) and others Rules Committee 03/06/06
Civil Rights Commission; create Sens. Sam Zamarripa (36th); Robert Brown (26th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Vincent Fort (39th); Chip Rogers (21st) and others Rules Committee 03/06/06
Limited Taxation; create Senate Study Committee Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Casey Cagle (49th); Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); John Wiles (37th) and others Rules Committee 03/06/06
Senate Homeland Security Community Partnerships Study Committee; create Sen. Casey Cagle (49th) Rules Committee 03/06/06
Durward (Red) Murphy Memorial Bridge; dedicate Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Transportation Committee 03/06/06
Charles S. (Buddy) Cowan, Jr. Memorial Bridge; dedicate Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Transportation Committee 03/06/06
Joint State Employees Turnover/Staffing Ratios Study Committee; create Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Rules Committee 03/06/06
Blackburn, Judye W.; commend Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Public Health Nurses; commend Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Adjournment; 2006 Regular Session Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Eric Johnson (1st) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and Adopted 03/06/06
Strickland, Mrs. Ruby Hickox; congratulate Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
King, Mr. and Mrs. Ruben; congratulate Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Hagan, Lee Chandler; Eagle Scout; commend Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Gloria Butler (55th) and Don Balfour (9th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Fields, Dr. Greg; commend Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Prather, Mr. Ernest Raymond; commend Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th) and Steen Miles (43rd) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DI y EI

SR 1104 SR 1105 SR 1106 SR 1107 SR 1108 SR 1109 SR 1110 SR 1111 SR 1112 SR 1114

CA: Ad Valorem Tax; bona fide conservation use property; exemption from covenant requirement Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Finance Committee 03/06/06
Southwest DeKalb High School Students; commemorating Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Steve Henson (41st) and Steen Miles (43rd) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Owen, John; Eagle Scout; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Lithonia, City of; commemorating Sens. Steen Miles (43rd); Gloria Butler (55th); Steve Henson (41st); Curt Thompson (5th); David Adelman (42nd) and Emanuel Jones (10th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church; recognize Sen. Jack Hill (4th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Southern Bank & Trust; recognize Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Kesler, Patricia; recognize Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Toccoa Clinic Medical Associates; commend Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Abernathy, Mrs. Juanita Jones; commend Sen. Steen Miles (43rd) Read and Adopted 03/08/06
Restructuring of DeKalb County Government; create Senate Study Committee Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Gloria Butler (55th); Dan Weber (40th); David Adelman (42nd) and Steen Miles (43rd) Rules Committee 03/08/06

fxtx U|M

SB 619

License Plates, Special; person with brain-related disorders/disabilities; provide for issuance, renewal Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); John Bulloch (11th); Seth Harp (29th) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/02/06

SB 620

Motor Vehicle Rental Companies; imposition of fee; provide definitions; procedures, conditions and limitations Sens. Joseph Carter (13th) Finance Committee 03/02/06

SB 621

Commission for the Blind Act; create; provide for composition/appointment of members; duties; annual report Sens. Sam Zamarripa (36th); Chip Rogers (21st); David Adelman (42nd) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/02/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DJ y EI

SB 622 SB 623 SB 624 SB 625 SB 626 SB 627 SB 628 SB 629 SB 630 SB 631 SB 632 SB 633 SB 634

Hospital Acquisition; notice of acquisition to Attorney General; change provisions Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd) and Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Judiciary Committee 03/02/06
Local School System; annual evaluation; superintendent shall identify evaluator Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Education and Youth Committee 03/02/06
Coweta Judicial Circuit; provide for a sixth judge of superior courts Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Seth Harp (29th); Cecil Staton (18th); Valencia Seay (34th) and John Douglas (17th) Judiciary Committee 03/02/06
Georgia Housing Tax Credits; insurance/income taxes; change certain provisions Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Finance Committee 03/02/06
Habersham County; ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption; educational purposes; 65 years/older Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Habersham County Water and Sewerage Authority; continue in existence; reconstitute Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Habersham County; ad valorem taxes; school district; provide homestead exemption; 65 years/older Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Habersham County; ad valorem taxes; change definition of homestead Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Town of Talking Rock; time of municipal elections; terms of mayor/council; change provisions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Obscene Material; definition; penalty; provide offense of distribution Sen. John Wiles (37th) Judiciary Committee 03/02/06
Divorce; provide copy of final decree; certified mail, return receipt requested; filing of receipts Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Judiciary Committee 03/02/06
Town of Tallulah Falls; town council; quorum, voting, special meetings; change certain provisions Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06
Georgia's Self-Defense Act; definition; civil immunity; provide exception Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); John Bulloch (11th); Bill Heath (31st); Greg Goggans (7th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/02/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DK y EI

SB 635 SB 636 SB 637 SB 638 SB 639 SB 640 SB 641 SB 642 SB 643 SB 644 SB645 SB 646

Weights of vehicles/loads; define terms; provide certain record-keeping requirements; exceptions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Transportation Committee 03/02/06
Biodiesel Fuel; define terms Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Transportation Committee 03/02/06
Georgia Driver's Education Commission; change membership; distribution of fines/forfeitures; definition Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/02/06
Aircraft; liens for labor/contracts of indemnity; filing notice of intention to claim with clerk of superior court Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th); Bill Stephens (27th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Special Judiciary Committee 03/06/06
Workers' Compensation Fee Schedule; require promulgation of standards; exemption of medical providers Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Don Thomas (54th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/06
Georgia Workers Security Act; violations of the federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; definitions; penalties Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/06/06
Penal Institutions; persons convicted of certain sexual offenses; Internet usage; supervising agency Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/06
Homeland Security, Office of; immigration enforcement director; establish position; appointment/duties Sens. Casey Cagle (49th); Chip Rogers (21st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st); Don Thomas (54th); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/06/06
County/Municipal Probation Advisory Council; change assignment; administrative purposes Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and John Douglas (17th) State Institutions and Properties Committee 03/06/06
Madison County; board of education; increase in compensation; provide for procedures Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Brian Kemp (46th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06
Licensed Environmental Professionals; conduct/design hazardous site investigations; qualifications; licensure; regulation Sens. Casey Cagle (49th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/06/06
Georgia Brownfields Rescue, Redevelopment, Community Revitalization, and Environmental Justice Act; rehabilitation; change provisions Sens. Casey Cagle (49th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/06/06
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx DL y EI

SB 647 SB 648 SB 649 SB 650 SB 651 SR 652 SR 653 SR 654 SR 655 SB 656 SB 657 SB 658

Quality Basic Education Act; require students in Kindergarten through grade 12 participate in physical activity Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Greg Goggans (7th); Dan Moody (54th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Education and Youth Committee 03/06/06

Community Health, Dept. of; medical assistance benefits to ineligible individuals; establish comprehensive program to monitor/detect Sens. Casey Cagle (49th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Health and Human Services Committee 03/06/06

Motorist Coverage; insured in liability policies; uninsured motorist coverage subject to stacking Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); David Shafer (48th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and Seth Harp (29th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/06/06

Residential/General Contractors; revise a definition; examination; extend date Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/06/06

licensed

without

Off-Road Vehicles; driven/ridden legally on private property for sport/training; local ordinances Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

Austell, City of; revise districts for election of members of city council; definitions; inclusions Sen. Steve Thompson (33rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

Georgia Homeland Protection Act; unlawful for employer to employ any person unless he/she provides proper identification; penalties Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/06/06

Evidence; persons engaged in gathering/dissemination of news; qualified privilege from disclosing certain information Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/06

Treasury, Office of/Fiscal Services; prohibit making certain deposits in certain financial institutions; Republic of Sudan Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

Educational Facilities Surveys; capital outlay funds; potential growth indicators; change provisions Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Education and Youth Committee 03/08/06

Abandoned Cemeteries; counties/municipalities to preserve historically registered cemeteries; provide authority Sen. Jack Hill (4th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

Tift County Board of Education; continuation in office of current members; election of chairperson Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EC y EI

SB 659

Madison, City of; charter; amend, consolidate, revise, and restate Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

[x ex|

HR 413

Warren V. Johnson Bridge; designate Rep. Bob Hanner (148th) Transportation Committee 03/08/06

HR 1302

Stephen J. Schmidt, Sr. Memorial Highway; dedicate Reps. Mike Jacobs (80th) and Fran Millar (79th) Transportation Committee 03/08/06

[x U|

HB 276 HB 491 HB 801 HB 831 HB 847 HB 920 HB 935 HB 988

Motor vehicles; licensing of ignition interlock device providers Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Matt Dollar (45th); Alan Powell (29th); Jack Murphy (23rd) and Bobby Parham (141st) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/02/06
Towns County; board of commissioners; reconstitute Rep. Charles Jenkins (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06
Physical therapists; licenses; eliminate certain requirement Reps. Tom McCall (30th); Glenn Richardson (19th) and Steve Tumlin (38th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/06/06
Richmond County; certain officials; compensation Reps. Pete Warren (122nd); Henry Howard (121st) and Quincy Murphy (120th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06
Juvenile proceedings; emancipation of minors by petition Reps. Mark Butler (18th); Mary Margaret Oliver (83rd) and Lynn Smith (70th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/06
Employees' health insurance; certain members of local boards of education; provide benefits Reps. Lynn Smith (70th) and Billy Horne (71st) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/02/06
Advanced practice registered nurse; controlled substances; provisions Reps. Sue Burmeister (119th); Earl Ehrhart (36th); Bill Hembree (67th); Michele Henson (87th); Debbie Buckner (130th) and Jane Kidd (115th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/06/06
War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission; create Reps. Cecily Hill (180th); Roger Lane (167th); Jerry Keen (179th); Tommy Smith (168th) and Hinson Mosley (178th) Veterans and Military Affairs Committee 03/08/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx ED y EI

HB 1012

General obligation bonds; requirements; provisions Reps. Fran Millar (79th); Stan Watson (91st); Jill Chambers (81st); Paul Jennings (82nd) and Mike Jacobs (80th) Finance Committee 03/08/06

HB 1014

Sales and use tax; government contractor; automatic repeal date; extend Reps. Steve Tumlin (38th); Earl Ehrhart (36th); Shelia Jones (44th); Rich Golick (34th); Judy Manning (32nd) and Rob Teilhet (40th) Finance Committee 03/06/06

HB 1018

Sales and use tax; biomass material; certain exemptions; provide Reps. Jeff Lewis (15th); Larry O'Neal (146th); Gerald Greene (149th); Richard Royal (171st); Bob Hanner (148th) and Karla Drenner (86th) Finance Committee 03/06/06

HB 1031

Incest; gender neutrality; provisions Reps. Ron Dodson (75th); Wendell Willard (49th); Richard Royal (171st); Mike Barnes (78th); Darryl Jordan (77th) and Tom Knox (24th) Judiciary Committee 03/02/06

HB 1075

Bond; used motor vehicle dealers; increase amount Rep. Bobby Parham (141st) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/08/06

HB 1083

Georgia Medical Center Authority; projects; change definition Reps. Ben Harbin (118th); Sue Burmeister (119th) and Barry Fleming (117th) Higher Education Committee 03/08/06

HB 1092

Suicide Prevention Program; create Reps. Judy Manning (32nd); Ron Stephens (164th); Sharon Cooper (41st); Jeff Brown (69th); Debbie Buckner (130th) and Pat Gardner (57th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/08/06

HB 1105

Contracting business; documentation of full-time engagement; provisions Reps. Ron Dodson (75th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Judy Manning (32nd) and Ron Stephens (164th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/06/06

HB 1112

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists; licensing; change provisions Reps. Bob Smith (113th); Doug Holt (112th); Mark Butler (18th) and Charlice Byrd (20th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/02/06

HB 1162

Department of Community Affairs; Section 8 housing fraud; require investigation Reps. Barry Fleming (117th); David Ralston (7th); Melvin Everson (106th); Tom Knox (24th) and Ed Setzler (35th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

HB 1164

Budget Act; amend Reps. Earl Ehrhart (36th); Ben Harbin (118th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Appropriations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1187

Appraisal; county staff; change certain provisions Reps. Wendell Willard (49th); Harry Geisinger (48th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Bob Holmes (61st); Mark Burkhalter (50th) and Joe Wilkinson (52nd) Finance Committee 03/06/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EE y EI

HB 1209

Dept. of Public Safety; motorcycle enforcement program; provisions for payment Reps. Jill Chambers (81st); Joe Wilkinson (52nd) and Stan Watson (91st) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/02/06

HB 1224

Health Share Volunteers in Medicine Act; revise certain definitions Reps. Mickey Channell (116th); Sharon Cooper (41st); Jeff Brown (69th); Donna Sheldon (105th) and Judy Manning (32nd) Health and Human Services Committee 03/08/06

HB 1252

Driver training schools; definitions; provide Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Jack Murphy (23rd); Willie Talton (145th) and Matt Dollar (45th) Higher Education Committee 03/08/06

HB 1253

Drivers' licenses; certain provisions; clarify Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Jack Murphy (23rd); Willie Talton (145th) and Matt Dollar (45th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 03/06/06

HB 1257

Insurance; certain change of address filings; exempt from fee Reps. Tom Knox (24th); Howard Maxwell (17th); John Meadows (5th) and Stan Watson (91st) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/06/06

HB 1275

Commercial driver's license; violation; provide for revocation Reps. Vance Smith (129th); Johnny Floyd (147th); Ed Rynders (152nd); Tom Graves (12th) and Mickey Channell (116th) Transportation Committee 03/06/06

HB 1288

Municipal court clerks; required training; provide Reps. David Ralston (7th); Barry Fleming (117th); Mark Hatfield (177th); Clay Cox (102nd) and Melvin Everson (106th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/06

HB 1291

Automobile clubs; regulate Reps. Richard Smith (131st); Carl Rogers (26th); John Meadows (5th) and Quincy Murphy (120th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/02/06

HB 1293

Conservation use covenant; breach; provide for additional acts Reps. Richard Royal (171st); Johnny Floyd (147th); Jay Roberts (154th); Mickey Channell (116th) and Larry O'Neal (146th) Finance Committee 03/02/06

HB 1308

Nursing homes; fees; change certain provisions Rep. Jeff Brown (69th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/06/06

HB 1310

Revenue and taxation; comprehensive revision of provisions; provide Reps. Larry O'Neal (146th); David Knight (126th); Jim Cole (125th); Richard Smith (131st) and Howard Mosby (90th) Finance Committee 03/06/06

HB 1319

Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority; change certain provisions Reps. Lynn Smith (70th); David Knight (126th); Rich Golick (34th); Carl Rogers (26th) and Tom McCall (30th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/06/06

HB 1326

State-wide Reserve Ratio; contribution rates; change certain provisions Reps. Mike Coan (101st); Roger Williams (4th); Mark Butler (18th); Earl Carter (159th); Clay Cox (102nd) and Tom Knox (24th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/06/06
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EF y EI

HB 1358

Quality Basic Education Act; class size requirements; change provisions Reps. Brooks Coleman (97th); Rich Golick (34th); Vance Smith (129th); Jan Jones (46th); Tommy Benton (31st) and Jay Roberts (154th) Education and Youth Committee 03/06/06

HB 1364

Handicapped persons; Medicare prescription drug insurance plan; provisions Reps. Donna Sheldon (105th); Len Walker (107th); Clay Cox (102nd); David Graves (137th) and Earl Carter (159th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/08/06

HB 1373

Budgetary Responsibility Oversight Committee; repeal creation Reps. Ben Harbin (118th); Mark Burkhalter (50th) and Jerry Keen (179th) Appropriations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1380

Food; adulteration and misbranding; provide certain exemptions Reps. Tom Graves (12th); Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th); Robert Ray (136th); Ellis Black (174th) and Terry England (108th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 03/08/06

HB 1390

State Board of Optometry; change certain provisions relating to creation Rep. Earl Ehrhart (36th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/02/06

HB 1394

Greensboro, City of; provide new charter Rep. Mickey Channell (116th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1404

Commissioner of Agriculture; farmers' market; change provisions Reps. Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th) and Mack Crawford (127th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 03/08/06

HB 1414

Newton County; redevelopment; authorize Reps. Doug Holt (112th); Robert Mumford (95th) and John Lunsford (110th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1415

Newton County; community improvement districts; provide for creation Reps. Doug Holt (112th); Robert Mumford (95th) and John Lunsford (110th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1428

Calhoun, City of; school district ad valorem taxes; provisions Reps. John Meadows (5th) and Tom Graves (12th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1429

Gordon County; school district ad valorem taxes; provisions Reps. Tom Graves (12th) and John Meadows (5th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1432

Woodstock, City of; council members; power of eminent domain; provisions Reps. Chuck Scheid (22nd); Calvin Hill (21st); Charlice Byrd (20th) and Jack Murphy (23rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1434

Flowery Branch, City of; certain city employees; provisions Rep. James Mills (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/02/06

HB 1449

Habersham County; board of education members; change provisions Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EG y EI

HB 1450

Demorest, City of; ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption; provide Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

HB 1457

Gwinnett County; State Court; change terms Reps. Clay Cox (102nd); David Casas (103rd); Melvin Everson (106th); Tom Rice (51st); Hugh Floyd (99th) and Pedro Marin (96th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

HB 1469

Willacoochee, City of; gross receipts tax; authorize Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

HB 1470

Milton, City of; provide charter Reps. Jan Jones (46th) and Mark Burkhalter (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/06

HB 1474

Monroe, City of; quorum requirements; revise provisions Rep. Jeff May (111th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1475

Ellijay, City of; corporate limits; change Rep. David Ralston (7th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1476

Twiggs County; county exemption and income limitation; increase Rep. Allen Freeman (140th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1477

Darien, City of; provide new charter Rep. Roger Lane (167th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1478

Demorest, City of; provide new charter Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1479

Rincon, City of; provide new charter Reps. Earl Carter (159th) and Jon Burns (157th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1480

Oconee County; Board of Education; provisions Rep. Bob Smith (113th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

HB 1481

Bartow County; Board of Commissioners; create Reps. Jeff Lewis (15th); Barry Loudermilk (14th) and Tom Graves (12th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/08/06

g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EH y EI

fxtx \yt| byy|vx ftyy
`x| `A Utx
Director
]tv~ TA [
Deputy Director
]xx T|x{
Communications Specialist
^||t `A Ztx
Office Manager
V{| Ut|x
Session Aide
ctw|| ]tutt|
Session Aide
X|tux{ j|
Session Aide
fxtx \yt| byy|vx
201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
g{| jxx~ `tv{ DC? ECCI
ctzx EI y EI