The Georgia Senate this week, Feb. 2, 2007

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Scholarships for special needs children gets positive response in Senate, heads for House vote

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enate Bill 10, legislation that will allow the parents of special needs children to use scholarships to educate their children either in a public or private school passed the Senate Wednesday by a vote of 31 to 23. The bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st, is

modeled after Florida's successful McKay Scholarship Program for

Students with Disabilities.

"This is not a new proposal," Sen. Johnson said, surrounded by parents of special needs children who will benefit from the legislation if it passes the House and is signed into law by Gov. Perdue. "The Georgia Special Needs Scholarships will provide money for children with disabilities and will combine parent-directed choices with student-directed funding.

"At the heart of this issue is who should decide what is in the best interest of a child with disabilities the parents or the government," Sen. Johnson said from the well.

He explained to his colleagues in the Senate that if a school fails to meet the expectations of the parents of a special needs child, then the GSN Scholarship will allow them to use the state's share of their child's funding as a scholarship to enroll their child in another school either within the public school system or at a private school.

According to Sen. Johnson, in just six years, Florida's McKay program has gone from funding less than 1,000 children in its first year to more than 17,000 students last year. According to the Manhattan Institute, 93 percent of the parents of children with disabilities have said they are "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with the new school compared with those who were satisfied (33 percent) with the public school where their child previously was enrolled. Class sizes are smaller, behavior problems have decreased and the children were far less victimized by other students, who ridiculed them and their disabilities.

The three-hour debate was not without its detractors, and six amendments, including one from Sen. Johnson to amend his own bill, were offered up for a vote. Only Johnson's amendment, Amendment One, passed.

The scholarships will be based on the cost of delivering the same services of the current public school. Georgia officials anticipate that more than 4,000 students will take advantage of the scholarships next year, and that the average scholarship will be about $9,000 per year. During his presentation of the bill, Sen. Johnson introduced several parents of disabled children who hope to participate in the GSN scholarship program if the legislation passes. Georgia parent Sammy Tate has a 13-year-old son who suffers from cerebral palsy. She said the scholarship program will pay for her son's tuition at a private school.

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"I have found a good school that will benefit my son," Ms. Tate said, following the debate. "I can't afford it on my own. The Georgia Special Needs Scholarship program will make an enormous difference in the life of my son."
"Public schools do a tremendous job meeting the needs of most special needs students," Sen. Johnson said, "and they are to be commended for that. However, all children are different and this bill is designed to give parents more options in choosing the best educational program for their child. We recognize that all children are individuals and a different school might more closely meet the needs of the student and parents.
"I fundamentally believe that parents are in the best position to know their children and their unique needs. They deserve the right to make the most appropriate decisions for their own children. This is especially true for parents of children with special needs," Sen. Johnson added. "These families have so many hurdles and the ability to choose the most appropriate education for their children should not be one of them."
Sen. Johnson said this proposal will not reduce the amount of funds available to public schools. In fact, he says, this legislation should leave school systems with more money because they are educating and transporting fewer students. Only the state's portion of the funds will follow the child to the selected public or private school as a scholarship.

Delta remains independent, takeover bid withdrawn
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle announced on Wednesday that US Airways had withdrawn their hostile takeover bid of Delta Air Lines, just days after the members of the Georgia General Assembly signed a letter to U.S. Attorney Alberto Gonzales urging him to make a full and careful review of US Airways' recent hostile takeover bid for Delta Air Lines.
The Senate erupted into applause and a standing ovation.

Senate aide is one millionth HOPE scholar
There were 999,999 before him, but Senate aide John Smith was recognized last week as Georgia's onemillionth HOPE Scholar by Gov. Sonny Perdue and former Gov. Zell Miller, the man who gave Georgia HOPE.

Smith, who is an aide in the Senate Press Office and attends Georgia State University in Atlanta, gave an "aw shucks" grin and said it was just the "luck of the draw."

Who's the Celeb?

"Twenty years ago there were many families in the state of Georgia that would not even allow themselves

Georgia's one-millionth HOPE Scholarship recipient, John Smith, stands with former San Francisco 49ers quarter back

to think about their children going to college because they knew deep down they couldn't afford it," Miller said. "I wanted to establish a culture of higher expectations, where nobody would ever think like that in Georgia ever again."

Joe Montana during an event at the Capitol this week.

A political science and finance major, John epitomizes the HOPE scholarship's mission. His

parents, Mark and Renee Maynard, are faith-based

missionaries who say if it wasn't for the scholarship they couldn't have afforded their son's

college costs.

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\ V|xx Tv| A A A
Administrative Affairs Committee
The Administrative Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
The Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Appropriations Committee
Chairman Jack Hill of the 4th called a meeting of the Senate Appropriations Committee to order on Wednesday, January 31. The Committee heard from John Robertson, vice president of Research at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, who gave an update of Georgia's Economy concerning employment, income growth and tax revenues. Then, Dr. Rajeev Dhawan, director of the Economic Forecasting Center at Georgia State University, presented a national and state forecast update. The update addressed issues in the state of Georgia such as rate cuts, sales tax revenues and the creation of jobs.
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
On Tuesday, January 30, Chairman Bill Hamrick of the 30th called the first meeting of the 2007 session to order. The members of the Committee were introduced and the Committee Rules were unanimously adopted. Then, the Committee began the hearing of Senate Bill 70. Commissioner Rob Braswell of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance explained and discussed SB 70, which would update banking laws to reflect changes in federal law regarding financial institutions.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee did not meet this week.
Education and Youth Committee
Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th called the Committee's first meeting of the 2007 legislation session to order on Thursday, January 25. After unanimously adopting the Committee rules for 2007, Chairman Weber paused to commend Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th for his previous work as Senate Education chairman. President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st then presented the Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 10, which is known as the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act. The legislation would provide for scholarships for public school students with disabilities to attend eligible private schools. Sen. Johnson stated that the bill was modeled after legislation in the state of Florida, known as the McKay Scholarship. Next, Holly Robinson of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation spoke in favor of SB 10. Butts County Superintendent Dr. Alan White stated that while he supports the legislation, he is concerned with certain aspects of the bill's current form. Fulton County Board of Education Member Ashley Widener spoke in support of the bill, stating that it gives the parents of special needs children more choice. Sally Fitzgerald of the PTA then spoke against SB 10, claiming that it will limit accountability. Cathy Everett, a concerned parent, also spoke against SB 10. After a lengthy discussion, in which several other audience members spoke for and against the legislation, SB 10 passed out of Committee by substitute by a 5 to 4 vote, with Senators Ron Ramsey of the 43rd, Vincent Fort of the 39th, Regina Thomas of the 2nd and Horacena Tate of the 38th in dissent.
The Committee reconvened on Tuesday, January 30, to consider Senate Bills 39 and 68. Chairman Weber presented SB 39, known as the Charter System Act, and SB 68, known as the Career Academies Act of 2007, to the Committee. The bills are a part of Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle's legislative package for 2007. SB 39 will authorize the State Board of Education to enter into a charter with a local board of education to establish a local system as a charter system, and establish a Charter Advisory Committee to make certain recommendations to the State Board. SB 68 defines career academies and establishes state start-up funding for these institutions. Next, Lt. Gov. Cagle's Legislative Counsel Irene Munn invited several charter school students to speak to the Committee about their educational experiences. Students from Kipp Ways Academy, Tech High School and Central Education Center (CEC) then relayed stories on how important charter schools have been in
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their lives. David Jernigan, president of Kipp Ways Academy, then spoke in favor of SB 39, stating that more flexibility will be of great benefit to Georgia's charter schools. Georgia School Superintendent Kathy Cox and members of her staff then spoke in support of both bills, saying that the legislation would further the success of charter schools in Georgia. Several other audience members spoke in favor of the legislation. Representatives of Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE), Georgia Association of Educators and Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA) stated that they support both bills, but that some sections of SB 39 need to be clarified further. SB 39 passed by substitute by a vote of 4 to 3, and SB 68 passed by a 5 to 2 vote.
Ethics Committee
The Ethics Committee did not meet this week.
Finance Committee
On Monday, January 29, the Committee met to take up Senate Resolution 21. Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd presented the legislation, which proposes a constitutional amendment that no law will increase any state purpose tax or license fee unless approved by two-thirds majority of each branch of the General Assembly. Alan Essig of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute raised some concerns with comprehensive tax reform to the Committee. A representative from the American Cancer Society also spoke to SR 21, regarding the state cigarette tax. After more debate, SR 21 passed by committee substitute.
The Committee reconvened, along with the House Ways and Means Committee, on Tuesday, January 30. Tax Foundation representatives, Jonathan Williams and Chris Atkins discussed Georgia's tax code and how it compares to nearby states. Williams and Atkins also gave the Committee suggestions on how to make Georgia more competitive and attractive new businesses.
Government Oversight Committee
The Government Oversight Committee did not meet this week.
Health and Human Services Committee
Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, January 30. The Committee Rules were unanimously adopted, and then Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th presented Senate Resolution 66, which creates the Senate Study Committee that would examine the current shortage of practicing physicians and nurses throughout the state of Georgia. Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd presented Senate Resolution 22. SR 22 creates the Hospital Health Care Standards Commission for Prevention of Hospital Acquired Infections, which will study the cleanliness and safety standards in hospitals across Georgia and examines the causes of hospital acquired infections. Then, Senate Resolution 30 was introduced by Sen. Thomas. SR 30 creates the Joint Study Committee on State Stroke System of Care for the purpose of studying the system of Georgia. SR 66, SR 22 and SR 32 were all unanimously adopted. Then Senate Bill 57, also known as the Ray Biddy and Gene Mullis Act, and Senate Bill 45, which creates the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force within the Department of Human Resources' Division of Public Health, was passed. There was also a presentation on Levels of Care for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
Higher Education Committee
The Senate Higher Education Committee did not meet this week.
Insurance and Labor Committee
On Wednesday, January 31, the Insurance and Labor Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 28, the Insuring Georgia's Families Act, by Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd. Sen. Hill explained SB 28 and how it seeks to lower the uninsured population in Georgia by creating new incentives that will encourage the uninsured to adopt health insurance coverage. After much discussion, Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th closed the meeting with the intent of discussing SB 28 at a later meeting.
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Interstate Cooperation Committee
The Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
Joint Senate and House Health and Human Services Committee
Senate Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th and House Chairman Sharon Cooper of the 41st called the joint meeting to order on Thursday, January 25 at Grady Hospital. The joint Committee heard presentations from members of the Emory Medical School and the Morehouse School of Medicine, both of whom have partnerships with Grady Hospital. The presentations focused on the impact that Grady Hospital has on the health of the community. Ben Robinson, executive director of the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, was also in attendance and spoke about the need for more physicians and the importance of Grady Hospital to the state of Georgia.
Judiciary Committee
On Thursday, January 25, the Committee met to take up two bills. Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd announced that Senate Bill 21, sponsored by Senator John Douglas of the 17th, would be discussed in a later meeting. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st presented SB 14, which would extend the sunset dates by two years for superior court clerks. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd then presented SB 20, which would increase the penalty for a second offense of sexually abusing a disabled person, changing the prison sentence from one to five years to 10 to 20 years. Ellyn Jeager, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy of Mental Health America of Georgia, explained the variations of mental illness and testified in support of including those who are mentally ill in the context of the bill. Chairman Smith raised some questions as to the clarity of the bill's language, and requested that Sen. Hill refine the bill and present it to the Committee at a future date.
Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
The Committee held it first meeting of the 2007 session on Wednesday, January 24, to adopt its rules and hear presentations. Dan Forrester of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources gave a presentation introducing Governor Perdue's new "Go Fish Georgia" initiative. The program will aim to re-engineer the fishing industry across the state. Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th stated that the Committee will continue their work next week, detailing the economic impact of the program.
Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Chairman Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th called the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee to order on Tuesday, January 30. Members approved the committee rules for the 2007 session. Senate Bill 44 was introduced by Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd. The bill would create the Georgia Firefighters Standards and Training Council. Chief Lawton Smith of the Thunderbolt Fire Department and Chief Gordon Anderson of the Rome Fire Department told the Committee that standard training procedures are needed for all of the state's fire departments. At the conclusion of the presentation, a Committee Substitute for the bill was introduced, that set the effective date at July 1, 2007. The bill was adopted by a unanimous vote. Officials with Authentix Corporation then gave a presentation about the smuggling of tobacco products, and new technology that could be used to help curb the problem. Andy Lord and Rob Sader told the Committee that the smuggling of cigarettes and other tobacco products are a huge threat to security, because the proceeds from the smuggling are used to fund terror operations in the U.S. and abroad. The company offers a high tech solution using a secure and traceable stamp that can replace the current tobacco stamp used in Georgia.
Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee
The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
The Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee did not meet this week.
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Retirement Committee
A joint meeting of the Senate and House Retirement Committees was held on Thursday, February 1. The Committee received an update on the status of the Employee and Teacher Retirement Systems from William Cary and Nancy Boedy, co-chief investment officers for the department that overseas investment of the retirement funds. Mr. Cary and Ms. Boedy informed committee members that the retirement fund currently stands at $64 billion, all of which is invested in securities. Mr. Cary and Ms. Boedy added that the investments generated $5 billion in fiscal year 2006, which was enough to cover the $180 million the retirement systems' pay monthly in benefits to their 71,000 retirees.
Rules Committee
The Senate Rules Committee met on Wednesday, January 31. Chairman Don Balfour of the 9th presented Senate Bill 76, which would transfer certain powers of appointment from the Committee on Assignments to the Office of Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle. These powers include the appointment of the members of several commissions and councils, including the Georgia World Congress Center Authority Overview Committee, the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council and others. After some brief discussion, SB 76 passed through Committee unanimously.
Science and Technology Committee
The Senate Science and Technology Committee did not meet this week.
Special Judiciary Committee
Chairman Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, January 30, for a hearing on Senate Bill 30. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th presented the bill, which would prohibit the use of the names or pictures of service members of the U.S. armed forces to advertise the sale of any goods, wares or merchandise. Sen. Staton explained a situation in which an Iraq war protestor manufactured tee shirts with the named of deceased servicemen and women printed on the back. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th then spoke in favor of SB 30, and introduced his legislative aide, Richard Ingram, to the Committee. Ingram is an Army veteran who served in Iraq, and he also voiced his support for the bill. After some discussion, Chairman Meyer von Bremen stated that the Committee would take up SB 30 at a later meeting.
State Institutions and Property Committee
The State Institutions & Property Committee met on Tuesday, January 30. The Committee adopted its rules for the 2007 legislative session and considered Senate Resolution 68. SR 68 would name the Georgia Department of Transportation's maintenance headquarters in Long County in honor of William H. "Sonny Boy" Skipper, a recently deceased DOT foreman who served 30 years in the county. Senator Tommie Williams of the 19th addressed the committee on behalf of Long County commissioners, who he said made the initial renaming request. After Sen. Williams' brief presentation, committee approved the resolution by a unanimous vote.
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
The State and Local Governmental Operations Committee met on Wednesday, January 31, to discuss Senate Bill 32, Senate Bill 82 and Senate Bill 83. Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th presented SB 82, which would create the City of Dunwoody in Dekalb County. The Committee heard from several Dunwoody residents and leaders who spoke for and against SB 82. The bill passed through the Committee by substitute by a vote of 4 to 2. The Committee then heard a presentation from Sen. Weber on SB 83, which changes certain local government provisions to newly created municipalities. SB 83 also passed by substitute by a vote of 4 to 2. The Committee also took up SB 32 by Sen. Weber, which would allow the City of Doraville to annex certain property in DeKalb County. Doraville Mayor Ray Jenkins spoke on behalf of SB 32. SB 32 passed out of committee by a vote of 5 to 1.
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Transportation Committee
Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the Committee to order on Wednesday, January 31, to hear a presentation by the Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) Deputy Commissioner Buddy Gratton, regarding the department's maintenance needs. Commissioner Gratton gave an overview of the duties, activities and budget of the department, then outlined several of the department's maintenance and financial needs. The Senate Committee then joined the House for a joint meeting in which a presentation was given by Robert Poole, founder of the Reason Foundation, who presented his study, Reducing Congestion in Atlanta: A Bold New Approach to Increasing Mobility. Mr. Poole is also the director of Transportation Studies at the foundation. In his study, he proposed a reconstruction of Atlanta's long-range transportation plan by adding four major toll road projects, which would significantly reduce the region's current and projected traffic congestion.
Urban Affairs Committee
The Urban Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
Chairman John Douglas of the 17th called the meeting of the Senate Veterans and Military affairs Committee to order on Tuesday, January 30. Following adoption of the Committee rules, Senators heard a presentation from Lieutenant Colonel Nate Pulliam. Col. Pulliam served on a transition team in Iraq, helping restore a democratic government to the country. He told the Committee that while the US had made mistakes in strategy while fighting the war, victory in Iraq is critical to our national security. The next presentation featured Major General Terry Nesbitt. Gen. Nesbitt is the Director of the Georgia Department of Emergency Management, and serves in the Georgia National Guard. He briefed Committee members on the status of Georgia Guard members serving at the U.S. border in New Mexico.
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(Friday, January 26 Thursday February 1, 2007)

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SR 85

Roswell High School Hornets football team; commend Sens. Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 86

Johnson, Ms. Onnie Lucille; condolences Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 87

Human Resources, Dept.; urged to name district health office building at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in honor of Dr. Raymond F. Corpe Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Don Thomas (54th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Bill Heath (31st) Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07

SR 88

Tyler, Howard A.; recognize Sens. Jack Hill (4th) and Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 89

Buehler, Officer Matthew; recognize Sens. Jack Hill (4th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Judson Hill (32nd) and John Wiles (37th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 90

Oliver, Mitchell; recognize Sens. Jack Hill (4th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and Seth Harp (29th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 91

Lunsford, Sr., Walter T.; condolences Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 92

New Horizons Employees Achieving Today; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 01/26/07

SR 93

Coweta Up In Smoke Barbecue Cook-off; recognize Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 01/29/07

SR 94

The Georgia Renal Coalition; commend Sens. Tommie Chance (19th); Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th); Cecil Staton (18th); Don Thomas (54th) and others Read and adopted 01/29/07

SR 95

Israel, State of; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); David Adelman (42nd); Renee Unterman (45th); Dan Moody (56th); Chip Rogers (21st) and others Read and adopted 01/29/07

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SR 96 SR 97 SR 98 SR 99
SR 100 SR 101 SR 102 SR 103 SR 104 SR 105 SR 106 SR 107 SR 108 SR 109

Lipson, Dr. Robert Alan; condolences Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); John Wiles (37th); Chip Rogers (21st); Steve Thompson (33rd); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Read and adopted 01/29/07
Meyer, Anabelle Grace and Isabelle Anne; celebrate birth Sens. Jeff Chapman (3rd); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 01/29/07
Quesada, Cadence Olivia; celebrate birth Sens. Jeff Chapman (3rd); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 01/29/07
Home School Day at the Capitol Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Chip Pearson (51st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Tommie Williams (19th); John Douglas (17th) and others Read and adopted 01/29/07
Community Health Centers Day Sens. Jack Murphy (27th) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 01/29/07
Lesser, Mr. Craig; recognize Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Jack Murphy (27th) and others Read and adopted 01/29/07
Phi Delta Theta Fraternity; recognize Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Read and adopted 01/29/07
Schley County, Georgia; recognize Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 01/29/07
Eddie Wiggins Bridge; Houston County; dedicate Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Transportation Committee 01/30/07
McMichael, Miss Bliss; congratulate Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Guido, Dr. Michael; commend Sen. Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Brown, Alisa R.; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Jones, Phyllis; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Armstrong, Michael; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 01/30/07

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SR 110 SR 111
SR 112 SR 113 SR 114 SR 115 SR 116 SR 117 SR 118 SR 119 SR 120 SR 121 SR 122

Pirkle, Gordon; commend Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 01/30/07
National Federation of Independent Business in Georgia; recognize Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Cecil Staton (18th); John Douglas (17th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and others Read and adopted 01/30/07
12 for Life Program, Carroll County School System, Southwire Company; recognize Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Smalley, Joanne; congratulate Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Williams, Rev. Roger W.; condolences Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Blount, Alice Sharpe; congratulation Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Future Farmers of America; recognize Sen. John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jack Hill (4th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Georgia Farm Bureau Federation; recognize Sen. John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jack Hill (4th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Strickland, Honorable Joe C.; condolences Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Sims, Deborah; commend Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 01/30/07
North Clayton Falcons 13 and 14 year-old football team; congratulate Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Gail Davenport (44th); Horacena Tate (38th) and Vincent Fort (39th) Read and adopted 01/30/07
Tourism Industry in Georgia; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Joseph Carter (13th); Robert Brown (26th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and others Read and adopted 01/30/07
Black Contractors Day in Georgia; recognize Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Gail Davenport (44th); Valencia Seay (34th); Kasim Reed (35th); Tim Golden (8th) and others Read and adopted 01/30/07

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SR 123 SR 124 SR 125 SR 127 SR 128 SR 129 SR 130 SR 131 SR 132 SR 133 SR 134

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; urged to begin study of the costs/effects of raising the full pool for Lake Lanier Sens. Lee Hawkins (49th); Jack Murphy (27th); Chip Pearson (51st); Renee Unterman (45th); Dan Moody (56th) and others Natural Resources and Environment Committee 01/31/07
U.S. Congress; urged to withdraw from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Rogers (21st); John Douglas (17th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Judson Hill (32nd) and others Rules Committee 01/31/07
Lottery Funds; reserved only for the HOPE Scholarship Program CA Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Seth Harp (29th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Bill Heath (31st); Bill Hamrick (30th) and others Higher Education Committee 01/31/07
Counties/Municipalities in Georgia; urged to take proactive measures towards reducing underage drinking Sens. Regina Thomas (2nd); Greg Goggans (7th); Cecil Staton (18th); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and others Read and adopted 01/31/07
Mill Creek Hawks 7-8 year-old National Pee Wee All-Star baseball team; commend Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 01/31/07
Southern Catholic College Day Sen. Preston Smith (51st) Read and adopted 01/31/07
Townships; power of zoning/regulation of land use development; funding Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Chip Pearson (51st); Dan Weber (40th); Tim Golden (8th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Urban Affairs Committee 02/01/07
Ronald Reagan Day; recognize Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); Eric Johnson (1st); Chip Rogers (21st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Joseph Carter (13th) and others Read and adopted 02/01/07
Georgia's sustainable/friendly businesses; commend Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and others Read and adopted 02/01/07
Augusta, Georgia, Environmental Issues; create joint study committee Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); J.B. Powell (23rd); Jack Hill (4th); Tommie Williams (19th ); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and others Natural Resources Committee 02/01/07
Capitol Police; commend Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); George Hooks (14th); Tommie Williams (19th); Ed Harbison (15th); Seth Harp (29th) and others Read and adopted 02/01/07

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SR 135

Forestry Day at the Capitol; recognize Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); John Bulloch (11th); Jack Hill (4th); Eric Johnson (1st); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and others Read and adopted 02/01/07

SR 136

Emmett Henry Austin Memorial Bridge; dedicate Sens. Steve Thompson (33rd) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Transportation Committee 02/01/07

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SB 51 SB 53 SB 54 SB 55 SB 56 SB 57 SB 58 SB 59 SB 60

Human Res., Dept.; owners of personal care homes; criminal history background Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Greg Goggans (7th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Bill Hamrick (30th) and Seth Harp (29th) Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07
Health Planning; exemptions; acute cancer hospitals Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Bill Hamrick (30th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Seth Harp (29th); Ross Tolleson (20th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07
Offenses; incest; provide for gender neutrality Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Joseph Carter (13th) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee 01/26/07
Alcoholic Beverages; resealed partially consumed bottle of wine; uniform rules of the road Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Cecil Staton (18th); Don Balfour (9th); Nan Orrock (36th); Seth Harp (29th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/26/07
Alcoholic Beverages; wine direct shipper licenses; provide for issuance Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Cecil Staton (18th); Don Balfour (9th) and Seth Harp (29th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 01/26/07
Ray Biddy and Gene Mullis Act; renal disease facilities and personnel Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Don Thomas (54th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Balfour (9th); Gloria Butler (55th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07
Taxation; payment of taxes where property lies in more than one county; repeal certain provisions Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); John Wiles (37th) and John Bulloch (11th) Finance Committee 01/26/07
Social Networking Website; illegal for owner to allow minor to create/maintain profile; provide for penalties Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Seth Harp (29th); Joseph Carter (13th); Chip Rogers (21st); George Hooks (14th) and others Science and Technology Committee 01/26/07
Georgia Trauma Commission; establish Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Eric Johnson (1st); David Adelman (42nd); Renee Unterman (45th); John Bulloch (11th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07
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SB 61 SB 62 SB 63 SB 64 SB 65 SB 66 SB 67 SB 68 SB 69 SB 70 SB 71

Child-Placing Agency; require petitioner to submit to a criminal history records check Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Valencia Seay (34th); Gloria Butler (55th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Health and Human Services Committee 01/26/07
Georgia Crime Information Center; provide certain conditions for requesting criminal history records Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Valencia Seay (34th); Joseph Carter (13th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/26/07
Property; single-family residential real estate; definition; exempt. Cert. lien Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Dan Weber (40th) Judiciary Committee 01/29/07
Liens; wrong real estate; provide for a special designation Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Dan Weber (40th) Judiciary Committee 01/29/07
Property; single-family residential real estate; contract; requirements Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Dan Weber (40th) Judiciary Committee 01/29/07
Abortion; medical equipment for facilities; procedures Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); John Douglas (17th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 01/29/07
Superior Courts; specify costs not be considered contingent expenses Sens. John Wiles (37th); Tommie Williams (19th); Jack Hill (4th); Seth Harp (29t); Chip Rogers (21st) and others Judiciary Committee 01/29/07
Career Academies Act; disbursement of funds; charter schools Sens. Dan Weber (40th); Joseph Carter (13th); John Douglas (17th); Dan Moody (56th); Don Thomas (54th) and others Education and Youth Committee 01/29/07
River Basin Protection Act; regulate inter-basin transfer of water Sens. Preston Smith (52nd) and Seth Harp (29th) Natural Resources/Environment Committee 01/29/07
Financial Institutions; update banking laws to reflect changes in federal law Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Jack Murphy (27th); Ed Tarver (22nd) and others Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 01/29/07
Special Elections; questions to the voters shall be held on certain dates Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Cecil Staton (18th); John Douglas (17th) and others Ethics Committee 01/29/07

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SB 72 SB 73 SB 74 SB 75 SB 76 SB 77
SB 78 SB 79 SB 80 SB 81 SB 82

Quality Basic Education Act; school administrative managers; financial affairs Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Dan Weber (40th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Cecil Staton (18th) and others Education and Youth Committee 01/29/07
HealthCare Plans; continue access to care; enrollees; definitions Sens. David Shafer (48th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Dan Moody (56th) Insurance and Labor Committee 01/29/07
Returning Hero Education Act; admission standards for certain combat veterans Sens. J.B. Powell (23rd); Ed Harbison (15th); Tommie Williams (19th); Seth Harp (29th); Ed Tarver (22nd) and others Higher Education Committee 01/29/07
Scholarships; postsecondary; minimum state-wide standards for honor courses Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Tommie Williams (19th); Doug Stoner (6th) and Tim Golden (8th) Higher Education Committee 01/29/07
Assignment, Committee on; powers, duties; change provisions; transfer of power Sens. Eric Johnson (1st) and Tommie Williams (19th) Rules Committee 01/30/07
Commercial Vehicles; local tag agents; International Registration Plan Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Chip Pearson (51st); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); John Bulloch (11th); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/30/07
Community Health, Dept. of; powers, duties and functions; change certain provisions Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Health and Human Services Committee 01/30/07
Criminal Attempt; increase maximum punishment for convictions; felonies punishable by death/life imprisonment Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Preston Smith (52nd); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Judiciary Committee 01/30/07
Public Retirement Systems; define terms; alternative investments; provide code of ethics Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Curt Thompson (5th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Preston Smith (52nd); Bill Heath (31st) and others Retirement Committee 01/30/07
Special Licenses; 100 years of scouting; Boy Scouts of America Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); John Wiles (37th); Don Thomas (54th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/30/07
Dunwoody, City of; incorporation, boundaries, and powers of the city Sens. Dan Weber (40th); Eric Johnson (1st); David Shafer (48th) and Tommie Williams (19th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 01/30/07
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SB 83 SB 84 SB 85 SB 86 SB 87 SB 88 SB 89 SB 90 SB 91 SB 92 SB 93

Municipalities; change certain local government provisions Sens. Dan Weber (40th); Eric Johnson (1st); David Shafer (48th) and Tommie Williams (19th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 01/30/07
Insurance; protect members of United States armed forces; unscrupulous practices; marketing/sale of insurance Sens. David Shafer (48th); John Douglas (17th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Dan Moody (56th) and others Insurance and Labor Committee 01/31/07
Equal Access to Extracurricular Activities; home/private school students may participate in public schools; provide conditions Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Rogers (21st); David Shafer (48th); Chip Pearson (51st); John Douglas (17th) and others Education and Youth Committee 01/31/07
Safety Belts; passenger vehicles; eliminate certain exceptions to the required use Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Doug Stoner (6th); Jack Murphy (27th); Dan Weber (40th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 01/31/07
Highway System; Dept. of Transportation; RV friendly markers on specific service signs for business establishments Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Greg Goggans (7th) and Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Transportation Committee 01/31/07
Care of a Grandchild Act; provide subsidy to certain grandparents raising grandchildren under certain circumstances Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Valencia Seay (34th); Tommie Williams (19th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); and Eric Johnson (1st) Judiciary Committee 01/31/07
Georgia Township Act; creation Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Chip Pearson (51st); Dan Weber (40th); Tim Golden (8th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Urban Affairs Committee 02/01/07
City of Hamption Public Facilities Authority; outstanding debt/contracts; local governing authority of Henry County Sen. John Douglas (17th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/01/07
Traffic Offenses; fleeing/attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle; punishment; change provisions Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); John Wiles (37th); David Adelman (42nd); J.B. Powell (23rd) and Joseph Carter (13th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/01/07
Commissioner, Revenue; powers/duties; sales/use taxes; collection of certain data Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Balfour (9th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Finance Committee 02/01/07
Patient Disclosure for Eye Surgery Act; delegation of postoperative eye care for patient who has undergone eye surgery Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Don Thomas (54th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Judson Hill (32nd) and Renee Unterman (45th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/01/07
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SB 94 SB 95 SB 96 SB 97 SB 98

Dispossessory Proceedings; clarify the process for judgments by defaults Sens. John Wiles (37th); Bill Hamrick (30th); Bill Heath (31st); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/01/07
Cigarettes/Tobacco; minors; unlawful to attempt purchase; vending machines; change certain provisions Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); David Adelman (42nd); Don Thomas (54th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Valencia Seay (34th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/01/07
Drug-Free Work Programs; provide for onsite/oral testing Sens. Tim Golden (8th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/01/07
Criminal Trial Proceedings; require parties to raise specific objections to jury charges prior to jury retiring to deliberate Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Judiciary Committee 02/01/07
Crimes/Offenses; Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigate certain offenses against minors, including subpoena power Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Bill Heath (31st); Cecil Staton (18th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/01/07

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HB 96 HB 132

State depositories; Federal Home Loan Banks; secure state funds Reps. James Mills (25th); Johnny Floyd (147th); Calvin Hill (21st) and David Knight (126th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 01/31/07
Vessels; certain ports; numbers of pilots; change certain provisions Reps. Ron Stephens (164th); Jerry Keen (179th); Earl Carter (159th) and Bob Bryant (160th) Economic Development Committee 01/31/07

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Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
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