The Georgia Senate this week, Feb. 23, 2007

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Bi-partisan Charter School System Act passes

Senate, heads to House for approval

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Charter School Systems bill that will fund competitive charter systems implementation grants of up to $125,ooo for planning and incentive costs for school systems that choose to become Charter systems passed the Senate on February 2. The Charter Systems Act authorizes the State

Board of Education to enter into a charter with a local board of education to establish a local

school system as a charter giving local systems the flexibility to tailor their educational

programs to meet the unique needs of their communities.

"I am grateful my colleagues saw the value of these initiatives and I look forward to passage in the House soon," Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said following passage of the bill. Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th introduced the legislation on Lt. Gov. Cagle's behalf.

Co-sponsored by Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd, the legislation will allow these Charter Systems to be free of all state mandates, and many federal mandates with the exception of No Child Left Behind laws and non-discrimination mandates.

The legislation also establishes a nine-member Charter Advisory Committee to assist with the development of charter policy, review charter positions to ensure compliance and provide recommendations to the State Board of Education for approval or denial of a charter petition.

"This bill has the opportunity to enact meaningful reform of public education in Georgia, and I am glad to see that it had such strong, bipartisan support. The success of charter schools is clear, and I am glad that we are moving forward and creating opportunities to build on that success," Sen. Tarver said.

The Senate also passed Lt. Gov. Cagle's Career Academies Act, a bill that will provide the framework for career academies throughout Georgia. These local school system-technical college partnerships are designed to increase graduation rates and potential job and educational opportunities for students by establishing and providing start-up funds for career academies through the partnership of technical colleges and local boards of education.

Grade integrity act gets full support of the Senate
The Senate passed the Grade Integrity Act on February 13, without a dissenting vote. The Act, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st, ensures teachers that they will not be required, coerced, intimidated or disciplined in any manner by the local board of education, superintendent, or any local school administrator to change the grade of a student unless the teacher has failed to comply with the grading policies adopted by the local board or written procedure established by an individual school. Under Senate Bill 9, a central office administrator, superintendent or local school administrator, however, will not be prevented from changing a student's grade. Any grade change made by a person other than the classroom teacher must be clearly indicated on the student's record.
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Constituent's concern leads to introduction of Senate Bill One
Late last year, a constituent of Sen. Eric Johnson's of the 1st, Vickie Lewis of Richmond Hill in Bryan County, contacted the Senator to express concern following an incident that involved her teenage daughter.
"Some of the best legislation comes about from regular Georgia citizens," Sen. Johnson said after he filed Senate Bill 1. "This bill is a good example of how real life situations drive solutions in a republic. No ideology. No special interests. No agenda. Just a phone call from a concerned mother."
The bill provides that any registered sex offender, who intentionally photographs a minor, without the consent of the child's parent or guardian will be guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor.
Several months ago, Mrs. Lewis' daughter, who works in a coffee shop in Richmond Hill, was approached by a man she doesn't know who began snapping photographs of her and then showing them around to other customers. While he didn't physically harm Mrs. Lewis' daughter in any way, she was unnerved by the incident, and her parents reported it to the police.
The police identified the man as a sex offender from another state, but said there was nothing they could do about this particular incident because there was no law in Georgia prohibiting convicted sexual offenders from photographing a minor.
"We want to make sure that this doesn't happen to any other young Georgian," Sen. Johnson said. "It is our duty to protect our children, and if this law will help to do this, then as lawmakers, we are obliged to see it through the process.
"I hope this legislation will encourage more Georgians to contact their elected officials about ideas they have regarding potential laws. Their daily life experiences help us to craft bills that will help all of our citizens."
Senate votes to delay implementation of REAL ID Act
With only one "no" vote, Senate Bill 5, authored by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th, passed the Senate on February 9 authorizing Governor Sonny Perdue to delay compliance with certain provisions of the federal REAL ID Act until the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expressly guarantees that implementation of the Act will not compromise the economic and biological privacy of Georgia's citizens. The legislation further prohibits the Georgia Department of Driver Services from issuing an identification card, license, permit or other official document to non-citizen applicants unless such applications have been confirmed through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program.
In May of 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, creating national standards for the issuance of state driver's licenses and identification cards. REAL IDs must include the person's name, birth date, sex, ID number, digital photograph, address and a "common machine-readable technology" that will be selected by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The implementation must be completed by May 11, 2008.
"These standards are likely to alter long-standing state laws, regulation and practices governing the qualifications for, and the productions and issuance of such IDs in every state," Sen. Seabaugh said. "They also will require substantial investments by states and the federal government to meet the objectives of the Act."
The cost of implementing the REAL ID Act in Georgia, according to the Georgia Department of Drivers' Services, is $10-20 million. Thus far, Congress has not appropriated money for the REAL ID program.
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Senate votes to create Georgia Trauma Commission, Georgia Trauma Trust Fund
After spending the better part of 2006 co-chairing the Comprehensive State Trauma Services Joint Study, Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th, introduced Senate Bill 60 creating the Georgia Trauma Commission that will apply for, receive and administer state and federal funds and grants, private grants, donations and other funds. For the first two fiscal years in which funds are appropriated, the Commission will distribute the funds to uncompensated physician trauma care services, EMS trauma services, designated trauma care services and readiness costs for trauma care centers.
The Study Committee met last year to look at ways to add to Georgia's Trauma network which is woefully inadequate for a state this size. Georgia has only four Level One trauma centers in Atlanta, Augusta, Macon and Savannah. Additional centers will save the lives of hundreds of Georgians each year.
"Georgia does not have a statewide, inclusive trauma system, which constrains our ability to provide optimal care to trauma patients," Sen. Staton said. "Data suggests only 30 percent of major traumatic injuries in Georgia are treated in designated trauma centers. Consequently, Georgia's trauma-related death rate is 20 percent above the national average. If we could reach the national average, we could possibly save 700 or more lives a year."

U. S. Sen. Chambliss visits Senate Chamber
U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss addressed members of the Senate on Tuesday, to talk about several issues affecting Georgians. He discussed Georgia's PeachCare for Kids funding crisis, telling the Senators that "[there isn't] a more valuable program ever created by this body than the PeachCare program. We have the model program for everybody else in the country to copy." Currently, Georgia is waiting for Congress to reauthorize more than $130 million dollars to pay for the federal government's portion of the popular program for unisured children.

Another successful Family Day fills the Capitol halls

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amily members of Senators and staff, and families from near and far converged on the Capitol in a rare Saturday session on February 10, and the Senate passed several bills from the GeorgiaSpeaks.com Web site. GeorgiaSpeaks.com was

designed to allow citizens to give the Senate their ideas for legislation they would like to see

passed.

Sponsored by Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th, Senate Bill 34, which was a GeorgiaSpeaks idea submitted by Warden Ralph Kemp of Reidsville, restricts access to crime scene and victim photos when the crime is of a sexual nature. Senate Bill 71, another GeorgiaSpeaks.com idea, limits the dates for special elections such as SPLOST elections to dates where other elections are already occurring. "Too many times, SPLOST elections are held at times when only a small segment of registered voters go to the polls," Sen. Williams, who also authored this bill said. "This small segment of voters makes a decision that affects everyone. Senate Bill 71 seeks to increase voter turnout by limiting the dates that special elections may occur and to save taxpayer dollars by combining multiple elections."

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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, February 6, Chairman Bill Hamrick of the 30th called the meeting to order. First, the Committee heard from Commissioner Rob Braswell of the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance, who explained Senate Bill 70. SB 70 updates banking laws to reflect changes in federal law regarding financial institutions. After some discussion SB 7o, the bill was passed with a unanimous vote.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee did not meet this week.
Education and Youth Committee
The Committee met on Friday, February 9, to consider Senate Bills 9 and 72. Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th chaired the Committee on behalf of Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th presented the Committee Substitute to SB 72, which would authorize local school boards to employ administrative managers, in lieu of or in addition to assistant principals. Sen. Williams also recommended an amendment to clarify language in the bill concerning the qualifications of an administrative manager. SB 72 passed by substitute as amended by a unanimous vote. Next, Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st presented the Committee Substitute to SB 9, otherwise known as the Grade Integrity Act of 2007. The legislation aims to protect educators, providing that a classroom teacher will not be required, coerced, intimidated or disciplined in any manner to change the grade of a student. The legislation failed to pass during the 2006 session. Representatives of the Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (PAGE) expressed their support of the bill. Jocelyn Whitfield of GAE asked for some minor language changes, which Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th then proposed as an amendment. SB 9 passed by substitute as amended by a unanimous vote. The Committee reconvened on Tuesday, February 20, to consider SB 85. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th presented the bill, which would allow home school and private school students to participate in extracurricular activities at the public school within their district. After several questions from the Committee, Executive Director of the Georgia High School Sports Association (GHSA) Ralph Swearngin spoke against SB 85, stating that high school athletics are an extension of the classroom. Representatives of the Georgia School Boards Association (GSBA), Georgia Association of Educators (GAE) and other groups expressed concern about the legislation. Vice-Chairman Carter then concluded the meeting by stating that SB 85 may come up again for a vote at another meeting.
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Ethics Committee
Chairman Renee Unterman of the 45th called the Committee to order on Thursday, February 1, to consider two bills. First, the Committee reviewed a document outlining the proper procedures for filing an ethics complaint against a Senator or staff member. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th then presented Senate Bill 40, which would punish certain fraudulent election-related activities, including absentee voter fraud, in a more severe manner. Jennifer Owens of the Georgia League of Women Voters spoke in favor of the bill. Cam Kirbo from the Secretary of State's Office spoke in favor of SB 40, but expressed his concerns that the proposed penalties may be too harsh. Sen. George Hooks of the 14th offered an amendment, setting the maximum penalty at ten years for certain types of election fraud. The Committee agreed and SB 40 passed as amended by substitute. Next, Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th presented SB 71, which would reduce the number of dates on which special local elections may be held. Sen. Williams stated that the idea for the bill originated from the new GeorgiaSpeaks website. Tom Gehl of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) proposed an amendment to include one additional date that special elections may be held during odd-numbered years. Sen. Williams added an amendment to change the legislation's effective date to January 1, 2008. Both amendments were approved, and SB 71 passed through Committee as amended.
Finance Committee
On Thursday, February 1, the Committee met to take up Senate Resolution 20. Chairman Chip Rogers of the 21st presented the resolution, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution to provide for limitations on state government taxation and expenditures. Representatives from Americans for Prosperity, AARP of Georgia, SEIU and the Georgia Public Policy Foundation all gave testimony to SR 20. Sen. Rogers stated the Committee would take up the bill again next meeting.
The Committee reconvened on Friday, February 9, to consider Senate Resolution 20 again and Senate Bill 58. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th led the discussion on SR 20, in which he explained the substitute merely defines terms. Chairman Rogers stated that this legislation would create a stable budget. He furthered explained that the General Assembly would decide how excess revenues would be spent. After more discussion, SR 20 passed by substitute. Next, Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd presented SB 58, which repeals certain provisions to the payment of taxes where property lies in more than one county. SB 58 passed through the Committee unanimously.
The Committee met again on Monday, February 12, to take up two bills. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st presented SB 92, which requires the Department of Revenue to collect retail sales tax data made in each county, retails sales made within the limits of a municipality and sales tax within the unincorporated area of a county. City Manager of Valdosta Larry Hanson spoke in favor of the bill. Clint Mueller, spokesman for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia raised concerns about the bill. After more debate, SB 92 passed by Committee substitute. Chairman Rogers announced that SR 5, sponsored by Sen. David Shafer of the 48th, would move forward next meeting.
Government Oversight Committee
The Government Oversight Committee did not meet this week.
Health and Human Services Committee
On Thursday, February 1, Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th called the meeting to order. The first bill open for discussion was Senate Bill 61, which requires that any petitioner in an adoption proceeding to submit fingerprints to the Georgia Crime Information Center for a criminal history records check, presented by Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd. SB 61 was passed unanimously. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th presented Senate Bill 17, which allows certified optometrists to prescribe oral medications to treat diseases and conditions of the eye. SB 17 was passed unanimously. Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd presented Senate Bill 51, which makes it unlawful for an owner of a personal care home, private home care provider or child welfare agency to operate such a facility with a criminal record. After much deliberation, SB 51 failed with a tied vote, 7 to 7. Sen. Smith also presented Senate Resolution 87. SR 87 urges the Georgia Department of Human Resources to name the district health office to be built at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in honor of Dr. Raymond F. Corpe, former
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superintendent of the hospital and a pioneer of tuberculosis research. SR 87 was passed unanimously.
The Committee reconvened Tuesday, February 13, to consider Senate Bills 95 and 60. Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th presented SB 95, which makes it a crime for minors to attempt to purchase cigarettes or other tobacco products and also prohibits the dispensing of any nontobacco products, other than lighters, in vending machines that dispense cigarettes and other tobacco products. SB 95 was passed unanimously. SB 60, presented by Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th, creates the Georgia Trauma Commission within the Department of Human Resources, and allows hospitals offering trauma services to add additional beds or operating rooms for trauma purposes without applying for a certificate of need. SB 60 passed out of committee, but amendments will be added prior to the full Senate vote. Then, the Committee held a hearing for SB 53, which was presented by Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th. SB 53 creates an exemption to the certificate of need (CON) program for nonphysician-owned acute care cancer treatment hospitals, so long as such hospitals have 50 or fewer beds and at least 65 percent of their annual patient base consists of residents of other states. Patients from Cancer Treatment Centers of America provided testimonies in support of SB 53. Emory oncologist, Dr. David Lawson, and the Georgia Cancer Coalition spoke against SB 53.
The Committee met again Thursday, February 15. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th presented the Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 66, known as the Full Disclosure Ultrasound Act. This legislation provides that a woman seeking an abortion must first submit to an ultrasound or sonogram examination and must be offered an opportunity to the view the ultrasound or sonogram image prior to an abortion being performed. After some debate, SB 66 passed by substitute by a vote of 8 to 5.
Higher Education Committee
The Senate Higher Education Committee did not meet this week.
Insurance and Labor Committee
Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th called the Committee to order on Wednesday, February 7, to discuss Senate Bill 49. Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd presented the bill, which would provide the delivery of certain services and techniques to deaf-blind individuals by an organization knowledgeable on deaf-blind issues. Sen. Thomas explained that this is the exact same bill that passed out of the Committee last year. Susan Lasek of the Hellen Keller National Regional Office, stated they support the bill and hope that SB 49 will keep the deaf-blind community from falling through the cracks. A Department of Labor spokeswoman also stated that the DOL supports the bill. After some brief discussion, SB 49 passed through the Committee unanimously.
The Committee reconvened on Wednesday, February 14, to consider Senate Bills 84, 131 and 153. Sen. David Shafer presented SB 84, which would prohibit dishonest, unfair or deceptive insurance practices in marketing or sales of insurance to military service members. SB 84 passed through the Committee unanimously. Next, Chairman Hudgens presented SB 131, which is a housekeeping bill that closes a loophole in the language relating to the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund. The Committee heard testimony from the Director of the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund, Richard McGee. SB 131 passed through the Committee unanimously. The Committee then held a discussion on SB 153, which was formerly SB 28, but has been broken down into four new bills. Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd presented the bill, which repeals the Georgia Basic Health Insurance Plans, and, instead, authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to develop guidelines for Consumer Driven Health Insurance Plans (CDHP). After more testimony, Sen. Hill of the 32nd closed the discussion.
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Interstate Cooperation Committee
On Thursday, February 8, Chairman Ed Harbison of the 15th called the first meeting of the 2007 session to order. The members and staff of the Committee were introduced and the Committee rules were then unanimously adopted.
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, February 8. The Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Steve Stice, director of the Regenerative Bioscience Center, focused on stem cell research. The UGA research center is actively working on one of the federally approved stem cell lines. Additionally, Dr. Stice is working with U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson to develop legislation that would break the deadlock on federal support of stem cell research.
The Joint Committee reconvened on Friday, February 9, at the Emory Winship Cancer Institute. The Committee heard from several doctors of the Winship Cancer Center, explaining the levels of care and the services that are provided at their facility. Following the presentations, members of the House and Senate Committees were given a tour of the facility to view the high quality of cancer care currently provided across the state of Georgia.
Joint Senate and House Higher Education Committee
Senate Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th and House Chairman Bill Hembree of the 67th called the joint meeting to order on Wednesday, February 13. The Committee heard a presentation from Cathie Mayes Hudson, associate vice chancellor from the Office of Strategic Research and Analysis, focused on the projected enrollment for the University System of Georgia. Several members from the Board of Regents were also in attendance.
Joint Senate and House Science and Technology Committee
Senate Chairman Cecil Staton of the 18th and House Chairman Amos Amerson of the 9th called the meeting to order on Thursday, February 8. The Committee held a hearing on Senate Bill 59, concerning social networking Web sites. SB 59 provides penalties for a site owner that allows a minor to create or maintain profiles. Sen. Staton started the meeting by addressing the growing problems of child molestation and murder through social networking websites, such as Myspace.com. Special Agent in Charge John Whitaker and Sue Dowling, of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, were in attendance to discuss the dangers associated with minors using social networking websites.
Judiciary Committee
The Committee met on Thursday, February 1, to take up four bills. President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st presented Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit registered sex offenders from photographing minors. Joining Sen. Johnson to present the bill was Vicki Lewis, a constituent who brought the issue to the Senator's attention. Sandra Michaels of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in favor of the bill, and proposed an amendment that would add specific language in order to protect the intent of the bill and cover potential situations. The amendment was not voted on. Maggie Garrett of the ACLU testified in opposition to the bill, stating that it restricts free speech. Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th suggested adding language to the bill, which would serve for clarification and also satisfy those suggestions made by the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. The bill as amended passed unanimously. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th then presented Senate Bill 34, which would prevent prisoners, who have been convicted of crimes of a sexual nature, from posting photographs in their prison cells of their victims and/or crime scenes. The idea for the bill came from a suggestion on the GeorgiaSpeaks.com website from Wheeler Correctional Facility Warden Ralph Kemp of Alamo, GA, who testified alongside Sen. Williams. Vernon Keenan, director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) spoke in favor of SB 34. The bill passed unanimously. Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd presented Senate Bill 54, which provides gender neutrality in cases of incest. One witness testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th then presented the Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 21, which eliminates the chance of parole for a convicted felon who has killed a peace officer, corrections employee or firefighter while on duty. Jack Martin of the Georgia
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Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Chris Adams, director of Georgia Capital Defenders, spoke in opposition to the bill, citing that SB 21 could apply to those involved in a felony murder. Several others testified in support of the legislation. Chairman Smith decided not to vote on the bill until a clause is added for the exception of felony murders.
On Thursday, February 8, the Committee reconvened to take up two bills. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th presented Senate Bill 23, which would allow the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to inquire into and consider the legality of a prisoner's citizenship in the U.S. when making parole decisions. After some debate among the Committee members, the bill was passed by a vote of 10 to 1, with Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th in dissent. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st then presented Senate Bill 43, which would allow employees to keep firearms locked in their car when parked in a company or employer's parking lot. Several witnesses debated the bill, including the National Rifle Association, which supports SB 43, and representatives from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association, who testified in opposition to the bill. Three amendments were proposed, all of which clarify the bill's language. SB 43 passed by substitute by a vote of 10 to 2, with Senators Fort and Reed in dissent.
On Monday, February 12, Chairman Smith called the Committee to order again to take up two bills. Senate Bill 79 by Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th was presented to the Committee by David McDade, a district attorney representing Douglas County. McDade explained that SB 79 would increase the maximum prison sentence to 30 years for attempting to commit a crime, up from the original maximum of ten years. After some discussion, the bill passed unanimously. Senate Bill 97, also by Sen. Hamrick, was also presented by McDade. He explained that the bill would require an attorney to inform the court of any specific objections to a jury charge made during a court case, such as misstated charges. Ms. Michaels of the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in opposition to the bill. After further debate, SB 97 passed by a vote of 7 to 2, with Sens. Fort and Robert Brown of the 26th in dissent.
Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Chairman Ross Tolleson of 20th called the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee to order on Wednesday, February 14. Chief of Staff of the Office of President Pro Tempore Melanie Stockwell spoke on behalf of Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st about the additions made to Senate Bill 27. The bill was changed to include a revocation of motor vehicle registration for citizens who abandon their vessels in Georgia's waterways. As amended, SB 27 then passed unanimously. Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd spoke about the resolution he authored, Senate Resolution 133. The resolution creates a study committee that would examine environmental issues present in Augusta. After brief discussion, the resolution passed unanimously. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th gave a brief presentation on SR 243. The resolution is urges the US Army Corp of Engineers to study the effects of adding to the storage capacity of all corps reservoirs in the State of Georgia.
Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Chairman Jim Whitehead of the 24th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 13. Committee members heard a presentation on Senate Bill 86, which would remove the seat belt exemption for pickup trucks in Georgia. Senator Don Thomas of the 54th stated that removing the pickup truck exemption would earn the state more than $20 million in federal highway funds. It could also save between 20 and 80 lives each year. Mike Healey with AAA auto club told the Committee that his organization supports the legislation because it will save lives and gain more federal money for Georgia. Steve Henry with the Georgia Department of Transportation said that there are 185 fatal accidents in pickup trucks each year, and 68 percent of the fatal accidents involved unbuckled passengers. Several other organizations spoke in support of the bill before the public comments were closed, and agreed that the proposal is a good idea. Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st began the Committee's discussion, saying that while he understands the benefits of this bill, he is not in favor of new laws that restrict the freedom of our citizens. With no further debate the chair called for a vote. The legislation was approved by a vote of 9 to 2, with Sen. Heath and Sen. Chapman in dissent.
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Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee
The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Chairman David Shafer of the 48th called the meeting to order on Wednesday, February 14. The rules for the 2007 2008 session were approved by a unanimous vote. The Committee heard testimony on SB 114. The bill is the general housekeeping bill for the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Jim Ledford with the Real Estate Commission went through the bill's proposed changes line by line. The legislation includes provisions to allow more continuing education for realtors, and changes the rules for minimum lengths of time after a criminal conviction before qualifying for a real estate license. The bill was approved by a vote of 7 to 1. The Committee also heard testimony on SB 115. The bill was presented by Mark Woodall and Suzanne Williams of the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. The legislation sets the definition for a general contractor in the state, as well as new guidelines for licensing. SB 115 was approved by a unanimous vote.
Retirement Committee
The Senate Retirement Committee did not meet this week.
Rules Committee
The Senate Rules Committee did not meet as a standing committee this week.
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 Thursday, February 8. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th presented Senate Bill 94, which seeks to clarify Georgia law relating to the process by which a landlord may seek to lawfully evict a tenant. After questions, Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd suggested language that would further clarify the bill's intent. Sen. Tarver moved to amend SB 94, which then passed by substitute unanimously. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th presented SB 41, which enhances code provisions concerning process servers. Chairman Meyer von Bremen stated that the Committee would not vote on SB 41 at this meeting. The legislation would require gated/secured communities to allow access to a process server and require any person serving process papers to file proof of service with five business days. The bill would also set the requirements for becoming a permanent process server in the state, and create a registry of permanent process servers. After several questions, Chairman Meyer von Bremen said that at the next meeting, the Committee will hear public comment and possibly vote on SB 41.
The Committee reconvened on Tuesday, February 20, to consider several bills. Deputy Legislative Counsel Wayne Allen presented Senate Bills 103, 104 and 124 on behalf of Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd. All three bills make updates, corrections and revisions to Georgia code sections and were recommended by the Code Revision Committee. After some brief explanation, all three bills passed unanimously. Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th then presented SB 135, which would apply the current confidentiality safeguards that Georgia law provides for child abuse and deprivation records to the Office of the Child Advocate. Allyson Anderson of the Office of the Child Advocate spoke in support of the legislation, which passed unanimously. Chairman Meyer von Bremen then presented SB 30 on behalf of Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th. The legislation 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, and it was heard at a previous meeting. Sen. Meyer von Bremen stated that the Committee Substitute included new language that satisfied all concerned parties, and the substitute to SB 30 passed unanimously. Next, Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented SB 135, which will increase current penalties for the criminal reproduction and sale of recorded materials, more commonly referred to as "CD piracy." After some discussion, Chairman Meyer von Bremen stated that the Committee would take up SB 135 at another meeting.
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State Institutions and Property Committee
Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called the meeting to order Tuesday, February 13. Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th was in attendance to present House Resolution 21. HR 21 designates the Dalton Regional Youth Detention Center as the Elbert Shaw, Jr. Regional Youth Detention Center, Dalton, Georgia to honor Elbert Shaw, Jr., and his dedication to children and youth. HR 21 was unanimously adopted. Then, Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th presented House Bill 245, which recommends that the Department of Public Safety not furnish a passenger motor vehicle to the Warden of the Georgia State Prison for official business. The opposing bill, Senate Bill 108, was presented by Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th and recommends that the Department of Public Safety furnish a passenger motor vehicle to the warden for official business. HB 245 was unanimously passed and as a result, SB 108 died in Committee. Senate Bill 120 was presented by Sen. Whitehead. Current law requires all state entities to acquire real property through the State Properties Commission. However, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Technical and Adult Education are exempted from this requirement, SB 120 removes this exemption. SB 120 was passed unanimously.
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
The State and Local Governmental Operations Committee did not meet this week.
Transportation Committee
Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the Committee to order on Wednesday, February 7. The Committee took up Senate Bill 87 by Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st. The bill was presented by Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th, who explained that SB 87 would incorporate the use of "RV friendly" markers on signs for business establishments that cater to those driving recreational vehicles. Sen. Whitehead stated that he believes implementation of the bill would help to increase tourism throughout the state. SB 87 passed unanimously. Next, the Committee heard a presentation from Jane Hayes, Transportation Planning Division Chief of the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC), which focused on Atlanta's congestion issues.
Urban Affairs Committee
The Urban Affairs Committee met on Tuesday, February 13. The Committee adopted its rules for the 2007 legislative session, and also discussed Senate Resolution 130 and Senate Bill 89. Chairman David Adelman of the 42nd presented SR 130, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia to allow the General Assembly to lawfully create townships. Sen. Adelman also presented SB 89, which would establish new language that provides for the creation of townships. The Committee heard a presentation Carl Vinson Institute of Government representative Harry Hayes on townships and some possible alternatives to them. The Committee also heard testimony from Vinings Homeowner Association President Ron Sifen, who supports the legislation. The Committee plans to take up both pieces of legislation at its next meeting.
Veterans and Military Affairs Committee
The meeting was called to order by Chairman John Douglas of the 17th on Tuesday, February 13. Members heard testimony from Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd on Senate Resolution 81. The resolution condemns the nations of Iran and Syria for their support of Hezbollah. It urges the international community to impose meaningful sweeping sanctions on the Iranian and Syrian governments. The resolution was approved by a unanimous vote.
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(Friday, February 2 Wednesday, February 21)

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SR 137

Devine, Tiffany; commend Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 138

Pages; Elizabeth Lockhart, Stephanie Lockhart, Angela Tyson; recognize Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 139

Congress; urged to raise allowable deduction for health savings accounts Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Bill Heath (31st); Chip Rogers (21st) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/02/07

SR 140

U.S. Congress; urged to enact legislation that would amend the Medicare program Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Bill Heath (31st); Chip Rogers (21st) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/02/07

SR 141

Morlan, Becky; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 142

Newsome, Beth; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 143

Arrington, Christa; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 144

Powell, Tonya; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 145

Dudley, Robin; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 146

Warthen, Sherika; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 147

Dudley, Robin; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

SR 148

Campbell, Coach Larry; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 149 SR 150 SR 151 SR 152 SR 153 SR 154 SR 155 SR 156 SR 157 SR 158 SR 159 SR 160 SR 161

Hunter, Kimberly; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07
Firefighters' Recognition Day; commend Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/02/07
Youth Leadership Baldwin 2007; commend Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Read and adopted 02/02/07
Gainesville-Hall County Day; recognize Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) Read and adopted 02/02/07
Gault, Mrs. Paula H.; commend Sens. Jack Murphy (27th); Chip Pearson (51st) and Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 02/02/07
Joint Human Services Transportation Study Commission; create Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Judson Hill (32nd) and John Douglas (17th) Transportation Committee 02/08/07
Adams, Mrs. Juanita K.; recognize Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Shore, David Henry; condolences Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Rural Health Day; recognize Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Don Thomas (54th); Preston Smith (52nd); Ross Tolleson (20th); George Hooks (14th) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
Vollmer, Michael; recognize Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th); John Wiles (37th); Cecil Staton (18th); Gail Davenport (44th) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
Armed Forces; First Annual Veterans Day Celebration; recognize Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); John Douglas (17th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church; recognize Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Gail Davenport (44th) and John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Long, Bishop Eddie L.; commend Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Steve Henson (41st) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 162 SR 163 SR 164 SR 165 SR 166 SR 167 SR 168 SR 169 SR 170 SR 171 SR 172 SR 173 SR 174

Fowler, Bishop Miles Edward; honoring Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Dan Weber (40th); David Adelman (42nd); Gloria Butler (55th) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
McCalep, Dr. George O.; honoring Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); David Adelman (42nd); Gloria Butler (55th); Steve Henson (41st) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
Rucker, Rev. Raleigh; commend Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); David Adelman (42nd); Gloria Butler (55th); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Steve Henson (41st) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
Bussey, James, Alice White-Bussey; commend Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Steve Henson (41st) and others Read and adopted 02/08/07
Honor, Lieutenant General Russel L.; commend Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Thompson, Sean; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/08/07
Epilepsy Awareness Day; recognize Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Peachtree Ridge High School Varsity Competition Cheerleaders; commend Sens. Renee Unterman (45th) and David Shafer (48th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Carver State Bank; commend Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/09/07
King, Kira M.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Barlow, Ruby H.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Sawyer, Nikki T.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Ringwald, Heather Rachael; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 175 SR 176 SR 177 SR 178 SR 179 SR 180 SR 181 SR 182 SR 183 SR 184 SR 185 SR 186

Shorey, Sandra Joyce; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Pace, Cheri M.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Long, James; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Hooks, Chelsie B.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Wingfield, Shanna D.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Gunn, Kelli Leigh; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
New, Cheryl Lynn; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Spates, Harold Shane; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Fluke, Katherine Clair; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Loadholt, Justin Thomas; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Kanzler, Jennifer M.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Smith, Lindsey Leigh; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 187 SR 188 SR 189 SR 190 SR 191 SR 192 SR 193 SR 194 SR 195 SR 196 SR 197 SR 198

Brown, David; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Schaffer, Autumn; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
East, Michael Patrick; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Howell, Richard K.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Shaw, Melissa Jean; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Brandon, Theodora Lee; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Nguyen, Bao Tram; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Hagedorn, Robert Michael Allen; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Chang, Yollande S.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Jackson, Douglas Michael; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Leslie, Logan Michael; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Daugherty, Melissa K.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx DH y FJ

SR 199 SR 200 SR 201 SR 202 SR 203 SR 204 SR 205 SR 206 SR 207 SR 208 SR 209 SR 210 SR 211 SR 212

Smith, Sarah B.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Harper, Michael; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Hudson, Jaree; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Aniakou, Madje A.; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Allison, Casey Glen; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Jones, Yoshana; Outstanding Scholar; commend Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Let Us Make Man Event; recognize Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Gail Davenport (44th); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Regina Thomas (2nd) and others Read and adopted 02/09/07
Harris, Alesha; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Jordan, Chris; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Cox, Kason; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Bates, Elizabeth; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Bowyer, James; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Garrett, Joseph; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Dillon, Jennifer; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx DI y FJ

SR 213 SR 214 SR 215 SR 216 SR 217 SR 218 SR 219 SR 220 SR 221 SR 222 SR 223 SR 224 SR 225 SR 226 SR 227

Duncanson, Blake; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Sanders, Sarah; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Augugliaro, Loreal; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Morgan, Michael; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Moore, Travis; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Adams, Felicia; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Parks, Brittany; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Thomas, Mardee; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Kent, Maria; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Loftin, Lamar; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Rumer, Becky; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
McDaniel, Liliana; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Fourth Street Baptist Day Care Center; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Small, Rev. Frederick L.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Davis, Wilbert; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/09/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 228 SR 229 SR 230 SR 231 SR 232 SR 233 SR 234 SR 235 SR 236 SR 237 SR 238 SR 239 SR 240

Peace Officers; appropriate funds necessary to provide for retirement credit for retired members; prior to January 1, 1976 CA Sens. Ed Harbison (15th) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Retirement Committee 02/09/07
Paul Keenan Parkway; Dougherty County; dedicate Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and George Hooks (14th) Transportation Committee 02/09/07
Easter Seal Southern Georgia; celebrate Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); George Hooks (14th) and Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Craft, Mrs. Judy; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Rogers (21st); David Shafer (48th); Renee Unterman (45th) and others Read and adopted 02/09/07
Georgia Archives Staff; recognize Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); George Hooks (14th) and Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Harpe, Walt; commend Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
Kozak, Amanda; honoring Sens. Tim Golden (8th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and adopted 02/09/07
American Probation and Parole Association; commend Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 2/09/07
Allman II, Private First Class Daniel Joseph; condolences Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th) and John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/10/07
Cherry Blossom Festival; recognize Sens. Robert Brown (26th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/10/07
Pilgrim's Pride Corporation; recognize Sens. Greg Goggans (7th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Chip Pearson (51st); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jack Murphy (27th) and others Read and adopted 02/10/07
Ballard, Mrs. Judy; condolences Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Joseph Carter (13th); and Bill Heath (31st) Read and adopted 02/10/07
People's Republic of China; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Pearson (51st); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and others Read and adopted 02/10/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 241 SR 242 SR 243 SR 244 SR 245 SR 246 SR 247 SR 248 SR 249 SR 250 SR 251 SR 252

Partnership for Health and Accountability; commend Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Greg Goggans (7th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/10/07
Georgia Board for Physician Workforce; recognize Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Greg Goggans (7th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/10/07
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Congress; urged to begin a study of the cost/effects; storage capacities Sens. Seth Harp (29th); George Hooks (14th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); John Bulloch (11th) and others Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/10/07
4-H Day at the Capitol; commend Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Bill Heath (31st) Read and adopted 02/10/07
Lenice, Miss Brittanie; recognize Sens. Joseph Carter (13th) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/10/07
Indigent Defense; create Joint Study Committee Sens. John Wiles (37th); Preston Smith (52nd); Eric Johnson (1st) and Tommie Williams (19th) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Eugenics; express profound regret for Georgia's participation Sens. David Shafer (48th); Chip Rogers (21st); Eric Johnson (1st); Dan Moody (56th); Tommie Williams (19th) and others Science and Technology Committee 02/10/07
Ad Valorem Taxes; prohibit county from levying withing a municipality as special services districts-CA Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Dan Moody (56th); Chip Rogers (21st); Dan Weber (40th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 02/13/07
Public Property; conveyance; granting of easements for facilities, utilities 6 counties Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Seth Harp (29th); Ed Harbison (15th); Greg Goggans (7th); Preston Smith (52nd) and others State Institutions and Property Committee - 02/13/07
Council on American Indian Concerns; recognize Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Seth Harp (29th) and Don Thomas (54th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Happy Home Missionary Baptist Church; recognize Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Eric Johnson (1st); Regina Thomas (2nd) and Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Emergency Medical Services Recognition Day; commend Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Cecil Staton (18th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Preston Smith (52nd); Jack Murphy (27th) and others Read and adopted - 02/13/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx DL y FJ

SR 253 SR 254 SR 255 SR 256 SR 257 SR 258 SR 259 SR 260 SR 261 SR 262 SR 263
SR 264 SR 265 SR 267

Anderson, Mr. Robert; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Bishop, Mrs. Vivian Creighton; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Smyre, Rep. Calvin; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Walker, James; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted - 02/13/07
Filiberto, Sue; recognize Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/13/07
Feagin Mill Middle School; recognize Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/13/07
Swanson, Dr. Olivia; commend Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Historic Preservation Day at Rhodes Hall; celebrate Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Waffle House; recognize Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Rules Committee 02/14/07
Meadows, Miss Nell Katherine; congratulations Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Commuter Rail; Athens to Atlanta; urging U.S.Congress to provide funding Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Renee Unterman (45th); David Shafer (48th) and others Transportation Committee - 02/14/07
Mount Paran Christian School Cheerleading Squad; congratulating Sens. John Wiles (37th); Judson Hill (32nd); Steve Thompson (33rd); Doug Stoner (6th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Pugh, Evelyn W. Turner; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Sequoyah High School Lady Chiefs Fast Pitch Softball Team; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/14/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
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SR 268 SR 269 SR 270
SR 271 SR 272 SR 273 SR 274 SR 275 SR 276 SR 277 SR 278 SR 279 SR 280

Woodstock High School Lady Wolverines Fast Pitch Softball Team; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Georgia Chamber of Commerce Business Day; recognize Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Robert Brown (26th); Don Balfour (9th); J.B. Powell (23rd) and others Read and adopted 02/14/07
Zell Bryan Miller; urging Capitol Arts Standards Commission to authorize the placement of statute on grounds of the State Capitol Building Sens. Nancy Schaefer (50th); Preston Smith (52nd); Cecil Staton (18th); Jack Hill (4th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and others State Institutions and Property Committee 02/14/07
PAGE Day on Capitol Hill; commend Sen. Dan Weber (40th) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Milliken, Mrs. Annette; condolences Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Wright, Mrs. Louise Henderson; condolences Sen. Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 02/20/07
G.P. Babb Middle School Bulldogs Girls' Volleyball Team; recognize Sen. Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Board of Regents, University System of Georgia; honoring Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and John Wiles (37th) Read and adopted 02/14/07
Dental Hygienists' Appreciation Day; recognize Sens. Lee Hawkins (49th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Kimberl, Carl; recognize Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) Read and adopted 02/20/07
U.S. Rep. Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr., D.D.S.; commend Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Johnny Grant (25th) and others Read and adopted 02/20/07
Senate; provide four-year terms of office for members CA Sens. John Douglas (17th); Seth Harp (29th); Tommie Williams (19th); Robert Brown (26th); Cecil Staton (18th) and others Ethics Committee 02/20/07
Property Rights Relating to Reproductive/Genetic Technology; create Senate study committee Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Preston Smith (52nd); Don Thomas (54th); Cecil Staton (18th); David Adelman (42nd) and others Judiciary Committee 02/20/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx ED y FJ

SR 281 SR 282
SR 283 SR 284 SR 285 SR 286 SR 287 SR 288 SR 289 SR 290 SR 291 SR 292 SR 293 SR 294 SR 295

Williams, Jr., Mr. Tracy; commend Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Georgia One Tax; prohibit subsequent imposition of state ad valorem taxes/state income taxes; comprehensive consumption tax CA Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Chip Rogers (21st); Chip Pearson (51st); Bill Heath (31st); Judson Hill (32nd) and others Finance Committee 02/20/07
Joint Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Study Committee; create Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/20/07
Turner, Angela Della Costanza; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Italy Day at the Capitol; recognize Sens. Chip Pearson (51st) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Yeomans, Tyler Harris; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Chrysosferidis, Michael; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Porter, Daniel; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Porter, Christopher; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Turner, Rico; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Anderson, Matthew O.; commend Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Johnny Grant (25th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/07
Leadership DeKalb Class of 2007; recognize Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
E.W. Oliver Elementary School "mathletes"; commend Sens. Valencia Seay (34th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Wilson, Jackie L.; commend Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Lott, Mr. Francis M.; recognize Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx EE y FJ

SR 296 SR 297 SR 298 SR 299 SR 300 SR 301 SR 302 SR 303 SR 304 SR 305
SR 306 SR 307 SR 308
SR 309

POW Julian Abel Memorial Bridge; dedicating Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Transportation Committee 02/21/07
PFC Elwood W. Odom Memorial Bridge; dedicating Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Transportation Committee 02/21/07
MIA/KIA Bryant H. Roberts, SFC Memorial Bridge; dedicating Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Transportation Committee 02/21/07
POW Fred L. Belcher Memorial Bridge; dedicating Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Transportation Committee 02/21/07
Walden, Phil; condolences Sens. Robert Brown (26th); Cecil Staton (18th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Phil Walden Memorial Interchange; dedicating Sens. Robert Brown (26th); Cecil Staton (18th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Transportation Committee 02/21/07
Locust Grove, City of; commend Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Hampton, City of; commend Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Clark, Mr. Charles; commend Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Stuckey, Jill; commend Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Jack Hill (4th); Steve Henson (41st); John Bulloch (11th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and others Read and adopted 02/21/07
Johnson, Mr. Billy Ray "B.R."; condolences Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Ellis, Cameron; commend Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Vietnamese Heritage and Freedom Flag; recognize Sens. David Shafer (48th); Chip Rogers (21st); Cecil Staton (18th); John Wiles (37th) and Jeff Chapman (3rd) Read and adopted 02/21/07
Infrastructure Development Districts; provide by general law the creation and comprehensive regulation-CA Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and Steve Thompson (33rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/07

g{| jxx~ Yxut EF? ECCJ
ctzx EF y FJ

fxtx U|M

SB 99 SB 100 SB 101 SB 102 SB 103 SB 104 SB 105 SB 106 SB 107 SB 108

Alcoholic Beverages; permitting limousine carriers to sell; annual applications/fees Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Doug Stoner (6th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Steve Henson (41st) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/02/07
Crime; knowingly manufacturing, selling, or distributing false identification documents; increase certain penalties Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Lee Hawkins (49th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Jack Murphy (27th) Judiciary Committee 02/02/07
Agricultural Facilities; redefine a term Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); George Hooks (14th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Jack Hill (4th) and others Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/02/07
Chiropractors; define/redefine terms; scope of practice; change criminal penalties for unlicensed practice Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Renee Unterman (45th); Chip Rogers (21st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Steve Henson (41st) Health and Human Services Committee 02/02/07
O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Seth Harp (29th); Bill Hamrick (30th); Judson Hill (32nd) and others Special Judiciary Committee 02/08/07
O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions; Title 47 Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Seth Harp (29th); Bill Hamrick (30th); Judson Hill (32nd) and others Special Judiciary Committee 02/08/07
Electrical Services; require charges to communications/cable companies; assessing poles, ducts shall be uniform; procedures/remedies Sens. David Shafer (48th); Don Balfour (9th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/08/07
Bonds; surety for good behavior; extend the period Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Seth Harp (29th); Joseph Carter (13th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Judiciary Committee 02/08/07
Richmond County, City of; change second division's jurisdiction; create third division of state court Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd) and J.B. Powell (23rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/08/07
Law Enforcement Officers; passenger motor vehicles; Georgia State Prison warden; furnished by Dept. of Public Safety Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Joseph Carter (13th); Jack Murphy (27th); John Douglas (17th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and others State Institutions and Property Committee 02/08/07
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ctzx EG y FJ

SB 109 SB 110 SB 111 SB 112 SB 113 SB 114
SB 115 SB 116 SB 117 SB 118 SB 119

Insurance; definitions; include plan administrators in prompt pay requirements Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); David Shafer (48th); Robert Brown (26th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Don Thomas (54th) and others Insurance and Labor Committee 02/08/07
Municipal; deannexation; repeal certain provisions Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Chip Rogers (21st); Jack Murphy (27th) and Eric Johnson (1st) State and Local Governmental Operations 02/08/07
University System; revenue collected from tuition shall not lapse Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Gail Davenport (44th); Cecil Staton (18th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and others Higher Education Committee 02/08/07
Appellate Court Judges; optional benefits; notice of election; eligibility Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Preston Smith (52nd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Bill Hamrick (30th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Retirement Committee 02/09/07
Insurance; appointment of agents by authorized insurer before licensing; background checks Sens. David Shafer (48th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Dan Moody (56th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/09/07
Real Estate Brokers; criminal convictions; terms/conditions of sentence; provide that certain time periods shall pass; application for licensure Sens. David Shafer (48th); Tommie Williams (19th); Eric Johnson (1st); Chip Rogers (21st); Chip Pearson (51st) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/09/07
Residential/General Contractors; revise the licensure provisions Sen. David Shafer (48th); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); Chip Pearson (51st) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/09/07
State Forestry Commission; qualifications of the director; change provisions Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Tommie Williams (19th); John Bulloch (11th) and Jack Hill (4th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/09/07
Bail; sexual offenses; certain additional conditions Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); David Adelman (42nd); Chip Rogers (21st); Preston Smith (52nd) and Kasim Reed (35th) Judiciary Committee 02/09/07
Educational Facilities Surveys; change certain provisions Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Bill Heath (31st) Finance Committee 02/09/07
Criminal Procedure; victim/members of immediate family with rights; provide for certain procedures Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Judiciary Committee 02/09/07

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SB 120 SB 121 SB 122 SB 123 SB 124 SB 125 SB 126 SB 127 SB 128 SB 129 SB 130 SB 131

State Properties; requirement that acquisitions of real property must be conducted through commission; remove certain exceptions Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Johnny Grant (25th); Jack Murphy (27th) and Don Thomas (54th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/09/07
State Properties; administrative space; modify certain exceptions Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Johnny Grant (25th); Don Thomas (54th) and John Bulloch (11th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/09/07
Education; annual performance evaluations; require signature of evaluator and provide to certificated person Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st) and Dan Weber (40th) Education Committee 02/09/07
Local Boards of Education; require twins placed in same classroom if parent requests Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); David Shafer (48th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Judson Hill (32nd); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/09/07`
O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions; Title 21 Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Seth Harp (29th) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/09/07
Motor Vehicles; speed restrictions; instruments charging violations of speed regulations; specify two-lane or highway Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Cecil Staton (18th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Kasim Reed (35th); Bill Heath (31st) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/09/07
Decatur County School Building Authority; create Sen. John Bulloch (11th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/09/07
Retirement System; Dept. of Public Safety; may elect to pay additional employee contribution; certain members Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Tim Golden (8th); David Adelman (42nd) and Steve Thompson (33rd) Retirement Committee 02/09/07
Child Advocate, Office of; provide confidentiality of records Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/09/07
Penal Institutions; provide limited copayments by inmates for prescription medications Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); John Douglas (17th) and others State Institutions and Property Committee 02/10/07
Georgia Building Authority; general provisions; operational powers Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Bill Cowsert (46th); John Douglas (17th) and Chip Pearson (51st) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/10/07
Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; payment of assessments; change certain provisions Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/10/07
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SB 132 SB 133 SB 134 SB 135 SB 136 SB 137 SB 138 SB 139 SB 140 SB 141 SB 142 SB 143

Tax Returns; local law; establish a different time Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); J.B. Powell (23rd); Robert Brown (26th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Finance Committee 02/10/07
Levy; interstate insolvent estates; homestead exemptions; maximum amounts; change certain provisions Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); Robert Brown (26th); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd); Vincent Fort (39th) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Hospital; acquisitions; notice to the Attorney General; change certain provisions Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); David Adelman (42nd); Seth Harp (29th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Criminal Reproduction; increase penalties; provide forfeiture of certain items Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Special Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Telephone Service; prepaid cell phones; define terms; require identification of the purchaser in retail sales Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and Joseph Carter (13th) Science and Technology Committee 02/10/07
Alcoholic Beverages; regulation of sales on Sunday; county/municipality Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Doug Stoner (6th); David Adelman (42nd); John Bulloch (11th); Vincent Fort (39th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/10/07
Alcoholic Beverages; regulation of sales on Sunday; county/municipality Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Doug Stoner (6th); David Adelman (42nd); John Bulloch (11th); Vincent Fort (39th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/10/07
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; transfer from judicial branch to executive branch Sens. John Wiles (37th) and Preston Smith (52nd) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Circuit Public Defender; change composition of selection panels; removal; terms Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); John Wiles (37th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; change composition Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); John Wiles (37th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Circuit Public Defenders; may hire additional personnel; authorized by local law Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); John Wiles (37th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Judicial Circuits; alternative delivery systems; provide for funding Sen. John Wiles (37th) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
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SB 144 SB 145 SB 146 SB 147 SB 148
SB 149 SB 150 SB 151 SB 152 SB 153 SB 154

Group Insurance Benefits; pursuant to Title 20 and Title 45; U.S. Internal Revenue Code Sens. Jack Murphy (27th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Bill Heath (31st); Chip Rogers (21st) and Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/12/07
Crime and Sentencing; persons convicted of murder; imposition of life without parole Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Dan Moody (56th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/12/07
Public Works Bidding; provide definitions; advertisement of contract opportunities Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); David Shafer (48th); Doug Stoner (6th); Chip Pearson (51st); Tommie Williams (19th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/12/07
Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority; create Sens. David Shafer (48th); Don Balfour (9th); Curt Thompson (5th) and Dan Weber (40th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 02/13/07
Saving the Cure Act; create the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid; Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure Sens. David Shafer (48th); Cecil Staton (18th); Don Thomas (54th); Chip Rogers (21st); Bill Heath (31st) and others Science and Technology Committee - 02/13/07
Probate Court of Floyd County; office of judge; nonpartisan elections Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 02/13/07
Pharmacists/Pharmacies; submit certain performance and cost data to Dept. of Community Health Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Don Thomas (54th) Health and Human Services Committee - 02/13/07
Georgia Health Security Underwriting Authority; create; alternative mechanism coverage for the availability of individual health insurance Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Insurance and Labor Committee - 02/13/07
Clarkesville, City of; change corporate limits Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 02/13/07
Georgia Consumer Driven Health Insurance Plan; provide for development of plans by the Commissioner of Insurance Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Insurance and Labor Committee - 02/13/07
Municipal Corporations; agreements with solid waste collections firms; territory annexed/incorporated Sen. Jack Murphy (27th); Chip Pearson (51st); Eric Johnson (1st); Chip Rogers (21st); David Shafer (48th) and others Economic Development Committee 02/14/07

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SB 155 SB 156 SB 157 SB 158 SB 159 SB 160 SB 161 SB 162 SB 163 SB 164 SB 165

Immunization; human papillomarvirus; female students entering the sixth grade Sen. Don Balfour (9th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/14/07
Retirement; counties, municipal corporations; post-employment benefits; define certain terms Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Lee Hawkins (49th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Gasoline Additives; provide for grants; E-85 gasoline for retail sale; define certain terms Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); John Bulloch (11th); Tommie Williams (19th); Jack Hill (4th) and others Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/14/07
Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; salary supplements for the judges; change provisions Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Dan Weber (40th); Gloria Butler (55th); David Shafer (48th); Steve Henson (41st) and others State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07
Homestead Exemptions; change date of filing applications Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ronnie Chance (16th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Tim Golden (8th) and others Finance Committee 02/14/07
Retirement; authority to increase benefits; shall terminate; July 1, 2007 Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Horacena Tate (38th); Jack Murphy (27th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Retirement; disability benefits; physical exam done at convenient place of beneficiary; delete provisions Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Jack Murphy (27th); Doug Stoner (6th) and Nancy Schaefer (50th) Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Retirement; person who becomes member; disability benefit; actual years of creditable service Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Horacena Tate (38th); Jack Murphy (27th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Retirement; county revenue employees; no person who becomes tax commissioner or any such officer shall be eligible for membership Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Horacena Tate (38th); Jack Murphy (27th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Doug Stoner (6th) and others Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Certificate of Need Reformation Act; extensive revision of the certificate of need program Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Tommie Williams (19th); Tim Golden (8th); Doug Stoner (6th); John Bulloch (11th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 02/14/07
Agricultural Commodity Commissions; ratification of commissions; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/14/07
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SB 166 SB 167 SB 168 SB 169
SB 170 SB 171 SB 172 SB 173 SB 174 SB 175 SB 176

Driver Services, Dept. Of; add approved virtual courses; under the age of 25 years Sens. Lee Hawkins (49th); Greg Goggans (7th); Jack Murphy (27th); Chip Pearson (51st); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and others Insurance and Labor Committee 02/20/07
State Health Benefit Advisory Committee; create Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Tim Golden (8th); George Hooks (14th); Robert Brown (26th) and Emanuel Jones (10th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/20/07
Deaf Child's Bill of Rights Act; communication needs of a deaf student Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Gloria Butler (55th); Dan Moody (56th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Valencia Seay (34th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/20/07
Ga. Student Finance Authority; direct loans to students; postsecondary schools; 1% rate annually Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Seth Harp (29th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); David Adelman (42nd); Johnny Grant (25th) and others Higher Education Committee 02/20/07
Quality Basic Education Act; foreign language requirements; college preparatory diploma Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Dan Moody (56th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Gloria Butler (55th); Valencia Seay (34th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/20/07
Residential/General Contractors; repeal Chapter 41 of such title Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd) and J.B. Powell (23rd) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/20/07
Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund; reports to the board of community health Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Appropriations Committee 02/14/07
Pipeline Companies; exempt certain acquisitions of add. pipeline right of way from restrictions and conditions Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); George Hooks (14th); Dan Moody (56th) and Steve Henson (41st) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/20/07
Public Officers/Employees; development of medical/physical fitness standards; appointment of medical review board Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Retirement Committee 02/20/07
State Government; clarify meaning of criminal action; replace Dept. of Administrative Services with Office of Treasury/Fiscal Services Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/20/07
State Forestry Commission; reports to General Assembly; change certain provisions Sens. Ross Tolleson (20th); Jack Hill (4th); Johnny Grant (25th); John Bulloch (11th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/20/07

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SB 177 SB 178 SB 179 SB 180 SB 181 SB 182 SB 183 SB 184 SB 185 SB 186 SB 187 SB 188

Superior Courts; Pike County in Griffin Circuit; change certain terms of court Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/20/07
Pharmacy, State Board of; mails/common carriers; prescription drug; shall not be grounds for sanctioning license of pharmacist Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Renee Unterman (45th) and David Shafer (48th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/20/07
Campaign Contributions; persons acting on behalf of a public utility; Public Service Commission; repeal the prohibition Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Renee Unterman (45th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jack Murphy (27th) and others Ethics Committee 02/20/07
Guaranteed Energy Cost Savings Act; to authorize governmental units to enter into guaranteed energy cost savings contracts Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/20/07
Motor Vehicles; provide imposition of fee by motor vehicle rental companies; definitions; procedures, conditions and limitations Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Finance Committee 02/20/07
Torts; asbestos/silica claims; change provisions Sens. John Wiles (37th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Judiciary Committee 02/20/07
Insurance; authorize agents to charge/collect certain fees; provide for keeping records of such fees; separate receipts Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/20/07
Income Taxes; new definitions; modify the computation of deductible business expenses Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Finance Committee 02/21/07
Watercraft; applicant for certificate of number for vessels purchased outside Georgia; sales/use tax has been paid Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/21/07
City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority; create Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/07
Environmental Advisory Council; applications for certain variances; change certain provisions Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Greg Goggans (7th); John Wiles (37th) and others Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/21/07
Foster Parents Bill of Rights; children who are privately placed; provide administrative hearing for aggrieved parties Sens. Steve Thompson (33rd) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee 02/21/07

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SB 189 SB 190 SB 191 SB 192 SB 193 SB 194
SB 195 SB 196 SB 197 SB 198 SB 199

Certificate of Need; revise definition of "new institutional health service" Sens. Don Thomas (54th) and Renee Unterman (45th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/21/07
Pretrial Proceedings; insanity/mental incompetency; definitions; evaluation Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Dan Moody (56th); Greg Goggans (7th); Don Thomas (54th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/21/07
Buildings; prohibit the naming of any public building for Sen. Robert Brown Sens. Robert Brown (26th); Eric Johnson (1st) and Don Balfour (9th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/21/07
Motor Vehicle Accident Reparations; valid certificate of selfinsurance in another state qualify as self-insurer in this state Sens. David Shafer (48th); Jack Hill (4th); Don Thomas (54th); George Hooks (14th) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/21/07
Local Government; employment benefits for county employees; general provisions Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Emanuel Jones (10th) and Johnny Grant (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 02/21/07
Election; county election superintendent; tabulation of absentee ballots; prior to the close of the polls on the day of primary, election or runoff Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Tommie Williams (19th); John Wiles (37th); Seth Harp (29th); Joseph Carter (13th) and others Ethics Committee 02/21/07
Teachers Retirement; change the benefit formula; provide postretirement benefit adjustment Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Kasim Reed (35th); Steve Henson (41st); Gail Davenport (44th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and others Retirement Committee 02/21/07
Military Scholarships; provide for children of persons killed/disabled as a result of combat wound; define terms Sens. Kasim Reed (35th); Seth Harp (29th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Ed Tarver (22nd) and Ed Harbison (15th) Higher Education Committee 02/21/07
Waste Management; municipal solid waste disposal facility sites near adjoining counties; repeal certain provisions Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/21/07
Waste Management; protection for certain governmentally owned public drinking water supply intakes Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/21/07
Retirement; no public retirement system shall invest funds in corporations doing business with Islamic Republic of Iran or certain other states Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Retirement Committee 02/21/07
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SB 200

Georgia Smart Infrastructure Growth Act; creation Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and Steve Thompson (33rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/07

[x ex|M

HR 21

Elbert Shaw, Jr. Regional Youth Detention Center; designate Reps. Tom Dickson (6th); John Meadows (5th); Roger Williams (4th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) State Institutions and Properties Committee 02/02/07

HR 257

Lipson, Dr. Robert Alan; condolences Reps. Rob Teilhet (40th); Glenn Richardson (19th); Judy Manning (32nd); Sharon Cooper (41st); Steve Tumlin (38th) and others Read and adopted 02/20/07

[x U|M

HB 19 HB 39 HB 51 HB 53 HB 79 HB 81 HB 91 HB 93

Community Health and HMOs, Department of; Medicaid services; require disclosure Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Appropriations Committee 02/13/07
Public records; confidential information not disclosed; provide Reps. Jill Chambers (81st); Mike Jacobs (80th); Fran Millar (79th); Wendell Willard (49th); Edward Lindsey (54th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/08/07
Sheriffs' duties; security plans; change frequency Reps. Mike Jacobs (80th); David Ralston (7th); Robert Mumford (95th); Timothy Bearden (68th); Bobby Franklin (43rd) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/12/07
Piedmont Circuit; terms of court; change provisions Reps. Terry England (108th); Tommy Benton (31st); Tom McCall (30th) and Jeanette Jamieson (28th) Judiciary Committee 02/10/07
Motor vehicles; light transmission through windows; materials; provisions Reps. Ronald Forster (3rd); Calvin Hill (21st); Tom Rice (51st); Burke Day (163rd); Willie Talton (145th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/09/07
Salt water fishing; charter fishing guide and pier fishing licenses; provisions Reps. Cecily Hill (180th); Bob Lane (158th); Terry Barnard (166th); Jon Burns (157th); Al Williams (165th) and others Natural Resources and the Environment 02/08/07
Executive branch of government; certain reports; provide to General Assembly Reps. Jill Chambers (81st); Ben Harbin (118th); Earl Ehrhart (36th) and Charles Martin (47th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/13/07
Bainbridge, City of; provide new charter Rep. Gene Maddox (172nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/02/07
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HB 100 HB 101 HB 103 HB 105 HB 106 HB 112 HB 120
HB 122 HB 171 HB 190 HB 206 HB 211 HB 212

Shrimp and shrimping; revise various provisions Reps. Cecily Hill (180th); Bob Lane (158th); Al Williams (165th); David Knight (126th) and Jon Burns (157th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/09/07
Public records; agricultural or food systems information; provisions Reps. Penny Houston (170th); Tom McCall (30th); Terry England (108th); Jay Roberts (154th) and Gene Maddox (172nd) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/10/07
Macon, City of; provide new charter Reps. Allen Peake (137th); David Lucas (139th); Nikki Randall (138th); Allen Freeman (140th); Jim Cole (125th) and others State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/02/07
Animals; poultry; revise certain provisions Reps. Gene Maddox (172nd); Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th) and Terry England (108th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/08/07
Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; retirement benefit options; provide Reps. Ben Bridges (10th) and Howard Maxwell (17th) Retirement Committee 02/14/07
Food; license requirements; fees; applications; change provisions Reps. Tom McCall (30th) and Terry England (108th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/14/07
Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; certain judges; travel allowances; provide Reps. Wendell Willard (49th); David Ralston (7th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Barry Fleming (117th) and Steve Tumlin (38th) Appropriations Committee 02/13/07
Commercial feeds; labeling requirements; exclude equine feed Reps. Terry England (108th); Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th); Jon Burns (157th); Gene Maddox (172nd) and others Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/09/07
Motor vehicles; scrap metal or parts; certificates of title; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) Finance Committee 02/13/07
State Court of Mitchell County; full-time judge; provide Rep. Richard Royal (171st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/02/07
Probate and Magistrate Courts of Clinch County; same judge; January 1, 2009; provide Rep. Jay Shaw (176th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/02/07
Tift County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Reps. Austin Scott (153rd) and Jay Roberts (154th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/08/07
Tifton, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Reps. Austin Scott (153rd) and Jay Roberts (154th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/08/07

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HB 213 HB 215 HB 220 HB 223 HB 234 HB 245 HB 266 HB 273 HB 320 HB 331
HB 341 HB 345 HB 349

Deferred compensation plans; state employees; special pay plan; repeal Reps. Ben Bridges (10th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Retirement Committee 02/12/07
State Court of Athens-Clarke County; office of the clerk; repeal provisions Reps. Keith Heard (114th); Bob Smith (113th) and Doug McKillip (115th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/10/07
Georgia Criminal Justice Improvement Council; repeal Chapter 8 Reps. Burke Day (163rd) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/12/07
Carroll County; sales tax; educational purposes distribution; provide method Reps. Mark Butler (18th); Randy Nix (69th) and Timothy Bearden (68th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/08/07
Greene County; board of elections and registration; create Rep. Mickey Channell (116th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/08/07
Georgia State Prison warden; passenger motor vehicle; repeal certain provisions Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/12/07
Camden County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Rep. Cecily Hill (180th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/10/07
Oconee County; Board of Commissioners; member terms; provide Rep. Bob Smith (113th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/10/07
Columbus, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Reps. Calvin Smyre (132nd); Vance Smith (129th); Carolyn Hugley (133rd); Debbie Buckner (130th) and Richard Smith (131st) State and Local Governmental Operations 02/13/07
Stockbridge, City of; election of mayor and council members; provide Reps. Steve Davis (109th); Howard Mosby (90th); Wade Starr (78th) and Stan Watson (91st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/13/07
St. Marys, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Rep. Cecily Hill (180th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07
Miller County; board of education members; change selection method Rep. Gerald Greene (149th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07
Colquitt County; judge; State Court judge; practice of law; prohibit Reps. Richard Royal (171st); Ed Rynders (152nd) and Penny Houston (170th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07

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HB 362 HB 364 HB 371

Garden City, City of; create new charter Reps. Bob Bryant (160th); Craig Gordon (162nd); Lester Jackson (161st); Burke Day (163rd) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07
Conyers, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Reps. Robert Mumford (95th); Ron Sailor (93rd); Pam Stephenson (92nd) and Randal Mangham (94th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07
Flowery Branch, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Rep. James Mills (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/07

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201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
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