g{x Zxz|t fxtx g{| jxx~ fxtx cx byy|vx ECD Vxwx _xz|t|x byy|vx U|w|z Ttt? Zxz|t GCGAIHIACCEK "Merlot-to-go" gets nod from Senate Y or the second year in a row, the Senate passed a bill that will allow consumers to take home an opened bottle of wine from a restaurant provided the bottle is professionally sealed by the restaurant, placed in a container and placed in the glove compartment or trunk of the vehicle they are driving. The measure passed 48-4. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th, who refers to her legislation, Senate Bill 55, as the "Merlot-to-go" bill, said that it is a good piece of legislation and will prevent restaurant customers from feeling that they are obligated to drink an expensive bottle of wine in its entirety prior to leaving the restaurant. "This way they can reseal it and take it with them to finish in the privacy of their own home," she said following the vote. "It might even help to reduce the impaired drivers on our roads I say it's a win-win for everyone." Gov. Sonny Perdue vetoed similar legislation last year, saying it would violate Georgia's open container law. Sen. Unterman said those issues have been addressed in the new legislation. Senate likes idea of zero-based budgeting Forcing the state budget to be rebuilt from scratch every four years is an idea whose time has come, the Senate decided this week, and voted 52-0 to require that one quarter of the state budget undergo a complete examination each year, so that every four years, all state programs are re-evaluated prior to funding. "One-fourth of the budget will be forced to undergo zero-based budgeting every year," said Sen. David Shafer of the 48th, the author of Senate Bill 12. "Every four years, the budget will be rebuilt from scratch to force the executive branch to justify every item of spending." Each year, Georgia's state agencies request new funding for their programs and only this "new" money is scrutinized by legislators. The remainder of the budget is considered "continuous spending," and just rolls over from fiscal year to fiscal year. This year's budget is more than $20 billion. Goodbye Gerald, we will miss you . . . A longtime fixture in the Georgia Senate was honored this week with a resolution recognizing him for his dedication to the Georgia General Assembly and his many years in the Georgia Senate. Georgia Public Broadcasting's Lawmakers anchor, Gerald Bryant, retired last year, and turned his anchor chair and some of his ties (for those of you who don't know, Gerald never wore the same tie during any legislative session) to his successor David Zelski. We'll miss you Gerald! g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx D y EF \ V|xx Tv| A A A Administrative Affairs Committee The Administrative Affairs Committee did not meet this week. Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee On Monday, February 26, Chairman John Bulloch of the 11th called the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs meeting to order. Sen. Bulloch then gave an introduction of his bill, Senate Bill 326, which urges Congress to reform the U.S. sugar policy. Kevin Perry of the Georgia Beverage Association gave his support of the bill. SB 326 then passed unanimously. Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th presented the bill he authored, Senate Bill 207. His bill would create a Department of Agriculture Website that keeps track of current gas prices at all fuel stations statewide. Oscar Garrison with Consumer Protection of the Georgia Department of Agriculture spoke to the bill, giving his concerns about the practicality of updating current fuel prices at each fuel station in the state. Other concerns he expressed included the new staff required in the Department of Agriculture to keep the new system functioning. Jim Tutor of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores also spoke in opposition to the bill. The bill stayed in committee and will be brought up for a vote at a later date. Next, Sen. Bulloch introduced SB 220. The bill will bring the agriculture warehouse receipt requirements up to date by removing the requirement that receipt printers be bonded. Appropriations Committee The Appropriations Committee met on Wednesday,February 21, and adopted the Rules for the Committee. Appropriations Committee Chairman, Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th, called on Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th who introduced Senate Bill 29, legislation to require the Office of Planning and Budget to make the budget available on-line so that the citizens of Georgia can see how the state budget is put together. The Committee Substitute passed unanimously. The Committee also took up SB 12, legislation introduced by Sen. David Shafer of the 48th. SB 12, also known as the Zero-based Budgeting Act, requires that one quarter of the budget undergo a review by the General Assembly each year to determine if the objectives of the programs are being met. The bill passed by Committee Substitute. Banking and Financial Institutions Committee The Banking and Financial Institutions Committee did not meet this week. Economic Development Committee The Economic Development Committee did not meet this week. Education and Youth Committee Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, February 27. Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd presented SB 168 and SB 170, both of which concern hearing impaired students in Georgia. Known as the Deaf Child's Bill of Rights, SB 168 would require local school systems to consider the related services and program options when developing an individualized education program (IEP) for a deaf child. After several individuals spoke in favor of the bill, including some of Sen. Smith's constituents, SB 168 passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Smith then explained SB 170, which provides that any student's demonstrated proficiency in American Sign Language will be accepted as foreign language credit toward a college preparatory diploma. After his explanation, Sen. Smith moved to amend his bill by including the entirety of SB 206 by Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd as a new Section 1a. SB 206 would allow American Sign Language to be accepted for foreign language credit by local school systems. The amendment was adopted by a unanimous vote, and SB 168 passed as amended unanimously. Next, Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st presented SB 123, which would require a school to place twins or multiples from the same family in the same classroom if the g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx E y EF children are in the same grade level and the children's parent or guardian requests the placement. Several audience members who have twins or multiples spoke in favor of the bill. Jim Puckett of the Georgia Association of Educational Leaders (GAEL) expressed concerns that the bill could interfere with mandated class-size requirements. Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th stated he supports SB 123, but is concerned that the bill may require schools to keep children with behavioral issues in the same classroom. Sen. Rogers said he would be open to amending the bill on the Senate floor, and SB 123 passed by a unanimous vote. Ethics Committee Chairman Renee Unterman of the 45th called the Committee to order on Thursday, February 22, to consider two bills. Senator John Douglas of the 17th presented Senate Resolution 279, which proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for staggered, fouryear terms of office for members of the state Senate. The legislation passed by a 5 to 1 vote, with Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st in dissent. Next, Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th presented SB 179, which would repeal the state's prohibition against campaign contributions from persons acting on behalf of a public utility. Sen. Staton added that utilities would still be prohibited from contributing to candidates running for the Public Service Commission. Representatives of the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) coalition, Georgia Chamber of Commerce and Verizon Wireless spoke in favor of the bill. Lobbyists representing the Georgia chapter of the Sierra Club, Georgia League of Women Voters, AARP of Georgia and Common Cause opposed the bill. SB 179 passed through the Committee by a 5 to 2 vote, with Senators Johnson and Kasim Reed of the 35th in dissent. Sen. Reed added that he plans to file a minority report on the issue. Finance Committee The Finance Committee did not meet this week. Government Oversight Committee The Government Oversight Committee did not meet this week. Health and Human Services Committee Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th called the meeting to order Tuesday, February 20. The Committee held a hearing for Senate Bill 150, which was presented by Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd. The bill seeks to reduce the uninsured population in Georgia by establishing several new incentives and programs that will facilitate and encourage the uninsured to adopt health insurance coverage. The Committee reconvened on Thursday, February 22, to consider SB 178 and continue the hearing for SB 150. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th presented SB 178, which revises current law for which the State Board of Pharmacy may suspend, revoke or refuse to grant a license for distributing prescription drugs through the mail. Ira Katz, an independent pharmacist, and John Sherrer of the Georgia Pharmacy Association spoke against SB 178, stating that the bill would affect the way that pharmacists practice in Georgia. SB 178 was tabled for further amendment. Next, the Committee held another hearing for SB 150, which was presented by Sen. Hill. After several testimonies, Sen. Thomas concluded the meeting by stating that SB 150 may come up again for a vote at another meeting. The Committee met again Tuesday, February 27, to consider several bills. Sen. Hill presented SB 150 for discussion again. After much deliberation, SB 150 was tabled by Committee Substitute with a vote of 11 to 1. Next, Sen. Balfour presented Senate Bills 155 and 178, which were read at a previous meeting. SB 155 requires all girls to be vaccinated for the human papilloma virus prior to admission into the sixth grade, unless such vaccination conflicts with the religious beliefs of a parent or guardian. Sen. Balfour then moved to amend his substitute, so that it would be effective beginning with the 2008 school year, including a sunset clause that would rescind the legislation in 2011 and that the mandate be rescinded if there is a federal recall by the FDA of the vaccine. SB 155 passed through Committee Substitute as amended with a vote of 8 to 3. Then, SB 178 passed by Committee g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx F y EF Substitute with a vote of 7 to 3. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th presented Senate Bill 66, which requires that a woman seeking an abortion be offered an ultrasound or sonogram, as well as the opportunity to view the ultrasound image, before any abortion can be performed. After the amendment by Sen. Schaefer, which removes the misdemeanor penalty from the bill, SB 66 passed by Committee Substitute as amended with a vote of 8 to 4. Senate Bill 222 was presented by Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th. SB 222 seeks to rectify errors in the Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Act and a certified nurse anesthetist may meet the definition of advanced practice registered nurse if he or she meets certain educational and training standards. SB 66 passed by Committee Substitute with a unanimous vote. Higher Education Committee Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th called the Higher Education Committee meeting to order on Thursday, February 27, to look at Senate Bill 169. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th gave a brief presentation, and after some discussion the bill passed unanimously. Insurance and Labor Committee The Committee met on Wednesday, February 21, to take up three bills. Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th presented Senate Bill 13, which would preempt the federal minimum wage and raise the state minimum wage from $5.15 per hour to $6.20. On January 1, 2008, the minimum wage would increase to $7.25 per hour. On January 1, 2009, and on each successive January 1, the minimum wage would increase by the rise in the cost of living. Alan Essig of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, Richard Ray of the Georgia AFLCIO and Dr. Bruce Kaufman, an economist from Georgia State University all testified in favor of SB 13. The Committee then heard testimony in opposition to SB 13 from different groups, including the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Georgia Restaurant Association, Americans for Prosperity and Georgia Chamber of Commerce. After much deliberation, Sen. Chip Rogers proposed several amendments that would change provisions of the bill. The amendments were all adopted by a vote of 4 to 3. SB 13 failed as amended by a vote of 4 to 4, with Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th casting the deciding vote. Chairman Hudgens then presented Senate Bill 109, which would repeal the current law that requires a business that acts as an administrator or an employee benefit plan and is regulated by ERISA to be licensed as an administrator. Georgia Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine testified in support of the bill. A representative from the Longstreet Clinic in Gainesville and Mark Russ, a healthcare lawyer both testified in favor of the bill. Kirk McGhee of the Georgia Association of Health Plans spoke against the bill. After more debate, SB 109 passed by a vote of 3 to 2. Sen. Judson Hill presented SB 153, which authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to develop guidelines for Consumer Driven Health Insurance Plans. After some debate, SB 153 passed unanimously as amended. Interstate Cooperation Committee The Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week. Joint Senate and House Health and Human Services Committee Senate Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th and House Chairman Sharon Cooper of the 41st called the joint meeting to order on Friday, February 23. The Committee held a hearing on Certificate of Need (CON) issues relating to SB 189, which was presented by Sen. Thomas. The legislation revises the definition of "new institutional health service" for purposes of certificate of need by exempting surgeries performed prior to July 1, 2007, in the office of a single-specialty private physician where the capital expenditure does not exceed $ 1,610,823. Mark J. Botti of the U.S. Department of Justice, Dr. Ardis Hoven of the American Medical Association and Vince Falcione, external relations manager for Proctor and Gamble, spoke in opposition to the process of CON, citing that it gets in the way of competition and fails to restrain overall health costs. Sen. Thomas stated the bill would come up at a later meeting. g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx G y EF Judiciary Committee On Thursday, February 22, the Committee met to take up several bills, beginning with Senate Bill 98. Senator Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented the bill, explaining that it simply modernizes existing law in regards to the sexual exploitation of children over the Internet, by adding language to include new technologies that have been developed since the original bill was drafted. GBI Director Vernon Keenan testified in support of the bill, explaining that it would help expedite investigations by allowing the GBI to obtain evidence without a subpoena. Sandra Michaels from the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers testified in support of the bill and offered a minor language change. Sen. Hamrick decided to not move forward with any changes, but accepted an amendment proposed by Sen. John Wiles of the 37th. The Committee Substitute passed as amended unanimously. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st presented SB 100, which increases the punishment for persons under 21 who are charged with knowingly manufacturing, selling or distributing a false ID. Several Committee members suggested various changes to the bill's language for clarification, all of which were compiled into an amendment. The Committee Substitute passed unanimously as amended. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th presented his bill, SB 42, which allows the Department of Human Resources to impose reasonable fees within child support collections in order to recover its costs. Several witnesses presented testimonies both in support and in opposition to the bill. Chairman Smith decided to table the bill until the language concerning the phrase "reasonable fee" is clarified. Finally, SB 88 was presented by Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th. The legislation, also called the Care of a Grandchild Act, allows grandparents who are already caring for a grandchild to get legal authority to act on behalf of the child, whose parents are unable to care for them. Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th proposed an amendment clarifying language, which passed unanimously. The bill subsequently passed unanimously. The Committee reconvened on Friday, February 23. SB 67, which was presented by Sen. Wiles, states that counties will not be held responsible for contingent expenses incurred during a court case. Several witnesses testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously. Sen. Wiles then presented SB 139, which looks to transfer the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council from the judicial branch to the executive branch, and requires that the Council submit its budget to the Office of Planning and Budget. A representative from the Public Defenders Council proposed a language change, which was put into an amendment by the Committee. SB 139 passed by substitute as amended by a vote of 6 to 1, with Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th in dissent. SB 142 was presented by Chairman Smith, who explained the legislation states that the hiring of additional personnel by circuit public defenders is subject to approval by the local governing authority. Kem Kimbrough of the ACCG testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously. Chairman Smith introduced SB 141, which provides for an additional four members to be appointed to the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, all of whom would be elected county commissioners. Jerry Werd of the PDSC and Kimbrough testified in support of the bill. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th recommended adding language that would stipulate that one of the four county commissioners appointed to the board be from a county with a small population. The language will be drafted into a floor amendment. SB 141 passed unanimously. Chairman Smith presented the last bill, SB 140, which increases the number of members appointed to each of the ten judicial circuit public defender section panels from five to seven. Several witnesses testified in favor of the bill. Chairman Smith proposed two amendments, one changing the two-year term provisions and the other amending the removal section of the bill. The Committee Substitute passed as amended by a vote of 5 to 2, with Senators Reed and Vincent Fort of the 39th in dissent. Senate Resolution 246, presented by Sen. Wiles, creates a Joint Study Committee on Indigent Defense that will study the issues and needs related to the Indigent Defense System in Georgia. The PDSC asked that a circuit public defender be added to the Study Committee. Chairman Smith ruled that this provision would be added at a later time. The Committee Substitute passed by a unanimous vote as amended. Chairman Smith called another meeting to order on Monday, February 26, to take up five bills. The first was SB 133, presented by Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd, which increases the maximum amount a bankruptcy debtor can exempt for the value of his or her property. Bob Silliman from the Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Trustees Office testified in opposition to the bill, saying that it is balanced unfairly to creditors. Sen. Harp moved to table the bill until Sen. Tarver could provide the Committee with information on homestead exemptions in other g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx H y EF states. Chairman Smith moved the bill to a later meeting. He then introduced SB 134, which allows the Attorney General to retain experts to assist with public disclosure requirements in hospital acquisitions. The bill passed unanimously. SB 188 was then presented by Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd, who explained that the legislation gives foster parents who provide care through private agencies with equal standing as those who go through the Department of Family and Children Services. The idea for the legislation was brought to his attention by constituent Tracy Brun, who presented her testimony to the Committee. Douglas Meade of Georgia AGAPE also testified in favor of the bill, and recommended adding language to include both private and public agencies, and for some other clarifications. Chairman Smith suggested that Sen. Thompson of the 33rd prepare a floor amendment to further clarify the bill. Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th then proposed a language change, which was incorporated into an amendment. The Committee Substitute passed as amended unanimously. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented SB 106, which extends the period of time that a court may require a surety bond for good behavior after a warrant is issued, from 60 days to six months. An amendment was created to add a phrase regarding the time limit. The Committee Substitute passed as amended unanimously. Finally, Sen. Harp presented SB 42 with the language clarification incorporated, including another amendment that splits the fee between the custodial and non-custodial parent. The Committee Substitute as amended passed unanimously. Natural Resources and the Environment Committee Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th called the Committee to order on Wednesday, February 21, to consider three bills. Sen. Tolleson presented Senate Bill 116, which would remove the provision in current law that requires the director of the State Forestry Commission to have earned a minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry. Executive Vice President Steve McWilliams of the Georgia Forestry Association testified that the association withdraws their opposition to the bill. The Committee then heard testimony from three citizens from around the state who all expressed concerns over the bill. Sen. Tolleson stated he would work to perfect the bills language on the Senate floor and the bill passed unanimously. Next, Sen. Tolleson presented SB 157, which would require the Department of Natural Resources to establish a grant program to fund the costs of E-85 projects. The bill passed unanimously. Chairman Tolleson announced that SB 3, sponsored by Sen. John Douglas of the 17th, would be discussed next meeting. Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Jim Whitehead of the 24th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 27. Senator Chip Rogers of the 21st presented Senate Bill 202, which would move the recently created Mattie's Call Alert under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The measure was approved unanimously. Committee members then heard a presentation on SB 33. The bill would allow the use of a program to map public buildings for use by first responding rescue and fire units. Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th told members that the federal government has allocated funding through the Department of Homeland Security for the mapping program. The legislation was approved by a unanimous vote. Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th then introduced the Committee Substitute for SB 77. The bill directs local tag agents to accept and process commercial truck fleets under the International Registration Plan (IRP). The IRP allows easy collection of truck tags across the United States and Canada. Several local Tax Commissioners expressed their minor concerns over the legislation. Spalding County Tax Commissioner Sylvia Hollums said that while the legislation does not create an undue burden, it could require staffing additions at tax offices to handle the extra work. Ed Crowell with the Georgia Association of Motor Truckers also testified in favor of the bill. The bill was approved by a unanimous vote. Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week. Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee The Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee did not meet this week. g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx I y EF Retirement Committee On Wednesday, February 21, the Retirement Committee held its first meeting of the 2007 session. Chairman Bill Heath of the 31st explained that Senate Bill 112 and Senate Bill 163 could not be voted on during the day's meeting. Sen. Heath read the committee rules and after a motion, they were passed unanimously. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th spoke about his bill, Senate Bill 47. The bill provides that school districts may agree to assist employees in investing in qualified retirement plans by using a portion of the employee's salary. Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th gave his thoughts about how it would affect different districts, while Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd spoke about how he cannot support a bill that takes control away from a local school district. After the committee expressed their thoughts, several audience members offered mixed opinions on the bill. With a 3 to 3 stalemate vote on the bill, Chairman Heath assigned the bill to a subcommittee for further study and development. The subcommittee is comprised of Senators Horacena Tate of the 38th, Sen. Murphy and Sen. Smith. Next, Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd spoke about Senate Bill 80. The bill is for the amendment of current public retirement systems investment law. SB 80 stayed in committee to be brought up at a further date. Rules Committee The Rules Committee did not meet as a standing committee this week. Science and Technology Committee Chairman Cecil Staton of the 18th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 20. First, the Committee heard a presentation from Dr. Robert Matheny of Atlanta Cardiovascular, which focused on adult stem cells in regards to Senate Bill 148. Then, the Committee discussed and heard testimonies for SB 148, also known as the Saving the Cure Act, which creates the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Blank for postnatal tissue and fluid. Ron Grabb, coordinator for the Georgia chapter of the Parkinson's Action Network, was in attendance to discuss the bill. The Committee reconvened Thursday, February 22, to continue the discussion on SB 148. Dr. David Hess, chair of the department of neurology at the Medical College of Georgia, addressed the Committee via video feed in regards to SB 148. Charles Craig, president of the Georgia Biomedical Partnership, spoke against the bill. After some deliberation, SB 148 passed through Committee. Special Judiciary Committee Chairman Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th called the Committee to order on Thursday, February 22. Senator Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented the Committee Substitute to Senate Bill 135. The legislation was heard at a previous meeting, and would increase current penalties for the criminal reproduction and sale of recorded materials, more commonly referred to as music piracy. Sen. Hamrick highlighted the changes in the substitute, and it passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th then presented SB 41, which was also heard at a previous meeting. The bill would require gated or secured communities to allow access to a process server and require any person serving process papers to file proof of service within five business days. Sen. Harp presented a Committee Amendment, which he said addressed some of the concerns raised at the original hearing on SB 41. Harris County Sheriff Mike Jolley and Executive Director Terry Norris of the Georgia Sheriff's Association both expressed their concerns about the bill. Then, Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th and Sen. Harp both offered some language changes to the Committee Amendment. After some discussion, the Committee Amendment was adopted as amended by a unanimous vote. Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th offered another amendment, stating that no process server shall carry a firearm unless they are a sworn sheriff's deputy. John Robinson of the Georgia Association of Professional Private Investigators (GAPPI) spoke against Sen. Cowsert's amendment. Sen. Cowsert then moved to withdraw his amendment, and SB 41 passed by substitute by a 5 to 1 vote. g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx J y EF The Committee reconvened on Tuesday, February 27, to consider two bills. Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th presented SB 217, which would give homeowner's associations the legal standing to bring legal action to enforce a covenant. Representatives of the Community Associations Institute and the Georgia Association of Realtors voiced their concerns on the bill to the Committee. Chairman Meyer von Bremen then stated that the Committee would hold the bill until a Committee Substitute could be perfected. Rep. Terry England of the 108th then presented House Bill 53, which would modify the terms of court for the superior courts of the Piedmont Judicial Circuit. HB 53 passed unanimously. State Institutions and Property Committee Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, February 20. First, Sen. Grant presented Senate Resolution 249, which authorizes the granting of nonexclusive easements for the operation and maintenance of facilities, utilities and right of ways through property owned by the state of Georgia, through the State Properties Commission. Rod Bowlden of the State Properties Commission was in attendance to support SR 249. After some discussion, the resolution passed with a vote of 2 to 1. Senate Bill 121, which was originally presented by Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th, is postponed until the Committee receives a response from the Department of Labor in regards to the bill. The Committee reconvened Tuesday, February 27, to consider SB 130, 175 and 129, sponsored by Sen. Grant, and SR 270 by Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th. SB 130 abolishes the Georgia Building Authority (Markets), the Georgia Building Authority (Hospital), the Georgia Building Authority (Penal) and the Hazardous Materials Removal Agency and transfers their authority to the Georgia Building Authority (GBA). SB 130 passed by Committee Substitute with a unanimous vote. SB 175 addresses the Department of Administrative Services and Procedures for State Purchasing. This bill allows for the reimbursement of legal fees to an officer, official or employee incurred in the successful defense of any criminal proceeding and transfers the property and assets of a dissolved corporation from the DOAS to the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services. SB 175 passed through Committee with a vote of 5 to 1. The Committee then held a hearing for SB 129, which requires inmates to repay the cost of prescription medication from self-inflicted injuries, or injuries that an inmate inflicts on another and also defrays the costs paid by the state or county for prescription medications for inmates that request medical treatment. Brian Owens, assistant commissioner for the Department of Corrections, spoke in support of SB 129. Next, Sen. Schaefer presented SR 270, which urges the Capitol Arts Standards Commission to authorize the placement of a Zell Miller statue on the grounds of the State Capitol. SR 270 passed with a unanimous vote. State and Local Governmental Operations Committee On Wednesday, February 21, Chairman John Wiles of the 37th called the State and Local Governmental Operations Committee to order. The meeting's business included Senate Bill 110, which deals with municipal annexation of territory. The bill's author, Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st, gave a brief presentation on what the bill includes before Sen. Wiles gave members of the audience a chance to voice their opinions. Jim Sullivan of a Waters Ferry neighborhood, Mary Welheit of Holly Commons Subdivision and Oliver Hunter of the Georgia Sheriffs Association all gave their support for the bill. Sen. Pearson readdressed the committee, reiterating the points made in favor of the bill. Ken Vance of the Milledgeville city council, Bob Hail of Sugar Hill, Harry Logston of Peachtree City, Larry Hanson, city manager of Valdosta and Jim Burgess, mayor of Social Circle all spoke in opposition to the bill. The general argument against the bill is that a statewide mandate should not be issued for an issue that is only among a few municipalities. Without a motion for any movement of the bill, Sen. Wiles adjourned the meeting. g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx K y EF Transportation Committee Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the Committee to order on Thursday, February 22, to first consider Senate Resolutions 104, 63 and 136, all of which seek to dedicate bridges in honor of significant Georgia citizens. Senators Ross Tolleson of the 20th, George Hooks of the 14th and Steve Thompson of the 33rd presented their respective resolutions to the Committee. All passed unanimously. The Committee also heard SR 154, presented by Tom Bauer of the Georgia Transit Association, which proposes creating a Joint Human Services Transportation Study Committee to study the cost effectiveness of Georgia's public transportation system. The Study Committee will be composed of 13 members, including two Senators and two Representatives, along with officials from various state agencies. The resolution passed unanimously. Next, the Committee heard a presentation from Todd Long of the Department of Transportation on the Fast Forward Transportation Program, which gave an overview of the program's bonding process. Finally, Chairman Mullis presented SR 263 on behalf of Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th, which urges the members of Congress to ensure that funding for the Athens-to-Atlanta Commuter Rail Line is appropriated in the 110th Congress. The resolution passed unanimously. Urban Affairs Committee The Urban Affairs Committee did not meet this week. Veterans and Military Affairs Committee The Veterans and Military Affairs Committee did not meet this week. g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx L y EF Zxz|t ftx fxtx Y| extwx (Thursday, February 22 February 28) fxtx ex| SR 310 Vladykina, Yana; recognize Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Ross Tolleson (20th); David Adelman (42nd); Steve Henson (41st); Tim Golden (8th); and others Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 311 Salem United Methodist Church; commend Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 312 Holden, "Cowboy Bill"; commend Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 313 Happy Home Missionary Baptist Church; recognize Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 314 Inman, Coach Frank; commend Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 315 Alpha Kappa Alpha Day; recognize Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 316 Jones, Ella Springs; recognize Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 317 Smith, Dr. Otis; condolences Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 318 Peach County High School Trojans Football Team; commend Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 319 North Georgia College/State University; urge Board of Regents to maintain current military program Sens. John Douglas (17th); Seth Harp (29th); Jack Hill (4th) and John Wiles (37th) Veterans and Military Affairs Committee 02/22/07 SR 320 Johnson, Mr. Elijah; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 SR 321 Alexander, Ms. Patricia; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DC y EF SR 322 SR 323 SR 324 SR 325 SR 326 SR 327 SR 328 SR 329 SR 330 SR 331 SR 332 SR 333 SR 334 SR 335 Williams, Dylan; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 Greear, Lt. Colonel Sol; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 Williams, Philandria; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/22/07 Fudge, Mayor Marcia L.; commend Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 02/22/07 U.S. Congress; urge to reform U.S. sugar policy Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/22/07 Joint Atlantic Coastal Beach Preservation and Maintenance Study Committee; create Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Jack Hill (4th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/22/07 Carmichael, Ricky; recognize Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/22/07 Emergency Medical Services Week; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Cecil Station (18th); Jack Hill (4th); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Read and adopted 02/22/07 Collins, William Littleton; condolences Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Bill Cowsert (46th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Goad, Perry; condolences Sens. Bill Heath (31st) and Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Mason, Ric; condolences Sens. Bill Heath (31st) and Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Rucker, Mother Ocie "Ann"; condolences Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2007 inductees; honoring Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Rigdon Road Elementary School; congratulate Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DD y EF SR 336 SR 337 SR 338 SR 339 SR 340 SR 341 SR 342 SR 343 SR 344 SR 345 SR 346 SR 347 SR 348 Williams, Cliff; recognize Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Vincent Fort (39th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Hodge, Mr. Douglas; recognize Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Gail Davenport (44th); Horacena Tate (38th) and Gloria Butler (55th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Player, Gary; recognize Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Designate a Driver Day; recognize Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Read and adopted 02/27/07 Senate Study Committee; State Boards, Commissions, Authorities, Councils, and Committees; create Sens. Dan Moody (56th); Robert Brown (26th); George Hooks (14th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Rules Committee 02/27/07 Motor Fuel Taxes; funds appropriated; adequate system of public roads/bridges; transportation purposes-CA Sens. Curt Thompson (5th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Transportation Committee 2/27/07 Claxton, Dr. Argene; recognize Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and Adopted 2/27/07 Robertson, Charles Benjamin "Ben"; condolences Sens. John Wiles (37th); Doug Stoner (6th); Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Rogers (21st) and Steve Thompson (33rd) Read and Adopted 2/27/07 Citizens' Redistricting Commission; create; apportionment of General Assembly Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Joseph Carter (13th) and Bill Heath (31st) Reapportionment and redistricting Committee 2/27/07 Public Funding; faith based organizations; prevent discrimination Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Tommie Williams (19th); Eric Johnson (1st); Ronnie Chance (16th); Joseph Carter (13th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 2/27/07 Fowler, Jim; recognize Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and Adopted 2/27/07 Catholic Day at the Capitol; recognize Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and Adopted 2/27/07 Benefield, Mattie Green; honoring Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DE y EF SR 349 SR 350 SR 351 SR 352 SR 353 SR 354 SR 355 SR 356 SR 357 SR 358 SR 359 SR 360 SR 361 SR 362 Georgia Supreme Court Justice Jesse Groover Bowles, Jr.; condolences Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 2006 Georgia Peach Queens; commend Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Little, Mr. Hiram A. (Joe); recognize Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Senior Week at the Capitol; recognize Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Foster Youth Day; recognize Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Public Health Nurses of Georgia; commend Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Health Care Transformation; create joint study committee Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Seth Harp (29th); Don Thomas (54th); Chip Rogers (21st); Bill Hamrick (30th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 02/28/07 United Parcel Service of America, Inc.; recognize Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Major Byron S. McGuire, Sr. Memorial Bridge; dedicating Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Transportation Committee 02/28/07 Waters, Michelle; commend Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Regina Thomas (2nd) and Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 St. Patrick 's Day Parade Committee; recognize Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Regina Thomas (2nd) and Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 Greater Antioch Missionary Baptist Church; recognize Sen. Robert Brown (26th) Read and adopted 02/28/07 PeachCare for Kids; provide for imposition of a state/use tax at rate of 1 percent; health care coverage for all Georgia children-CA Sens. Curt Thompson (5th); Robert Brown (26th); Doug Stoner (6th); Ronald Ramsey (43rd); Horacena Tate (38th) and others Finance Committee 2/28/07 Weitnauer, Laura Nicole; commend Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Ronald Ramsey (43rd); Greg Goggans (7th); Ed Tarver (22nd) and J.B. Powell (23rd) Read and Adopted 2/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DF y EF SR 363 SR 364 SR 365 SR 366 Mental Health Service Delivery Commission; create Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Renee Unterman (45th); Jack Hill (4th); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 2/28/07 Georgia Capital Punishment Study Committee; create Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Gail Davenport (44th); Nan Orrock (36th); Doug Stoner (6th); Curt Thompson (5th) and others Judiciary Committee 2/28/07 Transporation Funding; create joint study committee Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st); Jim Whitehead (24th); Judson Hill (32nd); Greg Goggans (7th) and others Transportation Committee 2/28/07 Hancock, Ms. Louise Russell; recognize Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Read and Adopted 2/28/07 fxtx U|M SB 201 SB 202 SB 203 SB 204 SB 205 SB 206 SB 207 SB 208 Georgia Family Law Arbitration Act Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Judiciary Committee 02/22/07 Mattie's Call Act; revise/redesignate Article 7 Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/22/07 Secondary Metals Recyclers; public utilities/transportation; increased penalties Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Cecil Staton (18th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); David Shafer (48th); Bill Hamrick (30th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/22/07 Health; board for distribution/delivery of dead bodies; change certain provisions Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Don Balfour (9th); Renee Unterman (45th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Lee Hawkins (49th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 02/22/07 Prescription Medication Integrity Act Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Don Balfour (9th); Steve Henson (41st); John Wiles (37th); Renee Unterman (45th) and others Health and Human Services Committee 02/22/07 American Sign Language; elective/foreign language credit for any student Sens. Regina Thomas (2nd); Gloria Butler (55th); Horacena Tate (38th); Valencia Seay (34th); Robert Brown (26th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/22/07 Petroleum Products; internet website for gasoline prices Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/22/07 General Assembly; internet website; provide for content/capabilities Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Rules Committee 02/22/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DG y EF SB 209 SB 210 SB 211 SB 212 SB 213 SB 214 SB 215 SB 216 SB 217 SB 218 SB 219 Augusta Judicial Circuit; judges of Superior Court; supplement; change provisions Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/22/07 Secretary of State; authorize to designate/establish facilities; government agency as a branch depository; Division of Archives/History Sens. George Hooks (14th); Eric Johnson (1st); David Shafer (48th) and Ed Harbison (15th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/22/07 Criminal Procedure; sentencing of defendants guilty of crimes involving bias/prejudice circumstances and parole; repeal certain provisions Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Robert Brown (26th); Kasim Reed (35th); Nan Orrock (36th); Regina Thomas (2nd) and others Judiciary Committee 02/22/07 Public Records; disclosure to the news media; public employees Sens. Don Balfour (9th); Tommie Williams (19th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Ethics Committee 02/22/07 Insurance Commissioner; waive retaliatory obligations, prohibition or restrictions under certain circumstances; provide exceptions Sens. David Shafer (48th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Dan Moody (56th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/22/07 State Government; qualifications; call centers; provide definitions Sens. Curt Thompson (5th); Steve Henson (41st); Robert Brown (26th); David Adelman (42nd); Valencia Seay (34th) and others State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/22/07 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; revise; provide statutory construction of definition; certified registered nurse anesthetists Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/22/07 Grand Juries; certain individuals not qualified to serve as grand jurors Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Preston Smith (52nd); Joseph Carter (13th); Chip Rogers (21st); Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/22/07 Property Owners' Associations; shall have standing as a party to bring legal action to enforce covenants Sens. Curt Thompson (5th); David Shafer (48th); Dan Weber (40th); and Doug Stoner (6th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/22/07 Homestead; exemption; certain disabled persons; total value Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Finance Committee 02/22/07 Offenses; motor vehicles by person to facilitate certain sexual offenses; provide for seizure/forfeiture Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Joseph Carter (13th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/22/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DH y EF SB 220 SB 221 SB 222 SB 223 SB 224 SB 225 SB 226 SB 227 SB 228 SB 229 SB 230 Warehousemen; agricultural warehouse receipt requirements, obtaining printed forms, electronic receipts; change provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/22/07 Solid Waste Management; land disposal sites; permits from Dept. of Natural Resources; change certain provisions Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Tommie Williams (19th) and others Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/22/07 Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; revise definition; licensed registered nurse Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Renee Unterman (45th); George Hooks (14th) and Don Thomas (54th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/22/07 Judges; compensation/grants for judicial salaries; change certain provisions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Judiciary Committee 02/27/07 Motor Vehicles; commercial vehicle and fleet policy; change the definition Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Dan Moody (56th); Jack Murphy (27th) and others Insurance and Labor Committee 02/27/07 Redevelopment; require training with programs; create Redevelopment Powers Training Board Sens. Doug Stoner (6th); Curt Thompson (5th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Economic Development Committee 02/27/07 Qualified Soil Scientists; evaluations/reports shall be accepted by Dept. of Natural Resources/Dept. Human Resources Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Jack Hill (4th); Ralph Hudgens (47th); Jeff Chapman (3rd) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/27/07 Clarkesville, City of; new charter Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/27/07 Personal Fitness Trainers; provide for licensure; establish Georgia Board of Fitness Trainers Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Eric Johnson (1st); David Adelman (42nd); Gail Davenport (44th); Don Thomas (54th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/27/07 Hospitals; discount payment/charity care for financially qualified patients; maintain written policies; provide eligibility criteria Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Robert Brown (26th); Doug Stoner (6th); Valencia Seay (34th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/27/07 State Personnel Board/Merit System; define classified/unclassified service Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Rogers (21st); John Wiles (37th) and Jack Murphy (27th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/27/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DI y EF SB 231 SB 232 SB 233 SB 234 SB 235 SB 236 SB 237 SB 238 SB 239 SB 240 SB 241 SB 242 Norcross, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide for a referendum Sens. Curt Thompson (5th) and David Shafer (48th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/27/07 Court Reports; remove requirement of publishing a volume of rules from the definition of reports Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/07 Roads; collections, expenditures and exemptions with respect to revenue; change certain provisions Sens. Curt Thompson (5th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Transportation Committee 02/27/07 Secretary of State; collect a filing fee for certificates of conversion; Georgia corporation to foreign corporation Sens. Bill Cowsert (46th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); David Adelman (42nd); Preston Smith (52nd); Seth Harp (29th) and others Special Judiciary Committee 02/27/07 Corrections, Dept. Of; certified correctional employees; leave under certain conditions may retain their badges Sens. Johnny Grant (25th) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/27/07 Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act; state agencies; breach of security; personal information Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/27/07 Architecture; establish minimum training requirements to qualify for certification; Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/27/07 Evidence; tampering; remove requirement that such offense involve another person Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/28/07 Farm Laborers; provide a definition Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/28/07 Employees/Teachers Retirement; membership/participation in any public retirement system may be transferred or terminated; procedures Sens. Bill Heath (31st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Retirement Committee 02/28/07 Health Insurance; comprehensively revise the laws of Georgia Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/28/07 Chattooga County; provide homestead exemption; based on income for certain residents Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DJ y EF SB 243 SB 244 SB 245 SB 246 SB 247 SB 248 SB 249 SB 250 SB 251 SB 252 SB 253 SB 254 Ethics in Government Act; change provisions Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Ethics Committee 02/28/07 Town of Tallulah Falls; town council; quorum, voting and special meetings; change provisions Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/07 Alcoholic Beverages; consumption on the premises; authorize governing authority of county/municipality Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/28/07 Buildings; advisory committee on industrialized buildings; appointment/vacancies; change composition Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Jack Hill (4th); J. B. Powell (23rd) and Doug Stoner (6th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/28/07 Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of judges Sens. John Wiles (37th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Doug Stoner (6th) and Judson Hill (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/07 Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of solicitorgeneral Sens. John Wiles (37th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Doug Stoner (6th) and Judson Hill (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/07 Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; register with sheriff of any county where offender resides Sens. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); John Douglas (17th); Cecil Staton (18th) and others Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/28/07 Public Property; roofing of state owned buildings/facilities; provide standards Sens. Steve Henson (41st) and Ronald Ramsey (43rd) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/28/07 Motor Vehicles; require establishment by Dept. of Revenue of internet website for stolen/towed motor vehicles Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/28/07 Firearms Dealers; transfer authority for regulation to state revenue commissioner Sen. John Wiles (37th) Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee 02/28/07 Advance Practice Registered Nurses; on-site patient evaluation; provide examination Sens. John Wiles (37th) and Don Thomas (54th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/28/07 Georgia State Indemnification Commission; composition; define certain terms Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DK y EF SB 255 Death Penalty; provide moratorium on the administration of a death sentence Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Gail Davenport (44th); Nan Orrock (36th); Doug Stoner (6th); Curt Thompson (5th) and others Judiciary Committee 02/28/07 SB 256 Outdoor Advertising Signs; height limitations; conditions for lowering of existing signs Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Bill Heath (31st); Chip Pearson (51st); Don Thomas (54th); Chip Rogers (21st) and others Transportation Committee 02/28/07 SB 257 Dropout Detention Act; revise the age of mandatory education Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Education and Youth Committee 02/28/07 SB 258 Controlled Substances; ban sale of marijuana/hemp flavored candy; provide for penalties Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/28/07 SB 259 Warrants; issuance of search warrants by judicial officers; change provisions Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Judiciary Committee 02/28/07 SB 260 License Plates; revenue commissioner entitled to seize the license plates; vehicle's registration has been revoked/canceled Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Finance Committee 02/28/07 SB 261 Tybee Island, City of; council terms/qualifications for office Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/07 [x U|M HB 78 HB 90 HB 128 HB 139 Bona fide conservation use property; additional acts; provisions Reps. Richard Royal (17th); Terry England (108th); Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th); Calvin Hill (21st) and others Finance Committee 2/28/07 Funeral establishments; adequate stock of funeral caskets; provisions Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 2/27/07 Sales and use tax exemption; certain school supplies; energy efficient products; provide Reps. Lynn Smith (70th); Jan Jones (46th); Terry England (108th); Howard Mosby (90th); Randy Nix (69th) and others Finance Committee 2/28/07 Estates and wills; descent and distribution; provisions Reps. Wendell Willard (49th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Roger Lane (167th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Mary Oliver (83rd) and others Judiciary Committee 2/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx DL y EF HB 155 HB 162 HB 192 HB 202 HB 221 HB 233 HB 240 HB 319 HB 357 HB 368 HB 465 HB 473 Human Resources, Department of; personal care home owners; criminal history; permit Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/22/07 Sales and use tax; performing arts amphitheater facilities; provide exemption Reps. Charles Martin (47th); Mark Burkhalter (50th) and Jan Jones (46th) Finance Committee 2/28/07 Transportation, Department of; contracts; provisions Reps. Vance Smith (129th); Melvin Everson (106th); Carl Rogers (26th); and Barry Loudermilk (14th) Transportation Committee 02/22/07 Transportation, Department of; contractors; eligibility; provisions Reps. Ben Harbins (118th); Barry Fleming (117th) & Barbara Sims (119th) Transportation Committee 2/28/07 Professional malpractice charges; affidavit; change certain provisions Reps. John Heard (104th) and Wendell Willard (49th) Judiciary 2/28/07 Long-term Care Facility Resident Abuse Reporting Act; change definition Reps. David Ralston (7th); Robert Mumford (95th); Timothy Bearden (68th); Mary Oliver (83rd) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Special Judiciary Committee 02/22/07 Retail Installment and Home Solicitation Sales Act; increase delinquency charges Rep. Ben Harbin (118th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 2/27/07 District attorneys; increase annual salaries Reps. Barry Fleming (117th); Wendell Willard (49th); David Ralston (7th); Earl Ehrhart (36th); Ben Harbin (118th) and others Appropriations Committee 2/27/07 Revenue and taxation; define certain terms; provisions Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) Finance Committee 2/28/07 Public Safety, Department of; sell and purchase of motor vehicles; allow commissioner Reps. Doug Collins (27th); Charles Martin (47th); Burke Day (163rd) and Ben Harbin (118th) State Institute and Property 2/28/07 Atlanta, City of; district board member appointment; change provision Reps. Edward Lindsey (54th); Bob Holmes (61st); Margaret Kaiser (59th); Roger Bruce (64th); Kathy Ashe (56th) and others State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/22/07 Banks County; board of commissioners; change compensation Rep. Jeanette Jamieson (28th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/22/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx EC y EF HB 477 HB 480 HB 482 HB 483 HB 493 HB 499 HB 501 HB 502 HB 506 HB 508 HB 509 HB 513 HB 520 Richland, City of; new charter; reincorporate and provide Rep. Bob Hanner (148th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/27/07 Norcross, City of; manager-council government; change to Reps. Pedro Marin (96th); Hugh Floyd (99th) and Tom Rice (51st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/27/07 Bryan County; county surveyor; abolish office Reps. Bob Lane (158th) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/27/07 Lilburn, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Rep. Clay Cox (102nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/27/07 Doraville, City of; ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption Rep. Jill Chambers (81st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 2/27/07 Chatham County; certain judges; change compensation Reps. Burke Day (163rd); Earl Carter (159th); Bob Bryant (160th); Craig Gordon (162nd) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Hiawassee, City of; ad valorem tax; municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption Rep. Charles Jenkins (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Towns County School District; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption Rep. Charles Jenkins (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit; judges; provide compensation supplement Reps. Billy Mitchell (88th); Pam Stephenson (92nd); Mike Jacobs (80th); Mary Oliver (83rd); Kevin Levitas (82nd) and others State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Rockdale County State Court; salary of the judge; change provisions Reps. Robert Mumford (95th); Ron Sailor (93rd); Randal Mangham (94th) and Pam Stephenson (92nd) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Young Harris, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption Rep. Charles Jenkins (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Eastern Judicial Circuit; salary of chief judge; provide additional supplement Reps. Burke Day (163rd); Earl Carter (159th); Bob Bryant (160th); Craig Gordon (162nd) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 Lawrenceville, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Rep. John Heard (104th) State and Local Governmental Operations 2/28/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx ED y EF [x ex|M HR 57 HR 146 HR 147 HR 171 Elbert County; conveyance of certain state owned real property; authorize Rep. Tom McCall (30th) State Institutions and Properties 2/27/07 Bohler, Dr. Charles Emory; designate portions of SR 26 Reps. Bob Lane (158th); Jon Burns (157th); Butch Parrish (156th); Earl Carter (159th); Ron Stephens (164th) and others Transportation Committee 02/22/07 Erk Russell Highway; designate portions of SR 26 Reps. Bob Lane (158th); Jon Burns (157th); Butch Parrish (156th); Bob Smith (113th); Earl Carter (159th) and others Transportation Committee 02/22/07 Cason and Virginia Callaway Conservation Highway; dedicate portions of SR 116 Rep. Vance Smith (129th) Transportation Committee 2/27/07 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx EE y EF fxtx cx byy|vx ftyy `x| `A Utx Director ]xx T|x{ Deputy Director V{| Ut|x Communications Specialist ^tt| e|v{tw Communications Specialist _tvx `v_tz{| Media Liaison Twxt Wx_x Session Aide ettx Zt{t Session Aide ^x|{ _t|z Session Aide ]{ gA f|{ Session Aide fxtx cx byy|vx 201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803 g{| jxx~ `tv{ E? ECCJ ctzx EF y EF