The Georgia Senate this week, Feb. 14, 2008

Property tax reform passes Senate

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he Senate moved forward with its work on tax reform when it passed two Constitutional Amendments this week that will freeze property taxes at the 2008 rates until the property is sold. In partnership with Speaker Glenn

Richardson's efforts to reform the state's tax code, the Senate, with broad bipartisan

support, voted to send both Constitutional Amendments to the House for consideration.

Essentially, each piece of legislation proposes an amendment to the Constitution to require the freezing of existing real property values at the time the owner acquires the property. Any valuation increases thereafter would be subject to limitations. Once a property is transferred or sold to another person, that property will be appraised at its fair market value on the date of the new owner's acquisition. Any increase in the assessment could not exceed an inflation percentage set by the Department of Revenue for the current tax year.

"I was pleased that the Senate passed two Constitutional Amendments addressing the concern we hear from our citizens regarding their property taxes the need for uniformity and predictability from one year to the next," Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle said following the vote. "Hardworking Georgians deserve a freeze on their current property tax and the predictability of limited or capped increases. Our action today was simply the right thing to do.

"I commend Senators Rogers and Johnson for their work on this issue and am excited to see the system of property assessments one step closer to being reformed. We look forward to working with the House on this issue, as they now take these bills up for consideration."

Under Senate Resolution 796, authored by Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st the assessed value of residential and non-residential property for all ad valorem tax purposes can be increased only by two percent each year from its 2009 valuation for residential property and three percent for non-residential.

"We need a break on property taxes," Sen. Rogers said from the well. "Georgians work hard to purchase a home or business and then the property tax shoots up for no other reason than the neighbor next door sold their land. This legislation offers a better, more predictable, method for property taxes. No longer will we have to fear the unknown of our yearly property tax bill."

Senate Resolution 686, authored by Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st, provides a sliding homestead exemption for residential property which, in essence, freezes property taxes until the home is sold.

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Property tax reform passes Senate (continued)
"More than three dozen communities already have this useful tool that prevents backdoor tax hikes on our homes. This will provide a tax freeze on residential property if affirmed by the voters this fall," Sen. Johnson said.
"We need to ease the burden on our homeowners," Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th said. "In some cases, property taxes have nearly doubled in less than a decade. These pieces of legislation will allow the people to decide if they want to restrict local governments from being allowed to arbitrarily continue to increase property taxes year after year. If we do not change the way property taxes are assessed, we will soon face an affordability crisis in the metropolitan region. This bill will help insure that working people can continue to live in our community."
If approved by two-thirds of the Senate and House, either of the measures may appear on the ballot in 2008 as a "yes/no" question for the voters. The amendments will give Georgia citizens the opportunity to voice their opinion on how their property values are determined.
Identity theft task force gets nod from Senators
The Senate passed legislation this week that will establish an identity theft task force within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Earlier this year, Gov. Sonny Perdue included $1 million in his budget proposal to fund the task force, which will combat identity theft on several fronts, including investigating alleged identity theft, educating the public, supporting victims and training local law enforcement in combating identity theft.
"Identity theft cost Georgia citizens more than $25 million in 2006," Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th, the bill's author, said. "The GBI has a proven track record of combating crimes that plague Georgia's citizens, and I believe their work in this area will make a significant difference in combating identity theft in our state."
More than 34,000 reports of identity theft in Georgia were filed with the Federal Trade Commission from 2002 to 2006 and Georgia is ranked 7th in the nation when it comes to identity theft per capita.
In recent years, the governor has charged the GBI with combating Internet child predators and Georgia's growing methamphetamine problem. Since then, more agents have been assigned to the GBI's High Technology Investigations Unit, and their caseload increased 57 percent in one year. In addition, total drug seizures have increased from $7.6 million in 2005 to more than $32 million in recent years.
"The General Assembly looks forward to supporting the GBI as they work to protect Georgia's citizens and businesses from the scourge of identity theft," Sen. Carter continued. "I have full confidence that the GBI will embrace this new mission and produce the kind of results the people of this state deserve."
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Vouchers Part II
Bill will allow students at failing/non-accredited schools to receive state funded scholarships
Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st has filed legislation to force failing public schools and non-accredited public school systems to provide scholarships/vouchers to their students so they can attend another public or private school of their choice.
Senate Bill 458 will require public schools and school systems that lose their accreditation to provide scholarships to students who choose to attend either another public school or a private school. Sen. Johnson said he is concerned that graduates of non-accredited schools and school systems will not qualify for the HOPE scholarship and their ability to attend college will be jeopardized. In addition, its students will have difficulty transferring grades and credit hours to other schools.
Additionally, these vouchers will allow students to escape a poorly performing school and transfer to a school that is meeting or exceeding the standard. SB 458 mandates that any school which has been on the state's "needs improvement" list for seven years will have to offer their students the state funded scholarships. Currently, there are 19 schools across Georgia that have been on the "needs improvement" list for seven years or more.
"We took a successful first step into the voucher debate last year with the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship law," Sen. Johnson said. "This is the next logical step. If local school boards fail to deliver a quality education after seven years or fail to be accredited, then we owe it to the children in these failing schools to provide an alternative path to a good, quality education."
Last year, Sen. Johnson authored the successful Georgia Special Needs Scholarship legislation. The law allows parents of special needs children to use scholarships to educate their children either in a public or private school.
Schools on the "needs improvement" list for at least seven years

Crim High School - 8 Benjamin S. Carson Prep School 7 Kennedy Middle School 7 Senior Academy at Carver 7 Atlanta Public Schools
Oak Hill Middle School - 7 Baldwin County
McNair Middle School 7 DeKalb County
Merry Acres Middle School 7 Dougherty County
East Hall Middle School - 8 Hall County
Mitchell County Middle School - 8 Mitchell County

Baker Middle School - 8 Eddy Middle School 8 Marshall Middle School 7 Muscogee County
Pelham City Middle School 7 Pelham City
Glenn Hills Middle School - 8 Morgan Road Middle School 8 Tubman Middle School 8 Richmond County
Stewart-Quitman High School -8 Stewart County
MacIntyre Park Middle School - 8 Thomasville City
Upson-Lee Middle School 7 Thomaston-Upson County g{| jxx~ Yxut DG? ECCK ctzx F y EE

Telecommunications Competition Act will expand choices for local telephone service
Sen. David Shafer of the 48th is looking to expand consumer choices for local telephone service through the Telecommunications Competition Act.
"Last year we increased competition for the cable television industry by making it easier for telecommunications companies like AT&T to enter the video market," Sen. Shafer said. "This legislation further levels the playing field by making it easier for other telecommunications companies to compete with former telephone monopolies like AT&T."

Senate Bill 408 eliminates the need for telecommunications companies to separately negotiate franchise agreements with each city, a process that takes months, serves as a barrier to competition and sometimes results in competing companies paying different franchise fees. Instead, the legislation provides for a uniform franchise agreement so that all providers are paying the same fees and are operating on the same terms.
"I am a strong believer in competition," Sen. Shafer said. "Expanded choices empower the consumer, improve service and keep prices low."

Only bulldogs and yellow jackets need apply

After this year, you may not see anymore gators riding around on the back of University of Florida alums' vehicles who live in Georgia. As of last week, something began appearing on Georgia's license plates that sent some in the state reeling . . . the University of Florida gator.

Now license plates in the Peach State have been sporting out-of-state colleges' tags for several years, but you won't find any UGA or Georgia Tech or any other college or university tag in any of the states surrounding Georgia. In fact, in Florida, their legislature has made it nearly impossible to secure an out-of-state university plate with a price tag of $60,000, an "ok" by the legislature and the mandate to sell 1,000 tags each year or lose the tag all together. Alabama has just said "no" to grads from Georgia schools,
yet Auburn alums are welcome to sport the blue and orange UA on their tags.

So legislation is being introduced in the House, it will be carried by Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th in the Senate, that will deny alumni from anywhere but a school in Georgia to be issued a college tag unless the state where the college is located reciprocates and lets alums from here sport a yellow jacket or a bulldog or any other Georgia mascot on their license plate.

"Prestige tag and Florida tag are oxymorons," Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st said this week. "I don't know that we could yank an existing tag, but we don't have to renew it. I think that would be what would happen," Sen. Johnson added. "If this bill passes and you can't get a University of Georgia alumni tag in Florida, then they would not be able to renew their tag."

Neither Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th nor Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th wanted to comment

for this article.

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Administrative Affairs Committee
The Administrative Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
Chairman John Bulloch of the 11th called the Committee to order on Thursday, February 7, to consider Senate Bill 379. President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st presented the Committee Substitute to SB 379, which will require any person or entity making a telephone solicitation to a residential, mobile or wireless subscriber in Georgia to provide their first and last name, telephone number, city and state of location, and the name of the entity or organization the telephone solicitation is made for. The legislation aims to reduce the number of unwanted recorded telephone calls, or "robo-calls," to households in the state. After some discussion, SB 379 passed unanimously by substitute.
The Committee reconvened on Wednesday, February 13, to consider two bills. Chairman Bulloch first presented SB 429, which expands the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture's Homeland Security investigators to include the inspection of plants, animals, contaminated foods and other products. Next, Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th presented SB 418, otherwise known as the Georgia Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act. The bill would require that all cigarettes sold in Georgia be fitted with "stops," which would extinguish a lit cigarette no longer being smoked. The legislation also sets forth penalties for those manufacturers, dealers, retailers and others who do not adhere to the new code section. Chairman Bulloch recommended language to clarify the bill to ensure the legislation applies to all cigarettes sold in Georgia. After some discussion, SB 418 passed unanimously by substitute.
Appropriations Committee
The Appropriations Committee did not meet this week.
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
On Thursday, February 7, Chairman Bill Hamrick of the 30th brought the meeting to order and called on Senator Ronnie Chance of the 16th to open discussion on Senate Bill 393. The bill will restrict local governments' power to require the payment of any fee for pawnbroker transactions or restrict the hours of operation of pawnbrokers. Upon being asked a few questions by members on the matter, Sen. Chance mentioned that he had refined the bill after meeting with representatives of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA). Gwen Hall of the GMA spoke in favor of the bill, raising one concern about the potential costs that would be passed on to consumers. SB 393 passed unanimously.
The committee reconvened on Tuesday, February 12. Chairman Hamrick mentioned that he was thankful for the cooperation of Georgia banking institutions, credit unions and the securities lobby on SB 358, which updates the Georgia Securities Act of 1973 and replaces it with the Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008. The new act provides the following: forms of registration for securities; regulation of securities professionals; fraud enforcement; as well as coordination and uniformity with current federal law. SB 358 passed unanimously.
Economic Development Committee
The Senate Economic Development Committee met on Monday, February 11, to consider Senate Bill 359. Senator Tim Golden of the 8th presented the legislation, which creates a "Made in Georgia" campaign, designed to promote the sale of products manufactured in Georgia. Sen. Golden was joined by Mercer University economist Dr. Roger Tutterow and Roy Bowen of the Georgia Traditional Manufacturers Association. All three spoke in favor of SB 359, which passed through Committee unanimously.
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Education and Youth Committee
Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, February 29. The Committee first took up Senate Bill 345, sponsored by Senator Ed Harbison of the 15th, which would establish a compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families and create the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children. Sen. Harbison and Kevin Bruch, liaison for the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, clarified questions regarding the bill. SB 345 passed unanimously. Chairman Weber then introduced House Bill 881, sponsored by Representative Jan Jones of the 46th, which seeks to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission, which shall be responsible for the development and support of charter schools. Andrew Broy, associate superintendent of policy and charter schools for the Department of Education clarified questions regarding the effect of HB 881. Linda Zechmann, chair of the Charter School Committee for the Georgia State Board of Education, spoke in support of HB 881. Chairman Weber stated further review of HB 881, including testimony from interested parties, will occur at the next Committee meeting.
Ethics Committee
On Thursday, February 7, Chairman Renee Unterman of the 45th called the first meeting of the 2008 legislative session to order. Senator Cecil Staton of the 18th testified on Senate Bill 387, which made four procedural changes to Georgia law governing absentee ballots. A representative from the Secretary of State's office spoke in support of the legislation. SB 387 passed 8-1, with Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th in dissent. The committee then began discussion of SB 372, which would require every elected local governing body in Georgia to establish an ethics commission. The bill's primary sponsor Sen. Reed explained the bill and he noted that a substitute had been worked on by Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st, and that the committee would be voting on this substitute. Sen. Johnson then walked the committee through an amendment to the substitute, which would provide for semi-annual training of lobbyists, in addition to making minor language changes. Lamar Norton of the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) spoke in favor of the bill. Rick Thompson of the State Ethics Commission asked the committee to reconsider the definition of "influence" in the bill's language, which prompted several clarifying questions from the committee. Bill Bozarth of Common Cause Georgia spoke in favor of the bill, suggesting a minor addition pertaining to how a member is removed, if needed. The Committee accepted his change in language. Finally, Megan Middleton of the City of Atlanta spoke in favor of the substitute. SB 372 passed unanimously by committee substitute as amended.
Finance Committee
On Monday, February 11, Chairman Chip Rogers of the 21st called the meeting to order. Chairman Rogers offered a brief explanation of House Bill 926, which defines the terms "Internal Revenue Code" and "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for certain taxable years and incorporates certain provisions of the federal law into Georgia law. HB 926 passed unanimously. Chairman Rogers then invited Senator Joseph Carter of the 13th to testify on Senate Bill 181, which enables car companies to levy an itemized fee to customers to recover fees and taxes imposed by local governments. SB 181 passed unanimously. Finally, Chairman Rogers called upon a representative of legislative counsel to explain new language in Senate Resolution 859, which proposes an amendment to the Constitution to repeal the levy of state ad valorem taxes except in the case of an emergency. SR 859 passed unanimously.
Government Oversight Committee
The Government Oversight Committee met on Thursday, February 7, to take up one bill. Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th presented Senate Bill 344, which will repeal eleven obsolete authorities, boards and commissions. Sen. Gail Davenport of the 44th brought forth her concerns regarding the inclusion of the Business Development Advisory Council Small and Minority (BDAC) on the list of potential purged entities. Joe Kim of the Department of Administrative Services claimed that his organization's purpose is to alleviate concerns that the BDAC was formed to address. Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd moved to amend the bill to omit the BDAC from the list, which passed unanimously. SB 344 then passed through the Committee unanimously by substitute.
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Health and Human Services Committee
On Tuesday, February 12, Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th called the meeting to order to adopt the Committee rules and consider Senate Bills 341, 402, 363 and 423. After the rules were unanimously adopted, Senator Lee Hawkins of the 49th presented SB 341, which seeks to address Georgia's expanding, aging population by assigning additional duties to the Council on Aging, such as the preparation of the written report entitled Project 2020: Georgia for a Lifetime. Melanie McNeil, executive director of the Georgia Council on Aging, spoke in support of the bill, which passed unanimously. Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th presented SB 402, which coordinates programs that provide rural and human service transportation services across the state through the creation of the Georgia Coordinating Council for Rural and Human Services Transportation. Tom Bauer of the Georgia Transit Association was in attendance to speak in support of the bill. SB 402 was unanimously passed by Committee Substitute. Next, Sen. Hawkins presented SB 363, which clarifies that the Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits dental education programs in dental schools accredited by the Department of Education or hospitals by the Joint Commission. Martha Phillips, executive director of the Georgia Dental Association, spoke in favor of the bill. The Committee tabled SB 363 until its next meeting. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th presented SB 423, which will not require prior authorization for antipsychotic medications prescribed to patients enrolled in a Medicaid program who are being treated for mental illnesses. However, express authorization of the prescribing practitioner will be required before the substitution of an antipsychotic medication may occur. After much deliberation, SB 423 passed by a vote of 11 to 1, with Sen. David Shafer of the 48th in dissent.
Higher Education Committee
Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th called the first meeting of the Higher Education Committee to order on Tuesday, February 12. The Committee first considered Senate Bills 434 and 435, authored by Chairman Harp, which rename the Department of Technical and Adult Education and establish the Technical College System of Georgia. Both bills passed unanimously. The Committee then heard a presentation from Michael Gerber, president of the Atlanta Regional Council of Higher Education (ARCHE), on Georgia's perception of higher education. Senator John Wiles of the 37th addressed the recent decision of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to consolidate campus payroll systems. Sen. Wiles said his constituents are concerned that this decision will result in significant job losses. Tom Daniels of the Board of Regents responded to Sen. Wiles' concerns by stating that the Board is simply trying to make the university system more efficient, and that the impact of the plan may have been exaggerated. Chairman Harp requested that a briefing on the topic be presented by the Board at the next Committee meeting.
Insurance and Labor Committee
The Insurance and Labor Committee did not meet this week.
Interstate Cooperation Committee
The Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
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Judiciary Committee
The Judiciary Committee convened for its second meeting on Thursday, February 7, to take up three bills. The Committee first considered Senate Bill 388, which establishes an identity theft division within the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Senator Joseph Carter of the 13th was joined by GBI Director Vernon Keenan to present the bill, with Director Keenan stating that because identity theft is so widespread, the GBI will build partnerships with local law enforcement to investigate cases statewide. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th then presented SB 318, which allows judges to request assistance from other judges in the same judicial circuit. SB 318 passed unanimously. The final measure, Senate Resolution 819, was introduced by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th, who explained that the resolution creates the Senate Comprehensive Firearms Law Study Committee to examine Georgia's current firearms laws. The resolution passed unanimously.
Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd called the Committee to order again on Monday, February 11, to take up two bills. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th introduced SB 406, which increases penalties for reproducing recorded material. This bill was vetoed last year, and has since been revised to address the Governor's concerns. Matthew Kilgo of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) spoke in favor of the bill. Sen. Hamrick chose to hold the bill until the language could be further clarified. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th then presented SB 405, which brings Georgia into conformity with other states that have passed the 2006 Uniform Anatomical Gift Act by creating an "opt-in" system for individual organ donors, or for those who are authorized to make an anatomical donation on behalf of a decedent. Chairman Smith suggested two amendments, the first of which would strike language giving authority to persons who exhibited special care and concern for the decedent. The second amendment adds language that specifies reasonable effort must be made to contact representatives of decedents when there is a dispute regarding who has authority to make a donation. Both amendments were approved, and SB 405 passed unanimously as amended.
Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
The Natural Resources and the Environment Committee met on Monday, February 11, to take up two bills and to hear a presentation on outdoor recreation. Senator Johnny Grant of the 25th presented Senate Bill 389, which requires boating safety education. After several questions, SB 389 was tabled for redrafting until the next meeting. Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th presented SB 399, which reauthorizes the solid waste trust fund. This bill will renew the current law requiring tire dealers to impose a $1 fee on each new replacement tire sold in the state. SB 399 passed unanimously. The Committee also heard a presentation from Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Director Becky Kelly, who gave an update on the new statewide outdoor recreation plan.
Public Safety Committee
On Thursday, February 7, Chairman Jack Murphy of the 27th called the meeting to order to consider Senate Bills 373 and 335. Chairman Murphy presented SB 373, which authorizes the executive officer of the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council to order an emergency suspension of any peace officer who is arrested or indicted for a felony. SB 373 was unanimously passed. SB 335 was sent to a subcommittee for further perfection.
The Committee also met on Tuesday, February 12, to consider SB 430, 25 and House Bill 77. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th presented SB 430, which allows the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to compare samples from its database that were lawfully obtained from a suspect in criminal investigation to DNA samples collected from evidentiary materials. GBI Director Vernon Keenan, was in attendance to speak in support of the bill. SB 430 was unanimously passed. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th presented SB 25, which provides that any person who knowingly makes a false statement in an application for a vehicle registration or in applying for a new certificate will be punished by up to $5,000 fine and/or by a prison term of one to five years. SB 25 passed by a vote of 4 to 3 with Senators Gloria Butler of the 55th, Gail Davenport of the 44th and Valencia Seay of the 34th in dissent. Representative Barry Loudermilk of the 14th presented the Committee Substitute to HB 77. The legislation repeals provisions concerning traffic-control signal monitoring devices, otherwise known as red light cameras. HB 77 will remain in the Committee for further consideration.
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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.
Retirement Committee
The Retirement Committee did not meet this week.
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee met as a standing committee on February 7 and gave a "do pass" recommendation to House Bill 387, by Representative Barry Loudermilk of the 14th, to return Georgia Day to the Georgia Code. Georgia Day is recognized as February 12th, the day that General James Oglethorpe, Georgia's first governor, first stepped upon the soil of the peach state in Savannah in 1733. Unfortunately, in 1983, when the Georgia Code was revised, the reference to Georgia Day was inadvertently left out.
The Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Don Balfour of the 9th, met on February 11 and unanimously approved Senate Resolution 822, which recognizes Georgia's border with Tennessee as the 35th parallel. According to Senator David Shafer of the 48th, who authored the bill, a flawed survey conducted in 1818 and never accepted by the State of Georgia, erroneously marks the 35th Parallel approximately one mile south of its actual location. The resolution creates a Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission and a North CarolinaTennessee Boundary Line Commission. The resolution directs these commissions to meet with counterparts from Tennessee and North Carolina, resurvey the border and "take such further or other action or pursue such remedy or remedies as (the commission) deems proper to establish the definite and true boundary lines."
Science and Technology Committee
On Thursday, February 7, the Science and Technology Committee convened to take up Senate Bill 59, authored by Chairman Cecil Staton of the 18th, which seeks to restrict child predators by prohibiting social networking sites from allowing a minor to create a profile without the permission of a parent or guardian. Chairman Staton mentioned a similar piece of model legislation that was recently brought to his attention, which seeks to achieve similar goals through child and parent education and empowerment. Braden Cox of NetChoice, a coalition of e-commerce companies, testified in opposition to the bill due to the difficulties of verifying parental consent, and recommended the Committee consider the model legislation. Tom Harold of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) also testified against SB 59, but is in favor of the model legislation. Paul Hernacki of Definition 6 testified in support of what the bill is trying to accomplish, but is concerned that the software development required would be costly and potentially negative to the economy. Jeff Katz of the Technology Leadership Coalition also testified against SB 59 but supported the model legislation. After some discussion by the Committee members, SB 59 passed unanimously.
Special Judiciary Committee
Chairman Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, February 12, to take up two bills. First, Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th presented Senate Bill 374, which makes several revisions to laws on mechanics' and materialmen's liens. After some discussion, SB 374 passed through the Committee unanimously by substitute. Next, Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th presented his substitute, SB 217, which more clearly defines the characteristics of a "voluntary homeowners' association group," giving such an entity standing to bring forth legal action to enforce covenants. Chairman Meyer von Bremen tabled SB 217 due to the lack of a quorum.
State Institutions and Property Committee
Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, February 12. He stated that the legislation to be discussed was not ready for consideration, and would be taken up at the next meeting.
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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 Monday, February 11, to consider several bills. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th first presented Senate Bill 411, which sets forth the procedures for design-build contracts in the state. Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner Gena Abraham spoke in favor of the legislation, which passed unanimously. Senator Doug Stoner of the 6th presented the Committee Substitute to SB 410, which authorizes the State Road and Tollway Authority to create a state congestion relief fund for projects initiated by community improvement districts (CIDs). The bill passed by a unanimous vote. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st then introduced SB 420, which will change provisions of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act to exempt the DOT from civil penalties levied for certain violations. After some discussion, Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd offered an Amendment to the bill, adding language to protect private property rights. SB 420 then passed by substitute. Tom Leslie of the Georgia Engineering Alliance then presented SB 417 on behalf of Chairman Mullis. The bill requires the DOT to develop and publish benchmarks and issue reports on the progress of construction projects. In addition, SB 417 will require the DOT to perform value engineering studies, which Mr. Leslie explained in detail. SB 417 also passed unanimously by substitute.
Urban Affairs Committee
The Urban Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
On Tuesday, February 12, Chairman John Douglas of the 17th called the meeting to order. The first order of business was testimony by Senator Nancy Schaefer of the 50th on Senate Resolution 827, which urges the United States Congress to withdraw the United States from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America and from any other bilateral or multilateral activity that seeks the economic merger of the United States with any other country. Sen. Schaefer noted that comparable legislation was being considered in at least 19 other states. After clarifying questions by Senators Ross Tolleson of the 20th and Cecil Staton of the 18th, SR 827 passed unanimously. Chairman Douglas then invited Ned Hunter to debrief the committee on his Turbo Vet software, which attempts to make veteran's services and benefits easily manageable online. After clarifying questions by Sens. Tolleson and Schaefer, Chairman Douglas called on Tom Cook, assistant commissioner of Field Operations and Claims for Georgia's Department of Veteran's Services to speak to any concerns he had with Mr. Hunter's software. Mr. Cook testified that he is a proponent of the program, mentioning that his only concerns are budgetary in nature.
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(Friday, February 8 Wednesday, February 13)

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SR 826

Northside High School Eagles Football Team; commend Sens. Cecil Staton (18th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 831

Peoples Republic of China; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Rules Committee 02/08/08

SR 832

Perlotto, Dawn; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 833

Ramsey, Janice; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 834

Kortum, Helen; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 835

Hermes, Beth; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 836

Hordos, Sandra; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 837

Seldon, Sr., Mr. Albert; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 838

Pettis, Mrs. Toni; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 839

Martin, Mr. & Mrs. Troy and Bridget; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 840

Dismuke, Sara; Hatcher, Sally; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 841

Taylor, Charles McKenzie "Mack"; condolences Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/08/08

SR 842

Transportation, Georgia Dept.; urged to build a maglev train connecting Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta with Chattanooga Municipal Airport Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Tommie Williams (19th); Doug Stoner (6th); Valencia Seay (34th) and Preston Smith (52nd) Transportation Committee 02/08/08

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SR 843 SR 844 SR 845
SR 846 SR 847 SR 848 SR 849 SR 850 SR 851 SR 852 SR 853 SR 854 SR 855 SR 856

Harshbarger, Miss Laura Brett; commend Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Read and adopted 02/08/08
Elward, Cameron John; commend Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 02/08/08
County Governments; transportation improvement sales and use tax CA Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Doug Stoner (6th); Tommie Williams (19th); Kasim Reed (35th); John Wiles (37th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Transportation Committee 02/08/08
Burkett, Christopher Brooks; commend Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 02/08/08
Handy, Craig Douglas; commend Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 02/08/08
Didicher, Mr. John; condolences Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/11/08
PAGE Day on Capitol Hill Sens. Dan Weber (40th) and Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 02/11/08
African American Business Enterprise Day; proclaim February 12 Sens. Gail Davenport (44th); Ed Harbison (15th); Kasim Reed (35th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Regina Thomas (2nd) and Ronald Ramsey (43rd) Read and adopted 02/11/08
Buford High School Football Team; recognize Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/11/08
Buford High School Lady Wolves Softball Team; congratulate Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Read and adopted 02/11/08
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College; celebrate Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Greg Goggans (7th); John Bulloch (11th) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/11/08
4-H Day at the Capitol Sens. Joseph Carter (13th) and Bill Heath (31st) Read and adopted 02/11/08
Chandler, Donna; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Rowell, Jeff; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/12/08

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SR 857 SR 858 SR 859
SR 860 SR 861 SR 862
SR 863
SR 864 SR 865 SR 866 SR 867 SR 868 SR 869

Kugelman, Maria; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Monahan, Mr. Steve; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Ad Valorem Taxes; repeal the levy of state ad valorem taxes except in the case of an emergency CA Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Joseph Carter (13th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Bill Heath (31st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/11/08
National Federation of Independent Business in Georgia; recognize Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Jack Murphy (27th); John Wiles (37th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Barfield, Mr. Grover; recognize Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Israel, State of; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Tommie Williams (19th); David Adelman (42nd); Don Balfour (45th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Rules Committee 02/12/08
Motor Fuel/Sales Use Tax; funds derived shall be allocated; providing/maintaining adequate system of public-use airports/railroads Sens. Valencia Seay (34th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Finance Committee 02/12/08
Traditional Migration Month; recognize November Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremem (12th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Muscogee County Office of Elections and Registration; commend; Sharmel Veasley; congratulate Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Causey, Dr. Virginia; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Northland Neighbors; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Schuster, Todd; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Historic Linwood Foundation; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08

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SR 870 SR 871 SR 872 SR 873 SR 874
SR 875 SR 876 SR 877 SR 878 SR 879 SR 880 SR 881 SR 882 SR 883 SR 884

Reynolds Bickerstaff, Mark Lucas, Jim Lucas; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Jenkins, Celia; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Spencer, Kyle; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Antrobius, Becky; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Billie Holmes, Mat Swift, Mayor Jim Wetherington, Frank Brown, & City Manager Isaiah Hugley; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Curtin, Garry; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Mary Poindexter & Mary Walker; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Shaw High School Young Historians; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Robert Ashley & Randy Perez; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Reese Road Parent Teacher Association; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Amos, Paul & Courtney; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
The RiverMill Event Centre; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Doug Purcell & Mike Bunn; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Ernie Smallman & David Cummings; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Jordan Construction Academy; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08

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SR 885 SR 886 SR 887 SR 888 SR 889 SR 890 SR 891 SR 892 SR 893 SR 894 SR 895 SR 896
SR 897
SR 898

Swift, Mary Lou; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Lindsey, Christopher; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Biggers, Janice P.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Mims, Cavanaugh S.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Brookstone School Young Historians; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Gregory, Tim and Erin; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Men's Progressive Club of Columbus, Inc.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Georgia Physicians Leadership Academy; inaugural class members; commend Sens. Greg Goggans (7th) and Lee Hawkins (49th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Exceptional Adult Georgian in Literacy Education (EAGLE) delegates; congratulate Sens. Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th) and Jack Hill (4th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Engelauf, Bob; commend Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Read and adopted 02/12/08
Metro Albany Day; recognize February 13 Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Emergency Medical Services Week; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Doug Stoner (6th); Jack Murphy (27th); John Douglas (17th); Chip Rogers (21st); Steve Thompson (33rd) and others Read and adopted 02/13/08
Emergency Medical Services Recognition Day; recognize February 21 Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Doug Stoner (6th); John Douglas (17th); Chip Rogers (21st); Jack Murphy (27th); Steve Thompson (33rd) and others Read and adopted 02/13/08
Bosson, Rev. Allan; commend Sens. Regina Thomas (2nd) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/13/08

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SR 899 SR 900 SR 901 SR 902 SR 903
SR 904 SR 905 SR 906 SR 907

Savannah Arts Academy's Silver Winds Ensemble; commend Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Brooks, Susan; recognize Sen. David Adelman (42nd) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Interface, Inc.; congratulate Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th) and Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Tennessee Valley Authority; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); Chip Pearson (51st) and Bill Heath (31st) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Republic of Austria; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sens. Judson Hill (32); Dan Moody (56th); Jack Hill (4th); Regina Thomas (2nd); Eric Johnson (1st); Don Balfour (9th) and others Read and adopted 02/13/08
Zaccari, Ronald M.; recognize Sens. Tim Golden (8th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Azalea International Folk Fair/Dance Competition as Georgia Official International Festival Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Allen, Sam; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 02/13/08
Willis, Mr. Joshua; condolences Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/13/08

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SB 429

Agriculture, Dept. of; assigned functions; enforcement of state laws; control of infectious diseases in livestock; change provisions Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Greg Goggans (7th); John Douglas (17th); Bill Heath (31st) and Ralph Hudgens (47th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/08/08

SB 430

DNA; Georgia Bureau of Investigation include information in database/compare to samples collected from evidentiary materials Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Judson Hill (32nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Public Safety Committee 02/08/08

SB 431

Golf Hall of Fame Authority; provide for rights of first refusal to repurchase certain property acquired for purposes of Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd) and J.B. Powell (23rd) Economic Development Committee 02/08/08

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SB 432 SB 433 SB 434 SB 435 SB 436 SB 437 SB 438 SB 439 SB 440 SB 441

Criminal Procedure; allow victim's family to provide statement during the sentencing procedures for person who committed the crime Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Bill Cowsert (46th) Judiciary Committee 02/08/08
State Health Planning; provide destination cancer hospitals are subject to certificate of need requirements; provide for penalties Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); Eric Johnson (1st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Dan Moody (56th) and Jack Hill (4th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/08/08
Retirement; Dept. of Adult and Technical Education to Technical College System of Georgia; change all references Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Cecil Staton (18th); Ronnie Chance (16th); John Wiles (37th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Higher Education Committee 02/08/08
Technical/Adult Education, Dept. of; change name to Technical College System of Georgia Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Cecil Staton (18th); Ronnie Chance (16th); John Wiles (37th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Higher Education Committee 02/08/08
Business Corporations; voting for directors in publicly traded corporations; change provisions Sens. Bill Cowsert (46th); Seth Harp (29th); Dan Weber (40th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); David Adelman (42nd) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee 02/08/08
Motor Vehicles; provide for registration/licensing of assembled motor vehicles and motorcycles; issuance of certificate of title to owners Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Doug Stoner (6th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Don Thomas (54th); Chip Rogers (21st) and Regina Thomas (2nd); Public Safety Committee 02/08/08
Rules of the Road; serious injury due to right of way violation resulting in a collision; provide for a penalty for a second offense Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); J.B. Powell (23rd); Regina Thomas (2nd) Don Thomas (54th); Chip Rogers (21st) and Ed Tarver (22nd) Judiciary Committee 02/08/08
Pawnbrokers; restrict local governments power; payment of any fee for transactions/hours of operation Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/08/08
Bingo; define certain terms; provide certain nonprofit organizations may sell certain pull tab games of chance Sen. John Douglas (17th) Economic Development Committee 02/11/08
General Assembly; require an oath/affirmation for purposes of presenting certain testimony; committee/subcommittee Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); Preston Smith (52nd); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Emanuel Jones (10th); Kasim Reed (35th); Bill Jackson (24th) and others Rules Committee 02/11/08

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SB 442
SB 443 SB 444 SB 445 SB 446 SB 447 SB 448 SB 449
SB 450 SB 451
SB 452

Public Administration, Offenses Against; false statements/writings; within the jurisdiction of the state/political subdivisions; change certain prov. Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); Preston Smith (52nd); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Emanuel Jones (10th); Kasim Reed (35th); Bill Jackson (24th) and others Rules Committee 02/11/08
Natural Resources, Board of; establish game/fish criminal violations; rules/regulations; change provisions Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/11/08
Transportation Dept.; dispose of surplus property Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Doug Stoner (6th); Tommie Williams (19th) and Valencia Seay (34th) Transportation Committee 02/12/08
Administrative procedure; effectiveness of a challenged agency rule; General Assembly take action on such rule at next legislative session Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Greg Goggans (7th); Tommie Williams (19th); Kasim Reed (35th) and J.B. Powell (23rd) Government Oversight Committee 02/12/08
Rules of the Road; motorcycles; provide for certain traffic regulations Sens. J.B. Powell (23rd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Ronald Ramsey, Sr. (43rd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Public Safety Committee 02/12/08
Counties/Municipal Corporations; shall not charge a business license fee or administrative fee to certain disabled veterans Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/12/08
Peace Officer; procedure for indictment of crimes in the performance of his/her duties; change provisions Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Judiciary Committee 02/12/08
Landowners Protection Act of 2008; limit liability of certain landowners; who permit hunting on their property or allowing for agritourism Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Joseph Carter (13th); Ross Tolleson (20th); George Hooks (14th); Jack Hill (4th); John Bulloch (11th) and others Economic Development Committee 02/13/08
Crimes against Persons; increase the penalty for aggravated stalking Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Judiciary Committee 02/13/08
Protecting Georgia's Investment Act; require boards administering public retirement funds identify all companies doing investment in Iran Sens. Don Balfour (9th); David Adelman (42nd); Tommie Williams (19th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Retirement Committee 02/13/08
Residential/General Contractors; Georgia residents holding valid contractors licenses by other states; licensure without examination Sens. Jeff Mullis ( 53rd); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and Don Thomas (54th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/13/08

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SB 453 SB 454 SB 455 SB 456 SB 457 SB 458 SB 459

Controlled Substances; add the state as entity authorized to govern certain criminal activity; designated areas for recreational purposes Sens. Don Balfour (9th); David Adelman (42nd); Tommie Williams (19th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Judiciary Committee 02/13/08
Alcoholic Beverages; any county which Sunday sale is authorized; may authorize the sale in public stadiums, coliseums, and auditorium Sens. Renee Unterman ( 45th); David Shafer (48th); Don Balfour (9th); Dan Weber (40th); Gloria Butler (55th); Steve Henson (41st) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/13/08
O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Preston Smith (52nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Seth Harp (29th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/13/08
O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Preston Smith (52nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Seth Harp (29th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/13/08
Georgia Bureau of Investigation; establish the Georgia MethCheck data base; statement of purpose; definitions Sens. Gloria Butler (55th); Robert Brown (26th); Kasim Reed (35th); Steve Henson (41st); Ronald Ramsey (43rd); Steve Thompson (33rd) and others Judiciary Committee 02/13/08
Education; require local school systems and schools to be accredited; provide for definitions Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Dan Moody (56th); Don Thomas (54th); Tommie Williams (19th); Chip Rogers (21st); John Douglas (17th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/13/08
Real Estate Sales; foreclosure; power of sale contained in mortgages, deeds, or lien contracts shall be advertised weekly for ten weeks Sens. Kasim Reed (35th); Eric Johnson (1st); Robert Brown (26th) and David Shafer (48th) Judiciary Committee 02/13/08

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HR 1158

Georgia BIO; commend Reps. Charlice Byrd (20th); Calvin Hill (21st); Jimmy Pruett (144th); Kevin Levitas (82nd); Hardie Davis (122nd) and Amos Amerson (9th) Economic Development Committee 02/05/08

HR 1248

Burran, Dr. James A.; Dalton State College; retirement; recognize Reps. Roger Williams (4th) and Tom Dickson (6th) Read and adopted 02/12/08

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HB 157

Retirement; full-time teacher; full-time employment and benefits; provide Reps. Brook Coleman (97th); Ben Bridges (10th); Rich Golick (34th); Tyrone Brooks (63rd); Tommy Benton (31st) and John Meadows (5th) Retirement Committee 02/11/08

HB 158

Parent and child; legitimation; clarify methods; change provisions Reps. Wendell Williard (49th); Mike Jacobs (80th); Mary Oliver (83rd); Roger Lane (167th) and Melvin Everson (106th) Judiciary Committee 02/12/08

HB 209

Employees' Retirement System; narcotics agents; purchase prior service Reps. Carl Rogers (26th) and Doug Collins (27th) Retirement Committee 02/12/08

HB 296

Special elections; held on certain dates; provide Reps. Jeff May (111th); Mark Williams (178th); Jay Roberts (154th); Roger Lane (167th); Bill Hembree (67th) and Bobby Reece (98th) Ethics Committee 02/08/08

HB 297

Recreational vehicle dealers; conventions; provide certain exemptions Reps. Allen Freeman (140th); Ron Stephens (164th); David Casas (103rd); Terry England (108th); Jay Roberts (154th) and Katie Dempsey (13th) Economic Development Committee 02/12/08

HB 333

Weapons; crime or delinquent act; provisions Reps. Wade Starr (78th); Willie Talton (145th); John Lunsford (110th) and Mike Glanton (76th) Public Safety Committee 02/08/08

HB 494

Cosmetologists; definitions; wax technicians; provisions Rep. Don Parsons (42nd) Regulated Industries Committee 02/13/08

HB 919

Georgia Lottery Corporation; Board of Directors; provisions Reps. Bill Hembree (67th); Jill Chambers (81st); Clay Cox (102nd); Amy Carter (175th); Jon Burns (157th) and Kathy Ashe (56th) Higher Education Committee 02/13/08

HB 921

Mortgage lenders and brokers; nation-wide automated licensing system; create Reps. James Mills (25th); Allen Peake (137th); Ronald Forster (3rd); Margaret Kaiser (59th) and Willie Talton (145th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/08/08

HB 930

Disabled veterans and blind persons; eligibility certificate; valid for five years; provide Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) Regulated Industries Committee - 02/13/08

HB 931

Authentic historical Georgia license plates; definition; increase time period Reps. Tommy Benton (31st) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Finance Committee 02/13/08

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HB 941

Board of regents; senior citizens program; change certain provisions Reps. Bobby Franklin (43rd); Bill Hembree (67th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Higher Education Committee 02/11/08

HB 945

Motor vehicles; registration and title records; allow certain persons access Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Bobby Parnham (141st); Ron Stephens (164th); Jay Roberts (154th) and Mike Coan (101st) Public Safety Committee 02/11/08

HB 967

Certificate of need program; prisons and other secure correctional institutions; exempt Reps. Charles Martin (47th); Terry Barnard (166th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) State Institutions and Property Committee 02/08/08

HB 989

Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 June 30, 2008 Reps. Glenn Richardson (19th); Jerry Keen (179th); Ben Harbin (118th); Mark Burkhalter (50th); Vance Smith (129th) and Rich Golick (34th) Appropriations Committee 02/11/08

HB 1027

Defensive driving courses; alcohol or drug programs; curriculum; provisions Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Jay Roberts (15th); Timothy Bearden (68th) and Johnny Floyd (147th) Public Safety Committee 02/12/08

HB 1099

Henry County State Court; additional judge; provide Reps. Stan Watson (91st); Steve Davis (109th); Howard Mosby (90th); John Yates (73rd); John Lunsford (110th) and Wade Starr (78th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/11/08

HB 1109

Cobb County Probate Court; superior court deputy clerk; change compensation Reps. Steve Tumlin (38th); Ed Setzler (35th); Don Wix (33rd); Rob Teilhet (40th); Rich Golick (34th) and Don Parsons (42nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/11/08

HB 1115

Carroll County; school district ad valorem tax; residents 65 or over; provide homestead exemption Reps. Timothy Bearden (68th); Mark Butler (18th) and Randy Nix (69th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/11/08

HB 1127

Irwin County; Board of Commissioners; staggered elections; provide Rep. Jay Roberts (154th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/13/08

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Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
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