The Georgia Senate this week, Feb. 28, 2008

As Crossover Day looms, Senate continues to work at non-stop pace

T

s the Senate prepares for Day 26 of the 2008 session, the last seven legislative days have brought on some of the most significant debates we've see this year. Whether it's CON, Sunday Sales issues or our current northern borders with

Tennessee and North Carolina, it's obvious that the session is in full swing. This week, Senate

committees met well into the evening hours to move key legislation, such as Senate Bill 458

by Senator Eric Johnson of the 1st, which could provide scholarships to students in failing

schools, or Senate Resolution 345 by Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st, which is most commonly

referred to as the "Faith-based Amendment." Here is a look back at some of the major events

of the past week.

On Wednesday, Senators Jeff Mullis of

the 53rd and David Shafer of the 48th

met with a Chattanooga, TN-based

delegation to accept their gift of several

cases of bottled water. The visit was a

publicity stunt set forth by Chattanooga

Mayor Ron Littlefield in response to

Senate Resolution 822, which seeks to

correct survey errors along Georgia's

northern border with Tennessee and

North Carolina. In what was deemed

"Give our Georgia Friends a Drink Day," Senators met with Matt Lea, an aide to Mayor

Littlefield, who was dressed in a coonskin cap and garb representative of that worn by

American pioneer Davy Crockett.

Senator Mullis responded by saying, "I truly appreciate the Chattanooga group delivering us some clean fresh water, which may have been bottled in Tennessee or Georgia who knows."

On a more serious note, the Senate heard a passionate debate on Senate Bill 433 this Wednesday. The bill paves the way for an innovative, comprehensive cancer treatment center to come to Georgia. However, the measure has seen controversy along the way because it makes certain modifications to Georgia's Certificate of Need (CON) laws, which has brought opposition from those representing Georgia hospitals.

"Those who don't want it [SB 433] are connected to the money," exclaimed Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th in his presentation from the well. "Those who do [support SB 433] are connected to cancer."
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As Crossover Day looms... (continued from page 1)
As the debate on SB 433 continued, other Senators weighed in with their feelings on this sensitive issue.
"I've seen a lot of people in my family go through cancer and I've watched them die," said Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th during one of the most emotional and passionate moments of the debate. "I'm not here against any healthcare provider or for any healthcare provider; I'm just here for the dying people out there right now...I'm not here to change the world. I'm here to give an opportunity to people to make a different choice."
Senate Bill 433 passed the Senate 31 to 23 and now goes to the House for consideration.
Senate passes model Internet Safety law
Ground-breaking Internet safety legislation authored by Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) has passed the Senate in unanimous fashion. The ultimate goal of Senate Bill 474 is to protect children from Internet predators.
"Georgia has the opportunity to lead the way in Internet safety by passing the first comprehensive legislation of its kind in the country," Sen. Staton said. "The Senate recognizes the significant difficulties in keeping the Internet safe for children, and I am pleased that they voted unanimously to pass this legislation."
Under SB 474, registered sex offenders would be required to provide their e-mail addresses and user names to the state and their Internet use may be monitored or limited. The legislation seeks to further strengthen partnership with Internet service providers and law enforcement by granting the ability to obtain records involving a possible sexual offense against a child. Interactive computer services in Georgia also are directed to report information on potentially harmful online activity to the Cyber Tipline at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
In an effort to put more control in the hands of parents, SB 474 also requires Internet access providers to offer subscribers in Georgia the ability to block their child's access to specific Web sites and monitor their child's use of the Internet. The Department of Education is directed to develop educational materials regarding online safety, and ask students in third grade and above to complete an online safety course each year.
"These are good provisions that will aid law enforcement, parents and educators to work together with Internet providers in helping protect our children," Sen. Staton added. "I am confident that the bill strikes a fair balance between the desire to protect kids, and the desire to keep the Internet as open and free of legal limitation as possible."
SB 474 passed the Senate on Thursday by a vote of 52 to 0 and now moves to the House.
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The following key bills passed the Senate
February 19-28, 2008...
SB 433 modifies certificate of need requirements to allow certain destination cancer hospitals in Georgia. Passed on 02/27/08 by substitute 31 to 23.
HB 967 exempts prisons and other correctional institutions of the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice from certificate of need requirements. Passed on 02/27/08 by a vote of 41 to 2.
SB 366 prohibits inmates from receiving or possessing cell phones. Passed on 02/27/08 by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 385 provides for the licensing of limousine carriers to sell alcoholic beverages. Passed on 02/26/2008 by a vote of 40 to 11.
SB 454 provides that any county in which the Sunday sale of alcohol is authorized may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages in certain public stadiums, coliseums and auditoriums. Passed on 02/26/2008 by a vote of 30 to 20.
SB 383 allows the Commissioner of Insurance to adopt policies to promote, approve and encourage health savings account eligible high deductible plans in Georgia. Passed on 02/26/2008 by a vote of 36 to 12.
SB 332 allows a transportation services contract to authorize the extension of or addition to MARTA's existing rail system. Passed on 02/26/08 by a vote of 34 to 18.
SB 300 The Transparency in Government Act requires all state spending to be available to the public on a searchable Web site. Passed on 02/21/2008 by a vote of 49 to 0.
HB 989 The Supplemental FY 2008 Appropriations bill. Passed on 02/21/2008 by a vote of 51 to 2.
SB 353 Known as the Public Hospital Integrity Act, this bill prohibits individuals from serving in a governing capacity of a public hospital, such as Grady, if they have financial ties to
the hospital or any major vendor of the hospital. Passed on 02/21/2008 by a vote of 51 to 0.
SB 395 establishes the safety net clinic grant program for the care and protection of indigent and elderly patients. Passed on 02/21/2008 by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 418 prohibits the sale of cigarettes in Georgia unless they meet new standards. Under the bill, cigarettes sold in Georgia must be fitted with "stops" that would extinguish lit cigarettes that are no longer being smoked. Passed on 02/20/2008 by a vote of 44 to 1.
SR 845 is a Constitutional Amendment authorizing county governments to propose a onepercent sales and use tax to fund the construction of transportation projects. Adopted on 02/20/2008 by a vote of 51 to 4.
SR 822 creates the Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission. Adopted on 02/20/2008 by a vote of 52 to 0.
SB 361 is known as the Georgia Consumer Protection Act. It allows a consumer to place a security freeze on their credit report through major credit reporting agencies. The freeze would be free for consumers who are victims of identity theft and those over the age of 65. Passed on 02/19/2008 by a vote of 45 to 4.
SB 379 seeks to reduce the number of telephone solicitation calls to households in the state by regulating the use of automatic dialing services, or "robo-calls." Passed on 02/19/2008 by a vote of 40 to 9.
SB 387 streamlines the absentee balloting process by requiring clerks to check absentee ballots against voter information filed with a county's registrar's office. Also, Georgians living overseas can register for an absentee ballot online. Passed on 02/19/2008 by a vote of 47 to 3.
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In Committee Action . . .
Administrative Affairs Committee
The Administrative Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
The Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Appropriations Committee
The Appropriations Committee did not meet this week.
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
On Tuesday, February 26, Chairman Bill Hamrick of the 30th called the meeting to order. Representative Austin Scott of the 153rd presented House Bill 579, which provides for the assessment of certain storage charges on manufactured or mobile homes by real property owners, in addition to the establishment of a lien on manufactured or mobile homes for certain storage costs. Charlotte Gattis, representative of the Georgia Manufactured Housing Association, also addressed the committee to help explain the legislation. She spoke in favor of HB 579. HB 579 passed unanimously. Chairman Hamrick then called on Rob Braswell, executive director of Georgia's Department of Banking & Finance, to explain HB 921, which would create a nationwide automated licensing system for mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders. HB 921 passed unanimously. Testimony was then heard from Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th on Senate Bill 465, which would change the requirement for sending a notice to a debtor in the case of foreclosure. Representatives from the Community Bankers Association of Georgia and the Georgia Bankers Association spoke against the legislation. Sen. Mullis and Chairman Hamrick asked additional clarifying questions of the representatives and Mr. Braswell. Chairman Hamrick stated that today's meeting would be a hearing only on SB 465, and the committee adjourned.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee met on Thursday, February 27, to consider Senate Bill 449, which is known as the Landowners Protection Act of 2008. Senator Bill Heath of the 31st presented the legislation, which provides property owners immunity from civil liability when they allow a person to hunt on his/her land, or when the property owner allows a person to enter his/her property for "agritourism" purposes, provided the property owner's conduct is not grossly negligent. After a lengthy discussion, SB 449 passed by a vote of 6 to 1, with Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd in dissent.
Education and Youth Committee
Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th called the Committee to order on Wednesday, February 20. Chairman Weber called the Committee to order to take up Senate Bill 458, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st, which provides that if a school system or local school loses or fails to attain accreditation or is designated a Needs Improvement School for seven consecutive years, students have the option of attending another public school or receiving scholarships to attend a private school. Representatives from the Georgia PTA, Georgia Association of Educators, Georgia School Superintendents Association, Georgia School Boards Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators and Georgia Association of Educational Leaders spoke in opposition to SB 458. Jamie Self, Georgia Family Council representative and Kevin Moore, representative of Black Alliance for Educational Options, spoke in support of the bill. Chairman Weber announced the Committee will vote on SB 458 in the next meeting.
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The Committee met Tuesday, February 26. Chairman Weber called the Committee to order to take up several bills. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th presented SB 497, which would require local school systems that receive Quality Based Education (QBE) funding for high school foreign language teachers to be reassigned to elementary schools beginning in 2010-11. Chairman Weber then introduced SB 506, sponsored by Senator Joseph Carter of the 13th, which would require local school systems to conduct a Body Mass Index test twice a year on K-12 students. The Committee quickly took a vote on SB 458, which provides that if a school system or local school loses or fails to attain accreditation or is designated a Needs Improvement School for seven consecutive years, students have the option of attending another public school or receiving scholarships to attend a private school. SB 458 passed by committee substitute, 7 to 4, with Senators Fort, Thomas, Tate and Ramsey dissenting. Representatives from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Heart Association, Georgia Association of Educators, and the Atlanta Falcons Foundation spoke in support of SB 506. Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd offered an amendment changing the start date from the 2008-2009 school years to 2010-11. The amendment failed 4 to 7. Sen. Ron Ramsey of the 43rd also offered an amendment inserting the word confidential. SB 506 passed as amended, with a vote of 9 to 1.
On Wednesday, February 27, Chairman Weber called the Committee to order. The Committee met to take up SB 257, which is sponsored by Senator Vincent Fort of the 39th, which enact the "Dropout Deterrent Act" that would require that children between the ages of six and seventeen attend a public or private school, or home school program. Representatives from the Georgia School Boards Association, DeKalb County Schools and Georgia School Superintendents Association spoke in support of the bill. SB 257 passed unanimously.
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, representing the City of Atlanta, spoke in favor of the substitute. SB 372 passed unanimously by committee substitute as amended.
Finance Committee
On Tuesday, February 19, Chairman Chip Rogers of the 21st called the meeting to order. Senator John Bulloch of the 11th explained Senate Bill 397, which provides that eligible housing units located in more than one county will come under the jurisdiction of either the supreme court of the county in which the authority is located or the superior court of any county where the housing units are located. Walter Maddox of the Randolph County Housing Authority spoke in support of the proposed legislation, which passed unanimously.
The Committee reconvened on Wednesday, February 27, to take up five bills. Chairman Rogers called the meeting to order and the Committee began consideration of SB 493. Authored by Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th, the bill provides that all or part of the ad valorem property taxes levied by the Community Improvement Districts (CID) may be included in the computation of tax allocation increments of a Tax Allocation District (TAD) if the administrative body of the community improvement district consents to the inclusion. SB 493 passed unanimously. The Committee then turned its attention to SB 472, authored by Sen. David Shafer of the 48th, which provides for the Department of Revenue to utilize new
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technology to implement digital-based cigarette stamp processes to prevent forgery and tax evasion. Greg Martin, representative of the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors, spoke against the bill. SB 472 passed unanimously. The Committee then considered two resolutions authored by Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th, Senate Resolutions 996 and 1024, which position the General Assembly to create one or more education improvement districts to facilitate the needs of public schools or special schools. After attorney Sharon Gay spoke in favor of SR 996, both resolutions passed unanimously. Finally, the Committee heard an explanation of House Bill 1014, authored by Representative Richard Royal of the 171st, which expands the purpose of the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan to include qualified tuition programs, and makes changes to other various provisions of the Plan. HB 1014 passed unanimously.
Government Oversight Committee
The Government Oversight Committee did not meet this week.
Health and Human Services Committee
The Committee convened on Thursday, February 21, to consider Senate Bills 404, 469, 401 and 490 and Senate Resolution 788. Senator Tommie Williams of the 19th presented SB 404, which establishes the Georgia Health Marketplace (GHM), an internet portal that will provide consumers with access to healthcare products and programs. This bill also creates the Georgia Health Marketplace Authority to operate the GHM. SB 404 passed unanimously by substitute. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th presented SB 469, which allows a "personal care home" to house two patients, instead of one. SB 469 passed unanimously. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th presented the Committee Substitute to SB 401, which requires all Medicaid providers to execute a statement of participation or a provider agreement with the Department of Community Health (DCH). SB 401 was assigned to a sub-committee. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th presented SB 490, which permits DCH to allow a skilled nursing facility, intermediate care facility or intermingled nursing facility to divide into two or more facilities without obtaining an additional CON. SB 490 passed unanimously. Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th presented SR 788, which creates the Senate Study Committee on Brain Injury Related Neurobehavioral Issues in Georgia that will study the conditions, needs and problems regarding neurobehavioral issues. SR 788 passed unanimously by substitute.
The Committee met again Tuesday, February 26, to hear a presentation and consider SB 378. Becky Kelley, director of Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites, gave a presentation on the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, which illustrates how to utilize recreational assets to encourage healthy lifestyles. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th presented SB 378, which creates the new Department of Aging to be the successor and continuation of the Division of Aging Services of the Department of Human Resources (DHR). The Department of Aging will serve as the lead planning agency for all aging issues and will provide coordinated, streamlined services to older Georgians. SB 378 passed by substitute by a vote of 8 to 1, with Sen. John Wiles of the 37th in dissent.
Higher Education Committee
Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, February 26, to consider Senate Bill 492, by Senator John Bulloch of the 11th. The bill allows high schools accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools to be eligible for the HOPE scholarship. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th offered an amendment that allows high school AP students who are considered sophomores in their first year of college to receive the HOPE scholarship. Both the amendment and bill passed unanimously. The Committee then heard presentations from Dr. Henry Hector, president of the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges and Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, president of Agnes Scott College, on scholarship needs of private and independent colleges.
Insurance and Labor Committee
On Wednesday, February 20, Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th called the Committee to take up Senate Bill 403, sponsored by Senator Steve Henson of the 41st, which would require employers to pay former employees their final pay on or before the next regular payday. Sen. Henson clarified the changes in the committee substitute for SB 403. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st offered an amendment to SB 403, which substituted fifteen days
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pay as the penalty for refusal to pay instead of the proposed thirty days. SB 403 passed unanimously by committee substitute as amended. Chairman Hudgens then introduced SB 348, which prohibits local governments from imposing any fees or taxes, other than the local premium tax, upon insurance companies for covering services involving motor vehicle accidents. SB 348 passed unanimously by substitute. Chairman Hudgens then introduced SB 383, sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd, which requires the Commissioner of Insurance to develop flexible guidelines for coverage and approval of Health Savings Account eligible high deductible plans. SB 383 passed unanimously. Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th presented SB 338, which prohibits health benefit plans and policies from requiring prior approval for any prescription drug. Representatives from the Medical Association of Georgia spoke in support of SB 338. The Committee then heard testimony from several groups in opposition to the bill, including Express Scripts, Georgia Association of Health Plans, and the State Health Benefit Plan. After language within the bill seemed to be in conflict, Chairman Hudgens held SB 338 until a new substitute could be submitted by Sen. Murphy.
On Wednesday, February 27, Chairman Hudgens called the Committee to order. Senator Johnny Grant of the 25th presented on SB 425, which allows the Department of Administrative Services to establish incentive programs based on loss control programs. SB 425 passed unanimously. The Committee then took up SB 468, sponsored by Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd, which requires insurers to annually publish a summary statement of their financial health and condition and include a summary of the insurer's rate filings in the legal organ of the county. Sen. Thompson presented the bill. Danny Orrock, a policy coordinator for GeorgiaWatch, spoke in support of the bill. Joe Cregan, representing MagMutual Insurance Company, spoke in opposition. SB 468 passed 5 to 1 with Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th in dissent. Chairman Hudgens introduced SB 470, requires every property and casualty insurance company in Georgia, to annually submit the opinion of an appointed actuary entitled "Statement of Actuarial Opinion." SB 470 was passed unanimously. Then, SB 471 was introduced, which broadens the scope of confidential material by including any materials created, produced or obtained by or disclosed to the Insurance Commissioner. SB 471 passed unanimously. Chairman Hudgens also introduced SB 499, which establishes the oversight and regulation of life settlement contracts. SB 499 passed unanimously by committee substitute.
Interstate Cooperation Committee
The Interstate Cooperation Committee did not meet this week.
Judiciary Committee
The Committee met on Thursday, February 21, and began by considering Senate Bill 436, presented by Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th, which seeks to make it easier for a board of directors of a publicly traded corporation to elect a new director by increasing the percentage of votes. Bruce Wanamaker of the Georgia State Bar testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously. Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd then gave a brief history of SB 529, which passed out of Committee last year. The bill is authored by Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th, and states that probable cause is needed in order to issue a "no-knock" warrant. Among those who testified on the bill, Frank Rotondo of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police stated that while he is in support of the bill's goal, he is concerned with requiring a standard higher than what the courts have mandated. SB 529 passed unanimously.
Vice Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th called a meeting to order on Wednesday, February 27, to take up three bills. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th presented SB 453, which makes it illegal to distribute any illegal substances near a park or recreation area. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Hamrick then introduced Chuck Olson of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia to present SB 396, which transfers payroll functions of superior court judges from the Department of Administrative Services to the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. SB 396 passed unanimously. Sen. Harp then presented SB 483, which provides for the uniformity of the child support process. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th voiced his concerns that the bill proposes major code changes that require further discussion. The Committee unanimously voted to pass SB 483.
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Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th called the meeting to order on Thursday, February 21. Senator John Bulloch of the 11th presented Senate Resolution 820, which creates the Joint Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Study Committee to review the laws relating to purposes directed toward public safety, homeland security and natural resource protection in Georgia. SR 820 passed through the Committee with a unanimous vote. Next, Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st presented Senate Bill 463, which allows private residential direct reuse of gray water under certain restrictions. After some minor language changes, SB 463 also passed by a unanimous vote. Finally, SB 466 was presented by Sen. Bulloch. The legislation exempts carwash facilities from outdoor water use restrictions. Gary Dennis, president of the Georgia Chapter of the Southeastern Carwash Association, spoke in favor of the bill by giving further details of common recycling systems and statistics. The bill subsequently passed unanimously.
On Wednesday, February 27, the Committee met to take up two bills. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th presented SB 389, which requires boating safety education. Colonel Homer Bryson of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement answered some questions of the Committee members. After some minor language changes, SB 389 passed unanimously by substitute. Next, Sen. Bulloch presented SB 476, which ratifies the Georgia Code rules of the DNR game and fish criminal violations. The bill also passed through the Committee unanimously.
Public Safety Committee
On Thursday, February 21, Chairman Jack Murphy of the 27th called the meeting to order. Senator Jeff Mullis of the 53rd explained Senate Bill 437, which requires that a certificate of title in Georgia be issued for a motor vehicle or motorcycle before a certificate of registration is issued. SB 437 passed unanimously. Chairman Murphy moved the committee's attention to House Bill 77, which requires a permit from the Department of Transportation for the use of a traffic-control signal monitoring device. Dan Bruno, assistant chief of the Gwinnett Police Department, spoke against the bill, noting the value of local oversight. Keith Golden, Traffic Safety & Design Engineer at Georgia's Department of Transportation, spoke in favor of the permits. Jon King, chief of Police of Doraville, spoke against the bill, and was commended by Sen. Douglas for his service locally and in Iraq. Robert Dallas, director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, spoke in favor of the bill, noting that his only concern was that the DOT provided good signage as part of their oversight. HB 77 passed by committee substitute 8 to 1, with Sen. Douglas in dissent. The committee then considered HB 945, which was presented by Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st. The legislation would authorize certain persons or entities to access vehicle tag and title information in order to provide notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles. Additionally, the bill allows any person who removes a vehicle from public or private property at the request of a law enforcement officer or the property owner to seek the identity and address of all known owners by direct electronic access from state agencies and authorities. HB 945 passed unanimously. Finally, Rep. Rice presented HB 1027, which requires that any driver improvement program or DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program, at which attendance is required by court order, must conform to the requirements of this legislation. Michael Falk, a representative of Georgia driving instructors, spoke in opposition to the bill. His testimony was followed by Denise Thames, executive director of MADD Georgia, who made it clear that her organization's position was neutral. Sen. Mullis put forth an amendment that made a minor change in the bill's language. HB 1027 passed as amended by committee substitute unanimously.
The Committee reconvened on Tuesday, February 26, to consider SB 394, 349, 488 and 414. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th presented SB 394, which requires that 50 percent of the funds collected from red light cameras (minus any costs incurred for acquisition, installation, maintenance and operation of the camera) be deposited into the State treasury to help fund a trauma care system in Georgia. After much deliberation, the Committee voted to not pass SB 394 by a vote of 5 to 2, with Senators Bill Jackson of the 24th and Jeff Chapman of the 3rd in dissent. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th presented SB 349, which provides that a sheriff may petition the sentencing court for a hearing to determine if a convicted person should be transferred from a local jail to state custody 90 days after a request for local custody has been filed. SB 349 passed unanimously. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st presented SB 488, which
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allows a non-citizen who is eligible for a Georgia driver's license or state issued ID card to be issued a driver's license without having to surrender their foreign license or foreign ID card. SB 488 passed unanimously by substitute. Sen. Mullis presented SB 414, which makes changes to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council in an effort to streamline duties and responsibilities of the Council. SB 414 passed unanimously by substitute.
Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee
The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
The Committee met on Wednesday, February 20. Chairman David Shafer of the 48th brought up Senate Bill 473, which changes the requirements for a certificate of "certified public accountant" to one year of continuous experience in public accountancy. The bill's author Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th explained the bill and was supported by Gary Julien, executive director of the Georgia Society of CPAs. SB 473 passed unanimously. Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th then explained SB 454, which provides that any county in which the Sunday sale of alcoholic beverages is permitted may authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages in certain public stadiums, coliseums and auditoriums. This bill also passed unanimously.
The Committee reconvened on Wednesday, February 27, to take up four bills. First, the Committee heard SB 424, which is authored by Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th. The bill changes requirements for obtaining a barbering license by mandating that applicants possess a high school diploma or its equivalent and implements a minimum age requirement of 16 years to obtain a license. SB 424 passed unanimously. The Committee then heard SB 479, which provides that annual ambulance licensing fees cannot exceed $1000. After a minor change in the bill's language, SB 479 passed by substitute unanimously as amended. The Committee then heard testimony on SB 485, authored by Sen. John Wiles of the 37th, which creates the State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors. A representative from the Georgia Association of Realtors spoke in favor of the bill. SB 485 passed by committee substitute unanimously. Finally, the Committee again took up SB 413, authored by Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st, which provides for the licensure and regulation of unarmed combat. Representatives from Georgia's Sports Hall of Fame and the state's wrestling referees spoke in favor of the bill. Representatives from the World Wrestling Federation and Total Nonstop Action, who previously spoke against the bill, mentioned that their organizations are becoming increasingly content with the bill due to negotiations with the bill's author. After further discussion, Chairman Shafer stated the Committee would not vote on SB 479 at today's meeting.
Retirement Committee
The Retirement Committee did not meet this week.
Rules Committee
The Rules Committee did not meet as a standing committee this week.
Science and Technology Committee
The Committee convened on Thursday, February 21, to consider Senate Bill 474, authored by Chairman Cecil Staton of the 18th. This model Internet safety legislation seeks to protect children from Internet predators by giving parents the option to block their child's access to specific sites, among other measures. Braden Cox of NetChoice testified in support of the bill, which passed unanimously.
Chairman Staton called another meeting to order on Wednesday, February 27, to consider SB 525, his legislation that would modify the powers of the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA). Kate Pfirman and Jeff McCord of GTA presented the bill and answered questions from the Committee. SB 525 passed unanimously.
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Special Judiciary Committee
On Thursday, February 21, Vice Chairman David Adelman of the 42nd called the Committee meeting to order. First, Senator Adelman presented Senate Bills 455 and 456, which both correct the typographical and stylistic errors found throughout the Official Code of Georgia and Title 21. Both of the bills were approved by a unanimous vote. Next, Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th presented SB 217, which allows for neighborhood associations to enforce covenants. SB 217 also passed through the Committee unanimously by substitute.
Chairman Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th called another meeting to order on Tuesday, February 26, to take up two bills. Sen. Horacena Tate of the 38th presented SB 496, which prohibits mortgage businesses from influencing an appraiser's evaluation of a property. After brief questioning, the bill passed through the Committee unanimously. Chairman Meyer von Bremen then recognized the Honorable Judges Mike Bracewell of the Morgan County probate court and Jim Clarke of the Gwinnett County probate courts to present SB 508. This legislation makes changes throughout Georgia estate law and probate courts. SB 508 also passed through the Committee unanimously by substitute.
State Institutions and Property Committee
Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called another meeting to order on Tuesday, February 26, to consider two of his measures, Senate Bill 502 and Senate Resolution 1012. SB 502 allows retired certified parole officers who have served 20 or more years to retain their badge. The bill passed unanimously. SR 1012 allows for the conveyance of certain state property. Chairman Grant stated that all Senators whose districts are affected by this legislation have been notified and signed onto the bill. SR 1012 passed unanimously by Committee Substitute.
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Chairman John Wiles of the 37th called the meeting to order on Wednesday, February 20th, to take up House Bill 975. This bill prohibits local governments to issue backdated licenses or permits. Representative Mark Burkhalter of the 50th presented the bill to the Committee. He was followed by favorable comments from Senator Dan Moody of the 56th. After some discussion, HB 975 passed through the Committee unanimously.
Transportation Committee
Chairman Jeff Mullis of the 53rd called the Committee to order on Wednesday, February 20. Executive Director Kevin Green of the Clean Air Campaign first presented the Committee with information on Georgia's current transportation issues, offering some ideas on how to solve some of Atlanta's major problems with traffic congestion and air quality. Senator Doug Stoner of the 6th then presented Senate Resolution 428, which creates the Senate Railroad Security and Safety Study Committee. After a brief presentation by representatives of CSX and Norfolk Southern Railways, SR 428 passed through Committee unanimously.
Urban Affairs Committee
The Urban Affairs Committee did not meet this week.
Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee
Chairman John Douglas of the 17th called the meeting to order on Wednesday, February 27. The Committee first considered Senate Bill 512, authored by Chairman Douglas, which authorizes the distribution of a $1,500 grant per academic semester to each eligible student attending North Georgia College. SB 512 passed by substitute unanimously.
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Georgia Senate First Readers
(Thursday, February 14 Thursday, February 28)

Senate Resolutions
SR 908 Li, Mrs. Jane; recognize Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 909

Epilepsy Awareness Day; recognize Feb. 20 Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 910

Oglesby, Lynn; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 911

Cherokee County Marshal's Office; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 912

Buchanan, Wade; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 913

Echols County, Georgia; recognize Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 914

Webb, Dr. Charles; commend Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 915

Davis, Jefferson Finis; recognize Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Don Thomas (54th); Tommie Williams (19th); George Hooks (14th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 916

Peanut Butter and Jelly Day; recognize March 5 Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Don Thomas (54th); Tommie Williams (19th); George Hooks (14th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 917

Wade, Kristin; condolences Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 918

Alpha Kappa Alpha Day; recognize February 18 Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Gloria Butler (55th); Robert Brown (26th); Regina Thomas (2nd); Ed Harbison (15th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 02/14/08

SR 919

Political Commentators; expressing dismay of those who engage in attacks on certain candidates Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Joseph Carter (13th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Don Thomas (54th) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Rules Committee 02/14/08

SR 920

Jarrell, Dr. Harold; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/14/08
This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 921 SR 965
SR 966 SR 967 SR 968 SR 969 SR 970
SR 971 SR 972 SR 973 SR 974 SR 975 SR 976 SR 977

Jarrell, Dr. Floyd; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/14/08
Taxpayer Dividend Amendment of 2008; income tax relief in the event of budget surplus; definitions; provide for excess revenues-CA Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); George Hooks (14th); Tommie Williams (19th); David Shafer (48th); Chip Pearson (51st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and others Finance Committee 02/19/08
Cagle, Mr. John Athon; recognize Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Empire Board of Realtists, Inc.; commend Sens. Gail Davenport (44th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Robert Brown (26th); Kasim Reed (35th); Horacena Tate (38th) and others Read and adopted 02/20/08
Beazer, Jabez; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Columbus High School Girl's Volleyball Team; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Open Meetings/Records; any governmental body; performing public purpose shall be open to the public-CA Sens. David Adelman (42nd); Robert Brown (26th); Valencia Seay (34th); Doug Stoner (6th); Gloria Butler (55th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and others Ethics Committee 02/20/08
Edwards, Linda; commend Sens. John Wiles (37th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Doug Stoner (6th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Houston County Board of Education; congratulate Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Bumpus, Rev. James Louis; commend Sen. Robert Brown (26th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Ratliff, Bill; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Solinko, Mrs. Lorraine Stella; honoring Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Saunders, Sherry; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Ruffer, Cheryl; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 978 SR 979 SR 980 SR 981 SR 982
SR 983 SR 984 SR 985 SR 986 SR 987 SR 988 SR 989 SR 990 SR 991

Miracle Making Ministries, Inc.; Pastor Robert L. Williams; commend Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance; recognize Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 02/20/08
General Bill Livsey Highway; Fayette County; dedicate Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); John Douglas (17th); Seth Harp (29th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Transportation Committee 02/20/08
Adjournment; relative Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Robert Brown (26th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
283rd Combat Communications Squadron of Georgia Air National Guard; commend Sens. John Wiles (37th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Doug Stoner (6th); Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Bullock, III, Dr. Charles S.; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Eric Johnson (1st); Kasim Reed (35th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th); David Shafer (48th) and others Read and adopted 02/20/08
Cablik, Ms. Anna R.; recognize Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Stelling, Jr., Mr. Kessel D.; recognize Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); John Wiles (37th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Watson, Mr. John K.; recognize Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); John Wiles (37th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Oconee County Middle School Future Farmers of America; recognize Sens. Bill Cowsert (46th); John Bulloch (11th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Dubberly, Jr.; B. Daniel; commend Sens. Jack Hill (4th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 02/20/08
Long, Ms. Dianne; commend Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 02/21/08
Proposed Land Farm; commend Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 02/21/08
Orange, Rev. Doctor James Edward; recognize Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th); Ed Harbison (15th); Kasim Reed (35th); Nan Orrock (36th); Ron Ramsey (43rd) and others Read and adopted 02/21/08
This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 992 SR 993

Stephens County; recognize Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and adopted 02/21/08 Paul Anderson Memorial Park; recognize Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 994

GAcollege411 Day at the capitol; recognize Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 995

Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency; recognize Sens. Steve Thompson (33rd); Seth Harp (29th); Joseph Carter (13th); Jack Hill (4th) and David Adelman (42nd) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 996

Counties/Municipalities; local boards of education; authorize to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes/programs CA Sens. Dan Weber (40th); Kasim Reed (35th); Curt Thompson (5th); Don Balfour (9th); Dan Moody (56th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Finance Committee 02/21/08

SR 997

Tattnall Square Academy Football Team; recognize Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 998

Murphey Candler Little League; commend Sen. Dan Weber (40th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 999

2007 Georgia School for the Deaf Football Team; recognize Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 1000

Georgia School for the Deaf Girls' Basketball Team; recognize Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 1001

Callaway, Coach Anson S.; honoring Sens. Jack Hill (4th) and Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 1002

University of West Georgia Cheerleading Teams; commend Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Bill Heath (31st); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Don Thomas (54th) Read and adopted 02/21/08

SR 1016

Traditional Migration Month; recognize month of November Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and adopted 02/26/08

SR 1017

Watkins, James paul; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/26/08

SR 1018

Hammack III, Lt. Colonel Dan; recognize Sens. John Douglas (17th) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and adopted 02/26/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 1019 SR 1020 SR 1021 SR 1022 SR 1023 SR 1024 SR 1025 SR 1026 SR 1027 SR 1028 SR 1029 SR 1030

Hughley, Mrs. Stephanie S.; recognize Sens. Nan Orrock (36th); Kasim Reed (35th); Horacena Tate (38th); Vincent Fort (39th); Gail Davenport (44th); Ron Ramsey (43rd) and others Read and adopted 02/26/08
Senate Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Committee; create Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Mitch Seabaugh (28th) and Dan Moody (56th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/26/08
Sartain family; recognize Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Curt Thompson (5th); Dan Weber (40th); Ron Ramsey (43rd) and others Read and adopted 02/26/08
Partnership for Health and Accountability; commend Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Renee Unterman (45th); Greg Goggans (7th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Preston Smith (52nd); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Read and adopted 02/26/08
Trudeau, Dennis O.; recognize Sens. Bill Jackson (24th); Don Thomas (54th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Renee Unterman (45th); Greg Goggans (7th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and others Read and adopted 02/26/08
Education Improvement Districts; provide by local law the creation/comprehensive regulation-CA Sens. Dan Weber (40th); David Adelman (42nd); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Finance Committee 02/26/08
AVID Day at the Capitol; declare March 4, 2008 Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/26/08
Blount Police Officer Aaron Jovon; condolences Sens. John Douglas (17th); Horacena Tate (38th); Vincent Fort (39th); Judson Hill (32nd); Jack Murphy (27th); Nan Orrock (36th) and others Read and adopted 02/26/08
Mullinax, Taylor; recognize Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/26/08
McGowan, Brigadier General John E.; condolences Sen. John Douglas (17th) Read and adopted 02/27/08
Sergeant William Morgan Callahan; Taylor County; dedicate a bridge Sens. George Hooks (14th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Transportation Committee 02/27/08
Joint Electronic Records, Signatures, Filing and Recording Study Committee; create Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Seth Harp (29th); Bill Heath (31st); Cecil Staton (18th) and Ed Tarver (22nd) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 1031 SR 1032 SR 1033 SR 1034 SR 1035 SR 1036 SR 1037 SR 1038
SR 1039 SR 1040 SR 1041 SR 1042

Brooks, Dr. Ray; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Preston Smith (52nd) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/27/08
Gregory, Mr. James; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st); Bill Hamrick (30th); Preston Smith (52nd) and George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 02/27/08
McPherson, Randy; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 02/27/08
Lowndes High School Viking Football Team; recognize Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Read and adopted 02/27/08
Leonard R. Nookie Meadows Memorial Highway; Meriwether County; dedicate Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and George Hooks (14th) Transportation Committee 02/28/08
Lambert, Ezekiel Roy; condolences Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); George Hook (14th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Tommie Willliams (19th); Bill Jackson (24th) and others Read and adopted 02/28/08
Mr. Gary Adler FourStar, Many Horses Foundation; recognize Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Turkey; urged to grant Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition, ecclesiastical succession, right to train clergy Sens. David Adelman (42nd); George Hooks (14th); Judson Hill (32nd); Curt Thompson (5th); Chip Rogers (21st); Emanuel Jones (10th) and others Rules Committee 02/28/08
Franklin Jr., Robert Michael; recognize Sens. Gail Davenport (44th); Vincent Fort (39th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Robert Brown (26th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Ronal Ramsey, Sr. (43rd) and others Read and adopted 02/28/08
Langdale, Noah N.; condolences Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Chip Rogers (21st); Cecil Staton (18th); Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th) and Bill Cowsert (46th) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Law Enforcement Agencies, Government Entities, Volunteers; Meredith Hope Emerson investigation; recognize Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/28/08
CAAG Day at the Capitol; declare February 28, 2008; Conditioned Air Association of Georgia; recognize Sens. Ralph Hudgens (47th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Chip Rogers (21st) and Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/28/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SR 1043 SR 1044 SR 1045 SR 1046 SR 1047 SR 1048 SR 1049 SR 1050 SR 1051

Port of Savannah; expressing support Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Eric Johnson (1st); Regina Thomas (2nd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Jeff Mullis (53rd) Read and adopted 02/28/08
2008 Legislative Fitness Challenge; recognize February 28, 2008 Sens. Joseph Carter (13th) and Don Thomas (54th) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Massee, Leah; congratulate Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Tim Golden (8th); Seth Harp (29th); George Hooks (14th); Bill Hamrick (30th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Senior Days at the Capitol; establishing February 26-28, 2008 Sens. Renee Unterman (45th); Bill Cowsert (46th); Dan Weber (40th); Horacena Tate (38th); Gloria Butler (55th); Dan Moody (56th) and others Read and adopted 02/28/08
Transportation Dept.; urged to consolidate its county barns/privatize road maintenance functions Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Valencia Seay (34th); Doug Stoner (6th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Transportation Committee 02/28/08
Federal Republic of Germany; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Hudson, Orrin Checkmate; commend Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) Read and adopted 02/28/08
Barker, Police Officer Eric; condolences Sens. Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Ron Ramsey (43rd); Steve Henson (41st); Emanuel Jones (10th); Dan Weber (40th) and others Read and adopted 02/28/08
Bryant, Jr., Police Officer Ricky; condolences Sens. Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Ron Ramsey (43rd); Steve Henson (41st); Emanuel Jones (10th); Dan Weber (40th) and others Read and adopted 02/28/08

Senate Bills
SB 460 Superior Court Clerks' Retirement Fund; membership dues in such fund; creditable service; provide a penalty Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Doug Stoner (6th); Horacena Tate (38th); Nancy Shaefer (50th) and Preston Smith (52nd) Retirement Committee 02/14/08

SB 461

Education; provide schools with certain guidelines regarding bullying; submit policy to Dept. of Education Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Judson Hill (32nd) Education and Youth Committee 02/14/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 462 SB 463
SB 464 SB 465 SB 466 SB 467 SB 468
SB 469 SB 470 SB 471 SB 472

Banks County; provide for advisory referendum election; form of government; change three member to five member commission Sen. Nancy Shaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/08
State Minimum Standards Codes/Enforcement; adoption/continuation; change certain provisions; gray water recycling system; enforcement Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Jack Murphy (27th); Nancy Shaefer (50th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/14/08
Residential/General Contractors; licensure of qualifying agent without examination; five year business operation requirement Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); John Douglas (17th); Chip Rogers (21st); Joseph Carter (13th) and Bill Heath (31st) Regulated Utilities and Industries Committee 02/14/08
Property; power of sale, mailing/delivery of notice to debtor; change requirement for sending such notice Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); David Adelman (42nd); Kasim Reed (35th); Valencia Seay (34th); Robert Brown (26th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/14/08
Water Resources; exempt permanent facility car washes from outdoor watering restrictions under certain conditions Sens. John Bulloch (11th); David Shafer (48th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and Bill Cowsert (46th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/14/08
Upson County; board of commissioners; appointment of county manager/county clerk Sen. George Hooks (14th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/14/08
Insurance; require all insurers authorized to do business in this state shall publish certain information on annual basis Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Eric Johnson (1st); Robert Brown (26th); Don Balfour (9th) and David Adelman (42nd); Insurance and Labor Committee 02/14/08
Health; revise definition for personal care home; provide guidelines/oversight of host homes Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Don Thomas (54th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/19/08
Property and Casualty Actuarial Opinion Law; provide for submission of annual statement Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/19/08
Insurance; provide regulator financial examinations of domestic insurers every five years Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/19/08
Anti-cigarette Smuggling Act; digital based cigarette stamp processes Sens. David Shafer (48th); Chip Rogers (21st); Ross Tolleson (20th); Bill Hamrick (30th); Doug Stoner (6th); Tommie Williams (19th) and others Finance Committee 02/19/08
This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 473 SB 474 SB 475 SB 476 SB 477 SB 478 SB 479 SB 480 SB 481 SB 482 SB 483 SB 484

Accountants; increase regulatory protections for consumers of accounting services; definitions Sens. Mitch Seabaugh (28th); Don Balfour (9th) and David Shafer (48th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/19/08
Minors; provide availability of parental controls over Internet access Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Bill Heath (31st); John Douglas (17th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Don Thomas (54th); Nancy Schaefer (50th) and others Science and Technology Committee 02/19/08
Georgia Fair Lending Act; revise; prohibit home loan practices; definitions Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Steve Thompson (33rd); Kasim Reed (35th); Nan Orrock (36th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Robert Brown (26th) and others Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/19/08
Game/Fish; Board of Natural Resources rules/reg.; change certain provisions Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Ross Tolleson (20th) and John Bulloch (11th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/19/08
Counties/Municipal Corporations; unlawful to issue any backdated license, permit; provide for criminal penalty Sens. Dan Moody (56th); David Shafer (48th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Chip Pearson (51st) and Chip Rogers (21st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/19/08
Douglas Judicial Circuit; create a new superior court judgeship; initial appointment; election; term of office Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Judiciary Committee 02/19/08
Licensed Ambulance Services; collection of license fees; amend certain provisions Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Steve Thompson (33rd); Johnny Grant (25th); Doug Stoner (6th); John Douglas (17th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/20/08
HOPE scholarships; change certain definitions Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Higher Education Committee 02/20/08
Offenses; sexual exploitation of children; provide for controlled access to such evidence in public inspections of evidence Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); Robert Brown (26th); Dan Weber (40th); Ronal Ramsey (43rd) and Vincent Fort (39th) Judiciary Committee - 02/20/08
Government; state law library; repeal chapter 11 Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Special Judiciary Committee - 02/20/08
Child Support; revise certain definitions; process of calculating; provisions Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Joseph Carter (13th) Judiciary Committee - 02/20/08
State Purchasing; funds appropriated to states budget units; dedicated to projects/contracts involving small businesses Sens. Chip Pearson (51st); Chip Rogers (21st); Tommie Williams (19th); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Jack Murphy (27th); Dan Moody (56th) and others Government Oversight Committee 02/20/08
This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 485 SB 486 SB 487 SB 488 SB 489 SB 490 SB 492 SB 493 SB 494 SB 495

State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors; create; membership Sens. John Wiles (37th); Cecil Staton (18th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Bill Jackson (24th) and Jack Murphy (27th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/20/08
Glynn County School District Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption for educational purposes Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/20/08
Transparency in Lawsuits Protection Act; ensure legislative enactments do not create a private right of action unless stated in legislation Sens. John Wiles (37th) and Judson Hill (32nd) Judiciary Committee - 02/20/08
Drivers Licenses; allow foreign nationals to keep license from their home country; exempt nonresidents; meet all licensing requirements in Georgia Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Chip Pearson (51st); Nan Orrock (36th) and David Adelman (42nd) Public Safety Committee - 2/20/08
Credit Enhancement Loan Act; licensing of lenders by the Dept. of Banking/Finance; purposes; definitions; provide for penalties for violations Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Cecil Staton (18th); Ed Tarver (22nd); Steve Thompson (33rd) and Chip Rogers (21st) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/20/08
State Health; skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and intermingled nursing facilities may be divided under certain conditions Sens. Joseph Carter (13th); Don Balfour (9th); Greg Goggans (7th); Eric Johnson (1st) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/21/08
HOPE Scholarship; add accrediting entity to the definition of the term eligible high school Sens. John Bulloch (11th) and Seth Harp (29th) Higher Education Committee 02/21/08
Redevelopment Powers; computation of tax allocation increments of districts Sens. Curt Thompson (5th) and Doug Stoner (6th) Finance Committee 02/21/08
Jasper County; tax commissioner; compensation; change certain provisions Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/08
Baldwin County School District; homestead exemption; increase income limitation; increase qualified homestead property Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 496
SB 497
SB 498 SB 499 SB 500 SB 501 SB 509 SB 510
SB 511 SB 512 SB 513

Mortgage Businesses; prohibit soliciting of facilitating fraudulent appraisal of value of property offered as security for mortgage/loan Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); George Hooks (14th); Steve Thompson (33rd); David Shafer (48th); Nan Orrock (36th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and others Special Judiciary Committee 02/21/08
Education; require local school systems; reassign its high school foreign language teachers to elementary school Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Seth Harp (29th); Dan Weber (40th); David Shafer (48th); Don Thomas (54th); Ronnie Chance (16th) and others Education and Youth Committee 02/21/08
Cosmetic Laser Services; licensing; change certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/21/08
Life Settlements Act; license requirements for providers/brokers Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/21/08
Education; change calculations for equalization grants to include a factor for median household income Sens. Joseph Carter (13th) and Ronnie Chance (16th) Education and Youth Committee 02/21/08
Seeds/Plants; certification; drought tolerant plant species; revise certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/21/08
Local Sales/Use Taxes; revise manner/method of collecting Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and David Shafer (48th) Finance Committee 02/26/08
Speed Detection Devices; allow use in school zones only; definitions; operating requirements; provide for enforcement Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Kasim Reed (35th); Gloria Butler (55th); Gail Davenport (44th); Valencia Seay (34th) and Emanuel Jones (10th) Public Safety Committee 02/26/08
Prosecuting Attorneys; provide for pretrial prevention/diversion programs Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Kasim Reed (35th); David Shafer (48th); David Adelman (42nd) and Nan Orrock (36th) Judiciary Committee 02/26/08
Education; provide grants to North Georgia college students who accept a military commission Sens. John Douglas (17th); Chip Pearson (51st); Seth Harp (29th); Jack Murphy (27th) and Nancy Schaefer (50th) Veterans and Military Affairs Committee 02/26/08
Fulton County Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemptions; county purposes Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th); Kasim Reed (35th) and Nan Orrock (36th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/26/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 514 SB 515 SB 516
SB 517 SB 518 SB 519 SB 520 SB 521
SB 522 SB 523 SB 524

Education; determination of residency of students; change provisions Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Bill Cowsert (46th) Higher Education Committee 02/26/08
Georgia Seed Development Commission; composition; advisory board, term of office; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee 02/27/08
DeKalb County School District Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption; educational purposes; specify terms/conditions Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Gloria Butler (55th); David Adelman (42nd); Curt Thompson (5th); Dan Weber (40th) and Ron Ramsey (43rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/27/08
Special License Plate; persons with disability; provide for issuance; business vehicles used by disabled employees Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Public Safety Committee 02/27/08
Insurance; include contracts, agreements; removal of dents in motor vehicle; within definition of property insurance Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/27/08
Power of Sale; change the requirement for sending notice Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Nan Orrock (36th); Kasim Reed (35th) and David Shafer (48th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/27/08
Dogs; removing certain collars; provide for a misdemeanor Sens. Greg Goggans (7th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Jeff Chapman (3rd) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/27/08
Juvenile Proceedings; redefine a term; provide public school disciplinary actions against students; terroristic threats against public school Sens. Ed Tarver (22nd); Robert Brown (26th); Ronnie Chance (16th); J.B. Powell (23rd); Eric Johnson (1st) and Bill Jackson (24th) Education and Youth Committee 02/27/08
Wild Animals; licenses/permits; revise certain provisions Sens. John Bulloch (11th); Joseph Carter (13th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Ralph Hudgens (47th) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 02/27/08
Education; capital outlay grants to local school systems; extend date for automatic repeal Sens. Dan Moody (56th) and Jack Hill (4th) Education and Youth Committee 02/27/08
Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority; create; authorize to provide parks and recreation services throughout Lowndes County Sen. Tim Golden (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/27/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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SB 525 SB 526 SB 527 SB 528 SB 529 SB 530 SB 531 SB 532 SB 533

Georgia Technology Authority; change certain powers; authorize to develop certain plans and reports Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Bill Heath (31st) and John Douglas (17th) Science and Technology Committee 02/27/08
Lottery for Education Act; define certain terms; under certain conditions lottery winnings may be assigned; court order Sens. Seth Harp (29th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and Cecil Staton (18th) Economic Development Committee 02/28/08
Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act; enact; mortgages, conveyances to secure debt, liens Sens. Gail Davenport (44th); Robert Brown (26th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Kasim Reed (35th); Horacena Tate (38th); Curt Thompson (5th) and others Banking and Financial Institutions Committee - 02/28/08
Deer Farming; revise certain provisions; alternative livestock farming; provide for regulation Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee - 02/28/08
Rules of the Road; commit the offense of felony hit and run; provide for offense of homicide by vehicle, vessel Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Seth Harp (29th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Ron Ramsey (43rd) Judiciary Committee - 02/28/08
Sales/Use Taxes; maintenance/operation of public hospitals; authorize imposition of a joint county/municipal sales/use tax Sens. Vincent Fort (39th); Horacena Tate (38th); Nan Orrock (36th); Ron Ramsey (43rd); Emanuel Jones (10th) and Steve Henson (41st) Finance Committee - 02/28/08
Foreclosure; conduct by the current owner/holder of mortgage; require Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th); Nan Orrock (36th); Robert Brown (26th); Ronnie Chance (16th); Curt Thompson (5th); J. B. Powell (23rd) and others Banking and Financial Institutions Committee - 02/28/08
New Home Access Act; enact; require new at-grade residential structures to include certain accessibility features; exceptions Sens. Nan Orrock (36th); Joseph Carter (13th); Doug Stoner (6th); Robert Brown (26th); Curt Thompson (5th); Gloria Butler (55th) and others Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee - 02/28/08
Seafood; provide for regulations; require certain disclosures; definitions Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Lee Hawkins (49th); Jeff Chapman (3rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Cecil Staton (18th); Seth Harp (29th) and others Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee - 02/28/08

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House Resolutions
HR 1023 Tuskegee Airmen Parkway; dedicate Reps. Bob Holmes (61st); Mable Thomas (55th); Georganna Sinkfield (60th); Roger Bruce (64th); Sharon Beasley-Teague (65th) and Tyrone Brooks (63rd) Transportation Committee 02/28/08

HR 1103

Joint Study Committee on Teacher Training and Certification; create Reps. Brooks Coleman (97th); Bill Hembree (67th); David Casas (103rd); Jan Jones (46th); Howard Maxwell (17th) and Fran Millar (79th) Education and Youth Committee 02/27/08

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 and Tourism Committee 02/26/08

HR 1206

Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission; create Reps. Harry Geisinger (48th); Judy Manning (32nd); Jerry Keen (179th); John Meadows (5th); Jeff Lewis (15th) and Steve Tumlin (38th) Rules Committee 02/21/08

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

House Bills

HB 111

Delayed birth certificates; petitions in probate and superior court;

permit

Rep. Austin Scott (153rd)

Special Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

HB 188

Jury duty; primary caregiver of certain persons; provide exemption Reps. Ed Rynders (152nd); Judy Manning (32nd); Len Walker (107th); David Ralston (7th); Wendell Willard (49th) and Katie Dempsey (13th) Judiciary Committee 02/28/08

HB 241

Opticians; licensure; practical training; specify certain requirements Reps. Jill Chambers (81st); Sharon Cooper (41st); Karla Drenner (86th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Health and Human Services Committee 02/26/08

HB 250

Local boards of education; reports of criminal offenses; revise certain provisions Reps. Howard Maxwell (17th); Jan Jones (46th); Carl Rogers (26th); David Casas (103rd); Tom Dickinson (6th) and Barbara Reece (11th) Education and Youth Committee 02/28/08

HB 257

Firearms; public gatherings; allow constables to carry weapons Reps. John Yates (73rd) and David Knight (126th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

HB 373

Public Safety, Department of; State Patrol; retirement benefits; amend Reps. Ben Bridges (10th); Burke Day (163rd); Doug Collins (27th); Willie Talton (145th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Retirement Committee 02/26/08

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HB 455 HB 579 HB 732 HB 815 HB 904 HB 950 HB 951 HB 953 HB 958 HB 961 HB 969
HB 972

Georgia Prescription Monitoring Program Act; enact Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08
Landlord liens; definitions; provisions Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/14/08
Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; certain persons; provide membership Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Retirement Committee 02/26/08
Teachers Retirement System; Regents Retirement Plan; change provisions Reps. Carl Rogers (26th); Ben Harbin (118th); Bob Smith (113th); Bill Hembree (67th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Retirement Committee 02/26/08
Early care and learning; fingerprint record checks; require certain employees Reps. Sean Jerguson (22nd); Calvin Hill (21st); Mark Hamilton (23rd); Tony Sellier (136th); Fran Millar (79th) and Terry Barnard (166th) Education and Youth Committee 02/26/08
Motor vehicles; assembled; registration and licensing; provide Reps. Alan Powell (29th); Tommy Benton (31st); Terry England (108th); Jeanette Jamieson (28th) and Clay Cox (102nd) Public Safety Committee - 2/19/08
Used Motor Vehicle Dealers' Act; rebuilder; redefine term Reps. Alan Powell (29th); Tommy Benton (31st); Terry England (108th); Jeanette Jamieson (28th) and Clay Cox (102nd) Public Safety Committee - 2/19/08
War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act; enact Reps. Cecily Hill (180th); Ron Stephens (164th); Roger Lane (167th); Al Williams (165th) and Jerry Keen (179th) Economic Development and Tourism Committee 02/14/08
Magistrate court; certain judgments; clarify appeal procedure Reps. Tom Rice (51st); Edward Lindsey (54th); Robert Mumford (95th); Brooks Coleman (97th); David Casas (103rd) and Donna Sheldon (105th) Special Judiciary Committee 02/28/08
Persons with disabilities; special parking permits and license plates; change certain provisions Reps. Chuck Sims (169th) and Jeff Lewis (15th) Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee 02/19/08
Driver education training requirements; home schooling program; provisions Reps. John Lunsford (110th); Barry Loudermilk (14th); Martin Scott (2nd); Jeff Lewis (15th); Steve Davis (109th) and James Mills (25th) Public Safety Committee - 2/19/08
Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act; enact Reps. Steve Tumlin (38th); Roger Lane (167th) and Edward Lindsey (54th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee - 2/26/08

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HB 981

Weight of vehicles and loads; concrete haulers; provisions Reps. Mark Butler (18th); Tom McCall (30th); Tom Rice (51st) and Ron Forster (3rd) Transportation Committee 02/28/08

HB 984

Children's transition care centers; definitions; revise and add new Reps. Clay Cox (102nd); Amy Carter (175th); Sean Jerguson (22nd); Donna Sheldon (105th) and Mike Coan (101st) Health and Human Services Committee 02/27/08

HB 1015

Special districts divided into noncontiguous areas; certain excess funds; provide additional requirements Reps. Jan Jones (46th); Mark Burkhalter (50th); Charles Martin (47th); Harry Geisinger (48th); Wendell Willard (49th) and Tom Rice (51st) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee - 2/21/08

HB 1016

Commissioner of Natural Resources; blue crabs; manage certain aspects; provide Reps. Bob Lane (158th); Jon Burns (157th); David Knight (126th) and Sean Jerguson (22nd) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee - 2/21/08

HB 1019

Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank Act; enact Reps. John Lunsford (110th); Vance Smith (129th); James Mills (25th); Donna Sheldon (105th); Katie Dempsey (13th) and Tom Graves (12th) Transportation Committee 02/27/08

HB 1026

Transportation, Department of; utility facilities; provisions Reps. Vance Smith (129th); Carl Rogers (26th); Barry Loudermilk (14th); Johnny Floyd (147th); Tom Graves (12th) and Melvin Everson (106th) Transportation Committee - 2/21/08

HB 1041

Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; obsolete language; eliminate Reps. Sharon Cooper (41st); Joe Wilkinson (52nd); Ed Rynders (152nd); Wendell Willard (49th); Gene Maddox (172nd) and Doug Collins (27th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/14/08

HB 1043

Childhood Lead Exposure Control Act; confirmed lead poisoning; revise definition Reps. Sharon Cooper (41st); Joe Wilkinson (52nd); Mike Jacobs (80th); Judy Manning (32nd); Mark Butler (18th) and Donna Sheldon (105th) Regulated Industries and Utilites Committee 02/28/08

HB 1051

Child abuse; county multi-agency child fatality review committee; change certain provisions Reps. Wendell Willard (49th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Mable Thomas (55th); Robin Shipp (58th) and Roger Lane (167th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

HB 1055

Professions and licenses; certain provisions; make revisions Reps. Roger Williams (4th); Tom Dickinson (6th); Steve Tumlin (38th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Government Oversight Committee 02/19/08

HB 1065

Sales tax; local charter schools; capital outlay projects; authorize Reps. Richard Royal (171st); Jan Jones (46th) and Brooks Coleman (97th) Finance Committee 02/28/08

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HB 1066

Alcoholic beverages; vaporized forms; prohibit certain conduct Reps. Terry England (108th); Len Walker (107th); Jay Neal (1st); Tommy Benton (31st) and James Mills (25th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 02/26/08

HB 1086

Court baliffs; maximum per diem; eliminate Reps. David Ralston (7th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Roger Lane (167th); Tom Knox (24th); Mark Hatfield (177th) and Matt Ramsey (72nd) Special Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

HB 1088

Economic Development, Department of; agricultural tourist attractions; provisions Reps. Butch Parrish (156th); Ron Stephens (164th); Roger Williams (4th); Vance Smith (129th); Mickey Channell (116th) and Earl Ehrhart (36th) Economic Development and Tourism Committee 02/14/08

HB 1090

Controlled substances; Schedule I, II, III and IV; change certain provisions Reps. Ron Stephens (164th); Earl Carter (159th); Bobby Parham (141st) and Butch Parrish (156th) Judiciary Committee 02/28/08

HB 1091

Postsecondary education; attaining residency status; revise requirements Reps. Bill Hembree (67th); Clay Cox (102nd); Mark Hatfield (177th); Ben Harbin (118th); Jon Burns (157th) and Katie Dempsey (13th) Higher Education Committee 02/27/08

HB 1105

Hospitals; offer certain vaccinations to inpatients 65 years or older; require Reps. Donna Sheldon (105th); Sharon Cooper (41st); Ed Rynders (152nd); Earl Carter (159th) and Mickey Channell (116th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/19/08

HB 1111

Drivers' licenses; requirements; fees; provisions Reps. Johnny Floyd (147th); Tom Rice (51st); Willie Talton (145th); Alan Powell (29th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Public Safety Committee - 2/19/08

HB 1113

State purchasing; definitions; provisions Reps. John Heard (104th); Ed Rynders (152nd); Penny Houston (170th); Greg Morris (155th); Richard Royal (171st) and Gerald Greene (149th) Government Oversight Committee 02/27/08

HB 1123

Transportation, Department of; commissioner; file reports to General Assembly; require Reps. Jay Shaw (176th); Vance Smith (129th); Donna Sheldon (105th); Johnny Floyd (147th); James Mills (25th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Transportation Committee - 2/21/08

HB 1124

Design-build contracts; standard for award; change Reps. James Mills (25th); Vance Smith (129th); Donna Sheldon (105th); Jay Shaw (176th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Transportation Committee 02/28/08

HB 1126

Downtown development authorities; directors; provisions Rep. Billy Horne (71st) Economic Development and Tourism Committee 02/26/08

HB 1160

Transferable development rights; severance; provide Reps. Len Walker (107th); Donna Sheldon (105th); Lynn Smith (70th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Special Judiciary Committee 02/28/08
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HB 1162

Sky Valley, City of; reincorporate and provide new charter Rep. Charles Jenkins (8th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/19/08

HB 1164

Warren County Board of Education; member elections; revise districts Rep. Sistie Hudson (124th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/19/08

HB 1166

Liberty County; ad valorem tax; property's base year assessment; provide certain restrictions Reps. Al Williams (165th); Terry Barnard (166th) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/19/08

HB 1167

Liberty County School District; ad valorem tax; property's base year assessment; provide certain restrictions Reps. Al Williams (165th); Terry Barnard (166th) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/19/08

HB 1169

Early care and learning programs; day-care center; revise definition Reps. Alisha Morgan (39th); Tom Dickson (6th); Kathy Ashe (56th); Rob Teilhet (40th); Judy Manning (32nd) and Ron Forster (3rd) Education and Youth Committee - 02/28/08

HB 1183

University system; certain provisions; delay repeal Reps. Bob Smith (113th); Richard Royal (171st); Clay Cox (102nd); Jeff Lewis (15th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Higher Education Committee 02/28/08

HB 1208

Gwinnett County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize Reps. Bobby Reese (98th); Melvin Everson (106th); Mike Coan (101st); Clay Cox (102nd); Tom Rice (51st) and Brooks Coleman (97th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/21/08

HB 1222

`Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act; definitions; revise certain provisions Reps. Mickey Channell (116th); Butch Parrish (156th); Ron Stephens (164th); Donna Sheldon (105th); Pat Gardner (57th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Health and Human Services Committee 02/28/08

HB 1250

Cobb County State Court; judges; change compensation Reps. Steve Tumlin (38th); Rob Teilhet (40th); Don Parsons (42nd); Ed Setzler (35th); Terry Johnson (37th) and Earl Ehrhart (36th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/26/08

HB 1255

Monroe Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority Act; enact Reps. Jeff May (111th) and Len Walker (107th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/26/08

HB 1279

Emanuel County; Board of Education; members; change compensation Reps. Butch Parrish (156th); Jimmy Lord (142nd) and Greg Morris (155th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/27/08

HB 1282

Glynn County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption Reps. Jerry Keen (179th); Cecily Hill (180th) and Roger Lane (167th) State and Local Government Operations Committee 02/28/08

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HB 1285

Glynn County School District; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption Reps. Jerry Keen (179th); Cecily Hill (180th) and Roger Lane (167th) State and Local Government Operations Committee 02/28/08

HB 1304

Kennesaw, City of; corporate city limits; change provisions Reps. Ed Setzler (35th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Sharon Cooper (41st); Rob Teilhet (40th); Don Wix (33rd) and Judy Manning (32nd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/08

HB 1308

Cobb County State Court; clerk and chief deputy clerk; change compensation Reps. Earl Ehrhart (36th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Ed Setzler (35th); Bobby Franklin (43rd); Don Wix (33rd) and Rob Teilhet (40th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/08

HB 1309

Brantley County; board of commissioners; chairperson; change salary Rep. Mark Williams (178th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/08

HB 1312

Bleckley County School Building Authority; create Rep. Jimmy Pruett (144th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/08

HB 1313

Pulaski County School Building Authority; create Reps. Jimmy Pruett (144th) and Johnny Floyd (147th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 02/28/08

This Week February 28, 2008
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Senate Press Office Staff
Stacy Peery
Interim Director
Jeremy Arieh
Deputy Director
Chris Bailey
Broadcast Media Specialist
Ravae Graham
Media Specialist
Kallarin Richards
Media Specialist
Faith Benn
Session Aide
Ryan Burleson
Session Aide
Ashley Dean
Session Aide
Sarah Morgan
Session Aide
John T. Smith
Session Aide
Senate Press Office
201 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334 404.656.0028 or outside the Atlanta area 800.282.5803
This Week February 28, 2008
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