The Georgia Senate this week, Mar. 12, 2008

Senate reaches Crossover Day and heads for the home stretch

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he Senate reached Crossover Day this week, passing more than 30 bills over to the House for consideration. In addition, Senate Resolution 1148 was adopted, outlining a new schedule for the General Assembly through Legislative Day 35

on March 27. Some of the highlights of the last week include the passage of a bill creating a

scholarship for students attending failing schools; a bill updating the process by which law

enforcement agents obtain "no-knock" warrants; a bill that divests state retirement funds

from investment in the country of Iran; a bill that sets forth new procedures for safe cosmetic

laser treatment and many other pieces of legislation. Here is a list of the major bills

passing the Senate since February 29...

SB 348 prohibits local governments from imposing any fees or taxes upon insurance companies for covering services involving motor vehicle accidents. Passed on 02/29/08 by substitute 40 to 8.
SB 397 provides that eligible housing units located in more than one county will fall under the jurisdiction of either the superior court of the county where the authority is located or the superior court of any county where the housing units are located. Passed on 02/29/08 by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 488 allows a non-citizen who is eligible for a Georgia driver's license or stateissued ID card to be issued a driver's license without having to surrender their foreign license or ID card. Passed on 02/29/08 by substitute 50 to 0.
SB 492 allows high schools accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools to be eligible for the HOPE scholarship. Passed on 02/29/08 by substitute 50 to 1.
SB 496 prohibits mortgage businesses from influencing an appraiser's evaluation of a property. Passed on 02/29/08 by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 506 The Student Health and Physical Education Act asks local school systems to conduct body mass index testing of students and comply with state physical education instruction requirements. Passed on 02/29/08 by substitute 37 to 13.
SB 512 authorizes the distribution of a $1,500 grant per academic semester to each eligible North Georgia College student who signs a contract to enter the Army. Passed on o2/29/08 by substitute 51 to 0.
SB 420 will change provisions of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act to exempt the DOT from civil penalties levied for certain violations. Passed on 02/29/08 by substitute 43 to 6.
SB 470 requires insurance companies to file an actuarial opinion statement with the Insurance Commissioner to provide for early warnings of a company that may be in trouble. Passed on 03/04/08 by 47 to 0.

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SB 485 creates a licensing program for home inspectors. Passed on 03/04/08 by substitute 45 to 0.
SB 525 is a housekeeping bill that changes certain powers of the Georgia Technology Authority. Passed on 03/04/08 by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 472 Known as the Anti-cigarette Smuggling Act, this bill directs the Department of Revenue to adopt digital based cigarette stamp processes in order to further guard against tax evasion. Passed on 03/04/08 by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 493 provides that when a Tax Allocation District (TAD) is created within a Community Improvement District (CID), all properties may be included in the TAD. Passed on 03/04/08 by a vote of 45 to 2.
SR 996 is a Constitutional Amendment that allows school boards to pledge tax funds received from redevelopment programs. Adopted on 03/04/08 by substitute 46 to 3.
SB 552 allows certain animals, such as sugar gliders, to be exempt from wild animal permit requirements and allowed to be kept as pets. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 53 to 0.
SB 520 makes it a misdemeanor to remove a dog's collar without the owner's permission. Passed on 03/05/08 by a vote of 52 to 0.
SB 515 makes changes and corrections in the structure of the Georgia Seed Development Commission. Passed on 03/05/08 as amended 50 to 0.
SB 502 allows certified parole officers employed by the parole board who leave the board to retain their badges in most circumstances. Passed on 03/05/08 by a vote of 51 to 0.
SB 499 provides license requirements for life settlement providers/brokers. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 52 to 0.
SB 458 allows students of schools that lose or fail to attain accreditation to receive a scholarship to attend a private school or permission to attend another public school. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 32 to 21.
SB 498 requires a physician to examine patients prior to any cosmetic laser services being performed. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 53 to 0.
SB 479 reduces license fees for ambulance services. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 54 to 0.
SB 471 requires domestic insurance companies to report financial examinations every five years. Passed on 03/05/08 by a vote of 52 to 1.
SB 453 makes it illegal to distribute any illegal substances near a park or recreation area. Passed on 03/05/08 by substitute 54 to 0.
SB 396 transfers administrative and other functions for superior court judges, court reporters, district attorneys and their staff from the Department of Administrative Services to the Council of Superior Court and the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia, respectively. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 51 to 0.
SB 217 provides homeowners' associations the power to enforce local covenants. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 43 to 8.
SB 412 replaces the terms "air bag" and "safety belt" with the terms "life bag" and "life belt." Passed on 03/06/08 by a vote of 42 to 10.
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SB 414 expands the duties and the procedural requirements for the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 48 to 0.
SB 404 Known as the Georgia Health Marketplace Act, this bill establishes the Georgia Health Marketplace Web site to provide access to healthcare products for consumers. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 42 to 12.
SB 424 changes requirements for obtaining a barbering license by mandating that applicants possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 41 to 0.
SB 425 implements several incentive programs that will control various insurance costs that affect the state government. Passed on 03/06/08 by a vote of 48 to 1.
SB 449 provides immunity from civil liability to landowners under the specific conditions of hunting and "agritourism." Passed on 03/06/08 as amended 38 to 14.
SB 276 broadens the scope of the definition of "uninsured motor vehicle." Passed on 03/06/08 by a vote of 46 to 3.
SB 438 creates a second offense penalty for causing serious injury due to a right of way violation resulting in a collision with a motorcycle, pedestrian, bicyclist or farmer hauling products. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 51 to 1.
SB 504 allows religious nonprofit organizations to enter into healthcare cost sharing arrangements with their members. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 45 to 1.
SB 483 makes changes to the child support section of Georgia code to clarify the child support process. Passed on 03/06/08 as amended 45 to 1.
SB 518 allows certain auto bodywork and windshield repairs to be offered as an extended warranty and therefore as a form of insurance. Passed on 03/06/08 by substitute 46 to 1.
SR 820 creates the Joint Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Study Committee to review the laws relating to DNR law enforcement. Adopted on 03/06/08 by a vote of 47 to 0.
SB 196 provides military scholarships for children of soldiers killed or disabled as a result of a combat wound. Adopted on 03/11/08 as amended 51 to 0.
SB 549 establishes a three-level system of stroke centers. Passed on 03/11/08 by substitute 53 to 0.
SB 451 Known as the Protecting Georgia's Investment Act, this bill requires boards administering public retirement funds to divest from companies making investments in Iran. Passed on 03/11/08 as amended 45 to 6.
SB 445 allows the General Assembly to take action on rules and regulations of state agencies. Passed on 03/11/08 by substitute 36 to 4.
SB 535 requires that if a school system loses its accreditation, a special election may be held to elect a new school board. Passed on 03/11/08 by a vote of 43 to 3.
SR 1030 creates the Joint Electronic Records, Signatures, Filing and Recording Study Committee. Adopted on 03/11/08 by a vote of 52 to 0.
SB 523 extends the capital outlay program for another year. Passed on 03/11/08 by a vote of 51 to 0.
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SB 526 allows those who won the Georgia lottery before the cash payout option the flexibility to decide whether to wait for annual payments or sell their rights for cash in a lump sum. Passed on 03/11/08 by a vote of 52 to 0.
SB 305 extends protection to corporations that provide assistance in disasters. Passed on 03/11/08 by substitute 52 to 0.
SR 1055 makes several road dedications throughout the state. Adopted on 03/11/08 by substitute 52 to 0.
SB 519 requires a notice letter of foreclosure to be sent before an advertisement is published. Passed on 03/11/08 by substitute 53 to 0.
HB 297 provides two additional exemptions from the franchise agreement requirement for the sell of recreational vehicles (RVs) by dealers. Passed on 03/12/08 by a vote of 53 to 0.
HR 1158 salutes Georgia BIO, which is the state affiliate of the Washington, D.C.based Biotechnology Industry Organization. Adopted on 03/12/08 by a vote of 54 to 0.
HB 1088 promotes the development and maintenance of agricultural tourist attractions. Passed on 03/12/08 by a vote of 52 to 0.
HB 1055 streamlines certain parts of Georgia law relating to professions and licenses that are subject to legislative action, so that the designee of the division director may sign and attest orders and processes. Passed on 03/12/08 by substitute 50 to 2.
HB 301 strengthens current dog fighting law in Georgia by imposing stiff penalties on spectators and participants of dog fighting exhibitions. Passed on 03/12/08 by substitute 54 to 0.
HB 296 reduces the number of dates on which special elections to submit questions to the voters may be held. Passed on 03/12/08 by substitute 51 to 2.
HB 291 creates the Georgia Arts Alliance, which will be a private entity. Passed on 03/12/08 by substitute 53 to 0.
In Committee Action . . .
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 Tuesday, March 4, to consider Senate Bill 533. Senator Ronnie Chance of the 16th introduced the legislation, which would require restaurants and other wholesale or retail outlets offering seafood for consumption to visually identify the seafood as either "farm-raised" or label its country of origin. Oscar Garrison of the Georgia Department of Agriculture stated that the Department would hire two new inspectors to enforce the legislation. Ron Wolf of the Georgia Restaurant Association spoke against the bill, stating it places an undue burden upon more than 12,000 restaurants in the state. After a brief discussion, SB 533 passed by a vote of 6 to 1, with Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st in dissent.
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Appropriations Committee
The Appropriations Committee met on Tuesday, March 4, to consider Senate Bill 36. Senator Regina Thomas of the 2nd explained the bill, which requires that any appropriation authorizing a salary increase for state employed investigators exceeding salary increases for state employees generally, must also apply to certified investigators employed by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. SB 36 passed unanimously.
Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Chairman Bill Hamrick of the 30th called the meeting to order on Tuesday, March 4, to consider four bills. Senate Bill 531, which requires a foreclosure to be conducted by the current owner or holder of a mortgage, was presented by the Chairman and passed unanimously. Another bill authored by Chairman Hamrick, SB 519, which requires a notice letter of foreclosure be sent before an advertisement is placed, was presented and passed unanimously. Senator Emanuel Jones of the 10th then presented SB 465, which changes the requirement for sending notices of power of sale to debtors. SB 465 also passed unanimously. Finally, SB 527, which enacts the Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act, was presented by Sen. Gail Davenport of the 44th and subsequently tabled for further consideration.
The Committee reconvened on Wednesday, March 5, to consider Senate Bill 541, which provides guaranteed asset protection waivers for financial institutions. In the absence of the bill's author, Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th, Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st presented the legislation. Stacy Freeman of Troutman Sanders testified in support of SB 541, which passed unanimously.
Economic Development Committee
The Economic Development Committee met on Wednesday, March 5, to consider three bills. Senator Jeff Mullis of the 53rd presented Senate Resolution 1056, which urges cooperation between the Departments of Natural Resources and Economic Development in studying the feasibility of preserving historic barns. SR 1065 passed unanimously. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th presented Senate Bill 526, which allows those who won the Georgia lottery prior to the implementation of the lump sum payout the flexibility to decide whether to wait for annual payments or sell all or a portion of their rights for cash in a lump sum. SB 526 also passed unanimously. Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st then presented SB 542, which authorizes the creation of local development authorities to handle the redevelopment of a realigned or closed military base. Brigadier General Philip Browning spoke in favor of the bill, explaining how the bill would affect Atlanta's Fort McPherson. Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th spoke to the bill, stating that a similar piece of local legislation should be the measure to pass. SB 542 passed by a unanimous vote.
Education and Youth Committee
On Tuesday, March 4, the Committee met to take up Senate Bill 523, sponsored by Senator Dan Moody of the 56th, which extends the date for automatic repeal of certain provisions, relating to advance funding and exceptional growth funding for capital outlay. SB 523 passed unanimously. Chairman Dan Weber of the 40th then introduced SB 535, sponsored by Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th, which would require local school systems to attain and maintain accreditation and also provides for the removal of all members of a local board of education that fails to attain or maintain accreditation. SB 535 passed 6 to 3, with Senators Vincent Fort of the 39th, Regina Thomas of the 2nd and Horacena Tate of the 38th in dissent. The Committee then took up SB 521, sponsored by Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd. SB 521 would revise the definitions of `deprived child' and `physical violence' and add the definition for `terroristic threat' and provide disciplinary action for making such threats. SB 521 passed unanimously. Next, Chairman Weber introduced SB 461, sponsored by Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st, which requires local school boards to adopt policies that prohibit bullying. Three minor language changes were recommended, and SB 461 passed as amended by substitute.
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Ethics Committee
On Tuesday, March 4, Chairman Renee Unterman of the 45th called the Committee to order to consider House Bill 296, presented by Representative Jeff May of the 111th. The bill reduces the number of dates on which special elections to submit questions to the voters may be held. Gwen Hall of the Georgia Municipal Association and Michele Nesmith of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia promised their support of the bill, as long as it provided for special elections to be allowed on the dates of a presidential preference primary. The Committee agreed to this addition, and HB 296 passed unanimously by substitute.
Finance Committee
On Wednesday, March 5, Chairman Chip Rogers of the 21st called the meeting to order to consider two bills. Senator Dan Weber of the 40th continued his testimony from a previous meeting on Senate Resolution 1024, which allows the General Assembly to create education improvement districts to provide for facilities needs of public and special schools. SR 1024 passed unanimously. Sen. J.B. Powell of the 23rd then spoke to SB 538, which provides senior citizens with a homestead exemption from all ad valorem taxes for education. Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st offered amendments to clarify minor provisions of the legislation. SB 538 then passed unanimously as amended.
Government Oversight Committee
Chairman Ronnie Chance of the 16th called the meeting to order on March 5. Senator Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th presented Senate Bill 445, which provides certain requirements for the Environmental Protection Division director along with regulations for the proposed rules of state agencies. Sen. Seabaugh presented SB 548, which replaces text of two code provision related to unlawful use of state funds, to provide stricter penalties for an employee using state purchase cards for personal benefit. After some questioning, SB 548 passed unanimously through the Committee. Representative Roger Williams of the 4th presented House Bill 1055, which makes changes to code related to professions and licenses. HB 1055 passed unanimously by Committee substitute. Lastly, Vice Chairman Joseph Carter presented SB 537, which creates the Office of State Inspector General, whose purpose is to investigate the management and operation of state agencies. Current Inspector General Liz Archer spoke in favor of the bill. SB 537 passed unanimously through Committee.
Health and Human Services Committee
The Committee convened on Tuesday, March 4, to consider several bills. Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th and Representative Doug Collins of the 27th presented HB 279, which outlines eligibility conditions for participation in the Katie Beckett Waiver Program. HB 279 passed unanimously by substitute. Chairman Don Thomas of the 54th presented SB 539, which exempts continuing care retirement communities from certificate of need requirements. SB 539 passed unanimously by substitute. Finally, Chairman Thomas presented SB 549, which establishes a three-level system for stroke centers. SB 549 passed unanimously by substitute.
Higher Education Committee
The Higher Education Committee met on Tuesday, March 4, to consider three bills. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th presented Senate Bill 408, which allows colleges that have lost accreditation to still receive the HOPE Scholarship while they are reapplying for accreditation. Sen. Williams was joined by Dr. Stan Pritchett, president of Morris Brown College, who shared his college's situation of re-applying for accreditation. The bill passed unanimously. Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th then presented SB 196, which provides military scholarships for children of soldiers killed or disabled as a result of a combat wound. Sen. John Wiles of the 37th proposed an amendment that would clarify that in order for students to be eligible for such scholarships their parents must be Georgia residents. Chairman Seth Harp of the 29th asked that the amendment be proposed on the floor of the Senate. SB 196 passed unanimously. Chairman Harp then introduced Amanda Seals and Daryl Griswold of the University System of Georgia to present SB 514, which eliminates the requirement that a student's residency is determined by that of their parent. After some discussion by the Committee, the bill passed by a vote of 4 to 1, with Sen. Wiles in dissent.
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Insurance and Labor Committee
On Tuesday, March 4, Chairman Ralph Hudgens of the 47th called the Committee to order. The Committee first took up Senate Bill 504, sponsored by Senator Judson Hill of the 32nd, which would allow religious nonprofit organizations to enter into healthcare cost sharing arrangements with their members. SB 504 passed unanimously by substitute. Chairman Hudgens then introduced SB 518, sponsored by Sen. Rogers of the 21st, which would provide that any contract where a person assumes the risk of removing dings and dents or small windshield chips will be considered property insurance. SB 518 passed unanimously by substitute. Chairman Hudgens held a hearing only for SB 380, which would provide for filing requirements for health insurance rates and requires insurers that offer comprehensive accident insurance to offer customers a choice between at least two policies. Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th and Commissioner John Oxendine presented the bill. Chairman Hudgens tabled SB 338 because it is still awaiting a fiscal note.
Interstate Cooperation Committee
Chairman Ed Harbison of the 15th called the Committee to order on Tuesday, March 4, to take up two resolutions. Sen. Bill Jackson of the 24th presented Senate Resolution 1011, which urges the President and Congress to review the conviction and incarceration of two former U.S. Border Patrol agents. SR 1011 passed unanimously. Chairman Harbison introduced SR 1010, which urges the President and Congress to call for an end to human rights abuses in Kenya by supporting a resolution of the U.S. Congress. The resolution passed unanimously.
Judiciary Committee
The Committee convened on Tuesday, March 4, and first heard from Chairman Preston Smith of the 52nd who presented Senate Resolution 1030, which creates the Joint Electronic Records, Signatures, Filing and Recording Study Committee to examine ways to establish a uniform, electronic filing system for the state. The resolution passed unanimously. Senator Gloria Butler of the 55th then presented SB 457, which establishes the Georgia MethCheck database to record purchases of products used to make methamphetamine. Of those who testified against the bill, John Bankhead of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation stated that the database is unnecessary and too costly to operate. Representatives of two drug-free advocate organizations testified in support of the bill. SB 457 failed by a 4 to 4 vote, with Senators Bill Cowsert of the 46th, Seth Harp of the 29th, Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th and John Wiles of the 37th in dissent. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th introduced SB 529, which increases penalties for drivers involved in a hit and run vehicular or boating accident that results in the death of another. The bill passed unanimously.
Chairman Smith again called the Committee to order on Wednesday, March 5, and began by taking up SR 721 by Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st, which is a Constitutional Amendment that would reaffirm that the courts cannot order the legislature to appropriate money. The resolution passed by a vote of 3 to 2, with Sens. Robert Brown of the 26th and Vincent Fort of the 39th in dissent. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th then presented SB 547, which adds a 10 percent surcharge to fines for traffic and boating violations, which will be appropriated to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund. Sen. Chance also presented the bill's companion Constitutional Amendment legislation, SR 1074. Both the bill and resolution passed by a vote of 5 to 1, with Sen. Cowsert in dissent. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th announced that she will pull SB 415 from consideration, a bill that makes several changes to parental rights of parents whose child is taken by the Department of Human Resources. Lastly, Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th presented SB 481, which makes it unlawful to possess material depicting minors participating in sexually explicit conduct. The bill also states that approval of a judge is required for public access to such material entered into trial evidence. Marissa Cordo, a third year law student representing the Barton Child Law and Policy Clinic, presented Sen. Jones' amendment, which provides protection for law enforcement in being granted access to trial evidence. The amendment passed unanimously. The bill passed by substitute by a vote of 6 to 1, with Sen. Wiles in dissent.
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Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Chairman Ross Tolleson of the 20th called the meeting to order on March 4. Senator Lee Hawkins of the 49th presented Senate Resolution 1052, which urges that the Endangered Species Act be amended. SR 1052 passed through the Committee, Sen. Michael von Bremen of the 12th in dissent. Next, Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st presented SR 1063, which urges the Georgia Environmental Protection Division to implement a new water quality standard for the Savannah Harbor. SR 1063 unanimously passed through Committee. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th presented SR 1007, which urges the Georgia Congressional delegation to oppose efforts by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make air quality standards stricter. In a close vote, SR 1007 passed through Committee with Senators J.B. Powell of the 23rd, John Bulloch of the 11th and Bill Jackson of the 24th in dissent.
Public Safety Committee
On Tuesday, March 4, Chairman Jack Murphy of the 27th called the meeting to order to consider two bills. Representative Johnny Floyd of the 147th presented House Bill 1111, a housekeeping bill for the Department of Driver Services that clarifies discrepancies of some of the department's administrative functions. HB 1111 passed unanimously by substitute. Next, Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd presented SB 517, which allows disabled parking license plates to be issued to any business registered in Georgia that assigns or makes vehicles available for the use of a disabled employee. SB 517 passed unanimously.
Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee
The Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee did not meet this week.
Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
On Wednesday, March 5, Chairman David Shafer of the 48th called the meeting to order to consider two bills. The bill's author, Chairman Shafer, asked that Senate Bill 305 be known as the Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2007. There was no objection. SB 305 passed unanimously. The Committee then resumed discussion of SB 413, which provides for the licensure and regulation of unarmed combat. Senator Eric Johnson of the 1st provided explanation of the bill's progress since the last meeting. SB 413 passed by substitute by a vote of 5 to 1, with Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd in dissent.
Retirement Committee
The Committee convened on Wednesday, March 5, to consider three bills. Senator Don Balfour of the 9th presented Senate Bill 451, which creates the Protecting Georgia's Investment Act. It will prohibit the state retirement plans from investing in foreign publicly traded companies that operate in Iran's petroleum energy sector. SB 451 passed unanimously as amended. Chairman Bill Heath of the 31st presented SB 327, which sets forth procedures for any future divestment legislation that affects the Georgia State Employees Savings Plan. SB 327 passed unanimously by substitute. Next, Sen. Heath presented SB 328, which amends retirement provisions for members of the Employment Retirement System (ERS) as of or after January 1, 2009. It will create a defined contribution benefit plan and provides for an option of coverage for current members of ERS. SB 328 passed unanimously by substitute. Finally, Sen. Heath presented SB 329, which authorizes a reduction in the service retirement allowance of all people first hired or rehired without a vested right to reinstatement in ERS on or after July 1, 2008. These persons would not be eligible to participate in the current ERS plan. SB 329 passed unanimously.
Rules Committee
The Senate Rules Committee met Tuesday, March 4, to consider several bills. First, Senator Ed Tarver of the 22nd resumed his presentation of Senate Bills 441 and 442. SB 441 sets forth a new process for those who testify in committee before the General Assembly to take an oath or affirmation, while SB 442 creates new penalties for those who give false testimony before a committee of the General Assembly. Both bills passed unanimously by substitute. In addition, three urging resolutions passed unanimously, including Senate Resolutions 706, 831 and 1038 and House Resolution 1206.
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Science and Technology Committee
The Science and Technology Committee did not meet this week.
Special Judiciary Committee
Chairman Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th called the meeting to order on March 6. Representative Wendell Willard of the 49th presented House Bill 422, which prohibits foreclosure actions against liens assessed by a condominium or property owners' association unless amount of the lien is at least $2,000. HB 422 passed unanimously by Committee Substitute.
State Institutions and Property Committee
On Tuesday, March 4, Chairman Johnny Grant of the 25th called the Committee to order. Chairman Grant introduced Senate Bill 386, sponsored by Senator Kasim Reed of the 35th, which would require all persons who have been in custody of the State of Georgia Penal System for longer than one year to submit to HIV testing prior to 60 days before their release. SB 386 passed unanimously by substitute.
State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Chairman John Wiles of the 37th called the meeting to order on Wednesday, March 5. Senator Dan Moody of the 56th presented Senate Bill 477, which provides that it shall be unlawful for municipalities, counties or other issuing authorities to issue any backdated license, permit, or other authorizing document. SB 477 passed through Committee unanimously.
Transportation Committee
The Committee met Wednesday, March 5. Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd presented Senate Bill 256, which sets forth new height requirements for outdoor advertising in Georgia. Representatives of the Garden Club of Georgia and Trees Columbus spoke against the bill. Representatives of the Outdoor Advertising Association and Clear Channel Outdoor spoke in favor of the bill. SB 256 passed unanimously. Chairman Mullis then presented Senate Resolution 1055, which incorporates several road dedications into one resolution. SR 1055 passed unanimously as amended. Representative Vance Smith of the 129th presented House Bill 1026 and an accompanying amendment. HB 1026 states that a utility may be exempt from requirements of notice and hearing when the DOT requires the removal, relocation or adjustment of certain facilities as a result of public road improvements. HB 1026 passed unanimously as amended. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st then presented SR 1047, which urges the Department of Transportation to develop a strategy to consolidate its barns and road maintenance operations to save taxpayers money. SR 1047 passed unanimously as amended. Rep. John Lunsford of the 110th presented HB 1019, which creates the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank within the State Road and Tollway Authority. HB 1019 also passed unanimously by substitute as amended. Sen. Mullis presented SR 842, which urges the DOT to explore the feasibility of constructing a MAGLEV train system connecting Hartsfield-Jackson Airport in Atlanta to the Chattanooga Municipal Airport. SR 842 passed by a vote of 8 to 1, with Sen. John Douglas of the 17th in dissent. Chairman Mullis also presented SR 1060, which requests that the DOT will file reports with the General Assembly on its progress in several areas beginning December 31, 2008. SR 1060 passed 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 to consider House Bills 961 and 1201. Representative Chuck Sims of the 169th presented House Bill 961, which authorizes the Department of Revenue to issue disabled parking permits upon the presentation of an affidavit of a licensed doctor optometrist. HB 961 passed unanimously by substitute. Senator Jeff Mullis of the 53rd presented HB 1201, which requires that permission be received for the use of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's nomenclature and symbols. HB 1201 passed unanimously.
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Georgia Senate First Readers
(Friday, February 29 Wednesday, March 12)

Senate Resolutions
SR 1052 Endangered Species Act of 1973; urged to be amended and congressional House Resolution 3847 be passed Sens. Lee Hawkins (49th); Jack Murphy (27th); Renee Unterman (45th); Chip Pearson (51st); Ross Tolleson (20th) and Johnny Grant (25th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 02/29/08

SR 1053

Take Your Kids to Vote Day; declare November 4 Sens. Preston Smith (52nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Nancy Shaefer (50th); Chip Rogers (21st) and Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1054

Duke, William Travis; commend Sens. Doug Stoner (6th); Judson Hill (32nd); Steve Thompson (33rd); John Wiles (37th) and Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1055

Joel A. Katz Parkway; Fulton County; dedicate Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th) and Horacena Tate (38th) Transportation Committee 02/29/08

SR 1056

Natural Resources, Dept. of; urged to work in conjunction with Dept. of Economic Development; feasibility of restoring/preserving historic barns Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Preston Smith (52nd) and Don Thomas (54th) Economic Development Committee 02/29/08

SR 1057

McCann, Katryna; recognize Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1058

Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce; recognize Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1059

Columbus, Georgia Day at the Capitol; recognize March 12 Sens. Seth Harp (29th) and Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1060

Transportation Commissioner; urged to provide a series of reports to the General Assembly Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Don Thomas (54th); Ross Tolleson (20th); Doug Stoner (6th) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 02/29/08

SR 1061

James Roy "Pop" Lewis Memorial Highway; Lincoln and Wilkes County; dedicate Sens. Bill Jackson (24th); J.B. Powell (23rd) and Johnny Grant (25th) Transportation Committee 03/04/08

SR 1062

Coweta Up In Smoke Barbeque Cook-off; recognize Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Read and adopted 03/04/08

SR 1063

GA Environmental Protection Division; urged to implement a new water quality standard; Savanna Harbor Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) Natural Resources and Environment Committee 03/04/08
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SR 1064 SR 1065 SR 1066
SR 1067 SR 1068
SR 1069 SR 1070 SR 1071 SR 1072 SR 1073 SR 1074
SR 1075 SR 1076

Kennesaw State University; recognize Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Judson Hill (32nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Preston Smith (52nd) and John Wiles (37th) Read and adopted 03/04/08
Dalton, Dr. Martin L.; commend Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Seth Harp (29th); Jack Hill (4th); George Hooks (14th) and Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and adopted 03/04/08
Dedication of Historcial Marker Leo Frank; commemorating March 7, 2008 Sens. Judson Hill (32nd); Steve Thompson (33rd); Chip Rogers (21st); Doug Stoner (6th) and John Wiles (37th) Read and adopted 03/04/08
Grenzebach Corporation; commend Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Mitch Seaubaugh (33rd); Read and adopted 03/04/08
Atlanta Motor Speedway Day at the State Capitol; designate March 6, 2008 Sens. John Douglas (17th); Eric Johnson (1st) and Tommie Williams (19th); Read and adopted 03/04/08
PFC David G. Bryan Memorial Highway; White/Lumpkin County; dedicate Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Transportation Committee 03/04/08
Chaudhary, Mr. Mihir; recognize Sens. David Shafer (48th) and Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 03/04/08
Mason Varner Memorial Highway; Paulding/Cobb County; dedicate Sens. Steve Thompson (33rd) and John Wiles (37th) Transportation Committee 03/04/08
McGill, SGM Jack; recognize Sen. Don Thomas (54th) Read and adopted 03/04/08
Commissioners of Fulton County; urged to take certain action with respect to Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill Urban Enterprise Zone Sens. Nan Orrock (36th) and Vincent Fort (39th) Economic Development Committee 03/04/08
Offenses; parking in parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities; authorize General Assembly to provide additional penalties-CA Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Judiciary Committee 03/04/08
Sutton, Roswell O.; commend Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Marion Middle School Archery Team; recognize Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 03/05/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 11 of 28

SR 1077 SR 1078 SR 1079 SR 1080 SR 1081 SR 1082 SR 1083 SR 1084 SR 1085 SR 1086 SR 1087 SR 1088 SR 1089 SR 1090

Georgia Rides to the Capitol Day; proclaim March 11, 2008 Sens. David Adelman (42nd) and Dan Moody (56th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Clark, Lugenia G.; honoring Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Georgia State Council, P.A.W. Executive Board of Bishops Conference; recognize Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 03/05/08
St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Chairman John P. Forbes, Grand Marshal Dr. Francis Patrick Rossiter, Jr; recognize Sens. Eric Johnson (1st) and Regina Thomas (2nd) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Sullivan, Rev. E.L.; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Roberts, Miss Jessica Nicole; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month; recognize Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); J. B. Powell (23rd); Regina Thomas (2nd) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Smits, Courtney; recognize Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); John Douglas (17th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
People First of Henry County; recognize Sens. Emanuel Jones (10th); John Douglas (17th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Thomas, Prof. Bill; commend Sens. Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th) and Robert Brown (26th) Read and adopted 03/05/08
Robinson, Lithangia Shannell; condolences Sens. Horacena Tate (38th); Robert Brown (26th); Gail Davenport (44th); George Hooks (14th); Vincent Fort (39th); Ed Harbison (15th) and others Read and adopted 03/05/08
Holman, Thomas Reese; commend Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Stipe, Weslee; recognize Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Stipe, Brooks; recognize Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 03/06/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 12 of 28

SR 1091 SR 1092 SR 1093 SR 1094 SR 1095 SR 1096 SR 1097
SR 1098 SR 1099 SR 1118 SR 1119 SR 1120 SR 1121 SR 1122

Kersey, Caroline; recognize Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Diabetes Awareness Day; recognize March 6, 2008 Sen. George Hooks (14th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Creation of a Georgia MethCheck Data Base; create Senate Study Committee; appointment Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) Judiciary Committee 03/06/08
Chaffin, Sheriff Donald; recognize Sens. John Douglas (17th); Emanuel Jones (10th) and Gail Davenport (44th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Association of Junior Leagues International & Georgia State Public Affairs Committee; recognize Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Exhibit, From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit; recognize Sens. Vincent Fort (39th) and Horacena Tate (38th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Future of Manufacturing in Georgia; create Senate Study Committee; appointment Sens. Chip Rogers (21st); Tim Golden (8th); Chip Pearson (51st); Ed Tarver (22nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd); Vincent Fort (39th) and others Economic Development Committee 03/06/08
Felton, Honorable Dorothy W.; condolences Sens. Dan Moody (56th); Eric Johnson (1st); Renee Unterman (45th); George Hooks (14th); Gloria Butler (55th); Steve Henson (41st) and others Read and adopted 03/06/08
Evans, Mr. Foy; recognize Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) Read and adopted 03/06/08
Facey Denise; recognize Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Harrell, Barbara; recognize Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Transportation, Dept. of; request to do a safety evaluation and perform necessary repair work Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Transportation Committee 03/12/08
Voelz, Dr. Zachary L.; condolences Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
McVay, Kipling L. "Kip"; commend Sens. Chip Rogers (21st) and Jack Murphy (27th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
This Week March 12, 2008 Page 13 of 28

SR 1123 SR 1124 SR 1125 SR 1126 SR 1127 SR 1128 SR 1129 SR 1130 SR 1131 SR 1132 SR 1133 SR 1134 SR 1135 SR 1136 SR 1137 SR 1138

Flewellen, Rev. Deacon Jimmie; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Pennock, Robin Huffman; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Anderson, Elder Sandra; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Jones, DeMark F.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Williams, Tracy; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Jackson, Sarah; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Foster, Janice; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Phillips, Rev. Willie F.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Hampton, George A.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Foster, George; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Williams, Michael V.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Phillips, Therese T.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Brown, Hattie; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Wiliams, Mr. Carlos; recognize Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Russell-McCloud, Patricia; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Phillips, Dr. John A.; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
This Week March 12, 2008 Page 14 of 28

SR 1139 SR 1140 SR 1141 SR 1142 SR 1143 SR 1144 SR 1145 SR 1146
SR 1147
SR 1148 SR 1149
SR 1150 SR 1151

Childs, Lillie; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Odom, Coach Dave; recognize Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Georgia's Colleges/Education; urged to place a high priority on international education Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Brazilian Consulate General; recognize the establishment Sens. Judson Hill (32nd) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Burk, Lauren A.; condolences Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Meadows, Brock; condolences Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Dixon Grove Baptist Church; commend Sens. Gail Davenport (44th); Emanuel Jones (10th); Robert Brown (26th); Vincent Fort (39th); Regina Thomas (2nd); Ed Tarver (22nd) and others Read and adopted 03/12/08
Lopez, Alvaro; commend Sens. Steve Henson (41st); Curt Thompson (5th); Ron Ramsey (43rd); Johnny Grant (25th); Dan Weber (40th) and Chip Pearson (51st) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Fleeing and Law Enforcement Pursuits; create Senate Study Committee Sens. John Douglas (17th); Jack Murphy (27th); Preston Smith (52nd); Jeff Mullis (53rd) and Joseph Carter (13th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Adjournment; relative to Sens. Tommie Williams (19th); Eric Johnson (1st); Robert Brown (26th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Langdale, Mr. William Pope "Billy"; recognize Sens. Tim Golden (8th); Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th); George Hooks (14th); Joseph Carter (13th); Cecil Staton (18th); Seth Harp (29th) and others Read and adopted 03/12/08
St. Marys First Presbyterian Church; recognize Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Grady Memorial Hospital; urging various measures Sens. Vincent Fort (39th) and Nan Orrock (36th) Government Oversight Committee 03/12/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 15 of 28

SR 1152 SR 1153 SR 1154
SR 1155 SR 1156 SR 1157

Grady Memorial Hospital; urging various measures by Fulton County, DeKalb County, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority Sens. Vincent Fort (39th) and Nan Orrock (36th) Government Oversight Committee 03/12/08
New Grant Chapel AME Church; recognize Sens. Vincent Fort (38th) and Kasim Reed (35th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Patton, Carl V.; recognize Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Cecil Staton (18th); Chip Rogers (21st); Seth Harp (29th); John Wiles (37th); Bill Cowsert (46th) and others Read and adopted 03/12/08
Smith, Mary; commend Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Bailey, Coach Jim; commend Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 03/12/08
Pruitt, Captain Michael "Mike" Dwain; commend Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Read and adopted 03/12/08

Senate Bills
SB 534 Community Ombudsman Program; change certain provisions; provide for duties, definitions Sens. Johnny Grant (25th); Greg Goggans (7th); Seth Harp (29th); Jack Hill (4th) and Renee Unterman (45th) Health and Human Services Committee 02/29/08

SB 535

Local Boards of Education; require school systems to attain/maintain accreditation; definition; removal of members; provide for procedures Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Bill Heath (31st); Joseph Carter (13th) and Eric Johnson (1st) Education and Youth Committee 02/29/08

SB 536

Crimes Against Persons; stalking; clarify venue for prosecution; reorganize certain provisions; provide definitions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Judiciary Committee 03/04/08

SB 537

State Inspector General, Office of; establish; provide for definitions, duties, certain powers, procedures for the application of such office Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Government Oversight Committee 03/04/08

SB 538

Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemptions; full value for senior citizens; educational purposes Sens. J.B. Powell (23rd); Bill Jackson (24th); Ed Tarver (22nd); David Adelman (42nd); Emanuel Jones (10th); Judson Hill (32nd) and others Finance Committee 03/04/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 16 of 28

SB 539 SB 540 SB 541 SB 542 SB 543 SB 544 SB 545 SB 546 SB 547 SB 548

Certificate of Need Program; exempt continuing care retirement communities; certificate of need requirements; certain conditions Sens. Don Thomas (54th); Joseph Carter (13th); Renee Unterman (45th) and Greg Goggans (7th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/04/08
Advertisement of Legal Notices; on/after January 1, 2009; joint legal organ internet website; provide for requirements; posting; notices Sens. Cecil Staton (18th); Chip Rogers (21st); Bill Heath (31st) and John Douglas (17th); Science and Technology Committee 03/04/08
Financial Institutions; provide for guaranteed asset protection waivers; scope; purposes; definitions; requirements for offering Sens. Ronnie Chance (16th); Cecil Staton (18th); Chip Rogers (21st) and David Shafer (48th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 03/04/08
Military, Emergency & Veterans Affairs; local redevelopment authorities; confer powers/impose duties; provide for membership; appointment Sens. Bill Heath (31st); Eric Johnson (1st); Tommie Williams (19th); Seth Harp (29th); Don Balfour (9th) and John Douglas (17th) Economic Development Committee 03/04/08
Clayton, City of; provide for special/emergency meeting of mayor and council; certain officers; appointment, term; compensation; duties Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08
Newton County; provide homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes for maintenance/operation of facilities; 65 years/older; terms/conditions Sen. John Douglas (17th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08
Pawnbrokers; provide for different treatment of title pawn transactions; change definitions; reductions in interest/fees; notice Sens. Vincent Fort (39th) and Nan Orrock (36th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 03/04/08
Alzheimer's Awareness Day; designate; establish the State Alzheimer's Disease Commission; membership; duties; annual report Sens. Nan Orrock (36th); Vincent Fort (39th) and John Douglas (17th) Health and Human Services Committee 03/04/08
Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund; expand prov. Under Constitution of Ga to authorize additional penalty assessments for additional violations Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Judiciary Committee 03/04/08
State Purchasing; prohibit use of state funds by purchase orders or other such payment vehicles for personal benefit or gain; penalties Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Government Oversight Committee 03/04/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 17 of 28

SB 550
SB 551 SB 552 SB 555

Child Custody; residing with/marrying a person on state sexual offender registry; constitute a change of material condition/circumstance Sens. Jeff Mullis (53rd); Bill Cowsert (46th); Seth Harp (29th); Nancy Schaefer (50th); John Wiles (37th) and Bill Hamrick (30th) Judiciary Committee 03/05/08
Financial Institutions; prohibit directors, officers, & employees from transacting business with certain persons whom they are related Sens. Bill Hamrick (30th) and Ross Tolleson (20th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 03/05/08
Danielsville, City of; administrative and service departments; change provisions Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/08
Glynn County; board of education; compensation of members; change provisions Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) State and Local Government Operations Committee 03/12/08

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

HR 1556

Adjournment; relative to Rep. Jerry Keen (179th) Read and adopted 03/05/08

House Bills

HB 68

Coastal Marshlands Protection Act; exempt certain single private

docks; provide

Rep. Terry Barnard (166th)

Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/04/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 18 of 28

HB 92 HB 237 HB 241 HB 250 HB 255 HB 257

Tattoo; misdemeanor; eye socket; repeal Rep. Melvin Everson (106th) Special Judiciary Committee 03/11/08
Sales and use tax; water pollution eliminating machinery exemptions; change certain provisions Reps. Chuck Martin (47th); Ron Stephens (164th); Jeff Lewis (15th); Stan Watson (91st); Richard Royal (171st) and Calvin Smyre (132nd) Finance Committee 03/04/08
Opticians; licensure; practical training; specify certain requirements Reps. Jill Chambers (81st); Sharon Cooper (41st); Karla Drenner (86th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Health and Human Services Committee 02/26/08
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
Public retirement systems; public employment related crime; expand definition Reps. Ben Bridges (10th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Retirement Committee 02/29/08
Firearms; public gatherings; allow constables to carry weapons Reps. John Yates (73rd) and David Knight (126th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08

HB 373 HB 393 HB 455 HB 470

Public Safety, Department of; State Patrol; retirement benefits; amend Reps. Ben Bridges (10th); Burke Day (163rd); Doug Collins (27th); Willie Talton (145th) and Ronald Forster (3rd) Retirement Committee 02/26/08
Farm wineries; licensing; change certain provisions Reps. Ron Stephens (164th); Roger Williams (4th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Amos Amerson (9th); Jay Shaw (176th) and Butch Parrish (156th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/05/08
Georgia Prescription Monitoring Program Act; enact Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Judiciary Committee 02/27/08
Georgia Lemon Law; enact Reps. Butch Parrish (156th); Tom Rice (51st); Bobby Parham (141st) and Alan Powell (29th) Special Judiciary Committee 03/11/08

HB 521 HB 544

Employees' Retirement System; creditable service; Georgia Judicial Retirement System; provide Reps. Ben Harbin (118th); Robert Mumford (95th); Barry Fleming (117th) and Barbara Sims (119th) Retirement Committee 03/05/08
Multiple employer self-insured health plans; certain institutions; provisions Reps. Bill Hembree (67th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/29/08
This Week March 12, 2008 Page 19 of 28

HB 579 HB 639 HB 649 HB 732 HB 798 HB 815 HB 851 HB 887 HB 904 HB 905
HB 950 HB 951

Landlord liens; definitions; provisions Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee 02/14/08
Employees' Retirement System; certain state patrol members; contributions; provisions Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) Retirement Committee 03/05/08
Georgia Blueberry Commission; create Reps. Tommy Smith (168th); Mark Williams (178th); Roger Lane (167th); Chuck Sims (169th); Jay Shaw (176th) and Penny Houston (170th) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 03/04/08
Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; certain persons; provide membership Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Retirement Committee 02/26/08
Pharmacy Consumer Protection and Transparency Act; enact Reps. Austin Scott (153rd); Ron Stephens (164th); Bobby Parham (141st); Earl Carter (159th); Pat Gardner (57th) and Mark Williams (178th) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/29/08
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
Income tax credit; historic structures rehabilitation; change calculation method Reps. Allen Peake (137th); Chuck Martin (47th); Richard Royal (171st); Ron Stephens (164th); Butch Parrish (156th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Finance Committee 03/04/08
Tobacco Prevention Master Settlement Agreement Oversight Committee; create Rep. Mark Butler Appropriations Committee 02/29/08
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
Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia's Economy Act; enact Reps. Fran Millar (79th); Glenn Richardson (19th); Edward Lindsey (54th); Bob Holmes (61st); Melvin Everson (106th) and Jimmy Pruett (144th) Education and Youth Committee 03/11/08
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
This Week March 12, 2008 Page 20 of 28

HB 953 HB 957 HB 958 HB 962 HB 964 HB 969
HB 972 HB 978 HB 981 HB 983 HB 984

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
Sales and use tax exemption; certain qualified nonprofit job training organizations; extend sunset date Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Finance Committee 03/11/08
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
Local boards of education; budget deficit; require public notice Reps. Allen Freeman (140th); Mike Keown (173rd); Barbera Sims (119th); Bill Hembree (67th); Earnest Williams (89th) and Margaret Kaiser (59th) Education and Youth Committee 02/29/08
Georgia ports and harbors; operation of certain vessels; revise problems Reps. Burke Day (163rd); Jerry Keen (179th); Pat Gardner (57th) and Earl Carter (159th) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/11/08
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 Ed Lindsey (54th) Banking and Financial Institutions Committee - 2/26/08
Traffic accidents; illegal immigrants; seize vehicle; allow law enforcement Reps. James Mills (25th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Public Safety Committee 02/29/08
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
Out-of-state law enforcement officers; arrest certain offenders; provide Reps. Doug Collins (27th); Charles Martin (47th); Burke Day (163rd); Willie Talton (145th); Tony Sellier (136th) and Ben Bridges (10th) Public Safety Committee 02/29/08
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

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 21 of 28

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 1020

Civil and criminal cases; minors; certain sexually explicit or obscene evidence; restrict access Reps. Rich Golick (34th); David Ralston (7th) and Ron Forster (3rd) Judiciary Committee 02/29/08

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 1046

Watercraft; held in inventory for resale; exempt from taxation; provide Reps. James Mills (25th); Ron Stephens (164th); Mickey Channell (116th); Carl Rogers (26th); Richard Royal (171st) and Jeff Lewis (15th) Finance Committee 03/11/08

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 1061

Wine; shipped to one customer; limit number of cases Reps. Ron Stephens (164th); Earl Ehrhart (36th); Amos Amerson (9th); Roger Williams (4th); Steve Tumlin (38th) and Mark Burkhalter (50th) Regulated Industries and Utilities 02/29/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 22 of 28

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

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 1071

Tasers; knowingly remove or attempt to remove from certain persons; make unlawful Reps. Chuck Sims (169th); Jeff Lewis (15th) and John Lunsford (110th) Judiciary Committee 03/11/08

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 1093

Liquidated damages; demand; change certain provisions Reps. Wendell Williams (49th); James Mills (25th); Mike Coan (101st); Barry Fleming (117th); Larry O'Neal (146th) and Ed Lindsey (54th) Judiciary Committee 03/11/08

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 1116

Probation Management Act of 2004; modify certain provisions Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) State Institutions and Property Committee 03/05/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 23 of 28

HB 1121 HB 1123 HB 1124 HB 1126 HB 1129 HB 1132 HB 1159 HB 1160 HB 1166 HB 1167 HB 1169 HB 1183

Continuing care providers and facilities; certain definition; provide Reps. Rich Golick (34th) and Sharon Cooper (41st) Insurance and Labor Committee 02/29/08
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
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
Downtown development authorities; directors; provisions Rep. Billy Horne (71st) Economic Development and Tourism Committee 02/26/08
Georgia Tourism Development Act; enact Reps. Jeff Lewis (15th); Ron Stephens (164th); Roger Williams (4th); Larry O'Neal (146th); Butch Parrish (156th) and Chuck Martin (47th) Finance Committee 02/29/08
Uniform Environmental Covenants Act; enact Reps. Edward Lindsey (54th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Kathy Ashe (56th); Rob Teilhet (40th); Wendell Willard (49th) and Joe Wilkinson (52nd) Special Judiciary Committee 03/05/08
Income tax credit; adoption of a qualified foster child; provide Reps. John Lunsford (110th); Glenn Richardson (19th); Len Walker (107th); Jay Neal (1st); Mark Butler (18th) and James Mills (25th) Finance Committee 02/29/08
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
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
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
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 Ronald Forster (3rd) Education and Youth Committee - 02/28/08
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

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 24 of 28

HB 1186

Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; assessment payments; change certain provisions Reps. Mike Coan (101st); Bobby Reese (98th); Mark Hamilton (23rd); Billy Horne (71st); Clay Cox (102nd) and Martin Scott (2nd) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/05/08

HB 1189

Transportation, Department of; commissioner file report on Statewide Strategic Transportation Plan; require Reps. Donna Sheldon (105th); Vance Smith (129th); James Mills (25th) and Jay Shaw (176th) Transportation Committee - 03/05/08

HB 1196

Income tax credit; qualified investment; Seed-Capital Fund; provisions Reps. Ron Stephens (164th); Jerry Keen (179th); Mark Burkhalter (50th) and James Mills (25th) Finance Committee 03/11/08

HB 1201

Georgia Emergency Management Agency Nomenclature Act of 2008; enact Reps. Burke Day (163rd); Jay Neal (1st) and Ron Stephens (164th) Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee 02/29/08

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 Ronald Forster (3rd) Health and Human Services Committee 02/28/08

HB 1226

Water resources; water supply; extensively revise certain provisions Reps. Mike Coan (101st); Lynn Smith (70th); Tom McCall (30th); Bob Hanner (148th); Carl Rogers (26th) and Richard Smith (131st) Natural Resources and the Environment Committee 03/05/08

HB 1227

Anti-cigarette Smuggling Act; enact Reps. Jeff Lewis (15th); Burke Day (163rd); Chuck Martin (47th) and Roger Williams (4th) Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee 03/11/08

HB 1234

Medicaid Care Management Organizations Act; enact Reps. Mickey Channell (116th); Sharon Cooper (41st); Butch Parrish (156th); Carolyn Hugley (133rd) and Jay Shaw (176th) Governmental Oversight Committee 03/11/08

HB 1235

Motor vehicles; fleet policies; insurance issuance requirements; change notice Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/11/08

HB 1245

Indigent defense; revise matters; senior judges; change certain provisions Reps. David Ralston (7th); Tom Knox (24th); Kevin Levitas (82nd); Chuck Martin (47th) Judiciary Committee 03/05/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 25 of 28

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 1281

Water resources; local government restrictions; more restrictive than state; prohibit Reps. Terry England (108th); Tom McCall (30th); Jay Roberts (154th); Bob Hanner (148th); Earl Ehrhart (36th) and Sean Jerguson (22nd) Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee 03/05/08

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

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 1300

Minimum school year; certain school days; provisions Reps. Amy Carter (175th); Tom Dickson (6th); Brooks Coleman (97th); Rob Teilhet (40th) and Edward Lindsey (54th) Education and Youth Committee 03/11/08

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

HB 1321

Education; alleged inappropriate behavior by teacher or school personnel; provisions Reps. Jay Shaw (176th); Freddie Sims (151st); Celeste Johnson (75th) and Darryl Jordan (77th) Education and Youth Committee 03/11/08
This Week March 12, 2008 Page 26 of 28

HB 1328

State employees' health insurance plan; consumer choice options; revise a problem Reps. Allen Peake (137th); Mickey Channell (116th) and John Lunsford (110th) Insurance and Labor Committee 03/11/08

HB 1329

Bryan County Water and Sewer Authority Act; enact Reps. Bob Lane (158th) and Ron Stephens (164th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08

HB 1330

Cobb County- Marietta Water Authority; issuance of negotiable bonds; provide increase in debt limit Reps. Rich Golick (34th); Steve Tumlin (38th); Matt Dollar (45th); Earl Ehrhart (36th); Rob Teilhet (40th) and Don Wix (33rd) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08

HB 1340

Wilkes County Hospital Authority; filling vacancies; change method Reps. Mickey Channell (116th) and Barry Fleming (117th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08

HB 1347

Cobb County; Board of Commisioners; copmpensation; change provisions Reps. Steve Tumlin (38th); Rob Teilhet (40th); Don Wix (33rd); Alisha Morgan (39th); Rich Golick (34th) and Earl Ehrhart (36th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/04/08

HB 1352

Atkinson County; board of elections and registration; create Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/05/08

HB 1361

Cook County; board of elections; create Rep. Penny Houston (170th) State and Local Governmental Operations Committee 03/06/08

This Week March 12, 2008 Page 27 of 28

Senate Press Office Staff
Stacy Peery
Interim Director
Jeremy Arieh
Deputy Director
Chris Bailey
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Media Specialist
Kallarin Richards
Media Specialist
Tyna Duckett
Senate Photographer
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 March 12, 2008 Page 28 of 28