The Georgia Senate this week, 2008

Reflections on the 2008 Session...
T he dust has settled and the colorful array of paper has been swept from the floor of both Chambers. The Senate worked `til midnight on Sine Die this year, which fell on Friday, April 4, passing nearly 250 bills over the course of the 2008 session. Leaders in the General Assembly set the bar high in 2008, as they sought to tackle key issues that affect the lives of all Georgians education, healthcare, natural resources and transportation and offer citizens an opportunity to approve some type of tax reform measure. While the Legislature made great strides in 2008, these major policy areas must continue to be addressed over time, as Georgia continues to grow and flourish as the ninth largest state in the union.
"Tonight we can be very proud of all we have accomplished," said Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle shortly after adjournment. "We passed a meaningful statewide water management plan and saw the Department of Transportation renewed under new leadership. We had great victories in education, providing the opportunity for more students to attend charter schools and career academies, and for the first time in the history of our state, we funded trauma care by $60 million dollars.
"We fulfilled our ultimate responsibility by passing a fiscally prudent budget that is not only balanced as we face an uncertain economy, but also meets the needs of our state."
Some key Senate initiatives passed in 2008, including the Drought Relief Act, which will streamline the permitting process for the construction of new water reservoirs (Senate Bill 342) to increase water capacity in our state. In addition, the passage of the Statewide Water Management Plan (House Resolution 1022) sets forth a system of water management policies that will guide the use of Georgia's most valuable resource in the future. This measure was signed by Governor Sonny Perdue on February 6.
Bipartisan Senate and House efforts led to the passage of SB 433, which makes significant changes to Georgia's Certificate of Need (CON) laws. The bill will allow general surgeons to open ambulatory surgical centers, as long as the cost of the facility does not exceed $2.5 million. This will give patients more options when it comes time for a basic surgical procedure, like having an appendix or tonsils removed. SB 433 will also allow hospitals to more easily improve or renovate their facilities without Department of Community Health (DCH) approval. Other restrictions will be lifted, paving the way for Cancer Treatment Centers of America to establish a top-notch cancer treatment center near Atlanta. In the end, CON Reform will increase competition in the marketplace, benefiting those who seek quality healthcare.
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Reflections on 2008... (continued)
In the transportation arena, several policy initiatives seeking to maximize the efficiency of the Department of Transportation (DOT) passed. This includes Senate Resolution 781, which urges the Georgia DOT to establish a statewide transportation plan that will incorporate all methods possible to improve our state's transportation network. In addition, House Bill 1019 was approved, establishing the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank (STIB) to finance critical transportation projects in the state. $28 million was included in the FY `09 budget for the STIB, which in the long run will be provided to local governments in the form of low interest loans for key local transportation projects. Other states like Florida and Texas have found success using the Transportation Bank concept because in most cases state funding in the banks is matched with appropriate federal funding.
Education is a priority for all 56 members of the Senate. During the 2007-2008 term, the General Assembly sought to address the changes in the way parents look to educate their children through the creation of Charter School Systems and Career Academies. In the FY 09 budget (HB 990), public education received $50 million in new funds to repay austerity cuts to public education. This greatly helps local school systems with increases in costs, such as utilities, fuel and materials. Also, the state budget for FY 09, which begins July 1, includes $10 million in bonds for low wealth school districts and $92 million in general school construction money. HB 881 creates the Charter School Commission and allows charter systems recognized by the Commission to receive QBE funding from the state for operations. Another innovative measure, HB 152, will allow qualifying home-schooled students, students who have received a GED and/or students graduating from an ineligible high school to take advantage of Georgia's HOPE scholarship. Additionally, HB 948 paves the way for Georgia's 7th sales tax holiday on back-to-school supplies, from July 31-August 3, 2008.
"As families struggle with a weak economy due to the high cost of gas, low real estate prices, plus a regional drought, the legislature wanted to do all that we could to help weather the storm," stated President Pro Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) in his synopsis of the 2008 session. "We produced real change this year that will ultimately benefit homeowners, students and patients."
A Fond Farewell...
On Sine Die, the Senate said goodbye to Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th, who will vacate his Senate seat to run for a judgeship in the Georgia Court of Appeals, created by the retirement of Judge John H. Ruffin, Jr. Sen. Meyer von Bremen has represented the Albany area in the state Senate since 1998. In his tenure, he served as Senate Minority Leader, chairman of the Special Judiciary Committee and chairman of the Ethics Committee.
The Senate also bids farewell to Sen. Regina Thomas of Savannah, who has foregone qualifying this year to challenge Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) for the 12th U.S. Congressional District seat. Sen. Thomas has represented a portion of Chatham County in the Senate since 2000. Prior to that, Sen. Thomas served in the House of Representatives for two terms. During her time in the Legislature, she chaired the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee and was focused on education and children's issues. These are two personalities that will definitely be missed by all at the Capitol.
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2008 Significant legislation that passed
Senate Bill 1
The first bill filed in 2007, SB 1, prohibits sexual offenders from taking photographs of minors. After failing to receive final passage in the House last year, the bill was resurrected this session with the addition of HB 908, which re-establishes the "1,000 foot" rule, restricting sex offenders from living, loitering or working within 1,000 feet of a child care center, church, school, or other area where children congregate. The bill provides exemptions for when such an area is established within 1,000 feet of where a registered sex offender already lives or works.
Senate Bill 24
The practice of "phishing" has become quite common in the Internet age. SB 24 establishes the crime of phishing, in which a perpetrator seeks to obtain sensitive personal information, such as account numbers, social security numbers, etc., from others by posing as a legitimate business online. The bill prohibits persons from falsely representing themselves, through the Internet or email, to illegally obtain personal identity information, such as a social security number, PIN or account password. The crime is punishable as a felony, with one to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of $1,000 to $500,000.
Senate Bill 52
The DeKalb County Government Study Committee met in the summer of 2007 to take a close look at the county's chief executive officer form of local government and to hear residents' input. From this study came SB 52 stating that the DeKalb County CEO can no longer establish the agenda at commission meetings. Under SB 52, the county commission will establish its own agenda in the future.
Senate Bill 55
Aptly dubbed the "Merlot-to-go" bill, this measure allows restaurant customers to reseal a purchased bottle of wine and remove it from the restaurant so long as the bottle of wine was purchased with food. The bottle must be resealed by an employee of the restaurant.
Senate Bill 82
SB 82 saw many ups and downs along the way to final passage in the 2008 session. The bill calls for a vote by the residents of Dunwoody to approve or reject the decision to incorporate and become a city. Governor Perdue has signed the legislation, and if approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, residents of the Dunwoody area would vote on July 15, 2008 to incorporate.
Senate Bill 88
Georgia's child custody statute is expanded under this legislation to give grandparents legal authority to act on behalf of a grandchild they are providing care for when the child's parents are unable to support them. Under the bill, grandparents can be given power of attorney for the care of a minor child. Grandparents can also receive federal funding to help provide financial stability through a Department of Human Resources program granting caregiver subsidies under certain circumstances.
Senate Bill 342
Known as the Drought Relief Act, this bill authorizes the Soil and Water Conservation Commission to fund the cost of obtaining permits for reservoirs and provides for expedited permitting of such reservoirs through the Environmental Protection Division. Further, this bill also creates a Water Supply Division within the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority to acquire, design, construct, equip, maintain, expand and improve reservoirs in the state.
Senate Bill 344
A result of the Senate Study Committee on State Boards, Commissions, Authorities, Councils and Committees, SB 344 abolishes certain state boards and commissions that have become obsolete or unnecessary. The bill repeals the creation of twelve different state commissions and authorities in a move toward more efficient operation of state government entities.
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Senate Bill 350
SB 350 is the new version of SB 15, which was vetoed by the Governor in 2007. The legislation increases penalties for those who repeatedly drive without a license. It requires that all persons who drive on Georgia highways have a valid driver's license for the type of vehicle being driven, and that new residents of this state must obtain a Georgia driver's license within thirty days of moving here. The bill incorporates some exceptions for those who drive with an expired license, or those who forget their valid license at home.
Senate Bill 352
Under SB 352, the General Assembly can override an administrative rule in certain circumstances, such as a decision by the Environmental Protection Division (EPD), with a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers. The legislature must move forward with a resolution for the purpose of overriding an administrative rule within the first thirty days of the next regular legislative session.
Senate Bill 359
SB 359 is a bipartisan initiative creating the "Made in Georgia" campaign. The legislation aims to increase international awareness of the role of manufacturing in our state. Under this bill, a "Made in Georgia" logo will be designed for use as a stamp of certification on products that are manufactured in Georgia by Georgia citizens.
Senate Bill 366
This legislation prohibits the possession of a cell phone and other electronic devices by state inmates, and makes it unlawful for any individual to provide an inmate with such a device. House language added to the bill prohibits inmates from possessing knuckles made of plastic or wood.
Senate Bill 381
The bill creates a new birth certificate for the parents of a stillborn child. Following a stillbirth, the physician/person required to file the fetal death certificate must advise the parents that they can request a certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth and explain the process for requesting it.
Senate Bill 383
SB 383 authorizes the Commissioner of Insurance to establish flexible guidelines for more affordable health savings account eligible high deductible healthcare plans, and to increase the availability of these types of plans. It also encourages insurers to offer affordable health savings account eligible high deductible plans in an effort to reach uninsured citizens.
Senate Bill 387
This legislation requires all ballot clerks to compare absentee ballots with voter information on file in the county registrar's office at the time the ballot is submitted. The bill further protects the absentee balloting process by requiring clerks to compare the signature on the submitted ballot with the signature on the voter registration card on file. Ballot clerks would be required to store ballots in a manner that prevents tampering and unauthorized access. In addition, the bill states that no person casting an absentee ballot in person would be required to provide a reason for doing so.
Senate Bill 405
SB 405 revises Georgia's Uniform Anatomical Gift Act to conform with federal law. The bill creates an "opt-in" system that allows a donor's relatives or guardians to donate the decedent's organs if a gift had not been made during their lifetime. The measure gives also expands the list of those who are authorized to donate an organ on behalf of a decedent.
Senate Bill 417
This legislation requires the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and publish benchmarks, based on the type and scope of a construction project. The Commissioner must submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing the progress of every construction project valued at $10 million or more against the benchmarks. Further, value engineering studies must be performed on all projects whose costs exceed $10 million.
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Senate Bill 421
In an effort to limit the manufacture and sale of false IDs, this bill increases existing penalties for those who knowingly manufacture, sell or distribute fake IDs or documents. Penalties are determined by the age of the individual who is found to be in possession of a fake ID. The bill does incorporate a certain amount of leniency for underage citizens, as those 21 years of age and under will be guilty of a misdemeanor upon their first conviction.
Senate Bill 430
Law enforcement agents ran into legal snags in their January 2008 investigation of a suspect in the disappearance of hiker Meredith Emerson. SB 430 addresses these issues by allowing the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) to compare DNA from suspects in a criminal investigation with legally obtained DNA samples already maintained by GBI. The GBI says this will greatly assist future criminal investigations.
Senate Bill 433
SB 433 makes significant changes to Georgia's Certificate of Need (CON) regulations. The bill will allow general surgeons to open ambulatory surgical centers, as long as the cost of the facility does not exceed $2.5 million. This will give patients more options when it comes time for a basic surgical procedure. SB 433 will also allow hospitals to more easily improve or renovate their facilities without Department of Community Health (DCH) approval. Other restrictions will be lifted, paving the way for Cancer Treatment Centers of America to establish a destination cancer hospital near Atlanta. Destination cancer hospitals that are granted a certificate of need will be required to provide uncompensated indigent or charity care equal to at least three percent of the hospital's annual adjusted gross revenues.
Senate Bill 451
Known as the Protecting Georgia's Investment Act, the bill requires boards administering public retirement funds in Georgia to identify all companies making investments in Iran. It defines "scrutinized companies" that have, with actual knowledge, invested $20 million or more in Iran's petroleum sector since 1996. Companies that invest more than $20 million in Iran's petroleum sector will be placed on a list of "scrutinized companies," which will be updated annually by each public fund. Additionally, this bill outlines a procedure for funds with direct holdings in any scrutinized company to notify companies of their status, encourage companies to cease investment activities covered by this bill and divest securities in such companies.
Senate Bill 463
This legislation defines "gray water" as waste water discharged from residential lavatories, bathtubs, showers and washing machines, and provides requirements for the residential reuse of gray water. This bill also requires county boards of health to adopt these provisions by regulation. Local governing authorities are authorized to punish any violation of these regulations as local ordinance violations with a penalty not to exceed $100.
Senate Bill 474
This legislation includes several provisions hoping to shield children from harmful online activity. The bill requires Internet providers to allow parents to block their child's access to specific Web sites and monitor their child's use of the Internet. The Department of Education also is directed to develop educational materials regarding online safety, and requires students in third grade and above to complete an online safety course each year. When registering as a sex offender, individuals are required by SB 474 to provide their e-mail addresses and user names to the state to allow law enforcement to monitor their Internet activity.
Senate Bill 531
This bill requires a foreclosure to be conducted by the current owner or holder of a mortgage. This individual's name will be recorded with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the property is located. Additionally, the bill stipulates that a notice of the initiation of a foreclosure shall be given to the homeowner by the lender no later than 30 days before the date of the proposed foreclosure. The bill states that the notice of foreclosure must be in writing and include the lender's complete contact information.
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Senate Bill 549
SB 549 establishes a two-level system of stroke care in Georgia by creating a program to identify certified primary and remote stroke centers. The bill outlines the requirements for patient care and support that must be met by stroke centers to ensure patients are receiving safe and effective care. It also offers financial support and grants to acute care hospitals to encourage the development of stroke centers throughout the state. The measure is a result of the State Stroke System of Care Joint Study Committee, which met in 2007.
Senate Resolution 781
Based on the recommendations of the Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding, this legislation urges the DOT to develop a statewide strategic transportation plan that will include, public private initiatives (PPIs), high occupancy toll lanes (HOT lanes), public transit projects, a MAG-LEV train and more. The resolution also urges the DOT to report to the General Assembly, by December 31, 2008, on its progress in the plan.
Senate Resolution 822
The subject of much media attention in 2008, SR 822 declares that Georgia's current northern border with the states of Tennessee and North Carolina is based on a flawed survey conducted in 1818 and never accepted by the state of Georgia. The resolution creates the Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission to restore Georgia's northern border to the 35th parallel. The commission will work with Tennessee and North Carolina to resurvey and mark the correct boundary.
Senate Resolution 996
A Georgia Supreme Court ruling in early 2008 stated that all tax funds collected by local governments through tax allocation districts must be used for educational purposes. If approved by voters in November 2008, this Constitutional Amendment will allow local governments to use county, municipal and school tax funds to finance community redevelopment programs.
House Bill 77
As there is currently no existing regulatory process for installing red light cameras, HB 77 seeks to provide oversight of the streamlined installation process to ensure that local governments are using red light cameras as a public safety tool and not as an additional revenue source. The legislation asks local governments to obtain a permit from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to install red light cameras and authorizes GDOT to investigate citizen complaints regarding the cameras.
House Bill 89
Known as the Business Security and Employee Privacy Act, this bill makes significant reform to Georgia's firearms laws. Concealed carry rights are expanded under HB 89 to include public transportation, restaurants and state parks as additional locations where guns can be carried. The bill also allows licensed gun owners, with their employer's permission, to keep a gun locked out of sight in their car when parked in the company's parking lot. Restrictions on where a gun must be kept when operating a vehicle have been repealed, so as to allow licensed firearm holders to keep their gun anywhere in the car while driving. Additionally, constables are now allowed to carry pistols in publicly-owned buildings and in school zones.
House Bill 130
Under HB 130, consumers can block identity thieves from obtaining their credit history by placing a security freeze on their credit report. Credit reporting agencies will charge a $3 fee to both place or remove a credit freeze. Persons 65 and older and documented victims of identity theft will not be charged for this service. In addition, agencies will temporarily lift a freeze within 15 minutes of the electronic request of a consumer.
House Bill 152
Home-schooled students now have the opportunity to receive the HOPE Scholarship, beginning their freshman year of college. HB 152 further expands eligibility requirements for the HOPE scholarship to include students who graduated from an ineligible high school or earned a GED.
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House Bill 255
If a public employee is convicted of committing an employment-related crime, their retirement or pension benefits may be reduced to three times greater than the economic impact of the crime, to be determined by a judge within the Office of State Administrative Hearings. The retirement systems' board of trustees will begin hearings no later than 30 days after receiving notice of a conviction. The legislation comes in response to stories of state employees using state funds and purchasing cards for personal purchases.
House Bill 296
The dates on which special elections are held to submit questions to voters are reduced under this legislation, which also provides specific dates for such special elections. Currently, such elections may be held on one of four dates; this bill reduces that number to two. HB 296 takes effect January 1, 2010.
House Bill 301
HB 301 expands current Georgia dog fighting laws to prohibit owning, training and selling dogs for fighting and organizing or advertising fighting events. Penalties for spectators and those participating in such events are increased to one to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000 or higher.
House Bill 470
The Motor Vehicles Rights Act will be replaced with language known as the "Georgia Lemon Law" to provide consumer protection for new motor vehicles. The bill creates an expedited process for resolving complaints and disputes concerning new vehicles that are defective. The bill extends a new vehicle's coverage under the "lemon law rights period" for two years or until the first 24,000 miles, and allows manufacturers only one attempt to repair any serious safety defects.
House Bill 831
The Charter Schools Capital Finance Act establishes a grant program under the State Board of Education to give charter schools an additional funding option for building new schools and for improvements and repairs. The grant program provides one dollar in matching funds for each dollar donated to a charter school for a specific project.
House Bill 881
The Georgia Charter Schools Commission is created under this legislation to authorize and fund start-up charter schools. The Commission provides charter schools with another opportunity for approval if previously rejected by a local school board. Each Commission charter school will receive state and federal funds equal to the amount of QBE formula earnings and grants earned by the charter school.
House Bill 948
This legislation establishes Georgia's seventh sales tax holiday on back-to-school supplies and energy efficient electronics and appliances. This year from July 31-August 3, consumers will be exempt from both state and local taxes on purchases such as school supplies, clothing, and personal computers and accessories. The bill also sets forth a sales tax holiday in October on energy efficient appliances with a sales price of $1500 or less.
House Bill 967
Certificate of Need (CON) laws are modified by HB 967 to allow state prisons to conduct basic medical procedures within the facility. Under this bill, hospital facilities located inside prisons are exempted from CON requirements to allow emergency medical procedures to be performed on-site, saving prisons from having to transport the inmate to a hospital.
House Bill 977
Insurance companies can now receive a tax exemption from insurance premiums on certain high deductible health plans. Under HB 977, premiums paid for high deductible health plans and used with a health savings account are excluded from a taxpayer's taxable net income. Moreover, this legislation grants certain employers a tax credit of $250 per employee enrolled for 12 consecutive months in a high deductible health plan established with a health savings account, provided that the health plan is made available to all employees.
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House Bill 983
Law enforcement in fresh pursuit of a suspect from neighboring states are allowed to cross into Georgia to arrest and hold the suspect in custody, but only if those states afford the same courtesy to Georgia officers. This permission is also only granted when the suspect's criminal offense is also punishable under Georgia law.
House Bill 984
HB 984 establishes children's transition care centers, which will offer a temporary, homelike environment for medically fragile children who are stable but require life-sustaining medications, treatments, equipment and assistance with daily living. Such centers will provide child placing services and nursing care, clinical support, and therapies for short-term stays of one to 14 days, and for longer stays of up to 90 days to facilitate transitions of children to homes or other appropriate settings. Extended stays of up to 12 months may be approved by the Department of Human Resources (DHR). Services provided by transition care centers will be available to all Georgia families, including those with private insurance and Medicaid.
House Bill 989
Fiscal Year 2008 Amended Appropriations Act Click here for a link: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/senate/sbo/hb989_cc_final.pdf
House Bill 990
Fiscal Year 2009 General Appropriations Act Click here for a link: http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/senate/sbo/HB990_CC_SBEO_Version.pdf
House Bill 1019
This legislation creates the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (Bank) within the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA). The Bank may provide loans and other financial assistance to local governments to fund a qualified project that includes costs of preliminary engineering, traffic and revenue studies, environmental studies, right of way acquisition, legal and financial services and construction. The State Board of Transportation must determine which projects are eligible and then select qualified projects from the list of eligible projects.
House Bill 1020
This measure restricts access to evidence of sexual exploitation of minors. When such evidence is used in a civil trial, access will not be permitted to copy any documents related to that evidence. Such evidence obtain by the prosecution must be made available to the defense, but may not be copied for any reason. Public access to such material is also restricted and can only be approved by the judge. The evidence cannot be photographed, copied or reproduced in any way. Violating this statute carries a sentence of one to 20 years and/or a $100,000 fine.
House Bill 1043
Known as the Childhood Lead Exposure Control Act, HB 1043 overhauls the notification process and testing for lead poisoning hazards relating to children. Provisions relating to lead poisoning notices are revised to state that if determined that a lead poisoning hazard exists, the Division of Public Health must provide written notice to the manager of a home, apartment, school or day-care facility. If a child under the age of six contracted lead poisoning, the property owner must perform a lead hazard test of the premises.
House Bill 1066
The distribution and use of any form of vaporized alcohol is prohibited under this bill. Those licensed to sell alcohol are prohibited from selling any vaporized form, and it is unlawful to possess an alcohol vaporizing device.
House Bill 1113
This legislation seeks to curtail the misuse of state-issued credit or debit cards (purchasing cards or p-cards) by state employees. Purchasing card programs must meet certain requirements, including requiring departments and agencies to review all p-card purchases and eliminating cards that have low usage. This legislation also includes provisions from SB 548, which provides stronger penalties for employees using state funds for personal benefit.
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House Bill 1133
This legislation provides a tax credit for student scholarship organizations who commit 90 percent of their annual revenue to scholarships and/or tuition grants for private schools. The aggregate amount of tax credits allowed under this legislation cannot exceed $50 million per tax year, and the tax credit will be offered on a first come, first-served basis.
House Bill 1159
When adopting a foster child, taxpayers will now receive a $2,000 income tax credit each year, beginning at the time of adopting until the child turns 18. The total amount of the annual tax credit cannot exceed the taxpayer's income tax liability.
House Bill 1209
The State Board of Education will now offer contracts to local school systems to give them increased flexibility from certain state laws, such as class size requirements, expenditure controls and salary requirements, in exchange for additional accountability requirements, including graduation rates and standardized test scores and data. To be eligible for such a contract, each school system must develop a five-year strategic plan to improve the school and student performance. A contract will be awarded for five years, and then automatically extended if the school meets the accountability requirements.
House Bill 1245
After a Joint Study Committee on Indigent Defense examined the workings of the state's system, HB 1245 was drafted to significantly reform Georgia's indigent defense program in an effort to reduce cost to taxpayers. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the management system and define the future of the program. HB 1245 prohibits senior judges from presiding over death penalty cases, changes the ways fees are assigned and collected, changes the make-up and certain responsibilities of the Public Defenders Standards Council and it changes the 72-hour rule for assigning the services of a public defender.
House Bill 1277
Under HB 1277, charter school employees will now be eligible for state health insurance benefits. In order to be eligible, an employee must work more than half-time and be paid in a professionally certified capacity.
House Bill 1281
Local governments are given the authority under this measure to tighten or relax stateimposed water restrictions, with approval from the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). The EPD must render a decision within five business days of being petitioned by a local government, which must demonstrate sufficient evidence for such a decision. Additionally, this bill prohibits the EPD from imposing restrictions on public and private swimming pools, except during emergency water shortages.
House Resolution 1022
The Statewide Water Management Plan will help Georgia effectively manage water resources to increase sustainability. The EPD is charged with assessing the state's water resources to determine water quality and quantity. A regional water planning council will then use regional population and employment estimates to forecast needs for water and capacity within a water planning region. Using this information, the EPD, along with regional water councils, will prepare a regional water development and conservation plan, which once adopted will be implemented in each region and will guide EPD's permitting decisions.
House Resolution 1078
After serving over 20 years in prison, Mr. Willie Otis "Pete" Williams will receive $1.2 million in compensation from the Department of Administrative Services for his wrongful conviction. At the time of his conviction, DNA testing was unavailable, but once developed was the only means possible to prove Mr. Williams' innocence. After being fully exonerated of all charges in 2007, Mr. Williams has begun rebuilding his life and taking vocational classes at Atlanta Technical College.
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2008 Study Committees

SR 428 SR 767 SR 788 SR 1020 SR 1093 SR 1097 SR 1113 SR 1147 SR 1166 SR 1167 SR 1187 SR 1188 SR 1201 SR 1213 SR 1244 SR 1247 SR 1254 SR 1281 SR 1285 SR 1288
SR 1289

Senate Railroad Safety and Security Study Committee Senate Health Care Transformation Study Committee Senate Brain Injury Related Neurobehavioral Issues Study Committee Senate Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Committee Senate Creation of a Georgia MethCheck Data Base Study Committee Senate Future of Manufacturing in Georgia Study Committee Senate Daylight Saving Time Study Committee Senate Fleeing and Law Enforcement Pursuits Study Committee Senate Public and Legal Notices Study Committee Senate Local Sales Tax Collection Study Committee Senate Children's Mental Health in Georgia Study Committee Senate Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias Study Committee Senate Biodiesel Fuel Study Committee Senate Education Funding Mechanisms Review Study Committee Senate Accessibility Study Committee Senate Community Base Giving Tax Credits Study Committee Senate Victim's Rights Study Committee Senate Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Study Committee Senate Prior Approval and Prescription Drugs Study Committee Senate Organization of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases Services Study Committee Senate Exemptions for Purposes of Bankruptcy Study Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 10 of 112

Senate Bills

SB 1

Sexual Offenders; unlawful to photograph minors; provide penalties Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 41 to 8 04/04/08 House passed 131 to 22 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

SB 2 SB 3 SB 4 SB 5

Taxation of Property; person illegally in country; not entitled to any tax exemption Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Pre-filed
Hunting; provide for veterans' lifetime sportsman's license; fees Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Motor Vehicles; license/registration; false statement in application; penalties Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Public Safety Committee
Secure and Verifiable Identity Document Act; drivers' licenses; provisions Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 151 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07

SB 6 SB 7 SB 8 SB 9

Cobb County Board of Education; members; provide nonpartisan elections Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate Pre-filed
Cobb County Board of Education; members; method of filling vacancies Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate Pre-filed
Property Tax Assessments; appeals; payment of interest; change certain provisions Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 01/29/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Ways and Means Committee
Grade Integrity Act; provide ethical violation reportable to Professional Standards Commission; statutory construction Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 163 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

SB 10

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act; provide public school students with disabilities to attend eligible private schools Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 35 to 16 04/20/07 House passed 90 to 84 Effective Date: May 18, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 11 of 112

SB 11
SB 12 SB 13 SB 14 SB 15 SB 16 SB 17
SB 18 SB 19

Superior/State Court Judges; performing ordered military duty; eligible for reelection; qualify by mail, messenger or agent on duty Sen. David Shafer (48th) 01/25/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 151 to 1 Effective Date: Upon signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Budget Act; periodic application of zero-base budgeting; analysis of departmental/program objectives Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 House Rules Committee
Labor; minimum wage law; substantive/comprehensive reform of provisions Sen. Robert Brown (26th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Superior Court Clerks; personal property filing fees; collection/remittance; change sunset dates Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 01/30/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 155 to 1
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Drivers' Licenses; suspended/revoke; change certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 34 to 9 04/20/07 House passed 94 to 75
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Animal Fighting Act; change certain provisions Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 3 04/04/08 House passed 162 to 1 Effective Date: Upon signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Optometrists; authorize to prescribe and administer oral/topical pharmaceutical agents; eye/adnexa oculi Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 42 to 4 04/17/07 House passed 155 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Court-Connected Alternative Dispute Resolution; add municipal courts; charge additional filing fees for civil actions Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 01/25/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Judiciary Committee
Transportation, Department of; pay costs of removal, relocation, or adjustment of utility facilities necessitated by construction of public roads Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) 01/26/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 162 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 12 of 112

SB 20 SB 21 SB 22 SB 23
SB 24
SB 25 SB 26 SB 27 SB 28 SB 29 SB 30

Sexual Offenses; carnal knowledge with disabled person incapable of granting consent; unlawful; provide penalties Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Crimes; person convicted of murder against peace officer, corrections employee, or firefighter; official duties; change punishment Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Detentions; counties housing state inmates; increase the minimum reimbursement rate Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) House Appropriations Committee
Criminal Sentencing Procedure; probation/suspension; court may inquire/consider the legality of prisoner's presence in United States Sen. John Douglas (17th) 02/14/07 Senate passed 50 to 2 04/19/07 House passed 153 to 6 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Computer Security; persons provide identifying information by falsely representing themselves to be a business; definitions; penalties Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/12/08
License Plates; driver's license; issuance; payment/disposition of fees; proof of citizenship Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Rules Committee
Alcoholic Beverages; local authorization/regulation of sales on Sunday; provide procedures Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Vessels; abandoned; provide for revocation of certificates of number which have not been redeemed Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 02/22/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 House Game, Fish and Parks Committee
Insuring Georgia's Families Act; health insurance provision; comprehensive revision Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Budget/Financial Affairs; creation of website which the public can view the state budget Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 02/28/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Appropriations Committee
Armed Forces of U.S.; members; prohibit certain uses of names/pictures; provide penalties Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 02/27/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Judiciary Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 13 of 112

SB 31
SB 32 SB 33
SB 34
SB 35 SB 36 SB 37 SB 38
SB 39

Port Wentworth, City of; provide city council districts; definitions and inclusions Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Doraville, City of; change the corporate limits of the city Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 02/12/07 Senate passed 42 to 9 House Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Local
Emergency Management; state-wide first responder building mapping information system; definitions; rule/regulations Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 123 to 25 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Penal Institutions; possession of photograph of victims by certain persons confined; prohibit Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/17/07
Georgia, University System; students; home study program; authorize board of regents to promulgate rules/regulations regarding such admissions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Senate Higher Education Committee
Ga. Peace Officers Standards and Training Council; certified investigators; salary increases Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Criminal Procedures; allow a change of sentence under certain circumstances Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Motor Vehicles; registration of a vehicle; require driver's license/identification card Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 02/13/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 149 to 9 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Charter Systems Act; establishment of charter schools; revise/add definitions; Charter Advisory Committee Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 4 04/20/07 House passed 136 to 19 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 14 of 112

SB 40 SB 41 SB 42
SB 43 SB 44 SB 45 SB 46
SB 47 SB 48 SB 49

Elections; fraudulent acts; increase penalties Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 39 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 107 to 46 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Civil Practice; provide for service upon persons residing in gated/secured communities; state-wide registration of permanent process servers Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Special Judiciary Committee
Child Support Recovery; authorize Dept. of Human Resources to impose fees on child support collections Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 3 04/16/07 House passed 122 to 20 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Firearms; prohibit certain employers from prohibiting employees from lawfully carrying in locked motor vehicles Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Judiciary Committee
Georgia Fire Officer Development Act; fire officer development training; definitions Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 02/02/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force; establishment; develop a plan for education; membership; duties/responsibilities Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 02/02/07 Senate passed 55 to 0 House Health and Human Services Committee
Cook County; board of education; compensation of board members; change provision Sen. Tim Golden (8th) 03/01/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
School Districts; agree to assist employees in qualified investment plan; define certain terms; provide for certain offenses/penalties Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Retirement Committee
Penal Institutions; transmittal information on convicted persons; provide notice to the attorney of record for the convicted persons Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 02/14/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Rules Committee
Labor, Dept. of; transfer of Rehabilitation Services; provide delivery of certain services/techniques to deaf-blind individual Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) 02/13/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 15 of 112

SB 50 SB 51 SB 52
SB 53 SB 54 SB 55
SB 56 SB 57 SB 58 SB 59 SB 60

Notaries Public; shall be legal resident of United States; provide penalty Sen. John Douglas (17th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 155 to 0 House Judiciary Committee
Human Resources, Dept.; owners of personal care homes; national criminal history background data; definitions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
DeKalb County; authority of chief executive officer to preside over meetings of the county commission; change provisions Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Health Planning; exemptions; acute cancer hospitals Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Offenses; incest; provide for gender neutrality Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 02/09/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Rules Committee
Alcoholic Beverages; resealed partially consumed bottle of wine; uniform rules of the road Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 02/28/07 Senate passed 48 to 4 04/01/08 House passed 125 to 34 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Alcoholic Beverages; wine direct shipper licenses; provide for issuance Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Ray Biddy and Gene Mullis Act; renal disease facilities and personnel Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 02/08/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Rules Committee
Taxation; payment of taxes where property lies in more than one county; repeal certain provisions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 02/14/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Rules Committee
Social Networking Website; illegal for owner to allow minor to create/maintain profile; provide for penalties Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Rules Committee
Georgia Trauma Commission; establish Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 02/21/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 158 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 16 of 112

SB 61
SB 62
SB 63 SB 64 SB 65 SB 66 SB 67 SB 68 SB 69 SB 70
SB 71

Child-Placing Agency; require petitioner to submit to a criminal history records check Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 02/10/07 Senate passed 40 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Georgia Crime Information Center; provide certain conditions for requesting criminal history records Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Property; provide for definition of single-family residential real estate; exemption to certain liens Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Liens; wrong real estate; provide for a special designation Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Property; single family residential real estate; contract to perform work; provide requirements Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Abortion; medical equipment for facilities; procedures Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Superior Courts; specify costs not be considered contingent expenses Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 9 House Judiciary Committee
Career Academies Act; disbursement of funds by the State Board of Technical and Adult Education; charter schools Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 02/02/07 Senate passed 52 to 3 House Rules Committee
River Basin Protection Act; regulate inter-basin transfer of water; in-stream flow policy Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Financial Institutions; update banking laws to reflect changes in federal law Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/11/07 House passed 157 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Special Elections; questions to the voters shall be held on certain dates Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 02/10/07 Senate passed 36 to 3 House Governmental Affairs Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 17 of 112

SB 72
SB 73 SB 74 SB 75 SB 76 SB 77 SB 78 SB 79
SB 80 SB 81

Quality Basic Education Act; authorize the employment of school administrative managers to conduct the financial/business affairs Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 3 04/17/07 House passed 142 to 15 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Health Care Plans; continued access to care; enrollees; definitions Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 House Insurance Committee
Returning Hero Education Act; admission standards for certain combat veterans Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) Senate Higher Education Committee
Scholarships; postsecondary; minimum state-wide standards for honor courses; establishment Sen. Michel Meyer von Bremen (12th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 House Education Committee
Assignments, Committee On; powers, duties; change provisions; transfer of power Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 01/17/08 Senate passed 55 to 0 House Rules Committee
Commercial Vehicles; local tag agents; International Registration Plan Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Community Health, Dept. of; powers, duties and functions; change certain provisions Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Criminal Attempt; increase maximum punishment for convictions; felonies punishable by death/life imprisonment Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 02/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 126 to 34 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Public Retirement Systems; define terms; alternative investments; provide code of ethics Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 03/20/07 Senate passed 29 to 23 House Rules Committee
Special Licenses; 100 years of scouting; Boy Scouts of America Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 139 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 18 of 112

SB 82 SB 83 SB 84
SB 85 SB 86 SB 87
SB 88
SB 89 SB 90

Dunwoody, City of; incorporation, boundaries, and powers of the city Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 03/20/08 Senate passed 36 to 13 03/19/08 House passed 106 to 60 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 03/25/08
Municipalities; change certain local government provisions Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 02/12/07 Senate passed 32 to 20 House Governmental Affairs Committee
Insurance; protect members of United States armed forces; unscrupulous practices; marketing/sale of insurance Sen. David Shafer (48th) 02/21/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Equal Access to Extracurricular Activities; home/private school students may participate in public schools; provide conditions Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Safety Belts; passenger vehicles; eliminate certain exceptions to the required use Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 03/01/07 Senate passed 45 to 10 House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
Highway System; Dept. of Transportation; RV friendly markers on specific service signs for business establishments Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 02/12/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 154 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Care of a Grandchild Act; provide subsidy to certain grandparents raising grandchildren under certain circumstances Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 139 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Georgia Townships Act; creation Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 41 to 10 House Rules Committee
City of Hampton Public Facilities Authority; outstanding debt/contracts; local governing authority of Henry County Sen. John Douglas (17th) 02/13/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 19 of 112

SB 91 SB 92 SB 93 SB 94 SB 95
SB 96 SB 97 SB 98
SB 99

Traffic Offenses; fleeing/attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle; punishment; change provisions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/01/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Commissioner, Revenue; powers/duties; sales/use taxes; collection of certain data Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 02/20/07 Senate passed 49 to 4 House Ways and Means Committee
Patient Disclosure for Eye Surgery Act; delegation of postoperative eye care for patient who has undergone eye surgery Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Dispossessory Proceedings; clarify the process for judgments by defaults Sen. John Wiles (37th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 37 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 150 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Cigarettes/Tobacco; minors; unlawful to attempt purchase; vending machines; change certain provisions Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 02/21/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 95 to 50 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Drug-Free Work Programs; provide for onsite/oral testing Sen. Tim Golden (8th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 56 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Criminal Trial Proceedings; require parties to raise specific objections to jury charges prior to jury retiring to deliberate Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 02/20/07 Senate passed 50 to 1 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Crimes/Offenses; Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigate certain offenses against minors, including subpoena power Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Alcoholic Beverages; permitting limousine carriers to sell; annual applications/fees Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 03/20/07 Senate defeated 23 to 25

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 20 of 112

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

Crime; knowingly manufacturing, selling, or distributing false identification documents; increase certain penalties Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/01/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Agricultural Facilities; redefine a term Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/01/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Chiropractors; define/redefine terms; scope of practice; change criminal penalties for unlicensed practice Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 7 04/20/07 House passed 156 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 02/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/30/07 House passed 148 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions; Title 47 Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 02/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/30/07 House passed 149 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Electrical Services; require charges to communications/cable companies; assessing poles, ducts shall be uniform; procedures/remedies Sen. David Shafer (48th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Bonds; surety for good behavior; extend the period Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Richmond County, City of; change second division's jurisdiction; create third division of state court Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) 02/21/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Law Enforcement Officers; passenger motor vehicle; Georgia State Prison warden; furnished by Dept. of Public Safety Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 21 of 112

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

Insurance; definitions; include plan administrators in prompt pay requirements Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 House Rules Committee
Municipal; de-annexation; repeal certain provisions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
University System; revenue collected from tuition shall not lapse Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 1 House Appropriations Committee
Appellate Court Judges; optional benefits; notice of election; eligibility Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Retirement Committee
Insurance; appointment of agents by authorized insurer before licensing; background checks Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Real Estate Brokers; criminal convictions; terms/conditions of sentence; provide that certain time periods shall pass; application for licensure Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 3 04/20/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Residential/General Contractors; revise the licensure provisions Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
State Forestry Commission; qualifications of the director; change provisions Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 02/28/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 150 to 6 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Bail; sexual offenses; certain additional conditions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Senate Judiciary Committee
Educational Facilities Surveys; change certain provisions Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Finance Committee
Criminal Procedure; victim/members of immediate family with rights; provide for certain procedures Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Judiciary Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 22 of 112

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

State Properties; requirement that acquisitions of real property must be conducted through commission; remove certain exceptions Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) 02/22/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House State Institutions and Property Committee
State Properties; administrative space; modify certain exceptions Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee
Education; annual performance evaluations; require signature of evaluator and provide to certificated person Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 149 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
Local Boards of Education; require twins placed in same classroom if parent requests Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 33 to 14 04/20/07 House passed 92 to 73 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions; Title 21 Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 02/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/30/07 House passed 150 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Motor Vehicles; speed restrictions; instruments charging violations of speed regulations; specify two-lane or highway Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 2 House Rules Committee
Decatur County School Building Authority; create Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 02/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 140 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Retirement System; Dept. of Public Safety; may elect to pay additional employee contribution; certain members Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Senate Retirement Committee
Child Advocate, Office of; provide confidentiality of records Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Penal Institutions; provide limited co-payments by inmates for prescription medications Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 23 of 112

SB 130 SB 131
SB 132 SB 133 SB 134 SB 135
SB 136 SB 137 SB 138 SB 139
SB 140

Georgia Building Authority; general provisions; operational powers Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; payment of assessments; change certain provisions Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 02/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Tax Returns; local law; establish a different time Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) 03/20/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Ways and Means Committee
Levy; intestate insolvent estates; homestead exemptions; maximum amounts; change certain provisions Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Hospital; acquisitions; notice to the Attorney General; change certain provisions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Rules Committee
Criminal Reproduction/Sale of Recorded Material; increase penalties; provide forfeiture of certain items Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 38 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Telephone Service; prepaid cell phones; define terms; require identification of the purchaser in retail sales Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Science and Technology Committee
Alcoholic Beverages; regulation of sales on Sunday; county/municipality Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Alcoholic Beverages; regulation of sales on Sunday; county/municipality Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; transfer from judicial branch to executive branch Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 40 to 7 04/17/07 House passed 98 to 58 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Circuit Public Defender; change composition of selection panels; removal; terms Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Judiciary Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 24 of 112

SB 141 SB 142 SB 143 SB 144 SB 145 SB 146
SB 147
SB 148
SB 149 SB 150 SB 151

Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; change composition Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Circuit Public Defenders; may hire additional personnel; authorized by local law Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Judicial Circuits; alternative delivery systems; provide for funding Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Group Insurance Benefits; pursuant to Title 20 and Title 45; U.S. Internal Revenue Code Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 44 to 1 House Ways and Means Committee
Crime and Sentencing; persons convicted of murder; imposition of life without parole Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 House Rules Committee
Public Works Bidding; provide definitions; advertisement of contract opportunities Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority; create Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 140 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Saving the Cure Act; create the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid; Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Probate Court of Floyd County; office of judge; nonpartisan elections Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/01/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination Committee
Pharmacists/Pharmacies; submit certain performance and cost data to Dept. of Community Health Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Georgia Health Security Underwriting Authority; create; alternative mechanism coverage for the availability of individual health insurance Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 25 of 112

SB 152 SB 153 SB 154
SB 155 SB 156
SB 157
SB 158 SB 159 SB 160 SB 161

Clarkesville, City of; change corporate limits Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Local
Georgia Consumer Driven Health Insurance Plan; provide for development of plans by the Commissioner of Insurance Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee 04/04/08 House passed 146 to 14
Municipal Corporations; agreements with solid waste collection firms; territory annexed/incorporated Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 3 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 4 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Immunization; HPV; human papillomavirus; female students entering the sixth grade Sen. Don Balfour (9th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Retirement; counties, municipal corporations; post-employment benefits; define certain terms Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 3 04/16/07 House passed 129 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Gasoline Additives; provide for grants; E-85 gasoline for retail sale; define certain terms Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 40 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 146 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; salary supplements for the judges; change provisions Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Homestead Exemptions; change date of filing applications Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 02/08/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Retirement; authority to increase benefits; shall terminate; July 1, 2007 Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/27/07 Senate defeated 18 to 34
Retirement; disability benefits; physical exam done at convenient place of beneficiary; delete provisions Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/19/07 Senate passed 35 to 17 House Retirement Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 26 of 112

SB 162
SB 163 SB 164 SB 165
SB 166 SB 167 SB 168 SB 169
SB 170
SB 171

Retirement; person who becomes member; disability benefit; actual years of creditable service Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/19/07 Senate passed 40 to 13 04/20/07 House passed 148 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Retirement; county revenue employees; no person who becomes tax commissioner or any such officer shall be eligible for membership Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 54 to 1 House Rules Committee
Certificate of Need Reformation Act; extensive revision of the certificate of need program Sen. Don Balfour (9th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Agricultural Commodity Commissions; ratification of commissions; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 149 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Driver Services, Dept. Of; add approved virtual courses; under the age of 25 years Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
State Health Benefit Advisory Committee; create Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Deaf Child's Bill of Rights Act; communication needs of a deaf student Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Ga. Student Finance Authority; direct loans to students; postsecondary schools; 1% rate annually Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Quality Basic Education Act; foreign language requirements; college preparatory diploma Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Residential/General Contractors; repeal Chapter 41 of such title Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 27 of 112

SB 172 SB 173 SB 174 SB 175
SB 176
SB 177 SB 178 SB 179 SB 180

Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund; reports to the board of community health Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 164 to1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Pipeline Companies; exempt certain acquisitions of add. pipeline right of way from restrictions and conditions Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 03/01/07 Senate passed 43 to 11 House Judiciary Committee
Public Officers/Employees; development of medical/physical fitness standards; appointment of medical review board Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 04/02/08 House defeated 55 to 107
State Government; clarify meaning of criminal action; replace Dept. of Administrative Services with Office of Treasury/Fiscal Services Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
State Forestry Commission; reports to General Assembly; change certain provisions Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Superior Courts; Pike County in Griffin Circuit; change certain terms of court Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Pharmacy, State Board of; mails/common carriers; prescription drug; shall not be grounds for sanctioning license of pharmacist Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 6 House Rules Committee
Campaign Contributions; persons acting on behalf of a public utility; Public Service Commission; repeal the prohibition Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Ethics Committee
Guaranteed Energy Cost Savings Act; to authorize governmental units to enter into guaranteed energy cost savings contracts Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 28 of 112

SB 181 SB 182 SB 183 SB 184 SB 185 SB 186 SB 187 SB 188 SB 189

Motor Vehicles; provide imposition of fee by motor vehicle rental companies; definitions; procedures, conditions and limitations Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 145 to 19 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Torts; asbestos/silica claims; change provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 36 to 3 04/17/07 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: May 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/01/07
Insurance; authorize agents to charge/collect certain fees; provide for keeping records of such fees; separate receipts Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/27/07 Senate passed 43 to 7 04/02/08 House defeated 51 to 106
Income Taxes; new definitions; modify the computation of deductible business expenses Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 137 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Watercraft; applicant for certificate of number for vessels purchased outside Georgia; sales/use tax has been paid Sen. Jack Hill (4th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 50 to 1 House Rules Committee
City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority; create Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 140 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Environmental Advisory Council; applications for certain variances; change certain provisions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 2 House Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Foster Parents Bill of Rights; children who are privately placed; provide administrative hearing for aggrieved parties Sen. Steve Thompson (33rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 39 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Certificate of Need; revise definition of "new institutional health service" Sen. Don Thomas (54th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 29 of 112

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

Pretrial Proceedings; insanity/mental incompetency; definitions; evaluation Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 129 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Buildings; prohibit the naming of any public building for Sen. Robert Brown Sen. Robert Brown (26th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Special Rules Committee
Motor Vehicle Accident Reparations; valid certificate of self-insurance in another state qualify as self-insurer in this state Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 49 to 2 House Insurance Committee
Local Government; employment benefits for county employees; general provisions Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 126 to 16 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Election; county election superintendent; tabulation of absentee ballots; prior to the close of the polls on the day of primary, election or runoff Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 3 04/20/07 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Teachers Retirement; change the benefit formula; provide postretirement benefit adjustment Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Senate Retirement Committee
Military Scholarships; provide for children of persons killed/disabled as a result of combat wound; define terms Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Waste Management; municipal solid waste disposal facility sites near adjoining counties; repeal certain provisions Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Waste Management; protection for certain governmentally owned public drinking water supply intakes Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Retirement; no public retirement system shall invest funds in corporations doing business with Islamic Republic of Iran or certain other states Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Retirement Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 30 of 112

SB 200
SB 201 SB 202
SB 203
SB 204
SB 205
SB 206 SB 207 SB 208 SB 209

Georgia Smart Infrastructure Growth Act; creation Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 121 to 40 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Georgia Family Law Arbitration Act Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Mattie's Call Act; revise/redesignate Article 7 Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/19/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/02/08 Senate passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Secondary Metals Recyclers; public utilities/transportation; increased penalties Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 163 t0 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Health; board for distribution/delivery of dead bodies; change certain provisions Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 142 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Prescription Medication Integrity Act Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 150 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
American Sign Language; elective/foreign language credit for any student Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Petroleum Products; Internet website for gasoline prices Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
General Assembly; Internet website; provide for content/capabilities Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate Rules Committee
Augusta Judicial Circuit; judges of Superior Court; supplement; change provisions Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) 02/28/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 130 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 31 of 112

SB 210
SB 211 SB 212
SB 213
SB 214 SB 215 SB 216 SB 217 SB 218 SB 219

Secretary of State; authorize to designate/establish facilities; government agency as a branch depository; Division of Archives/History Sen. George Hooks (14th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Criminal Procedure; sentencing of defendants guilty of crimes involving bias/prejudice circumstances and parole; repeal certain provisions Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Public Records; disclosure to the news media; public employees Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 95 to 53 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07
Insurance Commissioner; waive retaliatory obligations, prohibitions or restrictions under certain circumstances; provide exceptions Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 3 04/01/08 House passed 171 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
State Government; qualifications; call centers; provide definitions Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate State Local and Governmental Operations Committee
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; revise; provide statutory construction of definition; certified registered nurse anesthetists Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Grand Juries; certain individuals not qualified to serve as grand jurors Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 02/06/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Property Owners' Associations; shall have standing as a party to bring legal action to enforce covenants Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 43 to 8 House Rules Committee
Homestead; exemption; certain disabled persons; total value Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Ways and Means Committee
Offenses; seizure of motor vehicles by person to facilitate sexual offenses Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 32 of 112

SB 220 SB 221 SB 222 SB 223 SB 224 SB 225 SB 226 SB 227 SB 228

Warehousemen; agricultural warehouse receipt requirements, obtaining printed forms, electronic receipts; change provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Solid Waste Management; land disposal sites; permits from Dept. of Natural Resources; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; revise definition; licensed registered nurse Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Judges; compensation/grants for judicial salaries; change certain provisions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Motor Vehicles; commercial vehicle and fleet policy; change the definition Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 39 to 1 04/13/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Redevelopment; require training with programs; create Redevelopment Powers Training Board Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/19/07 House passed 126 to 36 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Qualified Soil Scientists; evaluations/reports shall be accepted by Dept. of Natural Resources/Dept. Human Resources Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Clarkesville, City of; new charter Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Personal Fitness Trainers; provide for licensure; establish Georgia Board of Fitness Trainers Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 33 of 112

SB 229 SB 230 SB 231 SB 232 SB 233 SB 234 SB 235 SB 236 SB 237

Hospitals; discount payment/charity care for financially qualified patients; maintain written policies; provide eligibility criteria Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
State Personnel Board/Merit System; define classified/unclassified service Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 02/06/08 Senate passed 46 to 3 03/31/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Norcross, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide for a referendum Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) 03/01/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Court Reports; remove requirement of publishing a volume of rules from the definition of reports Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee
Roads; collections, expenditures and exemptions with respect to revenue; change certain provisions Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate Transportation Committee
Secretary of State; collect a filing fee for certificates of conversion; Georgia corporation to foreign corporation Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Corrections, Dept. Of; certified correctional employees; leave under certain conditions may retain their badges Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/16/07 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act; state agencies; breach of security; personal information Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Architecture; establish minimum training requirements to qualify for certification; Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 34 of 112

SB 238 SB 239 SB 240 SB 241 SB 242
SB 243 SB 244
SB 245 SB 246
SB 247

Evidence; tampering; remove requirement that such offense involve another person Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Farm Laborers; provide a definition Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 2 House Industrial Relations Committee
Employees'/Teachers Retirement; membership/participation in any public retirement system may be transferred or terminated; procedures Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Senate Retirement Committee
Health Insurance; comprehensively revise the laws of Georgia Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Chattooga County; provide homestead exemption; based on income for certain residents Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Ethics in Government Act; change provisions Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 House Ethics Committee
Town of Tallulah Falls; town council; quorum, voting and special meetings; change provisions Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Alcoholic Beverages; to permit the sale for consumption on the premises on Sundays; authorize governing authority of county/municipality Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Buildings; advisory committee on industrialized buildings; appointment/vacancies Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of judges Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 35 of 112

SB 248
SB 249 SB 250 SB 251
SB 252 SB 253 SB 254
SB 255 SB 256 SB 257 SB 258

Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of solicitor-general Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; register with sheriff of any county where offender resides Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Rules Committee
Public Property; roofing of state owned buildings/facilities; provide standards Sen. Steve Henson (41st) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee
Motor Vehicles; require establishment by Dept. of Revenue of internet website for stolen/towed motor vehicles Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Firearms Dealers; transfer authority for regulation to state revenue commissioner Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; on-site patient evaluation; provide examination Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Georgia State Indemnification Commission; composition; define certain terms Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 107 to 53 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Death Penalty; provide moratorium on the administration of a death sentence Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Outdoor Advertising Signs; height limitations; conditions for lowering of existing signs Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Rules Committee
Dropout Deterrent Act; revise the age of mandatory education Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Rules Committee
Controlled Substances; ban sale of marijuana/hemp flavored candy; provide for penalties Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 44 to 4 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 36 of 112

SB 259 SB 260 SB 261
SB 262 SB 263
SB 264 SB 265 SB 266 SB 267 SB 268 SB 269

Warrants; issuance of search warrants by judicial officers; change provisions Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 44 to 8 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
License Plates; revenue commissioner entitled to seize the license plates; vehicle's registration has been revoked/canceled Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Finance Committee
Tybee Island, City of; council terms/qualifications for office Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Fulton County; homestead exemption; educational purposes for full value; definitions; specify terms/conditions Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee
Soil/Water Conservation Districts; number/boundaries; alteration of existing districts/formation of new districts; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Elections/Primaries; qualify for a party's nomination/run for public office; provide certain requirements Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 47 to 3 House Rules Committee
Personnel/Merit System; define classified/unclassified service; employees; change certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Judicial Accounting; add a penalty, late fees, and interest for failure to remit certain funds/ reports to authority Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 39 to 12 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Georgia Condominium Act; define certain terms; declarant shall pay certain expenses; provide exceptions; sub-condominium Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Judiciary Committee
Labor, Dept. of; program of mandatory drug testing of applicants for unemployment benefits; review; define certain terms Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
St. Mary's, City of; vacancy of any elected office; provide for certain declarations Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) 03/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 37 of 112

SB 270 SB 271 SB 272 SB 273 SB 274 SB 275
SB 276
SB 277 SB 278 SB 279 SB 280

Juvenile Justice; Dept. of; provide for Office of Runaway Children Assistance; duties/structure Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Special Judiciary Committee
Taxes; change the period of time within which a tax deed shall ripen by prescription Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 46 to 3 House Rules Committee
Agricultural/Forest Products; limited liability for owners/operators of farms offering agri-tourism under certain circumstances Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 46 to 2 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Deer Hunting; lawful/unlawful killing of dogs pursuing/killing a deer; revise provisions Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Georgia Crime Information Center; publication of statistics; revise provisions Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Agriculture Commissioner; provide a date certain for rules/regulations to establish criminal violations Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 157 to 1 Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
Insurance; uninsured motor vehicle; available coverages are inadequate to cover person's bodily injury/property damage losses Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 43 to 10 03/06/08 House passed 141 to 3 Effective Date: October 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Juvenile Proceedings; prohibit universal mental health testing/psychiatric screening of juveniles; definitions Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Proceedings; juvenile deprivation hearings shall not be closed; except upon written application of parents Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Georgia's Promise; certain students; admission to member institutions of University Sys.; top 10% of graduating class; automatically admitted Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Senate Higher Education Committee
Georgia Technology Authority; provide for construction/interpretation of the Code section Sen. Dan Moody (56th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 140 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/11/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 38 of 112

SB 281 SB 282
SB 283 SB 284 SB 285 SB 286 SB 287 SB 288 SB 289 SB 290 SB 291 SB 292 SB 293

Local Government; sub-recipients/units; liability; clarify certain provisions Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee
Highway System; alternative tourism routes; creation Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/17/07 House passed 158 to 2 04/20/07 Senate passed 40 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Confederate Heritage and History Month; create Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Rules Committee
Vehicle Weight/Load; allow operator to comply with weight requirements by shifting/equalizing on all wheels Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/27/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Transportation Committee
Revised PeachCare for Kids Act; change the short title Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Health Care Liability Claim; limitation in emergency medical care; change certain provisions Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Judiciary Committee
State Licensed Facilities/Public Buildings; require child safety outlets, covers, or plugs; provide a date of compliance Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee
Property; automatic reversion of mineral rights to fee owner; taxes due not paid for 20 years; method of reversion Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Finance Committee
Newborn Screening Program; assessment; approved laboratories to perform screening testing; revise certain provisions Sen. Don Balfour (9th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Georgia Aviation Authority Act; create Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/27/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Ad Valorem Taxation; provide annual hearings on property taxes by county/municipal governing authorities/independent school systems Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee
Commercial Shrimping; opening of certain waters under certain conditions; change provisions Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Deprived Juveniles; consideration of in-state/out-of-state placements for children; permanency plan hearings; procedural safeguards Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) Senate Judiciary Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 39 of 112

SB 294 SB 295 SB 296 SB 297 SB 298 SB 299 SB 300
SB 301
SB 302 SB 303

Prescription Drugs; substitution of generic drugs for brand name drugs; change criteria Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Controlled Substances; active chemical ingredient in hallucinogenic plant Salvia divinorum A; unlawful to knowingly produce and manufacture Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
State Health Planning/Development; revise certain definitions; change exemptions Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Teachers; local units of admin. adopt disciplinary procedures; revise certain definitions Sen. Ron Ramsey (43rd) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Pulaski County; office of probate judge; nonpartisan elections Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 135 to 20 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Model Rockets; provide exemption when defining explosive for certain purposes Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee
Transparency in Government Act; Dept. of Audits/Accounts; creation/maintenance of certain state expenditure information Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Fulton County Industrial District; create; prohibit governing authority from levying any tax for educational purposes Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 39 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 133 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Forest Park, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide referendum Sen. Gail Davenport (44th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Forsyth County; Board of Education; increase the per diem expense allowance; chairperson/board members Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 03/28/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 125 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 40 of 112

SB 304 SB 305 SB 306 SB 307 SB 308 SB 309
SB 310 SB 311 SB 312 SB 313

Human Resources, Dept; submission of data relating to individual's employer; state funded/administered health care program Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House defeated 45 to 123
Greater Fulton Water Authority Act; provide for definitions; powers/duties Sen. David Shafer (48th) 3/27/07 Senate passed 32 to 24 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Uniform Rules; leaving a motor vehicle unattended; repeal Code Section 40-6-201 Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) Senate Public Safety Committee
DeKalb County; board of education members; change compensation Sen. Steve Henson (41st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
State Court of Jefferson County; compensation of the judge/solicitor-general of the court; change provisions Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) 03/28/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Jefferson County; sheriff; compensation; change provisions Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) 03/28/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Burke County; sheriff; change compensation Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Superior Court of Fulton County; judges; increase amount of supplement Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 44 to 10 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Physicians; Composite State Board of Medical Examiners; enter into a contract with a nonprofit corporation; impaired physician program Sen. Don Thomas (54th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 41 of 112

SB 314 SB 315 SB 316
SB 317
SB 318 SB 319 SB 320 SB 321 SB 322
SB 323

Bibb County Board of Tax Assessors; no person serving within the preceding 12 months shall be eligible to serve as an employee Sen. Robert Brown (26th) 03/30/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Driver's Licenses; abolish Ga. Driver's Education Commission; transfer purposes/duties to State Board of Education Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 02/06/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Motor Vehicles Committee
Newton County; ad valorem taxes; school district maintenance/operations purposes; provide homestead exemption Sen. John Douglas (17th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Columbia County; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. (24th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/19/07
Courts; requesting judicial assistance from other courts; change certain provisions Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Rules Committee
Riverdale, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers Sen. Valencia Seay (34th) 03/30/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Albany, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) 03/30/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Spencer Reid Henry County Reservoir Act Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee
Floyd County; board of education; provide compensation of the members Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 04/16/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 133 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Loganville, City of; exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide referendum Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 133 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 42 of 112

SB 324 SB 325
SB 326 SB 327
SB 328
SB 329 SB 330 SB 331 SB 332 SB 333 SB 334 SB 335

Gwinnett County; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide referendum Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Atlanta, City of; ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption; increase the amount of such exemption Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Retirement; appellate court judges; provide for benefits Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Senate Retirement Committee
Georgia State Employee Savings Plan; deferred compensation plan; employer contribution; provide rules/regulations Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 40 to 6 04/04/08 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Georgia State Employee Savings Plan; deferred compensation plan; employer contribution; provide rules/regulations Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 40 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 111 to 52 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Retirement; authorize the reduction of portion of member's compensation; benefit for future state employees Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Senate Rules Committee
Georgia Judicial Retirement System; superior court judges/district attorneys; retirement benefits; change provision Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Senate Retirement Committee
Commission for the Blind and the Visually Impaired Act; create Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
MARTA; allow a transportation services contract to authorize the extension of/addition to the Authority's existing rail system Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate Rules Committee
Employee's Retirement Sys; certain members; 34 years of services; provisions Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Retirement Committee
State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors; create Sen. David Shafer (48th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
State Agencies; designate English as official language; prohibit requiring employees to speak/learn any other languages for employment Sen. John Douglas (17th) Senate Rules Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 43 of 112

SB 336 SB 337 SB 338 SB 339 SB 340 SB 341
SB 342
SB 343 SB 344
SB 345

Quality Basic Education Act; state playoff game; no high school funded under this Act shall be required seating capacity Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Georgia Lottery Corporation Board of Directors; provide for certain duties Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Economic Development Committee
Insurance; prohibit prior authorization for a prescription drug which manufacturer provides to community pharmacy; definitions Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Firearms; valid licenses; authorized to possess/carry in state parks, historic sites; hunting; general provisions Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Counties; municipal corporations; prohibit sanctuary policies by local government entities Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 5 House Rules Committee
Council on Aging; assign additional duties; produce a report; appointment of advisory committees Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 157 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act; issuance of permits; certifications; construction of new public water supply reservoirs Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 04/02/08 Senate passed 37 to 6 04/04/08 House passed 111 to 59 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Made in Georgia; create program; promoting goods/product manufactured and grown in Ga.; provide for rules/regulations Sen. Tim Golden (8th) Senate Economic Development Committee
Boards and Commissions; repeal/abolish certain ones that have become inactive, obsolete, unnecessary; provide effective date Sen. Dan Moody (56th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 144 o 8 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; provide for purpose and policy Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 55 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 150 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 44 of 112

SB 346 SB 347
SB 348
SB 349 SB 350
SB 351 SB 352 SB 353 SB 354 SB 355

Medical Care Professionals; providing services at free health clinics; receive compensation Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Insurance Companies; software as admitted asset when determining financial condition Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 02/07/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 153 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Insurance; imposition of fees/taxes for services provided by counties/municipal; contravention of public policy Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 02/29/08 Senate passed 40 to 8 03/31/08 House passed 160 to 4 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Penal Institutions; transmittal of information on convicted person/place of detention Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Rules Committee
Drivers' Licenses; requirement; driving while license suspended/revoked; change certain provision Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 38 to 8 03/27/08 House passed 53 to 97 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Joint State-wide Water Planning Oversight Committee; members; powers; duties; provide Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th) House Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Government; legislative override; change certain exemptions Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 03/27/08 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 03/29/08
Public Hospital Integrity Act; certain individuals shall not serve on hospital authority board managing a hospital on behalf of a hospital Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 House Special Committee on Grady
Motor Vehicles; provide another basis for first degree vehicular homicide Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Property; mortgages, conveyance to secure debt, liens; disbursement of certain settlement funds after closing; general provisions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 160 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 45 of 112

SB 356 SB 357 SB 358
SB 359
SB 360 SB 361 SB 362 SB 363
SB 364
SB 365

Fines and Forfeitures; county treasuries; provide for payment of certain moneys arising from traffic fines; motorcycle enforcement program Sen. Steve Henson (41st) Senate Public Safety Committee
Wine; provide for direct shipping; special order shipping license; amend provisions Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008; repealing it in its entirety and enacting a new chapter Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Made in Georgia; create program; promoting goods/product manufactured in Ga.; provide for rules/regulations Sen. Tim Golden (8th) 02/14/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Detention; housing state inmates; increase the minimum reimbursement rate paid to counties Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 02/01/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Appropriations Committee
Georgia Credit Protection Act; provide definitions; credit reports; provide method of placing and removing security freeze Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 02/14/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 House Rules Committee
Local Government; provide for additional governmental services/facilities regarding community improvement districts Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Dentists/Dental Hygienists; provide advanced dental education programs; revisions Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) 02/22/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 134 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Livestock; remove ratites/reclassify as poultry for certain purposes; definitions; brand or tattoo registration certificates; provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 02/07/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/18/08 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Juvenile Justice, Dept; provide for the cost of care/support of children in temporary custody of the department Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Appropriations Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 46 of 112

SB 366
SB 367 SB 368 SB 369
SB 370 SB 371 SB 372 SB 373
SB 374
SB 375

Inmates; telecommunications devices; prohibit receiving/possessing; provide definition Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 150 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Georgia Coastal Management Act; automatic repeal; change certain provisions Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 02/12/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Rules Committee
Environmental Protection Division Director; swimming pools; limit what restriction may be placed under certain circumstances Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Revenue Dept.; parking permit for disabled persons; affidavit of active duty military physicians Sen. John Douglas (17th) 02/01/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 02/22/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Public Retirement Investment Authority Law; provide for legislative findings; definitions Sen. David Shafer (48th) Senate Retirement Committee
Local School Districts; rail crossings without active warning devices used by school buses; reroute buses to minimize use of such crossings Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) 02/22/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Rules Committee
Local Government; provide for the establishment of ethics panels Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) 02/14/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 House State Planning and Community Affairs Committee
Peace Officers; emergency suspension of a peace officer's certification under circumstances; interviews for employment; modify requirements Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 03/18/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Liens; revise certain time periods of filing materialmen's/mechanic liens; provide for certain notices regarding waiver of liens or claim upon bond Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 3 Effective Date: March 31, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Mortgage Lenders/Brokers; create a nation-wide automated licensing system; provide Banking/Finance Dept. participate; rules/regulations Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 47 of 112

SB 376 SB 377 SB 378 SB 379
SB 380 SB 381
SB 382 SB 383
SB 384

Redevelopment Powers; require training; provide for scope of review of proposed tax allocation districts by boards of education Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Natural Resource Law Enforcement Officer; establish office; provide for the appointment; coverage for general liability/fidelity bonds; provisions Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee
Aging Dept.; transfer functions, duties, employees from Division of Aging Services of the Department of Human Resources Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Senate Rules Committee
Automatic Dialing/Recorded Message; prohibit use; provide exceptions; definitions; disclosure of information by live operations Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 4 04/02/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Insurance; provide for filing requirements for health insurance rates; change definitional limits of small groups Sen. Don Thomas (54th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
No Heartbeat Act; registration and certificates of birth; change certain provisions; provide for a definition Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 162 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Game/Fish; license, permit, tag and stamp fees; change certain provisions Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 37 to 11 House Rules Committee
Ga. Affordable HSA Eligible High Deductible Health Plan; Insurance Commissioner; adopt policies to promote, improve, and encourage Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 02/26/08 Senate passed 36 to 12 04/01/08 House passed 171 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Limousine Carriers; permitting by certain airports; change certain provisions; limit fees Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 02/11/08 Senate passed 43 to 2 03/28/08 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 48 of 112

SB 385
SB 386 SB 387
SB 388
SB 389 SB 390 SB 391 SB 392 SB 393 SB 394 SB 395

Limousine Carriers; provide for licensing to sell alcoholic beverages; annual applications/fees; sticker for each vehicle authorized Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 02/26/08 Senate passed 40 to 11 03/27/08 House passed 128 to 26 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Incarcerated Persons; tested for HIV and hepatitis prior to discharge; provide for notice; counseling Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Senate Rules Committee
Absentee Ballots; allow electors to request/cast without stating a reason; allow electronic submission of requests by certain electors Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 45 to 2 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 11 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Identity Fraud; provide Georgia Bureau of Investigation authority to investigate certain offenses; subpoena power Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 02/12/08 Senate passed 55 to 0 03/18/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Watercraft; operation; revise provisions; Mandatory Boating Safety Education Act; enact; provide definitions; applicability Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Senate Rules Committee
Henry County, State Court of; provide for additional judge; appointment of initial judge; election of successors Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Secretary of State; authorize/procure a website service provider; public notice website; definitions; provide for certain requirements Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Rules Committee
Motor Vehicle Liability Policies; provide insured includes officers, agents, and employees of artificial persons; scope of their employment Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Pawnbrokers; restrict local governments' power; payment of any fee for transactions/hours of operation Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 02/13/08 Senate passed 51 to 3 04/04/08 House defeated 65 to 88
Traffic-Control Signal Monitoring Devices; send portion of funds generated to trauma care network Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Senate Public Safety Committee
Indigent/Elderly Patients; establish safety net clinic grant program; provide definitions; purpose; eligibility; requirements Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Senate Appropriations Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 49 of 112

SB 396 SB 397 SB 398 SB 399 SB 400 SB 401 SB 402 SB 403 SB 404

Administrative Services Dept.; remove/transfer functions; Council of Superior Court Judges of Ga., Prosecuting Attorneys' Council Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Bonds; issuance/validation; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 02/29/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Powder Springs, City; provide for mayor's or city councilmembers terms and qualifications for office Sen. Steve Thompson (33rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 159 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Tire Disposal Restrictions; fees imposed upon retail sale of new replacement tires collected; extend the period Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 02/14/08 Senate passed 43 to 0 03/12/08 House passed 137 to 26 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Forestry/Fire; enforcement of laws; punishment of certain violations; forestry investigators; provide for qualifications/powers Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 02/26/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Medical; agency interpretations of rules/regulations/policies shall prevail; investigation of improper payment of claims by health care providers Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Georgia Coordinating Council for Rural and Human Services Transportation; establish; provide for membership, meetings, expenses Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 02/22/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Health and Human Services Committee
Labor; prompt payment of wages to employee following resignation/discharge; provide for penalties Sen. Steve Henson (41st) Senate Insurance and Labor Committee
Georgia Health Marketplace Act; provide access to health care products for Georgia consumers; provide for definitions; membership; powers Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 42 to 12 House Insurance Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 50 of 112

SB 405
SB 406
SB 407 SB 408 SB 409 SB 410 SB 411 SB 412 SB 413 SB 414

Georgia Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act; enactment; definitions; provide for anatomical gift Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 168 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Offenses; increase penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing certain recorded material; forfeiture of certain terms Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 143 to 9 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Contractors; revise definition of a certain term for purposes of clarification Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Local Government Franchising Authority; change certain provisions; telephone/telegraph companies Sen. David Shafer (48th) 02/22/08 Senate passed 42 to 4 03/28/08 House defeated 47 to 107
Motorcycles; requiring operators/riders to use protective headgear; exempt certain persons from provisions Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Senate Public Safety Committee
State Road/Tollway Authority; authorize to create a state congestion relief fund; community improvement districts Sen. Doug Stoner (6th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 44 to 7 House Rules Committee
Contracts; design-build procedure; eliminate the cap for awarding Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Transportation Committee
Motor Vehicles; change nomenclature from "air bag" to "life bag" and "safety belt" to "life belt" Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 42 to 10 House Motor Vehicles Committee
Boxing, Wrestling, Martial Arts; licensure/regulation; substantially/comprehensively revise provisions Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 49 to 6 04/04/08 House defeated 57 to 105
2008 Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council Act; revise definitions; provide for calling of meetings/quorum Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/06/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 169 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 51 of 112

SB 415 SB 416 SB 417
SB 418
SB 419 SB 420 SB 421
SB 422 SB 423 SB 424

Juvenile Proceedings; Dept. of Human Resources emergency care/supervision to a child without a court order; reduce allowed time Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Retirement; prohibit investment of retirement system assets in certain companies with certain business interests in certain governments Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Retirement Committee
Transportation Commissioner; required to develop/publish benchmarks; issue reports on the progress of construction projects Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Georgia Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act; definitions; provide for standards for testing cigarettes; written certification Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 133 to 15 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/30/08
State Contracts; Administrative Services; certain contract specifications; interest payments where payments are owed and past due Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate State Institutions and Property Committee
Soil Erosion/Sedimentation; Dept. of Transportation/its contractors; exempt from civil penalties levied for violations Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 02/29/08 Senate passed 43 to 6 House Transportation Committee
False Identification Documents; change penalties based upon the age of the convicted person/nature of crime Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 03/28/08 House passed 151 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Elections; establish polling places outside the boundaries of precincts Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) Senate Ethics Committee
Mental Illness; prohibit the use of prior authorization; medications prescribed for patients under Medicaid fee for service program Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Senate Rules Committee
Barber; obtaining license to practice; change certain requirements; provisions; provide exceptions Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 House Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 52 of 112

SB 425
SB 426 SB 427 SB 428 SB 429
SB 430
SB 431 SB 432 SB 433
SB 434

Insuring/Indemnification; Commissioner of Admin. Services; amend certain provisions; establish incentive programs Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
State-Owned Lands; prohibit construction of new private residential housing; prevent impairment of obligation of contracts Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) Senate Economic Development Committee
Jekyll Island-State Park Authority; require certain restrictions in leases or deeds for certain property Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) Senate Economic Development Committee
Jekyll Island-State Park Authority; define certain terms Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) Senate Economic Development Committee
Agriculture, Dept. of; assigned functions; enforcement of state laws; control of infectious diseases in livestock; change provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 143 to 10 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
DNA; Georgia Bureau of Investigation include information in database/compare to samples collected from evidentiary materials Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 103 to 50 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Golf Hall of Fame Authority; provide for rights of first refusal to repurchase certain property acquired for purposes of Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Senate Economic Development Committee
Criminal Procedure; allow victim's family to provide statement during the sentencing procedures for person who committed the crime Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Judiciary Committee
State Health Planning; provide destination cancer hospitals are subject to certificate of need requirements; provide for penalties Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 6 04/04/08 House passed 138 to 17 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 04/09/08
Retirement; Dept. of Adult and Technical Education to Technical College System of Georgia; change all references Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 02/20/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 53 of 112

SB 435
SB 436
SB 437
SB 438 SB 439 SB 440 SB 441 SB 442 SB 443 SB 444

Technical/Adult Education, Dept. of; change name to Technical College System of Georgia Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Business Corporations; voting for directors in publicly traded corporations; change provisions Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Motor Vehicles; provide for registration/licensing of assembled motor vehicles and motorcycles; issuance of certificate of title to owners Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Rules of the Road; serious injury due to right of way violation resulting in collision; provide for a penalty for a second offense Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/06/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 House Rules Committee
Pawnbrokers; restrict local governments' power; payment of any fee for transactions/hours of operation Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Bingo; define certain terms; provide certain nonprofit organizations may sell certain pull tab games of chance Sen. John Douglas (17th) 02/28/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 Senate Economic Development Committee
General Assembly; require an oath/affirmation for purposes of presenting certain testimony; committee/subcommittee Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Senate Rules Committee
Public Administration, Offenses Against; false statements/writings; within the jurisdiction of the state/political subdivisions; change certain prov. Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Senate Rules Committee
Natural Resources, Board of; establish game/fish criminal violations; rules/regulations; change provisions Sen. Bill Heath (31st) House Game, Fish and Parks Committee
Transportation Dept.; dispose of surplus property Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/27/08 Senate passed 34 to 19 03/20/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 54 of 112

SB 445 SB 446 SB 447 SB 448 SB 449 SB 450 SB 451
SB 452 SB 453
SB 454 SB 455

Administrative Procedure; effectiveness of a challenged agency rule; General Assembly take action on such rule at next legislative session Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 36 to 4 House Rules Committee
Rules of the Road; motorcycles; provide for certain traffic regulations Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) Senate Public Safety Committee
Counties/Municipal Corporations; shall not charge a business license fee or administrative fee to certain disabled veterans Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Peace Officer; procedure for indictment for crimes in the performance of his/her duties; change provisions Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Landowners Protection Act of 2008; limit liability of certain landowners; who permit hunting on their property or allowing for agritourism Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/06/08 Senate passed 38 to 14 Senate Judiciary Committee
Crimes Against Persons; increase the penalty for aggravated stalking Sen. Regina Thomas (2nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Protecting Georgia's Investment Act; require boards administering public retirement funds identify all companies doing investments in Iran Sen. Don Balfour (9th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 3 04/02/08 House passes 168 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Residential/General Contractors; Georgia residents holding valid contractors licenses by other states; licensure without examination Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Controlled Substances; add the state as entity authorized to govern certain criminal activity; designated areas for recreational purposes Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/01/08 House passes 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Alcoholic Beverages; any county which Sunday sale is authorized; may authorize the sale in public stadiums, coliseums, and auditoriums Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 02/26/08 Senate passed 30-20 House Regulated Industries Committee
O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 02/27/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 55 of 112

SB 456 SB 457 SB 458 SB 459 SB 460
SB 461 SB 462 SB 463
SB 464 SB 465

O.C.G.A.; correct/omissions Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 02/27/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 165 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Georgia Bureau of Investigation; establish the Georgia MethCheck data base; statement of purpose; definitions Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Education; require local school systems and schools to be accredited; provide for definitions Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 03/05/08 Senate passed 32 to 21 House Rules Committee
Real Estate Sales; foreclosure; power of sale contained in mortgages, deeds, or lien contracts shall be advertised weekly for ten weeks Sen. Kasim Reed (35th) Senate Rules Committee
Superior Court Clerks' Retirement Fund; membership dues in such fund; creditable service; provide a penalty Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Education; provide schools with certain guidelines regarding bullying; submit policy to Dept. of Education Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Rules Committee
Banks County; provide for advisory referendum election; form of government; change three member to five member commission Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
State Minimum Standard Codes/Enforcement; adoption/continuation; change certain provisions; gray water recycling system; enforcement Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/27/08 Senate passed 49 to 1 03/20/08 House passed 163 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Residential/General Contractors; licensure of qualifying agent without examination; five year business operation requirement Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Property; power of sale, mailing/delivery of notice to debtor; change requirement for sending such notice Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 56 of 112

SB 466 SB 467 SB 468 SB 469 SB 470 SB 471 SB 472 SB 473 SB 474

Water Resources; exempt permanent facility car washes from outdoor watering restrictions under certain conditions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 161 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Upson County; board of commissioners; appointment of county manager/county clerk Sen. George Hooks (14th) 02/19/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 152 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Insurance; require all insurers authorized to do business in this state shall publish certain information on annual basis Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Senate Rules Committee
Health; revise definition for personal care home; provide guidelines/oversight of host homes Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 02/28/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Property and Casualty Actuarial Opinion Law; provide for submission of annual statement Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 155 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Insurance; provide regulator financial examinations of domestic insurers every five years Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 2 04/01/08 House passed 154 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Anti-cigarette Smuggling Act; digital based cigarette stamp processes Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 1 House Ways and Means Committee
Accountants; increase regulatory protections for consumers of accounting services; definitions Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) 02/26/2008 Senate passed 49 to 1 04/02/2008 House defeated 68 to 97
Minors; provide availability of parental controls over Internet access Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 153 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 57 of 112

SB 475 SB 476 SB 477 SB 478 SB 479
SB 480
SB 481 SB 482
SB 483
SB 484 SB 485

Georgia Fair Lending Act; revise; prohibit home loan practices; definitions. Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Game/Fish; Board of Natural Resources rules/reg.; change certain provisions Sen. Bill Heath (31st) Senate Rules Committee
Counties/Municipal Corporations; unlawful to issue any backdated license, permit; provide for criminal penalty Sen. Dan Moody (56th) Senate Rules Committee
Douglas Judicial Circuit; create a new superior court judgeship; initial appointment; election; term of office Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Licensed Ambulance Services; collection of license fees; amend certain provisions Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
HOPE scholarships; change certain definitions Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 04/30/08
Offenses; sexual exploitation of children; provide for controlled access to such evidence in public inspections of evidence Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Senate Rules Committee
Government; State Law Library; repeal chapter 11 Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 03/06/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Child Support; revise certain definitions; process of calculating; provisions Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/06/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 03/28/08 House passed 162 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
State Purchasing; funds appropriated to state's budget units; dedicated to projects/contracts involving small businesses Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Senate Rules Committee
State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors; create; membership Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 House Regulated Industries Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 58 of 112

SB 486
SB 487 SB 488
SB 489 SB 490 SB 491 SB 492
SB 493 SB 494 SB 495

Glynn County School District Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption for educational purposes Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) 02/28/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 121 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Transparency in Lawsuits Protection Act; ensure legislative enactments do not create a private right of action unless stated in legislation Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Drivers' Licenses; allow foreign nationals to keep license from their home country; exempt nonresidents; meet all licensing requirements in Georgia Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 41 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 120 to 36 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Credit Enhancement Loan Act; licensing of lenders by the Dept. of Banking/Finance; purposes; definitions; provide for penalties for violations Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
State Health; skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and intermingled nursing facilities may be allowed to divide; conditions Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 02/27/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 House Rules Committee
Retirement; establish employee contribution for group term life insurance Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) Senate Retirement Committee
HOPE scholarships; add accrediting entity to the definition of the term eligible high school Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Redevelopment Powers; computation of tax allocation increments of districts Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) 03/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 2 House Rules Committee
Jasper County; tax commissioner; compensation; change certain provisions Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 02/28/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Baldwin County School District; homestead exemption; increase income limitation; increase qualified homestead property Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 02/28/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 03/18/08 House passed 144 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 59 of 112

SB 496 SB 497 SB 498 SB 499 SB 500 SB 501 SB 502
SB 503 SB 504 SB 505 SB 506

Mortgage Businesses; prohibit soliciting or facilitating fraudulent appraisal of value of property offered as security for mortgage/loan Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) 02/29/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 House Banks and Banking Committee
Education; require local school systems; reassign its high school foreign language teachers to elementary school Sen. Tommie Williams (19th) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Cosmetic Laser Services; licensing; change certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Rules Committee
Life Settlements Act; license requirements for providers/brokers Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Insurance Committee
Education; change calculations for equalization grants to include a factor for median household income Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) Senate Education and Youth Committee
Seeds/Plants; certification; drought tolerant plant species; revise certain provisions Sen. John Wiles (37th) Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
Parole Board; certified parole officers employed who leave the board under certain conditions may retain their badges Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Whistleblower Open Settlements Act; prohibit hospital authority; confidential settlement agreements; federally/state whistleblower Sen. David Shafer (48th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Health and Human Services Committee
Insurance; religious nonprofit organization; health care cost sharing arrangement with its members; definitions Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 03/06/08 Senate passed 49 to 1 House Rules Committee
Human Resources, Dept. of; state diabetes coordinator; establish; provide for appointment; duties Sen. Don Balfour (9th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
SHAPE Act; require local school systems to conduct physical fitness testing of students; state physical education instruction requirements Sen. Joseph Carter (13th) 02/29/08 Senate passed 37 to 13 04/04/08 House defeated 68 to 93

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 60 of 112

SB 507
SB 508 SB 509 SB 510 SB 511 SB 512 SB 513 SB 514 SB 515
SB 516

Public Assistance; basic therapy services for children with disabilities; establish requirements; definitions Sen. Dan Moody (56th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 157 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Probate Courts; update/change provisions Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Local Sales/Use Taxes; revise manner/method of collecting Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Finance Committee
Speed Detection Devices; allow use in school zones only; definitions; operating requirements; provide for enforcement Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Senate Public Safety Committee
Prosecuting Attorneys; provide for pretrial intervention/diversion programs Sen. Horacena Tate (38th) Senate Public Safety Committee
Education; provide grants to North Georgia College students who accept a military commission Sen. John Douglas (17th) 02/29/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Appropriations Committee
Fulton County Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption; county purposes Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Education; determination of residency of students; change provisions Sen. Seth Harp (29th) Senate Rules Committee
Georgia Seed Development Commission; composition, advisory board, term of office; change certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/19/08 House passed 131 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/12/08
DeKalb County School District Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption; educational purposes; specify terms/conditions Sen. Steve Henson (41st) 03/06/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 61 of 112

SB 517
SB 518
SB 519 SB 520 SB 521 SB 522 SB 523
SB 524
SB 525 SB 526

Special License Plate; persons with disability; provide for issuance; business vehicles used by disabled employees Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 153 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Insurance; include contracts, agreements; removal of dents in motor vehicle; within definition of property insurance Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/06/2008 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/02/2008 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Power of Sale; change the requirement for sending notice Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Judiciary Committee
Dogs; removing certain collars; provide for a misdemeanor Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Game, Fish and Parks Committee
Juvenile Proceedings; redefine a term; provide public school disciplinary actions against students; terroristic threats against public school Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) Senate Rules Committee
Wild Animals; licenses/permits; revise certain provisions Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 03/05/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Game, Fish and Parks Committee
Education; capitol outlay grants to local school systems; extend date for automatic repeal Sen. Dan Moody (56th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks & Recreation Authority; create; authorize to provide parks and recreation services throughout Lowndes County Sen. Tim Golden (8th) 03/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/12/08 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 03/25/08
Georgia Technology Authority; change certain powers; authorize to develop certain plans and reports Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 03/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Rules Committee
Lottery for Education Act; define certain terms; under certain conditions lottery winnings may be assigned; court order Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Rules Committee
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 62 of 112

SB 527 SB 528 SB 529
SB 530 SB 531
SB 532 SB 533 SB 534 SB 535 SB 536 SB 537

Foreclosure Rescue Fraud Prevention Act; enact; mortgages, conveyances to secure debt, liens Sen. Gail Davenport (44th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Deer Farming; revise certain provisions; alternative livestock farming; provide for regulation Sen. Greg Goggans (7th) Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee
Rules of the Road; commit the offense of felony hit and run; provide for offense of homicide by vehicle, vessel Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 158 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Sales/Use Taxes; maintenance/operation of public hospitals; authorize imposition of a joint county/municipal sales/use tax Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Finance Committee
Foreclosure; conduct by the current owner/holder of mortgage; require Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
New Home Access Act; enact; require new at-grade residential structures to include certain accessibility features; exceptions Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee
Seafood; provide for regulations; require certain disclosures; definitions Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Rules Committee
Community Ombudsman Program; change certain provisions; provide for duties, definitions Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Local Boards of Education; require school systems to attain/maintain accreditation; definition; removal of members; provide for procedures Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 43 to 3 House Rules Committee
Crimes Against Persons; stalking; clarify venue for prosecution; reorganize certain provisions; provide definitions Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) Senate Judiciary Committee
State Inspector General, Office of; establish; provide for definitions, duties, certain powers, procedures for the application of such office Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 House Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 63 of 112

SB 538 SB 539 SB 540 SB 541 SB 542 SB 543 SB 544
SB 545 SB 546 SB 547 SB 548

Ad Valorem Taxes; provide homestead exemption; full value for certain senior citizens; educational purposes Sen. J.B. Powell (23rd) Senate Rules Committee
Certificate of Need Program; exempt continuing care retirement communities; certificate of need requirements; certain conditions Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 52 to 1 House Rules Committee
Advertisement of Legal Notices; on/after January 1, 2009; joint legal organ internet website; provide for requirements; posting; notices Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) Senate Science and Technology Committee
Financial Institutions; provide for guaranteed asset protection waivers; scope; purposes; definitions; requirements for offering Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) Senate Rules Committee
Military, Emergency & Veterans Affairs; local redevelopment authorities; confer powers/impose duties; provide for membership; appointment Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 03/11/08 Tabled in the Senate
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
Newton County; provide homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes for maintenance/operation of facilities; 65 years/older; terms/conditions Sen. John Douglas (17th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 152 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Pawnbrokers; provide for different treatment of title pawn transactions; change definitions; reductions in interest/fees; notice Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Alzheimer's Awareness Day; designate; establish the State Alzheimer's Disease Commission; membership; duties; annual report Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund; expand prov. under Constitution of Ga to authorize additional penalty assessments for additional violations Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 2 House Judiciary Committee
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) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 House Appropriations Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 64 of 112

SB 549 SB 550 SB 551 SB 552 SB 553 SB 554
SB 555 SB 556 SB 557

Emergency Medical Services; establish three level system of stroke centers; definitions Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Child Custody; residing with/marrying a person on state sexual offender registry; constitute a change of material condition/circumstance Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Judiciary Committee
Financial Institutions; prohibit directors, officers, & employees from transacting business with certain persons whom they are related Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee
Danielsville, City of; administrative and service departments; change provisions Sen. Ralph Hudgens (47th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Ringgold, City of; change the corporate limits of the city Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/18/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Floyd County; board of elections/registration members; implement a system of staggered terms of office Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/19/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 134 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Glynn County; board of education; compensation of members; change provisions Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) 03/27/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 House Intragovernmental Coordination-Local Committee
Weston, Town of; to repeal an Act incorporating/providing a charter Sen. George Hooks (14th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 140 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Allentown, City of; provide for new charter Sen. Robert Brown (26th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 65 of 112

SB 558 SB 559 SB 560 SB 561 SB 562

Banks County; board of commissioners; provide increase in number of members; election Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/02/08
Quitman County; board of education; compensation of chairperson/members; change certain provisions Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen (12th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Fort Oglethorpe, City of; judge of municipal court; provide for the election Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee
Fort Oglethorpe, City of; provide for homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes; municipal purposes Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Alcoholic Beverages; cancellation of licenses to sell upon conviction of providing alcoholic beverages to person under 21 years of age Sen. Dan Moody (56th) Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 66 of 112

Senate Resolutions

SR 445

Joint Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Commission; create Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 87 to 75 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 689

Senate convened; notify the House of Representatives Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 01/14/08 Read and adopted

SR 690

General Assembly convened; notify the Governor Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 01/14/08 Read and adopted

SR 701

State-Wide Water Management Plan; to ratify; provide force and effect; provide for construction Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 01/18/08 Senate passed 39 to 12 House Rules Committee

SR 706

U.S. Congress and President; urged to enact legislation to increase physician residencies funded by medicare in Georgia Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1

SR 715

Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial; urging General Assembly to commemorate life/work; contributing funds Sen. Valencia Seay (34th) 01/16/08 Read and adopted

SR 721

Courts; limitation on jurisdiction; appropriations by the General Assembly CA Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 03/11/08 Failed in the Senate 32 to 23

SR 722

Grady Oversight Committee; create; Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority, Grady Health System, and Henry W. Grady Memorial Hospital; review Sen. David Shafer (48th) 02/21/08 Senate passed 46 to 6 House Special Committee on Grady Committee

SR 748

Grady Health System; urged to adopt changes to its employees health benefits plan; utilize Grady Health System for primary health care Sen. David Shafer (48th) 02/21/08 Senate passed 51 to 2

SR 750

Transportation, U.S. Dept. of; urged to reconsider its mission and purpose Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 02/11/08 Senate passed 40 t0 7 04/02/08 House passed 156 to 2 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 753

Property Conveyance; City of Thomaston; Upson County Sen. George Hooks (14th) 02/27/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 767

Health Care Transformation; create Senate Study Committee Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 67 of 112

SR 781
SR 786 SR 788 SR 796 SR 809 SR 819 SR 820
SR 822
SR 827 SR 831 SR 842

GA Dept. Of Transportation; urged to develop a state-wide strategic transportation plan/to take certain other actions Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 155 to 4 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Motor Fuel Taxes; provide for the authority of General Assembly to approve, reject, modify any proposed expenditure of revenue CA Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) Senate Appropriations Committee
Brain Injury Related Neurobehavioral Issues; create Senate Study Committee Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Ad Valorem Tax Reform; freeze valuation of real property except certain adjustments; procedures, conditions, and limitations for certain increases Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 02/12/08 Senate passed 48 to 7 03/05/08 Failed in House 110 to 62
Congress, Governmental Agencies, Automobile Industry; urged to substitute the term "life belt" for "seat belt" and "life bag" for "air bag" Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) 03/11/08 Failed in Senate 28 to 22
Senate Comprehensive Firearms Law Study Committee; create Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (28th) 02/14/08 Senate passed 49 to 0
Joint Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Study Committee; create Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/06/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 87 to 75
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission; create; appointment Sen. David Shafer (48th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 132 to 24
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
U.S. Congress; urged to withdraw the United States from the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America Sen. Nancy Schaefer (50th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 29 to 19
People's Republic of China; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1
Transportation, Georgia Dept. of; urged to build a maglev train connecting Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta with Chattanooga Municipal Airport Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 House Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 68 of 112

SR 845 SR 859 SR 862 SR 863 SR 919 SR 965 SR 970 SR 996
SR 1006 SR 1007 SR 1010 SR 1011

County Governments; transportation improvement sales and use tax CA Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Failed in Senate 35 to 18 04/04/08 House passed 134 to 34
Ad Valorem Taxes; repeal the levy of state ad valorem taxes except in the case of an emergency CA Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 02/14/08 Senate passed 49 to 4 House Ways and Means Committee
Israel, State of; expressing cultural, economic, and educational cooperation Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) 02/13/08 Senate read and adopted
Motor Fuel/Sales Use Tax; funds derived shall be allocated; providing/maintaining adequate system of public-use airports/railroads Sen. Valencia Seay (34th) Senate Finance Committee
Political Commentators; expressing dismay of those who engage in attacks on certain candidates Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Senate Rules Committee
Taxpayer Dividend Amendment of 2008; income tax relief in the event of budget surplus; definitions; provide for excess revenues-CA Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Finance Committee
Open Meetings/Records; any governmental body; performing public purpose shall be open to the public-CA Sen. David Adelman (42nd) Senate Ethics Committee
Counties/Municipalities; local boards of education; authorize to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes/programs CA Sen. Dan Weber (40th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 8 04/04/08 House passed 129 to 38
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Noninterference in medical decisions; right of individual shall not be infringedCA Sen. Robert Brown (26th) Senate Judiciary Committee
Ga. Congressional Delegation; urged to oppose efforts by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; air quality standard more strict Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/02/2008 Senate passed 48 to 0
President/U.S. Congress; urged to call for peaceful resolution in Kenya; support of House Congressional Resolution of 283 Sen. Ed Harbison (15th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1
President/U.S. Congress; urged to review conviction/incarceration of former agents Ignacio "Nacho" Ramos/Jose Alonso Compean Sen. Bill Jackson (24th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 69 of 112

SR 1012

Public Property; conveyance; 10 counties Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/04/ 08 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 159 to 0
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 1020

Senate Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Committee; create Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0

SR 1024

Education Improvement Districts; provide by local law the creation/comprehensive regulation-CA Sen. Dan Weber (40th) Senate Rules Committee

SR 1030

Joint Electronic Records, Signatures, Filing and Recording Study Committee; create Sen. Preston Smith (52nd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 House Rules Committee

SR 1038

Turkey; urged to grant Ecumenical Patriarch appropriate international recognition, ecclesiastical succession, right to train clergy Sen. David Adelman (42nd) 03/06/08 Read and adopted

SR 1047

Transportation, Dept. of; urged to consolidate its county barns/privatize road maintenance functions Sen. Chip Pearson (51st) 03/11/08 Senate read and adopted 04/02/08 House passed 153 to 3
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 1052

Endangered Species Act of 1973; urged to be amended and congressional House Resolution 3847 be passed Sen. Lee Hawkins (49th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1

SR 1055

Joel A. Katz Parkway; Fulton County; dedicate Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/02/08 House passes 158 to 0 *Includes 22 road naming resolutions
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

SR 1056

Natural Resources, Dept of; urged to work in conjunction with Dept. of Economic Development; feasibility of restoring/preserving historic barns Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1

SR 1060

Transportation Commissioner; urged to provide a series of reports to the General Assembly Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 157 to 3
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 70 of 112

SR 1063
SR 1073 SR 1074
SR 1093 SR 1097 SR 1113 SR 1120 SR 1147 SR 1151 SR 1152 SR 1165 SR 1166 SR 1167

GA Environmental Protection Division; urged to implement a new water quality standard; Savannah Harbor Sen. Eric Johnson (1st) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 143 to 17
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Commissioners of Fulton County; urged to take certain action with respect to Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill Urban Enterprise Zone Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) Senate Economic Development Committee
Offenses; parking in parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities; authorize General Assembly to provide additional penalties-CA Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 03/11/08 Senate passed 51 to 3 House Rules Committee
Creation of a Georgia MethCheck Data Base; create Senate Study Committee; appointment Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Future of Manufacturing in Georgia; create Senate Study Committee; appointment Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Daylight Saving Time; create Senate Study Committee Sen. Seth Harp (29th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Transportation, Dept. of; request to do a safety evaluation and perform necessary repair work Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) Senate Rules Committee
Fleeing and Law Enforcement Pursuits; create Senate Study Committee Sen. John Douglas (17th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Grady Memorial Hospital; urging various measures Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Government Oversight Committee
Grady Memorial Hospital; urging various measures by Fulton County, DeKalb County, Fulton-DeKalb Hospital Authority Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) Senate Government Oversight Committee
Emergency Medical Services Personnel; urge State of Georgia to provide specialized training by creating/funding an EMS instructor Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0
Senate Public and Legal Notices Study Committee; create Sen. Cecil Staton (18th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Local Sales Tax Collection Study Committee; Local Sales Tax Collection Advisory Committee; create Sen. Chip Rogers (21st) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 71 of 112

SR 1172 SR 1187 SR 1188 SR 1201 SR 1202 SR 1213 SR 1244 SR 1247 SR 1254 SR 1280 SR 1281 SR 1285 SR 1288 SR 1289 SR 1291

Congress, Governmental Agencies, Automobile Industry; urged to substitute the term "life belt" for "seat belt" and "life bag" for "air bag" Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 29 to 17
Senate Children's Mental Health in Georgia Study Committee; create Sen. Don Thomas (54th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias Study Committee; create Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) 04/02/2008 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Biodiesel Fuel Study Committee; create Sen. Ross Tolleson (20th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Surgeon General of the Army and the Chief, National Guard Bureau; urged to change existing policy; Warfighter Refractive Eye Surgery Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0
Senate Education Funding Mechanisms Review Study Committee; create Sen. Dan Moody (56th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Accessibility Study Committee; create Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Study Committee on Community Base Giving Tax Credits; create Sen. Jeff Chapman (3rd) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Victim's Rights Study Committee; create Sen. Bill Hamrick (30th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate University System of Georgia Admission Practices and Policies Study Committee; create Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Senate Rules C0mmittee
Senate Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Study Committee; create Sen. Bill Heath (31st) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Prior Approval and Prescription Drugs Study Committee; create Sen. Jack Murphy (27th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Study Committee on the Organization of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases Services; create Sen. Curt Thompson (5th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Senate Exemptions for Purposes of Bankruptcy Study Committee; create Sen. Ed Tarver (22nd) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 0
Board of Regents; urged to name student resource center in honor of Dr. G. Wayne Clough at Georgia Institute of Technology Sen. Johnny Grant (25th) 04/02/2008 Senate passed 48 to 0

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 72 of 112

SR 1292 SR 1293 SR 1300

Georgia; urged to provide specialty training of Emergency Medical Services personnel Sen. Ronnie Chance (16th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0
Emergency Medical Services of Public Health; urged to create state licensure examinations for emergency medical technicians/paramedics Sen. John Douglas (17th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0
Governor; urged to exercise executive authority with respect to collection of taxes Sen. John Bulloch (11th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 73 of 112

House Bills

HB 2

Fair Annexation Act; enact Rep. Doug Holt (112th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 131 to 12 Effective Date: September 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07

HB 16

Public employees; fraud, waste, abuse in state operations; change definitions Rep. Rich Golick (34th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/20/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07

HB 24

Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Act; enact Rep. Steve Tumlin (38th) 03/30/07 - Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07

HB 30

Housing authorities; private enterprise agreement; redefine Rep. Jill Chambers (81st) 04/16/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 143 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

HB 48

Georgia State Indemnification Fund; definitions; change terms Rep. Jill Chambers (81st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 152 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07

HB 53

Piedmont Circuit; terms of court; change provisions Rep. Terry England (108th) 03/30/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/09/07 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

HB 68

Coastal Marshlands Protection Act; exempt certain single private docks; provide Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/04/2008 Senate passed 49 to 1 04/04/2008 House passed 145 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 69

Driver's records; online; Department of Driver Services; charging fee; prohibit Rep. Bobby Franklin (43rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/01/07 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 155 to 18 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 74 of 112

HB 76 HB 77 HB 78 HB 79 HB 81 HB 89 HB 90 HB 91

Emergency management; nomenclature and symbols; require permission; provisions Rep. Burke Day (163rd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 0 02/14/07 House passed 161 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Motor vehicles; traffic-control signal monitoring devices; repeal provisions Rep. Barry Loudermilk (14th) 03/20/08 Senate passed 45 to 5 03/28/08 House passed 136 to 24 Effective Date: December 31, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Bona fide conservation use property; additional acts; provisions Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 02/27/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007 " Governor Signed 05/14/07
Motor vehicles; light transmission through windows; materials; provisions Rep. Ronald Forster (3rd) 04/11/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 121 t0 10 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/18/07
Salt water fishing; charter fishing guide and pier fishing licenses; provisions Rep. Cecily Hill (180th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 123 to 18 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Firearms; carrying and possession; change provisions Rep. Tim Bearden (68th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 40 to 15 04/04/08 House passed 106 to 57 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Funeral establishments; adequate stock of funeral caskets; provisions Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 136 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Executive branch of government; certain reports; provide to General Assembly Rep. Jill Chambers (81st) 04/10/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 135 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 157 to 15 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 75 of 112

HB 94 HB 95 HB 96 HB 100 HB 101 HB 105 HB 106 HB 107

Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 Rep. Glenn Richardson (19th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Governor's Signature
' Governor Vetoed 04/19/07 " Governor withdrew veto and signed 05/10/07
General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 Rep. Glenn Richardson (19th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 50 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 170 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
State depositories; Federal Home Loan Banks; secure state funds Rep. James Mills (25th) 03/28/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 01/30/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Shrimp and shrimping; revise various provisions Rep. Cecily Hill (180th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/08/07 House passed 156 to 10 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Public records; agricultural or food systems information; provisions Rep. Penny Houston (170th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/09/07 House passed 143 to 12 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Animals; poultry; revise certain provisions Rep. Gene Maddox (172nd) 04/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 02/02/07 House passed 157 to 5 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; retirement benefit options; provide Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) 03/28/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 02/13/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Municipal government; additional requirements; certain franchise fees; provisions Rep. Jan Jones (46th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 38 to 0 02/28/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/16/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 76 of 112

HB 109 HB 111 HB 112 HB 117 HB 118 HB 119 HB 120 HB 122

County and municipality; consolidation; provisions Rep. Ellis Black (174th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 48 to 3 04/20/07 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Delayed birth certificates; petitions in probate and superior court; permit Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/26/08 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Food; license requirements; fees; applications; change provisions Rep. Tom McCall (30th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 02/13/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Motor vehicles; definition; exempt certain vehicles Rep. John Heard (104th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/19/07 House passed 131 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Brunswick and Cobb Judicial Circuits; additional superior courts judge; provide Rep. Earl Ehrhart (36th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Certain justices and judges; annual salaries; increase Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 146 to 9 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; certain judges; travel allowances; provide Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 43 to 0 02/12/07 House passed 155 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Commercial feeds; labeling requirements; exclude equine feed Rep. Terry England (108th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 02/08/07 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 77 of 112

HB 128 HB 130 HB 131 HB 132 HB 134 HB 136 HB 139 HB 144

Sales and use tax exemption; certain school supplies; energy efficient products; provide Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 02/27/07 House passed 169 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Identity theft; security freezes; definitions; provisions Rep. Calvin Hill (21st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: August 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Georgia HERO Scholarship; surviving spouses; change definitions Rep. Billy Horne (71st) 04/17/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 149 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Vessels; certain ports; numbers of pilots; change certain provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/30/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/11/07 House passed 151 to 4 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Local governments; bid bonds; cash; change certain provisions Rep. Terry England (108th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 39 to 2 02/20/07 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Public policy; contract of insurance; indemnification; provisions Rep. Mike Coan (101st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 36 to 2 04/19/07 House passed 145 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Estates and wills; descent and distribution; provisions Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/27/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Motor vehicles; used; sale or advertising; change certain exceptions Rep. Bobby Reese (98th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 148 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 78 of 112

HB 147 HB 148 HB 152 HB 153 HB 155 HB 162 HB 168 HB 169

Woman's Right to Know Act; abortion; change certain provisions Rep. James Mills (25th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 31 to 17 04/20/07 House passed 110 to 47 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Sales and use tax; aquariums; provide exemption Rep. Mark Burkhalter (50th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 143 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
HOPE scholarships; home study course; provisions Rep. John Lunsford (11oth) 03/31/08 Senate passed 43 to 2 03/27/08 House passed 164 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Juveniles; Division of Family and Children Services; provide certain requirements Rep. Barry Loudermilk (14th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Human Resources, Department of; personal care home owners; criminal history; permit Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/17/07 House passed 155 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Sales and use tax; performing arts amphitheater facilities; provide exemption Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 147 to 22 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
Associate juvenile court judges; appointment; change qualifications Rep. Robert Mumford (95th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 02/20/07 House passed 157 to 5 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Sales and use tax; certain prepared food and beverage donations; provide exemption Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 79 of 112

HB 171 HB 177 HB 180 HB 181 HB 182 HB 183 HB 186 HB 188

Motor vehicles; scrap metal or parts; certificates of title; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/13/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 02/12/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Historic sites; initial investigation; state archeologist; notice; require Rep. Martin Scott (2nd) 04/19/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/20/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Prescription drugs; sold by certain Georgia companies; access restrictions; prohibit Rep. Carl Rogers (26th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 127 to 25 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Public safety and judicial facilities authorities; bond indebtedness; provide limitations Rep. Mike Jacobs (80th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 35 to 7 04/20/07 House passed 93 to 64 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Property tax digest; positive tax allocation increments; prohibit use Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 02/28/07 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Motor vehicles; certificates of title; definitions; change certain provisions Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) 04/17/07 Senate passed 58 to 0 03/01/07 House passed 145 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Sales and use tax; certain alternative fuel facilities; five year exemption Rep. Jim Cole (125th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 151 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Jury duty; primary caregiver of certain persons; provide exemption Rep. Ed Rynders (152nd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 48 to 1 02/27/08 House passed 158 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 80 of 112

HB 191 HB 192 HB 193 HB 197 HB 202 HB 213 HB 214 HB 218

Colquitt County Board of Education; nonpartisan elections; provide Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/11/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 03/01/07 House passed 116 to 36 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Transportation, Department of; contracts; provisions Rep. Vance Smith (129th) 04/10/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 02/21/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Sales and use tax; jet fuel; additional exemption Rep. Mark Burkhalter (50th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 02/21/07 House passed 128 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Imprisonment sentence reviews; more than 12 years; three-judge panel; repeal Rep. Barry Fleming (117th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 38 to 13 04/19/07 House passed 92 to 68 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Transportation, Department of; contractors; eligibility; provisions Rep. Ben Harbin (118th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 02/27/07 House passed 169 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Deferred compensation plans; state employees; special pay plan; repeal Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) 03/28/07 Senate passed 50 to 1 02/10/07 House passed 111 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Jekyll Island - State Park Authority; renewal of property lease; provisions Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Georgia Ports Authority; employees; power of arrest; peace officers; require Rep. Burke Day (163rd) 04/10/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 03/20/07 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 159 to 14 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 81 of 112

HB 219 HB 220 HB 221 HB 222 HB 224 HB 225 HB 227 HB 229

Certain local sales and use tax; motor fuels; prepayments; provisions Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 154 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Georgia Criminal Justice Improvement Council; repeal Chapter 8 Rep. Burke Day (163rd) 04/11/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 02/10/07 House passed 102 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Professional malpractice charges; affidavit; change certain provisions Rep. John Heard (104th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 46 to 5 02/27/07 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
County tax commissioners; purchasing certain property; prohibit Rep. Billy Mitchell (88th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 43 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 164 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors; change certain provisions Rep. Mark Burkhalter (50th) 04/10/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/28/07 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
State income tax; certain college savings plans; change certain provisions Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Consumer Choice for Television Act; enact Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 52 to 2 04/13/07 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Education lottery; book allowances; fee payments; impose certain limitations Rep. Ben Harbin (118th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 50 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 142 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 162 to 11 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 82 of 112

HB 231 HB 232 HB 233 HB 237 HB 239 HB 240 HB 241 HB 242

Public roads; lack of removal of vehicles; liable for gross negligence Rep. Vance Smith (129th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 47 to 1 02/14/07 House passed 158 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/17/07
Georgia Development Impact Fee Act; change definitions; provisions Rep. Ed Lindsey (54th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 39 to 7 03/27/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Long-term Care Facility Resident Abuse Reporting Act; change definition Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Sales and use tax; water pollution eliminating machinery exemptions; change certain provisions Rep. Chuck Martin (47th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 38 to 6 04/02/08 House passed 160 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Board of Natural Resources; rules; game and fish criminal violations; change certain provisions Rep. Bob Lane (158th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 34 to 13 04/04/08 House passed 113 to 34 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Retail Installment and Home Solicitation Sales Act; increase delinquency charges Rep. Ben Harbin (118th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 41 to 6 02/22/07 House passed 157 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Opticians; licensure; practical training; specify certain requirements Rep. Jill Chambers (81st) 03/28/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 02/22/08 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Insurance; certain high deductible health plans; provide exemption Rep. Tom Knox (24th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 48 to 3 03/27/07 House passed 117 to 44 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 83 of 112

HB 245 HB 247 HB 250 HB 255 HB 264 HB 270 HB 272 HB 274

Georgia State Prison warden; passenger motor vehicle; repeal certain provisions Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 02/22/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/10/07 House passed 103 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Local government; water and sewer systems; change certain provisions Rep. Bob Smith (113th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 1 03/01/07 House passed 151 to 11 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/30/07
Local boards of education; reports of criminal offenses; revise certain provisions Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 02/27/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Public retirement systems; public employment related crime; expand definition Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 43 to 6 04/02/08 House passed 149 to 7 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Homestead option sales and use tax; disbursing proceeds; change manner and method Rep. Fran Millar (79th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 43 to 3 03/27/07 House passed 125 to 38 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Juvenile proceedings; appointment of guardian ad litem; change provisions Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/11/07 Senate passed 54 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Sales and use tax; natural or artificial gas sales; provide phased-in exemption Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 4 04/02/08 House passed 159 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Notaries; qualifications; application; change certain provisions Rep. Ed Lindsey (54th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/28/07 House passed 165 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 84 of 112

HB 280 HB 282 HB 286

Controlled substances; sale of marijuana flavored products to minors; ban Rep. Judy Manning (32nd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 120 to 37 04/04/08 House passed 41 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Sales & use tax; repair of certain aircrafts; sale of parts; provide exemption Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 39 to 10 03/27/07 House passed 165 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Controlled substances; Schedule II and V; change certain provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/19/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

HB 291 HB 296 HB 297 HB 301 HB 302

Georgia Council for the Arts; Georgia Arts Alliance; create Rep. Joe Wilkinson (52nd) 03/12/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 157 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Special elections; held on certain dates; provide Rep. Jeff May (111th) 03/12/08 Senate passed 51 to 2 03/27/08 House passed 162 to 6 Effective Date: July 1, 2010
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Recreational vehicle dealers; conventions; provide certain exemptions Rep. Allen Freemen (140th) 03/12/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 02/11/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 03/14/08
Dogfighting; prohibit; punishments; amend provisions Rep. Bobby Reese (98th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 163 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/06/08
Prescription drugs; sold by certain Georgia companies; access restrictions; prohibit Rep. Robert Mumford (95th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 43 to 3 03/06/08 House passed 123 to 21 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 85 of 112

HB 311 HB 313 HB 314 HB 316 HB 317 HB 318 HB 321 HB 327

Georgia HERO Scholarship; qualifying term of service; change definition Rep. Barry Fleming (117th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Georgia Correctional Industries Administration; certain inmate work programs; clarify Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 40 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Persons convicted of certain sex offenses; probation; DNA analysis; provide Rep. Jay Neal (1st) 04/16/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 163 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Public Service Commission; towing of certain vehicles; provide Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/10/07 Senate passed 44 to 1 02/28/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Public transportation; motor contract carrier; change definition Rep. David Ralston (7th) 03/28/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority Law; change certain provisions Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 03/20/07 House passed 128 to 33 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Bona fide conservation use property; assessment; change certain eligibility requirements Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 49 to 1 03/19/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Set off debt collection; public housing authorities; authorize Rep. Mark Williams (178th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 157 to 6 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 86 of 112

HB 330 HB 333 HB 336 HB 357 HB 358 HB 363 HB 366 HB 369

Georgia State Board of Pharmacy; registry of pharmacy technicians; establish Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 4 04/20/07 House passed 147 to 1 Effective Date: Upon appropriation of funds by the General Assembly
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Weapons; crime or delinquent act; provisions Rep. Wade Starr (78th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 3 02/07/08 House passed 167 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Driving under the influence; mandatory sentences; increase Rep. Kevin Levitas (82nd) 04/04/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 141 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Revenue and taxation; define certain terms; provisions Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/17/07
Sheriffs' Retirement Fund; death benefits; increase amount Rep. Willie Talton (145th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 01/30/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
HOPE grants; eligibility requirements; Georgia Military College students; provide Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 52 to 0 03/20/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Guide or service dog; certain persons; equal public accommodations; provide Rep. Timothy Bearden (68th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 135 to 5 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Domestic relations; child custody proceedings; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 43 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 138 to 1 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 87 of 112

HB 373 HB 374 HB 375 HB 380 HB 383 HB 386 HB 387 HB 389

Public Safety, Department of; State Patrol; retirement benefits; amend Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 3 02/22/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Hotel motel tax; definitions; change certain provisions Rep. James Mills (25th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 5 03/01/07 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Education; pages of General Assembly; provisions Rep. Doug Collins (27th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 50 to 0 02/28/07 House passed 163 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Tax collectors and commissioners; bill or notice mailing; change certain provisions Rep. Calvin Hill (21st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 49 to 1 03/27/07 House passed 99 to 63 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Georgia Condominium Act; define terms; provisions Rep. James Mills (25th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 03/27/07 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Superior court fees; instrument recordings; provide additional fees Rep. Roger Lane (167th) 03/29/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 130 to 9 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Georgia Day; observe February 12; annually Rep. Barry Loudermilk (14th) 02/12/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 02/06/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: February 12, 2009
" Governor Signed 02/12/08
Public transportation; limousine carrier; change definition; provisions Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 48 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 88 of 112

HB 391 HB 393 HB 394 HB 408 HB 413 HB 419 HB 422 HB 424

Cemeterians State Board; members qualifications; change certain provisions Rep. Carl Rogers (26th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 149 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Farm wineries; licensing; change certain provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 35 to 6 02/28/08 House passed 116 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Emergency 9-1-1 system; change provisions; Wireless Communications Security Act; enact Rep. John Lunsford (110th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 7 04/20/07 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Insolvency funds exclusion; certain companies; provide exception Rep. Tom Knox (24th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 03/20/07 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Sales and use tax; joint county and municipal; change certain provisions Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/19/07 House passed 143 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 152 to 18 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
Commercial drivers' licenses; definitions; issuance; provisions Rep. Johnny Floyd (147th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 149 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
Specialized land transactions; minimum amount for liens; provide Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Workers' compensation; claim filings; benefits; examinations; provisions Rep. Mike Coan (101st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 1 04/19/07 House passed 141 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 89 of 112

HB 426 HB 429 HB 430 HB 433 HB 441 HB 443 HB 445 HB 448

Railroad grade crossings; active warning devices; define; provisions Rep. Sheila Jones (44th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 125 to 24 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Georgia HIV Pregnancy Screening Act of 2007; enact Rep. Sharon Cooper (41st) 04/17/07 Senate passed 45 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 127 to 16 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Property; railroads; provisions Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 44 to 3 04/19/07 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Meat and dairy processing plants; licenses; change certain provisions Rep. Tony Sellier (136th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/19/07 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Income tax; federal obligations; taxable income; revise provisions Rep. Johnny Floyd (147th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 155 to 16 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
Employment security; employment; change definition; provisions Rep. Mike Coan (101st) 04/13/07 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/17/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Bona fide conservation use property; buffers adjacent to rivers; change certain provisions Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 126 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Retirement; term life insurance; certain eligible persons; establish two funds Rep. Ben Bridges (10th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 48 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 151 to 0 Effective Date: June 30, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 90 of 112

HB 451 HB 457 HB 463 HB 467 HB 470 HB 471 HB 486 HB 497

Georgia Tourism Development Act; enact Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 156 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 157 to 16 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
Revenue, Department of; special license plates; process all applications; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 03/19/07 House passed 160 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Soil erosion and sedimentation; exemptions; change certain provisions Rep. Tom McCall (30th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/20/07 House passed 152 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/07
University system; international baccalaureate diploma program; provide course credit Rep. Bill Hembree (67th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 42 to 4 04/20/07 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
Georgia Lemon Law; enact Rep. Butch Parrish (156th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 152 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Local government; privately constructed water systems; requiring ownership transfer; prohibit Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/27/07 Senate passed 46 to 2 04/19/07 House passed 160 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
County tax commissioners; compensation; additional duties; change certain provisions Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 41 to 5 04/20/07 House passed 142 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Adoption; surrender rights; provisions Rep. Donna Sheldon (105th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 41 to 4 04/17/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 91 of 112

HB 505 HB 510 HB 515 HB 518 HB 519 HB 527 HB 528 HB 529

Human Resources, Department of; adult day centers; licensure; authorize charge fees Rep. Mark Butler (18th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 141 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/23/07
Boating safety zones; Lake Oconee; certain vessels; change certain provisions Rep. Mickey Channell (116th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 149 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Lottery for Education Act; define certain terms; provisions Rep. Allen Freeman (140th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 40 to 2 03/11/08 House passed 115 to 43 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Motor vehicles; commercial motor vehicle; define; license plates; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 139 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Counties and municipal corporations; taxicabs; provisions Rep. Harry Geisinger (48th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 43 to 2 03/27/07 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
Probation; private supervision services; minimum fee; establish Rep. Billy Horne (71st) 04/19/07 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 148 to 16 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Cosmetic laser practitioners; registration certificates; provisions Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 04/17/07 Senate passed 46 to 5 04/19/07 House passed 139 to 6 Effective Date: Upon Appropriation by the General Assembly
" Governor Signed 05/29/07
General Assembly; budgetary functions; reflect changes Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/13/07 Senate passed 45 to 2 03/19/07 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: January 28, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 160 to 13 01/28/08 Senate veto override 47 to 7

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 92 of 112

HB 535 HB 536 HB 549 HB 551 HB 559 HB 579 HB 586 HB 587

Mental health; patient advocacy board; create Rep. Mark Butler (18th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Vehicles and loads; fines for excess weight; provisions Rep. Johnny Floyd (147th) 04/16/07 Senate passed 44 to 1 04/19/07 House passed 145 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Children with disabilities; basic therapy services; establish requirements Rep. Mark Burkhalter (50th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 161 to 12 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
State False Medicaid Claims Act; enact Rep. Ed Lindsey (54th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 03/27/07 House passed 164 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Health insurance; charter school teachers and employees; provisions Rep. Margaret Kaiser (59th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 46 to 4 03/20/07 House passed 157 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
' Governor Vetoed 05/30/07
01/14/08 House veto override 157 to 14 01/14/08 Referred to Senate Rules Committee
Landlord liens; definitions; provisions Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) 03/18/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 02/13/08 House passed 138 to 5 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Alternative attorneys; capital cases; counsel appointment and fees; change matters Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 43 to 7 04/20/07 House passed 144 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/16/07
Gas; public convenience and necessity certificates; provide for revocation Rep. Jeff May (111th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 47 to 2 04/20/07 House passed 149 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/29/07

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 93 of 112

HB 602 HB 611 HB 626 HB 637 HB 648 HB 649 HB 655 HB 656 HB 670

School board members; selling school supplies; penalty; provide exception Rep. Jim Cole (125th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 49 to 2 03/05/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
State Construction Industry Licensing Board; Class I; provide changes Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/21/08 House passed 153 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Physicians; retired; continuing education hours; provisions Rep. Tom Graves (12th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 147 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07
Quality Basic Education Act; nationally norm-referenced instruments; revise provisions Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 45 to 3 03/06/08 House passed 151 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Long-term care insurance; changes to certain definitions; provide Rep. Tom Knox (24th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 46 to 1 03/27/07 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Georgia Blueberry Commission; create Rep. Tommy Smith (168th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/01/08 House passed 151 to 5 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/12/08
Georgia Commission on Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons; create Rep. Bob Smith (113th) 04/20/07 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/18/07
Teachers Retirement System; survivor's benefits; provisions Rep. Earnest "Coach" Williams (89th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 02/21/08 House passed 152 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Income tax credit; wood residuals; provide Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 3 04/04/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 94 of 112

HB 673 HB 715 HB 732 HB 790 HB 791 HB 815 HB 831 HB 851

Insurance; third party's lienholder; provisions Rep. Bill Hembree (67th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/06/08 House passed 155 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08
Family and children services; county directors; appointment; change certain provisions Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) 03/28/08 Senate passed 50 to 2 03/11/08 House passed 152 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; certain persons; provide membership Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 52 to 2 02/22/08 House passed 153 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
School Bus Safety Week; declare Rep. Amos Amerson (9th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/05/08 House passed 145 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
School Bus Drivers Appreciation Day; declare Rep. Amos Amerson (9th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/05/08 House passed 150 to Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Teachers Retirement System; Regents Retirement Plan; change provisions Rep. Carl Rogers (26th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/22/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Public Charter School Capital Financing Act; enact Rep. Ed Setzler (35th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 49 to 5 03/06/08 House passed 137 to 21 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Income tax credit; historic structures rehabilitation; change calculation method Rep. Allen Peake (137th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 49 to 2 04/02/08 House passed 152 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 95 of 112

HB 881 HB 887 HB 921 HB 926 HB 945 HB 948 HB 953 HB 957

Georgia Charter Schools Commission; establish Rep. Jan Jones (46th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 30 to 21 04/04/08 House passed 114 to 40 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Tobacco Prevention Master Settlement Agreement Oversight Committee; create Rep. Mark Butler (18th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 136 to 10 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Mortgage lenders and brokers; nation-wide automated licensing system; create Rep. James Mills (25th) 03/19/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/07/08 House passed 157 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code; define term Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 41 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/09/08
Motor vehicles; registration and title records; allow certain persons access Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 03/19/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/08/08 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Sales and use tax; certain school supplies; certain energy efficient products; provide exemption Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 161 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission Act; enact Rep. Cecily Hill (180th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 02/13/08 House passed 141 to 7 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Sales and use tax exemption; certain qualified nonprofit job training organizations; extend sunset date Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 49 to 1 03/11/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 96 of 112

HB 958 HB 960 HB 961 HB 963 HB 964 HB 967 HB 969 HB 972

Magistrate court; certain judgments; clarify appeal procedure Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Ecstasy; certain trafficking; bailable only before superior court judge; require Rep. Len Walker (107th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 41 to 0 02/19/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Persons with disabilities; special parking permits and license plates; change certain provisions Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) 03/18/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 149 to 5 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Special license plates; soccer; provide Rep. Harry Geisinger (48th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 163 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Georgia ports and harbors; operation of certain vessels; revise problems Rep. Burke Day (163rd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/11/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Certificate of need program; prisons and other secure correctional institutions; exempt Rep. Charles Martin (47th) 02/27/08 Senate passed 41 to 2 02/07/08 House passed 164 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 04/09/08
Driver education training requirements; home schooling program; provisions Rep. John Lunsford (110th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08
Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act; enact Rep. Steve Tumlin (38th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 02/22/08 House passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 97 of 112

HB 975 HB 977 HB 978 HB 981 HB 983 HB 984 HB 989 HB 990 HB 993

County or municipal corporations; authorizing documents; provisions Rep. Mark Burkhalter (50th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 152 to 0 02/05/08 House passed 45 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
State insurance premium taxes; certain high deductible health plans; exempt Rep. Tom Knox (24th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 30 to 20 03/11/08 House passed 122 to 39 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Traffic accidents; illegal immigrants; seize vehicle; allow law enforcement Rep. James Mills (25th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 32 to 18 04/04/08 House passed 115 to 44 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Weight of vehicles and loads; concrete haulers; provisions Rep. Mark Butler (18th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 02/27/08 House passed 158 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Out-of-state law enforcement officers; arrest certain offenders; provide Rep. Doug Collins (27th) 03/20/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 02/28/08 House passed 130 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Children's transition care centers; definitions; revise and add new Rep. Clay Cox (102nd) 03/27/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 June 30, 2008 Rep. Glenn Richardson (19th) 03/20/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 167 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 03/21/08
General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 June 30, 2009 Rep. Glenn Richardson (19th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 151 to 4 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Absentee voting; casting ballot in person; provisions Rep. Bill Hembree (67th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/06/08 House passed 142 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 98 of 112

HB 1014

Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan; certain provisions; revise and change Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 03/19/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 02/05/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1016

Commissioner of Natural Resources; blue crabs; manage certain aspects; provide Rep. Bob Lane (158th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 49 to 1 04/01/08 House passed 148 to 15 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1018

Superior court fees; recording instrument; cross-indexing; provide additional filing fees Rep. Roger Lane (167th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 46 to 2 03/05/08 House passed 145 to 14 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1019

Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank Act; enact Rep. John Lunsford (110th) 03/18/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 03/27/08 House passed 161 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/09/08

HB 1020

Civil and criminal cases; minors; certain sexually explicit or obscene evidence; restrict access Rep. Rich Golick (34th) 04/02/208 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1023

Sales and use tax; government contractors; overhead materials; extend sunset exemption Rep. Steve Tumlin (38th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 43 to 4 03/11/08 Senate passed 164 to 2 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1024

Municipal and county recreation systems; minimum and maximum tax; provisions Rep. Roger Williams (4th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 44 to 3 03/06/08 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1026

Transportation, Department of; utility facilities; provisions Rep. Vance Smith (129th) 03/19/08 Senate passed 47 to 6 03/28/08 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 99 of 112

HB 1027

Defensive driving courses; alcohol or drug programs; curriculum; provisions Rep. Tom Rice (51st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 37 to 10 04/04/08 House passed 110 to 46 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08

HB 1031

Public high schools; interscholastic athletics program; at least one defibrillator; require Rep. Bill Hembree (67th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 03/05/08 House passed 151 to 5 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1035

Municipal and county recreation systems; minimum and maximum tax; provisions Rep. Vance Smith (129th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 31 to 20 04/04/08 House passed 138 to 28 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1040

Juvenile courts; deprived child; permanent guardian; grant jurisdiction Rep. Edward Lindsey (54th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/21/08 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1041

Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; obsolete language; eliminate Rep. Sharon Cooper (41st) 03/28/08 Senate passed 51 to 1 04/01/08 House passed 154 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1043

Childhood Lead Exposure Control Act; confirmed lead poisoning; revise definition Rep. Sharon Cooper (41st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 02/26/08 House passed 123 to 30 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1044

Adult day centers; licensure; respite care services programs; provisions Rep. Len Walker (107th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1046

Watercraft; held in inventory for resale; exempt from taxation; provide Rep. James Mills (25th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 03/11/08 House passed 163 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 100 of 112

HB 1051

Child abuse; county multi-agency child fatality review committee; change certain provisions Rep. Wendell Willard (49th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/26/08 House passed 160 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1054

Children and Family Service Strengthening Act of 2008; enact Rep. Sharon Cooper (41st) 03/31/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 135 to 26 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1055

Professions and licenses; certain provisions; make revisions Rep. Roger Williams (4th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 148 to 3 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 and July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1061

Wine; shipped to one customer; limit number of cases Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 40 to 6 02/28/08 House passed 126 to 8 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1065

Sales tax; local charter schools; capital outlay projects; authorize Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 3 02/26/08 House passed 112 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1066

Alcoholic beverages; vaporized forms; prohibit certain conduct Rep. Terry England (108th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/22/08 House passed 164 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1078

Sales and use tax; change certain definitions Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 44 to 3 03/11/08 House passed 167 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/12/08

HB 1081

Ad valorem tax; property; change certain definitions Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 42 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 101 of 112

HB 1086

Court bailiffs; maximum per diem; eliminate Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 02/26/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1088

Economic Development, Department of; agricultural tourist attractions; provisions Rep. Butch Parrish (156th) 03/12/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 02/13/08 House passed 154 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/12/08

HB 1090

Controlled substances; Schedule I, II, III and IV; change certain provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 02/27/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1093

Liquidated damages; demand; change certain provisions Rep. Wendell Williams (49th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 52 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 148 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1098

Municipal and county recreation systems; minimum and maximum tax; provisions Rep. Bobby Reese (98th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/06/08 House passed 149 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1100

Income tax credit; qualified film, video, or digital productions; revise and change Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 48 to 1 03/06/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/12/08

HB 1104

Charitable solicitations; definitions; revise certain provisions Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 03/06/08 House passed 148 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1105

Hospitals; offer certain vaccinations to inpatients 65 years or older; require Rep. Donna Sheldon (105th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/01/08 House passed 144 to 18 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 102 of 112

HB 1110 HB 1111 HB 1112 HB 1113 HB 1116 HB 1121 HB 1126 HB 1129

Sales and use tax; certain sales of food and beverages to qualified food banks; extend exemption Rep. Chuck Martin (47th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/12/08
Drivers' licenses; requirements; fees; provisions Rep. Johnny Floyd (147th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 4 04/04/08 House passed 133 to 10 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Elections and primaries; municipal election superintendents; provisions Rep. Harry Geisinger (48th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 50 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 143 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
State purchasing; definitions; provisions Rep. John Heard (104th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Probation Management Act of 2004; modify certain provisions Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: June 15, 2008
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08
Continuing care providers and facilities; certain definition; provide Rep. Rich Golick (34th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 48 to 1 02/28/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08
Downtown development authorities; directors; provisions Rep. Billy Horne (71st) 03/28/08 Senate passed 49 to 3 04/01/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08
Georgia Tourism Development Act; enact Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 46 to 3 04/02/08 House passed 162 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 103 of 112

HB 1132

Uniform Environmental Covenants Act; enact Rep. Edward Lindsey (54th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 44 to 1 04/01/08 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1133

Education; student scholarship organizations; provisions Rep. David Casas (103rd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 32 to 20 03/11/08 House passed 92 to 73 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1151

Income tax; exempt organizations; change provisions Rep. David Knight (126th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 01/02/08 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1159

Income tax credit; adoption of a qualified foster child; provide Rep. John Lunsford (110th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 02/28/08 House passed 127 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1160

Transferable development rights; severance; provide Rep. Len Walker (107th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 4 04/02/08 House passed 155 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1163

Brunswick Judicial Circuit; fifth judge for superior courts; provide Rep. Roger Lane (167th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 155 to 1 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1168

Excise tax; public accommodation furnishings; change certain provisions Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 43 to 5 04/04/08 House passed 150 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1169

Early care and learning programs; day-care center; revise definition Rep. Alisha Morgan (39th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 02/27/08 House passed 153 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1176

Land conservation projects; certain provisions; redesignate and extensively revise Rep. David Knight (126th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 03/11/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 04/24/08
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 104 of 112

HB 1178

Sales and use tax; liquefied petroleum gas; certain purposes; provide exemption Rep. Ellis Black (174th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 48 to 2 03/06/08 House passed 146 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008 " Governor Signed 05/12/08

HB 1183

University system; certain provisions; delay repeal Rep. Bob Smith (113th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/31/08 House passed 163 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1186

Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; assessment payments; change certain provisions Rep. Mike Coan (101st) 03/28/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 03/04/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1189

Transportation, Department of; commissioner file report on State-wide Strategic Transportation Plan; require Rep. Donna Sheldon (105th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 149 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1196

Income tax credit; qualified investment; Seed-Capital Fund; provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 44 to 3 03/11/08 House passed 167 to 2 Effective Date: January 1, 2009 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1201

Georgia Emergency Management Agency Nomenclature Act of 2008; enact Rep. Burke Day (163rd) 03/18/08 Senate passed 53 to 1 02/28/08 House passed 138 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1209

State Board of Education; local school systems; contracts; provisions Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 30 to 15 04/04/08 House Passed 94 to 43 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 04/09/08

HB 1211

Georgia Bona Fide Large Forest Conservation Use Act of 2008; enact Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 03/31/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 162 to 0 Effective Date: January 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/09/08

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HB 1216

State government; change regional development centers to regional commissions; provisions Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 03/27/08 Senate passed 49 to 2 03/11/08 House passed 134 to 30 Effective Date: July 1, 2009
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1217

State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors; create Rep. Sean Jerguson (22nd) 03/31/08 Senate passed 44 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 137 to 15 Effective Date: Upon funds appropriated by the General Assembly
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08

HB 1220

Special license plates; firefighters; provisions Rep. Chuck Sims (169th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 145 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1222

`Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act; definitions; revise certain provisions Rep. Mickey Channell (116th) 03/20/08 Senate passed 46 to 0 03/28/08 House passed 157 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1234

Medicaid Care Management Organizations Act; enact Rep. Mickey Channell (116th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 45 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 136 to 1 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1235

Motor vehicles; fleet policies; insurance issuance requirements; change notice Rep. Austin Scott (153rd) 04/01/08 Senate passed 49 to 0 04/02/08 House passed 156 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1243

Alcoholic beverages; nonprofit organizations; issuance of temporary permits; change certain provisions Rep. Edward Lindsey (54th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 39 to 13 03/06/08 House passed 131 to 18 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 03/29/08

HB 1245

Indigent defense; revise matters; senior judges; change certain provisions Rep. David Ralston (7th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 40 to 7 04/04/08 House passed 129 to 30 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 106 of 112

HB 1246

Income tax credit; certain business enterprises; include broadcasting Rep. Allen Peake (137th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 46 to 3 04/04/08 House passed 150 to 6 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1249

Income tax credit; solar energy technology manufacturing facilities; provide Rep. Jeff Lewis (15th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 48 to 3 04/02/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
' Governor Vetoed 05/14/08

HB 1273

Income tax credit; businesses; jobs in less developed areas; change provisions Rep. Barry Fleming (117th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 50 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1274

Income tax credit; real property donations; change certain provisions Rep. David Knight (126th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 50 to 1 04/04/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 04/24/08

HB 1277

Health insurance plans; education personnel; consider charter school employees; provide Rep. Margaret Kaiser (59th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 1 03/11/08 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1280

Alcoholic beverages; regional economic assistance projects; provide state licensing Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 36 to 10 04/04/08 House passed 107 to 18 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1281

Water resources; local government restrictions; more restrictive than state; prohibit Rep. Terry England (108th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 39 to 13 04/02/08 House passed 145 to 15 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1283

Railroad corporations; presumptions; provisions Rep. David Ralston (7th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 42 to 5 04/02/08 House passed 154 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 107 of 112

HB 1297

Sexual assault protocol; afford greater protection to victims; change provisions Rep. Robert Mumford (95th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1300

Minimum school year; certain school days; provisions Rep. Amy Carter (175th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 50 to 0 03/11/08 House passed 166 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1302

Clayton County School System; code of ethics; provide Rep. Mike Glanton (76th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 53 to 0 03/20/08 House passed 152 to 3 Effective Date: Upon Signature of the Governor
" Governor Signed 04/30/08

HB 1303

Food service establishment; food nutrition information; provisions Rep. Mike Coan (101st) 03/27/08 Senate passed 38 to 12 03/11/08 House passed 160 to 2 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HB 1321

Education; alleged inappropriate behavior by teacher or school personnel; provisions Rep. Jay Shaw (176th) 04/04/08 Senate passed 47 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 145 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1328

State employees' health insurance plan; consumer choice options; revise a provision Rep. Allen Peake (137th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 39 to 3 03/11/08 House passed 156 to 10 Effective Date: January 1, 2009 " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HB 1335

Quality Basic Education Formula; funding purposes; change program weights Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) 03/31/08 Senate passed 48 to 1 03/11/08 House passed 163 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HB 1346

Theft; organized retail theft; create offense Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/01/08 Senate passed 47 to 2 04/02/08 House passed 157 to 1 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 108 of 112

House Resolutions

HR 21

Elbert Shaw, Jr. Regional Youth Detention Center; designate Rep. Tom Dickson (6th) 02/21/07 Senate passed 51 to 0 02/21/07 House passed 161 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 04/03/07

HR 57

Elbert County; conveyance of certain state owned real property; authorize Rep. Tom McCall (30th) 03/30/07 - Senate passed 48 to 0 02/22/07 - House passed 157 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07

HR 102

Clark, Mr. Robert; compensate; provide for state income tax exclusion Rep. Larry O'Neal (146th) 04/10/07 - Senate passed 41 to 0 04/13/07 House passed 119 to 18 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07

HR 351

Joint Study Committee on Fulton County; create Rep. Edward Lindsey (54th) 04/19/07 Senate passed 42 to 0 04/20/07 House passed 137 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07

HR 369

Baldwin, Charlton, Chatham, Coffee, and Columbia counties; convey property; authorize Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 46 to 0 04/27/07 House passed 158 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07

HR 370

Bibb, Cobb, Dougherty, Mitchell and Troup Counties; lease property; authorize Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/13/07 Senate passed 45 to 0 04/19/07 House passed 146 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2007
" Governor Signed 05/24/07

HR 468

Sheriff D. J. Connell Memorial Highway; dedicate Rep. Penny Houston (170th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 151 to 1 *Includes 21 road naming resolutions " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HR 1022

Certain comprehensive state-wide water management plan; ratify Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) 02/05/08 Senate passed 42 to 10 01/18/08 House passed 131 to 37 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 02/06/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 109 of 112

HR 1023

Tuskegee Airmen Parkway; dedicate Rep. Bob Holmes (61st) 04/04/08 Senate passed 51 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 151 to 1 *Includes four road naming resolutions " Governor Signed 05/14/08

HR 1025

General Appropriations Act; statements of legislative intent; provide CA Rep. Ben Harbin (118th) Senate Appropriations Committee 01/31/08 House passed 167 to 1

HR 1078

Williams, Mr. Willie Otis "Pete;" compensate Rep. Steve Tumlin (38th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 40 to 10 04/04/08 House passed 119 to 19 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HR 1103

Joint Study Committee on Teacher Training and Certification; create Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 40 to 1 02/26/08 House passed 159 to 0 Effective Date: July 1, 2008
" Governor Signed 05/13/08

HR 1158

Georgia BIO; commend Rep. Charlice Byrd (20th) 03/12/08 Senate passed 54 to 0 02/01/08 House read and adopted

HR 1206

Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission; create Rep. Harry Geisinger (48th) 03/06/08 Senate Rules Committee 02/20/08 House passed 136 to 26

HR 1276

Bona fide large forest land conservation use property; special assessment and taxation; provide CA Rep. Richard Royal (171st) 03/31/08 Senate passed 46 to 1 04/02/08 House passed 164 to 0
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HR 1310

State Properties Commission; enter into dispute agreements; real property in Butts, Lamar, and Monroe Counties; authorize Rep. Jim Cole (125th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 43 to 1 04/01/08 House passed 163 to 0
" Governor Signed 05/07/08

HR 1425

State of Georgia property; certain counties; nonexclusive easements; authorize Rep. Terry Barnard (166th) 04/02/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 04/04/08 House passed 144 to 0
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

HR 1427

Robert S. "Bob" Boney State Prison; dedicate Rep. Bob Hanner (148th) 03/28/08 Senate passed 48 to 0 03/11/08 House passed 165 to 0
" Governor Signed 05/14/08

2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 110 of 112

Senate Leadership 2007-08
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
President
Sen. Eric Johnson
President Pro Tempore
Sen. Tommie Williams
Majority Leader
Sen. Dan Moody
Majority Caucus Chairman
Sen. Mitch Seabaugh
Majority Whip
Sen. Robert Brown
Minority Leader
Sen. Tim Golden
Minority Caucus Chairman
Sen. David Adelman
Minority Whip
Robert F. Ewing
Secretary of the Senate
Lorenzo Wallace
Sergeant at Arms
Sen. Joseph Carter Sen. Ronnie Chance
Sen. Bill Heath
Governor's Floor Leaders
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 111 of 112

Senate Press Office Staff
Robert F. Ewing
Interim Director
Jeremy Arieh
Deputy Director
Chris Bailey
Broadcast Media Specialist
Ravae Graham
Communications Specialist
Kallarin Richards
Communications 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
2008 Legislative Wrap Up Page 112 of 112