This Week in the Senate
March 9 - 13, 2015

Georgia State Senate Press O ce Sta
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A Message from Senate President Pro Tempore David Shafer
is week culminated with Crossover Day, the last day for Senate bills to be considered in our chamber and "cross over" to the House. For the remainder of the session, we will now exclusively focus on reviewing House bills that crossed over to us.
e Senate took up legislation this week to improve education. Senate Bill 132 will give students the chance to take post-secondary classes in high school for credit. Senate Resolution 80 deals with Advanced Placement standards for U.S. History, decrying attempts to re-write the history of our great nation.
Another bill passed this week will strengthen student understanding of the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Senate Bill 116 will bring at least three hours of social studies instruction on these important documents and set the week of September 17th as Celebrate Freedom Week.
Sen. John F. Kennedy (R Macon), presented his rst bill, Senate Bill 128, in the well this week. Sen. Ellis Black (R - Valdosta) also presented his rst bill, Senate Bill 175. I am proud of all our freshman senators for their willingness to work hard while navigating the terrain of their rst legislative session.
MONDAY, MARCH 9
Dual Enrollment Modi cation Act Sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R - Carrollton), Senate Bill 132 passed with a vote of 53 to 0. is legislation expands and modi es Georgia's dual enrollment program, in which high school students are given the opportunity to take post-secondary classes for high school course credit. SB 132 will transfer oversight of the program to the Georgia Student Finance Commission and requires the Finance Commission to develop guidelines for the dual enrollment program. - SB 132
State Defense Force Receives Equal Service Rights Senate Bill 69, sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R - Marietta), will grant members of the State Defense Force the same reemployment rights as members of the National Guard and Reserves. SB 69 will also remove restrictions regarding the rights of members to be absent for service and will allow the reemployment of former members. SB 69 passed with a vote of 51 to 0. - SB 69
New Requirements for Reporting Speeding Fines Sen. Jesse Stone (R - Waynesboro) sponsored Senate Bill 134, which requires all speeding ne amounts be calculated to determine whether a law enforcement agency is using speed detection devices to raise revenue. SB 134 passed with a vote of 52 to 2. - SB 134

State Charter Schools Commission Authorized to Establish Nonpro t Sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta), Senate Bill 156 passed with a vote of 44 to 9. is legislation will allow the State Charter Schools Commission to establish a nonpro t corporation. SB 156 will excuse the State of Georgia from any liability from the corporation and will also require the State Charter Schools Foundation to provide annual reporting of their requirements and procedures. - SB 156
e Old Governor's Mansion Becomes O cial State Historic House Senate Bill 168, sponsored by Burt Jones (R - Jackson), will designate the Old Governor's Mansion as the o cial state historic house. e Department of Economic Development and other tourism agencies will work together to advertise and educate Georgia citizens and tourists about the Old Governor's Mansion. SB 168 passed with a vote of 50 to 1. - SB 168
Inspection of Animals Entering Georgia Sen. Ellis Black (R - Valdosta) sponsored Senate Bill 175, which will make it illegal to import horses, poultry, livestock or birds into Georgia without an o cial certi cate of veterinary inspection. Furthermore, SB 175 will give the Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture the authority to determine if other animals pose a signi cant risk of carrying a disease. SB 175 passed unanimously. - SB 175
O cial Code of Georgia Revised House Bill 90, carried by Sen. Josh McKoon (R - Columbus) and sponsored by Rep. Wendell Willard (R - Sandy Springs), passed unanimously. HB 90 will incorporate several updates and corrections to the O cial Code of Georgia. ese revisions were recommended by the Georgia Code Revision Commission during their annual review. - HB 90
Georgia Residents Honored with Roadways Sens. Steve Henson (D - Tucker), Mike Dugan (R - Carrollton) and Gloria S. Butler (D - Stone Mountain) sponsored Senate Resolution 296, which will rename certain roadways in honor of former Senator Lawrence Stumbaugh, news tra c reporter Captain Herb Emory and 108-year-old Runell Brooks Foster. e bridge on MARTA Indian Creek Station exit ramp will be named Senator Lawrence Stumbaugh Bridge. e yover ramp on Interstate 85 and Georgia 400 will be named the Captain Herb Emory Flyover Ramp. e intersection of US Highway 78 and Rosebud Road will be named the Brooks-Foster Crossing. SR 296 passed with a vote of 52 to 0. - SR 296
Senate Commends the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium Sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R - Gainesville), Senate Resolution 276 commended the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium on their work to provide students with intellectual or developmental disabilities access to post-secondary education. Kennesaw State University, Columbus State University and East Georgia State College o er the Georgia Inclusive Post-Secondary Education Consortium program. Sen. Miller's son, Charlie, spoke to the Senate about the positive impact the Consortium has had on his life. - SR 276

Commending omas E. Daniel Senate Resolution 403, sponsored by Sen. Jack Hill (R - Reidsville), commended omas E. Daniel for 30 years of service to the state of Georgia. Daniel has been a long-time governmental a airs representative for the University System of Georgia. He was instrumental in the passing of the HOPE scholarship legislation in 1992 and also its redesign in 2011. As senior vice chancellor for external a airs for the Board of Regents, student enrollment has nearly doubled. - SR 403
St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee Sen. Ben Watson (R - Savannah) sponsored Senate Resolution 390, which recognizes and honors the members of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. Chairman Kevin Halligan and Grand Marshal Hugh Coleman spoke to the Senate about the upcoming St. Patrick's Day Parade in Savannah. - SR 390
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11
Senate Urges Revision of the Advanced Placement U.S. History Course Sen. William Ligon (R - Brunswick) sponsored Senate Resolution 80, which passed with a vote of 38 to 17. SR 80 urges the College Board to revise its new Advanced Placement U. S. History (APUSH) course framework, which di ers from the social studies requirements under the Georgia Performance Standards. - SR 80
Conveyance of State-Owned Property Senate Resolution 266, sponsored by Sen. Rick Je ares (R - McDonough), passed in a vote of 53 to 0. SR 266 authorizes the conveyance of speci c state-owned property in the counties of Appling, Cherokee, Douglas, Fulton, Gordon, Meriweather, Monroe, Paulding, Troup and Upson. - SR 266
Granting of Nonexclusive Easements Sen. Rick Je ares (R - McDonough) sponsored Senate Resolution 267, which passed with a 50 to 0 vote. SR 267 will grant access of state-owned property for construction, operation and maintenance. is legislation will take e ect in Baldwin, Barrow, Bartow, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, Houston, Laurens, Liberty, Lowndes, Macon, McIntosh, Meriwether, Newton, Polk, Richmond, Troup, Walton and Wayne counties. - SR 267
Directors and O cers of Business Corporations Sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R - Macon), Senate Bill 128 passed in a unanimous vote of 54 to 0. SB 128 revises provisions in the Georgia Business Corporation Code (GBCC) relating to o cers and directors to make them consistent with changes to Chapter 8 of the Model Business Corporation Act. - SB 128
Motorcycle Mobility Safety Act Sponsored by Sen. Bill Jackson (R - Appling), Senate Bill 76 passed in a vote of 51 to 4. Under certain conditions, a stop light may fail to change to green because a motorcycle or bicycle does not trigger the light's censor to change. SB 76 allows the operator to disregard or disobey a tra c signal if the person has reasonable belief that the signal is unresponsive due to the weight or design of the vehicle. - SB 76

Continuing Care at Home Sponsored by Sen. Jesse Stone (R - Waynesboro), Senate Bill 111 expands the type of services that continuing care providers and facilities may perform. e bill will allow providers to o er continuing care at home services, including nursing care, assisted living care or personal care home services. Senate Bill 111 passed in a vote of 51 to 2. - SB 111
Senate Urges Congress For A Balanced Budget Amendment Sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R - Marietta), Senate Resolution 155 encourages the United States Congress to adopt a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. SR 155 passed in a vote of 37 to 17. - SR 155
Powers and Responsibilities Transferred from Governor's O ce of Consumer A airs Senate Bill 148 transfers the powers and responsibilities of the Governor's O ce of Consumer A airs to the Attorney General's O ce. Sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R - Macon), SB 148 passed in a vote of 48 to 5. - SB 148
Celebrate Freedom Week Senate Bill 116 establishes the week of September 17th as Celebrate Freedom Week in Georgia Public Schools.
e bill encourages at least three hours of instruction in social studies classes at each grade level to focus on the intent, meaning, and importance of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R - Brunswick), Senate Bill 116 passed in a vote of 49 to 3. - SB 116
Remedies When a Judge Expresses an Opinion in a Criminal Case Sponsored by Sen. John F. Kennedy (R - Macon), Senate Bill 99 passed in a vote of 39 to 16. SB 99 is a correction to Georgia law based on a dissenting opinion submitted by the Georgia Supreme Court. SB 99 would require the defense counsel to object to statements of fact in a timely manner during the case in question in order to be able to claim the error as a reason for appeal, mistrial or reversal. - SB 99
Revising Processes for Establishing Paternity of a Child Sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R - Rome), Senate Bill 64 clari es the procedures and requirements for hospital programs when establishing paternity of the father in cases where the mother is unmarried. SB 64 passed in a vote of 51 to 3. - SB 64
Expand Liability Protections for Livestock Activities Sen. John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa) sponsored Senate Bill 183, which passed with a vote of 41 to 11. SB 183 expands current law to limit the liability of owners, professionals or sponsors of animals participating in livestock activities. Current law only protects horses and llama activities from being held liable when participants are injured. - SB 183
Regulations of Dogs Based on Breeds Sponsored by Sen. Ellis Black (R - Valdosta), Senate Bill 184 passed in a vote of 42 to 11. SB 184 prohibits local governments from banning speci c breeds of dogs and provides that breed regulation can be made by state law only. - SB 184
Bonds and Recognizances Senate Bill 195 passed in a vote of 47 to 3. Sponsored by Sen. Michael Williams (R - Cumming), SB 195 doubles the maximum annual fee for continuing education programs for professional bondsmen from $125.00 to $250.00. - SB 195

Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Senate Bill 59 passed in a unanimous vote of 51 to 0. Sponsored by Sen. Hunter Hill (R - Atlanta), SB 59 establishes a Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act Guidelines Committee to prepare model guidelines for local governments to use throughout all stages of qualifying projects, including the acceptance of unsolicited bids. - SB 59
Senate Urges Congress to Enact the FairTax Sponsored by Sen. Judson Hill (R - Marietta), Senate Resolution 350 urges the U.S. Congress to adopt the FairTax and subsequently repeal the Sixteenth Amendment. e FairTax is a national sales tax that would replace all federal, corporate and personal taxes with a single consumption tax on new goods and services purchased. SR 350 passed with a vote of 37 to 18. - SR 350
Cruelty to Children in the ird Degree Sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D - Atlanta), Senate Bill 35 unanimously passed in a vote of 50 to 0. SB 35 amends the charge of cruelty to a child in the third degree to include leaving a child under the age of six unattended in a car in circumstances that pose a risk to the child's health or safety. - SB 35
PBIS and RTI Programs Sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D - Decatur), Senate Bill 164 authorizes the State Board of Education to provide funds, subject to appropriations by the General Assembly, to local school systems to support Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) programs, initiatives, and personnel. SB 164 passed unanimously in a 51 to 0 vote. - SB 164
Senate Welcomes Congressman Barry Loudermilk Congressman Barry Loudermilk (GA - 11) appeared in the chamber to update the Senate on congressional endeavors in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Loudermilk thanked members for their service to the state.
Senate Commends Coach Paul Johnson Sponsored by Sen. Hunter Hill (R - Atlanta), Senate Resolution 349 commends Georgia Tech Football Head Coach Paul Johnson for being named 2014 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Coach of the Year. Georgia Tech had an 11-3 record in the 2014 football season and played in the 2014 ACC Football Championship game. Coach Johnson thanked Senators for the recognition. - SR 349
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
Brewpubs and Growlers Senate Bill 63, sponsored by Sen. Hunter Hill (R - Atlanta), expands limited exceptions to the state's current three-tier distribution system for alcohol. e legislation allows patrons to consume up to 36 ounces of beer per visitor on-site at licensed brewpubs, as well as take home up to 64 ounces of beer in a single container such as a growler. SB 63 passed in a vote of 51 to 5. - SB 63
Senate Expands the Use for Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax Proceeds Senate Bill 122, sponsored by Sen. Je Mullis (R - Chickamauga), will allow Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax proceeds to be used for the repair of capital outlay projects. Such projects will include the repair of roads, streets and bridges that have been damaged or destroyed by natural disasters. SB 122 passed unanimously. - SB 122

Georgia Residents Honored with Roadways II Sens. Steve Gooch (R - Dahlonega) and Je Mullis (R - Chickamauga) sponsored Senate Resolution 126 recognizing Bill T. Hardman, Frank L. Danchetz, Roger Dorsey, Paul V. Liles, Jr. and Donald E. urmond. State Route 400 in Dawson and Lumpkin Counties will be named the Bill T. Hardman Hospitality Highway. e Bypass from SR11 to US129 at Donald E. urmond Drive extending northwest to SR11/US129 at Hulsey Road will be named Appalachian Parkway. e intersection at State Route 341 and Mission Ridge Road in Walker County will be named E-4 Roger Dorsey, United States Navy, Memorial Intersection. A portion of State Route 306 from GA 400 to State Route 53 in Forsyth County will be named Frank L. Danchetz Highway. e bridge on State Route 8, over the Interstate 75 and 85 Connector in Fulton County, will be named the Paul V. Liles, Jr., Bridge. SR 126 passed with a vote of 54 to 0. - SR 126
Gladys Knight Highway Sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D - Atlanta), Senate Resolution 441 seeks to dedicate State Route 9 in Fulton County from its intersection with Peachtree Street to 14th Street as the Gladys Knight Highway. SR 441 passed with a vote of 53 to 0. - SR 441
Controlled Substances erapeutic Research Act Sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta), Senate Bill 185 passed in a vote of 54 to 1. SB 185 creates the Controlled Substances erapeutic Research Act, which will allow clinical trials for cannabidiol (CBD) products to treat patients under the age of 21 who su er from medication-resistant epilepsies. e bill also creates a pilot research program of CBD products that will be implemented by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia (USG). - SB 185
Georgia World War I Centennial Commission Sponsored by Sen. Hunter Hill (R - Atlanta), Senate Bill 203 creates the Georgia World War I Centennial Commission. e Commission will consist of six members responsible for the planning, development, and execution of activities commemorating the centennial anniversary of World War I. e Commission will be abolished 30 days after the completion of activities or on July 28, 2019--whichever date is earlier. SB 203 passed in a vote of 53 to 0. - SB 203
Smokefree Cars for Children Act Sponsored by Sen. Bruce ompson (R - White), Senate Bill 130 makes it a misdemeanor o ense to smoke in a car with a child under 15 years of age. It requires law enforcement to stop a driver for a primary o ense rst before charging the driver with a violation under this provision. Law enforcement would not be permitted to initiate a tra c stop solely for the purpose of charging a driver with a violation for smoking in a vehicle with a person under 15 years of age. SB 103 passed in a vote of 37 to 3. - SB 130
Law Enforcement O cials and Recording In Private Places Sen. Jesse Stone (R - Waynesboro) sponsored Senate Bill 154, which states that it is illegal for any person to observe, photograph or record the activities of another in any private place without consent. is legislation will revise the de nition of "private place" to mean a place where there is a reasonable expectation of privacy.

SB 154 will also allow law enforcement o cials and other personnel to use recording devices while executing a lawful arrest or search warrant. SB 154 passed with a vote of 39 to 6. - SB 154
SHBP Participant on Board of Community Health Sponsored by Sen. Josh McKoon (R - Columbus), Senate Bill 145 passed by a vote of 45 to 0. SB 145 amends Georgia Code to require that at least one member of the Board of Community Health is an active participant in the State Health Bene t Plan (SHBP). - SB 145
Georgia's Child Welfare System Reform Sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R - Gainesville), Senate Bill 138 will create a Division of Family and Children Services state advisory board, regional advisory boards and county advisory boards. ese boards will create one common protocol for all Division of Family and Children Services agencies to follow including how they share data. SB 138 passed with a vote of 41 to 3. - SB 138
Exemptions Made for Dialysis Kidney Products Distributors Senate Bill 194, sponsored by Sen. Rick Je ares (R - McDonough), will add a new Code section to the Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act to provide an exemption for facilities engaging solely in the distribution of certain home kidney dialysis products. Under this legislation, these facilities will be exempt from provisions that apply to pharmacists and pharmacies under the Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act. SB 194 passed with a vote of 43 to 0. - SB 194
Senate Prohibits Local Governing Authorities From Excavating Sites Near Utility Facilities Sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R - Marietta), Senate Bill 191 prohibits local governing authorities from adopting or enforcing any ordinance which requires the blasting or excavating of a site. SB 191 passed with a vote of 34 to 18. - SB 191
Persons Under 21 with Alcoholic Beverages Senate Bill 160, sponsored by Sen. Michael Williams (R - Cumming), requires law enforcement to issue a citation, instead of making a custodial arrest, to anyone accused of being in possession of or attempting to purchase alcohol under the age of 21. SB 160 leaves an arrest to the o cer's discretion. e bill passed with a vote 48 to 3. - SB 160
License Fees For Coin Operated Machines Sen. Butch Miller (R - Gainesville) sponsored Senate Bill 190 which requires the payment of manufacturer and distributor license fees and license transfer fees of coin operated amusement machines. SB 190 authorizes Georgia Lottery Corporation to issue a certain number of Class B licenses through auction. SB 190 passed with a vote of 47 to 4. - SB 190
Underground Water Supply Protection Act of 2015 Sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R - Brunswick), Senate Bill 36 requires the Board of Natural Resources to adopt rules and regulations to protect and preserve the Floridan aquifer by July 1, 2016. SB 36 passed with a vote 48 to 3. - SB 36
Distribution of Alternative Ad Valorem Tax Proceeds of Apportionable Vehicles Senate Bill 82, sponsored by Sen. John Wilkinson (R - Toccoa), revises the distribution of alternative ad valorem tax proceeds of apportionable vehicles. An apportionable vehicle is any vehicle displaying restricted plates, city pickup and delivery vehicles, charter buses and government owned vehicles. SB 82 passed in vote of 47 to 4. - SB 82
Refund and Waiver of Fees and Penalties Incurred by Candidates for Local O ces Senate Bill 127, sponsored by Sen. Rick Je ares (R - McDonough), provides that candidates who paid late fees,
nes or civil penalties to the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission are able to

receive a refund or a waiver of fees for penalties incurred from the Commission. SB 127 passed with a vote of 48 to 4. - SB 127
Senate Approves the Use of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine by Medical Professionals Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R - Rome) sponsored Senate Bill 126, which will allow pharmacists to dispense auto-injectable epinephrine and authorize the prescription by medical professionals. is legislation will also establish secure Emergency Public Access Stations and permit authorized medical professionals to administer auto-injectable epinephrine in emergency situations. SB 126 passed unanimously. - SB 126
Revision of Title 32 of the O cial Code of Georgia Sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R - Dahlonega), Senate Bill 169 revises various provisions relating to Department of Transportation. ese provisions include acquisitions of right of way, disposal of acquired property, federal-aid funding and submissions of accident reports by law enforcement agencies. SB 169 passed with a vote of 48 to 6. - SB 169
State Health Bene t Plan to Provide Policyholders Access to Trauma Centers Senate Bill 143, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (R - Rome), will require all plans o ered through the State Health Bene t Plan provide access to all Level 1 trauma centers. is legislation will also allow hospitals and insurers who provide policies through the State Health Bene t Plan to appeal to the Commissioner of Community Health whenever the two entities cannot agree on the terms of a contract. SB 143 passed with a vote of 48 to 5. - SB 143
Deantre Gregory Turman Act Senate Bill 176, sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D - Atlanta), will strongly encourage gridiron football players to wear helmets that have at least a four star rating on the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings scale at the time of participation. SB 176 passed with a vote of 41 to 1. - SB 176
Weapons Violations in School Safety Zones Designated as a Class B Felony Sponsored by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D - Decatur), Senate Bill 141 establishes that carrying certain weapons within school safety zones, at school functions, or on transportation provided by a school by a child at least 13 years old shall be considered a Class B designated felony. SB 141 passed in a vote of 42 to 0. - SB 141
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Forms Sponsored by Sen. Nan Orrock (D - Atlanta), Senate Bill 109 clari es the use and e ectiveness of Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) forms. A POLST form is a legally su cient document that provides directions for a patient's end of life treatment. SB 109 passed in a vote of 44 to 0. - SB 109
Senate Welcomes Congressman Hank Johnson Congressman Hank Johnson (GA - 04) addressed members of the Senate and commended them on their hard work during session. Congressman Johnson applauded the Senate for their ability to thoroughly debate topics while maintaining friendly relationships with each other.
Senate Welcomes Congressman Tom Price U.S. Rep Tom Price (GA - 06) appeared in the chamber and spoke about lessening the role of the federal government on the lives of Georgians. He praised the Senate for their sound governing led by common sense, positive solutions that uphold the rule of law.
The Georgia State Senate will reconvene for DAY 31 on Wednesday, March 18, at 10:00 a.m.