From the upper chamber 2007 March 27

Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The thirtieth day of the 2007 legislative session was called to order by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle.
Senator Don Thomas of the 54th stated that the journal had been read and was found to be correct.
Senate Bills 313-318, Senate Resolutions 480, 482, 483, 486, 487, 515 and 517, House Bills 77, 109, 177, 181, 185, 186, 214, 218, 227, 229, 280, 318, 363, 389, 408, 424, 487, 505, 533, 536, 549, 559, 643-645, 657 and 660 and House Resolutions 195, 321, 351, 369 and 370 were read for the first time and assigned to committees. The clerk of the Secretary then read the reports of standing committees and second readers.
After the morning roll call, Sen. Ron Ramsey of the 43rd then took the rostrum to lead the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. Sen. Ramsey introduced the Chaplain of the Day, Pastor James C. Ward of Antioch-Lithonia Baptist Church, who led the Senate in the daily devotional.
Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to address the recent situation with Fulton County's DFCS office.
Sen. David Shafer of the 48th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to discuss last week's debate on SB 148.
Sen. Valencia Seay of the 34th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to announce the birth of her granddaughter.
The Secretary read SR 491, which commends Coach Ken Wojociechowski of the Jordan Vocational High School Jackets Boys basketball team.
Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th took the rostrum to congratulate the team and present Coach Wojociechowski with the resolution.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 1 of 19

The Consent Calendar for Privileged Resolutions, consisting of SR 473-479, 481, 484, 485, 488-514, 516 and 518-520, was unanimously adopted.
Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th moved to withdraw HB 443 from the Insurance and Labor Committee and commit to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The motion to withdraw and commit was adopted by a vote of 37 to 0.
The Secretary then stated there were objections filed on two bills on today's Senate Local Consent Calendar, SB 306 and SB 312. The bills were moved to the Local Calendar for Contested Bills.
The Senate Local Consent Calendar, consisting of SB 302 and HB 216, 345, 388, 403, 411, 473, 483, 623, 573 and 574, passed by a vote of 54 to 0.
The Secretary then read SB 306 and Amendment 1. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill, which provides for definitions and guidelines of the Greater Fulton County Water Authority Act, and Amendment 1, which limits the power of eminent domain.
Sen. Horacena Tate of the 38th took the well to speak against the bill, and urged further study of the legislation. Senators Fort and Nan Orrock of the 36th also took the well to state their opposition to the bill. Sen. Shafer took the well to respond to the concerns raised about the bill.
Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th moved that a copy of SB 306 be printed for the Senate. Lt. Gov. Cagle ruled that the motion must be approved by a majority vote.
Sen. Steve Henson of the 41st moved lay SB 306 on the table until tomorrow. The motion to table failed by a vote of 23 to 31.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 34 to 7.
SB 306 passed as amended by a vote of 32 to 24.
The Secretary read SB 312, which will raise the salaries of Fulton County Superior Court judges. Sen. Shafer took the well to speak to the bill.
Sen. Fort took the well to oppose the bill.
SB 312 passed by a vote of 44 to 10.
The Secretary then read HB 94, the supplemental appropriations act for FY 07, and it was assigned to committee.
The Consent Calendar for Commemorative Resolutions, consisting of SR 63, 104, 136, 229, 296, 301 and 357, was adopted by a vote of 54 to 0.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 2 of 19

The Consent Calendar for Resolution Expressing the Will of the Senate, consisting of SR 139, 247, 270 and 397, was adopted by a vote of 49 to 2.
The Senate Consent Calendar for Study Committee and Commissions, consisting of SR 22, 30, 154, 246, 283, 327, 355, 363 and 365, was adopted by a vote of 54 to 0.
Sen. Renee Unterman of the 45th moved that SB 243, which makes significant changes to the Ethics in Government Act, be engrossed. She then took the well to speak to the motion.
Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th took the well to oppose the motion to engross.
The motion to engross passed by a vote of 32 to 24.
The Secretary read SB 50, which mandates that a notary public must be a legal resident of the U.S. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th took the well to present the bill, stating that all penalties remain the same.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
SB 50 passed by substitute by a vote of 55 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 96, which updates the technical provisions for drug-free work programs. Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th took the well to urge support of the bill and Amendment 1.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 35 to 0.
SB 96 passed as amended by a vote of 56 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 237, which establishes minimum training requirements to practice architecture. President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st took the well to present the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 40 to 0.
SB 237 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 1.
The Secretary read SB 282, which provides for alternative tourism routes within the state's highway system. Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd took the well and explained that the legislation seeks to alleviate some of the state's traffic congestion.
SB 282 passed by a vote of 52 to 0.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 3 of 19

Sen. John Wiles of the 37th took the well to ask Senators to put their local legislation on the calendar, so the bills can be moved through the Senate today.
The Secretary read SB 200 and its amendments, which creates the Georgia Smart Infrastructure Growth Act. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th took the well to speak to the bill and its amendments, explaining the provisions and benefits of Infrastructure Development Districts. Amendment 1 strives to address concerns from interested parties; Amendment 2 clarifies language regarding local governing authorities and Amendments 3 and 4 make minor language clarifications.
The Secretary read Amendment 5, which creates a Study Committee on the Creation of Infrastructure Development Districts. Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd took the well to speak to the amendment.
Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th took the well to speak in support of Amendment 5.
Sen. Grant took the well took the well to oppose Amendment 5 and urged the Senate not to pass the amendment.
Sen. Brown took the well to speak in favor of Amendment 5, stating that further study of the legislation is necessary to perfect the bill.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 36 to 3.
Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 40 to 0.
Amendment 3 was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
Amendment 4 was adopted by a vote of 40 to 1.
Amendment 5 failed by a vote of 14 t0 32.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 39 to 2.
SB 200 passed by substitute by a vote of 37 to 17.
The Secretary read SR 309, which provides a referendum vote on Infrastructure Development Districts. Sen. Grant took the well to introduce the resolution.
Sen. Brown took the well to urge the Senate not to pass the resolution. Sen. Thompson of the 33rd took the well to urge passage of SR 309. Sen. Reed took the well to urge for further study of the topic, and to not pass the legislation.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 32 to 5.
SR 309 failed by a vote of 37 to 15.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 4 of 19

Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th asked that the bill be reconsidered.
Lt. Gov. Cagle moved that the Senate stand at ease until 1:00 p.m.
Upon returning from lunch, Lt. Gov. Cagle stated that the Senate would vote to reconsider SR 309.
The motion to reconsider SR 309 was approved by a vote of 37 to 15, and SR 309 was returned to the Senate General Calendar.
The Secretary read a letter from Sen. George Hooks of the 14th, stating that his vote was recorded in error due to a malfunction of his voting machine.
Sen. Hooks moved to suspend Senate rule 6-7.5 and immediately reconsider SR 309. Sen. Brown objected to the motion.
Lt. Gov. Cagle stated that according to the Senate rule, the motion requires the approval of two-thirds of the Senate.
Sen. Hooks' motion was approved by a vote of 37 to 16.
Lt. Gov. Cagle stated that SR 309 would be taken up now.
Sen. Thompson of the 33rd moved to table SR 309.
The motion to table was approved by a vote of 37 to 16.
The Secretary read SB 204, which changes provisions relating to the board for the distribution and delivery of dead bodies.
Sen. Thomas of the 54th took the well to present the bill.
SB 204 passed by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 75 was read. The legislation provides for the weighting of grades for honors, advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses to determine eligibility for postsecondary scholarships, grants and loans.
Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th took the well to present the bill. He yielded to questions from Sens. Jack Hill of the 4th and Johnson.
SB 75 passed by a vote of 54 to 0.
The Secretary read SR 125, which proposes an amendment to the Georgia Constitution to protect lottery funds, so that they may be reserved only for the HOPE Scholarship and
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 5 of 19

other tuition grants, for voluntary pre-K and for educational shortfall reserves. The legislation is otherwise known as the HOPE Chest Amendment.
Amendment 1 by Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd and others was also read.
Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th took the well to present the resolution.
Sen. Tarver then took the well to explain Amendment 1.
Sen. Orrock took the well to discuss certain aspects of the HOPE Chest Amendment.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 42 to 0.
SR 125 was adopted as amended by a vote of 45 to 8.
The Secretary read SB 295, which will prohibit the production of the hallucinogenic chemical derived from the Salvia divinorum A plant. Amendment 1 and 2 were also read.
Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th took the well to explain the Committee Substitute. He also addressed Amendments 1 and 2. He yielded to questions from Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 38 to 0.
Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 38 to 0.
SB 295 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 0.
SR 400 was read. The legislation proposes a Constitutional Amendment to provide for a program of state income tax credits for charitable contributions to non-profit organizations providing health or social services.
Sen. Jeff Chapman of the 3rd took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
Sen. Brown took the well to speak in favor of SR 400.
President Pro Tem Johnson took the gavel to preside.
The Committee Substitute to SR 400 was adopted by a vote of 32 to 0.
SR 400 was adopted by substitute by a vote of 52 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 89. The legislation will provide for the creation of townships in Georgia.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 6 of 19

Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd took the well to present the Committee Substitute. He also explained the idea for his bill was a result of the 2006 DeKalb County Government Study Committee. He yielded to questions from Sens. Unterman and Thompson of the 33rd.
The Committee Substitute to SB 89 was adopted by a vote of 35 to 0.
SB 89 passed by substitute by a vote of 41 to 10.
SR 130 was read. The resolution proposes a Constitutional Amendment to provide for townships for the limited purposes of exercising the power of zoning and the regulation of land use.
Sen. Grant moved to table SR 130. There was objection. The motion to table was adopted by a vote of 35 to 9.
The Secretary read SB 182, which changes provisions relating to asbestos and silica claims.
Sen. John Wiles of the 37th took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 182 was adopted by a vote of 28 to 0.
SB 182 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 272 was read. The bill provides limited liability for owners and operators of farms offering agritourism activities. Amendment 1 was also read.
Sen. Bulloch took the well to explain the bill. He also spoke in favor of Amendment 1.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 29 to 0.
SB 272 passed by substitute by a vote of 46 to 2.
The Secretary read SB 122, which will require that annual performance evaluations be signed and provided to each certified educator by April 1.
Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 29 to 0.
SB 122 passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 258, which will ban the sale of marijuana/hemp-flavored candy in the state.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 7 of 19

Sen. Fort took the well to present the bill. SB 258 passed by a vote of 44 to 4. The Secretary read SB 102, which will expand the scope of practice for chiropractors in Georgia. Several Amendments were also read. Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th took the well to explain the bill. Sen. Wiles took the well to speak against the bill. Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd took the well to explain Amendments 1 and 2. He yielded to questions from Sens. Unterman and Shafer. Sen. Thomas of the 54th took the well to speak to the bill, and to explain Amendment 3. Sen. Balfour took the well to conclude the debate on SB 102. He yielded to questions from Sens. Brown, Unterman and Lee Hawkins of the 49th. Amendment 1 failed by a vote of 22 to 23. Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 28 to 21. Amendment 3 failed by a vote of 19 to 26. Amendment 4 failed by a vote of 14 to 26. Amendment 5 failed by a vote of 9 to 30. Sen. Balfour moved to reconsider Amendment 2. The Secretary ruled that the motion was in order. Sen. Smith then moved to reconsider Amendment 1. The motion to reconsider Amendment 2 was approved by a vote of 31 to 13. Amendment 2 failed after reconsideration by a vote of 18 to 27. The motion to reconsider Amendment 1 failed by a vote of 16 to 25. The Committee Substitute to SB 102 was adopted by a vote of 30 to 11. SB 102 passed by substitute by a vote of 40 to 12.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 8 of 19

The Secretary read SB 243, which will make changes to the Ethics in Government Act.
Sen. Unterman took the well to explain the changes in the bill.
The Committee Substitute to SB 243 was adopted by a vote of 28 to 0.
SB 243 passed by substitute by a vote 48 to 1.
SB 267 was read. The legislation revises the Georgia Condominium Act, making new provisions for subcondominium associations.
Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th took the well to present the bill. He yielded to questions from Sen. Chapman.
The Committee Substitute to SB 267 was adopted by a vote of 23 to 0.
SB 267 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0.
The Secretary read SR 478, which honors Dr. Klaus Scharioth, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to the U.S. Lt. Gov. Cagle then recognized Sen. Meyer von Bremen, who took the rostrum to introduce Ambassador Scharioth and his delegation.
The Secretary read SB 290, which creates the Georgia Aviation Authority.
Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st took the well to present the bill.
SB 290 passed by a vote of 48 to 0.
SB 210 was read. The measure will allow the Secretary of State and Division of Archives and History to designate and establish facilities occupied by a government agency as a branch depository.
Sen. Hooks took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 210 was adopted by a vote of 32 to 0.
SB 210 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 109, which will include plan administrators in prompt pay requirements for insurance plans.
Sen. Hudgens took the well to explain the Committee Substitute and Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Sens. Seabaugh, Smith and Balfour.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 26 to 0.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 9 of 19

The Secretary read Amendment 2, which mandates that electronic claims be accepted. Sen. Hill of the 32nd took the well to present the Amendment. He yielded to questions from Sen. Hudgens.
Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 37 to 0.
The Committee Substitute to SB 109 was adopted as amended by a vote of 36 to 0.
Lt. Gov. Cagle announced that the Senate will stand in recess from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., during which time the Rules Committee will meet.
SB 109 passed by substitute by a vote of 48 to 1.
HB 530, 553, 554, 580, 635, 664, 666, 675, 677, 679, 680-685, 156, 197, 383, 430, 646, 152, 242, 340 and 471 and HR 322 were read for the first time and assigned to Senate committees.
The Secretary read SB 234, which allows the Secretary of State to collect a filing fee for certificates of conversion filed when a corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company in Georgia converts to a foreign corporation, limited partnership or limited liability company.
Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th took the well to present the bill. In the tradition of the Senate, he yielded to questions in jest from Sens. Balfour, Carter, Hamrick, Harp, Heath, Hill of the 4th, Seabaugh, Thompson of the 33rd, Shafer and Hudgens. This is a longstanding practice used to "haze" freshman Senators.
SB 234 passed by a vote of 52 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 235, which provides that correctional employees who leave after 25 years of service will be awarded their badge as compensation. Sen. Grant took the well to explain the bill.
SB 235 passed by a vote of 50 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 251, which requires the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish a website for stolen or towed vehicles.
Sen. Grant moved to table SB 251. The motion passed by a vote of 30 to 11.
The Secretary read SB 276, which provides that an uninsured motor vehicle includes a motor vehicle for which the available coverage is inadequate to cover a person's bodily injury and property damage losses.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 10 of 19

Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th took the well to present the bill and its accompanying Amendments, stating that this will not increase costs for uninsured motorists. Amendment 1 provides for an effective date for the bill.
Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th presented Amendment 2, which changes the policy that an insurance company does not have to cover any claims in the event that the insured does not cooperate in the investigation.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 34 to 0.
Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 20 to 12.
SB 276 was adopted by a vote of 46 to 3.
The Secretary read SB 73, which provides for continued access to healthcare plans. Sen. Shafer took the well to present the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 30 to 0.
SB 73 passed by substitute by a vote of 48 to 1.
The Secretary read SB 113, which is a housekeeping bill that deals with insurance agent licensing. Sen. Shafer took the well to present the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 29 to 0.
SB 113 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 125, which provides for speed restrictions and increased penalties for violations. The legislation is known as the "Super Speeder" bill. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th took the well to explain that the bill's goal is to make Georgia's roads safer.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 27 to 1.
SB 125 passed by substitute by a vote of 48 to 2.
Sen. Johnson moved to take SR 309 off the table.
Sen. Grant took the well to urge the passage of SR 309.
Sen. Brown took the well to ask the Senate to vote the bill down.
Sen. Thompson of the 33rd took the well to offer his support of the bill.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 11 of 19

Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th also took the well in support of SR 309.
Sen. Reed took the well to address certain aspects of the measure, and he yielded to questions from Sens. Williams and Grant.
Sen. Johnson took the well to address the debate on the bill and support its passage. He yielded to questions from Sen. Thompson of the 33rd.
Sen. Williams moved for a vote on the previous question. The motion passed by a vote of 35 to 11.
SR 309 was adopted by a vote of 40 to 13.
The Secretary read SR 130, which gives zoning power and regulation of land use development to townships. Sen. Adelman took the well to urge support of the resolution.
SR 130 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 4.
The Senate then stood in recess for one hour.
Upon returning from dinner, Sen. Johnson took the gavel to preside.
HB 282, 380, 441, 169, 291, 314, 369, 391, 467, 519, 527, 551, 586, 648, 655, 117 and 131 and HR 201, 423 and 524 were read and assigned to committee.
SB 144 was read, which allows government employees to withdraw from group insurance. Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th took the well to present the bill.
SB 144 passed by a vote of 44 to 1.
The Secretary read SB 156, which grants the authority to counties and municipal corporations to provide post-employment benefits.
Sen. Balfour took the well to address the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 38 to 1.
SB 156 passed by substitute by a vote of 47 to 3.
The Secretary read SB 160, which relates to the termination of authority to increase retirement benefits. Sen. Heath presented the bill and yielded to questions from Sens. Orrock and Hill of the 4th.
SB 172 was read, which allows state employees to contribute to the Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 12 of 19

Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th took the well to address Amendment 1, which makes a language clarification.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 34 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 38 to 0.
SB 172 was passed by substitute as amended by a vote of 51 to 1.
The Secretary read SB 183, which authorizes insurance agents to charge and collect certain fees for services provided. Sen. Rogers took the well to speak to the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 40 to 0.
SB 183 passed by substitute by a vote of 43 to 7.
The Secretary read SB 187, which seeks to expedite the process when an application for a permit is submitted to the Environment Advisory Council.
Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st took the well to speak to the bill and the Committee Substitute. He yielded to questions from Sen. Smith.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 32 to 1.
SB 187 passed by substitute by a vote of 48 to 2.
Sen. Balfour took the rostrum to recognize the group of pages who served in the Senate today.
The Secretary read SB 190, which gives jurisdiction to a committing court to allow an evaluation for certain defendants for insanity and mental competency.
Sen. Harp took the well to speak to the bill.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 38 to 0.
SB 190 was passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 192, which will prohibit the naming of any public building, site, structure, road, intersection, interchange, bridge or other public property for Sen. Robert Brown of Macon. The bill will set up an electronic registry for those who do not wish to have public property named after them.
Sen. Brown took the well to explain the bill and Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Sen. Smith, Thompson of the 33rd, Henson, Shafer and Mullis.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 13 of 19

Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 40 to 1.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 39 to 0.
SB 191 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 0.
SB 192 was read. The measure provides that a person who has been granted a valid certificate of self-insurance in another state may qualify as a self-insurer in this state.
Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill.
SB 192 passed by a vote of 49 to 2.
The Secretary read SB 205, which is otherwise known as the Prescription Medication Integrity Act.
Sen. Thomas of the 54th took the well to present the bill, which addresses the problem of counterfeit prescription drugs.
The Committee Substitute to SB 205 was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
SB 205 passed by substitute by a vote of 52 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 213, which provides that the Commissioner of Insurance is authorized to waive retaliatory obligations, prohibitions or restrictions in certain circumstances.
Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill.
SB 213 passed by a vote of 48 to 3.
The Secretary read SB 218, which provides for an exemption on the homestead of certain disabled persons for the total value of the homestead, and that motor vehicles owned by certain disabled persons shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation.
Sen. Tarver took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 218 was adopted by a vote of 37 to 0.
SB 218 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 0.
SB 219 was read. The legislation provides for the seizure and forfeiture of motor vehicles operated by a person to facilitate certain sexual offenses.
Sen. Hamrick took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 14 of 19

The Committee Substitute to SB 219 was adopted by a vote of 32 to 0.
SB 218 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 223, which will raise the salaries of juvenile court judges in Georgia.
Sen. Smith took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 223 was adopted by a vote of 33 to 0.
SB 223 passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 224 was read. The legislation will change the definition of commercial vehicle policy and fleet policy to aid in the enforcement of the requirement of minimum motor vehicle liability insurance. Amendment 1 by Sen. Staton was also read.
Sen. Hudgens took the well to explain the Committee Substitute. He also spoke in favor of Amendment 1.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 29 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 32 to 0.
SB 224 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0.
HB 264, 279, 327, 587, 226, 332 and 497 were then read for the first time and assigned to Senate committees.
The Secretary read SB 225, which requires training with respect to redevelopment powers, programs and tax allocation districts for local legislative bodies.
Sen. Stoner took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 225 was adopted by a vote of 30 to 0.
SB 225 passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 226 was read. The bill provides that evaluations and reports of qualified soil scientists shall be accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.
Sen. Harp took the well to present the Committee Substitute. He yielded to questions from Sen. Hooks.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 28 to 0.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 15 of 19

SB 226 passed by substitute by a vote of 53 to 0.
Sen. Grant moved to remove SB 251 from the table. There was no objection.
Sen. Grant then moved to suspend Senate rules to consider SB 251 as the next order of business. There was no objection.
Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th took the well to present the Committee Substitute, which requires the Department of Revenue to establish an Internet website listing all stolen and towed motor vehicles.
The Committee Substitute to SB 251 was adopted by a vote of 35 to 0.
SB 251 passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 0.
Sen. Hooks then took the gavel to preside over the Senate.
The Secretary read SB 232, which removes the requirement of the Georgia Supreme Court to publish volumes of rules from the definition of court reports.
Sen. Smith took the well to explain the bill.
SB 232 passed by a vote of 51 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 236, which provides for notification by certain state agencies upon a breach of security regarding personal information in cases of identity theft.
Sen. Rogers took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute to SB 236 was adopted by a vote of 39 to 0.
SB 236 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 238, which removes the requirement that the offense of tampering with evidence involve another person.
Sen. Meyer von Bremen took the well to explain the bill.
SB 238 passed by a vote of 50 to 0.
SB 239 was read. The measure will provide a definition for the term farm laborer.
Sen. Goggans took the well to explain the bill. He also introduced Amendment 1, which further defines the term. He yielded to questions from Sen. Hill of the 4th.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 16 of 19

Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 28 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 34 to 0.
SB 239 passed by substitute by a vote of 50 to 2.
The Secretary read SB 246, which provides for changes to the composition of the Advisory Committee on Industrialized Buildings.
Sen. Mullis took the well to present the bill.
SB 246 passed by a vote of 54 to 0.
SB 249 was read. The legislation provides for sexual offenders to register with the sheriff of any county where he/she resides, is employed or is attending an institution of higher education in lieu of only registering in the county of residence. The bill also changes the registration requirements for offenders over the age of 75, if at least ten years have elapsed since the date of their release from prison or placement on parole. Amendment 1 was also read.
Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th took the well to present the Committee Substitute.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 34 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 35 to 0.
SB 249 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0.
The Secretary read SB 254, which provides that the Department of Administrative Services shall be the custodian and administrator of the Georgia State Indemnification Fund. Amendments 1 and 2 were also read.
Sen. Grant took the well to explain the Committee Substitute and Amendment 1.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 35 to 0.
Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 28 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 33 to 0.
SB 254 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 263 was read. The bill changes certain provisions relating to number and boundaries of soil and water conservation districts, alteration of existing districts and formation of new districts.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 17 of 19

Sen. Bulloch took the well to present the Committee Substitute and Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Sen. Fort.
Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 31 to 0.
The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 34 to 0.
SB 263 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0.
SB 264 was read. The legislation defines an adverse military discharge, and states that only persons charged with an offense that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge and incarceration for more than 30 days would be ineligible for a party's nomination for or election to public office.
Sen. Wiles took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 26 to 0.
SB 264 passed by substitute by a vote of 47 to 3.
Lt. Gov. Cagle took the gavel to preside.
The Secretary read SB 266, which adds a penalty, late fees and interest for failure to remit certain funds and reports to a judicial authority.
Sen. Wiles took the well to explain the Committee Substitute. He yielded to questions from Sen. Meyer von Bremen.
President Pro Tem Johnson took the gavel to preside.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 24 to 0.
SB 266 passed by substitute by a vote of 39 to 12.
The Secretary read SB 271, which changes the period of time within which a tax deed shall ripen by prescription.
Sen. Mullis took the well to explain the Committee Substitute.
The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 26 to 0.
SB 271 passed by substitute by a vote of 46 to 3.
Lt. Gov. Cagle returned to preside over the Senate.
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 18 of 19

SB 275 was read. The bill provides a date for rules and regulations of the Commissioner of Agriculture to be used to establish any criminal violations.
Sen. Bulloch took the well to explain the bill. SB 275 passed by a vote of 50 to 0. The Secretary read SB 280, which provides that an officer or employee of the Georgia Technology Authority shall not have greater than a one percent ownership interest in entities doing business with the authority. Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th took the well to explain the Committee Substitute. The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 36 to 0. SB 280 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 2. HB 254, 419, 222, 232, 394, 413, 445, 463, 486, 528, 2 and 451 were then read for the first time and assigned to Senate committees. The Secretary then read SB 284, which allows the operator of a vehicle to comply with weight requirements by shifting or equalizing the load on all wheels or axles. SB 284 passed by a vote of 51 to 0. Sen. Balfour moved that the Senate stand adjourned until 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 28. Following the announcements, the Senate stood adjourned.
# # # #
From the Upper Chamber Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Page 19 of 19