Friday, April 20, 2007 Sine Die The fortieth day of the 2007 legislative session was called to order by President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson of the 1st. Senator Don Balfour of the 9th stated that the journal had been read and was found to be correct. Sen. Balfour moved to dispense with the roll call, and there was no objection. Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance and the daily devotional. The clerk of the Secretary then read the reports of standing committees and second readers. President Pro Tem Johnson paused to reflect on the FY 07 and FY 08 budget process. Sen. George Hooks of the 14th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to update the Senate on former Sen. Terrell Starr's health. Sen. Starr is currently recovering from surgery. Sen. Nan Orrock of the 36th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to discuss current environmental issues in the state as Earth Day 2007 approaches. Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to echo the sentiments of Sen. Orrock. Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle took the gavel to preside over the Senate. Sen. Gail Davenport of the 44th took the rostrum to introduce the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Steve Muller of Jonesboro. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 1 of 21 Senate Resolutions 671-680 were read and adopted. Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th asked that House Bill 408 be removed from the table. The legislation provides that every association and industrial insured captive insurance company issuing workers' compensation insurance shall be permitted to join and receive benefits from the Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool. Sen. Murphy took the well to explain the bill. HB 408 passed by a vote of 46 to 0. Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th asked that HB 433 be removed from the table. The legislation makes several changes to the provisions of the Georgia Meat Inspection Act. Sen. Hawkins took the well to explain the bill. HB 433 passed by a vote of 51 to 0. Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th asked that HB 467 be removed from the table. The bill provides for course credit for entering freshmen students who have successfully completed the international baccalaureate diploma program. Amendment 1 was also read. Sen. Harp took the well to explain the bill and Amendment 1, which removes a veterans' preference stipulation from the Senate substitute. He yielded to questions from Sen. John Douglas of the 17th. Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 35 to 0. The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 33 to 0. HB 467 passed by substitute by a vote of 42 to 4. Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 148. The bill provides for sales tax exemptions for materials used in the construction or expansion of an aquarium. There was no objection. Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th asked that HB 510 be removed from the table. The bill changes certain provisions relating to prohibitions against operation of certain vessels on Lake Oconee. Amendment 1 was also read. Sen. Grant took the well to explain the bill and to speak against Amendment 1. He yielded to questions from Senators David Adelman of the 42nd, Renee Unterman of the 45th, Emanuel Jones of the 10th and Dan Moody of the 56th. Amendment 1 would increase the size of vessels allowed on Lake Oconee to 36 feet. Sen. Jones took the well to explain his Amendment 2, which increases the size of vessels allowed on Lake Oconee to 32 feet. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 2 of 21 Sen. Moody took the well to speak to HB 510. He spoke in support of the underlying bill and against Amendments 1 and 2. He yielded to questions from Sens. Unterman and Balfour. Sen. Jones moved to withdraw Amendments 1 and 2. The Committee Substitute to HB 510 was adopted by a vote of 37 to 0. HB 510 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0. Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th asked that HB 518 be removed from the table. The bill provides for the exception of motor vehicles used by Georgia Lottery Corporation employees from registration and licensing provisions applicable to state vehicles. The Committee Substitute to HB 518 was adopted by a vote of 34 to 0. Members of a House delegation entered the Senate chamber to deliver the FY 07 budget veto override to the Senate. HB 518 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0. Lt. Gov. Cagle then stated that the Senate would stand at ease for lunch. Upon returning from recess, President Pro Tem Johnson took the gavel to preside. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th took the well to discuss the current posture of the Senate. Sen. David Shafer of the 48th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to Senate Bill 237. The legislation would update modern architecture law and licensing. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 237 by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Shafer moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 147. The legislation creates the Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill. He yielded to questions from Sens. Orrock and Unterman. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 147 by a vote of 48 to 0. Sen. Shafer moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 115. The legislation revises the licensure provisions for residential and general contractors. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 115 by a vote of 49 to 0. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 3 of 21 Sen. John Wiles of the 37th asked that the order of business be changed to read a committee report, and to adopt the Senate Local Consent Calendar, consisting of HB 362, 698, 712 and 725. There was no objection and the Local Consent Calendar was adopted by a vote of 50 to 0. Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 225. The legislation provides for the scope of review of proposed tax allocation districts by boards of education in determining tax allocation increments. Sen. Stoner took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 225 by a vote of 46 to 1. Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 186, which creates the Homerville Water and Sewer Authority. Sen. Goggans took the well to explain the legislation. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 186 by a vote of 46 to 0. Sen. Balfour moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 156. The legislation provides that counties, municipalities and other political subdivisions may provide post-employment benefits other than retirement or pension benefits. Sen. Balfour took the well to explain the legislation. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 156 by a vote of 46 to 3. Sen. Balfour moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 158. The legislation increases the salaries of the judges of the Superior Court of the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit. Sen. Balfour took the well to explain the legislation. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 158 by a vote of 46 to 1. Sen. Moody moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 413. The legislation provides for a limited sales tax exemption for personal property used in the construction or expansion of certain tourist attraction facilities. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 413 by a vote of 46 to 1. Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 31. The bill provides for a referendum vote to be held in the City of Port Wentworth to determine whether the members of the city council should be elected by district. Sen. Thomas of the 2nd took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 31 by a vote of 50 to 0. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 4 of 21 Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th moved that the Senate recede from its position on HB 105. There was no objection. Sen. Bulloch took the well to discuss the bill, which changes several code provisions concerning poultry. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 105 by a vote of 48 to 0. Sen. Cowsert asked that HB 655 be taken from the table. The legislation creates the Georgia Commission on Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons, and provides for its members, powers and duties. Sen. Cowsert took the well to present the bill. The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 34 to 0. HB 655 passed by substitute by a vote of 49 to 0. Majority Leader Williams moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 34. The bill prohibits the possession of photographs of victims by certain persons confined in state penal institutions. Sen. Williams took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 34 by a vote of 52 to 0. Majority Leader Williams moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 72. The legislation will authorize the employment of school administrative managers to conduct the financial and business affairs of a school. Sen. Williams took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 72 by a vote of 44 to 3. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 5. The legislation permits the Governor of Georgia to delay implementing the requirements of the Real ID Act. Sen. Seabaugh took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 5 by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Seabaugh moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 146. The legislation provides for the advertisement of opportunities for public works contract bids. Sen. Seabaugh took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 146 by a vote of 42 to 1. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st asked that HB 394 be taken from the table. The legislation deals with several aspects of emergency 911 calls, including providing a 911 surcharge on prepaid wireless service subscriptions. Amendment 1 was also read. Sen. Rogers took the well to explain the bill and Amendment 1, which will include voice over internet protocol service in the surcharge requirements. He yielded to questions from Sens. Thomas of the 2nd, Preston Smith of the 52nd, Bulloch, Balfour, Steve Henson of the 41st and Seabaugh. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 5 of 21 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. HB 394 passed by substitute by a vote of 41 to 7. Sen. Moody asked that HB 549 be taken from the table. Sen. Moody took the well to present the bill, which establishes requirements for basic therapy services for children with disabilities. He yielded to questions from Sens. Thomas of the 2nd and Thompson of the 33rd. Sen. Valencia Seay of the 34th took the well to offer support of the bill. She yielded to questions from Sens. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th and Thomas of the 2nd. The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 29 to 1. HB 549 passed by substitute by a vote of 47 to 2. Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st asked that HB 448 be taken from the table. Sen. Heath took the well to explain the bill, which establishes two funds for the provision of term life insurance to those who are eligible. The Committee Substitute was adopted by a vote of 29 to 2. HB 448 passed by substitute by a vote of 48 t0 2. Sen. Hooks moved that the Senate recede from its amendment to HB 374. He took the well to explain the amendment, which provides funding for trauma care systems. The underlying bill simply moves the tourism definition to the front of the code section. The Senate receded from its amendment to HB 374 by a vote of 46 to 5. Sen. Carter moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 128. He took the well to speak to the bill, which establishes the 2007 sales tax holiday, exempting the sale of certain school supplies, clothing, footwear, computers and accessories from sales taxes. He yielded to questions from Sen. Meyer von Bremen. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 128 by a vote of 49 to 0. Lt. Gov. Cagle took the gavel to preside. Sen. Williams moved that the Senate adhere its substitute to HB 219 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation provides for the prepayments of certain local sales and use taxes with respect to motor fuels. There was no objection, and Sens. Williams, Rogers and Pearson were appointed to the Conference Committee. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 6 of 21 Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate adhere to the House substitute to HB 445 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation changes certain provisions relating to buffers adjacent to rivers or perennial streams. There was no objection, and Sens. Hooks, Rogers and Pearson were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 225 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation changes certain provisions regarding tax deductions for contributions to certain college savings plans. There was no objection, and Sens. Johnson, Williams and Rogers were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 9. The legislation is also known as the Grade Integrity Act of 2007, which mandates that teachers shall not be coerced into changing the grade of a student. Sen. Rogers took the well to speak to the bill. There was no objection. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 9 by a vote of 50 to 0. Sen. Moody moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 162 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation provides for tax exemptions for materials used in the construction of a performing arts facility. There was no objection, and Sens. Rogers, Henson and Moody were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 559, which will allow charter school teachers to participate in state-offered healthcare plans. There was no objection. Sen. Hill of the 32nd moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 233 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation changes provisions relating to the protection of disabled adults and elder persons. There was no objection, and Sens. Hill of the 4th, Rogers and Pearson were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Pearson moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 451 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation creates the Georgia Tourism Development Act, a program that provides tax refunds for companies creating certain tourism attractions. There was no objection, and Sens. Seabaugh, Pearson and Mullis were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Cowsert moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 587 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. HB 587 provides for revocation of a certificate of public convenience and necessity if the holder of the certificate has not begun construction or operation of any pipeline or distribution system within five years. There was no objection, and Sens. Seabaugh, Cowsert and Shafer were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Heath moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 354, which establishes procedures and due dates for notification of homeowner tax relief grants. There was no objection. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 7 of 21 Sen. Bulloch moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 463, which changes certain provisions relating to soil erosion and sedimentation. There was no objection. Sen. Douglas moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 48, which makes changes to the provisions of the Georgia State Indemnification Fund. There was no objection. Sen. Thomas of the 54th moved that the Senate adhere to its disagreement to the House substitute to HB 255 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation expands the definition of the term "public employment related crime." There was no objection, and Sens. Thomas of the 54th, Balfour and Henson were appointed to the Conference Committee. Majority Leader Williams took the gavel to preside. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 214, which provides for a renewal of the property lease to the Jekyll Island State Park Authority. There was no objection. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 117. He took the well to speak to the bill, which exempts motorcycles, allterrain vehicles and utility vehicles from the definition of motor vehicle. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 117 by a vote of 45 to 1. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to HB 157, which allows retired, part-time teachers to return to full-time employment. He took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to HB 157 by a vote of 40 to 0. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate recede from its amendment to HB 247, which prohibits counties, municipalities and local authorities from requiring connection with or use of water supplied by a public water system except when other water is unfit. Sen. Tolleson took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate receded from its amendment to HB 247 by a vote of 44 to 1. Sen. Heath moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 186 and that a Conference Committee be appointed. HB 186 provides for a five-year tax exemption for material used in the construction of alternative fuel facilities. There was no objection, and Sens. Bulloch, Tolleson and Heath were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. J.B. Powell of the 23rd moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to HB 311, which changes provisions relating to the Georgia HERO Scholarship. Sen. Powell took the well to present the bill. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 8 of 21 The Senate agreed to the House substitute to HB 311 by a vote of 44 to 0. Sen. Whitehead moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 357, which provides for three bridge dedications. He took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 357 by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Grant moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 249, which authorizes the granting of nonexclusive easements for the operation and maintenance of facilities in several Georgia counties, including Cobb, Floyd, Gwinnet, Muscogee, Paulding and Ware counties. Sen. Grant took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 249 by a vote of 48 to 0. Sen. Grant moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 235, which provides that the family of an officer who is killed in the line of duty will receive that officer's badge. Sen. Grant took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 235 by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th took the well on a Point of Personal Privilege to bid farewell to Sen. Whitehead, as he leaves the Senate to run for congressional office. Sen. Harp moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 203, which increases penalties for certain crimes involving public utility property. Sen. Harp took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 203 by a vote of 42 to 0. Sen. Harp moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 369, which provides for changes in child custody proceedings. Sen. Harp took the well to explain the bill and the amendment. Sen. Seabaugh took the well to urge support of his amendment. Sen. Orrock took the well to address the debate on the amendment. Sen. Hill of the 32nd took the well to offer his support of the bill and the amendment. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 369 by a vote of 43 to 0. Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th moved that the Senate adopted the Conference Committee Report on HB 147, which requires pregnant women to undergo an ultrasound prior to abortion. The current version removes the penalties previously specified in the bill. Sen. Schaefer took the well to speak to the report. She yielded to questions from Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 9 of 21 Sen. Unterman took the well to express her disagreement with the process in which the report had been brought to a vote. She yielded to questions from Sens. Grant, Seay, Weber and Orrock. The motion to adopt the report on HB 147 failed by a vote of 26 to 18. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate insist on its substitute to HB 486, which changes certain provisions regarding compensation to be paid to the tax commissioner for additional duties. There was no objection. The Senate stood at ease for two hours. After the Senate reconvened, Lt. Gov. Cagle returned to preside. SR 681-684 were read and adopted. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 182, which changes provisions relating to asbestos and silica claims. Sen. Wiles took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 182 by a vote of 36 to 3. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 136, which seeks to close a loophole in construction contracts, which currently allows contracts of insurance to hold parties harmless for damages due to a sole negligence. Sen. Weber took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 136 by a vote of 36 to 2. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 76, which requires permission for use of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security's and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's nomenclature and symbols. Sen. Rogers took the well to explain the bill, and he yielded to questions from Sen. Thompson of the 33rd. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 76 by a vote of 41 to 0. Sen. Seabaugh moved that the Senate recede from its amendment to HB 69, which prohibits the Department of Driver Services from charging a fee for viewing a driver's record online. Sen. Seabaugh took the well to speak to the bill, and he yielded to questions from Sen. Smith. The Senate receded from its amendment to HB 69 by a vote of 44 to 0. Sen. Henson moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 308, which establishes the DeKalb County districts from which the members of the county board of education shall be elected. Sen. Henson took the well to explain the bill. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 10 of 21 Lt. Gov. Cagle paused to recognize former state Sen. Connie Stokes on the floor of the Senate. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 308 by a vote of 42 to 0. Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 134, which establishes the Health Strategies Advisory Council. He took the well to present the bill. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 134 by a vote of 39 to 2. Sen. Hudgens moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 224, which changes the definition of commercial vehicle and fleet policy. He again took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 224 by a vote of 39 to 1. Sen. Hudgens moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 424, which is a housekeeping bill brought forth by the Workers' Compensation Advisory Board. The bill also includes SB 239, regarding workers' compensation for farm laborers. Sen. Hudgens took the well to explain the bill and yielded to questions from Sen. Meyer von Bremen. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 424 by a vote of 41 t0 1. Sen. Pearson moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 81, which provides for a special license plate commemorating 100 years of scouting and other special license plates. Sen. Pearson took the well to speak to the bill and yielded to questions from Sens. Wiles, Hooks and Adelman. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 81 by a vote of 42 to 0. Sen. Johnson moved to lift HB 487 from the table. The bill changes the date of Georgia's presidential primary, and makes other changes to current election laws. Amendment 1 was also read, which makes a minor language change. Sen. Johnson took the well to present the bill, and he yielded to questions from Sens. Fort and Thompson of the 33rd. Sen. Adelman took the well to offer his support of the bill. Sen. Seabaugh took the well to present Amendment 2 on behalf of Sen. Whitehead, which makes changes relating to the date of the presidential primary and other provisions. Amendment 1 was adopted by a vote of 36 to 0. Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 38 to 11. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 11 of 21 The Committee Substitute was adopted as amended by a vote of 40 to 2. HB 487 passed by substitute by a vote of 47 to 2. Sen. Pearson moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 148, which provides tax exemptions for the construction of aquariums, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. There was no objection, and Sens. Pearson, Rogers and Goggans were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Heath moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 354, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation establishes provisions for homeowner tax relief grants. There was no objection, and Sens. Johnson, Heath and Rogers were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Bulloch moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 463, relating to soil erosion and sedimentation, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. There was no objection, and Sens. Bulloch, Tolleson and Pearson were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 214, the Jekyll Island bill, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. There was no objection, and Sens. Johnson, Chapman and Tolleson were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 406, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation merges the independent school system of Cordele with the school districts outside the corporate limits of Crisp County. There was no objection, and Sens. Wiles, Shafer and Weber were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Williams moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 208, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation creates a parent majority on school councils, allows schools to hire school managers and sets forth Lt. Gov. Cagle's Charter School Act. There was no objection, and Sens. Moody, Weber and Williams were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Mullis moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to SB 62. The legislation allows the Georgia Crime Information Center to electronically transmit images of a person's fingerprints. Sen. Mullis took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to SB 62 by a vote of 42 to 0. Sen. Johnson moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 48, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. The legislation will bring public safety officers under the Georgia State Indemnification Fund. There was no objection, and Sens. Douglas, Hill of the 4th and Carter were appointed to the Conference Committee. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 12 of 21 Sen. Meyer von Bremen moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 168, which makes changes to appointments and qualifications for associate juvenile court judges. Sen. Meyer von Bremen took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 168 by a vote of 45 to 1. Sen. Reed moved that the Senate recede from its amendment to HB 725. The bill changes the description of the territory to be included in the City of South Fulton within Fulton County. Sen. Reed took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate receded from its amendment to HB 725 by a vote of 48 to 0. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate adhere to its substitute to HB 559, which provides health insurance to charter school teachers, and that a Conference Committee be appointed. There was no objection, and Sens. Moody, Weber and Williams were appointed to the Conference Committee. Sen. Schaefer moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report 2 on HB 147, which modifies the Woman's Right to Know Act. Sen. Schaefer took the well to present the report. Sen. Orrock took the well to speak against the bill. The Conference Committee Report was adopted by a vote of 31 to 17. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate disagree to the House substitute to SB 236, which will provide for notification by certain data collectors upon a breach of security regarding personal information. There was no objection. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 95, which changes provisions regarding the purchase and possession of tobacco products by a minor and the sale of such products through a vending machine. Sen. Wiles took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 95 by a vote of 37 to 1. Sen. Horacena Tate of the 38th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 301, which prohibits the governing authority of Fulton County from levying any tax for educational purposes within certain districts. Sen. Tate took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 301 by a vote of 39 to 0. Sen. Shafer moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to SB 148. The legislation will create the Georgia Newborn Umbilical Blood Bank. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill. Sen. Adelman took the well to speak in support of final passage of the bill. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 13 of 21 The Senate agreed to the House amendment to SB 148 by a vote of 48 to 0. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 181. The legislation provides for limitations on the creation, activation and activities of public safety and judicial facilities authorities relating to war on terrorism local assistance. Sen. Weber took the well to explain the changes. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 181 by a vote of 35 to 7. The Senate then stood at ease for dinner. Upon returning from dinner, Sen. Mullis moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 282. The bill provides for the creation of alternative tourism routes along the state's highway system. Sen. Mullis took the well to explain the bill. He yielded to questions from Sen. Fort. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 282 by a vote of 40 to 0. Sen. Thompson of the 33rd moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 188. The bill provides that foster parents who care for children in the custody of the Department of Human Resources shall have the right to file a grievance. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 188 by a vote of 39 to 0. Sen. Balfour moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 212. The bill provides that disclosure to the news media shall not be required for social security numbers or the dates of birth of public employees. Sen. Balfour took the well to explain the changes in the bill. Sen. Adelman moved that the bill be printed and placed on Senators' desks. The motion was approved by a vote of 21 to 9. Sen. Thomas of the 54th moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on SB 205. The legislation will enact the Prescription Medication Integrity Act. Sen. Thomas of the 54th took the well to explain the bill, which will fight against the counterfeiting of prescription drugs. The Conference Committee Report on SB 205 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 0. Sen. Unterman moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 748. The legislation will provide for a local referendum vote on the Redevelopment Powers Law for the City of Suwanee. She took the well to explain the legislation. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 748 by a vote of 45 to 0. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 14 of 21 Sen. Balfour moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 212. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to the SB 212 by a vote of 44 to 1. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 246, which creates the Joint Study Committee on Indigent Defense. Sen. Wiles took the well to explain the legislation. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 246 by a vote of 41 to 0. Sen. Tolleson moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 214, the Jekyll Island bill. He took the well to explain the current version of the bill, and yielded to questions from Sens. Chapman and Henson. Sen. Chance asked to be excused from the vote on HB 214. The Conference Committee Report on HB 214 was adopted by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 40. The bill makes several changes to absentee ballot laws. Sen. Staton took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 40 by a vote of 39 to 2. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 15. The bill will increase penalties for those who are found guilty of driving without a license in Georgia. Sen. Wiles took the well to explain the current version of the bill. He yielded to questions from Sen. Adelman. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 15 by a vote of 34 to 9. Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 251. The bill requires the establishment by the Department of Revenue of a statewide Web site for stolen and towed motor vehicles. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 251 by a vote of 41 to 0. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 366. The legislation provides that every person engaged in the raising of a dog for training as a guide or service dog shall have the right to be accompanied by such dog in the same manner as a totally or partially blind, deaf or physically disabled person. Sen. Rogers took the well to explain the bill. The Conference Committee Report on HB 366 was adopted by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Williams moved to adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 219, which provides tax exemptions for motor fuel. He took the well to explain the current version. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 15 of 21 The Conference Committee Report on HB 219 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 0. President Pro Tem Johnson moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 225, which provides tax deductions for contributions to college savings plans. He took the well to speak to the report. The Conference Committee Report on HB 225 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 1. Sen. Bulloch moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 463, regarding provisions related to soil erosion. He took the well to present the current version. The Conference Committee Report on HB 463 was adopted by a vote of 42 to 1. Sen. Hamrick moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 135. The bill increases penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing or circulating certain recorded material, otherwise known as music piracy. He took the well to explain the bill, and yielded to questions from Sen. Smith. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 135 by a vote of 38 to 2. Sen. Heath moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 186. The bill provides for a temporary tax exemption for alternative fuel facilities primarily dedicated to the processing and production of ethanol, biodiesel and butanol. Sen. Heath took the well to explain the bill. The Conference Committee Report on HB 186 was adopted by a vote of 44 to 0. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 445. The bill clarifies an ad valorem tax exemption for certain charitable institutions, which passed last year. He took the well to explain the report. The Conference Committee Report on HB 445 was adopted by a vote of 41 to 1. Sen. Pearson moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 451, the Georgia Tourism Development Act. He took the well to present the report. The Conference Committee Report on HB 451 was adopted by a vote of 44 to 0. Sen. Wiles moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 486, related to compensation for the tax commissioner. He took the well to present the bill, and yielded to questions from Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th. The Conference Committee Report on HB 486 was adopted by a vote of 41 to 5. Sen. Mullis moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 314. The legislation provides for DNA analysis of persons convicted of certain felonies and sexual From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 16 of 21 offenses who are placed on probation. Sen. Mullis took the well to explain the bill, and he yielded to questions from Sen. Williams. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 314 by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Moody moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 162, regarding tax exemptions for performing arts facilities. He took the well to explain. The Conference Committee Report on HB 162 was adopted by a vote of 45 to 1. Sen. Hill of the 32nd moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 233. The legislation revises the definition of the term "exploitation" as it relates to the Long-term Care Facility Resident Abuse Reporting Act. He took the well to explain the bill, and yielded to questions from Sen. Adelman. The Conference Committee Report on HB 233 was adopted by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Mullis moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 419. The legislation will change several provisions relating to commercial driver's licenses. He took the well to explain the current version of the bill. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 419 by a vote of 44 to 0. Sen. Douglas moved to adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 48, which brings public safety officers into the Georgia State Indemnification Fund. He took the well to explain. The Conference Committee Report on HB 48 was adopted by a vote of 46 to 0. Sen. Rogers moved to agree to the House substitute to SB 123. The bill requires that twins or other multiples are placed in the same classroom if the parent or guardian requests. He took the well to explain the bill. Sen. Weber took the well to explain another section of the bill, which incorporates language to provide that each local board of education may set maximum class sizes for high school general education programs under certain conditions. He yielded to questions from Sen. Fort. Sen. Thomas of the 2nd asked for a ruling on the germaneness of Section 2 of the bill. Lt. Gov. Cagle ruled the section germane. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 123 by a vote of 33 to 14. Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 95, the FY 08 general appropriations act. Sen. Hill of the 4th took the well to highlight some of the important sections of the FY 08 budget. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 17 of 21 President Pro Tem Johnson took the gavel to preside. The Conference Committee Report on HB 95 was adopted by a vote of 50 to 1. Sen. Cowsert moved that the Senate adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 587, regarding certificates of public convenience and necessity. He took the well to explain the bill. The Conference Committee Report on HB 587 was adopted by a vote of 47 to 2. Sen. Hooks took the gavel to preside. Sen. Seabaugh moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 10, which provides for scholarships for public school students with disabilities to attend other public or private schools. President Pro Tem Johnson again took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 10 by a vote of 35 to 16. President Pro Tem Johnson took the gavel to preside. Sen. Balfour moved to agree to the House substitute to SB 102, which will expand the scope of practice of chiropractors. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 102 by a vote of 41 to 7. Lt. Gov. Cagle returned to preside over the Senate. Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 236, the Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act. He then took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 236 by a vote of 45 to 2. Sen. Moody moved that the Senate agree to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 549. The legislation establishes new requirements for basic therapy services for children with disabilities. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House amendment to the Senate substitute to HB 549 by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Grant moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 309, which will provide for a Constitutional Amendment to allow the creation of infrastructure development districts. He took the well to explain. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 309 by a vote of 43 to 9. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 18 of 21 Sen. Grant moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 200, which will make way for the creation of infrastructure development districts. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 200 by a vote of 41 to 11. SR 675 was read and adopted. Sen. Wiles moved to read a committee report and adopt a Senate Local Consent Calendar, consisting of HB 488, 539, 685, 687, 701, 708, 733, 734, 749, 763, 769, 772, 773, 780, 786, 787, 792, 805-807, 814, 819, 824, 830, 834, 847, 618, 771, 362, 698, 712 and 725. The Local Consent Calendar was adopted by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Grant moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 363, which creates the Mental Health Service Delivery Commission. He took the well to explain the current version. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 363 by a vote of 47 to 0. Sen. Staton moved to agree to the House substitute to SB 194. The bill makes several changes to Georgia code concerning absentee voting ballots. He took the well to present the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 194 by a vote of 45 to 3. Sen. Goggans moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SR 296, which makes several road dedications in the state. He took the well to explain the resolution. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SR 296 by a vote of 45 to 0. Sen. Shafer moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 114. The bill provides that certain time periods must pass after completing the terms and conditions of a sentence for certain criminal convictions before making an application for licensure to the Georgia Real Estate Commission. Sen. Shafer took the well to explain the bill. He yielded to questions from Sen. Thomas of the 2nd. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 114 by a vote of 44 to 3. Lt. Gov. Cagle then recognized today's Senate Pages for their hard work. President Pro Tem Johnson then took the well to commend Lt. Gov. Cagle on his efforts in his first session as Lieutenant Governor. Sen. Hooks took the well to thank the Secretary of the Senate's office for their efforts throughout the session. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 19 of 21 Sen. Mullis asked that HB 2 be taken off the table. The bill provides a procedure for resolving disputes between governing authorities relative to annexation, and is otherwise known as the Fair Annexation Act. He took the well to explain the bill. The Committee Substitute to HB 2 was adopted by a vote of 33 to 1. HB 2 passed by substitute by a vote of 51 to 0. Sen. Johnson moved to waive the one-hour rule for bills to be placed on Senators' desk. There was objection. Sen. Johnson's motion to suspend the one-hour rule failed by a vote of 33 to 16. Sen. Johnson restated his motion to waive the one-hour rule for bills to be placed on Senators' desk. There was no objection. Sen. Williams moved to adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 208, which will change the make-up of school councils. The Conference Committee Report on HB 208 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 6. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate recede from its substitute to HB 559, providing state health insurance to charter school teachers. Sen. Weber took the well to speak to the motion. The Senate receded from its substitute to HB 559 by a vote of 46 to 4. Sen. Pearson moved to adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 148, providing tax exemptions for aquariums. He took the well to explain the bill. The Conference Committee Report on HB 148 was adopted by a vote of 42 to 1. Sen. Carter moved to adopt the Conference Committee Report on HB 330. The bill requires the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy to establish and maintain a registry of pharmacy technicians. After some debate, Sen. Johnson moved the previous question. There was objection. The motion was approved by a vote of 38 to 9. The Conference Committee Report on HB 330 was adopted by a vote of 43 to 4. Sen. Mullis moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 193, which provides that if a county governing authority provides group health insurance benefits for county employees, such benefits must also be offered to certain other county employees. He took the well to explain the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 193 by a vote of 44 to 2. From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 20 of 21 Sen. Rogers moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 184. The legislation makes changes and exemptions for corporate taxable income. He took the well to speak to the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 184 by a vote of 44 to 2. Sen. Weber moved that the Senate agree to the House substitute to SB 39, the Charter Systems Act, which will allow for the establishment of charter schools. He took the well to urge support of the bill. The Senate agreed to the House substitute to SB 39 by a vote of 46 to 4. Lt. Gov. Cagle then moved that the Senate stand adjourned Sine Die. # # # # From the Upper Chamber Friday, April 20, 2007 Page 21 of 21