From the upper chamber 2008 March 19

Report for Wednesday, March 19, 2008
The thirty-third day of the 2008 legislative session was called to order by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle.
Senator Don Balfour of the 9th stated that the journal had been read and was found to be correct.
Senate Bills 556 and 557, Senate Resolutions 1187 and 1188, and House Bills 11901192, 1205, 1263, 1332-1334, 1353, 1354, 1383, 1411 and 1417 were read for the first time and assigned to committees. The clerk then read the reports of standing committees and second readers.
Lt. Gov. Cagle paused to recognize Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th on the occasion of his birthday.
After the morning roll call, Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th led the Senate in the Pledge of Allegiance. He then introduced the Chaplain of the Day, Reverend Barry Kittle of Salem Baptist Church in Dalton, who led the Senate in the daily devotional.
The Senate Consent Calendar for Privileged Resolutions, consisting of SR 1173-1186 and 1189-1193, was unanimously adopted.
The clerk read SR 1026, which offers condolences on the passing of Police Officer Aaron Jovon Blount. Sen. John Douglas of the 17th took the rostrum to speak to the resolution and introduce Mr. Blount's family and members of the Fulton County Police Department.
The Senate Local Consent Calendar, consisting of SB 554 and HB 781, 1327, 1340 and 1389, passed by a vote of 50 to 0.
From the Upper Chamber Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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The clerk read SR 1001, which honors Coach Anson S. Callaway for his leadership and contributions to his community. Majority Leader Tommie Williams of the 19th and Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th took the rostrum to speak to the resolution.
Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th asked that HB 51 be withdrawn from the Senate Public Safety Committee and be recommitted to Senate State and Local Governmental Operations Committee. There was no objection.
The clerk read HB 921, which allows the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to participate in a nationwide licensing system for mortgage brokers and lenders. Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th took the well to present the bill.
HB 921 passed by a vote of 49 to 0.
The clerk read SR 704, which commends the Georgia Tech Women's Tennis Team on winning the 2007 NCAA National Women's Tennis Championship. Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st took the rostrum to speak to the resolution, and to introduce the team.
The clerk read HB 945, which outlines the process for and specifies those who have access to obtain tag and title information for notifying owners when their vehicle is towed. Sen. Rogers took the well to present the bill.
Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd took the well to discuss unlawful practices of towing cars that are occurring in Atlanta.
Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th took the rostrum to recognize students from several North Fulton high schools visiting the Capitol today.
HB 945 passed by a vote of 52 to 0.
The clerk read SR 1174, which recognizes the services of the American Red Cross in honor of American Red Cross Month in Georgia. Sen. David Shafer of the 48th took the rostrum to speak to the resolution.
The clerk read HB 1014, which expands the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan to include qualified tuition programs. Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th took the well to present the bill. He yielded to questions from Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd.
HB 1014 passed by a vote of 54 to 0.
Sens. Renee Unterman of the 45th and Nancy Schaefer of the 50th took the rostrum to recognize members of the National Federation of Republic Women, seated in the Senate gallery.
The clerk read HB 1026, which exempts utilities from notice and hearing requirements when the Department of Transportation removes facilities that are obstructing road projects. Sen. Valencia Seay of the 34th took the well to present the bill and yielded to questions from Sens. Thompson of the 33rd and Vincent Fort of the 39th.
From the Upper Chamber Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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The Committee Substitute to HB 1026 was unanimously adopted. HB 1026 passed by substitute by a vote of 47 to 6. Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd took the well to recognize some students from Dade County, who were seated in the Senate gallery. Following the morning announcements, Sen. Williams moved that the Senate stand adjourned until 9:00 a.m., Thursday, March 20.
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From the Upper Chamber Wednesday, March 19, 2008
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