Daily report [Feb. 23, 2005]

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Communications Office
Room 609, Legislative Office Building (404) 656-0305
DAILY REPORT

Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Legislative Day # 23

Today on the Floor:

The House convened this afternoon at 10:00am. Rep. Michelle Henson (D-Stone Mountain) was recognized to introduce the Devotional Speaker of the Day, Rabbi Neal Sandler, who spoke to the full House and then led it in devotion. Majority Leader Jerry Keen introduced the House Resolution establishing the order of business for the day.
The first vote on the House floor was on a Motion to Reconsider HB 299. This bill relates to the HOPE scholarship. The bill sets the number of credit hours at 127 semester hours. It will not affect current students. There are no current time limitations on how long it takes to complete the 127 hours. The Motion to Reconsider was defeated by a vote of Y-61:N-91.
Majority Leader Keen then gave an announcement regarding the arrangements for the "lying-in-state" and funeral services today for The Honorable Governor Ernest Vandiver, 73rd Governor of the State of Georgia.
The Speaker then recognized Rep. Jeff Lewis (R-White) to introduce the Doctor of the Day, Dr. Ted Perry.
The House then took up the House Rules Calendar.

House Rules Calendar Bills & Resolutions Passed:
Open Rule
SB 34 - Ga. Master Teacher Program; Academic Coach Program; establishment; regulations - An amendment passed making the National Board Certified Teacher portion of the bill applicable for certifications prior to July 1, 2006 and those renewals thereafter. Also, those currently in the pipeline or having enrolled in the process before December 31, 2004 and who obtain initial certification and subsequent renewals after July 1, 2006 will eligible for salary increases. This would allow those who already have National Board Certification and those currently in the process of achieving National Board Certification to remain teaching in the schools in which they are currently employed and do not have to relocated to a school not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress. - Sponsored by Sen. Dan Moody (R-Alpharetta) - Brought to the Rules Committee by w/ Committee Substitute - Rep. Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth) presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: - AM 33 0246 by Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs); Adopted by a

vote of Y-110: N-59 - amendment will give teachers access to liability insurance currently available to college professors and state employees - AM 33 0250 by Rep. David Casas (R-Lilburn); Adopted w/out objection - AM 33 0244 by Rep. Darryl Jordan (D-Riverdale); _________ - Yeas: 169 Nays: 0
Modified Open Rule
HB 197 - Abortion; Woman's Right to Know Act; enact - relating to parental notification, so as to define and eliminate certain terms; to require certain types of identification to be presented in order for a physician to perform an abortion; to amend Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A., relating to offenses against health and morals, so as to provide that all abortions must be performed in certain facilities; to provide for certain reports by physicians; to provide for certain forms; to provide for certain reports by the Department of Human Resources; to provide for penalties and remedies for failure to provide such reports; to provide for a short title; to provide for definitions; to require that a female give her informed consent prior to an abortion; to require that certain information be provided to or made available to a female prior to an abortion - Sponsored by Rep. Sue Burmiester (R-Augusta) - Passed by H.H.S. Committee Substitute - Rep. Sue Burmiester presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: - AM 33 0255 by Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta); Adopted w/out objection. - AM 28 0476 by Rep. James Mills (R-Gainesville); withdrawn by sponsor - AM 29 0334 by Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur); defeated by a vote of Y-81: N-90 - AM 14 0739 by Rep. Gail Buckner (D-Jonesboro); Adopted w/out objection. - AM 19 0858 by Rep. Pam Stephenson (D-Lithonia); Defeated by a vote of Y-56: N-117 - Yeas: 139 Nays: 35
Structured Rule
HB 384 - Motor fuel tax; additional exemption; limited time period; provisions Motor Fuel Exemption; This bill provides for a motor fuel sales tax exemption for public mass transit buses that are owned by the state or local government. - This bill passed out of committee unanimously. - Sponsored by Rep. Larry O'Neal (R-Warner Robbins) - Rep. Larry O'Neal presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Yeas: 146 Nays: 0
Bills & Resolutions Defeated: None
* The House will reconvene on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 9:00 AM for its 24th Legislative Day.

Rules Committee
The Committee on Rules today has fixed the calendar for the 24th Legislative Day, Thursday, Feb. 24, as enumerated below, and can be called at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House.

Debate Calendar

Modified Open Rule

HB 416

Torts; asbestos or silica claims; definitions and provisions - Physical

impairment shall be an essential element of an asbestos claim. A

limitations period shall be set for filing a claim. Pending claims under

certain conditions may be dismissed. Provides for forum non conveniens

- Sponsored by Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)

- Passed by Committee Substitute

Structured Rule

HB 281

Georgia Regional Transportation Authority; amend provisions - This

bill gives the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority, GRTA, a sales

tax exemption for purchases made by the Authority. It also removed the

administrative requirement that required GRTA to be subject to annual

certification by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

- Authors: Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain)

- House Bill 281 passed unanimously out of committee by committee

substitute.

* The Rules Committee will meet, Thursday, Feb. 24 at 8:00 AM.
* Bills and Resolutions that are passed by the Rules Committee today will not be added to the House Debate Calendar until the next legislative day.

Wednesday's Committee Meetings' Actions
- Committee Reports prepared by House Research & Policy Office
Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
(DNM)
Appropriations
(DNM)
Banks & Banking
(DNM)
Children & Youth
No Legislation was discussed. The committee heard presentations from advocates representing Georgia's Private Child Welfare Agencies.
Defense & Veterans Affairs

(DNM)
Economic Development & Tourism
SB 125 - Economic Development; state-wide tourism marketing; Music Hall of Fame Authority; board appointment- The Governor's Tourism Bill creates a new public-private foundation to maximize and combine Georgia's tourism marketing efforts, attract more visitors and increase the industry's economic impact throughout Georgia. - The New Georgia Tourism Foundation will bring together the state's tourism marketing resources and influence the private sector to support the growth of the tourism industry in Georgia. The non-profit organization will be charged with developing public-private advertising campaigns; soliciting private donations for tourism; offering strategic planning and support for Georgia's state facilities through tourism product development; aligning the state's five halls of fame for promotion and better coordination of marketing, advertising, customer service and telling the story of Georgia's tourism heritage. The concept of the New Georgia Tourism Foundation was endorsed by the Governor's Commission for a New Georgia. - Georgia's Aviation, Golf, Music and Sports Halls of Fame will be administratively assigned to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, allowing for synchronized promotion and enhanced marketing of their unique offerings. Local communities will be able to leverage the Department's national marketing strategy to draw tourists to every region of the state. - The New Georgia Tourism Foundation will be chaired by Commissioner Craig Lesser. Other members of the Foundation will include the Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, the Executive Directors of the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, the Stone Mountain Association, the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, the North Georgia Mountains Authority, and the Southwest Georgia Railway Excursion Authority. Also, representatives of the five halls of fame and five members at large will be appointed by the Governor to serve on the Foundation Board. - Discussion: A few questions were answered by the sponsor and Lonice Barrett with the Commission for a New Georgia - Opposition: None - Action Taken: Do Pass by Substitute (Unanimously) - Sponsors: Senators Mullis of the 53rd, Rogers of the 21st, Zamarripa of the 36th, Whitehead of the 24th, Stephens of the 27th,and Schaefer of the 50th - Presented by: Rep. Vance Smith
Education
Committee met, but no committee report was available at the time this report was prepared
Ethics
(DNM)
Game, Fish, & Parks
(DNM)

Governmental Affairs
(DNM)
Health & Human Services
(DNM)
Higher Education
(DNM)
Human Relations & Aging
Committee met, but no committee report was available at the time this report was prepared
Industrial Relations
HB 520 - Employment security; amend certain provisions; Department of Labor; supplemental appropriation - so as to provide a change to the definition of the term "employment"; to identify certain business acquisitions with respect to which the succession of experience tax rates shall not be permitted and to impose civil and criminal penalties with regard thereto; to extend suspension of adjustments based upon the State-wide Reserve Ratio for the calendar year 2006 and to provide for a reduced adjustment in contribution rates through December 31, 2006; to continue provisions relating to administrative assessments; to provide for a change in the weekly benefit amount over a two-year period; to provide for the Department of Labor a supplemental appropriation - Speaking on behalf of the bill was Department of Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond, along with several of the Commissioner's colleagues. - Authored by Rep. Mike Coan (R-Lawrenceville) - Passed out of the committee with one amendment, authored by Chairman Coan.
Information & Audits
Approved the Day's Journals
Insurance
HB 83 - Small Business Employee Choice of Benefits Health Insurance Plan Act; enact - Equality of health insurance in small business. - Substitute Motion made by Rep. Heard to put HB 83 in study committee; seconded by Rep. Sinkfield. Motion Failed - Authored by Rep. Lunsford (R-McDonough) - Do pass motion made and carried by substitute - LC 28 2242S
HB 291 - Insurance; amend Code Chapters 20A, 27, 29, and 30 - This bill removes the requirement for deductible carryover in products purchased to take advantage of federal tax favored programs like Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Authorizes a new form of delivery of medicine within health benefit plans in Georgia..."Georgia Telemedicine Act" - Authored by Rep. Rogers (R-Gainesville) - Do Pass motion made and carried by Substitute LC 28 2263S

HB 320 - Georgia Health Insurance Risk Pool; create - Creates Health Insurance Risk Pool; provides alternative mechanism coverage for the availability of individual health insurance; Cuts fee assessments from 2.25% to 1.50%. - Author: Rep. Forster - Do Pass motion made and carried LC 28 2199
HB 418 - Insurance; electronic notice of cancellation of policies to lienholders Electronic transmittal of cancellation of insurance policies to lienholders. Bill also allows for transmittal by facsimile. - Authored by Rep. Howard Maxwell (R-Dallas) - Do Pass motion made and carried LC282199
Bills assigned to Sub-Committees: HB 164 Health & Life HB 407 Admin/Licensing HB 275 Admin/Licensing HB 428 Property & Casualty
Interstate Cooperation
(DNM)
Intragovernmental Coordination
(DNM)
Judiciary Civil
(DNM)
Judiciary Non-Civil
Committee met, but no committee report was available at the time this report was prepared
Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment
Met to Consider Amendments to Chairman Bobby Franklin's Congressional Redistricting proposed map; No Committee Action was taken
MARTOC
(DNM)
Motor Vehicles
(DNM)
Natural Resources & Environment
(DNM)
Public Safety
Committee met, but no committee report was available at the time this report was prepared

Public Utilities & Telecommunications
(DNM)
Regulated Industries
(DNM)
Retirement
(DNM)
Science & Technology
(DNM)
Special Rules
HB 312 - State departments; revisions and transfer of powers and duties - The Commission for a New Georgia has identified potential cost savings and system improvements that could result from changes to the state's procurement and asset management functions, including fleet management. The proposed legislation will help capture an estimated $135 million in procurement savings, provide incentives for surplus property enhancements, strengthen policy leadership over the state's motor vehicle fleet, contribute to the elimination of an estimated 2,000 state vehicles, and streamline personal property inventory procedures. These steps are part of the Governor's desire to make Georgia the best managed state in the nation. - Rep. Allen Freeman (R-Macon) - PASSED COMMITTEE
SB 49 - Annual Reports, Budgets, Audits; General Assembly members; notification of availability - All state agencies are required by law to send hard copies of audits & reports. This legislation simply changes the language to notify General Assembly members of the availability of reports rather than sending hard copies. - Sponsored by Senator Kemp of the 46th - PASSED COMMITTEE 2/23/05
State Institutions & Property
(DNM)
State Planning & Community Affairs
(DNM)
Transportation
(DNM)
Ways & Means
(DNM)
* These committee action reports are for bills that have passed and/or were deemed

favorable by the Full Committees. * (DNM) = Did Not Meet

Committee Meetings for Thursday, February 24, 2005

8:00 am9:00 am 8:30 am9:30 am
9:30 am10:00 am
11:00 am12:00 pm
1:00 pm2:00 pm
1:00 pm2:00 pm 1:00 pm3:00 pm
1:30 pm2:30 pm
2:00 pm3:00 pm
2:00 pm3:00 pm 2:00 pm3:00 pm 2:00 pm3:00 pm
2:00 pm3:00 pm

Rules Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 341 CAP
Natural Resources & Environment Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 216 Capitol
Human Relations and Aging SubCommittee (House Meetings) 403 CAP
House Interstate Cooperation Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 605-B LOB
House Judiciary (Civil) Family/Juvenile/Probate Subcommittee (One) Meeting (House Meetings) 132 State Capitol
Governmental Affairs Committee Meeting (House Meetings) Room 216 CAP
NonCivil Judiciary Subcommittee on Criminal Justice (House Meetings) 415 LOB
House Interstate Cooperation Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 605-A LOB
Judiciary (Non-Civil) Criminal Justice Subcommittee (One) (House Meetings) 415 LOB
Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee Meeting (House Meetings) 133 Capitol
House Transportation Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 216 Capitol
Civil Judiciary Subcommittee Two Meeting (House Meetings) 132 State Capitol
Judiciary (Civil) Meeting (House Meetings) 132 CAP

2:00 pm4:00 pm
2:30 pm3:30 pm 3:00 pm3:30 pm 3:00 pm4:00 pm 3:00 pm4:30 pm
3:00 pm5:00 pm 4:00 pm6:30 pm

House Health & Human Services Committee Meeting Notice (House Meetings) 406 LOB
(House Meetings) 506 LOB
Appropriations Education Subcommittee (House Meetings) 341 CAP
Ways and Means Committee Meeting (House Meetings) 133 Capitol
Appropriations Economic Development Subcommittee (House Meetings) 230 CAP
Appropriations General Subcommittee (House Meetings) 216 CAP
Appropriations Economic Development SubcommitteeMeeting Cancelled (House Meetings) 415 LOB

* For meeting details & agendas, please click on the Committee Name. * This Committee Meeting Schedule is set as of 5:00 p.m. the day of this report. Committee Meeting Schedules are subject to change, and are updated via the General Assembly's website at www.legis.state.ga.us

Contact: Brent Cranfield House Communications (404) 656-0305 bcranfield@legis.state.ga.us