Daily report [Mar. 10, 2005]

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Communications Office
Contact: Brent Cranfield House Communications
(404) 656-0305 1.877.222.2768 bcranfield@legis.state.ga.us
DAILY REPORT
Thursday, March 10, 2005 Legislative Day # 29 Today on the Floor: Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) gaveled the House into session this morning at 10:00 am. The Speaker recognized Rep. Tyrone Brooks (D-Atlanta) who introduced the "Devotional Speaker of the Day". Pastor Lowry, who spoke to, and the led the House in the morning devotion. Today's Doctor of the Day was Dr. Dr. Antallis from Dalton, GA. He is the President of the Georgia Medical Association. The first official votes on the House floor this morning was the adoption of the Local Calendar, and an Adjournment Resolution (HR 47), both passing the House. The Speaker then recognized Representatives Rep. Morgan, Anderson and Reece who spoke from the well during Morning Orders. Rep. Setzler, Wilkerson, and Jones made invite resolutions to the House. The House first took up the Rules Supplemental Calendar, and then the Debate Calendar.
House Rules Calendar Bills & Resolutions Passed :
Open Rule HB 17 - Private detective and security businesses; license renewal; continuing education - Relating to operators of private detective businesses and private security

business, this legislation would require the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies establish requirements of continuing education as a condition for renewal of licenses. The Board may waive education requirements under certain circumstances. - Authored by: Rep. Calvin Hill (R-Woodstock) - Regulated Industries Committee Substitute: LC 18 4201S/hs - Rules Committee Substitute: Adopted - Rep. Hill presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 156 N:0
HB 36 - Municipal corporations; creation; revise provisions - The principle change that this bill makes is in the 3 mile restriction. It will be very difficult to meet the density requirements. It is important that this issue is handled by the legislature because Sandy Springs residents generate far more tax revenue than they receive. - Authored by: Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Atlanta) - Government Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 14 9148S/hs - Rep. Willard and Rep. Austin Scott presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 124 N: 37
HB 37 - Sandy Springs, City of; incorporate; new charter - This bill creates the City of Sandy Springs. - Authored by: Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) - Government Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 14 9171S/hs - Rep. presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: - AM 18220 by: Rep. Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta): Failed by Y-43: N-116 - Y: 127 N: 35
HB 149 - Garnishment; exempt certain IRAs - relating to the exemption of certain pension or

retirement funds or benefits from garnishment until certain payment or transfer thereof, so as to provide for such an exemption with respect to additional individual retirement account funds or benefits - Authored by: Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta) - Judiciary Committee: Favorable - Rep. Franklin presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 129 N: 14
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. - Authored by: Rep. Allen Freeman (R-Macon) - Special Rules Committee Substitute: LC 18 4252-ECS/hs - Rep. Freeman presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 120 N: 28
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%. - Authored by: Rep. Ron Forster (R-Ringgold) - Insurance Committee Substitute: LC 28 2310S/hs - Rep. Forster presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: AM 28 0501- adopted; AM 28 0502 - adopted - Y: 164 N: 1

HB 346 - Lottery for education; method of payment for tickets - This legislation would create lottery ticket purchases online. It authorizes the establishment of an individual lottery account and provides for a method of payment of lottery tickets by cash, certified funds, debit card or other electronic transaction.
- Authored by: Rep. Terry Barnard (R-Glennville)
- Regulated Industries Committee Substitute: LC 19 6535S/hs
- Rep. Barnard presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Y: 98 N: 48
HB 347 - State crime laboratory; private contract laboratories; reports - relating to admission of reports from state crime laboratory, so as to make such Code section applicable to certain private laboratories under contract to the state crime laboratory
- Authored by: Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge)
- Non-Civil Judiciary Committee: Favorable
- Rep. Ralston presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Y: 146 N: 0
HB 378 - Marriage; premarital education; provide for - relating to probate court costs and compensation, and Chapter 3 of Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to marriage generally, so as to provide for premarital education; to provide for financial incentive to invest in premarital education; to provide for matters relative to the additional fee for certain marriage license applications; to provide for the requirements and elements of premarital education programs; to change provisions relating to the contents of the application for a marriage license
- Authored by: Rep. Barry Fleming (R-Harlem)
- Human Relations & Aging Committee Substitute: LC 29 1794S/hs
- Rep. Fleming presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments:
- Rep. Nikki Randall (D-Macon) introduced AM 29 0344; the Speaker determined that the amendment was not germane to the bill

- Y: 163 N: 1
HB 458 - Commercial Transportation Advisory Committee; create - Amends 40-16-8; This legislation establishs within the Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety, "The Governor's Commercial Transportation Advisory Committee". The purpose of this committee, meeting 3 times a year, is to advise the Governor on laws, regulations, rules, and other matters related to the operation of motor carriers. Bill sets out appointments to the committee, and becomes effective upon signature of the Governor. - Authored by: Rep. Vance Smith ( R-Pine Mountain) - Transportation Committee Substitute: LC 34 0311S/hs - Rep. Smith presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 147 N: 0
HB 608 - License to practice medicine; certain graduates; change licensure requirement - relating to license requirements for persons engaged in the practice of medicine, so as to change certain provisions relating to licensure to practice medicine by a person who graduated from a medical or osteopathic college which is not approved by the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners - Authored by: Rep. Stacey Reece (R-Gainesville) - Health & Human Services Committee Substitute: LC 33 0814S/hs - Rep. Reece presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 162 N: 0
HR 240 - Dale Earnhardt Day in Georgia; designate April 29 annually - A resolution designating April 29th of each year as "Dale Earnhardt Day in Georgia" - Authored by: Rep. David Graves (R-Macon) - Rules Committee Substitute: LC 21 8317S/hs - Rep. Graves presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None

- Y: 116 N: 28
Modified Structured Rule
HB 5 - Sales tax exemption; certain school clothes, supplies, computer items; limited time - relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to the sale of certain school supplies, clothing, footwear, computers, and computer related accessories for a limited period of time
- Authored by: Rep. Ron Borders (D-Valdosta)
- Ways & Means Committee
- Rep. Borders presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Y: 163 N: 2
Structured Rule
HB 81 - Homestead exemption; unremarried surviving spouse of deceased spouse - This bill permits an unremarried, surviving spouse of a deceased spouse with a base year assessed homestead exemption, to keep that exemption as long as that spouse meets the specified requirements for that exemption.
- Authored by: Rep. Burke Day ( R-Tybee Island)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4116S/hs
- Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah) presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Y:142 N: 0
HB 341 - Sales tax; exempt certain airline industry transactions - This bill provides for sales and use tax exemptions on jet fuel and food and beverages which are as follows:- For each fiscal year beginning after June 30, 2005, each qualifying airline shall receive an exemption on state and local sales and use tax for jet fuel after the first $15 million of state sales and use tax on jet fuel is paid.- The sale or use of jet fuel to or by a qualifying airline shall not be subject to any local sales and use tax which becomes effective on or after July 1, 2005. This exemption will not extend to local option sales tax for educational purposes (ELOST) which is effective before July 1, 2005. - Beginning July 1, 2005, the sale of food and beverages to commercial airlines for service to passengers and crew will be exempt from sales and use

tax. - These sales and use tax provisions will sunset on July 1, 2007.
- Authored by: Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R-Alpharetta)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4316S/hs
- Rep. Burkhalter presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Motion to Table the bill was defeated Y-28: N-127
- Y: 138 N: 21
HB 364 - Motor vehicles; certificate of title - relating to applications for certificates of title for motor vehicles, so as to require proof of the payment of the sales and use tax as a precondition to titling certain motor vehicles; to provide for the collection of the tax; to provide for compensation for tag agents
- Authored by: Rep. Roger Williams (R-Dalton)
- Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute: LC 18 4234S/hs
- Rep. Williams presented the bill to the House
- Floor Amendments: None
- Y: 150 N: 0
HB 389 - Income tax credits; certain businesses; less developed areas - Subject: Tax Credits for Business Enterprises; Code Section: 48-7-40; This bill defines the term "existing business enterprise" as any business or enterprise which has operated for three years in the state which is engaged in manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, processing, telecommunications, tourism, or research and development industries, but is not a retail business. These businesses will receive an additional tax credit in the amount of $500 per eligible new full time employee job for one year after the creation of such a job. The new full time jobs will be determined by comparing the monthly average number of full time employees subject to Georgia income tax withholding for the taxable year with the corresponding period of the prior taxable year. To be eligible for the credit, Tier 1 counties must increase employment by five jobs, Tier 2 by 10 jobs, Tier 3 by 15 jobs and Tier 4 by 25 jobs. The average wage must be above the average wage of the county with the lowest average wage in the state to qualify. - The employer must also make health care insurance coverage available to all new full time jobs to receive the credit, unless he does not insure his other employees, then he will not be required to provide insurance to get the credit. This credit is not allowed in any year in which the net employment falls below the number required in the respective tier.
- Authored by: Rep. Jay Roberts (R-Ocilla)

- Ways & Means Committee: Favorable - Rep. Roberts presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 142 N: 5
HB 442 - Occupation taxes; administrative or regulatory fees; exemption certification Adds the Department of Veterans Services to entities that can certify degrees of disability of veterans as it relates to qualifications for an exemption from occupation taxes, administrative fees and regulatory fees. - Authored by: Rep. John Yates (R-Griffin) - Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee - Rep. Yates presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 161 N: 1
Rules Supplemental Calendar Open Rule HB 307 - Construction defect claim; fulfillment or settlement; provisions - Relates to the effect of a claimant's acceptance of settlement in a construction defect claim. A contractor's performance of repairs or payment to a claimant will not (by itself) create insurance coverage or otherwise affect the mutual rights and obligations of the parties under a contractor's liability insurance policy or be considered a voluntary payment of an otherwise valid insured loss. - Authored by: Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville) - Insurance Committee: Favorable - Rep. Rogers presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 153 N: 0
HB 428 - Property insurance; warranty service agreements; amend provisions - relating to kinds of insurance, limits of risks, and reinsurance, so as to provide an exception to the

category of property insurance for warranty service agreements for major appliances, utility systems, and roofing; to provide for surety bonds; to provide for identification of an insurer or surety insurer; to provide for cancellation; to require warranty agreements that are not insurance to so state - Authored by: Rep. Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons) - Insurance Committee: Favorable - Rep. Keen presented the bill to the House - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 160 N: 0
Modified-Open Rule
HB 221 - Child support; guidelines; basic obligation amounts This bill changes the method by which child support awards are determined in Georgia. This bill also creates the Georgia Child Support Commission. - Authored by: Rep. Sue Burmeister (R-Augusta) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1835ERS/hs - Rep. Burmeister presented the bill to the House - Minority Report presented by Rep. Mable Thomas (D-Atlanta) - Floor Amendments: - AM 19 0875 by Rep. Watson; objection to amendment; amendment failed by a vote of Y-63: N-100 - Amendment by Rep. Oliver; objection to amendment; amendment failed by a vote of Y-79: N-90 - Y: 127 N: 43
Structured Rule
HB 499 - Congressional districts; composition and election provisions - relating to general provisions regarding elections, so as to provide for the composition and number of congressional districts; to provide for election of members of Congress; to provide when such members shall take office; to provide for continuation of present congressional districts until a certain time - Authored by: Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta)

- Rep. Franklin presented the bill to the House - Reapportionment Committee Substitute: LC 18 4290S/hs; Withdrawn - Rules Committee Substitute: Adopted - Rep. Franklin presented the bill to the House - Minority Report presented by Rep. Carolyn Hugley (D-Columbus) - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 104 N: 72 - Motion for immediate transmittal to the Senate: adopted
Bills & Resolutions Defeated: None
Postponed Legislation: HB 292 - Game and fish; deer hunting; amend provisions - relating to season and bag limits, promulgation of rules and regulations by the board, possession of more than bag limit, and reporting number of deer killed, so as to change certain provisions relating to closed seasons for deer; to change certain provisions relating to open seasons, bag limits, and antler restrictions for deer. This bill extends Archery/Bow hunting season, in certain Metro counties, from January 1 to January 31. - Authored by: Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville) - Game, Fish & Parks Committee Substitute: LC 25 4034S/hs
Legislation back to Rules: HB 83 - Small Business Employee Choice of Benefits Health Insurance Plan Act; enact Equality of health insurance in small business. - Authored by Rep. Lunsford (R-McDonough) - Insurance Committee Substitute:
HB 103 - Tax sales; notice period; amount payable for redemption - This bill will increase the notice period prior to sale under a tax execution. A defendant shall be given 15 days, instead of 10 days, written notice of the sale by registered/ certified/ statutory overnight

delivery. It also requires in cases of real property for a sign to be posted on the property 15 days prior to the date of sale giving notice of that sale. A $50 fee is assessed against the property to cover the posting costs.The amount required to be paid for the redemption of property from a sale has been decreased. A premium of 15% instead of 20% of the amount for the first year or fraction of a year which has elapsed between the date of the sale and the date on which the redemption is made and 7% instead of 10% for each year or fraction of a year thereafter. - Authored by: Rep. Robert Ray (D- Fort Valley) - Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4228S/hs
* The House will reconvene on Friday, March 11 at 9:00 AM for its 30 th Legislative Day.
Rules Committee
The Committee on Rules today has fixed the calendar for the 30 th Legislative Day, Friday, March 11, as enumerated below, and can be called at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House.
Debate Calendar Open Rule HB 97 - Appalachian Judicial Circuit; add judge - relating to the number of judges of superior courts, so as to provide for a third judge of the superior courts of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit; to provide for the appointment of such additional judge by the Governor; to provide for the election of successors to the judge initially appointed; to prescribe the powers of said judge; to prescribe the compensation, salary, and expense allowance of said judge to be paid by the State of Georgia and the counties comprising said circuit; to authorize the judges of said court to divide and allocate the work and duties thereof; to provide for the manner of impaneling jurors; to provide for an additional court reporter for said circuit; to declare inherent authority; to provide for a conditional effective date - Authored by: Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) - Judiciary-Civil Committee: Favorable
HB 153 - Voluntary Contributions Act; enact - This bill would place certain limitations on labor organizations with regard to the funding for certain political activities (Political Action

Committees). Provides for the use of separate, segregated funds for political activity expenditures. HB 153 would make it optional for individuals to contribute to political action committees, separate from their labor organization dues.
- Authored by Rep. Ron Forster (R-Ringgold)
- Industrial Relations Committee: Favorable
HB 216 - Pseudoephedrine sales; limitations and restrictions - relating to controlled substances, so as to limit the sale and manner of sale of products containing pseudoephedrine; to provide for exceptions; to provide for mitigation of punishment under certain circumstances; to provide for penalties; to restrict the sale, transfer, manufacture, purchase for resale, and furnishing of certain precursor chemicals; to provide for definitions; to authorize the State Board of Pharmacy to promulgate certain rules and regulations regarding precursor chemicals and licenses and permits; to provide for licensing and permitting of persons who sell, transfer, manufacture, purchase for resale, or otherwise furnish or possess precursor chemicals; to require certain records to be maintained; to provide for exceptions; to provide for certain forfeitures; to provide for penalties.
- Authored by: Rep. Jay Neal (R-LaFayette)
- Judiciary-NonCivil Committee Substitute: LC 28 2396S/hs
HB 236 - Theft; certain services or property knowingly obtained by deception - relating to theft, so as to provide that a rebuttable presumption that services, accommodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property which is available only for compensation was knowingly obtained by deception and with intent to avoid payment shall arise upon a showing that the person obtaining such services, accommodations, entertainment, or the use of personal property used false identification, provided false information on a written contract, made any payment with an insufficient check, or returned any personal property to a place or at a time other than as agreed upon;
- Authored by Rep. Bob Lane (R-Statesboro)
- Non-Civil Judiciary Committee
HB 275 - State employees; certain deferred compensation plans; transfer administration - Bill relates to the state employees' insurance and benefits plans by establishing the successor from the State Personnel Board to the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. This is for the purpose of administering any defined compensation plan. With approval the following can participate in the state plan: - employees of the county boards of health receiving financial assistance from the Department of Human Resources to participate in the state plan - employees of county and independent school systems - employees of the Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority- Georgia Federal-State Shipping Point Inspection Service- Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund

- Authored by: Rep. Jim Cole (R-Forsyth) - Insurance Committee: DO PASS
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) - Insurance Committee Substitute: LC 28 2263S/hs
HB 353 - Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics, and Safety Profession Recognition and Title Protection Act; enact - This legislation addresses the "Industrial Hygiene, Health Physics and Safety Profession Recognition and Title Protection Act". It is established to improve the practice and educational standards of the profession of industrial hygiene by certifying individuals who meet its education, experience, examination and maintenance requirements. - Authored by Rep. Ron Dodson ( D-Lake City) - Regulated Industries Committee: Favorable
HB 355 - Class Nine Fire Department Pension Fund; secretary-treasurer renamed executive director - relating to the Georgia Class Nine Fire Department Pension Fund, so as to change references to the secretary-treasurer of the fund to read executive director of the fund - Authored by: Rep. Bill Cummings (D-Rockmart) - Retirement Committee Substitute: LC 21 8223S/hs
HB 366 - Indigents; legal defense; amend certain provisions - Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; opt-out provision - Authored by: Rep. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming) - Judiciary-NonCivil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1744S/hs
HB 404 - Unemployment due to military reassignment of spouse; allow benefits - the proposed legislation would provide that leaving an employer voluntarily, because of the

transfer of a spouse from one military assignment to another, shall not disqualify a person from unemployment benefits.
- Authored by: Rep. John Yates (R-Griffin)
- Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee: Favorable
HB 407 - Insurance; administrators; agents; insolvency pool; definitions and provisions - so as to authorize the Commissioner to place administrators on probation and to provide penalties against administrators for certain violations; to provide for certain additional regulations of nonresident representatives who represent life insurers in certain military installations; to provide certain definitions; to provide for certain disclosures by counselors; to provide for certain exceptions; to provide for certain licensing for third party administrators; to provide certain procedures and standards for approval or rejection of such licenses; to provide for probationary licenses; to provide for certain bonds and insurance for administrators; to require administrators to be subject to certain examinations; to revise the provisions of law concerning the Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool
- Authored by: Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna)
- Insurance Committee: Favorable
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)
- Insurance Committee: Favorable
HB 420 - National Infantry Museum property; Columbus-Muscogee County; cession of concurrent jurisdiction to the United States - relating to the jurisdiction of the State of Georgia, so as to provide for the cession of concurrent jurisdiction to the United States over certain lands within the state used for the National Infantry Museum; to provide for terms and conditions
- Authored by: Rep. Calvin Smyre (D-Columbus)
- State Institutions & Property Committee: Favorable
HB 438 - Georgia War Veterans Nursing Homes; executive directors; appointment changes the method of appointment of the executive director of the veterans' homes
- Authored by: Rep. John Yates (R-Griffin)

- Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee: Favorable
HB 492 - Judicial Retirement System; dates and election for participation; amend - Bill provides that as of July 1, 2005, membership to the Judicial Retirement System will be closed to persons who become employed by the Office of Legislative Counsel or the Attorney General's Office in a full-time position requiring admission to the State Bar of Georgia as a condition of employment. After July 1, 2005, persons in those positions will become members of ERS.
- Authored by: Rep. Bill Cummings (D-Rockmart)
- Retirement Committee Substitute: LC 21 8252S/hs
HB 495 - Teachers Retirement; reemployment of retired teachers - Bill authorizes members who retired on or before December 31, 2003 to continue receiving benefits if they return to full-time service in any position covered under the Teachers Retirement System.
- Authored by: Rep. Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth)
- Retirement Committee Substitute: LC 21 8282S/hs
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)
- Industrial Relations Committee Substitute: LC 19 6528S/hs
HB 530 - Transportation, Department of; design-build contracts - Amends 32-2-81 This legislation addresses the Dept. of Transportation's power to contract, and revises the criteria for design-build contracts entered into by the Department. It spells out procedures for administering design-build contracts, and lists the qualifications from which the department will determine qualified firms. The department will be limited to contracting for no more than 15%of

the total amount of construction projects awarded in the previous fiscal year.
- Authored by: Rep. Vance Smith ( R-Pine Mountain)
- Transportation Committee: Favorable
HB 543 - Education; local boards; allow certain donations of sick leave - The bill would allow local boards of education to allow an employee of a local board to donate up to 10 sick leave days to his/her spouse if the spouse is also an employee of the local board for purposes of maternity leave, or illness, or illness or death of a family member.
- Authored by: Rep. David Casas (R-Lilburn)
- Education Committee Substitute: LC 33 0841S/hs
HB 553 - Education degree programs; professional associations not a condition of enrollment - The bill relates to students within the University System of Georgia and would ensure that students in an education degree program would not be required to join a professional association as a condition of enrollment in that degree program. There was some discussion amongst the committee about liability insurance for those student teachers. The committee was assured that SB 34, if passed, will provide that liability insurance for student teachers.
- Authored by: Rep. Bill Hembree (R-Douglasville)
- Higher Education Committee: Favorable
HB 613 - Drivers' licenses; bioptic drivers; change renewal period - This bill changes the renewal period of licenses for bioptic drivers from two to four years. Eliminates the need for a road test upon renewal
- Authored by: Rep. Don Wix (D-Mableton)
- Motor Vehicles Committee: Favorable
HB 643 - Long-Term Care Partnership Program; establish - relating to public assistance, so as to establish the Georgia Long-Term Care Partnership Program; to provide a short title; to provide definitions; to provide for the administration of the program; to provide for certain duties and responsibilities; to provide that certain assets of persons not be considered when certain determinations concerning eligibility for Medicaid assistance are made; to provide for criteria for asset disregard; to provide for reciprocal agreements with other states; to authorize the Department of Community Health and the Commissioner of Insurance to promulgate certain rules and regulations

- Authored by: Rep. Donna Sheldon (R-Dacula) - Human Relations & Aging Committee Substitute: LC 28 2395S/hs
HB 678 - Private schools; prayer at athletic events; public school participation - relating to certain programs and activities under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide that state law shall not prohibit a private school from conducting a prayer prior to an athletic event held on the campus of the private school; to provide that athletic teams from public schools shall not be prohibited from participating in an athletic event held on the campus of a private school in this state for the reason that the hosting private school conducts a prayer prior to such athletic event; to provide that public schools shall not participate in interscholastic sports events which are conducted under the authority of, conducted under the rules of, or scheduled by any athletic association which prohibits or discourages a private school from conducting a prayer prior to an athletic event held on the campus of the private school - Authored by: Rep. Mark Burkhalter (R-Alpharetta) - Government Affairs Committee: Favorable
HR 50 - Joint Agricultural Education Study Committee; create - A resolution creating the Joint Agricultural Education Study Committee - Authored by: Rep. Terry England (R-Auburn) - Education Committee: Favorable
HR 193 - Hamilton County, Tennessee; convey property - A resolution authorizing the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Hamilton County, Tennessee - Authored by: Rep. Terry Barnard (R-Glennville) - State Institutions & Property Committee: Favorable
HR 239 - Cobb County; convey property - A resolution authorizing the conveyance of certain State owned real property located in Cobb County, Georgia - Authored by: Rep. Judy Manning (R-Marietta) - State Institutions & Property Committee: Favorable
Modified-Structured Rule

HB 173 - Ad valorem tax; veterans organizations; exemption - Subject: Ad Valorem Exemption for Veterans; Code Section: 48-5-41; This bill extends the ad valorem tax exemption for veteran organizations to include any qualified nonprofit 501(c)(3) veteran organization.
- Authored by: Rep. John Lunsford (R-McDonough)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4042S/hs
HB 194 - Income tax credit; teleworking for limited period of time - Subject: Provides Income Tax Credits with Respect to Teleworking. This bill provides for state income tax credits with respect to teleworking for taxable years on or after January 1, 2006 and ending on or prior to December 31, 2008. "Eligible taxwork expenses" means expenses incurred during the taxable year pursuant to a telework agreement up to a limit of $1500 for each participating employee. These credits will be allowed for a percentage of eligible telework expenses incurred in the tax year as follows:100%- The eligible telework expenses must be incurred pursuant to a telework agreement requiring the participating employee to telework at least 12 days per month if the employer's principal place of business is located in an area designated by the U.S. E.P.A. as a nonattainment area under the federal Clean Air Act. 75%-The eligible telework expenses must be incurred pursuant to a telework agreement requiring the participating employee to work at least 12 days per month. 25%- The eligible telework expenses must be incurred pursuant to a telework agreement requiring the participating employee to work at least 5 days per month. In addition to the above listed credits, an employer conducting a telework assessment is allowed a credit against the tax imposed for 100% of the cost, up to a maximum credit of $40,000 per employer, of preparing the assessment. The revenue commissioner sets standards for this tax credit and shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and administration of this bill. All applications for this credit must be submitted by October 1 of each year to the commissioner for review and approval.Tax credits approved by the commissioner shall not exceed in each taxable year:$2,000,000 in 2006 - $5,000,000 in 2007 - $7,000,000 in 2008. - On or before January 1, 2008, the commissioner shall assess the telework programs and report to the General Assembly on its performance.
- Authored by: Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4294S/hs
HB 244 - Elections and voting; amend provisions - This is a housekeeping bill from the Secretary of State's office. It will bring law up to date with technology, constitutional changes, etc.
- Authored by Rep. Sue Burmeister (R-Augusta)
- Governmental Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 28 2279S/hs

HB 306 - Sales tax; certain tangible property used by contractors; amend provisions Subject: Payment of Sales and Use by Contractors. This bill provides that sales and use tax with respect to the use of tangible personal property owned by the state, university system, or any political subdivision, including local school boards, shall not be imposed when the property is not actually used up and consumed in the performance of the contract. If the governmental entity provides a contractor with such property to be incorporated into any construction project by contract, that entity must issue a written notice to the contractor of the amount of tax owed for that property. If the governmental entity fails to notify the contractor of the tax liability, that entity will be liable for the tax.
- Authored by: Rep. Tom Rice (R-Norcross)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4332S/hs
HB 374 - Hotel-motel tax; used for certain trails and walkways; extend - Subject: Hotel-Motel Tax Extension for Walkways, Trails, Etc.; Code Section: 48-13-51(a)(4); This bill will extend the time for the levy and collection of the Hotel-Motel tax used for the construction and expansion of bicycle or pedestrian greenways, trails, walkways, etc. from July 1, 2005 to July 1, 2025.
- Authored by Rep. Harry Geisinger (R-Roswell)
- Ways & Means Committee: Favorable
HB 431 - Unclaimed property; certain abandoned dividends or credits; disposition Subject: Alternative Method Disposition for Unclaimed Property. This bill allows patronage dividends or capital credits that are presumed to be abandoned that are held by an electric membership corporation (EMC) to be donated in lieu of payment of delivery to the revenue commissioner as long as the EMC has maintained a list of abandoned property for six months on their website and publishes said list in the legal organ of the county three to six months prior to the last date to claim the property.
- Authored by: Rep. Willie Talton (R-Warner Robbins)
- Ways & Means Committee: Favorable
HB 452 - Dog and cat sterilization fund; contributions; state income tax returns - Subject: Allows for Donation via Income Tax Returns for the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund. This bill allows taxpayers to make a partial or total donation through their income tax return to fund the Dog and Cat Sterilization Fund.
- Authored by: Rep. Gene Maddox (R-Cairo)
- Ways & Means Committee: Favorable

HB 488 - State and Local Tax Revision Act of 2005; enact - Subject: Department of Revenue Omnibus Bill
- Authored by: Rep. Larry O'Neal (R-Warner Robbins)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4317S/hs
HB 505 - Hotel-motel tax; review board; amend certain provisions - Subject: Hotel-Motel Tax Performance Review Board. Section 1 simply cures a technical defect from last year's H.B. 1415. The Department of Community Affairs should be the agency that receives noncompliance documents from the State Auditor, not the Department of Revenue.The second part of the bill allows the Hotel-Motel Tax Performance Review Board members to receive per diem, mileage, and travel reimbursement from funds appropriated to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The money for this expenditure is already in DCA's FY2006 budget and totals $5465.
- Authored by: Rep. Richard Royal (D-Camilla)
- Ways & Means Committee: Favorable
HB 521 - Sheriffs; qualifications; certified peace officers - This bill deals with the qualifications for sheriffs. Sheriffs must be certified as peace officers. If they lose their certification as a peace officer their office will be deemed vacant, and the probate judge will appoint an interim sheriff. The representative would like to delete section 1 from the bill.
- Authored by Rep. Mack Crawford (R-Concord)
- Government Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 28 2378S/hs
HB 538 - Income tax; military income exclusion; amend provisions - Subject: National Guard: Income Tax Credit for Qualified Life Insurance Premiums; Licensing Fees and Renewal. Any national guard or reserve member who serves at least 90 consecutive days will be automatically granted an extension, without a fee, for any annual license or registration which will extend until the next expiration period. Continuing education requirements will also be waived during the automatic extension period. The licensing provision will become effective upon the Governor's signature. Any member of the national guard or air national guard that are Georgia residents will be allowed an income tax credit in an amount not to exceed the amount expended for life insurance premiums. In order to receive the credit, the national guard or air national guard member must serve at least 90 consecutive days of active duty or active duty training. The credit will be allowed in the year that the majority of days are served and in the event that there are an equal number of consecutive days served in two calendar years, the exclusion shall be claimed and allowed in the year in which the ninetieth day occurs.

- Authored by: Rep. Larry O'Neal (R-Warner Robbins)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4326S/hs
HB 539 - Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act; provisions - Subject: Income Tax Credits for Entertainment Industry Production Investments. This bill creates the Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act. Any production company that invests in a state certified production approved by the Department of Economic Development shall be allowed an income tax credit:
If the average annual total production expenditures in this state did not exceed $30 million for 2002, 2003, and 2004 and the production company had a minimum base investment of $500,000 for qualified production activities; or
If the average annual total production expenditures in this state exceeded $30 million for 2002, 2003, and 2004 and the production company had an excess base investment (with the excess base investment being the excess of current year production expenditures over the average of the production expenditures for 2002, 2003, and 2004) of $500,000 for qualified production activities. The production company shall be allowed a tax credit equal to 9% of the base investment or excess base investment in this state. If the investment is in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county, the production company will be allowed an additional tax credit equal to 3% of the base investment or excess base investment made in the Tier 1 or Tier 2 county. If Georgia residents are employed in the production, the production company will be allowed an additional tax credit equal to 3% of the total aggregate payroll of the Georgia residents and if the base investment or excess base investment in this state is in excess of $20 million for multiple television projects, the production company is allowed an additional tax credit equal to 2% of such base investment or excess base investment. This bill also repeals the rapid growth credit.
- Authored by: Rep. Larry O'Neal (R-Warner Robbins)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4279S/hs
HB 559 - Sales tax exemption; certain energy efficient products; limited time period Subject: Limited Sales Tax Exemption for Energy Efficient Products. This bill provides for a state sales tax exemption with respect to certain sales of energy efficient products. Energy efficient products are defined as any dishwasher, clothes washer, air conditioner, ceiling fan, incandescent or fluorescent light bulb, dehumidifier, programmable thermostat, or refrigerator which have met or exceeded the EPA's and Department of Energy's efficiency requirements or the requirements designated by the Energy Star program. This exemption will commence on October 6, 2005 and conclude on October 9, 2005.
- Authored by: Rep. Lynn Smith (R-Newnan)
- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: LC 18 4302S/hs

Structured Rule HB 97 - Appalachian Judicial Circuit; add judge - relating to the number of judges of superior courts, so as to provide for a third judge of the superior courts of the Appalachian Judicial Circuit; to provide for the appointment of such additional judge by the Governor; to provide for the election of successors to the judge initially appointed; to prescribe the powers of said judge; to prescribe the compensation, salary, and expense allowance of said judge to be paid by the State of Georgia and the counties comprising said circuit; to authorize the judges of said court to divide and allocate the work and duties thereof; to provide for the manner of impaneling jurors; to provide for an additional court reporter for said circuit; to declare inherent authority - Authored by: Rep. David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge) - Judiciary-Civil Committee: Favorable
HRs 91, 94, 173, 200, 201, 231, 295 were all placed on the Local Legislation Calendar.
* The Rules Committee will next meet, Friday, March 11 at 8:00 AM.
Monday Thursday's Committee Meetings' Actions - Committee Reports prepared by House Research & Policy Office - Committee Meetings that took place on Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday are included in this Committee Action Report.
Education -Wednesday, March 9 HB 252 - High school students; failure to pass graduation test; eligibility to graduate The bill provides for an appeals process that will enable a student to receive a graduation diploma. It gives students a mechanism that, if the student successfully completes the requirements specified in the bill, could receive a graduation diploma.The bill was amended in committee to encourage systems to offer remedial courses to assist students with portions of the test that they have failed. - Authored by: Rep. Roger Williams (R-Dalton) - Education Committee Substitute: Do Pass

HB 629 - Charter schools; revise legislative intent; amend certain provisions - This bill allows for blanket exemptions for conversion and start-up charter schools. The bill allows for an appeal if a local board denies a charter petition. It extends a charter from 5 to 10 years. It establishes charter clusters for local systems.
- Authored by: Rep. Jill Chambers (R-Atlanta)
- Education Committee Substitute: Do Pass
HB 689 - Core curriculum requirements; include dangers of methamphetamine use - The bill provides that grades 5-12 be given instruction on the dangers of methamphetamines. The original bill provided for exact minutes of instruction to be given, this was removed in committee.
- Authored by: Rep. Barbara Massey Reece (D-Menlo)
- Education Committee Substitute: Do Pass
Game, Fish & Parks
-Wednesday, March 9
HB 662 - Game and fish; three-day nonresident big game license and fee - this bill creates a three-day non-resident big game hunting license which costs $50.00. Additionally, this bill makes some fee and licensing structure adjustments with the intent of aligning Georgia's licenses and fees with neighboring states. If passed, there would no longer be a seven-day non-resident hunting license category; instead, there would be a three-day non-resident hunting license category, or the option of a one-day non-resident hunting license (neither of these licenses would not allow the taking of deer; to take deer would also require the purchase of the newly-created non-resident three-day big game license or the current non-resident annual big game license). The fees specified in section 2 of this bill (with a delayed effective date of 2012) are in harmony with changes made in a prior legislative session: it was then determined that fees could be reduced when certain bonds were paid.
- Authored by: Rep. Bob Hanner (D-Parrott)
- Game, Fish, & Parks Committee Substitute: LC 25 4049S/hs
- Committee Do Pass
HB 695 - Disabled Assistants Act; authorize permits for certain wild animals - This bill provides that certain disabled persons shall be issued a wild animal permit if a person has a disability which interferes with that person's ability to perform one or more routine daily living

activities. The applicant must establish to the satisfaction of the Department prior to issuance of such permit: that the animal for which the permit is to be issued has been or will be trained to assist the person in performing his or her daily living activities; that the animal will be humanely treated and will not present a health or safety threat; that the organization furnishing the animal to the applicant is reputable, lawful, and does not have any history of violating this chapter; and must provide to the department documentation and data sufficient to establish that the organization has a proven record, over at least a ten-year period, of furnishing animals which provide meaningful assistance to persons with disabilities. - Authored by: Rep. Doug Holt ( R-Social Circle) - Game, Fish & Parks Committee: Do Pass
Health & Human Services -Wednesday, March 9 NO RESEARCH/POLICY REPORT AVAILABLE
Higher Education -Thursday, March 10 HB 343 - Valdosta State University's Peach State Summer Theatre; designate official musical theatre This bill designates the Valdosta State Universities, Peach State Summer Theatre as Georgia's official music theatre. - Authored by: Rep. Ron Borders (D-Valdosta) - Higher Education Committee: Favorable
Insurance -Thursday, March 10 NO RESEARCH/POLICY REPORT AVAILABLE
-Wednesday, March 9 HB 290 - Health insurance; major medical policies; carry-over deductible - This bill provides an exception to the requirement that major medical insurance policies or plans provide for carry-over deductibles. It removes the requirement that managed care plans obtain certain acknowledgments. Enacts the "Georgia Telemedicine Act".

- Authored by: Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville) - Insurance Committee Substitute
HB 375 - Prepaid legal services plans; replace Code Chapter 35 - Bill will enhance the free market in Georgia for this service allowing low income people to acquire legal services. The committee substitute will place stricter qualifications for licensing. - Authored by: Rep. Don Parsons (R-Marietta) - Insurance Committee Substitute: Do Pass
HB 388 - Optional employee benefit plans; certain governmental entities; administrative fees - Relates to continuation of optional employee benefit plans and approval of optional plans or contracting with new or additional insures. Provisions are made that any department, agency, authority, county department of health, or local board of education may receive an administrative fee or service fee for certain services. - Authored by: Rep. Ron Dodson ( I-Lake City) - Insurance Committee: Do Pass
HB 425 - Insurers; permit food and refreshments under certain circumstances Provisions are made to permit insurers to provide food or refreshments under certain circumstances to current or prospective clients during sales presentations and seminars. No insurance or annuity applications or contracts can be offered or accepted at such presentations or seminars. - Authored by: Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans - Insurance Committee: Do Pass
HB 524 - Health insurance funds; teachers and school employees; combine with other funds - This bill makes necessary changes to the way they account for money. It authorizes the Commissioner to account each of their 3 employee groups as a whole, allows the Department to modify their method of accounting for employee contribution, and will authorize the Commissioner to suspend benefits for employees whose employer has not made the appropriate employer contribution. - Authored by: Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville) - Insurance Committee: Favorable

HB 683 - Property/Casualty Insurance Modernization Act; enact - Provides that all contested hearings be made before the Commissioner of Insurance by the Office of State Administrative Hearings.Certain rates with regard to certain property and casualty insurance may go into effect without the necessity of approval by the Commissioner of Insurance. Also, provides for procedures in filing.Provides for notice and hearing in the case of filings that are not in compliance. - Authored by: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) - Insurance Committee: Favorable
SB 140 - Patient's Right to Independent Review Act; revise; add definitions; references Revises patient's right to independent review.Certain requirements will not apply to health maintenance organizations which contract with the department of community health.Relates to PeachCare for Kids providing definition. Changes certain provisions relating to the creation of PeachCare, availability, eligibility, payment of premiums and enrollment. - Authored by: Sen. Tommie Williams (R-Lyons) - House Insurance Committee: Do Pass
Interstate Cooperation -Thursday, March 10 NO RESEARCH/POLICY REPORT AVAILABLE
-Monday, March 7 NO RESEARCH/POLICY REPORT AVAILABLE
Judiciary Civil -Tuesday, March 8 HB 150 - Law school graduates; state bar exam; Supreme Court powers - This would allow graduates of non-AVA-accredited schools who are members of another state bar to take the GA bar exam. There is no Constitutional amendment needed for this bill. - Authored by: Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta)

- Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 14 9116S/hs ; Do Pass
HB 221 - Child support; guidelines; basic obligation amounts This bill changes the method by which child support awards are determined in Georgia. - Authored by: Rep. Sue Burmeister (R-Augusta) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1835ERS/hs ; Do Pass
HB 368 - Tax executions; property; prohibit sale to county tax commissioners This bill makes it a felony for a tax commissioner to purchase property being sold by the county for delinquent taxes unless that tax commissioner is the owner of the property and was the owner at the time the taxes became delinquent. The bill provides penalties including fines, imprisonment and removal from office and declares that such a sale is void. This will eliminate any temptation in the tax commissioner's office. - Authored by: Rep. Billy Mitchell ( D-Stone Mountain) - Judiciary-Civil Committee: Do Pass
HB 500 - Guardians of adults; amend provisions; public guardians; definitions This bill comes as a result of a restructuring effort by DFACS. To complete the transfer responsibilities, we need to remove county directors of DFACS as guardians of adults. The committee substitute differs from the original bill in that it provides the DHR as a last resort guardian. - Authored by: Rep. Len Walker (R-Loganville) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 33 0855S/hs ; Do Pass
HB 667 - Correctional institutions; inmate commissaries This bill came from a request from her local magistrate judge in Richmond County. This bill clarifies the law to make it clear that if a defendant is charged for violation of an ordinance due to conduct that would also constitute a misdemeanor, he/she may remove in order to have a jury trial. - Authored by: Rep. Sue Burmeister (R-Augusta) - Judiciary-Civil Committee: Do Pass
HB 669 - Open meetings; certain athletic or fine art associations; encourage school participation This adds organizations that are subject to open meetings and open records. Legislation would apply specifically to the High School Athletic Association.

- Authored by: Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1831S/hs ; Do Pass
HB 684 - Open meetings; certain exclusions; open records; certain requirement The purpose of this bill is threefold; Section 1-alters procedures relating to open and public meetings, specifying that employment interview meetings are exempted from the Open Records Act. This will protect the privacy of those potential employees that are not accepted for the job. Section 2-would add a new Code section that deals with situations involving mediation and arbitration. Its effect would be to allow one separate party caucus with the mediator without that being subject to open meetings. The last sentence of this section will act as a safeguard. Section 3-It requires that open records requests be made in writing and delivered to the agency. Currently, clerks are having a great deal of trouble keeping up with requests that are not made in writing. - Authored by: Rep. Mark Hatfield (R-Waycross) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1833S/hs ; Do Pass
SB 121 - Tollway Authority; motorist identity, travel history on project; exempt record This bill provides that public disclosure is not required for any information obtained by the State Road and Tollway Authority in connection with its operation of a toll project, to the extent such records would reveal the identity, financial accounts, or travel history of an individual. This is aimed at protecting the information on Cruise Card applications, which could be dangerous in the wrong hands. - Authored by: Sen. Dan Moody (R-Alpharetta) - Judiciary-Civil Committee Substitute: LC 29 1830S/hss ; Do Pass
Judiciary NonCivil -Thursday, March 10 NO RESEARCH/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT AVAILABLE
-Wednesday, March 9 NO RESEARCH/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT AVAILABLE
Natural Resources & Environment

-Wednesday, March 9 NO RESEARCH/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT AVAILABLE
Public Utilities & Telecommunications -Wednesday, March 9 HB 470 - Official Code of Georgia; change references to "911" to read 9-1-1 - This bill changes all references to 911 to read 9-1-1. Provisions are also made as follows:changes the membership of the 9-1-1 Advisory Committee, provides for maximum administrative fees;provides for the recovery of costs of 9-1-1 services to customers; provides for identification of the place of primary use for wireless customers; provides for definitions that are in compliance with federal statutes. - Authored by: Rep. John Lunsford (R-McDonough) - Public Utilities Committee Substitute: Do Pass
Special Rules -Thursday, March 10 HR 428 - This bill will create a House Study Committee on tobacco Tax Evasion. Georgia wholesalers are losing millions of dollars in sales to importation of cigars from Florida, where there is no tax on cigars, also causing a loss of jobs in Georgia. Current policy makes identification of imported products difficult to spot, as cigars and smokeless tobacco products are not stamped. - Authored by: Rep. - Special Rules Committee: Do Pass
-Wednesday, March 9 HR 297 - Reece, Byron Herbert; honor as "Georgia's Appalachian Poet/Novelist" a Resolution honoring poet & novelist Byron Herbert Reece and naming him " Georgia's Appalachian Poet/Novelist" - Authored by: Rep. Wendell Willard (R-Atlanta) - Special Rules Committee - Committee Do Pass

Science & Technology Thursday, March 10 - Committee met, but no legislative action was taken.
State Institutions & Property Thursday, March 10 NO RESEARCH/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT AVAILABLE
Wednesday, March 9 HB 667 - Correctional institutions; inmate commissaries - This bill makes provisions for wardens of state correctional institutionsss with regard to commissaries for inmates. - Chairman Barnard offered a Substitute to HB 667 which will be taken up Thursday, March 10, 2005 at 2:00 PM
Transportation Thursday, March 10 NO RESEARCH/POLICY COMMITTEE REPORT AVAILABLE
Ways & Means Thursday, March 10 HB 361 - State Public Transportation Fund; limits on collections and expenditures - This bill requires that twenty-five percent of the total amount of taxes collected at the rate of four percent for the State Public Transportation Fund shall be expended on the costs of planning, surveying, constructing, reconstructing, paving and improving the public roads of Georgia as determined by the Department of Transportation to be eligible under their Local Assistance Road Program (LARP). This bill also exempts the first 4 percent of sales and use tax for motor fuel sales. Current law exempts the first 3 percent. It also increases the rate of the second motor fuel tax from 3 percent to 4 percent. A two year sunset provision was added by committee substitute which will terminate these provisions on July 1, 2008. - Authored by: Rep. Paul Smith (D-Rome)

- Ways & Means Committee Substitute: Do Pass

* These committee action reports are for bills that have passed and/or were deemed favorable by the Full Committees.
* Committee action reports are sometimes edited for this report. For full content, please contact the House Research & Policy Office at 404-656-3206
Committee Meetings for Friday, March 11
www.legis.state.ga.us

8:00 am-9:00 RULES (House Meetings)

am

341 CAP

8:30 am-9:30 Environmental Quality Subcommittee of Natural Resources (House

am

Meetings)

216 Capitol

* 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