Daily report [Mar. 4, 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
Friday, March 4, 2005 Legislative Day # 28 Today on the Floor: Speaker of the House Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) gaveled the House into session this morning at 10:00 am. The first official vote on the House floor this morning was the adoption of the Local Calendar. The Speaker then recognized Representatives Rep. Buckner, Brooks, Gardner, and Roberts who spoke from the well during Morning Orders. Speaker Richardson submitted HR nomination of Mr. Jeffrey Israel to the State Election Board. The nomination was confirmed by a vote of Y-159: N- 0. FY 2005 Supplemental Budget Conference Committee Report
HB 84 - Supplemental appropriations; FY 2004-2005 - A BILL to amend an Act providing appropriations for the State Fiscal Year 2004-2005, known as the "General Appropriations Act," approved May 17, 2004 (Ga. L. 2004, p. 994.) and for other purposes - Authored by: Rep. Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) Speaker of the House - Co-sponsored by: Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans), House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna), Governor's Floor Leader Rep. Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Majority Leader

- House Version: Passed on Feb. 8, 2005 (LD 14) by vote of Y-165: N-5 - Senate Version: Passed by Substitute on Feb. 17 (LD 20) by vote of Y-39: N-15) - House disagreed with Senate position, and insisted on its position; Senate did likewise: Conference Committee assigned by House and Senate - Conference Committee Report: - Y: 145 N: 19
House Rules Calendar Bills & Resolutions Passed :
Open Rule HB 85 - General appropriations; FY 2005-2006 - A BILL to make and provide appropriations for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2006; and for other purposes. - Authored by: Rep. Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) Speaker of the House - Co-sponsored by: Rep. Ben Harbin (R-Evans), House Appropriations Chairman Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna), Governor's Floor Leader Rep. Jerry Keen (R-St. Simons), Majority Leader - Rep. Ben Harbin presented the bill to the Committee of Whole House - Appropriations Committee Substitute: Favorable - Floor Amendments: None - Y: 154 N: 14
HB 665 - Public employees; fraud, waste, and abuse; complaints or information - This bill provides whistleblower protection for public employees.The bill would change certain provisions relating to complaints or information regarding fraud, waste, and abuse in state programs and operations. - Authored by: Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smryna) - Ethics Committee: Favorable

- Y: 151 N: 7
Structured Rule HB 48 - Ethics in government; amend provisions - relating, respectively, to ethics in government; local government; penal institutions; and public officers, so as to provide for the comprehensive revision of provisions regarding ethics and conflicts of interest; to provide for and change certain definitions; to change certain provisions relative to declaration of policy; to provide for the timely issuance of advisory opinions by the State Ethics Commission and other matters relative to advisory opinions; to change provisions relating to the State Ethics Commission including its administrative attachment to the Secretary of States office; to provide for penalties; to provide for restrictions on the Governors appointment power under certain circumstances - Authored by Rep. Rich Golick (R-Smyrna) - Rep. Rich Golick presented the bill on the House Floor - Ethics Committee Substitute: Adopted as amended - Minority Report: - Amendment by Rep. Wilkinson: technical amendment to language: Adopted - Y: 163 N: 3
Bills & Resolutions Defeated: None
* The House will reconvene on Thursday, March 10 at 10:00 AM for its 29 th Legislative Day.
Rules Committee
The Committee on Rules today has fixed the calendar for the 29 th Legislative Day, Thursday, March 10, as enumerated below, and can be called at the pleasure of the Speaker of the House. Debate Calendar 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
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) - Presented to Government Affairs Committee by: Rep. Jan Jones (R-Alpharetta) - Government Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 14 9148S/hs
HB 37 - Sandy Springs, City of; incorporate; new charter - This bill creates the City of Sandy Springs. - Amendments: - AM 14 0746 by Rep. Wilkinson These are a few changes to the original bill, mainly dealing with sunset dates for caps, salary change for the city council, correcting technical errors, etc. Passed unanimously - AM 14 0747 by Rep. Willard an amendment regarding contracts. Passed unanimously - Authored by: Rep. Joe Wilkinson (R-Sandy Springs) - Government Affairs Committee Substitute: LC 14 9171S/hs
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
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
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
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.
- Authored by: Rep. Allen Freeman (R-Macon)
- Special Rules Committee Substitute: LC 18 4252-ECS/hs

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
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
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:
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
HB 458 - Commercial Transportation Advisory Committee; create - Amends 40-16-8; This legislation establish within the Dept. of Motor Vehicle Safety, "The Governor's Commercial Transportation Advisory Committee". The purpose of this committee 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
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
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
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
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 Sub stitute: LC 18 4116S/hs
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:
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:
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
* The Rules Committee will next meet, Thursday, March 10 at 9:00 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.
Friday's Committee Meetings' Actions - Committee Reports prepared by House Research & Policy Office
Education No Committee Report available at the time of this publication.
Government Affairs No Committee Report available at the time of this publication.
Motor Vehicles HB 654 - All-terrain vehicles; additional definitions; provisions - Clarifies definitions relative to all-terrain vehicles - Authored by: Rep. Bobby Reese (R-Sugar Hill) - Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 513 - Drivers' licenses; certain records; furnish to Georgia Bureau of Investigation - Would allow local fire or law enforcement departments to obtain criminal and driving history of applicants from the GBI - Authored by: Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) - Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute

HB 141 - Motorcycles; amend certain traffic regulations - Would allow motorcycle operators to cautiously proceed through red lights after stopping and waiting due time. - Authored by: Rep. Amos Amerson (R-Dahlonega) - Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 214 - Crimes; theft by conversion of health care benefits; define offense - Would establish a study committee on All Terrain Vehicles - Authored by: Rep. Chuck Sims (D-Douglas) - Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 276 - Motor vehicles; licensing of ignition interlock device providers - Provides for licensing of ignition interlock device provider centers; Provides for certain requirements for operators of provider centers - Authored by: Rep. Tom Rice (R-Norcross) - Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 542 - Drivers' licenses; driver improvement clinics; provisions - Clarifies the requirements for "defensive driving schools" - Authored by: Rep. Tom Rice (R-Norcross) - Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 135 - Motorcycles; Purple Heart license plates - Provides that Purple Heart license plates shall be available for motorcycles - Authored by: Rep. Amos Amerson (R-Dahlonega) - Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute
HB 455 - Motor vehicles; new and used dealers; temporary license plates; amend provisions Provides for the use of the vehicle identification number on temporary license plates; Provides that all temporary plates shall be required to have a holographic security image; Requires all sellers and distributors of holographic strips to register with the department; Requires automobile dealers to register

for permits for tent sales; Requires that dealers may only participate in tent sales in the county of permanent dealership residency - Authored by: Rep. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming) - Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute
HB 577 - Drivers' licenses; provide for destruction of certain fingerprint records; prohibit requirement - Provides for the destruction of certain fingerprint records; Prohibits the requirement of fingerprinting and similar identification of applicants for drivers licenses and identification cards - Authored by: Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Cassville) - Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute
Morning Meeting HB 439 - Free license plates; certain disabled veterans; Department of Veterans Services; duties Authorizes that The Department of Veteran Services may produce a letter of eligibility to disabled veterans for the purposes of obtaining free license plates and revalidation decals. - Authored by: Rep. John Yates (R-Griffin) - Motor Vehicles Committee: Do Pass
HB 501 - Department of Driver Services; create as successor to Department of Motor Vehicle Safety this bill would restructure the Department of Motor Vehicles Services. - Authored by: Rep. Austin Scott (R-Tifton) - Motor Vehicles Committee Substitute: Do Pass
HB 552 - Motor vehicles; issue permit for certain lights, sirens, and markings to private vehicles Authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety to issue a permit to certain private vehicles for lights, sirens, and markings, providing that the vehicle a) Is at least 20 years old b)Is used only for entertainment, hobby, or historical purposes c)Is not used for emergency activities, to violate any traffic laws, or to cause other vehicles to stop or yield the right of way - Authored by: Rep. Bill Hembree (R-Douglasville) - Motor Vehicles Committee: Do Pass

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: Do Pass
* 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 Next Week are available Online www.legis.state.ga.us
* 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