MEMBER SERVICES Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Suite 609 Phone: (404) 656-0305 TOMORROW'S FORECAST * The House will reconvene for its 39th Legislative Day on Wednesday, April 18, at 10:00 AM. * 22 bills and 3 resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor. GGEEOORRGGIIAAHHOOUUSSEE OOFF RREEPPRREESSEENNTTAATTIIVVEESS DAILY REPORT TTuueessddaayy,,AApprriill 1177,, 22000077 TODAY ON THE FLOOR 3388tthh LLeeggiissllaattiivvee DDaayy CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT SB 17 - Optometrists; authorize to prescribe and administer oral/topical pharmaceutical agents; eye/adnexa oculi - BILL SUMMARY: This bill would allow optometrists to prescribe certain oral antibiotics to treat ocular surface disease and lid disease, but specifically prevents optometrists from treating systemic diseases of the eye. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Conference Committee Members: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th, Rep. Earl Ehrhart of the 36th, Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st, Rep. Mike Coan of the 101st, Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th, Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - Yeas: 155; Nays: 2 - Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of this bill. MOTIONS TO AGREE HB 155 - Human Resources, Department of; personal care home owners; criminal history; permit - BILL SUMMARY: HB 155 calls for mandatory criminal background checks for owners of "personal care homes, private home care providers, community living arrangements, and child welfare agencies." This bill makes it unlawful for an owner to operate any of the previously stated small businesses with a criminal record. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. HB 357 - Revenue and taxation; define certain terms; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: The purpose of HB 357 is to conform to certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which were adopted by the federal government late in 2006. On December 20, 2006, the Federal Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 was signed into law. The bill extended certain provisions into 2006 that were previously set to expire at the end of 2005. Unless Georgia legislation on this Act is passed now, these tax provisions will not apply for Georgia 2006 tax returns, and taxpayers will be required to make a number of state-level adjustments to their federal AGI which is the starting point for the Georgia return. This will be a significant additional burden for taxpayers, preparers, and Department of Revenue administrators. The effect of passing this bill is to provide tax relief estimated at $7 Million over the period from 2007 to 2008. The following are the main provisions that will affect Georgia citizens and businesses for the 2006 tax year: oThe above-the-line deduction for higher education expenses was reinstated. oThe up-to-$250 above-the-line deduction for out-of-pocket educator classroom expenses was reinstated. oThe research and development tax credit was reinstated. oThe work opportunity tax credit (now combined with the welfare-to-work credit) was reinstated. oFifteen-year depreciation for qualified leasehold improvements and for qualified restaurant improvements (rather than 39 years) was extended for two years. oElection to expense qualified environmental remediation costs is reinstated. oArcher Medical Savings Account program is extended through 2007. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. HB 443 - Employment security; employment; change definition; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Adds to the exceptions for services deemed to be employment in subsection (f) of OCGA 34-8-35 that the services are the subject of an SS-8 determination by the IRS, which decided against employee status and to the exceptions in subsection (n) of the same Code section services performed for a common carrier or property, persons or property and persons; extends suspensions of the adjustments based upon the State-wide Reserve Ratio to December 31, 2009; changes the number by which weekly amount adjustments are calculated from 44 to 42 the two highest quarters of wages paid in the base period will be divided by 42; currently it is divided by 44, and the alternative computation number is lowered from 22 to 21. In benefit years beginning on or after July 1, 2007, if the weekly amount would be more than $26.00 but less than $44.00, the weekly amount will be $44.00 and no amount will be less than $44.00; for claims filed after July 1, 2007, the weekly benefit amount will not exceed $330.00. Appropriates an additional $1,885,551.11 to the Department of Labor to be used for expenses incurred in the administration of the Employment Security Law. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Coan of the 101st - House Committee: Industrial Relations - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. HB 497 - Adoption; surrender rights; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Bill provides for a biological father to execute a pre-birth surrender for the purposes of adoption. A form is created for said surrender in O.C.G.A. 19-8-26(f). The Bill further dissolves the birth mothers surrender of rights, should the biological father legitimate the child and the adoption is not granted. - Authored By: Rep. Donna Sheldon of the 105th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. HR 369 - Baldwin, Charlton, Chatham, Coffee, and Columbia counties; convey property; authorize - BILL SUMMARY: This resolution authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in the following Counties in Georgia: Baldwin, Charlton, Chatham, Coffee, Columbia, Forsyth, Fulton, Hall, McDuffie, Pulaski, Stephens, Tattnall, Treutlen, Troup, Wayne, and Whitfield. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. MOTIONS TO DISAGREE HB 76 - Emergency management; nomenclature and symbols; require permission; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A bill relating to emergency management requiring permission of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security's and the Georgia Emergency Management Agency's Nomenclature. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to emergency management is to be amended by inserting a new article after Article 7. The new article shall be known as "Georgia Office of Homeland Security and Georgia Emergency Management Agency Nomenclature Act of 2007". The article will describe the meaning of different terms such as badge, director of the affected agency, emblem, person, seal, and willful visitor. Only with permission from the director of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security `OHS' knowingly may use the words of the Georgia Office of Homeland Security and the Georgia Information Sharing and Analysis Center in connection with any advertisement. Also, only with permission of the director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency `GEMA' knowingly may use the words of Georgia's Emergency Management Agency in connection with any type of advertisement. Any person who displays any emblem, seal or badge of OHS or GEMA without permission from director will be in violation of this article. Any person that seeks permission may submit a written request to the appropriate agency. When there is a violation the director has the right to apply to the Superior Court of Fulton County or to the Superior Court of County of residence for an injunction to restrain the violation. The director has the right to collect a sanction from the violator. Any person that has given money for their use of agency nomenclature or symbols in violation to this article may maintain a suit for damages against the violator. Any willing violator shall be found guilty of a felony and be fined or imprisoned. - Authored By: Rep. Burke Day of the 163rd - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration. HB 95 - General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 - BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides appropriated sums of money for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2007, and ending June 30, 2008. The funding will be used for the operation of the State government, its departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, institutions, and other agencies. Further, it provides funding for the university system, common schools, counties, municipalities, poiltical subdivisions and for all other governmental activities, projects and undertakings authorized by law. - Authored By: Rep. Glenn Richardson of the 19th - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration. HB 105 - Animals; poultry; revise certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Due to administrative costs for collection of fees that exceed the amount collected for certain licenses required by the Department, this bill would give discretion to the Commissioner of Agriculture to charge reasonable license fees to offset the administrative costs to collect such fees. This would apply only to a rendering plant license, a poultry dealer, poultry broker, poultry market operator, or hatchery license. Additionally, this bill removes code section 47-5 relating to sulfaguanidine and sulfathiazole since those antibiotics are no longer used to treat poultry. Senate Committee Substitute removed the fee altogether and removed the Commissioner's Discretion to determine fee amount. - Authored By: Rep. Gene Maddox of the 172nd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration. HB 282 - Sales & use tax; repair of certain aircrafts; sale of parts; provide exemption - BILL SUMMARY: HB 282 provides for a two year sales tax exemption on sales of engines, parts, equipment and other tangible personal property use in aircraft maintenance or repair, when such aircraft is repaired or maintained in Georgia, but not registered in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration. RULES CALENDAR SB 34 - Penal Institutions; possession of photograph of victims by certain persons confined; prohibit - BILL SUMMARY: Defines "inmate" to include anyone confined in a penal institution. Prevents inmates imprisoned for Title 16 Chapter 5 crimes against the person and inmates imprisoned for Title 16 Chapter 6 sexual crimes from possession of any picture, photograph or depiction of any victim of the offense for which he or she is serving time. Possession of a photograph, picture or depiction of a victim would be punished as a misdemeanor. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 154; Nays: 0 SB 38 - Motor Vehicles; registration of a vehicle; require driver's license/identification card - BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires an individual to show a valid Georgia driver's license, or ID card, in order to get a tag for a motor vehicle. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 149; Nays: 9 SB 49 - Labor, Dept. of; transfer of Rehabilitation Services; provide delivery of certain services/techniques to deaf-blind individual - BILL SUMMARY: Provides that the Division of Rehabilitation Services under the Department of Labor will oversee services to the deaf and the blind by an organization knowledgeable on deaf-blind issues. The funding for this organization will be subject to appropriations by the General Assembly. The organization will provide comprehensive training to division staff on services required by deaf and/or blind customers to lead them to maximum independence and employment. - Authored By: Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd - House Committee: Industrial Relations - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 SB 62 - Georgia Crime Information Center; provide certain conditions for requesting criminal history records - BILL SUMMARY: Would allow criminal records checks of fingerprints to be done electronically. Applies to existing Code sections that allow background checks. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0 SB 72 - Quality Basic Education Act; authorize the employment of school administrative managers to conduct the financial/business affairs - BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows the employment of "school administrative managers" in lieu of or in addition to assistant principals. The school administrative managers will not be required to be certificated by the Professional Standards Commission but will have such qualifications as determined by the local board with a minimum requirement of a bachelors degree. The duties of school administrative managers will be to oversee and manage the financial and business affairs of the school. The principal shall retain authority over the curriculum and instructional areas. The school administrative manager shall report directly to the principal. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Education - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 142; Nays: 15 SB 79 - Criminal Attempt; increase maximum punishment for convictions; felonies punishable by death/life imprisonment - BILL SUMMARY: Changes the maximum sentence for criminal attempt to commit a crime that, if committed, would be a felony punishable by death or life imprisonment from a maximum of 10 years to a maximum of 30 years in prison. Those felonies that, if committed, would carry a sentence that is neither death nor life imprisonment would carry a maximum of no more than one-half the maximum period of time for an attempt this penalty provision is current law. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 126; Nays: 34 SB 87 - Highway System; Dept. of Transportation; RV friendly markers on specific service signs for business establishments - BILL SUMMARY: Part 2 of Article 3 of Chapter 6 of Title 32 of the OCGA relating to the state highway system. This bill directs the Department of Transportation to seek approval from the Federal Highway Administration to incorporate the use of "RV friendly" markers on specific service signs for business establishments that cater to the needs of persons driving recreational vehicles. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 154; Nays: 1 SB 98 - Crimes/Offenses; Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigate certain offenses against minors, including subpoena power - BILL SUMMARY: Creates the "Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 2007 current law contains at OCGA 16-12-100.2 the "Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act of 1999." Adds to the Act the definition of "electronic device" so as to punish those who would seek to communicate with a child for sexual purposes with an electronic device other than a computer such as a cell phone, video game system, or any other electronic device that could be used in furtherance of exploiting a child for sexual purposes. Would subject to prosecution a person within this state who seeks to exploit a child within or outside this state. Authorizes the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to investigate violations of the "Computer or Electronic Pornography and Child Exploitation Prevention Act." - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 0 SB 101 - Agricultural Facilities; redefine a term - BILL SUMMARY: Bill amends the definition of "forest product processing plant" so as to include a plant that "manufactures, packages, labels, distributes, or stores any building material made from gypsum rock." Code section relates to the treatment of forest products not being a nuisance. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 0 SB 116 - State Forestry Commission; qualifications of the director; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: This bill seeks to broaden the pool of candidates who may be considered for the position of director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Under current law, the scope of qualifications is so narrow that few candidates could be considered for the position. This bill would provide for a larger candidate pool by allowing persons with, "significant experience in forest management," to also be considered. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 150; Nays: 6 SB 126 - Decatur County School Building Authority; create - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Decatur County School Building Authority and to establish its duties and responsibilities. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 3 SB 131 - Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; payment of assessments; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Requires that, with regard to the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund, an employer who has ceased to be a self-insurer will still be liable for assessments so long as payments are made on any worker's compensation claims made while that employer was self-insured. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph Hudgens of the 47th - House Committee: Industrial Relations - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 0 SB 139 - Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; transfer from judicial branch to executive branch - BILL SUMMARY: Moves the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council under the aegis of the Executive branch of state government; currently it is under the Judiciary - Authored By: Sen. John Wiles of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 98; Nays: 58 SB 146 - Public Works Bidding; provide definitions; advertisement of contract opportunities - BILL SUMMARY: A bill that amends Chapter 91 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public works bidding. The bill provides for definitions, advertisement of contract opportunities, and specifications of such notices and advertisements. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 0 SB 147 - Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority; create - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 3 SB 157 - Gasoline Additives; provide for grants; E-85 gasoline for retail sale; define certain terms - BILL SUMMARY: Current owners of E-85 (an ethanol/gasoline mixture composed of between 70-85% ethanol and between 30-15% gasoline that is used inflexible fuel vehicles) flexible fuel vehicles have very limited availability of E-85 at the pump in Georgia; further, those who are considering the purchase of an E-85 flexible fuel vehicle may base their decision, in part, on the availability of fuel at the pump. This bill facilitates and promotes the installation of E-85 motor fuel storage and dispensing equipment around the State of Georgia by establishing a grant program that would provide incentives of up to $20,000 or 33.3% of the planned cost of the project, whichever is less, to retail sales establishments to install such equipment, subject to the satisfaction of certain criteria. If such criteria are not satisfied, the grant would default to a loan. The program would return a substantial benefit to the state by promoting the investment of private capital to install pumping equipment that would ultimately provide improved air quality through the reduction of combustion of gasoline in motor vehicles and reduced dependence on foreign petroleum supplies. Finally, with two planned large ethanol production facilities coming to Georgia, this program would enable Georgians to utilize Georgia-produced ethanol. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 146; Nays: 3 SB 165 - Agricultural Commodity Commissions; ratification of commissions; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: This bill codifies certain agricultural commodity commissions (soybeans, canola, pecans, corn and vegetables) formerly created by rulemaking of the Georgia Department of Agriculture under the Agricultural Commodity Commission Act. In doing so, those commodity commissions would become public corporations under this bill. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 149; Nays: 3 SB 177 - Superior Courts; Pike County in Griffin Circuit; change certain terms of court - BILL SUMMARY: Bill changes the term of the Pike County Superior Court to the third Monday in April and October. The current term is April and November. - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0 SB 182 - Torts; asbestos/silica claims; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Defines "Asbestos claim" as any claim for damages, losses, indemnification, contribution, loss of consortium, or other relief related in any way to the health effects of exposure to asbestos, including but not limited to: Any claim for personal injury or death; mental or emotional injury; risk or fear of disease or other injury; the costs of medical monitoring or surveillance; or damage or loss caused by the installation, presence, or removal of asbestos; and Any claim made by or on behalf of an exposed person, or based on that person's exposure to asbestos, including a representative, spouse, parent, child or other relative of the exposed person. An asbestos claim shall NOT mean a claim brought under: A worker's compensation law administered by this state to provide benefits for occupational diseases or injuries or for disability or death caused by such occupational diseases or injuries; The Federal Employers' Liability Act; The Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act; or The Federal Employees Compensation Act. The level of prima facie evidence required differs depending on when the injury occurred; either before April 12, 2005, or after May 1, 2007. The prima facie evidence requirements are much more stringent for those claims filed on or after May 1, 2007. All asbestos and silica claims filed on or after May 1, 2007, must include identifying information for the person filing the claim, the specific location of the alleged exposure, the product to which the person was exposed and beginning and ending dates of each alleged exposure. This bill does NOT allow class action lawsuits in asbestos or silica cases. Civil actions alleging asbestos or silica injuries or diseases may only be brought in a Georgia court if the plaintiff is a Georgia resident at the time of filing the action or if the exposure to the asbestos or silica on which the claim is based occurred in Georgia. Code Section 51-15-4 states that the cumulative successor asbestos related liabilities of a corporation are limited to the fair market value of the total gross assets of the transferor determined at the time of the merger or consolidation. Section 1 of this bill will become effective on May 1, 2007, and will apply to certain accrued or future accruing asbestos or silica claims where trial has not yet begun as of that date, in accordance with its terms. Section 2 of this bill will become effective on May 1, 2007, and will apply to asbestos claims that accrued or may accrue on or after that date. - Authored By: Sen. John Wiles of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 156; Nays: 1 SB 186 - City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority; create - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority and provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 3 SB 203 - Secondary Metals Recyclers; public utilities/transportation; increased penalties - BILL SUMMARY: A secondary metals recycler can be convicted of theft by taking, theft by conversion, or theft by receiving stolen property; the person who sold the recycler the metals can be convicted of theft by taking, theft by conversion, or theft by receiving stolen property, or criminal damage to property in the first degree The court shall order either person so convicted to make restitution including attorney's fees, court costs and other expenses to the recycler or lawful owner as appropriate A person selling secondary metals or a secondary metals recycler in violation of OCGA 10-1-357 shall be guilty of a misdemeanor unless the value of the metal in its original and undamaged condition plus any costs incurred, or which would be incurred, in repairing the damaged property exceeds $500 in the aggregate then that person would be punished as for a felony Conviction would carry a fine of not more than $5,000 or imprisonment from 1-5 years or both Adds to the penalties for theft by taking, deception, conversion, of services, lost or mislaid property, receiving stolen property, receiving stolen property from another state or bringing stolen property into this state to provide that if the property was ferrous metal or regulated metal property and the aggregate amount exceeds $500 the punishment will include imprisonment for 1-5 years and/or a fine of up to $5000 or both - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 163; Nays: 0 SB 220 - Warehousemen; agricultural warehouse receipt requirements, obtaining printed forms, electronic receipts; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: This bill proposes to modernize the way printed receipts are handled with respect to warehousemen. Under current law, a printed copy of a warehouse receipt is required. With the advent of technology, the process of printing warehouse receipts has been made obsolete, yet the requirement still exists and warehousemen find compliance with existing law overly burdensome. This bill would eliminate such burden and allow for receipts to be processed with electronic devices. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 0 SB 237 - Architecture; establish minimum training requirements to qualify for certification; Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers - BILL SUMMARY: This bill: Requires the Georgia State Board of Architects to post all current laws, rules, regulations and standards of conduct relating to the practice of architecture in this state on the board's website as well as to provide notification and individual notices of recent changes. Amends qualifications necessary for obtaining a certificate of registration so as to enable architects licensed in other states to be recognized in Georgia. Increases the penalty for practicing architecture without a proper license. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 0 SB 275 - Agriculture Commissioner; provide a date certain for rules/regulations to establish criminal violations - BILL SUMMARY: This bill will add a new code section 2-2-9.2, to provide a date certain for rules and regulations for criminal violations within the Department of Agriculture. By adding a date for January 1, 2007, the rules and regulations pertaining to criminal violations will limit the possibility of loop holes in the current code section. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 157; Nays: 1 SB 282 - Highway System; alternative tourism routes; creation - BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for the creation of alternative tourism routes that are a part of the state highway system that traverse the state and pass through or in close proximity to historic sites or tourist attractions in the state. Interstate highways, that traverse the state, will not be eligible for such designation. The initial alternative routes will be U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441. The State Board of Transportation will consult with the Department of Economic Development (department), county governing authorities, and historical sites and tourist attractions in the selection of additional routes. The department will promote such routes and attractions along such routes to the motoring public. The department will, within five years of the designation of an alternative tourism route, construct within 20 miles of the state line on each end of such route a welcome center. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 0 SR 68 - William H. "Sonny Boy" Skipper Maintenance Headquarters; dedicate - BILL SUMMARY: A resolution dedicating the Georgia Department of Transportation Long County Maintenance Headquarters to William H "Sonny Boy" Skipper in memory of the outstanding public service he made. The Long County Maintenance Headquarters shall be known as the William H "Sonny Boy" Skipper Maintenance Headquarters. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0 SR 87 - Human Resources, Dept.; urged to name district health office building at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in honor of Dr. Raymond F. Corpe - BILL SUMMARY: A resolution that urges the Georgia Department of Human Resources to name the district health office building to be built at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in honor of Dr. Raymond F. Corpe. - Authored By: Sen. Preston Smith of the 52nd - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0 SR 357 - Major Byron S. McGuire, Sr. Memorial Bridge; dedicating - BILL SUMMARY: Dedicates the Major Byron S. McGuire, Sr. Memorial Bridge. - Authored By: Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0 * The House will reconvene Wednesday, April 18, at 10:00 AM, for its 39th Legislative Day of the 1st Regular Session of the 149th General Assembly. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE ON RULES The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 39th Legislative Day, Wednesday, April 18, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. RULES CALENDAR FOR NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY HR 531 - Ralph Lively Memorial Highway; dedicate - BILL SUMMARY: This resolution dedicates the portion of US 78 from the US 27 bypass in Bremen, Georgia to Pine Grove Road, west of Bremen, in Haralson County, as the Ralph Lively Memorial Highway. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Open SB 5 - Secure and Verifiable Identity Document Act; drivers' licenses; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: In 2005, Congress passed, as part of a supplemental budget bill, the Real ID act. Real ID is intended to ensure driver's licenses in all fifty states meet certain security measures. Some of those measures will require states to obtain personal information (including Biometrics) on license holders. This bill will allow the Governor of Georgia to withhold from the Department of Homeland Security personal information collected by the Georgia Department of Driver's Services until he is satisfied that the information will be stored and handled securely. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Open SB 9 - Grade Integrity Act; provide ethical violation reportable to Professional Standards Commission; statutory construction - BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that no classroom teacher shall be required, coerced, intimidated, or disciplined in any manner by the local board of education, superintendent, or any local school administrator to change the grade of a student. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Education - Rule: Open SB 15 - Drivers' Licenses; suspended/revoke; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Bill amends O.C.G.A. 40-5-20 so as to make the penalty for driving without a license the same as driving with a suspended license. Bill further makes the third or subsequent offense of driving with a suspended license a felony punishable by one to five years in jail with a fine of $2,500.00 to $5,000.00. SB 15 also requires that any individual arrested for driving without a license have their nationality determined. - Authored By: Sen. John Wiles of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open SB 23 - Criminal Sentencing Procedure; probation/suspension; court may inquire/consider the legality of prisoner's presence in United States - BILL SUMMARY: Would allow a sentencing court to inquire whether a person to be sentenced is lawfully present in the United States under federal law Would allow the Board of Pardons and Paroles to inquire whether a person to be paroled is lawfully present in the United States under federal law If the Court or the Board of Pardons and Paroles determines that an individual is not lawfully in the United States the court or the Board shall inquire as to whether that person could be subject to deportation If the Court or the Board determines that that individual is subject to deportation it may take into consideration when making its decision regarding probation or suspended sentence or parole whether it is likely that deportation could intervene and frustrate the state interest if probation or parole is granted If the Court or the Board determines that deportation will frustrate the state interest the court or the Board is authorized to decline to probate, suspend or parole the offender in furtherance of the state interest - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open SB 60 - Georgia Trauma Commission; establish - BILL SUMMARY: This bill would set up the Georgia Trauma Commission, a key recommendation of the Joint Comprehensive Trauma System Study Committee (2006). The bill provides for the composition, duties, and powers of the Commission as well as mandating the Commission's mission of coordinating and improving the state's existing trauma systems, and eventually creating an integrated trauma network. The Commission would have the authority to devise a means to reimburse providers for trauma care as well as appropriate money from the Trauma Fund to achieve various ends, with the long term goal of bringing deaths from traumatic injuries to parity with the national average in this state. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Open SB 77 - Commercial Vehicles; local tag agents; International Registration Plan - BILL SUMMARY: This bill will require the Georgia Department of Revenue to create an electronic filing system for the registration of commercial vehicles under the International Registration Plan. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Open SB 82 - Dunwoody, City of; incorporation, boundaries, and powers of the city - BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows for a referendum to create the city of Dunwoody. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Open SB 84 - Insurance; protect members of United States armed forces; unscrupulous practices; marketing/sale of insurance - BILL SUMMARY: This bill seeks to protect service members of the armed forces of the United States from unfair and deceptive trade practices surrounding the sales or marketing of insurance. There is much anecdotal evidence that many service members about to deploy are preyed upon by deceptive marketers; these service members believe they are doing something good for themselves and their families in preparation for their deployment when, in fact, they find themselves bound to payments not specified or receiving products not as presented. This bill seeks to thwart those practices. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open SB 106 - Bonds; surety for good behavior; extend the period - BILL SUMMARY: Extends the period for which the court may require a bond with a surety for good behavior from 60 days to up to 6 months. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open SB 115 - Residential/General Contractors; revise the licensure provisions - BILL SUMMARY: This bill: Revises the procedure for obtaining residential and general contractor licenses as well as the procedure for renewing such licenses. Adds various powers to the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. Allows the board to contract for the development and administration of examinations. Revises and provides for penalties for intentionally attempting to evade licensing requirements. Sets exceptions to licensing requirements and provides for a period to file applications for exemption. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Open SB 128 - Child Advocate, Office of; provide confidentiality of records - BILL SUMMARY: Bill amends O.C.G.A. 15-11-174 so as to require the Office of the Child Advocate to keep all records confidential as set forth in O.C.G.A. 49-5-40 and 49-5-44. Bill further requires that any individual who wishes to obtain said records, request them from the original agency in which they originated. Adds provisions requiring notice be given to foster parents of any hearings. Bill further requires that, when age appropriate, the child in question be consulted about any proposed permanency or transition plan. - Authored By: Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open SB 176 - State Forestry Commission; reports to General Assembly; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: Current law requires the State Forestry Commission (Commission) to annually submit reports to the General Assembly showing the condition of the forest resources of the state, with particular reference to the protection, preservation, and propagation of timber growth. This legislation requires the Commission, in addition to the above reports, to submit reports every five years to the General Assembly verifying the ability of forest resources in this state to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability to meet the needs of future generations. However, the first report is not due until July 1, 2008. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open SB 200 - Georgia Smart Infrastructure Growth Act; creation - BILL SUMMARY: This legislation authorizes the creation of Infrastructure Development Districts. This legislation will only become effective January 1, 2009 upon the ratification of Senate Resolution 309. Senate Resolution 309 proposes an amendment to the Georgia State Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts. Voters in Georgia will vote in a state-wide referendum to accept or reject the proposed amendment. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism - Rule: Modified-Open SB 205 - Prescription Medication Integrity Act - BILL SUMMARY: Creates the "Prescription Medication IntegrityAct." Defines terms related to pharmaceuticals distributors, warehousing and licensing of pharmaceutical products. Requires that each person engaged in wholesale distribution of prescription drugs maintain inventories and records including the pedigree for all prescription drugs in accord with rules and regulations adopted by the State Board of Pharmacy. The Board will conduct a study of the distribution of prescription drugs and will establish a mandated implementation date for electronic pedigrees no sooner than December 31, 2011. No provision of the Article will be effective until the General Assembly appropriates reasonable funds for administration of the Article. The pedigree will include all necessary identifying information on each sale of the produce from the manufacturer to the final sale by the pharmacy. If the Board finds that there have been violations of the Article or that a pedigree has been falsified or that the prescription drug can cause serious health problems it will issue an order requiring the cessation of distribution of the drug in this state. It will be unlawful for a person to perform or aid in selling a prescription drug to a person not authorized to receive it; failing to maintain or provide pedigrees; failing to obtain a pedigree; providing false information or obtaining a prescription drug by fraud. Engaging without knowledge in the distribution of drugs in violation of the Article may incur a fine of not more than $10,000.00; in a grossly negligent manner will incur imprisonment for not more than 15 years or a fine of $50,000.00 or both; knowingly engaging will be a felony punished by not more than 25 years, a fine not to exceed $500,000.00 or both. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open SB 210 - Secretary of State; authorize to designate/establish facilities; government agency as a branch depository; Division of Archives/History - BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Division of Archives and History. This will authorize the Secretary of State to designate and establish facilities occupied by a government agency as a branch depository. It will provide that the division of Archives and History shall own and operate any equipment necessary to manage and retain control of electronic archival records. However, it may contract third parties for services related to the management of such records. - Authored By: Sen. George Hooks of the 14th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open SB 225 - Redevelopment; require training with programs; create Redevelopment Powers Training Board - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend Title 36, Chapter 44 of the O.C.G.A. relating to redevelopment powers by adding a new Code Section, 36-44-5.1, so as to require that at any time after the passage of a local Act approving the exercise of redevelopment powers and prior to the date of the public hearing on the proposed redevelopment plan, but no later than 12 months after the date of approval of the referendum required under Code Section 36-44-22, each member of the redevelopment agency, each member of the local legislative body, and each member of the affected local board of education shall attend and complete at least three hours of training on redevelopment powers and programs and tax allocation districts. Such training shall be provided by an accredited university of this state or by a nonprofit membership association, the membership of which comprises local governing authorities in this state, which authorities shall include municipalities, counties, or school districts. The training shall only be required with respect to tax allocation districts created on or after July 1, 2007. The bill also adds a new Code Section, 36-44-9, to define the scope of review by boards of education in determining whether to consent to the inclusion of educational ad valorem property taxes as a basis for computing tax allocation increments. The boards of education shall not make an independent inquiry as to the eligibility of the area for designation as a redevelopment area, shall accept the findings made by the local legislative body and shall not substitute its judgment as to those findings for the judgment of the local legislative body, and shall not consider estimates or projections as to the amount of educational ad valorem property taxes that would be included in the tax allocation increment that might be attributable to appreciation of property values within the tax allocation district that may occur even without the redevelopment outlined in the redevelopment plan. The bill was substituted in committee to ensure that the costs of the training will come from the local governing authority. - Authored By: Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Open SB 226 - Qualified Soil Scientists; evaluations/reports shall be accepted by Dept. of Natural Resources/Dept. Human Resources - BILL SUMMARY: This bill defines the 'Public practice of soil science,' and would allow certain persons meeting the requirements specified in the legislation to perform certain work or services relating to soils for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Currently, soil scientists are able to perform soil evaluations/services for the Georgia Department of Human Resources and local health departments for on-site sewage management systems. Under this bill, soil scientists could perform services for certain aspects of permitting and corrective action plans for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open SB 234 - Secretary of State; collect a filing fee for certificates of conversion; Georgia corporation to foreign corporation - BILL SUMMARY: Creates a new subsection under Title 14 which requires that a certificate of conversion be filed with the Secretary of State and also sets a fee of $95.00 for filing a certificate of conversion. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open SB 246 - Buildings; advisory committee on industrialized buildings; appointment/vacancies; change composition - BILL SUMMARY: Amends provisions related to the appointment and vacancies of members to the Advisoy Committee on Industrialized Buildings. Members will be appointed to four-year terms and will not serve more than two terms. Vacancies, when filled, must be filled by persons meeting the same requirements as the person previously holding the position. To be eligible to serve each member must remain actively involved in the profession or industry of his or her appointed position when such person ceases to meet the appropriate criteria, his or her position shall be deemed vacated. Members will include -- Two members who are either licensed design professionals, electrical engineers architects or mechanical engineers; One member who is a building code enforcement officer; One member from the residential industrialized building industry; One member from the commercial industrialized building industry; One member from the industrialized building installation industry; One member who is an elected member of the governing body of a municipality; One member who is an elected member of the governing body of a county; One member from the industrialized building evaluationinspection service; One member from a regional development center; and One member appointed by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Industrial Relations - Rule: Open SB 263 - Soil/Water Conservation Districts; number/boundaries; alteration of existing districts/formation of new districts; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: This bill would move elections of soil and water conservation district supervisors from an annual requirement to even-numbered years to be elected during the general election cycle. This would reduce the burden on taxpayers and local governments by not requiring an election of soil and water conservation district supervisors when there is no general election being held. The bill also provides for the election of successors in the case of office vacancies and provides for staggered election of offices based upon the expiration of current terms. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open SB 298 - Pulaski County; office of probate judge; nonpartisan elections - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the probate judge of Pulaski County. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Open SB 309 - State Court of Jefferson County; compensation of the judge/solicitor-general of the court; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the judge and solicitor-general of the State Court of Jefferson County. - Authored By: Sen. J. B. Powell of the 23rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Structured SR 30 - Joint Study Committee on State Stroke System of Care; create - BILL SUMMARY: The resolution would provide for the Joint House & Senate Study Committee on the State Stroke System of Care, charged with examining and reporting on an improved method for treating and preventing strokes. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Open SR 139 - Congress; urged to raise allowable deduction for health savings accounts - BILL SUMMARY: SR 139 urges Congress to raise the amount of allowable deductions for contributions to health savings accounts. Currently, deductions for contributions to HSAs are limited to a maximum of $2850 for self-only coverage and $5650 for families. The resolution also urges Congress to allow persons age 45 and older to deduct up to $10,000 each year as "catch up" contribution. Currently, only persons aged 55 and older may deduct extra "catch up" contributions, and only in the amount of $800 in 2007. The resolution also urges Congress to allow all individuals to pay for their health insurance premiums with pre-tax dollars. Currently, only persons who pay health insurance premiums through certain employer "cafeteria plans" may take full advantage of paying for health insurance with pre-tax dollars. The resolution states that aiding citizens in funding their health insurance costs to utilize HSAs could improve the provision and affordability of health care services. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Open SR 249 - Public Property; conveyance; granting of easements for facilities, utilities 6 counties - BILL SUMMARY: A resolution authorizing the granting of nonexclusive easements for operation and maintenance of facilities, utilities, ingress, egress, in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through property owned by the State of Georgia in Cobb, Floyd, Gwinnett, Muscogee, Paulding, and Ware counties of Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open * The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, April 18, at 09:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 40th Legislative Day. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT Intragovernmental Coordination - Local SB 31 - Port Wentworth, City of; provide city council districts; definitions and inclusions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the council districts of the City of Port Wentworth pursuant to a referendum to change the districts from at-large to single-member. - Authored By: Sen. Regina Thomas of the 2nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 46 - Cook County; board of education; compensation of board members; change provision - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation to the members of the Cook County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 90 - City of Hampton Public Facilities Authority; outstanding debt/contracts; local governing authority of Henry County - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal the Act which created the City of Hampton Public Facilities Authority. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 107 - Richmond County, City of; change second division's jurisdiction; create third division of state court - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill relating to the State Court of Richmond County so as to change the second Divisions jurisdiction, to make the second division judge coequal with those judges of Division 1, to create a third division of the court, to provide for the judge of the third division and their qualifications, selection, duties, responsibilities, and compensation. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 147 - Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority; create - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Gwinnett County Storm-water Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 158 - Gwinnett Judicial Circuit; salary supplements for the judges; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the judges of the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 186 - City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority; create - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the City of Homerville Water and Sewer Authority and provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 227 - Clarkesville, City of; new charter - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to annex territory into the corporate limits of the City of Clarkesville. - Authored By: Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 231 - Norcross, City of; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers; provide for a referendum - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Norcross to exercise all Redevelopment Powers under the State Constitution's Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 242 - Chattooga County; provide homestead exemption; based on income for certain residents - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Chattooga County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in certain percentages of the assessed value of the homestead based upon income for residents of that county who are 70 years of age or over and who have annual incomes not exceeding $20,000.00. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 244 - Town of Tallulah Falls; town council; quorum, voting and special meetings; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the quorum, methods for calling special council meetings, and voting procedures of the council of the Town of Tallulah Falls. - Authored By: Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 247 - Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of judges - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the judges of the State Court of Cobb County. - Authored By: Sen. John Wiles of the 37th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 248 - Cobb County, State Court of; change compensation of solicitor-general - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the solicitor general of the State Court of Cobb County and that of the chief assistant solicitor general, the deputy assistant solicitors general, and the assistant solicitors general. - Authored By: Sen. John Wiles of the 37th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 261 - Tybee Island, City of; council terms/qualifications for office - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the charter of the City of Tybee Island so as to provide a referendum on council terms and qualifications for office and for continuation in office of the mayor and councilmembers and commencing of terms. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 269 - St. Marys, City of; vacany of any elected office; provide for certain declarations - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that the office of any elected official in the City of St. Marys shall be declared vacant upon such elected officials qualifying for another elective office if the term of the office for which such official is qualifying begins more than 30 days prior to the expiration of such officials present term of office. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Chapman of the 3rd - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 308 - DeKalb County; board of education members; change compensation - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation and expense allowance of the members of the DeKalb County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Henson of the 41st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 309 - State Court of Jefferson County; compensation of the judge/solicitor-general of the court; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the judge and solicitor-general of the State Court of Jefferson County. - Authored By: Sen. J. B. Powell of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 310 - Jefferson County; sheriff; compensation; change provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the sheriff of Jefferson County. - Authored By: Sen. J. B. Powell of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 311 - Burke County; sheriff; change compensation - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the salary of the Sheriff of Burke County. - Authored By: Sen. J. B. Powell of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 312 - Superior Court of Fulton County; judges; increase amount of supplement - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the compensation of the judges of the Superior Court of Fulton County. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 316 - Newton County; ad valorem taxes; school district maintenance/operations purposes; provide homestead exemption - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Newton County school district ad valorem taxes for maintenance and operations purposes in the amount of $30,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that county who are 65 years of age or over and whose annual adjusted gross income does not exceed $25,000.00. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - Committee Action: Do Pass SB 317 - Columbia County; authorize to exercise all redevelopment/other powers - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize Columbia County to exercise all Redevelopment Powers under the State Constitution's Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Sen. Jim Whitehead, Sr. of the 24th - Committee Action: Do Pass Science and Technology SB 148 - Saving the Cure Act; create the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid; Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure - BILL SUMMARY: This bill would create and provide for the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood bank. Under the provisions of this bill, the state (under the auspices of the Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure) would maintain a repository of postnatal tissue and fluid, donated by new mothers after childbirth, to use as a source for stem cells and other biological materials considered useful for research into new medical processes and treatments. The Commission shall establish such bank or network of banks by June 30, 2008. By June 30, 2009, all obstetrical patients shall be informed of the bank and the donation process. The bill stipulates that any publicly funded research must conform to federal law relating to stem cell research. Finally, the bill provides for a method whereby taxpayers may contribute to the operation of the bank via tax returns. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute * Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE BROADCAST SCHEDULE 10:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Academic Achievement Subcommittee EDUCATION GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 415 CLOB 415 CLOB 506 CLOB * This schedule is accurate at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To view the most up to date meeting schedule, please visit http://www.legis.ga.gov and click on Meeting Notices. To view the live streaming video of the meeting, please visit the Georgia Legislative Network website. ____________________________________________________________________________ CONTACT: BRENT CRANFIELD (404) 656-0305 Brent.Cranfield@house.ga.gov