Daily report [Mar. 19, 2008]

MEMBER SERVICES
Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg. Suite 609 Phone: (404) 656-0305

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 34th Legislative Day on Thursday, March 20, at 01:30 PM. * 7 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

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DAILY REPORT

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TODAY ON THE FLOOR
*To view this report and all previous legislative day reports, please visit the Georgia House of Representatives website at www.legis.ga.gov and select Member Services.
LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 1307 - Fayette County; board of commissioners; elections; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the districts of the members of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Virgil Fludd of the 66th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 48; Nays: 91 - This bill failed to receive a constitutional majority
RULES CALENDAR
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: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 106; Nays: 60
SB 145 - Crime and Sentencing; persons convicted of murder; imposition of life without parole
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 145 allows for the imposition of life without parole for a conviction of murder without requiring that the prosecutor seek the death penalty in order to impose the conviction of life without parole. - Authored By: Sen. Preston W. Smith of the 52nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Fleming Amendment 29 0700 - Yeas: 112; Nays: 55
SB 430 - DNA; Georgia Bureau of Investigation include information in database/compare to samples collected from evidentiary materials
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Code Section 24-4-63 of the O.C.G.A, relating to dissemination of DNA information in data bank to law enforcement officials, request for search, separate statistical data base authorized, and fee for search and comparative analysis, so as to provide that the GBI may include such information in a data base and compare such information to samples collected from evidentiary materials.
24-4-63 shall read: "(a.1) The bureau may include in a data base a DNA profile obtained from the analysis of a sample lawfully obtained

from a suspect in a criminal investigation and may compare such DNA samples collected from evidentiary materials." - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Amend to 29 0702, 20 0702 - Yeas: 130; Nays: 40
SB 515 - Georgia Seed Development Commission; composition, advisory board, term of office; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends the code relating to the Georgia Seed Development Commission. It changes the membership of the commission from 10 to 11 members, and gives specific criteria of what expertise those members should hold to be appointed. It bill also allows the commission to create an advisory council to advise and consult on the commission's performance. This bill also sets a two year term for membership. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 131; Nays: 1
* The House will reconvene Thursday, March 20, at 1:30 PM, for its 34th Legislative Day
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 34th Legislative Day, Thursday, March 20, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
RULES CALENDAR FOR NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY
SB 350 - Drivers' Licenses; requirement; driving while license suspended/revoked; change certain provision
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds to the requirements for people arrested for driving with a revoked or suspended license will be fingerprinted, and provides that the person will not be guilty of the offense if he or she can present the court proof of a valid state driver's license.
A fourth conviction of driving with a revoked or suspended license within five years will be punished as a felony carrying a term of imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of $2500 to $5000 or both.
The Department of Driver Services will be notified of each violation. - Authored By: Sen. John J. Wiles of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Modified-Open
SB 359 - Made in Georgia; create program; promoting goods/product manufactured in Ga.; provide for rules/regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would require the Georgia Department of Economic Development to develop a program to promote products made in Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 385 - Limousine Carriers; provide for licensing to sell alcoholic beverages; annual applications/fees; sticker for each vehicle authorized
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill adds a new Code Section 3-9-4, relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages by public carriers and nonprofit organizations. This legislation allows limousine carriers to sell alcohol for consumption in their limousines upon obtaining an annual permit and stickers for each vehicle from the commissioner of the Department of Revenue. In order to do this a limousine carrier will have to pay an annual permit fee of $50.00 as well as a fee of $15 for each vehicle in his fleet.

This bill allows limousine carriers to purchase alcohol only from retailers, but not from wholesalers. It also allows limousine carriers to purchase and resell alcohol only in the areas where the sale of alcohol is allowed. However, if there are minors in the limousine no alcohol will be allowed. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 414 - 2008 Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council Act; revise definitions; provide for calling of meetings/quorum
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Chapter 4 of Title 25 of the O.C.G.A, relating to firefighter standards and training. This bill provides for a short title, revised definitions, and to provide for the calling of meetings and the quorum for meetings of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. It authorizes the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council to adopt rules for the transaction of business and for the creation of committees. It also authorizes the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council to probate, suspend, or otherwise sanction persons for violating its standards for employment and training related to fire safety and fire fighting. SB 414 will delete an obsolete provision concerning qualifications of firefighters.
Section 1 names the act as the "2008 Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council Act".
Section 2 amends Code Section 25-4-2 by revising definitions and by adding a new paragraph to read as follows: "(5.1) Fire Department shall have the same meaning as provided in Code Section 25-3-21".
Section 3 amends Code Section 25-4-6 by revising the meetings of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
Section 4 amends Code Section 25-4-7 by revising paragraph (4) relating to the functions and powers of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.
Section 5 amends Code Section 25-4-8 by revising paragraph (2) of subsection (a) relating to qualifications of firefighters. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 444 - Transportation Dept.; dispose of surplus property
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows the Department of Transportation to more readily dispose of surplus property not needed for public road purposes.
If, after searching the land and probate records, the address of an interested party cannot be found, an affidavit will be placed in the department, county, or municipal records and will be accepted in lieu of service of notice. After completing and filing such an affidavit, the department, county, or municipality may dispose of the property in accordance with this legislation.
If the highest sealed bid received is less than, but within fifteen percent of the established market value, the department may accept that bid and convey the property in accordance with this legislation.
This Act becomes effective on July 1, 2008. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 463 - State Minimum Standard Codes/Enforcement; adoption/continuation; change certain provisions; gray water recycling system; enforcement
- BILL SUMMARY: Allows the use of grey water so as to prevent water waste. - it is used within the property boundary of the residence - if it is not used for food irrigation - if it does not contain harmful chemicals or any non gray water substances. This bill changes certain provisions relating to the adoption and continuation of state minimum standard codes and enforcement thereof. It provides for the enforcement of a grey water recycling systems to the state minimum standard plumbing code. The Code currently prohibits the common sense reuse of grey water.

- Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/6/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 502 - Parole Board; certified parole officers employed who leave the board under certain conditions may retain their badges
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Code Section 42-9-9 of the O.C.G.A, relating to employees of the parole board. It is amended by designating the existing provisions as subsection (a) and adding a new subsection (b) that reads the following:
"(b) A certified parole officer leaving the service of the board under honorable conditions who has accumulated 20 or more years of service with the board as a certified parole officer shall be entitled as part of such employee's compensation to retain his or her board issued badge. A certified parole officer employed with the board who is killed in the line of duty shall be entitled to have his or her board issued badge given to a surviving family member. Where a certified parole officer leaves the service of the board due to a disability that arose in the line of duty and such disability prevents the parole officer from further serving as a peace officer, then such disabled parole officer shall be entitled to retain his or her board issued badge regardless of the officer's number of years of service with the board. The board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of this subsection." - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Open
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, March 20, at 11:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 35th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Appropriations
HB 990 - General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides supplemental appropriated sums of money for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009. 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, political subdivisions and for all other governmental activities, projects and undertakings authorized by law. - Authored By: Rep. Glenn Richardson of the 19th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Appropriations
SB 523 - Education; capitol outlay grants to local school systems; extend date for automatic repeal
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation extends the date for automatic repeal of advance funding and exceptional growth funding for capital outlay and low wealth capital outlay grants by one year, to June 30, 2010. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HR 1016 - Mineral Management Service; five-year planning process; include coast of Georgia; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Minerals Management Service of the United States Department of the Interior to immediately begin a new five year planning process to include the Atlantic Planning Areas, particularly the area off the coast of Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HR 1017 - Congress and the President; offshore oil and gas drilling; remove moratorium; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution strongly urges the United States Congress and the President to remove the moratorium on offshore drilling for oil and natural gas to allow coastal states, such as Georgia, the right to determine its offshore resources. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HR 1288 - House Telecommunications Competition Review Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution creates the House Telecommunications Competition Review Study Committee. The Committee would be composed of 5 members to be appointed by the Speaker of the House. This committee would undertake a study of the issues associated with the promotion of competition in telecommunications in the state of Georgia. Any findings should be put into a report and shall be made on or before December 1, 2008 on which date the Committee will stand abolished. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HR 1607 - House Biodiesel Fuel Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Resolution creating the House Biodiesel Fuel Study Committee to be composed of five members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. In the event the committee makes a report of its findings and recommendations, with suggestions for proposed legislation, if any, such report shall be made on or before December 1, 2008. The committee shall stand abolished on December 1, 2008. - Authored By: Rep. Allen G. Freeman of the 140th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
SB 408 - Local Government Franchising Authority; change certain provisions; telephone/telegraph companies
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Code Section 46-5-1 relating to the power of eminent domain by telephone and telegraph companies, the placement of posts and other fixtures, regulation of construction of fixtures, posts, and wires near railroad tracks, and liability of telegraph and telephone companies for damages.
A municipal authority or county cannot: Require any telephone company to apply for or enter into an agreement with such municipal authority or county; Impose any occupational license tax or fee as a condition of placing or maintaining lines and facilities in its public roads, highways, or rights of way; or Impose any build-out requirements on network construction or service deployment.
Any telephone company that places or seeks to place lines and facilities in the public roads, highways, and rights of way of a municipal authority must provide the following information: the name, address, and telephone number of a principal office or local agent; proof of certification; proof of insurance or self-insurance; a description of the telephone company's service area; a description of the services to be provided; and an affirmative declaration that the telephone company shall comply with all laws, regulations, and ordinances. Due compensation must be paid for public roads, highways, and rights of way where the telephone company places or seeks to place lines and facilities.
There are further limitations regarding due compensation, permit procedures and fees, and liability. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1261 - Snellville, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize City of Snellville to exercise all Redevelopment Powers under the State Constitution's Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Rep. Melvin Everson of the 106th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1271 - Holly Springs, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Holly Springs ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1302 - Clayton County School System; code of ethics; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a code of ethics and ethics commission for the Clayton County Board of Education and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Glanton of the 76th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1375 - Lavonia, City of; corporate limits; change and extend
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to annex territory into the corporate limits of the City of Lavonia. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1378 - Doraville, City of; corporate limits; change by annexing certain territory
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to annex territory into the corporate limits of the City of Doraville and to change the descriptions of the council districts. - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1414 - Douglas County State Court; additional judge; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide an additional judge for the State Court of Douglas County. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1418 - White County; Board of Commissioners; reconstitute
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reconstitute the White County Board of Commissioners as to its, powers, duties, and terms, and to reapportion the commission districts. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1419 - White County; Board of Commissioners; members; provide compensation
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for a referendum in White County to approve compensation for the members of the Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1420 - White County; Board of Education; election of members; repeal Act
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a referendum on the repeal of a local constitutional amendment which calls for the election of the members of the Board of Education of White County and establishes education districts by militia districts so that such matters may be changed and modernized by local law. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1421 - White County; Board of Education; election of members; provide method
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the districts of the members of the White County Board of Education provided a local referendum approves the repeal of the current board and districts. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1422 - White County; school district ad valorem tax; change definition of "income"
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that a homestead exemption from White County ad valorem taxes in an amount up to $15,000 of the homesteads of persons age 65 and older shall be available to those whose income does not exceed $15,000, excluding retirement, survivor, or disability benefits. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1423 - Lumpkin County; board of commissioners; appoint and employ clerk; authorize county manager
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that the County Manager in Lumpkin County is authorized to appoint a clerk for the board of commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1424 - Lumpkin County; ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Lumpkin County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in the amount of $60,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that county who are 65 years of age or older or who are disabled. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1425 - Lumpkin County; school district ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Lumpkin County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $120,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are 65 years of age or older or who are disabled. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1426 - Dahlonega, City of; ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Dahlonega ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $60,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city who are 65 years of age or older or who are disabled. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1427 - Dawson County; board of elections and registration; place of meetings; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that the Dawson County Board of Elections and Registration shall hold regular monthly meetings at the principal office of the board or at the place of meetings of the county commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1429 - Mitchell County; Board of Education; members; salary and per diem; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the members of the Mitchell County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Richard A Royal of the 171st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1430 - Kennesaw, City of; Internet services within the city; provide for the provision
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that the City of Kennesaw shall have the power and authority to construct, acquire, own, hold, lease, sell, resell, build, maintain, operate, and contract for an Internet systems network in order to provide Internet services, including but not limited to wireless (Wi-Fi) Internet service and other associated and related technologies. - Authored By: Rep. Ed Setzler of the 35th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1432 - Bremen, City of; school district ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Bremen independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $10,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are 62 years of age or older and whose income including the income of such persons spouse, excluding certain retirement income, does not exceed $10,000.00. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1434 - Carrollton, City of; school district tax; certain residents; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Carrollton independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes for the full value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are 65 years of age or older. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1437 - Douglas County; board of elections; create
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Douglas County Board of Elections and Registration and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1439 - City of Villa Rica Public Facilities Authority Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Villa Rica Public Facilities Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1440 - Cochran Municipal Airport Authority Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Cochran Municipal Airport Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1441 - Bacon County; board of education; chairman selection; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the selection of the Chairman of the Bacon County Board of Education and to reapportion the members' districts. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Smith of the 168th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1442 - Waycross, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Waycross ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hatfield of the 177th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1443 - Ware County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Ware County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hatfield of the 177th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1444 - Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority; revenue bonds; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide definitions and purposes for the use of revenue bonds by the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1445 - Dawson County; ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Dawson County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in the amount of $60,000 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that county who are disabled or who are 65 years of age or older and whose income does not exceed $50,000. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1446 - Dawson County; school district ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Dawson County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $60,000 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are disabled or who are 65 years of age or older and whose income does not exceed $50,000. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 467 - Upson County; board of commissioners; appointment of county manager/county clerk
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the duties of the county-manager and the board of commissioners in Upson County. - Authored By: Sen. George Hooks of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 544 - Newton County; provide homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes for maintenance/operation of facilities; 65 years/older; terms/conditions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Newton County ad valorem taxes for maintenance and operation of facilities of the county 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 older and whose income does not exceed $25,000.00. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary Non-Civil
SB 54 - Offenses; incest; provide for gender neutrality
- BILL SUMMARY: Changes gender-specific language to gender neutral language so as to provide for gender neutrality with regard to the crime of incest. - Authored By: Sen. Preston W. Smith of the 52nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
SB 406 - Offenses; increase penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing certain recorded material; forfeiture of certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: Increases penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing or circulating recorded material First Offense: sets the minimum fine at $500 o Current law only provides for a fine of up to $25,000 this sets a minimum fine for a first offense, but does not change the provisions for prison terms Second Offense: Sets the minimum fine at $1000 and does not change the sentencing provisions, but does require that an offender serve at least 48 hours of any term of imprisonment Third or subsequent: Fine of not less than $2000 nor more than $250,000 and prison term of two to five years with at least six days served
Requires that property onto which the recordings have been transferred, property used to make the transfers and any proceeds from the transfers will be forfeited to the State unless the transfers were committed without the knowledge of the property's owner.
Restitution will be based upon the aggregate wholesale value of the copied recordings and will include reasonable investigative costs related to the detection of the violation. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Judiciary Non-Civil
SR 445 - Joint Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Commission; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Creates the Joint Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Commission. It will be comprised of 12 members: Three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; Three members of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House; Six members appointed by the Governor: one from law enforcement, one district attorney, one juvenile court judge, one superior court judge, one public defender and one representative of child advocacy. The Commission will study current law and policy in Georgia and consider input from child victims and adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. It will review services currently available to victims and survivors of sexual exploitation in Georgia General Assembly. The Commission will make a report by December 31, 2008, and will stand abolished on January 1, 2009. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Public Safety and Homeland Security
HR 1610 - House Study Committee on Emergency Response and Preparedness Curriculum for Georgia High Schools; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Emergency Response and Preparedness Curriculum for Georgia High Schools. The committee shall undertake a study of the need for emergency response and preparedness curriculum for Georgia high schools. The study shall include recommendations for developing a model curriculum for all high schools receiving state funds, as well as guidelines for implementing the curriculum in Georgia's high schools. - Authored By: Rep. Burke Day of the 163rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Retirement
SB 80 - Public Retirement Systems; define terms; alternative investments; provide code of ethics
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends provisions relating to the Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority law by defining the term "alternative investments" and allows "eligible large retirement systems" to make certain alternative investments. It also provides limits regarding the amount of assets that may be invested in alternative investments and excludes the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) from participating in such investment practice. This legislation conforms with existing confidentiality provisions of certain documents which are used in determining which alternative investments to hold.
This bill opens up a proven mainstream investment class to only Employee Retirement System. It allows a gradual (1 percent per year to 5 percent cap) optional investment into alternative investments to strengthen the security of ERS. Alternative investments include secure private equity funds, mezzanine funds, leveraged buy-out funds, and venture capital funds. This bill further includes five safeguards: (1) There is an annual 1 percent per year limit with a 5 percent overall cap on total ERS assets invested; (2) Targeted funds must be very successful $100 million + funds with strong track records rather than start-ups; (3) Direct investments into a specific project are prohibited; (4) 100 percent of ERS investment returns must be reinvested into ERS. Additional oversight and accounting is not required since ERS already posts an annual statement found on their website; and (5) Annual reporting is required to the House and Senate Retirement Committees. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
State Institutions & Property
SB 130 - Georgia Building Authority; general provisions; operational powers
- BILL SUMMARY: A bill that deletes statutory language that created the following entities: Georgia Building Authority (Markets), Georgia Building Authority (Penal), and the Georgia Building Authority (Hospitals), collectively referred to herein as the "GBA small authorities". O These small authorities were once used to finance that construction or renovation of various buildings for the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Human Resources. o Theses authorities have engaged in very little activity within the past few years. O The use of general obligation bonds to fund construction and renovation has made the primary purpose of the small authorities obsolete. O The small authorities' funds are now depleted and continued existence of these authorities will require the Georgia Building Authority to use its own funds to ensure completion of the audits if these small authorities continue to exist. O All assets (real and personal property) of the small authorities will be transferred to the Georgia Building Authority.

This bill also deletes statutory language that created the Agency for Removal of Hazardous Materials, also known as AFROHM. O AFROHM has been use as the agency in state government primarily responsible for the abatement and removal of asbestos from state buildings. O AFROHM's activities are decreasing. In fact, upon completion of the renovation of the Health Building, all abatement work on Capitol Hill will be complete. O Currently, the Georgia Building Authority subsidizes staffing and other administrative costs of the AFROHM's operations. If the agency is allowed to continue to exist, those expenses will continue to be borne by Georgia Building Authority. O All assets (real and personal property) of AFROHM will be transferred to the Georgia Building Authority. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
State Institutions & Property
SB 366 - Inmates; telecommunications devices; prohibit receiving/possessing; provide definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Code Section 42-5-18 of the O.C.G.A, relating to giving weapons, intoxicants, drugs, or other items to inmates without the consent of the warden or superintendent. It prohibits inmates from receiving or possessing telecommunication devices. It will establish that providing a telecommunication device by an inmate shall be a felony. It provides for a misdemeanor penalty under certain circumstances. It provides for definitions, adds penalties for violations of the provisions. It amends Code Section 42-5-19 of the O.C.G.A, relating to penalties for violating Code Section 42-5-16, 42-5-17, and 42-5-18.
Code Section 42-5-18 of the O.C.G.A is revised relating to giving weapons, intoxicants, drugs, or other items without the consent of the warden or superintendent.
Code Section 42-5-19 of the O.C.G.A is amended relating to the penalties for violating Code Sections 42-5-16, 42-5-17, and 42-5-18. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
State Planning & Community Affairs
SB 344 - Boards and Commissions; repeal/abolish certain ones that have become inactive, obsolete, unnecessary; provide effective date
- BILL SUMMARY: Abolishes certain boards and commissions that have become inactive, obsolete antiquated, or unnecessary. Abolishes the Pacific White Shrimp Aquaculture Development Advisory Council (Code Section 2-15-3). Abolishes the Georgia Tobacco Advisory Board (Code Section 10-4-110). Repeals and reserves Part 4, Article 7 of Chapter 3, relating to the Kinchafoonee Lake Authority. Repeals Power Alley Development Authority (Article 12 Chapter 3). Repeals State Waste Water Privatization Oversight Committee (12-5-23.3). Repeals the Coordinating Committee for Exceptional Individuals (20-2-301). Amends the Education Information Steering Committee ( 20-2-320); However, it takes out the actual committee but leaves the committee's state-wide comprehensive educational information system. Repeals the Center for Trade and Technology Transfer (20-3-84). Repeals the Natural Gas Consumer Education Advisory Board (46-4-160.4). Repeals Title 50 Article 5 chapter 5 relating to state government that pertains with communication services. Revises Chapter 30 relating to the Georgia Institute for Community Business Development. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
SB 371 - Local School Districts; rail crossings without active warning devices used by school buses; reroute buses to minimize use of such crossings
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would require local school districts to survey and report to the Department of Transportation those railroad crossings on their established bus routes which lack active warning devices by September 1 annually. Each district shall try to minimize such crossings on those established routes. These lists should help the Department in deciding which crossings to upgrade. - Authored By: Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
SB 410 - State Road/Tollway Authority; authorize to create a state congestion relief fund; community improvement districts
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation authorizes the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) to promulgate rules and regulations, subject to available funding, for the creation of a state Congestion Relief Fund (Fund) to be used for traffic congestion relief projects

initiated by Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) throughout the state. In order to qualify for funds, a CID must demonstrate that it is able to provide funds to match the amount requested from the Fund. The application for requesting a grant of funds must require: A detailed analysis of how the project will alleviate traffic congestion; and The specific method by which the CID intends to raise the necessary matching funds. - Authored By: Sen. Doug Stoner of the 6th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Transportation
SB 417 - Transportation Commissioner; required to develop/publish benchmarks; issue reports on the progress of construction projects
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would amend Chapter 2 of Title 32 by adding a new Code section 32-2-41.1. This new Code section would require the DOT Commissioner to develop and publish benchmarks that detail a realistic time frame for completion of each project. Such benchmarks would be base upon the type and scope of each project and would also include preliminary engineering and design. The Commissioner shall submit an annual report to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and the Speaker of the House detailing the progress of every project valued at $10 million or more against the benchmarks. The report shall include an analysis explaining the discrepancies between benchmarks and actual performance on each project as well as an explanation for delays. Along with the published report on the Department's website, there shall also be created and maintained a detailed status report on each project under planning and construction. Value engineering studies shall be performed on any project whose costs exceed $10 million and a report detailing the amount saved due to the studies. This report will also go to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House.
The effective date of this legislation would be July 1, 2008. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
SR 842 - Transportation, Georgia Dept. of; urged to build a maglev train connecting Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta with Chattanooga Municipal Airport
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to build a maglev train connecting HartsfieldJackson Airport in Atlanta with the Chattanooga Municipal Airport. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Transportation
SR 1047 - Transportation, Dept. of; urged to consolidate its county barns/privatize road maintenance functions
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to develop a strategy to consolidate its barns and road maintenance operations in order to save taxpayer dollars and improve efficiency. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - Committee Action: Do Pass
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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COMMITTEE BROADCAST SCHEDULE

8:00 AM 9:30 AM 8:30 AM 9:30 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 AM 11:30 AM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 11:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 2:00 PM 5:00 PM

Thursday, March 20, 2008

NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT

606 CLOB

Appropriations General Subcommittee 506 CLOB

INSURANCE

406 CLOB

REGULATED INDUSTRIES

515 CLOB

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

506 CLOB

SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CON

606 CLOB

RULES

341 CAP

MOTOR VEHICLES
Judiciary Civil Subcommittee Two (Tumlin)
HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

406 CLOB
132 CAP or upon adjournmentwhichever is later
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.
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CONTACT: BRENT CRANFIELD
(404) 656-0305 Brent.Cranfield@house.ga.gov