Daily report [Mar. 20, 2008]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 35th Legislative Day on Thursday, March 27, at 10:00 AM. * 4 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

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DAILY REPORT

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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORTS
HB 989 - Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides supplemental 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, political subdivisions and for all other governmental activities, projects and undertakings authorized by law. - Authored By: Rep. Glenn Richardson of the 19th - House Committee: Appropriations - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 167; Nays: 2 - This bill was immediately transmitted to the Senate
SUPPLEMENTAL RULES CALENDAR
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 - House Committee: Appropriations - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 166; Nays: 1
RULES CALENDAR
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 - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): Bearden AM 29 0703 - Yeas: 99; Nays: 68
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 1
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 169; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 164; Nays: 0

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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 163; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 167; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
*SB 385 was postponed on the House floor.
LOCAL CALENDAR
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3

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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3

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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3

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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3

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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A

- Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 3
* The House will reconvene Thursday, March 27, at 10:00 AM, for its 35th Legislative Day
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 35th Legislative Day, Thursday, March 27, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
RULES CALENDAR FOR NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY
SB 347 - Insurance Companies; software as admitted asset when determining financial condition
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 347 allows software to be counted as an asset for insurance purposes so long as the cost of the software does not exceed 10% of admitted assets or $7,500,000, whichever is less. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/4/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 363 - Dentists/Dental Hygienists; provide advanced dental education programs; revisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would alter the statutes governing the practice and education of dentistry and dental hygiene by allowing for dental professionals who have undergone specified appropriate levels of training in "Advanced dental education programs" to practice dentistry. Advanced dental education program means an accredited dental advanced specialty education program or accredited dental education program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association or its successor agency. - Authored By: Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th

- House Committee: Health & Human Services - House Committee Passed: 3/18/2008 - Rule: Open
SR 753 - Property Conveyance; City of Thomaston; Upson County
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in the City of Thomaston, Upson County, Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. George Hooks of the 14th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - House Committee Passed: 3/4/2008 - Rule: Open
SR 845 - County Governments; transportation improvement sales and use tax CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for a 1% local option sales and use tax to fund transportation projects and mass transportation networks. Establishes the tax on a joint county and municipal basis or on a regional basis. It offers procedures, conditions and limitations. The constitutional amendment will be placed on the ballot in November 2008 to be ratified or rejected by the people. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, March 27, at 09:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 36th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Governmental Affairs
SB 89 - Georgia Townships Act; creation
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 925 creates the limited purpose government of "Townships". They are to be created by local legislation, funded by a 1/2 mil property tax, and limited to planning and zoning, land use issues, and code enforcement. - Authored By: Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
SB 217 - Property Owners' Associations; shall have standing as a party to bring legal action to enforce covenants
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes provisions relating to property owners associations, so as to provide that certain property owners associations and similar organizations shall have standing as a party and a party in interest to bring a legal action to enforce certain covenants, ordinances, and codes. It also contains a provision to keep these associations from prohibiting the display of a mezuzah. Finally, this bill would prevent property owners' associations from requiring the planting of certain plants and grasses unless the requirements include xeriscaping principles. - Authored By: Sen. Curt Thompson of the 5th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
SB 230 - State Personnel Board/Merit System; define classified/unclassified service
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill is a housekeeping bill for the Department of Administrative Services. It clarifies provisions relating to personnel administration, so as to define the classified and unclassified service; to provide for the authority of the State Personnel Board and the State Merit System relative to both classified and unclassified service; to modify language relative to these authorizations and definitions to rescind provisions governing interdepartmental transfers; to change certain provisions relating to classified and nonclassified employees; to change definitions relating to personnel administration and classified and unclassified employees; to clarify certain duties of the State Personnel Board; to modify certain duties of the commissioner of personnel administration; to rename the Advisory Council for Personnel Administration and change the manner in which persons become members of the council; to modify certain rights of unclassified service. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass

Governmental Affairs
SB 387 - Absentee Ballots; allow electors to request/cast without stating a reason; allow electronic submission of requests by certain electors
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes provisions relating to absentee ballots, so as to allow electors to request and cast absentee ballots without stating a reason for doing so. It also allows for the electronic submission of absentee ballot requests by military personnel. Further it requires registrars and absentee ballot clerks to determine the eligibility of electors to vote by absentee ballot as well as to provide for the safekeeping of absentee ballots. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
SB 445 - Administrative Procedure; effectiveness of a challenged agency rule; General Assembly take action on such rule at next legislative session
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 445 changes the general provisions regarding administrative procedure, so as to provide that the effectiveness of a challenged agency rule shall be stayed until the General Assembly has the opportunity to take action on such rule at the next legislative session. Further, it brings the EPD under the Administrative Procedures Act. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Insurance
SB 183 - Insurance; authorize agents to charge/collect certain fees; provide for keeping records of such fees; separate receipts
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows insurance agents to charge and collect certain administrative fees directly from consumers according to a fee schedule prescribed by statute. The agent must disclose those fees to the consumer and give a separate receipt for the fees charged. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Insurance
SB 213 - Insurance Commissioner; waive retaliatory obligations, prohibitions or restrictions under certain circumstances; provide exceptions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would allow the Commissioner to waive certain retaliatory obligations, prohibitions, or restrictions that would prohibit entry into Georgia of any insurer domiciled in another state if, in his discretion, the entry of such insurer would be expected to enhance competition in this state and would be in the best interest of the citizens of this state. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Insurance
SB 348 - Insurance; imposition of fees/taxes for services provided by counties/municipal; contravention of public policy
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that the imposition of any fees or taxes for services provided by counties or municipal corporations upon insurance companies is in contravention of public policy. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Insurance
SB 383 - Ga. Affordable HSA Eligible High Deductible Health Plan; Insurance Commissioner; adopt policies to promote, approve, and encourage
- BILL SUMMARY: Commissioner of Insurance will be authorized to allow health reimbursement arrangement only plans that encourage employer financial support of health insurance or health related expenses for sale in connection with or packaged with individual health insurance policies. Health reimbursement arrangement only plans that are not sold in connection with or packaged with individual health insurance policies shall not be considered insurance. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Insurance
SB 425 - Insuring/Indemnification; Commissioner of Admin. Services; amend certain provisions; establish incentive programs
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill authorizes the Department of Administrative Services to establish incentive programs including differential premium rates and deductibles based on loss histories of state agencies, institutions, and authorities, and such entities' participation in loss control programs. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Insurance
SB 470 - Property and Casualty Actuarial Opinion Law; provide for submission of annual statement
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill addresses guaranteed asset protection waivers for motor vehicles. The legislation clarifies that all forms of creditors, including automobile dealers and other financers of automobile loans or leases, are not in the business of insurance when offering GAP waivers in connection with the loan, finance, or lease agreement. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Insurance
SB 471 - Insurance; provide regulator financial examinations of domestic insurers every five years
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for regulator financial examinations of domestic insurers every five years; provides for the confidentiality of examination work papers; provides for the immunity from liability for a contracted examiner to be the same as that of an employee of the state conducting the same state functions. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Insurance
SB 518 - Insurance; include contracts, agreements; removal of dents in motor vehicle; within definition of property insurance
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill is to include contracts, agreements, and instruments for the removal of dents, dings, or creases in a motor vehicle without affecting the existing paint finish using paintless dent repair techniques within the definition of property insurance in a manner similar to vehicle service agreements or extended warranty agreements - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1269 - Cherokee County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Cherokee County ad valorem taxes for county 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

Judiciary
SB 11 - Superior/State Court Judges; performing ordered military duty; eligible for reelection; qualify by mail, messenger or agent on duty
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 of SB 11 amends O.C.G.A. 15-1-9.1 to designate a judge's military service as the basis for requesting judicial assistance of a judge from outside of the county. Section 2 allows Superior Court judges engaged in military service to qualify for reelection in absentia, clarifies that military services does not give rise to a vacancy, and allows the judge to perform candidaterelated duties by mail or through an agent. Section 3 is a similar provision for State Court judges. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
SB 254 - Georgia State Indemnification Commission; composition; define certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 254 amends Title 45, Chapter 9 regarding the Georgia State Indemnification Commission. The bill designates the Department of Administrative Services as the custodian and administrator of the commission's fund. The bill clarifies the fact that commuting is not considered "in the line of duty." SB 254 defines organic brain injury, partial permanent disability, and total permanent disability. O.C.G.A. 45-9-83 is amended to change the composition of the commission's board. O.C.G.A. 45-9-84 is amended to make the Department of Administrative Services the initial entity to consider claims, with the commission serving an appellate function. O.C.G.A. 45-9-85 is amended to establish the standards for compensation of certain types of injuries. O.C.G.A. 45-9-88 removes suicides, self-inflicted injuries, natural causes, and injuries caused by routine, non-strenuous work from coverage. SB 254 makes volunteer firefighters eligible for compensation. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
SB 381 - No Heartbeat Act; registration and certificates of birth; change certain provisions; provide for a definition
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 2 (17) of SB 381 adds stillborn children to the list of persons for whom a birth certificate will be issued. The certificate would be titled a "certificate of stillborn birth" and no statistics would be reported as vital records. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
SB 436 - Business Corporations; voting for directors in publicly traded corporations; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 436 amends O.C.G.A. 14-2-728, et seq. concerning voting for directors of publicly traded corporations. A substitute has been prepared which adds HB 1359, sponsored by Rep. Matt Ramsey and approved by the Committee recently, to the bill. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
SB 455 - O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 455 is a code revision bill which corrects various typographical, stylistic, capitalization, punctuation, and other errors and omissions throughout the Georgia Code. - Authored By: Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
SB 456 - O.C.G.A.; correct/omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 456 is a code revision bill which corrects various errors in Title 21, the Elections title of the Georgia Code - Authored By: Sen. David Adelman of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass

Judiciary
SR 822 - Georgia-North Carolina and Georgia-Tennessee Boundary Line Commission; create; appointment
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 822 is similar to HR 1206, sponsored by Rep. Harry Geisinger and approved by the Committee earlier this year. SR 822 sets forth a number of facts which place the Georgia-Tennessee and Georgia-North Carolina borders in question. The resolution appoints boundary line commissions, comprised of three members selected by the Speaker of the House and three members selected by the President of the Senate, to study the issue and engage any similar commissions in Tennessee or North Carolina and report back to the General Assembly during the 2009 legislative session. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
SR 1030 - Joint Electronic Records, Signatures, Filing and Recording Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 1030 proposes to create a Joint Electronic Records, Signature, Filing, and Recording Study Committee to be comprised of three members appointed by the Speaker of the House and three members appointed by the President of the Senate. The Committee will study technology in these areas, relevant model acts, and recommend legislation for the 2009 legislative session. Two model acts that the Committee will examine are the Uniform Electronic Transaction Act and the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. - Authored By: Sen. Preston W. Smith of the 52nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Motor Vehicles
SB 181 - Motor Vehicles; provide imposition of fee by motor vehicle rental companies; definitions; procedures, conditions and limitations
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 181 allows motor vehicle rental companies to charge separate and itemized fees in addition the rental charge. If a motor vehicle rental company includes a charge for recoverable fees and taxes as a separately stated fee in a rental transaction, the amount of the charge shall represent the motor vehicle rental companys good faith estimate of the motor vehicle rental companys daily charge as calculated by the motor vehicle rental company to recover its actual total annual recoverable fees and taxes on its rental motor vehicle fleet for the corresponding calendar year. - Authored By: Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles
SB 517 - Special License Plate; persons with disability; provide for issuance; business vehicles used by disabled employees
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 517 provides for the issuance of special license plates for persons with disabilities to certain businesses for business vehicles used by disabled employees of such businesses. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Regulated Industries
SB 55 - Alcoholic Beverages; resealed partially consumed bottle of wine; uniform rules of the road
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that restaurants licensed to sell alcoholic beverages may permit consumers to remove a partially consumed and properly resealed bottle of wine from a restaurant. The following conditions apply:
Such bottle of wine must be purchased with a meal. Only one resealed bottle per customer is allowed to be carried out. The bottle must be securely resealed by a restaurant employee and placed in a bag or a container with a security seal. The customer may then place the bottle in the locked glove compartment, trunk or the area behind the last seat of one's car if the vehicle does not have a trunk. This legislation also provides that such a resealed bottle of wine will not be considered an open alcoholic beverage for purposes of this prohibition. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Regulated Industries
SB 393 - Pawnbrokers; restrict local governments' power; payment of any fee for transactions/hours of operation
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill prohibits the governing authorities of a municipality or county from collecting fees on pawn transactions or sale of personal property to a pawnbroker. This Act will become effective January 1, 2009. - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Regulated Industries
SB 498 - Cosmetic Laser Services; licensing; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends provisions relating to cosmetic laser services. It does the following: Code Section 43-34-244:
Sets conditions for eligibility for those individuals who desire to obtain an "assistant laser practitioner" license, allowing such licensees to practice under the on-site supervision of a senior laser practitioner.
Takes out the provision for the board to waive education or experience requirements for an individual who holds a current license or certificate of a cosmetic laser practitioner outside of this state and under other circumstances.
Code Section 43-34-248: Requires that each patient be examined prior to the facility's performance of any cosmetic laser service either by a consulting
physician or by a delegated physician's assistant or a registered professional nurse both of whom are licensed cosmetic laser practitioners.
Requires the supervisor of such facility to be either a licensed physician trained in laser modalities or a senior laser practitioner who will be present at the facility at all times to supervise all cosmetic laser services.
Requires such facilities to post a sign indicating the consulting physician's contact and certification information and whether such physician is present on site. If, however, such physician is temporarily not on site, the sign should indicate the current supervisor's contact and certification information.
Code Section 43-34-249: Requires the patient informed consent to include the name, qualifications and certifications of the supervisor and the consulting
physician. Provides that before and after the cosmetic laser service, a person must be informed in writing of the steps to be followed along with
the emergency contact information and the address of the primary practice location of the consulting physician in case if post service complications occur.
Code Section 43-34-249.1: Authorizes the board to waive the requirements of this Act under certain conditions.
Code Section 43-34-250: Provides that at least one person on the advisory committee must be licensed to practice medicine under this chapter.
This Act will become effective only if and when the "Georgia Cosmetic Laser Services Act" becomes effective. - Authored By: Sen. John J. Wiles of the 37th - 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.
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COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

9:30 AM 11:30 AM 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM
10:00 AM 12:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 1:00 PM 3:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 3:00 PM 4:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM

Friday, March 21, 2008 : No Meetings Today Saturday, March 22, 2008 : No Meetings Today Sunday, March 23, 2008 : No Meetings Today Monday, March 24, 2008 : No Meetings Today
Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Judiciary Civil Subcommittee Two (Tumlin)

132 CAP

Judiciary Civil Subcommittee One (Lindsey)

133 CAP

JUDICIARY CIVIL Wednesday, March 26, 2008
JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL

132 CAP 132 CAP

Judiciary Civil Subcommittee Two (Tumlin)

133 CAP CANCELED

HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

406 CLOB

TRANSPORTATION

606 CLOB

Academic Support Subcommittee of Educations

515 CLOB

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

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