Daily report [Apr. 1, 2008]

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 2, at 10:00 AM. * 26 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

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DAILY REPORT

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MOTIONS TO INSIST
SB 345 - Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; provide for purpose and policy
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Title 20 of the O.C.G.A, relating to education, so as to adopt the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; to provide for a short title; to provide for the purpose and policy of said compact; to define the terminology used in said compact; to provide for applicability; to provide for educational records and enrollment; to provided for placement and attendance; to provide for eligibility; to provide for graduation; to provide for state coordination services; to create the Interstate Commission on Educational Opportunity for Military Children; to provide for the members of the interstate commission and their service; provide for an executive committee and its membership and duties; to provide for the powers, duties, organization, and operations of the commission; to provide for oversight, enforcement, and dispute resolution; to provide for financing of the interstate commission; to provide for member states, effective date, and amendments; to provide for withdrawal and dissolution.
Title 20 is amended by adding a new Chapter 17.
20-17-1 This Chapter shall be known as the "Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children."
20-17-2 This Compact is enacted into law and entered into by the State if Georgia with any and all states legally joining.
The Interstate Compact on Educational opportunity for Military Children contains: a purpose, definitions, applicability, educational records& enrollment, placement & attendance, eligibility, graduation, and state coordination.
The Interstate Compact on Educational opportunity for Military Children has the following responsibilities: interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children, powers & duties of the interstate commission, organization & operation of the interstate commission, rulemaking functions on the interstate commission, oversight enforcement & dispute resolutions, financing of the interstate commission, member states effective date & amendment, withdrawal & dissolution, severability & construction, and binding effect of compact & other laws. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Interstate Cooperation - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 311 - Georgia HERO Scholarship; qualifying term of service; change definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation changes the date for qualifying service under the Georgia HERO Scholarship. Under HB 311, persons deployed overseas on active duty on or after September 11, 2001 will qualify for grants under the Georgia HERO Scholarship. Additionally, this change will apply to eligible student scholarships distributed under the program. - Authored By: Rep. Barry A Fleming of the 117th - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to agree AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE sends this bill back to the House.
HB 649 - Georgia Blueberry Commission; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill, known as the "Georgia Agricultural Commodities Promotion Act," crates the Georgia Blueberry Commission. It provides for membership, appointment, election, terms, and compensation for members to the commission. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Smith of the 168th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1016 - Commissioner of Natural Resources; blue crabs; manage certain aspects; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides the Commissioner of Natural Resources with the ability to close all or any portion of the salt waters of Georgia to commercial and recreational fishing for blue crabs. This bill resulted from the sunset of the current statute prohibiting the harvest of the sponge crab. - Authored By: Rep. Bob Lane of the 158th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1041 - Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; obsolete language; eliminate
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would remove obsolete language concerning the designation of graduate nurses from the Nurse Practice Act, as well as require applicants for Licensed Registered Nurses and Advanced Practice Nurses undergo a criminal background check as part of the application process. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1105 - Hospitals; offer certain vaccinations to inpatients 65 years or older; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would require that annually between October 1 through March 1, prior to discharging any inpatient who is 65 years of age or older, a hospital shall offer the inpatient vaccinations for the influenza virus and pneumococcal disease, unless contraindicated and contingent on availability of such vaccine. - Authored By: Rep. Donna Sheldon of the 105th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1132 - Uniform Environmental Covenants Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The Substitute to HB 1132 enacts the Uniform Environmental Covenants Act, which allows the owner of a contaminated property to record a restrictive covenant which the Georgia EPD signs off on, which outlines the remediation requirements for the property. The covenants would allow a property owner to sell contaminated property with more certainty about which party is responsible for future environmental cleanup efforts. Whether to enter into the environmental covenant would be a completely voluntary decision on the part of the property owner; the Act provides a potential tool for owners of contaminated property to use to make their property marketable. HB 1132 has been amended to grant standing to abutting landowners to enforce the covenants. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1126 - Downtown development authorities; directors; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds a new subsection to Code Section 36-42-7. Allows one director of a downtown development authority to reside outside of the county so long as that director owns a business in the downtown development area. If that director no longer owns a business in the development area, they must relinquish their seat on the board. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Horne of the 71st - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HR 1246 - The Property Tax Reform Amendment; enact - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 1246 provides property tax relief on homesteaded real property and on motor vehicles titled in an individual name. It provides for the property tax relief on homesteads through the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant system, in the amount of the property taxes for education. For taxpayers in certain counties that are already currently exempt from all property taxes for education on their homesteads, such taxpayers would receive a benefit equal to up to a $30,000 exemption on the assessed values of their homestead, which is a greater benefit amount than they currently receive on their county and city property taxes. The resolution also eliminates the state portion of the property tax, equal to one quarter mill on each dollar of assessed values, and provides for the Motor Vehicle Tax Relief Grant system, similar to the Homeowner Tax Relief Grant, which provides each taxpayer with a motor vehicle titled in an individual name with a credit in the full amount of the property taxes on that vehicle. - Authored By: Rep. Glenn Richardson of the 19th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE sends this bill back to the House.
HB 1244 - Income tax credit; teleworking; extend time period
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1244 provides for the extension of an income tax credit for expenses incurred by employers to allow their employees to telework through 2010 and 2011. The credit is equal to 100% of the expenses incurred if the employee is required to telework at least 12 days per month and if the employer's place of business is located in an area designated as nonattainment under the federal Clean Air Act by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. For telework agreements requiring participating employees to telework at least 12 days per month, but where the place of business is not in a nonattainment area, the credit shall be equal to 75% of expenses. For agreements requiring employees to telework at least five days per month, the credit shall be equal to 25% of expenses. Currently, this credit is only available in tax years 2008 and 2009. HB 1244 extends this credit to 2010 and 2011, and also increases the annual aggregate cap on these credits for these two additional years from $2 million to $2.5 million. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree AS AMENDED BY THE HOUSE sends this bill back to the House.
HR 1310 - State Properties Commission; enter into dispute agreements; real property in Butts, Lamar, and Monroe Counties; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution authorizes the State Properties Commission to enter into appropriate boundary line dispute agreements pertaining to real property in Butts, Lamar, and Monroe Counties, Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Jim Cole of the 125th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
RULES CALENDAR
SB 33 - Emergency Management; state-wide first responder building mapping information system; definitions; rule/regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 33 adds a new article to Title 38 which authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to create a building mapping information system. The system will include maps of government building to facilitate first responder efforts in case of a disaster, criminal act, or terrorist act. State and local agencies will get to decide whether to participate in the system. GEMA will provide safeguards to ensure that the maps will only be available to the agency whose building is mapped and first responders. Information provided to GEMA for the mapping system will not be subject to the open records act. The bill provides immunity for state and local agencies which participate in the mapping system. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 149; Nays: 17
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 - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 125; Nays: 34
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 - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
SB 154 - Municipal Corporations; agreements with solid waste collection firms; territory annexed/incorporated
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 154 proposes to add a new code section to Title 36, Chapter 30 to limit local governments' ability to displace a solid waste collection firm from collecting solid waste, for commercial contracts only, within the jurisdiction. A substitute has set as 12 months or the remaining term of the solid waste contract as the minimum amount of time that the solid waste firm will be able to continue to operate when a local government displaces the solid waste collection firm, for commercial contracts only. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): Mills AM: Jones AM 18 1458T - Yeas: 157; Nays: 15
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 - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): Ralston AM 37 0047

- Yeas: 171; Nays: 0
SB 300 - Transparency in Government Act; Dept. of Audits/Accounts; creation/maintenance of certain state expenditure information
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 300 provides for the creation of a free, publicly accessible website which provides state expenditure information. The Committee Substitute adds all of the provisions from HB 91, which was passed by the House last year, vetoed by the Governor, and overridden in January, adding state authorities to the entities required to report. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Science and Technology - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 163; Nays: 0
SB 355 - Property; mortgages, conveyance to secure debt, liens; disbursement of certain settlement funds after closing; general provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 918, sponsored by Rep. Roger Lane, and SB 355, propose to amend O.C.G.A. 44-14-13, which governs the form of funds to be provided at a real estate closing. Subcommittee Two amended and approved SB 355, as indicated in the Committee Substitute. The Substitute eliminates a number of categories of paper checks or instruments which can be used at a closing, and designates (1) cashier's checks issued by a bank for the purpose of a closing; (2) law firm or real estate broker escrow account checks, (3) government checks, or (4) checks for $5,000.00 or less as the only exceptions to "collected funds" at a closing. Therefore, wired funds are strongly encouraged by the bill. Subsection (d) of the Substitute also contains a provision requested by Rep. Larry O'Neal for the purpose of federal Truth in Lending Act compliance. - Authored By: Sen. Preston W. Smith of the 52nd - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 126; Nays: 24
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): Jackson AM 25 1086 - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
SB 396 - Administrative Services Dept.; remove/transfer functions; Council of Superior Court Judges of Ga., Prosecuting Attorneys' Council
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 396 removes all functions of the Department of Administrative Services relating to the Superior Court Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys Council and transfers them to the Council of Superior Court Judges and the Prosecuting Attorneys Council. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 156; Nays: 0

SB 398 - Powder Springs, City; provide for mayor's or city councilmembers terms and qualifications for office
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to delete metes and bounds descriptions of the districts of the members of the Powder Springs City Council so as to use references to newer, updated language that shall be found on record at City Hall, and, to provide for elections, terms of office, and qualifications. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Thompson of the 33rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 159; Nays: 1
SB 405 - Georgia Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act; enactment; definitions; provide for anatomical gift
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would streamline the organ gifting process in Georgia by replacing the "Georgia Anatomical Gift Act" with the "Georgia Revised Uniform Anatomical Gift Act" in OCGA 44-5 Article 6. The measure seeks to bring Georgia statutes in harmony with other states, as transplantation organizations are attempting to create harmonized anatomical gift regulations across all the states. The bill would create uniform standards for the registry, assent, collection, and usage of anatomical gifts, in order to increase the number of collected anatomical gifts, and to make it more difficult for anatomical gifting decisions to be reversed after the donor has deceased. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 168; Nays: 0
SB 418 - Georgia Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act; definitions; provide for standards for testing cigarettes; written certification
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill prohibits the sale of cigarettes unless the manufacturer of those cigarettes certifies to the Safety Fire Commissioner that the cigarettes have been tested by the manufacturer and meet certain standards. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 137; Nays: 14
SB 429 - Agriculture, Dept. of; assigned functions; enforcement of state laws; control of infectious diseases in livestock; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill expands the Department of Agricultures law enforcement officers by allowing The Commissioner to be vested with police powers to enforce all state laws pertaining to functions assigned to the department, and be authorized to employ, designate, and deputize, homeland security investigators with the authority to enforce all state laws pertaining to functions assigned to the department, including the following powers: - To inspect plants, animals, or products when the same are subject to regulation by the department; - To stop and inspect any vehicle transporting plants, animals, or products when the same are subject to regulation by the department; and - To enforce any state law when the violation of that law is committed in conjunction with a violation of a state law pertaining to functions assigned to the department; - To enforce any state law when ordered to do so by the Governor or to protect any life or property when the circumstances demand action; - To assist, at the expense of the department, the Georgia Office of Homeland Security or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation in carrying out their duties and responsibilities when requested to do so by the Georgia Office of Homeland Security or the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; and - To arrest any person found to be in violation of any state law, the enforcement of which is authorized this bill - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 12

SB 453 - Controlled Substances; add the state as entity authorized to govern certain criminal activity; designated areas for recreational purposes
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds state parks to the list of areas where drug dealing or manufacturing within 1000 feet is punished with enhanced penalties.
Currently dealing or manufacturing drugs within 1000 feet of real property set aside as a park or playground by a municipality or county carries enhanced penalties (First: felony up to 20 years; Second: felony 5 to 40 years; served consecutively and will not merge) but state parks are not on that list. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 167; Nays: 0
SB 458 - Education; require local school systems and schools to be accredited; provide for definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 458 amends Title 20 to require that local systems are accredited and, provides that if a school or school system loses, or fails to attain its accreditation, students are entitled to attend another public school or a scholarship to a private school. The same provisions will be available to students of schools designated as Needs Improvement Schools for seven consecutive years. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Science and Technology - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: N/A; Nays: N/A
SB 469 - Health; revise definition for personal care home; provide guidelines/oversight of host homes
- BILL SUMMARY: Revises definition of "personal care home" to exclude host homes. Defines a "host home" as a private residence e in a residential area in which the occupant owner provides housing and provides care to one or two persons who are not related to the owner. Provides for oversight over personal care homes. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Human Relations & Aging - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 154; Nays: 1
SB 507 - Public Assistance; basic therapy services for children with disabilities; establish requirements; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: The intent of this bill is to ensure that children with disabilities receive the medically necessary therapy services to which they are entitled under the Medicaid Early Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment Program (EPSDT); and that categorically needy and medically fragile children will have available to them the same scope, duration, and amount of services. Additionally, the bill would simplify the process and paperwork by which occupational, speech, and physical therapy services are applied for and received by eligible families. Specifically, the measure would require that the Department, the Care Management Organizations, and the Utilization Review Vendors must develop consistent requirements for utilization review and prior approval of physical occupational, or speech language pathologist services prescribed for children. The prior approval period has a designated duration of six months. If prior approval is denied, the Department must provide to the family the following information: (1) The medical procedure or service for which such entity is refusing to grant prior approval;(2) Any additional information needed from the recipients medical provider which could change the decision of such entity; and (3) The specific reason used by the entity to determine that the procedure is not medically necessary to the Medicaid recipient. Denials of prior approval must be evaluated under the EPSDT

program within 15 days. The bill also waives any other evaluative method by which the Department or the Care Management Organization might deny prior approval to any service deemed medically necessary, excepting the EPSDT program standards. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Moody of the 56th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 157; Nays: 1
SB 508 - Probate Courts; update/change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 508 amends a number of code section concerning probate courts. Section changes the term "guardian of the property" to "conservator." Section 2 changes the terms executor and administrator to conservator and personal representative. Section 3 changes the terms of court for Probate Courts. Section 4 amends the guidelines for the Probate Judges Training Council. Section 5 adds the direction and construction of wills to the concurrent jurisdiction of the Probate and Superior Courts. Section 6 amends the code section concerning the settlement of minors' claims. Section 7 addresses the sealing of guardian and conservator files. Section 8 adds a requirement to file a notice in counties in which real property is located, if no administration is necessary. Section 9 strikes a petition for year's support as a trigger for a five-year statute of limitations for offering a will for probate. - Authored By: Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 1
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 - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 153; Nays: 1
SB 531 - Foreclosure; conduct by the current owner/holder of mortgage; require
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 531 amends O.C.G.A. 44-14-162 and 44-14-162.2's foreclosure provisions. Section 1 requires assignments to be filed prior to the foreclosure sale. Section 2 requires a foreclosure notice to be sent to the debtor 30 days or more prior to the foreclosure sale; current law provides for 15 days' notice. Section 2 requires the notice to include the name, address, and telephone number of the individual or entity having full authority to negotiate, amend, and modify the terms of the loan, but also makes it clear that lenders have no obligation to negotiate, amend, or modify the terms of a loan. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Wednesday, April 2, at 10:00 AM, for its 39th Legislative Day
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 39th Legislative Day, Wednesday, April 2, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
RULES CALENDAR FOR NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY
HR 1014 - State Board of Education; honor courses; establish uniform statewide standards; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the State Board of Education to establish uniform statewide standards for honors courses. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 2/7/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1059 - Board of Regents; teacher education programs; more classroom management; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to include more instruction in classroom management in the required curriculum for teacher education programs. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Higher Education - House Committee Passed: 2/7/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1071 - Law enforcement agencies; develop and implement written policies; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: Sets forth the standards for conducting physical and photographic line-ups including: encouraging use of a neutral blind administrator of line-ups and alternative methods when a photographic or physical line-up is not feasible; obtaining the witness' confidence level, and making a contemporaneous recording of the identification; and requirements for line-ups and instructions for witnesses . - Authored By: Rep. Stephanie Benfield of the 85th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/6/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1115 - Martin Luther King, Jr., National Memorial Project Foundation; use Georgia granite; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation to use Georgia granite in the creation of the memorial. - Authored By: Rep. Al Williams of the 165th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism - House Committee Passed: 2/7/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1224 - Congress; enact H. Con. Res. 182; idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; encourage
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution encourages the United States Congress to enact H. Con. Res. 182 and to support funding for the development of a cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. - Authored By: Rep. Richard A Royal of the 171st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - House Committee Passed: 2/21/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1247 - Revenue, Department of; state-issued purchase cards; closely review; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution calls for the Department of Audits to closely examine the use of state issued purchase cards by continuing to audit certain accounts to ensure transactions are authorized, legal and ethical. The Department will also assess whether or not personal expenditures under the state purchase card program are considered taxable events. - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight - House Committee Passed: 3/3/2008 - Rule: Structured

HR 1484 - J. Phil Campbell, Senior, Natural Resource Conservation Center; recognize; United States Congress; reject plans to close center; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges Georgia's Congressional delegation, including its Senators, to reject the current plans to close the J. Phil Campbell, Senior, Natural Resource Conservation Center. The Center is and has been engaged in a viable research program for the ultimate benefit of farmers in the southeast. The Center's mission is to apply state of the art research to develop efficient, economical, and socially acceptable agro-ecosystems. - Authored By: Rep. Barry A Fleming of the 117th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Structured
HR 1631 - Georgia Department of Transportation; implement commuter rail service; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to implement commuter rail service connecting Macon, Atlanta, and Athens. - Authored By: Rep. John Heard of the 104th - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 3/26/2008 - Rule: Structured
SB 1 - Sexual Offenders; unlawful to photograph minors; provide penalties
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 1 adds that registered sex offenders will be prevented from photographing minors without the consent of the minor's parent or guardian. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/12/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 153 - Georgia Consumer Driven Health Insurance Plan; provide for development of plans by the Commissioner of Insurance
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 153 changes provisions relating to corporate owned life insurance. Current law requires at least one hundred employees to participate in order for a policy to be bought. This bill will lower that threshold to two employees. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/31/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 159 - Homestead Exemptions; change date of filing applications
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 159 provides that taxpayers may apply for homestead exemptions through the date of the close of books for the calendar year. Currently taxpayers may apply for a homestead exemption up to and including March 1. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Ways & Means - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 169 - Ga. Student Finance Authority; direct loans to students; postsecondary schools; 1% rate annually
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides three low-interest student loan programs. (1) 1% need based loans that requires the student to apply for other financial aid. It bridges the gap in funding to ensure that student is not kept from attending for lack of money. Eligibility for first year requires graduation from eligible high school and 2.5 cumulative grade point average; for subsequent years a 2.0 cumulative grade point average at eligible college with a starting interest rate of 1%. (2) Graduate On Time loans or GOT that are an incentive for students to graduate promptly. The eligibility for the loan does not require a specific grade point average. The starting interest rate is not to exceed prime. If a student graduates with a cumulative GPA no lower than 2.0 within 4 years, the loan then converts to retroactive 1% rate. If the student graduates with a cumulative GPA no lower than 2.0 within 5 years the loan coverts to a 2% rate. (3) Education for Public Service loans which encourage students to enter public service. This can include employment within the state, a local government or local board of education. Eligibility does not require a specific GPA. The starting interest rate cannot exceed prime. It coverts to 1% or interest-free if student graduates with a cumulative GPA no lower than 2.0 and performs required years of public service (5 to 15 years). The loan is available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The longer the public service, the less the student will pay in interest. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Higher Education

- House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 174 - Public Officers/Employees; development of medical/physical fitness standards; appointment of medical review board
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for the development of medical and physical fitness standards for persons employed in positions in state government. These standards will be established by a medical review board comprised of five doctors appointed by the commissioner of personnel management. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - House Committee Passed: 3/18/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 175 - State Government; clarify meaning of criminal action; replace Dept. of Administrative Services with Office of Treasury/Fiscal Services
- BILL SUMMARY: SB175 is primarily procurement legislation but there is also a small piece regarding DOAS' insurance function and some administrative clean up.
Section 1 of the bill covers insurance for state officials and state employees. It amends Code Section 45-9-1 to authorize the DOAS self-insurance fund to reimburse state officials and state employees for criminal defense attorneys' fees when they are investigated and a decision is made to not pursue charges. This change brings state coverage into line with coverage provided directors and officers of private corporations. This change originated because of the inability to reimburse Commissioner James Donald who was investigated because of conference fund-raising but not charged.
Section 2 of the bill is administrative clean up. It officially transfers the responsibility for receiving the assets of dissolved electric membership corporations from DOAS to Office of Treasury & Fiscal Services (OTFS) by amending Code Sections 46-3-427, 46-3-436, 46-3-438. OTFS currently has responsibility for receiving the assets of dissolved corporations in general pursuant to Code Sections 14-2-1408, 14-2-1433, 14-2-1440, 14-3-1409, 14-3-1433 and 14-3-1440. This old statutory language is a carryover from when OTFS was a division within DOAS.
Section 3, 4 and 5 are the meat of the bill and pertain to procurement.
Section 3 amends Code Section 50-5-67(b)(2) to authorize DOAS to conduct negotiations during low bid processes similar to DOAS' authority to conduct negotiations during the proposal (non-low bid) process. This change would allow the state to "squeeze" better pricing than the pricing that can be obtained thru a mechanical bid process but this ability to "squeeze" better pricing may draw some opposition from vendors for fear of too much competition. However, it went smoothly in the Senate.
Section 4 amends Code Section 50-5-67(d) to 1) provide for the issuance of a public notice of intent to award prior to awarding the final contract; 2) make procurement documents public upon issuance of the above notice of intent to award; and 3) prohibit the public disclosure of certain vendor financial information not otherwise publicly available.
By issuing a public notice of intent to award before signing a contract, there could be no breach of contract claims if a protested award resulted in the rescission of a contract.
Delaying public disclosure of certain state documents (such as detailed evaluation criteria, market research, cost estimates, how many vendors submitted bids, etc) until after a public notice of intent to award strengthens the state's negotiating position during the procurement process. Currently, savvy vendors who know the system can use Open Records requests to assess how much competition they have (or don't have) when negotiating with the state. Savvy vendors can also get an inside track on competitors who are not as savvy with the use of Open Records.
Prohibiting public disclosure of vendors' nonpublic financial information encourages the participation of as many vendors as possible. Some vendors do not want their private financial info made public via Open Records so they simply decline to do business with the state.
These delays in public disclosure might draw some media opposition as closing up government. However, our goal is not to keep the information from public view forever (with the exception of the financial information of private companies). We simply want to level the playing field and believe that our commitment to make records available after the procurement is completed strikes a healthy balance between competition and public access.
Section 5 amends Code Section 50-5-67(f) to authorize DOAS to conduct negotiations and clarifications during reverse auctions similar to the authority we are seeking for bids (and already have for proposals). The negotiation part is probably

not that important since an auction typically squeezes price to the lowest the market can bear. However, we would like to have the authority to have clarification discussions because sometimes the auction can produce unsustainably low prices and we would like the opportunity to flesh this out. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - House Committee Passed: 3/18/2008 - Rule: Open
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 - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 202 - Mattie's Call Act; revise/redesignate Article 7
- BILL SUMMARY: A bill that amends Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency management. This will revise and redesignate Article 7. Article 7 relates to state-wide alert systems for missing disables adults and for unapprehended murder or rape suspects. New articles will be added in Chapter 3 of Title 35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The new article will be known as "Mattie's Call Act". - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/5/2008 - Rule: Open
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations. Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured

SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 340 - Counties; municipal corporations; prohibit sanctuary policies by local government entities
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 of SB 340 provides that a public employer which fails to verify new employees' citizenship status pursuant to O.C.G.A. 13-10-91 will be subject to an action by the Georgia Attorney General to remedy such failure. Section 2 adds a new code section to Title 36, Chapter 80 which prohibits local governments from adopting any sanctuary policy, or failing to cooperate with federal officials in reporting the immigration status of individuals. Section 2 also has a provision similar to Section 1, authorizing an action by the Georgia Attorney General to remedy such a failure. Section 3 enacts a provision similar to Section 1, which applies to local governments' lawful presence verification procedures pursuant to O.C.G.A. 50-36-1. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 341 - Council on Aging; assign additional duties; produce a report; appointment of advisory committees
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds a new code section 49-6-21.1. Requires the Council on Aging to provide a report entitled "Project 2020: Georgia for a Lifetime" to the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Speaker of House. The report shall be in regards to the state's growing aging population and will include among other things, state policies; projected impact, the implementation of policies; suggestions for increasing public awareness and communication; policies of other states. The report will be due by December 15, 2010. - Authored By: Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th - House Committee: Human Relations & Aging - House Committee Passed: 3/4/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 358 - Georgia Uniform Securities Act of 2008; repealing it in its entirety and enacting a new chapter
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 358 is a rewrite of Georgia's Securities Act, based on the Uniform Securities Act of 2002. The Unifrom Act retains most of the current law's provisions relating to the administration of the act and enforcement procedure. SB 358 does not alter any penalties or other sanctions or change filing fees for persons or firms regulated by the act. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Open

SB 374 - Liens; revise certain time periods of filing materialmen's/mechanics liens; provide for certain notices regarding waiver of liens or claim upon bond
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 374 amends a number of lien provisions in Title 44, Article 14. The bill changes the "three month" deadline for filing a lien to "90 days." The bill gives seven (7) days to serve a copy of the lien on the debtor, and provides greater detail concerning the service of liens. The bill changes the deadline for filing a notice of commencement from 14 to 30 days after a lien enforcement lawsuit is filed. SB 374 requires a notice to be sent to a debtor when a lien is bonded off. The statutory waiver and release form is amended to address payments to be made after the lien waiver is executed, and provides for an Affidavit of Nonpayment to be filed within sixty (60) days after the execution of the waiver, if payment is not made. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 379 - Automatic Dialing/Recorded Message; prohibit use; provide exceptions; definitions; disclosure of information by live operations
- 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. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications - House Committee Passed: 3/31/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
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 - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 451 - Protecting Georgia's Investment Act; require boards administering public retirement funds identify all companies doing investments in Iran
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends certain provisions relating to the Public Retirement System Investment Authority Law by creating the "Protecting Georgia's Investments Act". This legislation provides that public funds be required to identify all `scrutinized companies' in which the public fund has direct or indirect holdings. It defines a `scrutinized company' as any company that has, with actual knowledge, on or after August 5, 1996, made an investment of $20 million or more in Iran's petroleum sector which directly or significantly contributes to the enhancement of Iran's ability to develop the petroleum resources of Iran. Public funds must further identify such scrutinized companies by October 1, 2008, update their listing of these companies annually and make it available to each public fund in Georgia so that each such fund may rely on the said list in meeting the requirements of this Code section. This bill also outlines the procedures that must be followed by public funds with direct holdings in any scrutinized companies. These procedures include notifying companies of their status, encouraging the companies to cease such activities, and divesting securities in such companies under certain circumstances. In addition, this bill provides for certain exclusions and for the termination of these prohibitions if certain

Federal action occurs. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Retirement - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Structured
SB 473 - Accountants; increase regulatory protections for consumers of accounting services; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Chapter 3 of Title 43 of O.C.G.A. relating to accountants. This legislation: Ensures that the definition of the term "attest" will not affect the practice of unlicensed accountants. Changes experience and employment requirements for certificate of "certified public accountants" by decreasing the
requirement for continuous experience in public accountancy from two years to one year and the requirement for continuous employment in the accounting field from five years to one year.
Amends conditions for granting and renewing registration for firms practicing public accountancy. Inserts a substantial equivalency practice provision that allows out-of-state certified public accountants to work in GA on a temporary basis without obtaining permit or registering with the Board as long as they satisfy the qualification criteria for such practice privilege. Authorizes the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board to prohibit an individual from exercising the substantial equivalency practice privilege and allows the Board to reinstate this practice privilege. Provides that it is not a violation of this Code Section for an individual who qualifies for the substantial equivalency practice privilege or for an out-of-state firm that is composed of certified public accountants to use the title or designation of "certified public accountant" or "C.P.A." and to provide professional services in this state so long as the individual or firm complies with this Code section. This Act will become effective on July 1, 2009. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: Banks & Banking - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 474 - Minors; provide availability of parental controls over Internet access
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, Title 39, Code Section 42-1-12, and Code Section 42-8-35 of the O.C.G.A, relating to competencies and core curriculum, minors, the State Sexual Offender Registry, and terms and conditions of probation. This will provide for a greater protection to children with regard to the use of the Internet; to provide for the development and distribution of Internet online safety education and information; to provide for definitions; to provide for the availability of parental controls over Internet access by minors; to provide for immunity for interactive computer service providers; to provide for the crime of failing to report certain information to the Cyber Tipline at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; to provide for penalties. This bill will require registered sexual offenders to provide additional information as a part of the required registration information; to provide for additional probationary conditions for a probationer who has been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or dangerous sexual offense as those terms defined in Code Section 42-1-12. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 474 - Minors; provide availability of parental controls over Internet access
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, Title 39, Code Section 42-1-12, and Code Section 42-8-35 of the O.C.G.A, relating to competencies and core curriculum, minors, the State Sexual Offender Registry, and terms and conditions of probation. This will provide for a greater protection to children with regard to the use of the Internet; to provide for the development and distribution of Internet online safety education and information; to provide for definitions; to provide for the availability of parental controls over Internet access by minors; to provide for immunity for interactive computer service providers; to provide for the crime of failing to report certain information to the Cyber Tipline at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; to provide for penalties. This bill will require registered sexual offenders to provide additional information as a part of the required registration information; to provide for additional probationary conditions for a probationer who has been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or dangerous sexual offense as those terms defined in Code Section 42-1-12. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured

SB 479 - Licensed Ambulance Services; collection of license fees; amend certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would require the Department of Community Health to issue an annual report detailing EMS charges, federal matching funds, and any funds from the Indigent Care Trust Fund to ambulance services throughout the state. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Health & Human Services - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 488 - Drivers' Licenses; allow foreign nationals to keep license from their home country; exempt nonresidents; meet all licensing requirements in Georgia
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 488 will allow foreign nationals in Georgia on an extended visa to keep their driver's license issued in their home country when they obtain a Georgia license. Currently they have to surrender that license when obtaining a Georgia driver's license. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 490 - State Health; skilled nursing facilities, intermediate care facilities, and intermingled nursing facilities may be allowed to divide; conditions
- BILL SUMMARY: Allows for nursing homes to relocate within a county and split into two facilities within a county without acquiring an additional certificate of need, subject to approval by the Department of Community Health. - Authored By: Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th - House Committee: Special Committee on Certificate of Need - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Open
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 - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Open
SB 549 - Emergency Medical Services; establish three level system of stroke centers; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would create a three tiered stroke treatment system. Primary stroke centers and remote stroke centers will be identified by the Department of Human Resources and designated as such for the purposes of directing patients who are the victims of stroke to an appropriate care setting. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - House Committee Passed: 3/28/2008 - Rule: Open
SR 750 - Transportation, U.S. Dept. of; urged to reconsider its mission and purpose
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the United States Department of Transportation to make the funds collected under the federal gas tax immediately available to individual states to fund their transportation needs. The resolution also urges the federal government to cease the collection of motor fuel taxes in Georgia so that the state can collect and distribute the taxes without the delay caused by federal collection and disbursement. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 2/27/2008 - Rule: Structured

SR 1012 - Public Property; conveyance; 10 counties
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Bartow County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance by exchange of certain state owned real property in Brantley County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Bulloch County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Cherokee County, Georgia. It authorizes the leasing of and a separate easement on certain state owned real property located in Douglas County, Georgia. It authorizes the leasing of certain state owned real property located in Fulton County, Georgia. It authorizes the leasing of certain state owned real property located in Jefferson County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned property in Jefferson County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned property in Lowndes County, Georgia. It authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned property in Mitchell County, Georgia. Also, the resolution authorizes the conveyance of certain state owner real property located in Catoosa County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Chatham County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Cobb County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned property located in Dougherty County, Georgia; authorizes the leasing of and a separate easement on certain state owned real property located in Effingham County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Seminole County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of certain state owned real property located in Tattanall County, Georgia; authorizes the conveyance of and granting easements and restrictive covenants over certain state owned real property located in Troup County, Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - House Committee Passed: 3/31/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
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 - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 3/19/2008 - Rule: Structured
SR 1055 - Joel A. Katz Parkway; Fulton County; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution dedicates certain portions of the state highway system to honorable people.
-That a portion of Macland Road, SR 360, from the Paulding County line into Cobb County and ending at John Petree Road be dedicated as the Mason Varner Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of US 41 from West Paces Ferry Road to Moores Mill Road in Fulton County be dedicated as the Joel A. Katz Parkway.
-That State Route 98 in Madison County from the traffic light at the intersection with State Route 72 in the City of Comer to the traffic light at the intersection with U. S. Highway 29 in the City of Danielsville is dedicated as the Jere Ayers Parkway.
-That, in recognition of 40 years of service, the facility known as American Camellia Society Headquarters located in Fort Valley, Georgia, shall serve as the official state resource center for information and education on the horticultural aspects of the genus Camellia and the Department of Transportation is hereby authorized and directed to place and maintain appropriate signs so designating said facility.
-That the portion of US 80 located within the state of Georgia be dedicated as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to place and maintain appropriate markers in Columbus, Macon, and Tybee Island, Georgia, dedicating the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
-That the members of this body dedicate the interchange at the intersection of Interstates 16 and 95 in Chatham County as the Clarence Thomas Interchange.
-That the members of this body dedicate the portion of SR 81 between its intersections with US 19/41 and SR 3, in Henry County, as the PFC Robert Adrian Worthington Memorial Highway.
-That the bridge at the Alapaha River on US 82 on the Berrien-Atkinson County line, is dedicated as the William Harvey Jewell, Sr. Memorial Bridge.
-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on SR 37 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Shellie W. Parrish

Memorial Bridge.
-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on US 82/SR 520 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Lucious Murphy Jacobs Bridge.
-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on SR 125 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Virgil T. Barber Bridge.
-That the bridge at Cat Creek on SR 37 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Hubert F. Comer Memorial Bridge.
-That the portion of SR 314 North running from its intersection with SR 85 and running northerly to the Fayette County line shall be dedicated as the General Bill Livsey Highway.
-That the bridge over the CSX Railroad located in Rupert, Taylor County, Georgia, between mile markers North 5.3 and South 5.2 on US 19/SR 3 be dedicated as the SGT. William Morgan Callahan Memorial Bridge.
-That the portion of SR 85 East between Manchester and Woodbury in Meriwether County, Georgia, be dedicated as the Leonard R. "Nookie" Meadows Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of I-95, in Glynn County, between exits 29 and 36, including milepost 29, be dedicated as the Corporal Michael Douglas Young Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of SR 378 in Lincoln County, Georgia, between the city limits of the City of Lincolnton and the Wilkes County boundary, be dedicated as the James Roy "Pop" Lewis Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of SR 115 starting at its intersection with Emory Stephens Road and extending easterly to the White/Lumpkin County line is dedicated as the PFC David G. Bryan Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of the road at the intersection of US 80 and County Road 228 (Fort Pulaski Road) for one-half mile in each direction on US 80 be dedicated as The Immortal Six Hundred Memorial Highway. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Interstate Cooperation - House Committee Passed: 3/26/2008 - Rule: Structured
SR 1055 - Joel A. Katz Parkway; Fulton County; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution dedicates certain portions of the state highway system to honorable people.
-That a portion of Macland Road, SR 360, from the Paulding County line into Cobb County and ending at John Petree Road be dedicated as the Mason Varner Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of US 41 from West Paces Ferry Road to Moores Mill Road in Fulton County be dedicated as the Joel A. Katz Parkway.
-That State Route 98 in Madison County from the traffic light at the intersection with State Route 72 in the City of Comer to the traffic light at the intersection with U. S. Highway 29 in the City of Danielsville is dedicated as the Jere Ayers Parkway.
-That, in recognition of 40 years of service, the facility known as American Camellia Society Headquarters located in Fort Valley, Georgia, shall serve as the official state resource center for information and education on the horticultural aspects of the genus Camellia and the Department of Transportation is hereby authorized and directed to place and maintain appropriate signs so designating said facility.
-That the portion of US 80 located within the state of Georgia be dedicated as the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway, and the Department of Transportation is authorized and directed to place and maintain appropriate markers in Columbus, Macon, and Tybee Island, Georgia, dedicating the Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway.
-That the members of this body dedicate the interchange at the intersection of Interstates 16 and 95 in Chatham County as the Clarence Thomas Interchange.
-That the members of this body dedicate the portion of SR 81 between its intersections with US 19/41 and SR 3, in Henry County, as the PFC Robert Adrian Worthington Memorial Highway.
-That the bridge at the Alapaha River on US 82 on the Berrien-Atkinson County line, is dedicated as the William Harvey Jewell, Sr. Memorial Bridge.

-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on SR 37 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Shellie W. Parrish Memorial Bridge.
-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on US 82/SR 520 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Lucious Murphy Jacobs Bridge.
-That the bridge at the Willacoochee River on SR 125 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Virgil T. Barber Bridge.
-That the bridge at Cat Creek on SR 37 in Berrien County, Georgia, is dedicated as the Hubert F. Comer Memorial Bridge.
-That the portion of SR 314 North running from its intersection with SR 85 and running northerly to the Fayette County line shall be dedicated as the General Bill Livsey Highway.
-That the bridge over the CSX Railroad located in Rupert, Taylor County, Georgia, between mile markers North 5.3 and South 5.2 on US 19/SR 3 be dedicated as the SGT. William Morgan Callahan Memorial Bridge.
-That the portion of SR 85 East between Manchester and Woodbury in Meriwether County, Georgia, be dedicated as the Leonard R. "Nookie" Meadows Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of I-95, in Glynn County, between exits 29 and 36, including milepost 29, be dedicated as the Corporal Michael Douglas Young Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of SR 378 in Lincoln County, Georgia, between the city limits of the City of Lincolnton and the Wilkes County boundary, be dedicated as the James Roy "Pop" Lewis Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of SR 115 starting at its intersection with Emory Stephens Road and extending easterly to the White/Lumpkin County line is dedicated as the PFC David G. Bryan Memorial Highway.
-That the portion of the road at the intersection of US 80 and County Road 228 (Fort Pulaski Road) for one-half mile in each direction on US 80 be dedicated as The Immortal Six Hundred Memorial Highway. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 3/26/2008 - Rule: Structured
SR 1060 - Transportation Commissioner; urged to provide a series of reports to the General Assembly
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the commissions of the Department of Transportation to provide for a series of reports to the General Assembly. Some of the reports would include the following:
1. Disposal of county maintenance barns and surplus equipment. This report shall detail the location and amount of property and equipment sold and remaining unsold;
2. Road maintenance. This report shall detail the amount of money to be spent on maintaining existing roads and the source of the funds. This report shall also contain an analysis of the overall structural and functional condition of roads in Georgia; and
3. Bridge maintenance. This report shall detail the amount of money to be spent on inspecting and maintaining existing bridges and the source of the funds. This report shall also contain an analysis of the overall structural and functional condition of bridges in Georgia and an analysis of whether the inspections of bridges already performed by the department meet federal requirements and industry safety standards. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Interstate Cooperation - House Committee Passed: 3/18/2008 - Rule: Structured
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, April 2, at 9:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 40th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Children & Youth
HR 1746 - House Study Committee on Children's Mental Health in Georgia; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution creates a Study Committee on Children's Mental Health in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Judy Manning of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Game, Fish, & Parks
HR 1856 - State Board of Education; instruction course in Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Appreciation; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: A resolution urging the State Board of Education to provide for a course of instruction for students in grades nine through 12 in Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Appreciation. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas of the 134th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1489 - Dawson County Community Improvement District Acts of 2008; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the creation of community improvement districts in Dawson County. - Authored By: Rep. Amos Amerson of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1490 - Port Wentworth, City of; governing authority; reconstitute
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide terms of office, reapportion the council districts, and establish qualifications for the mayor and councilmembers of the City of Port Wentworth. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Carter of the 159th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1491 - Bartow County; coroner; change compensation
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the Coroner of Bartow County. - Authored By: Rep. Jeff Lewis of the 15th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 556 - Weston, Town of; to repeal an Act incorporating/providing a charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal the charter for the City of Weston and to provide that following such repeal the territory will be governed by Webster County. - Authored By: Sen. George Hooks of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Special Rules
HR 1701 - House Study Committee on Prostitution and the Adult Entertainment Industry; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Creates a House Study Committee on Prostitution and the Adult Entertainment Industry. - Authored By: Rep. Kathy Ashe of the 56th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Special Rules
SB 191 - Buildings; prohibit the naming of any public building for Sen. Robert Brown
- BILL SUMMARY: Creates a "State Memorial Registry" which is operated and maintained by the Secretary of State. The registry will contain names of persons who voluntarily request no public building, site, structure, road, highway, street, intersection, bridge, or other public property be named after them. - Authored By: Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th - Committee Action: Tabled
Ways & Means
SR 400 - Tax Credits for Community Service Contributions-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 400 proposes to amend the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to enact legislation and to appropriate funds to provide retirement credit for retired members of the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund for service as a Georgia peace officer rendered prior to January 1, 1976. Prior to such time, certain peace officers were denied membership in such fund because of their race. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Chapman of the 3rd - 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 BROADCAST SCHEDULE

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

Wednesday, April 02, 2008 RULES

341 CAP

* 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