Daily report [Apr. 2, 2008]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 40th Legislative Day on Friday, April 4, at 10:00 AM.

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DAILY REPORT

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TODAY ON THE FLOOR

MOTIONS TO INSIST
HB 68 - Coastal Marshlands Protection Act; exempt certain single private docks; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows for the streamlining of the permitting process for private property owners to build docks, and reduce the number of walkways necessary to reach those docks, on Georgia's coastal marshlands. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1027 - Defensive driving courses; alcohol or drug programs; curriculum; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The purpose of HB 1027 is to authorize the Department of Driver's Services (DDS) to approve the Defensive Driving 6 hour course for on-line delivery. Further, it makes only DDS approved Defensive Driving and DUI Risk Reduction (20 hours) courses available for pre trial diversion and ticket dismissal. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 130 - Identity theft; security freezes; definitions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill adds new Code Sections 10-1-913 and 10-1-914 relating to protection from identity theft. This legislation allows a consumer to request a credit reporting agency not to release that consumer's credit report information by placing a "security freeze" on his or her credit report in order to prevent the extension of credit without the consumer's authorization. It, consequently, allows the consumer to temporary lift or removes a "security freeze" in order to make the credit report information available. This bill further: Permits a consumer to place a security freeze on his or her credit report by requesting it in writing via certified mail and requires a credit reporting agency to place a security freeze on a consumer's credit report, within 3 business days after receiving such request. Requires a credit reporting agency to send a written confirmation of the security freeze to the consumer and provide the consumer with a personal ID number or password within 10 business days of receiving consumer's request for security freeze. Requires a credit reporting agency to comply with the consumer's request to temporarily lift a freeze within 3 business days after receiving a written request or within 15 minutes after receiving a request electronically or by phone along with the consumer's proper identification and payment. Provides that a consumer credit reporting agency shall remove or temporarily lift a security freeze placed on a consumer's credit report only if the consumer requests it, or the consumer's credit report was frozen due to a material misrepresentation of fact by the consumer. Requires a credit reporting agency to remove a security freeze within 3 business days of receiving a request from the consumer with the consumer's proper identification, unique personal ID number or password provided by the credit reporting agency and the applicable fee. Places a cap at a maximum of $10.00 on the amount a credit reporting agency can charge the consumer for each placement, temporary lift or removal of security freeze and at a maximum of $5.00 for each replacement of a personal ID number. Exempts victims of identity theft from such fees. Allows the person in violation of this code to be fined by the appointed administrator at a maximum of $100.00 for a violation concerning a specific consumer.
01/30/08 Two amendments were adopted on the House Floor prior to the passage of the bill: The first amendment decreases a cap on the amount a credit reporting agency can charge the consumer for each

placement, temporary lift or removal of security freeze from a maximum of $10.00 to a maximum of $3.00. The second amendment requires the credit reporting agencies to develop ways by which they can electronically receive and process a consumer's request for a temporarily lift of a security freeze.
03/18/08 Senate Committee Substitute is essentially the same bill as SB 361. It reflects the following changes: Allows the commissioner of Banking and Finance to increase credit freeze fees to a maximum of $5 upon proper cost justification from CRAs. Any further fee increases will have to be approved by the legislature. Exempts individuals age 65 or older from fees for the placement of security freeze. Requires credit reporting agencies to provide consumers with the "Right to Obtain a Security Freeze" notice. - Authored By: Rep. Calvin Hill of the 21st - House Committee: Banks & Banking - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 237 - Sales and use tax; water pollution eliminating machinery exemptions; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 237 changes language providing a sales tax exemption for the sale of certain manufacturing machinery to clarify what the exemption will include and to broaden this exemption. Currently, an exemption is allowed for sales of machinery "used directly in" the manufacture of tangible personal property when the machinery is bought to replace or upgrade machinery in a plant, when the machinery is incorporated for the first time in a new plant, or when the machinery is incorporated as additional machinery for the first time into a presently existing plant. This "used directly in" language makes auditing very difficult for Revenue. This bill would change the exemption language to the sale of machinery "and equipment" which is "necessary and integral to" the manufacture of tangible personal property. Regarding the exemption for the sale of machinery and equipment which is incorporated and used for the primary purpose of reducing or eliminating air or water pollution, this bill broadens the exemption to include the sales of any repair, replacement, or component parts for such machinery and equipment. This bill also removes the provisions phasing in the exemption from 2001 to 2005 to clean up the code section. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 250 - Local boards of education; reports of criminal offenses; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill adds (1) the manufacture, distribution, trafficking, sale or possession of controlled substances or marijuana and (2) criminal sexual offenses to the list of complaints that upon receipt of a written request the Professional Practices Commission will investigate. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 255 - Public retirement systems; public employment related crime; expand definition
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds to the definition of "public employee related crime" any felony offense related to an officer or public employee's public employment as provided by Georgia law, the laws of any other state or the laws of the United States. This definition will only apply to employees who become members of the public retirement system on or after July 1, 2007. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 272 - Sales and use tax; natural or artificial gas sales; provide phased-in exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 272 provides that as energy prices for manufacturers increase over present prices, that manufacturers in this state will be exempt from sales tax on the increase in the energy prices. The types of energy sources included in this are natural or artificial gas, No. 2 fuel, No. 6 fuel oil, propane, and coal that are used directly or indirectly in the manufacture or processing of tangible personal property. The bill includes the current prices for each of these energy/fuel types. This exemption will be for the period commencing July 1, 2008 and concluding on December 31, 2010, and this exemption will not apply to any local sales taxes. - Authored By: Rep. Jeff Lewis of the 15th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 422 - Specialized land transactions; minimum amount for liens; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 422 amends O.C.G.A. 44-3-109 and O.C.G.A. 44-3-232 to establish $2,000.00 as the minimum amount for a lien at issue in a lawsuit seeking the judicial foreclosure of a condominium association or homeowners association assessment lien. The bill leaves the current provisions in these two statutes intact, and merely adds a sentence providing that a lien foreclosure cannot occur unless the lien is at least $2,000.00. Debts below $2,000.00 could still be collected by way of a lien or judgment, but not through a lien foreclosure. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 426 - Railroad grade crossings; active warning devices; define; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Code section 32-6-200 relating to the installation of protective devices at railroad grade crossings is amended by inserting at the end thereof a new subsection (d). This subsection says that each local school district in the state shall survey its established school bus routes annually and submit to the Department of Transportation a list identifying each rail crossing that does not have active warning devices. This information shall be submitted no later than September 1. Each local school district shall exercise best efforts to minimize the number of established bus routes that rail crossings do not have active warning devices. The department shall use the information as an important factor in selecting which rail crossings to upgrade with the warning devices. - Authored By: Rep. Sheila Jones of the 44th - House Committee: Transportation - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 470 - Georgia Lemon Law; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 470 amends the Lemon Law, which is codified at O.C.G.A. 10-1-780, et seq. The definition of "consumer" in O.C.G.A. 10-1-782(5) is broadened to include business owners with ten or fewer vehicles, except for limousine rental services. The Lemon Law rights period is extended to two years or 24,000 miles in O.C.G.A. 10-1782(10). The definition of nonconformity has been modified in O.C.G.A. 10-1-782(17). Arbitration is provided under current law. The informal dispute resolution provisions in O.C.G.A. 10-1-785 are improved to promote the resolution of disputes prior to arbitration and litigation. The informal dispute resolution procedure must be approved by the Office of Consumer Affairs. - Authored By: Rep. Butch Parrish of the 156th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 670 - Income tax credit; wood residuals; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 670 is intended to encourage the development of renewable energy from biomass. This legislation provides a market for wood residuals which would otherwise be burned or fill up landfills by offering an income tax credit to taxpayers that transport or divert wood residuals to a renewable biomass qualified facility in an amount to be determined on a per tonnage basis. The facility will provide vouchers to the taxpayer for the purpose of providing bioelectric power to a third party. This credit will be repealed on January 1, 2013, and in no event can the cumulative total amount of credits exceed $6.5 million. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 851 - Income tax credit; historic structures rehabilitation; change calculation method
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 851 provides for an increase in the amount of the income tax credits for certified rehabilitation of historic homes from 10% of expenditures to 25% of expenditures. An additional 5% credit will still be allowed for historic homes located within certain target areas. For other certified historic structures, the credit is increased from 20 to 25% of expenditures. The bill increases the caps in the credit amount for any 120 month period from $5,000 to $100,000 for homes and $300,000 for other structures. HB 851 also provides that these credits may be transferred or sold in whole or in part to another Georgia taxpayer. The transferor must submit written notification of any transfer or sale to the Department of Revenue within 30 days. The transferee may carry forward any unused credit against subsequent year's tax liability, provided that the credit does not extend the time in which the credit can be used. The carry-forward period for a sold or transferred credit begins on the date on which the credit was originally earned. - Authored By: Rep. Allen Peake of the 137th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 969 - Driver education training requirements; home schooling program; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes current law so as to provide that a course of instruction given within the context of a bona fide home schooling program shall constitute an approved driver education training course. - Authored By: Rep. John Lunsford of the 110th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 1054 - Children and Family Service Strengthening Act of 2008; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would consolidate the Children and Youth Coordinating Council with the Childrens Trust Fund Commission, and place the functions of the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel under the supervision of the Child Advocate for the Protection of Children. The measure would also create a statutory requirement for coordination between child protection agencies and gives planning and administrative authorities to the Governor's Office of Children and Families, to be attached administratively to the Office of Planning and Budget. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1081 - Ad valorem tax; property; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1081 provides for the ability of an owner of land in a conservation covenant to cure an alleged breach of the covenant within 30 days from the date of a notice form the board of tax assessors. The owner has 30 days to cease and desist the activity, or to remediate or correct the condition alleged. The board of tax assessors will then conduct a physical inspection of the property and notify the owner if the breach has not been rectified. The owner shall be entitled to appeal the decision of the board of assessors. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1129 - Georgia Tourism Development Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The purpose of HB 1129 is the promotion and development of tourism attractions in Georgia which will preserve and create jobs and tax revenues for the support of public services provided by the state. The bill provides that companies seeking to undertake a tourism attraction project may be granted a sales and use tax refund for the incremental state and local sales taxes generated by the approved company and arising at the tourism attraction. The total refund allowed to the company over a 10 year term is equal to the lesser of the total amount of sales tax liability of the company or 25% of the approved costs for the tourism attraction project. "Tourism attractions" may include cultural or historic sites, recreation or entertainment facilities, areas of natural phenomenon or beauty, convention hotels and conference centers, race tracks, golf facilities, marinas and water parks, or entertainment destination centers designed to attract tourists to Georgia.
The bill provides for the commissioner of economic development to establish standards for the filing of applications for tourism attraction projects by administrative regulations, and specifies what must be included in applications filed with this department. Approval may be granted if the project shall have approved costs in excess of $25 million for new attractions or $10 million for additions to existing attractions, have a significant and positive economic impact on Georgia, produce sufficient revenues and public demand to be operating and open to the public for a minimum of 120 days per year, and not adversely affect existing employment in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Jeff Lewis of the 15th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1151 - Income tax; exempt organizations; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1151 contains many taxpayer friendly changes to our tax code. It brings our state tax code in compliance with the federal provision which allows retirees the option of having state taxes withheld from lump sum distributions, it enables electronic filers to claim the Driver Education Tax Credit, it eliminates the duplication of the IRS exemption process for exempt organizations, it eliminates the annual consent to pay state income tax requirement for "S" corporations having nonresident shareholders, it conforms to federal electronic filing requirements, and it reduces the penalty imposed on partnerships, Subchapter `S' corporations, or limited liability companies which fail to withhold and pay over withholding tax due on distributions paid or distributions credited to members who are not residents of Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 1158 - Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; certain reports; certain funds; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1158 places a ten dollar trauma charge on motor vehicle tags issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue. The revenues derived will be placed in the state treasury to be appropriated to the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund (GTTF). The executive director of the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission shall serve as the trustee of the GTTF and will be authorized to expend moneys from the GTTF with approval from the commission. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 1160 - Transferable development rights; severance; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1160 makes two minor amendment the transfer of development rights statutes codified in O.C.G.A. 36-66A-1, et seq. Section 1 of the bill makes two minor changes, and defines "transfer ratio." Section 2 adds language concerning transfer ratios. - Authored By: Rep. Len Walker of the 107th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1209 - State Board of Education; local school systems; contracts; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill codifies the partnership between the state and local school systems by setting up a system of performance contracts levying flexibility for accountability. Local school systems may voluntarily enter into a contract ultimately approved by the State Board of Education. Under this legislation, the contracts will be enacted for a 3 year time period during which the local school system will agree to certain performance goals for its schools. If the performance goals are not met, negotiated consequences will be enacted. In return for the increased accountability and swift consequences, the school system will earn negotiated flexibility from state laws and regulations. - Authored By: Rep. Brooks Coleman of the 97th - House Committee: Education - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate
HB 1211 - Georgia Bona Fide Large Forest Conservation Use Act of 2008; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This is the implementing legislation for HR 1276, which creates a new class of property for ad valorem tax purposes - forest land conservation property. This allows businesses or individuals with tracks of at least 200 acres to enter into a 15 year covenant to receive conservation use valuation of their property for tax purposes. This legislation also provides for a reimbursement to local taxing authorities for their loss in revenues due to this new class of property. - Authored By: Rep. Richard A Royal of the 171st - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HR 1276 - Bona fide large forest land conservation use property; special assessment and taxation; provide - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation creates a new class of property for ad valorem tax purposes - forest land conservation property. This allows businesses or individuals with tracks of at least 200 acres to enter into a 15 year covenant to receive conservation use valuation of their property for tax purposes. This legislation also provides for a reimbursement to local taxing authorities for their loss in revenues due to this new class of property. - Authored By: Rep. Richard A Royal of the 171st - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1217 - State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Title 43, relating to professions and businesses. This legislation creates the State Licensing Board of Home Inspectors which will be authorized to regulate and license home inspectors. This bill requires every home inspector to obtain the home inspector license from the board in order to lawfully conduct business in the state of GA and therefore establishes the process of obtaining and renewing such license as well as provides for education and examination requirements. It further makes provisions regarding the home inspection reports, liability insurance, unlawful acts, etc. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd - House Committee: Regulated Industries - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 1235 - Motor vehicles; fleet policies; insurance issuance requirements; change notice
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1235 makes local jurisdictions liable for towing costs if they impound a vehicle for "no proof of insurance", despite a valid "Fleet" insurance card being presented. - Authored By: Rep. Austin Scott of the 153rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1249 - Income tax credit; solar energy technology manufacturing facilities; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1249 provides for income tax credits for solar energy companies that establish a headquarters in Georgia, or expand an existing headquarters in Georgia. They may receive a credit equal to $5,500 annually per new employee for five years, a credit equal to 15% of certain expenditures on manufacturing equipment, and a credit equal to 75% of certain research expenditures. The aggregate total of these credits may not exceed $1 million per year, and these credits will be repealed on January 1, 2010. - Authored By: Rep. Jeff Lewis of the 15th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1273 - Income tax credit; businesses; jobs in less developed areas; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1273 eases the requirements for receiving an income tax credit for certain businesses that create new jobs in less developed areas of pervasive poverty. Currently, businesses in less developed areas are allowed a job tax credit equal to $3,500 per new full-time employee job for five years, so long as the business creates at least five new jobs. This legislation would provide that in pervasive poverty areas, businesses shall only have to increase employment by two or more jobs to be eligible for the credit. The bill also decreases the poverty percentage required in a pervasive poverty area from 20 to 15%. - Authored By: Rep. Barry A Fleming of the 117th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1281 - Water resources; local government restrictions; more restrictive than state; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill will require that if a local government wishes to restrict water usage beyond the state's set levels, then they must apply to do so through the state. It also requires that EPD perform a three day turn around on the application by the local government. - This bill allows establishes that the water necessary for upkeep in swimming pool is exempt from water use restrictions. - Authored By: Rep. Terry England of the 108th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1283 - Railroad corporations; presumptions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1283 amends and enacts code sections in Titles 24, 44, and 46 to address boundary lines and other real estate interests relating to railroad right-of-ways. Section 2 enacts a rebuttable presumption that ingress and egress paths within a railroad right-of-way are used with the permission of the railroad company, which would decrease the ability of a party to assert an adverse possession claim against a railroad company. Sections 4-7 recognize railroad right-of-ways depicted on an Interstate Commerce Commission railroad map dated 1913, and requires railroad companies to record official maps of their rights-of-way in county real estate records in the counties in which their rights-of-way are located. Section 4 defines right-of-ways, Section 5 defines possession to include vacant buffer land, Section 6 provides that railroads are in possession of right-of-ways depicted on the maps outlined in the bill, and Section 7 provides that courts can take judicial notice of the maps outlined in the bill. HB 1283 has prospective application, only. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1346 - Theft; organized retail theft; create offense
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill creates the offense of "organized retail theft." It provides that when two or more people are knowingly involved in theft of retail property in large quantities aggregated over a 180 day period with intent to resell the items they have committed "organized retail theft."
Anyone who knowingly receives, possesses, conceals or disposes of the property with the intent to distribute stolen property will also be guilty of the offense of "organized retail theft."
The state will not be required to prove that any intended profit was actually realized; it may be inferred from the attending circumstances.
It will not be a defense to the crime of "organized retail theft" that the property was not obtained by theft if the property was

represented as being obtained through theft.
Any proceeds derived from a violation of the Code section will be subject to forfeiture to the State. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
MOTIONS TO DISAGREE
HB 926 - Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code; define term
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 926 adopts the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2008 so as to include federal tax law changes signed into law during 2007. It also adopts federal acts that were passed late in 2007 that are applicable to the 2007 tax year. This bill will provide about $38 million in tax relief from 2008 through 2012. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 968 - Speed detection devices; certain parks; exempt
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1113 - State purchasing; definitions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill restricts the use of purchasing cards used by state agencies, and will only allow the issuance of purchasing cards to state employees.
It will only allow those employees whose job duties require the use of a purchasing card to be issued one, and will require each employee who receives a purchasing card to sign an ethical agreement for the use of the card.
The legislation will require each department or agency to review all purchases and maintain receipts for each purchase. Purchases made will be reviewed by supervisors at least quarterly. Purchases must be accompanied by a receipt or other documentation listing each item purchased, the price, and any applicable taxes, fees or other amounts paid in connection with the purchase. Employees who do not provide the required documentation will be held personally responsible for the purchase.
Purchases over $500.00 will be restricted unless the items are purchased pursuant to a valid state contract and purchased in compliance with state procurement policy. Any rebates or refunds will become the property of the state and be turned in to the state treasury. Employees who demonstrate consistently low use of purchasing cards will have theirs eliminated, and departments and agencies will review, at least annually, all cards issued to their employees.
Purchasing cards should, to the extent necessary, not be used to purchase gift cards, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products or personal items that are not job related.
Employees hired for positions which require the use of a purchasing card will be required to submit to a criminal background check and a credit check, and cards will only be issued to those employees whose positions are state funded.
Any employee who knowingly uses a purchasing card for personal gain or purchases unauthorized items or purchases items in violation of the Code section, or retains a refund or rebate will be subject to (1) immediate termination of employment, (2) restitution for the amount of the purchase, and (3) criminal penalties.
Any supervisor of an employee who intentionally, knowingly, willfully, wantonly or recklessly allows or who conspires with an employee to purchase unauthorized items will be subject to (1) immediate termination of employment, (2) restitution for the amount of the purchase, and (3) criminal penalties.
Criminal Penalties: If the aggregate value of the items is less than $500.00 the offender will be guilty of a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature if the aggregate value of the items is less than $500.00. If the value is greater than $500.00 the punishment will be for a felony with a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine not to exceed $50,000.00. - Authored By: Rep. John Heard of the 104th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

HB 1116 - Probation Management Act of 2004; modify certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 42 of the O.C.G.A relating to the conditions of detention, so as to increase the minimum reimbursement rate paid to counties for housing state inmates; to change certain provisions relating to transmittal of information on convicted persons and place of detention; to change the provisions that allow convicted persons to remain in local jails under certain circumstances. This bill also amends Article 9 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 of the O.C.G.A relating to probation management. It will modify provisions relating to the "Probation Management Act of 2004". The amending includes Code Sections 42-8-153; 42-8154; 42-8-155; 42-8-156; 42-8-158; and 42-8-160. The amending in Code Section 42-8-153, relates to administrative sanctions as an alternative to judicial modification or revocation of probation. The amending in Code Section 42-8-154, relates to preliminary hearings. Hearings regarding violations will be amended in subsection (f) of Code Section 42-5-155. Further amending in Code Section 42-8-156, relates to the finality of the hearing officer's decision. The amending in Code Section 42-8-158, relates to the application of the article only in counties with certified options system day reporting centers. The last part of the article if further amended by repealing Code Section 42-8-160 that relates to the repeal of the article which will read:
"42-8-160. this article shall be repealed in its entirety on June 30, 2008". - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1168 - Excise tax; public accommodation furnishings; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1168 provides more flexibility in the use of revenues from the hotel motel tax for Perry, Georgia. Currently, cities and counties levying a 6% hotel motel tax under Paragraph 4 of the hotel motel tax code must expend 16 2/3% of those revenues for the purpose of supporting an aviation museum and hall of fame, or for the purpose of construction or expansion of certain types of facilities. This bill provides an additional option for use of that percentage, which is for promotion tourism, conventions, and trade shows. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1246 - Income tax credit; certain business enterprises; include broadcasting
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1246 provides that several current income tax credits available to business enterprises are also available for businesses engaged in broadcasting. This legislation defines "broadcasting" with the use of North American Industry Classification codes. The credits impacted are the job tax credits, research expense credits, the port activity credit, and business expansion credits. - Authored By: Rep. Allen Peake of the 137th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1280 - Alcoholic beverages; regional economic assistance projects; provide state licensing
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Title 3 of O.C.G.A. related to alcoholic beverages. It allows any regional economic assistance project to sell certain alcoholic beverages upon obtaining a state license and a local license if applicable. This bill allows the local government to collect taxes on such sales and authorizes the commissioner to create rules and regulations in regards to this matter. However, it states that in regards to the days and times of such sales the state regulation will supersede the local ordinance. Finally, it removes some provisions of Code Section 50-8-193 related to authorization for sale of alcoholic beverages by certified projects. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

RULES CALENDAR
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 141; Nays: 2
HR 1016 - Mineral Management Service; five-year planning process; include coast of Georgia; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Minerals Management Service of the United States Department of the Interior to immediately begin a new five year planning process to include the Atlantic Planning Areas, particularly the area off the coast of Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 57; Nays: 103
HR 1016 - Mineral Management Service; five-year planning process; include coast of Georgia; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Minerals Management Service of the United States Department of the Interior to immediately begin a new five year planning process to include the Atlantic Planning Areas, particularly the area off the coast of Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 57; Nays: 103
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 157; Nays: 4
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 144; Nays: 13
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

- Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 2
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 143; Nays: 12
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 133; Nays: 32
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1

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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 55; Nays: 107
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 145; Nays: 19
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 51; Nays: 106
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 2
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 107; Nays: 53

SB 327 - Georgia State Employee Savings Plan; deferred compensation plan; employer contribution; provide rules/regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows public school systems to employ a retired classroom teacher as a full time teacher, principal, superintendent, media specialist, or counselor with an exception that a retired principal may not be employed as a principal in the same school in which he or she worked prior to retirement and a retired superintendent may not be employed by the same school system in which he or she worked prior to retirement. This legislation provides that members of the Teachers Retirement System who are retired on a normal service retirement for at least 12 months and who return to work will continue receiving benefits. A normal service retirement means retirement at or after the age of 60 with at least ten years of creditable service or retirement with 30 years of creditable service regardless of age. However, such members will not receive any further creditable service for such employment and will be considered by the retirement system solely as a beneficiary. A public school system employing such a retired teacher will have to pay all employer and employee contributions to the retirement system.
This Act will become effective on July 1, 2008 if it is determined to have been concurrently funded. The provisions of this Code Section will be repealed on June 30, 2016. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 2
SB 328 - Georgia State Employee Savings Plan; deferred compensation plan; employer contribution; provide rules/regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill creates the Georgia State Employees' Pension & Savings Plan (G-SEPP). G-SEPP is a hybrid plan which consists of two parts the 1 % Defined Benefit (DB) and the Defined Contribution (DC) (401k) part. The plan applies to persons who first or again become members of ERS on or after January 1, 2009.
The DB side of the plan: uses a 1% benefit factor (current plan is 2%) to calculate the DB part of your retirement benefit - the formula is 1% of the final average salary (average salary computed on the member's highest average monthly salary during a period of 24 consecutive months in the retirement system) multiplied by the number of years of creditable service (benefit factor for persons who are members of ERS on December 31, 2008 will continue to be 2%); the board is authorized to set future retirement allowances up to 2%, the General Assembly would appropriate funds expressly for such increase; the employee contribution is 1 % (same as current employees); the employee is eligible for both disability retirement and death in service benefits if they have at least 15 years of creditable service (13 years and 4 months for current employees);. law enforcement personnel hired after January 1, 2009 will maintain the right to retire at age 55 (code section 47-2-223 & 224) and receive benefits based on 1% formula; vesting is 10 years (same as current plan); and, members of the new hybrid plan will not be offered group term life insurance.
The DC (401k) side of the plan: all members are automatically enrolled in the plan but have 90 days from enrollment to opt out; members of ERS on December 31, 2008 may opt into the G-SEPP; the employer match is set at 3% of compensation; for the first 1% contributed by the employee, the employer will match 100%; thereafter the employer will match 50% for each percent contributed by the employee. In order to receive the full 3% match, the employee must contribute 5% of their compensation; the employee is fully vested in five years (employer nonforfeitable vested percentage is 20% per year); if member leaves employment before vesting, they receive the employee contribution to the DB plan, plus interest (4%) and the employee and nonforfeitable employer contribution to the DC plan plus investment earnings (for example, with 3 years in the plan you receive 60% of what the employer has contributed on your behalf).
The bill revises provisions relating to Group Term Life Insurance and states that no funds in either the retired & vested inactive group or the active members fund shall be transferred or be spent for any purpose other than the prepayment of benefits and expenses necessary for maintaining survivors benefit coverage prior to July 1, 2009 without express legislative enactment.
The bill also allows any superior court judge or district attorney who is a member of JRS to purchase up to 5 years of creditable service for past service as a circuit-paid assistant district attorney, provided the member was not eligible to participate in a local retirement system. The member would have to pay full actuarial cost thus creating no cost to the State or to the retirement system. The member is required to provide the necessary proof of eligible service.

- Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 111; Nays: 52
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 129; Nays: 32
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 157; Nays: 2
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 Uniform 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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 3

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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 157; Nays: 0
SB 400 - Forestry/Fire; enforcement of laws; punishment of certain violations; forestry investigators; provide for qualifications/powers
- BILL SUMMARY: Currently, Forestry Commission law enforcement officers do not have the flexibility to issue citations for people who are breaking the state's burn laws, and this bill gives them the flexibility to do so. The bill also sets forth guidelines and level of degree of arson as such: - 3rd Degree - means arson was with the intent to damage - 2nd Degree - 5 or more acres were burned - 1st Degree - Human life was endangered. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 164; Nays: 0
SB 435 - Technical/Adult Education, Dept. of; change name to Technical College System of Georgia
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes the name of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education to the Technical College System of Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 0
SB 437 - Motor Vehicles; provide for registration/licensing of assembled motor vehicles and

motorcycles; issuance of certificate of title to owners
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes current law so as to provide for a mechanism for the department of revenue to issue certificates of title as well as to register and license assembled (kit) motor vehicles and motorcycles. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): AM 25 1117 - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 165; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): AM 37 0050 - Yeas: 155; Nays: 1
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 68; Nays: 97

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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: N/A; Nays: N/A
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0
SB 480 - HOPE scholarships; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill relates to the definition of Tuition Equalization Grants and private colleges and universities and would allow Morris Brown to be included as an 'approved school'. The bill also would allow students within the Clayton County school system within the last two years to be HOPE eligible. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 120; Nays: 36
SB 492 - HOPE scholarships; add accrediting entity to the definition of the term eligible high school
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would include the Florida Council of Independent Schools to allow students who are Georgia residents but attend school in Florida to be HOPE eligible. The bill also adds language relating to the HOPE scholarship stating that attempted hours shall include all postsecondary level hours taken prior to high school graduation if a student does not qualify for the HOPE scholarship as freshman based solely on his or her GPA. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 0

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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 156; Nays: 0
SB 529 - Rules of the Road; commit the offense of felony hit and run; provide for offense of homicide by vehicle, vessel
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill adds the requirement that a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency services and law enforcement are contacted.
It also adds that if a person causes an accident with a vehicle (Section 3) or a watercraft (Section 4) which causes death and leaves the scene he or she has committed the offense of homicide by vehicle/homicide by vessel. Homicide by vehicle carries a penalty of imprisonment from 3 to 15 years; homicide by vessel carries a penalty of imprisonment from 3 to 15 years. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 160; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 0
SR 781 - GA Dept. Of Transportation; urged to develop a state-wide strategic transportation plan/to take certain other actions
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to develop a state-wide strategic transportation plan and to present that report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2008. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 4

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 - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 153; Nays: 3
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 158; Nays: 0
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 - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A

- Yeas: 157; Nays: 3
SR 1063 - GA Environmental Protection Division; urged to implement a new water quality standard; Savannah Harbor
- BILL SUMMARY: This is an urging resolution which urges the EPD to implement a new water quality standard in the Savannah Harbor. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 143; Nays: 17
LOCAL CALENDAR
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 140; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Friday, April 4, at 10:00 AM, for its 40th Legislative Day
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 40th Legislative Day, Friday, April 4, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
RULES CALENDAR FOR NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY
SB 529 - Rules of the Road; commit the offense of felony hit and run; provide for offense of homicide by vehicle, vessel
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill adds the requirement that a driver involved in an accident resulting in injury or death make every reasonable effort to ensure that emergency services and law enforcement are contacted.
It also adds that if a person causes an accident with a vehicle (Section 3) or a watercraft (Section 4) which causes death and leaves the scene he or she has committed the offense of homicide by vehicle/homicide by vessel. Homicide by vehicle carries a penalty of imprisonment from 3 to 15 years; homicide by vessel carries a penalty of imprisonment from 3 to 15 years. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/26/2008 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SR 781 - GA Dept. Of Transportation; urged to develop a state-wide strategic transportation plan/to take certain other actions
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to develop a state-wide strategic transportation plan and to present that report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2008. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - House Committee Passed: 2/27/2008 - Rule: Open
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2008 - Rule: Open
SR 1063 - GA Environmental Protection Division; urged to implement a new water quality standard; Savannah Harbor
- BILL SUMMARY: This is an urging resolution which urges the EPD to implement a new water quality standard in the Savannah Harbor. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/27/2008 - Rule: Open
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Rules
HR 1516 - House Study Committee on Organized Retail Theft; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1626 - Army and National Guard; priority units; receive WRESP; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1632 - House Study Committee on Accessibility; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1740 - House Public and Legal Notices Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1857 - House Study Committee on Roadside Enhancement and Beautification; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Resolution creating the House Study Committee on Roadside Enhancement and Beautification. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1858 - House Study Committee on State Recycling Initiatives; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Stephanie Benfield of the 85th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1879 - House Study Committee on Restrictive Covenants in the Commercial Arena; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Rules
HR 1881 - House Dry-Cleaning Solvents Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Karla Drenner of the 86th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Rules
HR 1932 - House Study Committee on DeKalb County Court Fines and Fees; create
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Michele Henson of the 87th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Transportation
HR 1857 - House Study Committee on Roadside Enhancement and Beautification; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Resolution creating the House Study Committee on Roadside Enhancement and Beautification. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - Committee Action: Do Pass
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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CONTACT: BRENT CRANFIELD
(404) 656-0305 Brent.Cranfield@house.ga.gov