Daily report [Apr. 6, 2008]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
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CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT
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 - Yeas: 145; Nays: 001
HB 89 - Firearms; carrying and possession; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 89 allows anyone licensed to carry a pistol or revolver under OCGA 16-11-129 to transport that pistol or revolver in any private passenger vehicle - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Yeas: 106; Nays: 056
HR 169 - Bush, President; Congress; GA General Assembly; energy relief; commend
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Steve Davis of the 109th - House Committee: Rules - Yeas: 156; Nays: 001
HB 300 - Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005; performers in live theater; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would create an exemption in the Georgia Smokefree Air Act of 2005 to allow for smoking during live preformances in theaters by cast members, when called for by a script, and when prior notice has been given. - Authored By: Rep. Pat Gardner of the 57th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Yeas: 161; Nays: 000
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 This credit will be repealed on January 1, 2013, and in no event can the cumulative total amount of credits exceed $6.5 million.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 - Yeas: 164; Nays: 0

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 - Yeas: 146; Nays: 014
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 - Yeas: 144; Nays: 004
HB 958 - Magistrate court; certain judgments; clarify appeal procedure
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 958 amends a number of provisions in the Magistrate Court statutes codified in Title 15, Chapter 10. Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. 15-10-41 to provide that a party does not have appeal rights from a dismissal for want of prosecution or due to nonappearance at trial, and that a post-judgment motion to vacate a judgment shall be by certiorari.
Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. 15-10-43 to require the plaintiff to provide more information in the plaintiff's complaint, and allows certain procedural motions by a defendant to be considered by the Magistrate Court. Section 3 requires a counterclaim by a defendant to contain the same amount of additional information that Section 2 requires of plaintiffs. Section 4 revises the form for a plaintiff's complaint. Section 5 removes the 30-day time limit for propounding postjudgment discovery. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - Yeas: 158; Nays: 000
HB 990 - General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2009
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides supplemental appropriated sums of money for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2009. The funding will be used for the operation of the State government, its departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, institutions, and other agencies. Further, it provides funding for the university system, common schools, counties, municipalities, poiltical subdivisions and for all other governmental activities, projects and undertakings authorized by law. - Authored By: Rep. Glenn Richardson of the 19th - House Committee: Appropriations - Yeas: 151; Nays: 004
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 - Yeas: 110; Nays: 046
HB 1035 - Motor fuel tax; certain public transit and public campus transportation systems; extend expiration date
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Vance Smith of the 129th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Yeas: 138; Nays: 28

HB 1055 - Professions and licenses; certain provisions; make revisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Title 43 of OCGA by revising provisions relating to professions and licenses. This legislation: Allows a designee of the division director of the professional licensing boards to sign and attest orders and processes. Amends requirements relating to applications for certification as a registered interior designer. Revises provisions relating to inspector at auctions and division directors relating to geologists. Repeals provisions regarding license by reciprocity and revises provisions regarding license by endorsement for massage therapists. Provides for education and training requirements for the issuance of physical therapist licenses. Allows the board to waive the examination required to obtain a license in physical therapy to a person licensed in another state or territory of US and grant that person full privileges to engage in an equivalent practice, if that person, in judgment of the board, has equivalent qualifications, completed equivalent examination and is therefore properly licensed under the laws of another state or territory of the US. In such situations this bill further allows the board to require additional education or training. Provides for the establishment of the renewal period for expired licenses as well as the applicable fees for veterinarians and veterinary technicians by the division director. - Authored By: Rep. Roger Williams of the 4th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Yeas: 148; Nays: 3
HB 1111 - Drivers' licenses; requirements; fees; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill was brought on behalf of the Department of Drivers Services. It brings Georgia into compliance with federal standards in regards to commercial driver's licenses. - Authored By: Rep. Johnny L. Floyd of the 147th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Yeas: 133; Nays: 010
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 - Yeas: 158; Nays: 000
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 - Yeas: 161; Nays: 000
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 - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
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 - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0
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 - Yeas: 94; Nays: 43

HB 1245 - Indigent defense; revise matters; senior judges; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation comes out of the Joint Study Committee on Indigent Defense chaired by Representative Ralston and Senator Seabaugh.
Sections 1-3 adds new language in title 15 related to appointment of Senior Judges to provide that Senior Judges will not be appointed to preside in criminal cases where the death penalty may be imposed. Sections 4-8 make it the responsibility of the Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority to collect and disburse funds paid to the clerk of court and sheriff for indigent defense funding. o The funds currently go directly to the Georgia Public Defender Standards Council (GPDSC). Section 9 provides that when posting bail or bond the lesser of $100 or 10% of the amount of bail or bond will be added to the amount of bail/bond; current language is the lesser of $50.00 or 10% of the amount of bail. Section 10 provides that the sums collected from the bail add-ons will be paid over to the Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority and 50% will be deposited into the general treasury and the other 50% will go to the county where collected if that county has a procedure to verity indigency; if there is no procedure for verifying indigency the total amount will go to the general treasury. Section 11 deletes existing language that provides that it is the intent of the General Assembly that certain funds are earmarked for the GPDSC. Section 12 provides that a defendant requesting indigent defense services will pay the $50 application fee unless there is a measurable hardship, and that if there is a hardship at the time services are requested the application fee will be paid as a condition of probation. This section also provides that the $50 application fee will be sent to the entity providing legal defense the intent is to send the entire $50 fee to the counties as long as that entity has a procedure in place for verifying indigency. If the county does not have a procedure in place for verifying indigency the $50 fee will be deposited into the state treasury. Section 13 provides that the indigency standard for those accused of a misdemeanor will be 100% of the federal poverty guidelines current law is 125% of the guidelines; this section also removes language referencing a "conflict defender office" so as to be consistent with other parts of the bill that change how conflict cases will be handled. Section 14 changes the make up of the GPDSC Council. Currently there are 11 members; this language would add an additional four (4) members for a total of 15. The new members would all be appointed by the Governor and will be elected county commissioners from different geographic regions of the state. County commission members will serve for four years, will be appointed in consultation with ACCG and will be eligible to serve only while holding elected office. Section 15 authorizes the state auditor to perform an annual audit which will include all expenditures made by GPDSC by revenue source, including each county governing authority's expenditures made for their indigent service expenses. Section 16 changes qualifications for the GPDSC Director, requiring seven years of experience in the practice of law current law requires three years. The Director will also provide assistance with death penalty cases and establish mental health and capital defender programs. This language change is necessary because the mental health and capital defender divisions are brought under the aegis of the GPDSC Director in other parts of the bill. This Section will also give the Director authority to evaluate the job performance of each Circuit Public Defender. Section 17 provides that GPDSC will account for all moneys received from the each governing authority Section 18 removes the requirement that GPDSC promulgate standards, instead requiring that they post proposed rules and regulations for review including the date on which the rule or regulation takes effect. Section 19 removes language to agree with other cross references in the billl Section 20 requires GPDSC to prepare an annual report of funds received and expended including money received from cities and counties as well as a three year cost projection and anticipated revenues. The Section also requires GPDSC Section 21 relates to the Legislative Oversight Committee. It removes language requiring the LOC to approve GPDSC standards and reduces the number of times per year that the LOC will meet from six to three. Section 22 changes language relating to the "selection panel," instead referring to the supervisory panel. This change is necessary for consistency with other parts of the bill. Section 23 changes language relating to the mental health division of GPDSC. The language changes are necessary to bring the mental health division under the aegis of the Director. Currently it is its own department. Sections 24-25 change language related to the capital defender program. o Section 24 moves current language to 17-12-12, but does not make substantive changes this is because the office is being moved under the aegis of the Director of GPDSC o Section 25 does make substantive changes:
When there is a conflict of interest in a capital case the Director will appoint counsel and contract with the attorney for payment, when feasible using a flat fee structure current law provides for the judge to appoint counsel and does not contain a fee structure;
The payments for capital cases will be split between the state and the counties with the state paying the first $150,000, the next $100,000 will be split between the state and the county 75%/25%, any fees in excess of $250,000 will be split by the state and county 50%/50%
The council will establish guidelines for expense requests for fees, expenses, expert witnesses, travel and accommodations and other costs Section 26 changes the make-up of the local supervisory panels.

o There will be four additional members appointed by the Governor who will be members of the governing authority of the county o A CPD may be removed without cause by a two-thirds vote of the Council o The supervisory panel will meet at least semiannually to review the performance of the circuit public defender; if the supervisory panel finds that the CPD is not performing up to standard it can adopt a resolution seeking review of their findings by the Council which will take action on the resolution within 15 days and will issue a final action within 60 days. Section 27 allows a CPD to go to another circuit for help in a conflict case. Section 28 requires that a defendant who requires the services of the public defender be seen by the PD within 72 hours (this is current law and was changed back to current law in committee) Section 29 provides that an indigent defense coordinator (see Section 39) will determine whether the detainee is an indigent person and eligible for services. Section 30 provides for salary and cost-of-living increases for public defenders Sections 31-32 remove language relating to the Council's budget and require the Council to submit a budget estimate to the director of OPB. Section 33 allows the local CPD office to employ additional staff if provided for by local law and funded by the county governing authority or authorities. Section 34 prevents a CPD or any assistant from also serving in any judicial office. Section 35 adds language related to rules and regulations to comport with other parts of the bill. Section 36 provides that alternative delivery systems will receive the same funds that opt-in circuits receive. Section 37 strikes language to comport with other parts of the bill. Section 38 makes stylistic changes to provisions regarding repayment of attorney's fees and removes language related to the intent of the General Assembly regarding availability of funds through the appropriations process. Section 39 provides that the counties will appoint a person to serve as indigent defense coordinator; it allows the counties to determine the scope of the position and to fund the position, and requires that the governing authority will advise the CPD office of each person who has applied for services within one business day of the application for services o This section also removes language related to the mental health and capital defender offices as that language has been moved to other parts of the Code (see Sections 23-25). - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Yeas: 129; Nays: 30
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 - Yeas: 150; Nays: 006
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 - Yeas: 143; Nays: 010

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 - Yeas: 107; Nays: 18
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 - Yeas: 150; Nays: 001
SR 845 - County Governments; transportation improvement sales and use tax CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for 1% regional sales and use tax to fund transportation projects and mass transportation networks. The citizens of each regional development centers would vote to let each RDC come together to impose a tax to fund transportation projects. The amendment will be placed on the ballot in November 2008 to be ratified or rejected by the people. If approved, each region will put together a list of proposed transportation projects to be considered; will determine the amount of tax to be levied (not to exceed 1%), the maximum period of time the tax will be levied, and the maximum cost of such projects. There will be an option for counties to opt out of the RDC so that if they vote no to increasing the tax, the citizens in these counties will not be asked to participate in the referendum. The language also provides for not only the current exemptions, but for exemptions on fuel used for off road heavy duty equipment, off road farm or agricultural equipment, locomotives, aircraft and watercraft. The tax imposed will apply to and only be levied on the sale or use of fuel that is used for motor vehicles on public highways. The revenue collected from the sales and use tax on motor fuels will be placed into a fund at the Department of Transportation which will be appropriated by the General Assembly for use on transportation projects. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Yeas: 134; Nays: 34

SB 430 - DNA; Georgia Bureau of Investigation include information in database/compare to samples collected from evidentiary materials
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Code Section 24-4-63 of the O.C.G.A, relating to dissemination of DNA information in data bank to law enforcement officials, request for search, separate statistical data base authorized, and fee for search and comparative analysis, so as to provide that the GBI may include such information in a data base and compare such information to samples collected from evidentiary materials.
24-4-63 shall read: "(a.1) The bureau may include in a data base a DNA profile obtained from the analysis of a sample lawfully obtained
from a suspect in a criminal investigation and may compare such DNA samples collected from evidentiary materials." - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - Yeas: 103; Nays: 050
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - Yeas: 45; Nays: 123 - Failed to adopt a conference committee report.
MOTIONS TO INSIST
HB 89 - Firearms; carrying and possession; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 89 allows anyone licensed to carry a pistol or revolver under OCGA 16-11-129 to transport that pistol or revolver in any private passenger vehicle - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HR 169 - Bush, President; Congress; GA General Assembly; energy relief; commend
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Steve Davis of the 109th - House Committee: Rules - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 429 - Georgia HIV Pregnancy Screening Act of 2007; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would require care providers to screen pregnant women for HIV during prenatal care or immediately following delivery, unless the woman declines the test. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

HB 544 - Multiple employer self-insured health plans; certain institutions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 544 allows private colleges and universities to create risk pool arrangements between two or more institutions for the purpose of providing self-funded health insurance plans. The purpose is to provide cheaper premiums and better benefits in order to gain and maintain quality employees. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 958 - Magistrate court; certain judgments; clarify appeal procedure
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 958 amends a number of provisions in the Magistrate Court statutes codified in Title 15, Chapter 10. Section 1 amends O.C.G.A. 15-10-41 to provide that a party does not have appeal rights from a dismissal for want of prosecution or due to nonappearance at trial, and that a post-judgment motion to vacate a judgment shall be by certiorari.
Section 2 amends O.C.G.A. 15-10-43 to require the plaintiff to provide more information in the plaintiff's complaint, and allows certain procedural motions by a defendant to be considered by the Magistrate Court. Section 3 requires a counterclaim by a defendant to contain the same amount of additional information that Section 2 requires of plaintiffs. Section 4 revises the form for a plaintiff's complaint. Section 5 removes the 30-day time limit for propounding postjudgment discovery. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to insist 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 insist 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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

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 commision. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - A motion to insist 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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
SB 382 - Game/Fish; license, permit, tag and stamp fees; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill seeks to change the licensing and fee requirements for licensed hunters and gamers when renewing their license. It lowers the fee for renewal so that Georgia residents receive the same financial benefit as nonresidents who purchase a temporary license. The committee substitute added language regarding online purchases of licenses, since the state has now entered into a contract for an online licensing system. The substitute also give gamers, who apply for a renewal, a discount of $ 2. 75 on their fee, since that will be the additional cost for online purchases. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1220 - Special license plates; firefighters; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1220 allows the surviving spouse of a deceased firefighter to continue to be eligible for a special firefighter's license plate as long as such person does not remarry. Further, this bill removes the statutory limit on the number of special firefighter plates a fireman can apply for. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to insist 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 insist 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 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 overriden 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.
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

MOTIONS TO RECEDE
SB 383 - Ga. Affordable HSA Eligible High Deductible Health Plan; Insurance Commissioner; adopt policies to promote, approve, and encourage
- BILL SUMMARY: Commissioner of Insurance will be authorized to allow health reimbursement arrangement only plans that encourage employer financial support of helath insurnace or helath related expenses for sale in connection with or packaged with individual health insurace policies. Health reimbursement arrangement only plans that are not sold in connection with or packaged with individual health insurace policies shall not be considered insurance. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to recede represents final passage of this bill.
MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 108 - Patient Right to Participate Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for the notification of a patient who is registering a complaint against a liscenced physician of any hearing regarding their complaint before the Composite Board of Medical Examiners. It also requires that the patient's testimony be heard by the Board. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Keown of the 173rd - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 119 - Certain justices and judges; annual salaries; increase
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 119 calls for an increase in annual salary for Supreme Court Justices; Court of Appeals Judges; and superior court judges from $139,418.00 to $170,500.00; $138,556.00 to $169,500.00; and $99,862.00 to $128,400.00, respectively. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 239 - Board of Natural Resources; rules; game and fish criminal violations; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill updates certain date references to align Georgia code with dates that exist in rules and regulations adopted by the Georgia Board of Natural Resources. For example, the Board is authorized to set hunting seasons by rule; as such, it is necessary to periodically re-align the code with the Board's season dates to ensure effective enforcement. - Authored By: Rep. Bob Lane of the 158th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 280 - Controlled substances; sale of marijuana flavored products to minors; ban
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill makes the sale of marijuana flavored products to minors illegal and subject to a $1,000 fine per offense. A 'Marijuana flavored product' means any product, including lollipops, gumdrops, or other candy, which is flavored to taste like marijuana or hemp. The term shall include, but is not limited to, 'Chronic Candy,' 'Kronic Kandy,' or 'Pot Suckers.' - Authored By: Rep. Judy Manning of the 32nd - House Committee: Children & Youth - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 336 Driving under the influence; mandatory sentences; increase
- BILL SUMMARY: Concerns punishment for a DUI for drivers who are 18 years and older: First offense: Misdemeanor; fine of $300-$1000; jail 10 days 1 year (24 hours minimum); probation for 12 months less time served; risk reduction program and drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment as indicated; community service hours required depend on bloodalcohol level. Second offense: 24-month misdemeanor; fine of $750-$5000; jail 90 days - 24 months; if second DUI within 5 years 120 hour minimum jail time; minimum jail time depends on blood-alcohol level; 30 days community service; probation for 24 months less jail time; risk reduction program and drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment as indicated. Third offense: 36-month misdemeanor; fine of $1000-$5000; jail 12-36 months; if third DUI within 10 years 60 days minimum jail time none may be house arrest; if after more than 10 years 120 days minimum jail time up to 60 days may be house arrest; probation for 36 months less time served; 30 days community service if more than 10 years/60 days community service if within 10 years of last DUI; risk reduction program and drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment as indicated. Fourth offense: Felony; fine of $1000-$5000; 1-5 years in jail with 1 year minimum; 60 days of community

service which the judge may suspend upon service of three or more years in jail; probation for 5 years less time served; risk reduction program and drug and alcohol evaluation and treatment as indicated. Treatment of violators under 21 years of age: convictions for offenders under 21 years will count as convictions for those who are over 21 for sentencing purposes within a 10-year period, if the offender's blood alcohol level is 0.08 or greater. Minimum periods of incarceration will not be stayed, suspended, probated or subject to early release. Amendments to the bill, added in committee, are intended to make clear that a 24 or 36 month misdemeanor is not to be regarded as felony punishment. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 373 - Public Safety, Department of; State Patrol; retirement benefits; amend
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill adds a new subsection to Code Section 47-2-223, which amends provisions related to retirement benefits for members of Employees' Retirement System in service in the Uniform Division of the Department of Public Safety. Such members would be eligible to retain their retirement benefits if they return to full-time service within the Uniform Division of the Department of Public Safety after at least 12 months following their retirement. Such individuals will not be considered active members of the ERS and will not accrue any additional benefits or creditable service. The Department of Public Safety is given the sole discretion to allow any person to return to work under the provisions of this legislation. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Bridges of the 10th - House Committee: Retirement - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 468 - Alcoholic beverages; local authorization; Sunday sales; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Roger Williams of the 4th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 52 - DeKalb County; authority of chief executive officer to preside over meetings of the county commission; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the presiding officer to preside over meetings of the DeKalb County Commission and for the commission to establish its own agenda for such meetings, pending a local referendum to approve this change in duties of the DeKalb Chief Executive Officer. - Authored By: Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 493 - Doraville, City of; ad valorem tax; certain residents; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Doraville ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes for the full value of the homestead for residents of that city who are 70 years of age or over. - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 535 - Mental health; patient advocacy board; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would create a Patient Advocacy Board and the Patient Advocate General (Mental Health Ombudsman), to serve the interests of citizens employing the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Addictive Diseases as a provider of care. The bill provides for the membership of the board as appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and the Speaker of the House. The Mental Health Ombudsman would be an independent state officer attached administratively to the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs, and would be charged with investigated claims of fraud, abuse, and neglect on behalf of families and patients who are consumer clients of the Division of Mental Health/Addictive Diseases/Developmental Diseases. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate

HB 544 - Multiple employer self-insured health plans; certain institutions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 544 allows private colleges and universities to create risk pool arrangements between two or more institutions for the purpose of providing self-funded health insurance plans. The purpose is to provide cheaper premiums and better benefits in order to gain and maintain quality employees. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 88 - Care of a Grandchild Act; provide subsidy to certain grandparents raising grandchildren under certain circumstances
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds the "Care of a Grandchild Act" to Title 19, Chapter 9 to allow a parent to delegate to a grandparent the care of a minor child by way of a power of attorney in hardship cases including, but not limited to, death of the other parent, terminal illness, physical or mental condition, incarceration, or natural disaster. The bill provides a form Georgia Power of Attorney for the Care of a Minor Child.
While use of this Act could result in a change in a child's school, the bill forbids the use of this statute for the sole purpose of moving a child to a different school.
Part 2 of SB 88 is the "Grandchildren's Caregiver Subsidy Act." Part 2 establishes a subsidy to be administered by DHR, which would provide an electronic funds transfer card and other financial assistance to up to 1,500 grandparents who are financially eligible for the subsidy. The bill outlines permissible expenditures of the subsidy by grandparents. Senator Unterman reported at the January 17, 2008 Committee meeting that funds are budgeted for this proposal. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 33 - Emergency Management; state-wide first responder building mapping information system; definitions; rule/regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 33 adds a new article to Title 38 which authorizes the Georgia Emergency Management Agency to create a building mapping information system. The system will include maps of government building to facilitate first responder efforts in case of a disaster, criminal act, or terrorist act. State and local agencies will get to decide whether to participate in the system. GEMA will provide safeguards to ensure that the maps will only be available to the agency whose building is mapped and first responders. Information provided to GEMA for the mapping system will not be subject to the open records act. The bill provides immunity for state and local agencies which participate in the mapping system. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 864 - Insurance; group life policy coverage; remove participation requirement
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 864 will protect annuity proceeds paid to a beneficiary from creditors. Further, this bill changes the number of persons required in order to create a group life plan from 75% participation to zero. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Knox of the 24th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 881 - Georgia Charter Schools Commission; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill establishes a Charter School Commission that would serve independently of the Department of Education, but under supervision of the State Board and in collaboration with DOE. The commission would be appointed by the State Board of Education and consist of three appointees by the Governor, two by the President of the Senate and two by the Speaker of the House. These members will not be compensated. The commission will have the power to authorize and serve as a sponsor commission of charter schools, including both approval and denial. The commission will be able to authorize municipalities, state universities, community colleges and RESA's to act as cosponsors of charter schools. In addition, the commission may conduct facility and curriculum reviews of charter schools.
The commission shall develop, promote and disseminate best practices for charter schools and their sponsors. They will monitor and review yearly the performance of cosponsors approved and hold them accountable for their performance. It addition, they will monitor and review the academic and financial performance. The commission will also actively seek supplemental revenue from federal and institutional grants. The commission will review and recommend to the General Assembly any necessary revisions to statutory requirements and necessary revisions regarding the qualification and approval of municipalities, counties, consolidated governments, universities and colleges of the board of regents, technical institutions of DTAE and RESA's as cosponsors for commission charter schools. The commission will act as a

liaison for cosponsors and commission charter schools in cooperating with local boards of education that may choose to allow charter schools to use excess space within public school facilities. The commission will collaborate with cosponsors for the purpose of providing the highest level of public education to low income, low performing, gifted or underserved student populations for students with special needs.
The commission will serve to provide maximum access to information regarding commission charter schools to all parents in Georgia. It shall maintain information systems, including a user-friendly Internet website, that will provide information and data necessary for parents to make informed decisions. Each year, the chair shall submit a report regarding the academic performance and fiscal responsibility of all commission charter schools and cosponsors. If a charter is not renewed or is terminated the commission charter school is responsible for all debts incurred.
The department may retain up to 3% of the funding calculated for each charter school it has approved for use in administering duties. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 46th - House Committee: Education - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 887 - Tobacco Prevention Master Settlement Agreement Oversight Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill is designed to amend chapter 13 of title 10 of the official code of Georgia Annotated, which will provide for the creation of an oversight committee dedicated for tobacco prevention. The board would be established by individuals from the dept. of health, the dept. of human resources, groups dedicated to health and smoking prevention, as well as appointed officials by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and Lt. Governor. The committee will aim to establish tobacco use prevention programs, give recommendations to the governor, review current programs, and report progress. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Butler of the 18th - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 948 - Sales and use tax; certain school supplies; certain energy efficient products; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 948 provides for the 2008 sales tax holidays for school supplies and for energy efficient products. The bill changes the dates for school supplies to July 31, 2008 through August 3, 2008. The products which will be exempt during this time are clothing and footwear with a sales price of $100 or less, computers and computer accessories with a sales price of $1500 or less, and general school supplies with a sales price of $20 or less. The bill changes the dates of the sales tax exemption on energy efficient products to October 2, 2008 through October 5, 2008. The products which will be exempt during this time are energy efficient products with a sales price up to $1500 which are purchased for home or personal use. These products may include dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, etc. - Authored By: Rep. Lynn Ratigan Smith of the 70th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 950 - Motor vehicles; assembled; registration and licensing; provide
- 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: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 978 - Traffic accidents; illegal immigrants; seize vehicle; allow law enforcement
- BILL SUMMARY: Adds a new Code section (40-6-279) to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This new section declares that any motor vehicle involved in an accident while being operated by a person who is not legally in this country is declared to be contraband and subject o forfeiture to the state once, and if, the defendant is convicted of the offense charged.
The law enforcement agency that makes the arrest shall deliver the motor vehicle to the District Attorney. Within 60 days from the date of the seizure, the District Attorney, or their designee, shall file cause in the superior court of the county in which the motor vehicle is seized. The owner, lessee, or any person having a duly recorded security interest in or lien on such motor vehicle shall be notified. A copy of this notification to the title holder shall be sent to the firm, person, or corporation who holds the current registration for said vehicle.
The owner may defend by showing that the motor vehicle seized was not subject to forfeiture. Any party at interest may

appear, by answer under oath, and file an intervention or defense within 30 days from the date of service on the condemnee of the action. Any party that does come to claim the vehicle may give bond and take possession of the vehicle at the discretion of the court.
If the owner is unknown or resides out of the state or departs the state or cannot be found after due diligence, notice of the proceedings shall be published once a week for two weeks in the newspaper in which the sheriff's advertisements are published. If no defense is filed within 30 days from the date of service on the condemnee, judgment will be entered by the court and the vehicle sold. The proceeds from such sale shall be deposited into the general treasury of the state or any other governmental unit whose law enforcement agency it was that originally seized the vehicle. Before making this deposit, the following claims must be satisfied: costs incurred in the seizure; costs of the court and its officers; and costs of storage, maintenance, care...
A rented or leased vehicle shall not be subject to forfeiture unless it can be proven by a preponderance of evidence that the owner knew or should have known of or consented to the use of the vehicle by the illegal alien.
The court may also order the title to the vehicle transferred to a family under financial hardship if it is deemed that the forfeiture and sale outweighs the benefit to the state. - Authored By: Rep. James Mills of the 25th - House Committee: Special Rules - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1020 - Civil and criminal cases; minors; certain sexually explicit or obscene evidence; restrict access
- BILL SUMMARY: Requires that any property or material prohibited under Chapter 12 of Title 16 Offenses Related to Minors will remain in the custody of a law enforcement agency, prosecuting attorney's office or the court in both criminal and civil cases; This includes obscene material and computer or electronic pornography; A court will not allow a defendant to copy the material but will permit the defendant to inspect the materials no later than ten days prior to trial; In civil cases the materials will not be subject to copying; Amends the Open Records Act to provide that these materials will not be subject to public inspection unless approved by the judge in writing designating where the evidence may be inspected. If inspection is permitted the materials will not be permitted to be copied or otherwise reproduced; Copying or reproduction will be carry a felony penalty of 5-20 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $100,000.00, or both. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1023 - Sales and use tax; government contractors; overhead materials; extend sunset exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1023 extends the sales tax exemption for sales to or use by a government contractor of overhead materials in performance of a contract with the United States Department of Defense or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for the purpose of national defense. "Overhead materials" is defined such that the cost of which is charged to an expense account and allocated to various US government contracts in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and government contract accounting standards. Currently, this exemption is set to be repealed on January 1, 2009, and this bill extends this repeal date to January 1, 2011. - Authored By: Rep. Steve Tumlin of the 38th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HR 1078 - Williams, Mr. Willie Otis "Pete"; compensate
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution calls for the compensation of Mr. Willie Otis "Pete" Williams, due to his wrongful incarceration of 21 years and 9 months. Mr. Williams was deemed innocent through DNA testing in 2007. The Department of Administrative Services will administer the funds in the amount of $1.2 million. The payment would be in the form of an annuity over 20 years with an lump sum of $100,000, none of which shall be subject to state income taxes. - Authored By: Rep. Steve Tumlin of the 38th - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1093 - Liquidated damages; demand; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Substitute LC-29-3261-S to HB 1093 amends O.C.G.A. 44-14-3, which requires lenders to release a security deed within sixty (60) days of payoff or face damages in at least the amount of $500.00, to require the property owner to send a written demand to the lender prior to filing suit based upon the statute. The bill has been amended to require a lender to send either confirmation of the release or a notice of the borrower's right to damages for the lender's failure to release the security deed, within sixty (60) days of when the security deed is paid off. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th

- House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1110 - Sales and use tax; certain sales of food and beverages to qualified food banks; extend exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1110 extends an existing sales tax exemption for sales of food and groceries to food banks that are 501(c)(3) organizations operated for the primary purpose of providing hunger relief to low income persons in Georgia. This exemption is set to expire on June 30, 2008, and this legislation would extend this exemption through June 30, 2010. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1163 - Brunswick Judicial Circuit; fifth judge for superior courts; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1163 adds one Superior Court judgeship each in the Brunswick, Alcovy, and Atlanta circuits. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 1189 - Transportation, Department of; commissioner file report on State-wide Strategic Transportation Plan; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Chapter 2 of Title 32 by adding a new Code section 32-2-41.1. This new Code section would require the DOT Commissioner to annually prepare a report for the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, and the Chairpersons of the House and Senate Transportation committees. This report shall detail the progress the Department has made on preparing the State-wide Strategic Transportation Plan. A draft of the plan shall be delivered to the members of the General Assembly for comments and suggestions on or before December 31, 2008. The plan shall include a list of projects realistically expected to begin in the next 5 years, the cost of those projects, and the source of the funds for those projects. The final version of the State-wide Strategic Transportation Plan shall be completed by May 1, 2009. The plan shall also be published on the Department's website. - Authored By: Rep. Donna Sheldon of the 105th - House Committee: Transportation - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1190 - Fulton County; ad valorem tax; increase exemption amount
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for increases in the homestead exemption from Fulton County ad valorem taxes for county purposes from $15,000.00 to $50,000.00 after a five-year phase-in period and provide for annual adjustments by the tax commissioner in an amount equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. - Authored By: Rep. Margaret D. Kaiser of the 59th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1191 - Atlanta, City of; school district ad valorem tax; increase exemption amount
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for increases in the homestead exemption from City of Atlanta independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes from $15,000.00 to $50,000.00 after a five-year phase-in period and provide for annual adjustments by the tax commissioner in an amount equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. - Authored By: Rep. Margaret D. Kaiser of the 59th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1192 - Atlanta, City of; ad valorem tax; increase exemption amount
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for increases in the homestead exemption from City of Atlanta ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes from $15,000.00 to $50,000.00 after a five-year phase-in period and provide for annual adjustments by the tax commissioner in an amount equal to the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor. - Authored By: Rep. Margaret D. Kaiser of the 59th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 1220 - Special license plates; firefighters; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1220 allows the surviving spouse of a deceased firefighter to continue to be eligible for a special firefighter's license plate as long as such person does not remarry. Further, this bill removes the statutory limit on the number of special firefighter plates a fireman can apply for. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 1221 - Insurance contracts; corporations; employees covered; change minimum number
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1221 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: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree as amended by the House sent this bill back to the Senate
HB 1274 - Income tax credit; real property donations; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation makes changes to our income tax credits for donations of conservation property. Currently, the fair market value of the property for purposes of the credit is determined by the local tax assessor. This legislation allows for the definition of "fair market value" as the value determined by a federally qualified appraisal. The legislation also provides that the federal government may be a qualified donee of the property, and provides that if the donation is effected by a sale of property for less than fair market value, that the amount of the credit will be 25% of the difference between the sale price and the fair market value. The bill also provides for penalties for substantial valuation misstatements. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 418 - Georgia Fire Safety Standard and Firefighter Protection Act; definitions; provide for standards for testing cigarettes; written certification
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill prohibits the sale of cigarettes unless the manufacturer of those cigarettes certifies to the Safety Fire Commissioner that the cigarettes have been tested by the manufacturer and meet certain standards. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1297 - Sexual assault protocol; afford greater protection to victims; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill provides that a forensic medical exam be conducted at no cost to a victim of sexual assault whether or not the victim cooperates with law enforcement.
It further requires that the evidence be maintained by the investigating law enforcement agency for ten years.
It also allows the Crime Victims Compensation Board to grant subrogation waivers for victims of violent crime.
The purpose of the bill is to make procedural changes to comply with federal law the federal Violence Against Women Act so that Georgia will continue to receive approximately $3 million in federal grant funds annually. - Authored By: Rep. Robert Mumford of the 95th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HR 1425 - State of Georgia property; certain counties; nonexclusive easements; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution authorizes the granting of nonexclusive easements for operation and maintenance of facilities, utilities, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through property owned by the State if Georgia in Bartow, Dawson, Elbert, Hart, McDuffie, Jenkins, Wilkes, Fulton, Houston, Muscogee, Towns, and Washington counties, Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 1321 - Education; alleged inappropriate behavior by teacher or school personnel; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires that falsifying reports regarding instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher or other school personnel be addressed in the student code of conduct. It also establishes a state mandated process for students to follow in reporting instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by a teacher or other school personnel. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Shaw of the 176th - House Committee: Education - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1329 - Bryan County Water and Sewer Authority Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Bryan County Water and Sewer Authority Act and to provide for its duties and responsibilities. - Authored By: Rep. Bob Lane of the 158th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 305 - Emergency Management; licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 of the O.C.G.A, relating to organization and administration of emergency management, so as to revise a provision relating to the licensing of nongovernmental rescue organizations. The bill also provides for a short title, amending Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the O.C.G.A, relating to torts in general, so as to revise certain provisions relating to liability of persons and entities in emergency situations.
This Act will be known as the "Corporate Good Samaritan Act of 2008".
Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 38 relates to the organization and administration of emergency management, is amended by revising subsections (a) of Code Section 38-3-36, relating to the director licensing nongovernmental rescue organizations.
Chapter 1 of Title 51 relates to general provisions concerning torts, is amended by revising Code Section 51-1-29.2, relating to liability of persons acting to prevent, minimize, and repair injury and damage resulting from catastrophic acts of nature. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1478 - Ware County; Board of Education; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that teachers and staff of the Ware County Board of Education may address or speak to the board during its meetings without obtaining approval from any supervisors or the superintendent. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hatfield of the 177th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
MOTIONS TO DISAGREE
HB 243 - HOPE scholarships; eligible postsecondary institution; revise definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the definition of "eligible postsecondary institution" by eliminating institutions controlled by local boards of education. Additionally, the bill provides that enrollment in postsecondary courses at a branch of the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education will not count against the hourly caps for HOPE grants. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Higher Education - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 963 - Special license plates; soccer; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 963 authorizes the creation of a special license plate commemorating and supporting the sport of soccer in Georgia. Further, it provides that a portion of the funds generated by the sale of such special license plate be disbursed to the Georgia State Soccer Association, Inc. - Authored By: Rep. Harry Geisinger of the 48th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1015 - Special districts divided into noncontiguous areas; certain excess funds; provide additional requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1015 gives a county direction and authority to transfer tax revenues paid to a Special Service District, by formerly unincorporated residents for city-like services, to the newly incorporated city. Under current law, the Special Service District dollars exist in limbo, unable to be spent by the county. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 46th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

HB 1035 - Motor fuel tax; certain public transit and public campus transportation systems; extend expiration date
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Vance Smith of the 129th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1299 - Certain hospital authorities; contract with nonprofit corporations; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires that hospital authorities constituted by two county governments must contract with nonprofit corporations for the operation and management of a hospital. It stipulates that a judge shall determine whether a hospital or system so governed is performing in accordance with minimum functions required for the continued operation and maintenance of health care facilities in the jurisdiction. It further states that if a hospital authority is not in compliance with Code Section 31-7-74.4(b) that said hospital will be ineligble for receipt of funds from the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund, or any appropriation of state monies with the exceptions of Medicaid reimbursements and funding for medical education, specifically graduate medical education. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Special Committee on Grady - A motion to disagree sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
RULES CALENDAR
HB 750 - Sumter County; probate court judge; nonpartisan elections; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the probate judge of Sumter County after January 1, 2008. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas of the 134th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 122; Nays: 17
HR 1626 - Army and National Guard; priority units; receive WRESP; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Rules - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 141; Nays: 1
HR 1856 - State Board of Education; instruction course in Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Appreciation; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: A resolution urging the State Board of Education to provide for a course of instruction for students in grades nine through 12 in Hunting, Fishing, and Nature Appreciation. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas of the 134th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 141; Nays: 1

SB 12 - Budget Act; periodic application of zero-base budgeting; analysis of departmental/program objectives
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends part of the Georgia Code related to the "Budget Act," by eliminating provisions concerning the annual continuation budget report, and providing the application of zero based budgeting to the budgeting process. It also provides analysis of department and program objectives, considers alternative funding levels, and develops priority lists for departments. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 143; Nays: 21
SB 16 - Animal Fighting Act; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill provides that any person who removes an electronic or radio transmitting collar from a dog without permission of the owner, and with the intent to prevent the owner from locating the dog will be punished as for a misdemeanor.
If the dog is lost or killed, the party who removed the collar will be required to pay the owner restitution in the amount of the value of the dog and any veterinary bills. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Lane AM 25 1115 - Yeas: 162; Nays: 1
SB 109 - Insurance; definitions; include plan administrators in prompt pay requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill reauthorizes the Georgia Health Insurance Risk Pool. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 134; Nays: 1
SB 113 - Insurance; appointment of agents by authorized insurer before licensing; background checks
- BILL SUMMARY: Amends O.C.G.A. 33-23-5 to require an agent to be appointed by an authorized insurer before receiving a license. SB 113 is also an Insurance Code housekeeping bill which amends other Title 33 code sections to provide forms for license applications, allow agents to file licensing applications electronically, outline procedures for background checks of agents, provide for the appointment of limited subagents, prohibit agents with inactive licenses from selling insurance, and provide regulations for adjusters performing emergency insurance adjustment work in Georgia. Pursuant to requests from the Committee, the bill has been revised to define "limited subagent", and to revise the background check provisions to be consistent with other state agencies and the FBI background check system. The bill has also been revised to allow mobile communications equipment businesses to be licensed on a company-level basis, rather than a per-office basis, similar to the way that rental car company licenses are currently being handled. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 152; Nays: 0
SB 325 - Atlanta, City of; ad valorem taxes; homestead exemption; increase the amount of such exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Atlanta ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $40,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city who are 65 years of age or over whose income does not exceed $40,000.00. - Authored By: Sen. Kasim Reed of the 35th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0

SB 342 - Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act; issuance of permits; certifications; construction of new public water supply reservoirs
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill increases funding from the Soil and Water Conservation Commission in addition to funding from the EPD. This bill funds up to 20% of the cost of obtaining permits for and constructing improvements to any dam that was originally constructed or financially assisted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service, of the US Dept. of Agriculture; provided that matching federal funds are obtained for such purposes.
The bill also funds up to 40% of the cost of obtaining a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers under Section 404 of the Federal Clean Water Act, for the construction of any new public water supply reservoir. The Commission must consider regional effects and water supply yield of the proposed reservoir, anticipated population growth, and the local government funding commitment. The Director must issue the required certifications in accordance with the provisions in current law regarding environmental permit applications. The EPD must also issue an affirmative variance to a permittee from the requirements of the Erosion and Sedimentation Act, specifically, the land disturbance permit requirements, within seven days after granting the permit for the reservoir and issuing the certifications and other documents. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 111; Nays: 59
SB 381 - No Heartbeat Act; registration and certificates of birth; change certain provisions; provide for a definition
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 2 (17) of SB 381 adds stillborn children to the list of persons for whom a birth certificate will be issued. The certificate would be titled a "certificate of stillborn birth" and no statistics would be reported as vital records. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 3
SB 382 - Game/Fish; license, permit, tag and stamp fees; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill seeks to change the licensing and fee requirements for licensed hunters and gamers when renewing their license. It lowers the fee for renewal so that Georgia residents receive the same financial benefit as nonresidents who purchase a temporary license. The committee substitute added language regarding online purchases of licenses, since the state has now entered into a contract for an online licensing system. The substitute also give gamers, who apply for a renewal, a discount of $ 2. 75 on their fee, since that will be the additional cost for online purchases. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 162; Nays: 1
SB 406 - Offenses; increase penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing certain recorded material; forfeiture of certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: Increases penalties for reproducing, transferring, selling, distributing or circulating recorded material First Offense: sets the minimum fine at $500 o Current law only provides for a fine of up to $25,000 this sets a minimum fine for a first offense, but does not change the provisions for prison terms Second Offense: Sets the minimum fine at $1000 and does not change the sentencing provisions, but does require that an offender serve at least 48 hours of any term of imprisonment Third or subsequent: Fine of not less than $2000 nor more than $250,000 and prison term of two to five years with at least six days served
Requires that property onto which the recordings have been transferred, property used to make the transfers and any proceeds from the transfers will be forfeited to the State unless the transfers were committed without the knowledge of the property's owner.
Restitution will be based upon the aggregate wholesale value of the copied recordings and will include reasonable investigative costs related to the detection of the violation. - Authored By: Sen. William Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

- Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 143; Nays: 9
SB 413 - Boxing, Wrestling, Martial Arts; licensure/regulation; substantially/comprehensively revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill comes from the Office of the Secretary of State and will regulate boxing, mixed martial arts and professional wrestling.
The intent of the bill is to correct vague, ambiguous and confusing language in the current regulations regarding the Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission.
The bill revises and improves licensing of amateur organizations and defines the duties of the Executive Director of GAEC.
It removes the 5% Pay-Per-View tax for boxing, MMA and professional wrestling and requires promoters to have a surety bond at a nominal cost to ensure participants, the venue and any other interests are paid.
It provides reasons for which an application for licensure may be denied and requires minimum health and life insurance for participants as well as requiring limited blood testing for boxers and mixed martial artists.
The bill requires that professional wrestlers be licensed, be over 18 years of age and have passed an annual physical exam. It removes the 5% gate tax for professional wrestling and created tiered licensing fees to help smaller, independent operators.
Professional wrestling promoters will be required to be licensed and file event reports. Wrestlers, like boxers and mixed martial artists will be required to submit blood tests to show that they are free of communicable blood diseases if they bleed in the ring.
In wrestling matches with greater than 1000 spectators regulators will not be allowed to be in locker rooms while performers are dressing, showering or preparing for a performance and must leave one hour before the performance begins. - Authored By: Sen. Eric Johnson of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 57; Nays: 105
SB 433 - State Health Planning; provide destination cancer hospitals are subject to certificate of need requirements; provide for penalties
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill represents the culmination of four years of work on the issue of Certificate of Need reform. As such, SB 433 is an effective CON reform omnibus, incorporating elements of every other individual attempt at reform (short of repeal). Among other myriad changes included in the CON program, the bill's major elements are provisions relating to "destination cancer hospitals", general surgery as a single specialty, letters of non-reviewability, continuing care retirement communities, nursing homes, ambulatory surgical centers, the CON application & appeals process, reviewability thresholds, freestanding imaging centers, and the Health Strategies (Advisory) Council.
The bill is designed as a compromise measure agreed to by most significant stakeholders, and worked out among legislators who had authored and carried CON legislation with a narrower focus. SB 433 includes the unanimous and majority recommendations of the Commission on the Efficacy of Certificate of Need.
SB 433 would allow for "destination cancer hospitals" provided that the hospital in question maintains specified levels of Medicaid/Indigent care as well as a patient mix that is certified under penalty of perjury to be in excess of 65% from out-ofstate.
SB 433 would define general surgery as a single specialty for the purposes of CON and applications for a letter of nonreviewability. This definition also includes ophthalmologists and physiatrists. The capital and equipment spending thresholds that trigger CON review are raised to $2.5 million and $1 million respectively, as applied to single specialty freestanding ambulatory surgery centers. The bill also allows for the creation of joint venture surgery centers that are owned by hospitals and physicians.
SB 433 includes language concerning "sheltered beds" in continuing care retirement communities and allowing for leeway in filling the sheltered beds during the first five years of the operation of the CCRC. The bill includes language relating to

the division of nursing home facilities, allowing a nursing home to relocate within a given county without having to apply for another CON, even if the facility is split into two units.
The bill also alters the calculation of need methodologies, allows for the revocation or partial revocation of a CON, instructs the Department on new need criteria, defines urban versus rural settings for the purposes of health planning, transfers the licensing of certain health care facilities from the Department of Human Resources to the Department of Community Health, and reforms the CON application, review, and appeals process in order to make the CON application quicker, less costly, and less frivolously litigious, while still servicing justiciable claims and appeals against the rulings of the Department. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Special Committee on Certificate of Need - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 138; Nays: 17
SB 460 - Superior Court Clerks' Retirement Fund; membership dues in such fund; creditable service; provide a penalty
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends several provisions relating to the collection of membership dues, fines and fees relating to the Superior Court Clerk's Retirement Fund. Members would be assessed a late charge if membership dues remain unpaid 60 days from the date such payment is due. Additionally, members would not receive creditable service for any month in which dues are in arrears on the last day of the calendar year in which such payments were due.
This bill also specifies that the authority responsible for collecting payments due to the Superior Court Clerk's Retirement Fund must remit payments to the Fund on a monthly basis, or at such other times as the Board may provide. Such payments will be due on the first day of the month, but will be considered timely if received by the fifteenth day of the month following the month on which the payments were collected. These payments would be considered delinquent if they are not remitted to the Fund within 60 days of the date on which such remittal is due and penalties would be imposed.
Finally, this bill authorizes the Board to establish a rule or regulation allowing certain surviving spouses to receive benefits in the event the member dies prior to retirement, provided the member satisfied all requirements for retirement except for attaining 55 years of age. If such rule or regulation is established, the surviving spouse would receive a monthly sum during his or her lifetime that is not greater than 50% of the amount such member would have received had he or she retired at 55 years of age. The actual percent will be set by the Board of Trustees. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 156; Nays: 1
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 penalities. This bill will require registered sexual offenders to provide additional information as a part of the required registration information; to provide for additional probationary conditions for a probationer who has been convicted of a criminal offense against a victim who is a minor or dangerous sexual offense as those terms defined in Code Section 42-1-12. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Loudermilk AM - Yeas: 153; Nays: 1
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 penalities. 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): Loudermilk AM - Yeas: 153; Nays: 1
SB 482 - Government; State Law Library; repeal chapter 11
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 155; Nays: 0
SB 506 - SHAPE Act; require local school systems to conduct physical fitness testing of students; state physical education instruction requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would seek to combat childhood obesity by requiring that schools evaluate the health of their student bodies by some physical fitness assessment that would be developed and implemented by the Department of Education. The bill stipulates that Body Mass Index is not to be used to determine fitness; rather that a more holistic alternative be implemented. Schools failing to meet the adopted criteria would be labelling "Unhealthy Schools." - Authored By: Sen. Joseph Carter of the 13th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 61; Nays: 103
SB 552 - Danielsville, City of; administrative and service departments; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the appointment of directors by the Mayor and their confirmation by the City Council in the City of Danielsville. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0
SB 557 - Allentown, City of; provide for new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Allentown. - Authored By: Sen. Robert Brown of the 26th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0
SB 558 - Banks County; board of commissioners; provide increase in number of members; election
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the commission districts and provide an advisory referendum on the question of changing the form of government in Banks County from a three member commission to a five member commission with four members elected countywide but who must reside and qualify within a commissioner district and a chairperson elected countywide who shall be a full voting member of the board. - Authored By: Sen. Nancy Schaefer of the 50th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0

SB 559 - Quitman County; board of education; compensation of chairperson/members; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the members of the Quitman County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Michael Meyer von Bremen of the 12th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0
SB 561 - Fort Oglethorpe, City of; provide for homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes; municipal purposes
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Fort Oglethorpe ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $10,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city; in the amount of $40,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city who are at least 60 years of age, but less than 70 years of age; and in the full amount of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that city who are disabled or who are 70 years of age or older. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 0
SR 445 - Joint Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Commission; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Creates the Joint Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Minors Study Commission. It will be comprised of 12 members: Three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate; Three members of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House; Six members appointed by the Governor: one from law enforcement, one district attorney, one juvenile court judge, one superior court judge, one public defender and one representative of child advocacy. The Commission will study current law and policy in Georgia and consider input from child victims and adult survivors of commercial sexual exploitation. It will review services currently available to victims and survivors of sexual exploitation in Georgia General Assembly. The Commission will make a report by December 31, 2008, and will stand abolished on January 1, 2009. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: N/A; Nays: N/A
SR 820 - Joint Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution would create the Joint Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Study Committee. The need for the study committee is driven by the need to review the laws regarding the Dept. of Natural Resources law enforcement divisions and determine if any reform, revision, or modernization is needed to better fulfill the Department's purpose. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: N/A; Nays: N/A
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 - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 132; Nays: 24

SR 845 - County Governments; transportation improvement sales and use tax CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to provide for 1% regional sales and use tax to fund transportation projects and mass transportation networks. The citizens of each regional development centers would vote to let each RDC come together to impose a tax to fund transportation projects. The amendment will be placed on the ballot in November 2008 to be ratified or rejected by the people. If approved, each region will put together a list of proposed transportation projects to be considered; will determine the amount of tax to be levied (not to exceed 1%), the maximum period of time the tax will be levied, and the maximum cost of such projects. There will be an option for counties to opt out of the RDC so that if they vote no to increasing the tax, the citizens in these counties will not be asked to participate in the referendum. The language also provides for not only the current exemptions, but for exemptions on fuel used for off road heavy duty equipment, off road farm or agricultural equipment, locomotives, aircraft and watercraft. The tax imposed will apply to and only be levied on the sale or use of fuel that is used for motor vehicles on public highways. The revenue collected from the sales and use tax on motor fuels will be placed into a fund at the Department of Transportation which will be appropriated by the General Assembly for use on transportation projects. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 134; Nays: 34
SR 996 - Counties/Municipalities; local boards of education; authorize to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes/programs CA
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 996 is a proposed constitutional amendment in response to Woodham v. City of Atlanta, __ Ga. __ (Case Nos. S07A1309 and S07A1566, February 11, 2008), which held that no education ad valorem taxes could be used to fund the Atlanta BeltLine TAD. SR 996 is very similar to HR 1364 which the Committee approved last month. In Woodham, the City's school system had agreed to participate in the funding of the BeltLine TAD and a citizen's intervention in opposition to the TAD's bond validation proceeding yielded the Woodham decision.
SR 996 proposes to amend Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VII of the Georgia Constitute in two ways. First, SR 996 proposes to add a Section (a.1) to Paragraph VII, which will provide explicit authority for counties, cities, or housing authorities to undertake and carry out community redevelopment projects. Second, Section (b) of Paragraph VII is amended to authorize the use of county, municipal, and school tax funds, or any combination thereof, to fund redevelopment programs, notwithstanding the constitutional restriction concerning the expenditure of education funds. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 129; Nays: 38
*The House also passed as series of Study Committee resolutions. This list will be provided at a later date.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 52 - DeKalb County; authority of chief executive officer to preside over meetings of the county commission; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the presiding officer to preside over meetings of the DeKalb County Commission and for the commission to establish its own agenda for such meetings, pending a local referendum to approve this change in duties of the DeKalb Chief Executive Officer. - Authored By: Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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CONTACT: BRENT CRANFIELD
(404) 656-0305 Brent.Cranfield@house.ga.gov