Daily report [Mar. 16, 2011]

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, Please contact:
(404) 656-5050 or (404) 656-0305

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 31st Legislative Day on Monday, March 21 * 2 resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

30th Legislative Day

RULES CALENDAR
HB 133 - Income tax payment; de minimis overpayments and insufficiencies; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows taxpayers to not have to remit tax bills less than one dollar to the state, but additionally the bill provides for the Department of Revenue to not have to make returns that are less than one dollar, unless specifically requested by the taxpayer. - Authored By: Rep. Ellis Black of the 174th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 165; Nays: 7
HB 149 - Magistrates; termination under certain circumstances; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: As introduced, HB 149 will allow an alternative for chief magistrates to go through the chief superior court judge to remove an appointed magistrate.
The committee substitute removes outdated portions of the Code and creates a new provision for those magistrates who were appointed by the chief magistrate with the consent of the superior court judges. When one of these appointed magistrates' term expires and that magistrate is serving on July 1, 2011, the magistrate will no longer have a set term and will serve at the pleasure of the chief magistrate. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 115; Nays: 57
HB 164 - Revenue and tax; coin operated amusement machines; revise and add definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies Class A and Class B machines that are used for gaming purposes. Additionally this bill defines "Gift Card" and "Gift Certificate" for use in winnings from gaming machines. Furthermore this legislation clarifies new regulation set forth last year in HB 1055, for the coin operated amusement machine industry. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Ramsey of the 72nd - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 2
HB 166 - Engineers and land surveyors; certification eligibility; change requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill relates to professional engineers and land surveyors. The legislation changes the eligibility requirements for certification of engineer-in-training prior to July 1, 2012 and after July 1, 2012. The bill also amends the Code Section 43-15-9 relating to professional engineer certificate for those applying prior to July 1, 2014 and those applying on or after July 1, 2014.
In regards to land surveyors the legislation changes the eligibility requirements for land surveyor- in- training prior to July 1, 2015 and the land surveyor certificate of registration. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 2

HB 168 - Revenue and tax; incorporate certain federal provisions into Georgia Law; define terms
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 168 is the update to the Internal Revenue Code for tax year 2010, additionally this bill contains definitions to clarify the Streamline Sales Tax agreement. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 1
HB 169 - Excise tax; motor vehicle rental; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: Placeholder - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Open - Yeas: 169; Nays: 3
HB 197 - Jails; certain inmate emergency medical care service charges; provide limitations
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill provides limitations on certain medical charges by hospitals who provide emergency care to inmates who are confined in a city or county detention facility. - Authored By: Rep. Barbara Sims of the 119th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 168; Nays: 1
HB 203 - Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council; investigate or disciple peace officers; notify
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes the notification process for initiating an investigation of a peace officer for possible disciplinary action or upon disciplining a peace officer. - Authored By: Rep. Mack Jackson of the 142nd - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 173; Nays: 0
HB 228 - Sales and use tax; distribution of unidentifiable proceeds; limit commissioner's authority
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 228 eliminates the sunset on a provision granting authority to the commissioner of the Department of Revenue to distribute unidentifiable sales and use tax proceeds. Under current law, when a dealer makes a return with insufficient information to identify proceeds as being attributable to retail sales or purchases, rentals, storage, use, or consumption occurring within a particular county or special district, the commissioner must make reasonable efforts to obtain this information. If the commissioner cannot find this information, they must allocate the unidentifiable proceeds among the state, special districts, counties, and cities in the same proportion as the proceeds of the sales and use taxes are otherwise allocated and distributed. Each authorized recipient's pro rata share of the unidentifiable sales tax proceeds shall be the same as their share of the identifiable proceeds. Under the current code, the authority of the commissioner to make this allocation expires on December 31, 2011. This legislation would make this authority permanent. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Austin of the 10th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 172; Nays: 0
HB 234 - Sales and use tax exemption; aircraft engines, parts, and equipment; eliminate sunset
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would extend the sunset date to June 30, 2013 for the exemption of sales tax on materials used for maintenance of aircraft that are repaired or maintained within the state, but are registered outside of the state. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 128; Nays: 42

HB 240 - County sales and use tax; modify infeasible projects; establish procedure
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 240 provides a mechanism for distribution of proceeds for local governments that pass a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) for a certain project, but then determine such project is infeasible. Currently there is no mechanism for anything to be done with such funds, and this bill will allow local governments to hold a referendum to let the voters decide if they would like to use such funds to reduce property taxes or pay off debt of the local governments. These are the same options available in the law now for excess proceeds. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 169; Nays: 3
HB 248 - Health Care Sharing Ministries Freedom to Share Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 248 provides that a health care sharing ministry, which enters into a health care cost-sharing arrangement with its participants, shall not be considered an insurance company, a health maintenance organization, nor a health benefit plan; therefore, the ministry is not subject to the laws related to those entities. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 0
HB 262 - Elections; add 1 percent judicial qualifying fee to fund the Commission; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 262 adds an additional 1 percent qualifying fee for judicial candidates for the purpose of funding the Judicial Qualifications Commission. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Bearden Amendment 281064 - Yeas: 134; Nays: 36
HB 265 - 2011 Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians; Joint Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 265 will create the 2011 Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgians and the Special Joint Committee on Georgia Criminal Justice Reform.
The 2011 Special Council will study the state's current criminal justice structure and report its findings and recommendations for legislation. As originally introduced, the legislation would provide that the findings be submitted no later than January 9, 2012. The committee substitute requires that the findings be made no later than November 1, 2011. The council will consist of 11 members with at least one member being nominated by each branch of government as well as at least one member from each party.
The Special Joint Committee on Georgia Criminal Justice Reform will consist of 17 members from both sides of the legislature and from both parties. The Chairman of the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee will introduce legislation based on the recommendations of the council during the 2012 legislative session. The legislation will be referred to the Joint Committee. If the legislation passes the House, it will be referred back to the Joint Committee in the Senate.
HB 265 provides that the Rules in either chamber may contain provisions to allow this legislative process to occur. It will repeal itself on July 1, 2012. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): Neal Amendment 291008 - Yeas: 169; Nays: 1
HB 269 - Drivers' licenses; provide definitions; background checks; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 269 is the annual "house keeping" bill for the Department of Driver's Services. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Rice Amendment 340497 - Yeas: 171; Nays: 4

HB 274 - Solid waste management; permits; number of facilities within an area; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows for disposal of yard trimmings into municipal solid waste landfills with approved methane gas capture systems that provide beneficial reuse in promoting renewable energy goals. - Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix of the 69th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Nix Amendment 25 1237 - Yeas: 104; Nays: 68
HB 277 - Hunting; baiting and hunting of deer and feral hogs; regulate; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 277 enhances the management of game in Georgia, attempts to control the feral hog population, and provides for both economic development and public safety.
The sub passed by the subcommittee (LC 25 5871S) is different from the original in that it adds definitions for the "northern" and "southern zones." In the northern zone, hunters must be at least 200 yards away from the deer and not within sight of feed or bait. In the southern zone, hunters must have written permission of the landowner to hunt upon, over, or near feed or bait.
HB 277 gives the board the ability to restrict feeding, baiting, or hunting deer where there is a documented occurrence of a communicable disease in the deer population.
HB 277 also states that it shall be unlawful to hunt feral hogs without first obtaining permission from the landowner or lessee and strikes the lines that previously prohibited hunting feral hogs upon, over, around, or near bait. It also gives the board the authority to restrict the feeding, baiting, or hunting of feral hogs in areas where there is a documented occurrence of a communicable disease in the deer population. The Department will give notice by mail or electronic means and also place signs and markers to notify the public. - Authored By: Rep. Jason Shaw of the 176th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Shaw Amendment 25 1245 - Yeas: 122; Nays: 48
HB 307 - Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; burn centers and patients; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation defines a 'Burn trauma center' as a facility designated by the Department of Community Health that admits at least 300 patients annually in conjunction with burn-specific principal diagnosis codes as published by the International Classification of Diseases, and includes these facilities within the Georgia Trauma Care Network. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 118th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 165; Nays: 2
HB 322 - Sales and use tax exemptions; certain jet fuel sales; continue
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation provides a sales tax exemption on jet fuels in the amount of 20 million dollars in FY 12 and 10 million dollars in FY 13, so long as the airline meets the definition of a qualifying airline. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 113; Nays: 61
HB 324 - Developmentally disabled; revise definitions; amend various titles
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the Code as it relates to habilitation of the developmentally disabled population. It removes and updates obsolete terms and provisions for obtaining services, and it establishes access to administrative law judges which will replace hearing examiners. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 172; Nays: 1

HB 325 - Student scholarship organizations; requirements and definitions; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 325 clarifies many definitions as well as adds to certain definitions relating to the Student Scholarship Organizations (SSO). The bill provides that any student deemed to be eligible initially, is to be then eligible until that student either; graduates, reaches the age of 20 or returns to public school. Clarification is given to ensure that 90% of the total amounts of donations are put towards tuition grants and scholarships. Additional reporting requirements are put into place for SSO's, and a requirement for the Department of Revenue to post such statistics on their website. Penalties are added for any SSO found to be in noncompliance, as well as protections for a taxpayer who contributes to an SSO, who is later found to be in noncompliance. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart of the 36th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 110; Nays: 56
HB 332 - Universal Access Fund; eliminate unnecessary regulation; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Georgia Code Section 46-5-167, relating to the Universal Access Fund. Specifically, it prevents local exchange companies from establishing a surcharge on customers' bills without first receiving approval from the Public Service Commission. Data must be submitted to the commission showing that said surcharge does not result in a net rate increase. Surcharges that are authorized or required by federal or state law are exempt. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 168; Nays: 2
HB 341 - Insurers; limited purpose subsidiary life insurance companies; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 341 provides for the establishment of limited purpose subsidiary life insurance companies. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 167; Nays: 2
HB 346 - Income tax; taxable nonresident; change definition
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 346 clarifies how nonresidents must pay Georgia taxes on income for non-qualified deferred compensation plans, by direction the department of Revenue to use the days worked method to calculate this tax. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 1
HB 370 - Risk-based capital levels; trend test property and casualty companies; require
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 370 amends the insurance code relating to risk-based capital levels, so as to require a trend test for property and casualty companies. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 1
HB 382 - Public accommodations; municipal levies; certain additional levies; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 382 allows for the City of Atlanta, pursuant to local legislation, to increase their hotel motel tax by 1%, from 7% up to 8%. The original 7% will continue to be distributed the same way, but at least 80% of the additional 1% increase must be used for the purpose of securing major conventions at large facilities in Atlanta containing at least 1.3 million square feet of floor space and containing at least 70,000 seats. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 147; Nays: 24

HB 389 - Taxpayer refunds; interest; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires that interest not be paid for over payment of sales tax, until the taxpayer has filed a complete refund claim. At which time a complete claim is filed, interest at 1% per month will be paid while the claim is under review. If the claim is to be deemed incomplete by the department, the department must respond within 30 days of filing and if the taxpayer does not respond within an additional 30 days the statute of limitations will continue to run on the claim. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 83; Nays: 89
- This bill failed to receive the requisite constitutional majority
HB 396 - Peachtree Corners, City of; provide new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to grant a charter to the City of Peachtree Corners. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 153; Nays: 1
HB 413 - Surplus line insurance; revise law
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 413 revises the surplus line insurance law in Georgia. The federal Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act (effective July 21, 2011) supersedes certain state regulation of surplus lines insurance and provides that surplus lines premium taxes must only be paid to the home state of the insured (not each state in which the insured is located) but provides that states may enter into an agreement (of which there are competing models) regarding the collection and allocation of premium taxes. HB 413 is needed to give the State (via the Governor with the advice of the Insurance Commissioner) the ability to determine which agreement, if any, may be in the best financial interests of the State. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 1
HB 415 - Jury Composition Reform Act of 2011; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill calls for the Council of Superior Court Clerks to establish and maintain a statewide master jury list. The bill is a proposal of the Supreme Court's Jury Composition Committee, appointed in 2003, which studied whether an inclusive juror source list could replace Georgia' balanced box juror selection system. Since the 1960s, Georgia has used "forced balancing" to ensure that demographic groups within counties are proportionally represented in the jury pool. This bill ends forced balancing, and sets up a series of procedures and rules to compile a statewide, inclusive juror source list.
The bill requires the Department of Driver Services and the Secretary of State to provide certain information to the Council of Superior Court Clerks and to the Administrative Office of the Courts. The Council will screen drivers' license records, vital records, and voter registration records to create an inclusive source list of eligible jurors. The database will be cleaned of duplicates, bad addresses, and the names of felons and deceased people. Then the Council of Superior Court Clerks will certify and distribute an inclusive list to each individual county's Board of Jury Commissioners. The Council will assess each county board of jury commissioners a fee not to exceed 3 cents per name on the list.
A new list will be prepared and distributed annually. The quality and integrity of these jury lists will be regulated by Georgia Supreme Court Rule.
This legislation will result in local court officials having an inclusive jury list consistent with the intent behind our constitutional right to equal protection and a jury of one's peers. Jury service will also be more uniform among eligible citizens. - Authored By: Rep. Alex Atwood of the 179th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 1

HB 421 - Criminal procedure; plea of mental incompetency; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill revises current criminal procedures for determination of whether an accused criminal defendant is incompetent to stand trial.
HB 421 creates a new Code Section 17-7-129 to codify case law and the current practice of Superior Courts raising the question of an accused's competency to stand trial.
It revises existing Code Section 17-7-130. Here, it provides for a bench trial to determine the competency of an accused to stand trial rather than the current requirement of a special jury trial. HB 421 clarifies the involvement of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities in reaching a determination of competency.
Further, the bill requires that the bench trial on an accused's competency or civil commitment be held within 45 days of the court's receipt of a competency or civil commitment evaluation from the Department. The bill establishes the maximum time frame an accused, who has been found incompetent, may be held for further evaluation and establishes the maximum time frames for which an accused may be civilly committed.
As introduced, HB 421 revises the Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to ensure that victims are aware of competency and civil commitment hearings. The committee substitute eliminated this section because it placed a burden on the Department to give notice of hearings that it may not be a party to or have control over. - Authored By: Rep. Andrew J. Welch of the 110th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 1
HB 454 - Presidential preference primary; date and publishing of candidates list; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 454 provides that in each year in which a presidential election is to be conducted on a date selected by the Secretary of State which shall not be later than the second Tuesday in June in such year. The Secretary of State shall select such date no later than December 1 of the year immediately preceding such primary. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 153; Nays: 21
HB 457 - Controlled substances; remote automated medication systems; pharmacists; authorize use
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides the method and manner by which a pharmacist may dispense medications using a remote, automated medication system. The bill also provides that the State Board of Pharmacy shall regulate the use and operation of such devices. The bill further clarifies that any such device is not a vending machine. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 2
HB 461 - Health Care Compact; adopt
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 461 creates the Georgia Health Care Compact Act. - Authored By: . Rick Jasperse of the 12th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Jasper Amendment 281078 - Yeas: 108; Nays: 63
HB 462 - Coin operated amusement machines; limit on number allowed at location; exception
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation seeks to clarify Class B gaming machine licenses so as to allow for machines that involve some degree of skill; pay out only in tickets, tokens or other non-cash representations; and pay outs can only be redeemed on the licensed gaming premises for merchandise that has an average wholesale value of less than $5.00. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Dollar of the 45th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 140; Nays: 3

HB 470 - Registered professional nurse; requirements for preceptorship for applicants; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 470 amends the Nurse Practice Act as it pertains to requirements for applicants graduating from non-traditional schools. The bill provides preceptorship requirements for applicants from non-traditional nursing programs and removes the sunset provision for accepting applicants from non-traditional nursing programs. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 1
HB 477 - Insurance; transition from annual to biennial license renewal; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 477 provides for the transition from an annual renewal to a biennial renewal of licenses of agents, agencies, subagents, counselors, and adjusters; to provide for adjustment of licensing fees as necessary to accommodate biennial licensing. - Authored By: Rep. Jason Shaw of the 176th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 2
HB 485 - Wildlife control permits; release trapped feral hog into unfenced area; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 485 relates to hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses and permits and states that no person shall release any trapped or transported feral hog into any area that is not fenced to prevent the escape of the feral hog onto someone else's property. Anyone who violates this will be guilty of a misdemeanor and will face a fine of no less than $1500. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 30th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 153; Nays: 1
HB 489 - Medicaid audits; contingency fee audits; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill amends Code Section 49-4-151 relating to the Department of Community Health. This bill will allow the department to seek a waiver from the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare services to prohibit contingency fee contracts. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 6
HB 498 - Adairsville, City of; provide new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Adairsville. - Authored By: Rep. Christian Coomer of the 14th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HB 500 - Employment Readiness Program for Georgia's unemployed; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 500 establishes the Employment Readiness Program for Georgia's unemployed and encourages participation in the Employment Readiness Program by persons receiving extended unemployment compensation benefits. The program will be administered by the Department of Labor. It is will be funded by federal funds received by this state for implementation of the Georgia Work Ready initiative and such other funding sources, including grants, donations, and appropriations, that may become available to the department. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Industrial Relations - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 152; Nays: 11

HB 503 - Sexual offenses; fund certain medical examinations; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 503 revises the Code sections relating to victim compensation involving the crimes of alleged rape, sodomy and aggravated sodomy.
When evidence relating to the alleged crimes is collected during a medical examination of the victim of the alleged crime, the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund will be responsible for the cost of the medical examination to the extent the expense is for the limited purpose of collecting evidence. Currently, the Code provides that the law enforcement agency investigating the crime is responsible for the cost.
HB 503 provides a definition for forensic medical examination and establishes five requirements that all forensic medical examinations must include. The Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund will pay up to $1000 for forensic medical examinations even if the person receiving the examination has health insurance. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 168; Nays: 0
HB 508 - Kennesaw, City of; corporate city limits; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Kennesaw. - Authored By: Rep. Ed Setzler of the 35th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HB 509 - State Medical Education Board; abolish
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 509 abolishes the Georgia State Medical Education Board and transfers its powers, duties and obligations to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce effective July 1, 2011. The Physician Workforce Board remains at 15 members; however, the Board is amended to require that three of the five members are rural primary care physicians and two members be representative of a rural, non-profit hospital. - Authored By: Rep. Hank Huckaby of the 113th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): Huckaby Amendment 251247 - Yeas: 162; Nays: 1
HB 511 - Greenville, City of; provide new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Greenville. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Von Epps of the 128th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HB 517 - Talking Rock, Town of; elections and terms of mayor and councilmembers; modify
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the election, composition, and terms of office of the mayor and council of the Town of Talking Rock. - Authored By: . Rick Jasperse of the 12th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HB 522 - Oxford, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from City of Oxford 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. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0

HB 523 - Oxford, City of; form of government a city manager-council; change to
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the charter of the City of Oxford so as to change the form of government from a mayor-council to a city manager-council form of government. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HB 524 - Towns County; ad valorem tax for education; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Towns County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $8,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that county. - Authored By: Rep. Stephen Allison of the 8th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 146; Nays: 0
HR 507 - Carl Hamrick Memorial Highway; City of Gray; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This substitute is the House road/bridge/intersection dedication package. All of those included recognize various Georgians from all over the state for their contributions to their communities and their state. - Authored By: Rep. Susan Holmes of the 125th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 1
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 31st Legislative Day, Monday, March 21, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HR 248 - National Board Certified Teachers; intent to fund; express
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 248 is meant to express the intent of the members of the House of Representatives and their funding for National Board Certified Teachers. Georgia strongly encourages each teacher to become board certified and offers them a 10% stipend for 10 years in their current salary to do so. The teacher's stipend that has already become certified was reduced by in 2009 and then eliminated entirely in 2010. The members of the House of Representatives are committed to restoring funding for National board Certified Teachers at the earliest possible date, as funding permits. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart of the 36th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/3/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HR 381 - Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976; support the modernization
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges Congress to update the federal Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976. - Authored By: Rep. Doug McKillip of the 115th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/3/2011 - Rule: Modified-Open

COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 537 - Johnson County; probate judge serve as chief magistrate; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that the probate judge in Johnson County shall also serve as chief magistrate. - Authored By: Rep. Butch Parrish of the 156th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 551 - Jackson County; board of elections and registration; create
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Jackson County Board of Elections and Registration and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

TBD 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Thursday, March 17, 2011 : No Meetings Today Friday, March 18, 2011 : No Meetings Today
Saturday, March 19, 2011 : No Meetings Today Sunday, March 20, 2011 : No Meetings Today
Monday, March 21, 2011 FLOOR SESSION (LD 31) REGULATED INDUSTRIES

House Chamber 515 CLOB

* This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule please visit the General and click on House Meetings.

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