Daily report [Mar. 2, 2011]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 23rd Legislative Day on Thursday, March 3, at 10:00 AM. * 6 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Wednesday, March 02, 2011
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

22nd Legislative Day

RULES CALENDAR
HB 48 - Ad valorem tax; freeport exemptions; revise and change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 48 expands the current Freeport inventory exemption. It allows local governments to hold a local referendum to exempt inventory of finished goods. Currently, the Freeport exemption only applies to inventory for final destination outside Georgia or inventory in the process of manufacture of production. This bill creates a "Level Two" Freeport exemption that would include all inventory of a business not otherwise qualified for the current, or "Level 1" Freeport exemption. The county or city may exempt 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% of such inventory, subject to local referendum. This level two Freeport may be granted either in lieu of or in addition to the current "level one" Freeport exemption. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 1
HB 66 - Insurance; certificate of insurance forms approved by commissioner; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 66 makes two changes to state insurance law. First, property and casualty certificate of insurance forms shall be filed with and approved by the Insurance Department. Alteration of these approved forms is prohibited. Second, certificate holders would be regulated by the Insurance Commissioner. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 157; Nays: 1
HB 137 - Transportation, Department of; change multiple provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends several different Code sections relating to the Georgia Department of Transportation. It removes the bond requirement for the Director of Planning and states that when a Governor's term expires, the current director of planning shall remain until the new Governor appoints a replacement. If the new Governor doesn't appoint a new director of planning, the current director is still subject to confirmation by the House and Senate Transportation Committees. Requires only public roads which are open to public travel be maintained on state maps and written records.
Regarding asbestos pipe in utility facilities, a request for abandonment must be filed with the department if the facility is on the right of way. The entity doesn't relinquish ownership of the facility though it is deemed abandoned and out of service. If the facility is part of a project or is in conflict with any other operation of the department on the rights of way, then it is removed by the department in accordance with federal laws. If the entity fills with grout or leaves untouched and a new facility request qualifies as part of a project of the department then the entity must remove it according to federal guidelines. Costs related to the entity's decision are no longer offset by the department.
Counties and municipalities will now be required to include an approved digital file with the notification of a new road. The bill also amends OCGA to prohibit GDOT employees from allowing anyone to see or get a copy of an accident report when that person knows it's for commercial solicitation purposes. Any written requests to the department shall include the requestor's name, address, and intended use of the report detailed enough to prove that it's not for commercial solicitation. When reporting annexations, reports must include a list of roadways, bridges, and rights of way annexed and

if necessary, the total mileage annexed. In the event that the department wants to develop where a cemetery is located, the department only has to get a permit if the development will cause the relocation of human remains.
In section 10, the Code is amended to allow GDOT to allow for third party designees to collect fees for accident reports. Section 11 states that law enforcement agencies with more than 500 reports a year must transmit information electronically if the department has approved the reporting agency for the electronic reporting method. This section also allows DOT to use a third party to fulfill its responsibilities under this Code section. - Authored By: Rep. Donna Sheldon of the 105th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 165; Nays: 1
HB 196 - Search warrants by video conference; what portion of video maintained; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation will amend the video warrant statute (Code Section 17-5-21.1) to clarify what must be recorded.
If a judge accepts additional oral testimony in support of a written application for a warrant, the bill will require maintaining a video recording of the testimony. However, if there is no intentional misconduct by the state, the absence of a recording shall not be a basis to challenge an otherwise valid warrant issued under this Code section. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 102nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 2
HB 200 - Crimes and offenses; human trafficking; change compensation; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Titles 16, 17, and 35 of the Official Code of Georgia to discourage the trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude. It will clarify the definition of sexual servitude; increase penalties for individuals who are found guilty of human trafficking; provide law enforcement with more tools to combat the practice of human trafficking; and expand the forfeiture law to help combat human trafficking.
The legislation will:
add to the definitions of coercion, sexual servitude and deception and also adds definitions for performance and sexually explicit conduct to be used in the Code section.
make real and personal property subject to forfeiture if (1) used or intended for use in the course of, (2) derived from, or (3) realized through a violation of the Code section.
amend OCGA 16-6-13 relating to the penalties for violating the Code sections of prostitution, keeping a place of prostitution, pimping or pandering (OCGA 16-6-10 through 12). The penalty is increased if the offense involves persons under the age of 16.
revise Code section 17-15-2 relating to definitions for victim compensation. The section adds trafficking persons for labor or sexual servitude to the definitions of crime and victim.
create an exception to the rule that a person who is responsible or an accomplice to a crime would be ineligible for an award. Any persons who suffer a serious mental or emotional trauma as a result of being trafficked for labor or sexual servitude are eligible.
requires the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to establish guidelines and procedures for the incorporation of training materials and information in: (1) methods for identifying, combating, and reporting incidents where a person has been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude; (2) methods for providing proper detention facilities or alternatives to detention facilities for persons for persons who have been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude, including information on therapeutic facilities; and (3) methods for assisting persons who have been trafficked for labor or sexual servitude, including information on social service organizations.
The committee substitute also gives the GBI authority to investigate crimes involving the trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 168; Nays: 1

HB 237 - Residential mortgage fraud; mortgage lending process; revise definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation expands the definition of mortgage lending process and provides the Attorney General and district attorneys with investigative and subpoena powers to enforce the prohibition on mortgage fraud.
Section 1 expands the definition of mortgage lending process to include (1) the execution of deeds under the power of sale and (2) the execution of assignments vesting the secured creditor with title to the security instrument.
Section 2 provides the Attorney General or any district attorney with the authority to issue a subpoena to compel the production of any books, papers, documents, or tangible things in any investigation involving fraudulent real estate transactions.
If a person fails to obey the subpoena without a lawful excuse, then the Attorney General or district attorney may apply to a superior court for an order compelling compliance. The subpoenaed party may object to the subpoena, but a failure to obey a subpoena issued under this Code section may be punished as contempt of court. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 168; Nays: 1
HB 293 - Retirement bills; define a certain term
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill expands the definition of a fiscal retirement bill to include any bill or amendment that grants a public retirement system an insurable interest in active or retired members, or authorizes or directs a public retirement system to expend or obligate funds to purchase life insurance on its members.
This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 149; Nays: 1
HB 297 - Retirement and pensions; public systems prohibited from expending fund for certain purposes; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would prevent a public retirement system from expending or obligating funds under the control of the retirement system to purchase life insurance on its members unless all benefits are paid to the member's estate or designated beneficiary.
This is a nonfiscal retirement bill - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Thursday, March 3, at 10:00 AM, for its 23rd Legislative Day.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day, Thursday, March 3, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HB 87 - Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation, known as the "Illegal Immigration Reform and Enforcement Act of 2011," reforms Georgia's immigration laws by adding new Code sections and revising existing Code sections. The provisions are intended to be implemented in a manner which is consistent with federal laws governing immigration and civil rights.
Generally, the legislation will: provide definitions; provide a private cause of action for enforcement of provisions relating to the prevention of illegal immigration; require employers to use an employment eligibility verification system and provide for civil penalties; provide for offenses involving illegal aliens; provide authority for law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws under certain circumstances and provide immunity for such officers subject to limitations; modify provisions related to training peace officers for enforcement of immigration and custom laws; establish grant funding for local law enforcement agencies to enter into agreements with federal agencies for enforcement of immigration law; provide for identification cards by applicants for public benefits; and enact the "Secure and Verifiable Identity Document Act"
The committee substitute also adds the offense of aggravated identity fraud. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Ramsey of the 72nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/28/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 123 - Weapon removal from public official; include stun guns and tasers; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation will amend Code Section 16-10-33 relating to the removal or attempted removal of a weapon from a public official and punishment therefore so as to clarify that the Code Section includes stun guns and tasers.
The legislation adds a new subsection clarifying that the term 'firearm' as used in this particular Code Section will include stun guns and tasers thereby making it unlawful for a person to knowingly remove or attempt to remove a stun gun or taser from a public official. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/23/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 142 - Official Code of Georgia Annotated; revise, modernize, and correct errors or omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 142 will revise, modernize and correct errors and omissions in the followings titles of the OCGA: Title 2, Agriculture; Title 7, Banking and Finance; Title 8, Buildings and Housing; Title 10, Commerce and Trade; Title 11, Commercial Code; Title 12, Conservation and Natural Resources; Title 14, Corporations, Partnerships, and Associations; Title 15, Courts; Title 16, Crimes and Offenses; Title 17, Criminal Procedure; Title 20, Education; Title 22, Eminent Domain; Title 26, Food, Drugs and Cosmetics; Title 29, Guardian and Ward; Title 31, Health; Title 32, Highways, Bridges and Ferries; Title 33, Insurance; Title 36, Local Government; Title 37, Mental Health; Title 38, Military, Emergency Management, Veterans Affairs; Title 40, Motor Vehicles and Traffic; Title 42, Penal Institutions; Title 43, Professions and Businesses; Title 44, Property; Title 45, Public Officers and Employees; Title 46, Public Utilities and Transportation; Title 48, Revenue and Taxation; Title 50, State Government; Title 52, Waters of the State, Ports and Water Craft; and Title 53, Wills, Trusts and Administration of Estates. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Code Revision - House Committee Passed: 2/22/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured

HB 156 - Indemnification payment; injured state highway employees; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 156 adds state employed highway workers to the list of individuals eligible for payment for indemnification for death or disability occurring while on duty. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas of the 134th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 2/24/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 189 - Noncovered Dental Services Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 189 provides that no contract or agreement between a dental insurer or network and a dentist shall require the dentist to accept an amount for dental care services that are not covered dental services under a dental benefit plan. Further, it provides that no dental insurer shall publish or otherwise communicate that discounts are available for non-covered dental services.
Violation of the provisions of this bill will be punishable as an unfair trade practice. - Authored By: Rep. Joe Wilkinson of the 52nd - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 2/24/2011 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 264 - Georgia Council for the Arts; power and authority; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation transfers the power, authority, authority, and related matters of the Georgia Council for the Arts from the Office of Planning and Budget to the Department of Economic Development. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism - House Committee Passed: 2/23/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, March 3, at 9:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 24th Legislative Day.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Banks & Banking
HB 239 - Financial institutions; provide for definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation makes changes to the Department of Banking and Financing that bring the department in line with federal regulation guidelines in the following manner:
The definition of statutory capital base has been expanded to include negative retained earnings as a qualifying amount. The Department has the authority to determine whether the business conducted by a financial institution calls for its dissolution. After being issued a written demand by the Department as to why dissolution should not be pursued, the institution will have 60 days to respond or the department may seek dissolution directly from the Secretary of State's Office. A bank or trust company unable to maintain 5 directors at any time must ensure that remaining directors fulfill their obligations and actions. This legislation clarifies that in regards to the board of directors of credit unions, no member of the supervisory committee serves as a member of the credit committee or as an officer unless the board of directors functions as the credit committee. The definition of "P.O.D. account" has been expanded to include "an incorporated entity." A P.O.D. payee is a person or incorporated entity designated on a P.O.D. account as one whom the account is payable on request after the death of one or more persons. The definition of a "Mortgage Lender" is broadened by adding in the qualifier of someone who "holds" mortgage loans. The successors or any licensed mortgage loan originator, broker, or lender must all operate under the requirements of the "Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry." An attorney must be licensed to practice in the state of Georgia in order to negotiate the terms of a residential mortgage. The effective date of mortgage loan originators' licensing requirements is changed to August 1, 2010. Each mortgage loan originator is required to be covered by the surety bond of his or her sponsoring licensed or registered mortgage broker or lender. The Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry is established as the uniform administrator of an automated licensing system for mortgage loan originators, brokers and lenders. Any private or confidential information provided to the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry may be shared with all state and federal regulatory agencies or law enforcement authorities.

A mortgage loan originator shall be deemed to have been convicted of a crime if he or she has pleaded guilty, been found guilty of, or entered a first offender or nolo contendere plea to a felony in a domestic, foreign or military court under the guidelines of the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, unless pardoned of said conviction. Each mortgage broker or lender applicant, licensee, and registrant must examine the department's public records to determine that a potential employee is not subject to a cease and desist order within the last five years. Non-compliance may result in license or registration. In relation to license and registration renewal and expiration, an applicant may continue operating pending final approval as long as all proper documentation has been submitted on or before December 1st and has not been disapproved by January 1st. In the event that the department initiates an administrative action against a current licensee or an applicant, the department may pursue the action despite the fact that a licensee or applicant may withdraw or fail to renew. Persons in violation of any order issued pursuant to cease and desist orders under this code section shall be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 155th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HB 256 - 9-1-1 system; regulation of charges on prepaid wireless services; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends the collection of funds relating to the emergency telephone number 9-1-1 system by moving the collection of existing 9-1-1 charges on prepaid wireless service to the retail point of sale. The prepaid wireless 9-1-1 charge will be collected from the consumer by the seller for each retail transaction occurring in the state at a rate of $0.75 per transaction. If the minimal amount of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, defined as 10 minutes or less, or $5.00 or less, is sold for a single, non-itemized price the seller may elect not to apply the $0.75 charge to the transaction. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HB 280 - Emergency Telephone System Fund; additional uses for moneys; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation specifies that 9-1-1 revenue funds that remain after jurisdictions have paid for personnel, equipment, and facilities, be used for other expenses such as: the lease, purchase, or maintenance of a mobile communications vehicle and equipment; indirect costs associated with supporting the 9-1-1 center; and the lease, purchase, or maintenance of public safety voice and data communications systems. A reserve amount of 10% of the previous year's expenditures must be maintained. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 118th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
HB 304 - Service suppliers; information registered by suppliers supporting 9-1-1 system; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation creates a registration uniformity among service providers who participate in the 9-1-1 system. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 118th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Health & Human Services
HB 147 - Patient Right to Know Act of 2001; medical malpractice insurance; include
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill will provide patients a way to ascertain whether or not a physician carries malpractice coverage. This information will be added to the other demographic and professional information already contained in the system. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Watson of the 163rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Health & Human Services
HB 227 - Student health; school personnel administer auto-injectable epinephrine; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 227 will amend the current Code that allows students to carry and self-inject auto-injectable epinephrine. The bill will allow a teacher, school administrator, school nurse, or other appropriate school system employee to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to a student in the event they are unable to self-inject.
The legislation also will allow schools to receive and store epipens (epinephrine) for students who cannot self-administer due to age and/or other reasons. Parents or guardians will provide the epipen.

Additionally, the bill will require school systems to provide information on the symptoms of anaphylaxis and the proper administration for auto-injectable epinephrine.
Furthermore, the legislation will provide immunity to teachers, school administrators, school nurses, or other appropriate school system employees who administer the auto-injectable epinephrine in good faith and in an emergency situation. - Authored By: Rep. Josh Clark of the 98th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Health & Human Services
HB 275 - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; authorized to order not to resuscitate; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill will clarify which health care providers are authorized to effectuate an order to not resuscitate. It defines the term of Caregiver and redefines Nurse for this code section. It also adds other licensed facility to those persons and or health care facilities which are able to carry out in good faith a do not resuscitate cardiopulmonary resuscitation order.
The bill was amended in committee to provide for the placement of in home placards instead of bracelets to make everyone aware of the do not resuscitate order in place. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas of the 134th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Health & Human Services
HB 303 - Physicians assistants; delegation of authority by a physician; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the delegation of authority to a physician assistant by a physician to cover the ability of a physician assistant to sign off on certain documents except for death certificates and assigning the percentage of disability rating for workers' compensation. The documents must be listed in the scope of authorized practice between the physician assistant and the physician. The bill further addresses the physician's involvement in the patient's care as it relates to the use of physician assistants. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 41st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 254 - Rules of the road; driver meet or overtake school bus; enforce by video images; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that video cameras and associated equipment may be installed on public school buses, and that civil fines obtained as a result of this video may be apportioned to the local government and the private company whose video equipment is being used. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 315 - Watercraft operation; 0.08 alcohol concentration; violation; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: Currently, it is an offense for a person's blood alcohol level to be 0.10 grams or more within three hours after operating a moving water vessel if the alcohol was consumed prior or during operation of the vessel.
The bill lowers the requirement for the offense from 0.10 to 0.08 grams. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Cooke of the 18th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 373 - Designated felony acts; modify order for restrictive custody; clarify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill allows the Department of Juvenile Justice through counsel or a juvenile to petition the court to modify a sentence based on the juveniles good behavior. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 102nd - Committee Action: Do Pass

Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 390 - Criminal cases; state has right of direct appeal; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill authorizes the state to have the right of direct appeal rather than seeking a certificate for immediate review when a defendant's motion for new trial or extraordinary motion of new trial (when the defendant challenges a conviction based upon newly discovered evidence) is granted. - Authored By: Rep. Christian Coomer of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 180 - Motor vehicles; leave safe distance between vehicle and bicycle when passing; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Title 40 relating to overtaking, passing, and following too closely by adding a new Code section 40-6-55. The new Code section requires drivers, when feasible, to remain at a safe distance when overtaking and passing a bicycle that is moving in the same direction on the road way. The section also defines "safe distance" as no less than three feet. This three foot clearance must be maintained until the motor vehicle is safely past the overtaken bicycle. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 247 - Community Health, Department of; fingerprint and investigate emergency medical services personnel; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires EMS personnel to submit to national criminal background checks. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 254 - Rules of the road; driver meet or overtake school bus; enforce by video images; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that video cameras and associated equipment may be installed on public school buses, and that civil fines obtained as a result of this video may be apportioned to the local government and the private company whose video equipment is being used. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 266 - Carrying weapons; constables; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill reinstates the right for constables to take their weapon into certain public buildings. - Authored By: Rep. John P Yates of the 73rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Regulated Industries
HB 374 - Cosmetologists; examinations and applications for certificates of registration; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill revises Code section 43-10-9, relating to cosmetologists, the application for certificate of registration, examination, work permit, reciprocity, study at a technical college or public school and eligibility of a licensed barber.
The bill provides for on or after July 1, 2011 an applicant applying under Code Section 43-10-9 shall pass both a written and practical exam within a 24 month period after having obtained the required credit hours or shall be required to repeat all of such required credit hours before retaking the examination. Should an applicant fail to pass the written or practical exam, the board shall furnish the applicant a statement in writing, stating what manner the applicant was deficient. Applicants applying under this Code Section who have graduated from an educational program which prepares cosmetologists in another country shall submit to the State Board of Cosmetology's credential's evaluation from a board approved credentials evaluation provider.
The bill revises subsection (c) of Code Section 43-10-10 relating to display of certificate of registration, renewal, reinstatement, continuing education requirements and exemptions.

The bill also amends paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 43-10-12, relating to the regulation and permits for schools, teachers and instructors, registration of apprentices, and certification as a teacher by the Department of Education.
The bill also revises Code Section 43-10-14, relating to the age of study by a person of 17 years of age or older, registration of apprentices, registration certificate and waiver of education requirements. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell of the 88th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Regulated Industries

HR 186 - Horse racing; pari-mutuel wagering; provide - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: The resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide the General Assembly to provide by law for pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing by or on behalf of the state and for any related matters relating to such activities, provided that such activities, except for electronic, Internet, and telephonic pari-mutuel wagering which the General Assembly may authorize and regulate by general law. The net revenues and proceeds shall be separately accounted for and specifically identified by the Governor in the annual budget presented to the General Assembly as a separate budget category entitled "Pari-mutuel Wagering Proceeds.'
The net revenues and proceeds shall be used to supplement , not supplant nonpari-mutuel wagering resources for: 1.) Tuition grants, scholarships or loans to citizens of the states to attend colleges and universities within the state operated by the Board of Regents or under the authority of the Technical College System of Georgia; 2.) voluntary pre-kindergarten; and 3.) funding and all costs or any portion of the cost of providing trauma care services by public and private hospitals and medical facilities in Georgia. The General Assembly shall appropriate all such net revenues and proceeds in accordance with law. The ballot submitting the proposed amendment shall have written or printed on it the following: " "( ) YES Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for pari-mutuel wagering in Georgia on horse racing conditioned upon the approval by the electors of the county in which such activities are to be conducted in a referendum and for the use of the net revenues and proceeds only for the purpose of funding educational grants, scholarships or loans; voluntary prekindergarten programs; and funding and all costs or any portion of the costs of providing trauma care services by public and private hospitals and medical facilities in this state?" ( ) NO
All persons in favor shall vote "Yes" and all persons against shall vote "No." As provided in Article X, Section I, Paragraph II of the Constitution such amendment shall be ratified and become a part of the Constitution of the State. - Authored By: Rep. Harry Geisinger of the 48th - 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.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 03, 2011

TBD

FLOOR SESSION (LD 23)

House Chamber

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT

606 CLOB

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Jacobs Subcommittee (Two) Judiciary Civil

132 CAP

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM State Highways Subcommittee of Transportation 515 CLOB

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Academic Innovations Subcommittee of Education 123 CAP

9:00 AM - 10:00 AM RULES

341 CAP

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

406 CLOB

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Setzler Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil

514 CLOB

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION

403 CAP

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDUCATION

506 CLOB

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Admin/Licensing Subcommittee of Insurance

515 CLOB

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Consumer Protection Subcommittee

605 CLOB

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM BUDGET & FISCAL AFFAIRS OVERIGHT

403 CAP

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM MOTOR VEHICLES

415 CLOB

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM TRANSPORTATION

406 CLOB

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM WAYS & MEANS

606 CLOB

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Appropriations Education Subcommittee

506 CLOB (or Upon Adjournment of House Education)

* 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.