Daily report [Mar. 31, 2011]

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TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 38th Legislative Day on Monday, April 11, at 1:00 PM. * 2 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Thursday, March 31, 2011
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

37th Legislative Day

MOTIONS TO INSIST
HB 78 - General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2011 - June 30, 2012
- BILL SUMMARY: The Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012, effective July 1, 2011, is set by the governor's revised revenue estimate of $18.2 billion in state funds. While state funds represent a net 2% increase, total spending for FY 2012 decreases by 4% from $39.2 billion to $37.6 billion. As proposed, the Act requires nearly 55% of state revenue to be directed to education, 22.5% for healthcare, and 8.5% for public safety. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 214 - Public Health, Department of; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill will establish the Department of Public Health and reassign functions of the division of Public Health of the Department of Community Health to the Department of Public Health. - Authored By: Rep. Mickey Channell of the 116th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
RULES CALENDAR
HB 552 - Jackson County; chief magistrate judge nonpartisan elections; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the chief magistrate of Jackson County. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 149; Nays: 11
HB 586 - Rockdale County; chief magistrate; provide election
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the Chief Magistrate of Rockdale County. - Authored By: Rep. Pam Stephenson of the 92nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 144; Nays: 16

HB 599 - Cook County; probate court judge; nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the Probate Judge of Cook County. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 148; Nays: 13
HB 610 - Emanuel County; probate court judge; nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the Probate Judge in Emanuel County. - Authored By: Rep. Butch Parrish of the 156th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 145; Nays: 13
HR 424 - Tennessee River basin withdrawal; feasibility study; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Department of Natural Resources, the Water Supply Division of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) and private enterprises to study the feasibility of withdrawal, storage and distribution of water in a portion of the Tennessee River basin located in northwest Georgia (Catoosa, Dade and Walker Counties), acknowledging the need to develop alternative sources of water supply and storage in Georgia especially in light of ongoing federal litigation over water withdrawals from Lake Lanier. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 162; Nays: 0
SB 36 - Controlled Substances; provide establishment of program to monitor prescribing/dispensing; Electronic Database Review Advisory Committee
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 36, the Patient Safety Act of 2011, will set up a database of all controlled substances dispensed in the state that would be accessible by prescribers and dispensers only by secure passwords. As passed by the Senate, SB 36 would require Law enforcement to have a superior court subpoena in order to access the data.
The Judiciary Non Civil committee substitute revises SB 36 by adding language from HB 184.
Section 1 of the committee substitute amends definitions relative to the regulation of controlled substances. Section 2 adds a new Part to Chapter 13 of Title 16 relating to controlled substances by creating eight (8) new Code sections.
16-13-57 is added to reduce the abuse of controlled substances and the over-prescribing of controlled substances. Subject to funding, this Code section requires the board to establish and maintain a program to electronically record into an electronic data base prescription information resulting from the dispensing of Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substances and to electronically review the prescription information entered into the data base.
16-13-58 authorizes the board to apply for available grants to accept any gifts, grants, or other funds, including funds from the disposition of forfeited property, to assist in developing and maintaining the program established in 16-13-57.
It authorizes the board to grant funds to dispensers to allow them to cover costs for dedicated equipment and software dispensers to use in complying with Code section 16-13-59's reporting requirements. The board is also authorized to establish standards and specifications for any equipment and software purchased pursuant to a grant received by a dispenser.
It does not require a dispenser to incur costs to purchase equipment or software to comply with this law. The grants to dispensers will be funded by gifts, grants, donations, or other funds received by the board for the operation of the program established under 16-13-57.
This Code section does not require the appropriation of state funds.
16-13-59 requires each dispenser to electronically submit to the board information regarding each prescription dispensed for a Schedule II-V controlled substance. The information submitted for each prescription must include at least what is enumerated in the Code section and shall be submitted by each dispenser in accordance to board requirements on at least a weekly basis. If a dispenser is temporarily unable to comply, the dispenser will notify the board.
This Code section grants the board discretion to issue a waiver to a dispenser who is not able to submit prescription information by electronic means acceptable to the board. The waiver may allow the dispenser to submit prescription information by paper means.
It prohibits the board from revising the information required to be submitted by dispensers more than annually and from accessing or allowing others to access any identifying prescription information from the electronic data base more than

two years after the date such information was originally received. The board must ensure that identifying information at least two years old is deleted or destroyed on an ongoing basis in a timely and secure manner.
A dispenser may apply to the board for an exemption to be excluded from compliance if compliance imposes an undue hardship on the dispenser.
16-13-60 requires prescription information submitted to be confidential and not subject to the open records requirement except as provided for in 16-13-60(c)-(d). The board will create strict procedures to ensure privacy of patients and prescribers, and the information will not be disclosed to anyone not specifically enumerated in this Act.
This Code section will allow the board to prepare a plan to provide electronic data base prescription information to a prescription monitoring program in another state if the standards of the requesting state are equivalent to those of the board.
This Code section prohibits any person who receives electronic data base prescription information or related reports from providing the information or reports to any other person except by court order or as otherwise permitted by this Act.
It requires any permissible user who directly accesses electronic base prescription information to implement and maintain a comprehensive information security program that contains appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards.
16-13-61 creates an Electronic Database Review Advisory Committee for the purposes of consulting with and advising the board on matters related to the electronic review of prescriptions. The committee must meet at least once annually, and the members of the committee will receive no compensation or reimbursement of expenses for their services.
16-13-62 requires the board to establish rules and regulations to implement this law.
16-13-63 states that this Act does not require a dispenser or prescriber to obtain information about a patient from the program and will not be held liable for damages to any person in any civil, criminal, or administrative action for injury, death, or loss to person or property on the basis that the dispenser or prescriber did or did not seek information form the electronic data base.
16-13-64 provides for offenses for: a dispenser to knowingly and intentionally fail to submit prescription information or submit incorrect prescription information; a person authorized to access electronic data base prescription information negligently uses, releases, or discloses such information in a manner or for a person that violates this law; an individual authorized to access electronic data base prescription information to knowingly obtain or disclose the information in a manner or for a purpose in violation of this law; a person to knowingly obtain, attempt to obtain, or disclose electronic data base prescription information under false pretenses; and a person to obtain or disclose electronic data base information with the intent to sell, transfer, or use such information for commercial advantage, personal gain, or malicious harm.
This Code section provides a private right of action to any person who is injured by violation of this part. Penalties are cumulative, and SB 36 does not repeal other applicable penalties. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 117; Nays: 45
SB 54 - State Highways; add a definition of "on-premise" or "on-property" signs
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill clarifies the language `sign advertising activities' by replacing it with a new term, "on-premise or on-property sign," which is defined as an advertising device which solely advertises the sale of lease of the real property upon which it is placed or an advertising device identifying the activities located on, or products/services available on the premises or property. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Amendments 340517 - Yeas: 157; Nays: 14

SB 58 - Spencer Pass Hero Memorial Act; indemnification for the death/disability of state highway employee; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 58 will be known as "The Spencer Pass Hero Memorial Act". It adds state employed highway workers to the list of individuals eligible for payment for indemnification for death or disability occurring while on duty. The substitute includes the language from SB 155.
SB 155 revises provisions relating to indemnification payments in the case of death or organic brain damage suffered in the line of duty by a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, emergency management specialist, or prison guard. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch of the 51st - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 1
SB 94 - Firearms; carrying/possession; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: As it passed the Senate, SB 94 would amend Code Section 16-11-125.1 relating to definitions relative to the carrying and possession of firearms by redefining the term of handgun and long gun.
The House Judiciary Non-Civil committee substitute changes some provisions in Code section 16-5-45 relating to the crime of interference with lawful custody by creating an exception for service providers.
The bill defines a service provider as a community based program with staff trained to provide services to children who have run away, children who are homeless or at risk for becoming homeless, or the families of such children.
The bill creates a limited exception to criminal liability for knowingly harboring any child or committed person to allow community based programs to provide shelter and services to a runaway and/or homeless youth (under the age of 18) so as long as (1) a child abuse report is made pursuant to the mandatory reporter statute; (2) child will not disclose any information regarding his or her guardian and the Division of Family services is contacted within 72 hours after child's acceptance of service; or (3) the child's guardian cannot be reached and the Division of Family services is contacted within 72 hours after child's acceptance of service.
The bill also creates a limited exception to the offense of contributing to the unruliness of a minor as defined in Code section 15-11-2 (Juvenile Court Proceedings) so long as one of the above three conditions is met.
These organizations must register with the Department of Human Services or a child welfare agency and provides guidelines for the department to require of the registered organization. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 160; Nays: 6
SB 121 - Natural Resources, Dept. of; provide for refunding of fees under certain circumstances
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 121 establishes a procedure for the Secretary of State and the Department of Natural Resources, as well as its Board, to refund fees collected in error or overpayment or to which the department or state is not otherwise entitled.
An amendment was added in committee to change the mileage rate for DNR board members. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 146; Nays: 7
SB 157 - Waste Management; provide local solid waste management/reporting shall be optional
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill makes it optional, instead of mandatory, for cities and counties to make annual reports to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) concerning the status of solid waste management in their respective jurisdictions. Cities or counties may use solid waste planning guidance promulgated by DCA to update or amend a city or county solid waste plan. Any city or county proposing to update/amend its solid waste management plan must publish notice of such proposed action in the county legal organ or the city's or county's Website at least two weeks prior to adopting such update or amendment to its plan. The bill deletes provisions requiring regional commission confirmation that a local, multijurisdictional or regional plan is consistent with the state solid waste management plan and provides that to be included as part of a local, multijurisdictional or regional solid waste plan, each city and county included as part of the plan shall adopt the plan/any such updates by local ordinance or resolution. - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): Amendment 251260 - Yeas: 161; Nays: 4

SB 240 - Motor Vehicles; create a new class; personal transportation vehicles; definition; exception; rights/duties of drivers; rules of the road
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 240 creates a new class of motor vehicles to be known as personal transportation vehicles. It is defined as follows:
'Personal transportation vehicle' means any motor vehicle:(A) With a minimum of four wheels;(B) Capable of a maximum level ground speed of less than 20 miles per hour;(C) With a maximum gross vehicle un-laden or empty weight of 1,375 pounds; and(D) Capable of transporting not more than eight persons. The term does not include mobility aids, including power wheelchairs and scooters, which can be used indoors and outdoors for the express purpose of enabling mobility for a person with a disability." - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): Amendment 343063 - Yeas: 159; Nays: 4
SR 114 - Property; conveyance of real property located in Gwinnett County
- BILL SUMMARY: This Resolution transfers property from the Georgia Department of Transportation to Georgia Gwinnett College. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 1
LOCALCALENDAR
HB 549 - Fulton County; additional power of each district and boards; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide additional powers to the community improvement districts in Fulton County. - Authored By: Rep. Kathy Ashe of the 56th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 560 - Dalton-Whitfield County Charter and Consolidation Commission Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the Dalton-Whitfield County Charter and Consolidation Commission and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Roger Williams of the 4th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 563 - Atlanta, City of; levy 1 percent excise tax
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Atlanta to levy an additional hotel/motel tax. - Authored By: Rep. Rashad Taylor of the 55th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 579 - Norcross, City of; corporate limits; change
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate boundaries of the City of Norcross. - Authored By: Rep. Pedro Marin of the 96th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 608 - Cobb County State Court; charge technology fee; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the State Court of Cobb County to charge and collect a technology fee and to provide that it be used exclusively for the technological needs of all the county's court systems. - Authored By: Rep. Judy Manning of the 32nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0

HB 611 - Stone Mountain, City of; city council members; provide elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for election by posts for members of the city council in the City of Stone Mountain. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell of the 88th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 612 - City of Cornelia Water and Sewerage Authority; create
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the City of Cornelia Water and Sewerage Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Austin of the 10th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 613 - Kingsland, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Kingsland to exercise all redevelopment powers as permitted under the State Constitution and the Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Rep. Jason Spencer of the 180th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 614 - Polk County; ad valorem tax for county purposes; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Polk County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in an amount that will increase in certain years when the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the preceding year's assessed value of such homestead by a certain amount under certain conditions. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Crawford of the 16th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 615 - Polk County; ad valorem tax for county purposes; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Polk County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in the amount of $30,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for certain residents of Polk County who are 70 years of age or older with net annual household income of $10,000.00 or less. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Crawford of the 16th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 616 - Polk County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Polk County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $30,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for certain residents of that school district who are 70 years of age or older with net annual household income of $10,000.00 or less. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Crawford of the 16th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
HB 618 - Holly Springs, City of; corporate city limits; change
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Holly Springs. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0

HB 619 - Dalton, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Dalton to exercise all redevelopment powers as permitted under the State Constitution and the Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Rep. Roger Williams of the 4th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 143; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Monday, April 11, at 1:00 PM, for its 38th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 38th Legislative Day, Monday, April 11, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
SB 79 - Local Boards of Education; members shall serve terms of no less than four years in length; provide for phase-in period
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 79 states that effective January 1, 2012, members of local boards of education shall serve no less than four years in length and that longer term of office may be provided by local Act of constitutional amendment.
On and after January 1, 2013, in counties where a homestead option sales and use tax and county sales and use tax for education purposes are being collected, their county board of education shall have at least 7 members from singlemember districts of approximately equal population.
Senate Bill 79 also deals with the loss of accreditation by a local school system or school. If they do not retain full accreditation status by July 1, 2011, the State Board of Education shall conduct a hearing in no less than 10 days or more than 30 days and will make recommendations to the Governor. These recommendations will include whether to suspend all members of the local board of education with pay or with consultation of the State Board of Education suspend members with pay and appoint temporarily replacements. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/29/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 184 - Teachers/School Personnel; provide requirements for reduction in force policies; sanctions
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 184 is providing for improvement of teachers and retention of the most effective teachers. Local boards shall not adopt or implement a policy that allows length of service to be the primary or determining factor when implementing reduction in force. They shall consider as the primary factor the performance of the educator, one measure of which may be student academic performance.
This bill also established a task force to review professional learning requirements and to make recommendation to the State Board of Education. The task force will be called the Professional Learning Rules Task Force and shall be composed of many different members within the education community. This task force shall present recommendations no later that July 1, 2013 and after review and approval from State Board of Education the new rules shall be adopted on or before June 30th 2015. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/29/2011 - Rule: Modified-Structured
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Monday, April 11, at 10:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 39th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Judiciary Non-Civil
SB 19 - Forgery/Fraudulent Practices; definitions; medical identity fraud; provide punishment
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill provides for a definition and adds medical identity fraud to the statute provisions relating to identity fraud. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles
SB 57 - Drivers' Licenses; prohibit persons convicted; offense against a victim who is a minor; driving commerical motor vehicles; transport 16/more persons
- BILL SUMMARY: The substitute to SB 57 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: Sen. Steve Gooch of the 51st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles
SB 138 - License Plates; require a sworn statement by an applicant for a tag renewal
- BILL SUMMARY: The House Motor Vehicles substitute to SB 138 provides that dealer and county issued temporary tags will be computer printed, not handwritten, and will be entered into GRATIS so that law enforcement may verify the authenticity of the temporary tags. In addition, the proposed temporary tags will contain a security feature that is difficult to counterfeit. - Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins of the 37th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Public Safety & Homeland Security
SB 186 - Fire Protection/Safety; consolidate primary state fire protection/safety services within a single agency; establish Department of Fire Safety
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 186 enacts the "Consolidation of Fire Safety Services in Georgia Act" and establishes the Department of Fire Safety. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Regulated Industries
HR 643 - House Study Committee on the Equine Industry; create
- BILL SUMMARY: The resolution creates the House Study Committee on the Equine Industry. The resolution provides that the committee shall be composed of six members, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The committee is authorized to meet jointly with the Senate study committee if one is developed. The committee shall undertake a study of the equine industry in Georgia and the benefits therein; make recommendations as to any actions or legislation deemed necessary; and provide a report with findings and recommendations on or before December 31, 2011. The committee shall be abolished on December 31, 2011. - Authored By: Rep. Harry Geisinger of the 48th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Regulated Industries
SB 114 - Distilled Spirits; provide for issuance of a manufacturer's/distiller's license to a fruit grower; certain circumstances
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 The bill amends Code section 3-4-24 and creates a new Code section 3-4-24.1. It is unlawful for the licensee to sell or dispose of distilled spirits or alcohol: in any municipality, county or unincorporated area of a county in which the sale of distilled spirits or alcohol is prohibited by this chapter and any person not holding a wholesale license issued pursuant to this chapter. A manufacturer's or distiller's license may be issued pursuant to this Code section to a fruit grower for the manufacture of distilled spirits in any county or

municipality of Georgia that has approved either the package sales of distilled spirits or the sale of distilled spirits by the drink or both. A manufacturer or distiller issued a license pursuant to the Code section may provide promotional tours, but shall not provide tastings or samplings of distilled spirits at any time.
Section 2 Code section 3-4-24.1 provides that the commissioner may issue a license authorizing the manufacture of distilled spirits from agricultural products other than perishable fruits grown in this state. It is unlawful for the licensee to sell or dispose of any distilled spirits or alcohol: in any municipality, county or unincorporated area of a county in which the sale of distilled spirits or alcohol is prohibited; to any person not holding a wholesale license. A manufacturer's or distiller's license may be issued pursuant to this Code section for the manufacture of distilled spirits from agricultural products other than perishable fruits in any county or municipality of Georgia that has approved either the package sales of distilled spirits or the sale of distilled spirits by the drink or both. A manufacturer or distiller issued a license pursuant to the Code section may provide promotional tours, but shall not provide tastings or samplings of distilled spirits at any time.
Section 3 The bill revises paragraph (2) of Code Section 3-5-36 and provides for the brewpub production limit of 10,000 barrels of beer in a calendar year solely for retail sale on the premises. The brewpub may sell 5,000 barrels annually of such beer to licensed wholesalers for distribution to retailers and retail consumption dealers. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Regulated Industries
SB 143 - Massage Therapy Practice; provide that an applicant for a license by endorsement shall provide certain information
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill amends Code Section 43-24A-8 regarding the licensure of massage therapists, application, requirements and deletes obsolete provisions of the law. The bill requires that no one may practice massage therapy without a valid license or provisional permit issued. Also requires that any applicant must complete an application prescribed by the board, be at least 18 years of age, posses a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, be a resident of the United States or permanent resident of the United States, be of good moral character, and have satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report by the GCIC and FBI. The applicant is responsible for all fees of associated with the performance of the background checks. The applicant must successfully complete a board recognized educational program of a minimum of 500 hours of course and clinical work and successfully pass the National Certification Examination for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, an equivalent test approved by the board or an examination administered in another state whose license requirements meet or exceed those of Georgia.
The bill also amends Code Section 43-24A-13 relating to license by endorsement and provides that when an applicant has satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check by the GCIC and FBI, and application is made it automatically shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board to conduct a criminal background check. The applicant is responsible for the fees associated with the background check. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Henson of the 41st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Regulated Industries
SB 150 - Alcoholic Beverages; provide for the sale of distilled spirits at public golf courses
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill amends Code Section 3-8-2, relating to the sale of alcoholic beverages at public owned facilities. The legislation stated that, "Any county or municipality operating a public golf course and offering food or drink for retail sale as an incident in the operation of the golf course may sell at retail malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits by the drink as an incident to the operation of the golf course upon obtaining a retail consumption license." - Authored By: Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. of the 43rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
State Planning & Community Affairs
SB 141 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council; create; membership, terms, duties; annual report
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 141 would create the Martin Luther King, Jr. Advisory Council within the Department of Community Affairs. The council shall consist of nine members who will serve four year terms, but no more than two consecutive terms. The duties of the council will include promoting racial harmony, principles of nonviolence, and appreciation of the Civil Rights Movement, as well as the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. The council will coordinate educational endeavors, cultural performances, exhibitions, and events that will help the council fulfill its duties. Additionally, the council will prepare an annual report detailing the council's activities for the Governor's and the General Assembly's review. The bill also creates a not-for-profit corporation to which voluntary contributions may be given. - Authored By: Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th - 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
* To view the upcoming committee meetings for the Georgia House of Representatives, please visit:
http://webmail.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=house
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