Daily report [Feb. 21, 2012]

HOUSE BUDGET & RESEARCH OFFICE (404) 656-5050 HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS (404) 656-0305

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 23rd Legislative Day on Wednesday, February 22, at 10:00 AM. * 10 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Tuesday, February 21, 2012
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

22nd Legislative Day

RULES CALENDAR
HB 472 - Brewpub distribution system; maximum barrels of beer manufactured and sold; increase
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill amends existing language so as to amend the terms and conditions that exist for owner and operators of brewpubs. The legislation increases the maximum quantity of barrels of beer that may be manufactured (from 5,000 to 10,000) and sold (from 500 to 5,000), as well as removing the requirement that beer be sold solely in draft form. - Authored By: Rep. Richard H. Smith of the 131st - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 152; Nays: 6
HB 634 - Ad valorem tax; population brackets and census; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation adjusts the population brackets in 48-5-24 (c)(1). In doing so the act continues to only affect Fulton County, and does not affect Gwinnett County which has a population that would now be covered under the act. - Authored By: Rep. Donna Sheldon of the 105th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 165; Nays: 1
HB 635 - Macon Water Commissioners - Pension Plan; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 635 amends provisions relating to the Macon Water Commissioners Pension Plan. This bill excludes individuals whose hire date is on or after July 1, 2012 and it gives existing participants the ability to participate in a new plan established by the Board. The bill also changes the definition of "final average monthly compensation" used to calculate benefits and it amends the definition of "disability" to exclude disabilities that are self-inflicted or that occurred while committing a crime. This is a fiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. David Lucas of the 139th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Open - Yeas: 163; Nays: 0
HB 733 - Family violence; holdover provisions for appointees; add
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 733 provides a holdover provision for members of the Georgia Commission of Family Violence in the absence of a Governor's new appointment or reappointment. - Authored By: . Dustin Hightower of the 68th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 0

HB 786 - Consumers' insurance advocate; not necessary to file insurance rate filings until appropriately funded; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 786 provides that, until such time as the consumers' insurance advocate is appropriately funded, it shall not be necessary to file copies of insurance rate filings with the consumers' insurance advocate. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 169; Nays: 0
HB 886 - Banking and finance; credit exposure as a counterparty in derivative transactions; limit certain obligations
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation adds credit exposure as a counterparty in derivative transactions with any one person or corporation to the lending limits to such persons or corporations for state-chartered banks. - Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson of the 111th - House Committee: Banks & Banking - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 4
HB 895 - Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; gathering information relating to sexual offenders; provide more effective methods
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 895 provides for more effective methods of gathering information relating to sexual offenders by expanding GBI's powers to assist the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board in gathering information relative to its sexual offender evaluations and transferring investigators from the Board to GBI. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
HB 929 - Judicial circuits; assistant district attorney for certain populations; repeal office
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal the population act creating the office of assistant district attorney in the Houston and Waycross Judicial Circuits. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 167; Nays: 0
HB 930 - Judicial circuits; superior court judge for certain populations; repeal supplemental expense allowance
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal the population act providing a supplemental expense allowance for the judges of the superior courts in the Houston and Waycross Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 161; Nays: 0
LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 905 - Cobb County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Ed Setzler of the 35th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 99; Nays: 46
HB 1014 - Lavonia, City of; corporate limits; change and extend
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Lavonia. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 147; Nays: 0

HB 1019 - Dekalb County; City of Doraville; filling of vacancies in offices of mayor and councilmember; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the filling of vacancies in the offices of mayor and councilmember in the City of Doraville. - Authored By: Rep. Elena Parent of the 81st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 147; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Wednesday, February 22, at 10:00 AM, for its 23rd Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day, Wednesday, February 22, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HB 514 - Distilled spirits; free tastings on premises; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill amends Code Section 3-4-180 and provides for a definition of `free tastings' of tax paid varieties of distilled spirits. `Free tastings' means the provision of complimentary samples of distilled spirits to the public for consumption on the premises of a distiller. The legislation also provides a definition of `sample,' which is one-half of one ounce of distilled spirits.
The commissioner shall, upon proper application issue an annual permit to any distiller licensed in the state authorizing such distiller to conduct educational and promotional distillery tours which may include free tastings by members of the public of tax-paid varieties of distilled spirits manufactured by such distiller.
No distiller conducting free tastings under this Code section shall provide, directly or indirectly, more than the one sample to a person in one calendar day. Free tastings shall be held in a designated tasting area on the premises of the distiller and all open bottles shall be visible at all times. - Authored By: Rep. E. Culver "Rusty" Kidd of the 141st - House Committee: Regulated Industries - House Committee Passed: 2/1/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 640 - Insolvent insurers; claimants rights; correct certain language
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 640 simply corrects language in OCGA 33-36-14 that was accidentally omitted by a drafting error. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 2/8/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 687 - Alarm monitoring service companies; utilize alarm verification; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires an alarm monitoring company to use a second contact for alarm verification in the event that no contact is made on the first attempt so that in the event of a false alarm, the dispatched law enforcement can disregard and continue on with their duty. In the committee substitute there is an exemption for fire alarms. No second verification call will be required in the even that there is a fire alarm, panic, robbery-in-progress, or crime-in-progress which as been verified to be true by video or audible means. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Taylor of the 79th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 2/2/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open

HB 730 - Administrative Services, Department of; public works construction contracts; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 730 establishes that unless otherwise required by law, the Department of Administrative Services shall not in its bid documents, specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents for a public works construction contract: (1) Require or prohibit bidders, offerors, contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers to enter into or adhere to prehire agreements, project labor agreements, collective bargaining agreements, or any other agreement with one or more labor organizations on the same or other related construction projects; or (2) Discriminate against, or treat differently, bidders, offerors, contractors, subcontractors, or material suppliers for becoming or refusing to become or remain signatories or otherwise to adhere to agreements with one or more labor organizations on the same or other related construction projects. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - House Committee: Industrial Relations - House Committee Passed: 2/8/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 769 - Consumers' utility counsel division; not necessary to file copies of filings with Public Service Commission; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation states that until the Consumers' Utility Counsel Division is specifically granted funding in the appropriations act, the division will not be required to file copies of filings with the Public Service Commission. - Authored By: Rep. Harry Geisinger of the 48th - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications - House Committee Passed: 2/16/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 811 - Budgetary and financial affairs; automatic fee adjustment in certain cases; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 811 provides for automatic fee adjustments in cases where funds are not appropriated for specified purposes when certain fees are imposed for such purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - House Committee Passed: 2/16/2012 - Rule: Structured
HB 850 - Guardian and ward; criminal background checks for persons seeking to become a guardian; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 850 gives probate judges the discretion to require petitioners seeking to become a guardian or conservator to submit to a background check. - Authored By: Rep. Brett Harrell of the 106th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/9/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open
HR 1162 - General Assembly; state-wide education policy; clarify authority - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 1162 is proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia to clarify the authority of the state to establish state-wide education policy. With this bill the General Assembly will be able to establish special schools. HR 1162 states that special schools shall include charter schools, as defined and provided for by law; provided that special schools shall only be public schools. If passed, this proposed amendment will be submitted on the ballot for ratification or rejection. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 46th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 2/7/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 231 - Probation; provide additional offenses for which first offender status shall not be granted
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill precludes those who have been charged with inflicting serious harm or injury on one of our law enforcement officers from receiving probation and first offender status if convicted of such crime. - Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 1/27/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured

* The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, February 22, at 9:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 24th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Game, Fish, & Parks
HB 684 - Natural Resources, Department of; transfer certain responsibilities for state parks to local governing authorities; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 684
Section 1 The legislation creates a new Code section 12-3-35 of the OCGA, relating to state parks and recreational areas. a.) The term `change in services' is defined to mean the closing of a state park or recreational area or a significant reduction in the hours of operation or services offered at the indicated state park. This condition applies to instances where such a reduction is likely to lead to fewer visitors to the state park or recreational area. b.) States that the governing authority of each municipality and county, where the state park or recreational area is located, shall be notified in writing at least 60 days prior to the Board of Natural Resources voting on such a proposed change or at least 60 days prior to the department implementing the change, whichever occurs first. c.) The department is authorized to enter into a memorandum of agreement with the local governing authority in which the state park or recreational area is located, for the purpose of transferring control, operating, and management responsibilities for, or within, a state park or recreational area. This transfer of total or partial management responsibilities provided for under this Code section shall occur only upon the Board of Natural Resources or the local governing authority finding that such a transfer is in the best interest of the public. d.) The department shall, at the request of the local governing authority, submit a request and recommendation in writing to each member of the Board of Natural Resources for the board's consideration of the transfer of stated total or partial management responsibilities for a state park or recreation area. The board shall make the final determination regarding each request for transfer.
Section 2 This act shall become effective upon the approval of the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval
Section 3 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Rep. Debbie Buckner of the 130th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Game, Fish, & Parks
SB 309 - Taylor's Law; authorize issuance of special hunting privileges to persons with a terminal illness
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 309 This bill amends Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. This authorizes the issuance of special hunting privileges to persons with a terminal illness. Section 1 This Act shall be known and may be cited as "Taylor's Law". Section 2 A new code section will be added, section 27-2-4.3 a) The term "terminal illness" is defined to mean an illness which is incurable or irreversible with a corresponding life expectancy that is less than 12 months. b.) The commissioner is authorized to issue special authorization to hunt big game or alligators to any person younger than 21 years of age who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness by a doctor of medicine currently licensed by either the Georgia Composite Medical Board or the State Board of Examiners in Osteopathy. This special authorization could include the waiving of quota limitations, antler restrictions, legal weapons requirements etc. Such authorization shall be for only one hunting season. c.) The commissioner may prepare an application to be used by the individual requesting the special authorization, and may require signed documentation from a medical doctor, licensed as previously stated. d.) The person who receives the special authorization shall conduct all hunting under the direct supervision of an adult hunter and abide by the specified terms and conditions, as specified by the commissioner.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Higher Education
HB 792 - Nonpublic Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990; operate by means of accreditation; provide authorization
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation amends Code Section 50-36-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the verification of lawful presence within the United States, so as to clarify that postsecondary education is a state and local public benefit that is reserved for citizens and lawfully present and eligible aliens. The bill requires verification of the eligibility for such applicants for postsecondary education benefits through the federal SAVE program (Systemic Alien Verification for Entitlements), which is operated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, and further clarifies that policies of agencies or political subdivisions regarding postsecondary education benefits shall comply with federal law as described in 8 U.S.C. Section 1623. This U.S.C. Section stipulates that an alien who is not lawfully present in the United States shall not be eligible on the basis of residence within a state for any postsecondary education benefit unless a citizen or national of the United States is eligible for such a benefit without regard to whether the citizen or national is such a resident. - Authored By: Rep. David Casas of the 103rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 774 - Morgan County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Morgan County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 775 - Morgan County; Board of Education; change composition and description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Morgan County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 958 - Crawford County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Crawford County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Robert Dickey of the 136th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 959 - Crawford County; Board of Commissioners; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Crawford County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Robert Dickey of the 136th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 976 - Hart County; Board of Commissioners; change description off districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Hart County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 977 - Hart County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Hart County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 980 - Gainesville, City of; board of education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the City of Gainesville Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1000 - Irwin County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Irwin County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1001 - Irwin County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Irwin County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1009 - Worth County; board of commissioners; reapportion districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Worth County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Buddy Harden of the 147th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1010 - Worth County; Board of Education; reapportion districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Worth County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Buddy Harden of the 147th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1031 - Greene County; board of education; change compensation for chairperson and members of board
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation to the chairperson and members of the Greene County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Mickey Channell of the 116th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1063 - Troup County Airport Authority; change membership of authority
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the membership of the Troup County Airport Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Von Epps of the 128th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1070 - Brantley County; school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Brantley County school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in the amount of $15,000.00 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are 65 years of age or older and whose income does not exceed $30,000.00. - Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer of the 178th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Judiciary
HB 419 - Foreclosure; time of delivery of notice of proceedings; change
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill provides a consumer with an absolute right to bring their mortgage up to date if they pay all past due payments along with any late fees or attorney's fees. Current law requires permission from the lender in order to do this. The creditor may require that payment be made by cash, money order, electronic funds transfer, or certified check.
As introduced, HB 419 extends the notice provision of foreclosure from 30 to 90 days. The committee substitute does not include this provision. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell of the 88th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 844 - Bonds; certain validation hearing appearance provisions; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 844 strengthens weaknesses in the validation process under which local development authorities issue Industrial Revenue Bond, bond anticipation notes and other financial instruments for the purpose of stimulating economic development and assisting new, expanding or relocating businesses to come to Georgia.
The committee substitute removes a provision that required individuals to be subject to the Civil Practice Act because the committee was concerned that the requirement created an unnecessary procedural roadblock. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 942 - Official Code of Georgia; revise, modernize and correct errors or omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 942 revises, modernizes and corrects errors and omissions in the following titles of the O.C.G.A.: Title 5, Appeal and Error; Title 7, Banking and Finance; Title 8, Building and Finance; Title 10, Commerce and Trade; Title 12, Conservation and Natural Resources; Title 13, Contracts; Title 15, Courts; Title 16, Crimes and Offenses; Title 17, Criminal Procedure; Title 20, Education; Title 24, Evidence; Title 25, Fire Protection and Safety; Title 26, Food, Drugs and Cosmetics; Title 27, Game and Fish; Title 29, Guardian and Ward; Title 31, Health; Title 32, Highways, Bridges and Ferries; Title 33, Insurance; Title 34, Labor and Industrial Relations; Title 35, Law Enforcement Officers and Agencies; Title 36, Local Government; Title 37, Mental Health; Title 38, Military, Emergency Management and Veterans Affairs; 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 49, Social Services; Title 50, State Government; and Title 52, State, Ports and Water Craft. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
HB 944 - Official Code of Georgia; retirement and pensions; revise, modernize, and correct errors or omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 944 will revise, modernize and correct errors and omissions in Title 47 of the O.C.G.A. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
SB 117 - Levy/Sale of Property; increase the amount of certain exemptions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 117 increases the bankruptcy homestead exemption. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass

Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 161 - Motorcycles; certain traffic regulations; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows the driver of a motorcycle or other lightweight motor vehicle approaching an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal with a steady red indication which is inoperative due to the size of the motor vehicle to proceed subject to the rules applicable after making a stop at a stop sign. The driver is only permitted to proceed after stopping at the light for no less than 60 seconds. - Authored By: Rep. Ann Purcell of the 159th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 828 - Traffic offenses; fleeing or attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 828 makes fleeing from, or eluding, a police officer a felony and provides for the forfeiture of the vehicle to law enforcement upon conviction. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hembree of the 67th - Committee Action: Do Pass
State Institutions & Property
HR 1376 - Conveyance of certain property; Baldwin, Carroll, Clinch, Coffee, and other counties; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 1376 is a conveyance resolution for property located in twenty-one counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows:
Article I amends the lease of acreage at Riverbend Prison in Baldwin County with a nonexclusive appurtenant easement to construct a waste-water management facility to be used by Riverbend and Baldwin State Prisons.
Article II conveys the property in Carroll County that was John Tanner State Park to the county, removing the Heritage Preservation designation on the property and instead placing a conservation easement on it, for use as a public park.
Article III conveys two parcels of land in Clinch County, formerly under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, to the Department of Transportation for the U.S. 441 Widening Project.
Article IV conveys property in Coffee County, formerly known as the Douglas Poultry Lab and currently in custody of the Department of Agriculture, to the State of Georgia, for the State Properties Commission to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article V conveys property currently owned by the state, where the Georgia Forestry Commission's Dade County Unit was located before it was destroyed by tornado, for three acres the state currently leases from Dade County, to be used for the construction, maintenance, and operation of a new Dade County Unit.
Article VI conveys a tract of land in Dodge County, the site of the former Eastman Armory and currently in custody of the Georgia Department of Defense, to Dodge County for public purposes, for the amount of the remaining general obligation bonds.
Article VII conveys property located in Dougherty County, formerly used as the Albany Farmers Market, to the State Properties Commission to offer for competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article VIII conveys .068 acre in Dougherty County from the Technical College System of Georgia to the Department of Transportation, in consideration for the Department satisfying project requirements, using federal funds, of the construction of a deceleration lane at the entrance to Albany Technical College.
Article IX conveys property in Franklin County, formerly used as the Carnesville Poultry Lab and in the custody of the Department of Agriculture, to the State Properties Commission to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article X conveys property in Habersham County, formerly used as the Cornelia Entomology Lab or Poultry Lab, to the State Properties Commission to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article XI conveys land in Macon County that was used as the Montezuma Poultry Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to the State Properties Commission, to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article XII conveys property in Madison County that was formerly the Georgia Forestry Commission's Madison Sub-Unit. Madison

County will acquire the property from the state for $10.00 and will be responsible for the operating costs, maintenance and facility renovations and allow the Forestry Commission to keep personnel and equipment at the site at no additional cost to the state.
Article XIII conveys property in McIntosh County that was formerly the McIntosh Youth Development Center. The Department of Juvenile Justice is surplusing this property to the Coastal Regional Commission.
Article XIV conveys property in Mitchell County, formerly used as the Camilla Poultry Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, to the State Properties Commission to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article XV conveys property in Montgomery County, formerly the Georgia Forestry Commission's Montgomery Sub-Unit, to the county for the sum of $10.00, provided that the county only use the property for a public purpose. The county will pay all operations, maintenance, and facility renovations, and allow the Forestry Commission to keep personnel and equipment there at no additional cost to the state.
Article XVI conveys property in Muscogee County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to the Columbus Consolidated Government for state consideration of improving access to the site by constructing a traffic circle.
Article XVII conveys property in Quitman County, under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission and formerly used as the Stewart Sub-Unit, to the State Properties Commission to offer by competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article XVIII conveys property in Telfair County, formerly used as Milan State Prison, to the State Properties Commission for sale to the City of Milan for $10,000.00, or to offer by competitive bid to a local government or state entity.
Article XIX conveys land in Ware County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to the City of Waycross for state consideration of improving traffic safety, turning radius, and storm-water drainage. The City is improving the road as part of a Department of Transportation Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG).
Article XX conveys property in Washington County, formerly used as the Sandersville Armory and currently in custody of the Department of Defense, to the City of Sandersville for a consideration of $10.00. The property is to be used for a public purpose.
Article XXI conveys property in Wayne County, formerly known as the Jesup Farmers' Market and District Office and currently under the custody of the Department of Agriculture, for the State Properties Commission to offer for competitive bid or to a local government or state entity.
Article XXII conveys property in Whitfield County, formerly known as the Dalton Poultry Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, to the State Properties Commission to offer as a competitive bid or to a local government or state entity. - Authored By: Rep. Gerald E Greene of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
HB 817 - Transportation, Department of; power to contract; amend limitations
- BILL SUMMARY: This is the annual Department of Transportation housekeeping bill. It amends several Code sections relating to GDOT.
Section 1 raises the max expenditure contracted for construction and maintenance of public roads from $100,000 to $200,000. This section also raises the same expenditure in emergency situations for construction or maintenance to $200,000 when the work requires completion without delay of advertising for public bids.
Section 2 amends Code Section 32-2-64 by allowing the posting of a bid on the department's website to satisfy the public bid requirement.
Section 3 amends Code Section 32-2-69 by allowing the posting of a bid to the department's website to be the equivalent of having read the bid.
Section 4 amends Code Section 32-2-81 relating to design-build projects and procedure of the department by changing the cap for design-build projects to 50 percent of the total amount of construction projects awarded in the previous fiscal year.
Section 5 amends 32-4-20 relating to the composition of state highway system. Adds an additional possible requirement in that the road serves as part of a programmed road improvement project plan in which the department will utilize state or federal funds for the acquisition of rights of way.
Section 6 provides a new Code Section 32-6-5 which allows the department to close or limit access to any portion of road on the state

highway system due to inclement weather. Requires signage indicating that a portion of road has been closed or access limited. The department must notify drivers through posted signage that tire chains, four wheel drive with adequate tires for existing conditions, or snow tires with an all weather rating from the manufacturer are required to proceed. Commercial vehicles, except buses, with 4 or more drive wheels shall have tire chains on at least 4 of the drive wheels. Bus operators must put chains on at least 2 of the drive wheel tires. A tire chain is defined as metal chains which consist of 2 circle metal loops positioned on each side of a tire, connected by not less than 9 evenly spaced chains across the tread of the tire or any other traction devices capable of providing traction equal to or exceeding that of such metal chains. There is an exemption from these requirements for a tow operator who is towing a motor vehicle or traveling to a site from which a motor vehicle shall be towed or to emergency responders traveling the roadway in order to fulfill their duties.
Section 7 amends Code Section 32-6-26 relating to weight and load limits by removing the requirement for the approval of commissioner for the designation of a truck route on county roads and requires the county notify GDOT of the designation within ninety days.
Section 8 amends Code Section 32-6-50 by removing the requirement for the approval of the commissioner of GDOT for the designation of a truck route. - Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer of the 178th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
SB 339 - Georgia Aviation Authority; provide transfer of certain personnel, aircraft to Dept. of Natural Resources and State Forestry Commission
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation takes all aviation assets and personnel of the Department of Natural Resources and the Georgia Forestry Commission placed under the Georgia Aviation Authority upon its creation and moves them back to their respective departments. This leaves the Aviation Authority responsible for leasing of aviation assets that remain to state agencies that lack aviation equipment as well the book keeping for these leases. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Ways & Means
HB 896 - Sales tax; distribution for educational purposes; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation is the enabling legislation to a constitutional amendment, which amends current law to prevent counties and independent school systems from operating under any other funding distribution formula than as is laid out in Art. VIII, Sec. VI, Paragraph IV (g) of the State Constitution. - Authored By: Rep. Brooks Coleman of the 97th - 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 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday, February 22, 2012 Floor Session AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY INSURANCE Energy Subcommittee of Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications RULES Environmental Quality Subcommittee of Natural Resources JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL BANKS & BANKING RETIREMENT MOTOR VEHICLES Academic Achievement Subcommittee of Education INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS

HOUSE CHAMBER (10:00am) 403 CAP 506 CLOB 606 CLOB 515 CLOB 341 CAP 515 CLOB 132 CAP 406 CLOB 403 CAP 606 CLOB 514 CLOB 415 CLOB

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM

REGULATED INDUSTIRES INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Ramsey Subcommittee of Judiciary Non-Civil
Academic Support Subcommittee of Education Jacobs Subcommittee (Subcommittee Two) Judiciary Civil Appropriations Higher Education Subcommittee

515 CLOB 403 CAP 606 CLOB 132 CAP (or upon adjournment of Judy Non-Civil) 514 CLOB 216 CAP 341 CAP

* 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 www.house.ga.gov and click on Meetings Calendar.