Daily report [Feb. 23, 2012]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 25th Legislative Day on Friday, February 24, at 9:00 AM. * 5 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Thursday, February 23, 2012
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

24th Legislative Day

RULES CALENDAR
HB 183 - General Assembly members; members of Georgia Legislative Retirement System; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would allow each person that becomes a member of the General Assembly on or after July 1, 2012 to become a member of the Legislative Retirement System (LRS) within two months of taking office. Anyone that is elected to a consecutive term shall have continuous membership from term to term. Also, any member of the General Assembly that previously elected not to become a member may irrevocably elect to join the System. They may obtain creditable service for prior service as a member if they pay the full actuarial cost.
This legislation also addresses retired LRS members who return to work for a "public employer." Under this bill, any public employer that employs a retired plan member shall notify the LRS Board of Trustees within 30 days and indicate the number of hours the employee plans to work annually. Failure to properly notify the trustees will result in liability by the employer or employee for any benefits that are wrongfully paid.
This is a fiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 2
HB 434 - Social workers; requirements for licensure; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill relates to the definition and to the licensure of social work. The bill will replace the term "determinations" with "diagnoses". - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 156; Nays: 5
HB 865 - Georgia Motor Common and Contract Carrier Act of 2012; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 865 enacts the "Georgia Motor Common and Contract Carrier Act of 2012". Primarily, it transfers the functions of regulating motor carriers and limousine carriers from the Georgia Public Service Commission to the Georgia Department of Public Safety. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 156; Nays: 3

HB 875 - Natural Resources, Department of; privacy of certain records and personal information; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 875 This bill amends Code Section 27-1-3 and 52-7-5 so as to provide privacy of certain records and personal information maintained by the Department of Natural Resources. The bill will repeal conflicting laws. Section 1 A new subsection, subsection (k), will be added to Code Section 27-1-3. Subsection (k) states that any personal information such as an individual's date of birth, social security number, home address, personal mobile telephone number, medical or disability information etc. that may be present on any license, registration, permit or stamp, or other document required by the department, that the individual is either applying for or in possession of, be except from any law of this state requiring that such records be open for public inspection. However, such records may be provided to public or private entities performing activities under an agreement with the department, but the records shall remain exempt from public inspection. Individuals applying for such a license, registration, permit, stamp or permission issued by the department in relation to a business under this title, may request or indicate on their application that the department may reveal the address, telephone number and email address for the business, even if such information is the same as the individual's. Section 2 Subsection (g) of Code Section 52-7-5 will be amended by revising the subsection. Subsection (g) states the same changes, with the addition of personal information such as height, weight, biometric identifiers etc., that subsection (k) states in the previous section of the bill. However, this subsection pertains generally to the numbering of vessels. The same revisions of the previous section pertaining to businesses are also stated in the revised subsection (g). - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 156; Nays: 0
HB 879 - Elementary and secondary education; care of students with diabetes in school; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 879 requires the Department of Education, the Department of Public Health, the Georgia Board of Nursing, and the Georgia Medical Board to develop guidelines for training school employees in the care of students with diabetes. The local board of education will be required to train at least two school employees at each school with a diabetic student, and train all bus drivers responsible for a diabetic student in the recognition of diabetic emergencies. The parents of each student with diabetics will submit a diabetes medical management plan. Upon written request, the student will be allowed to perform the activities to regulate their condition in any area of the school grounds, and to possess all the necessary supplies and equipment to perform this monitoring. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Ramsey of the 72nd - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 136; Nays: 26
HB 863 - State purchasing; purchases without competitive bidding; change certain provisions * This bill's floor action was postponed until the next legislative day.

LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 790 - Tift County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Tift County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Tony McBrayer of the 153rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 791 - Tift County; Board of Commissioners; reapportion districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Tift County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Tony McBrayer of the 153rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 969 - White County; Board of Education; provide for new districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the White County Board of Education. - Authored By: . Terry Rogers of the 10th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 973 - Bryan County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Bryan County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 978 - Cherokee County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Cherokee County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 979 - Cherokee County; board of commissioners; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1002 - Ben Hill County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1003 - Telfair County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Telfair County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0

HB 1006 - Chamblee, City of; corporate limits; change
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Chamblee. - Authored By: Rep. Elena Parent of the 81st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1007 - Liberty County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Liberty County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Al Williams of the 165th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1008 - Liberty County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Liberty County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Al Williams of the 165th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1011 - Clarke County; City of Athens; board of education; change districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Athens-Clarke County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Keith G Heard of the 114th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1012 - Commerce, City of; board of commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the City of Commerce Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1013 - Jackson County; School System; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Jackson County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1016 - Franklin County; board of commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1017 - Franklin County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Franklin County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1018 - Grady County; board of education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Grady County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Gene Maddox of the 172nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0

HB 1020 - Evans County; board of commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Evans County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Delvis Dutton of the 166th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1021 - Evans County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Evans County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Delvis Dutton of the 166th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1023 - Polk County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Polk County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Crawford of the 16th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1028 - Laurens County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Laurens County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Hatchett of the 143rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1029 - Screven County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Screven County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Jon G. Burns of the 157th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1037 - Madison County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Madison County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 30th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1038 - Madison County; Board of Commissioners; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Madison County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 30th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1039 - Montgomery County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 155th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1040 - Glascock County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Glascock County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Sistie Hudson of the 124th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open

- Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
HB 1041 - Bartow County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Bartow County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
SB 388 - Board of Commissioners of Decatur County; change the description of commissioner districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Decatur County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
SB 389 - Board of Education of Decatur County; change the description of the education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Decatur County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 0
* The House will reconvene Friday, February 24, at 9:00 AM, for its 25th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 25th Legislative Day, Friday, February 24, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HB 372 - Bonds; release unclaimed bonds one year after surety released; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill changes the provisions relating to disposal of unclaimed bonds.
A surety must claim a cash bond on the date of disposition of the case by the prosecutor of the court, or HB 372 allows the surety to bring the claim within one year from the date the surety is released from liability. Otherwise, the funds are released into the general fund of the county having trial venue of the case. - Authored By: Rep. Stephen Allison of the 8th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/15/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/21/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured

HB 776 - Elections; nonpartisan elections for members of consolidated governments considered county elections; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 776 provides that nonpartisan elections for members of consolidated governments shall be considered county elections and not municipal elections. - Authored By: Rep. Barbara Sims of the 119th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - House Committee Passed: 2/16/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 795 - All-terrain vehicles; make definitions consistent with industry standards
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 795 modifies definitions related to all-terrain vehicles, recreational off-highway vehicles, and offroad vehicles to make such definitions consistent with current industry standards and practices. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - House Committee Passed: 2/8/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 869 - Natural Resources, Board of; rules and regulations; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 869 Section 1 Code Section 27-1-39 is being revised to define the term `rules and regulations' shall mean those rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources in force and effect on January 1, 2012. Section 2 Code Section 27-2-20.1 was added. This section states that that anyone that is required to have a fishing license for saltwater fishing must participate in the Saltwater Information Program. Participation will require a questionnaire prior to obtaining a fee endorsement for salt water fishing in Georgia. Possession of such endorsement is required. Section 3 The allowance of the use of bow nets as provided in Code Section 27-4-25 is removed from subsection (a). Subsection (b) states the legal uses for dip nets and cast nets for bait, and other nongame fish as authorized by the board. Section 4 The allowance for using gill nets to catch sturgeon is removed in subsection. Section 5 Subsection (a) states that it shall be illegal to possess more than a total of 50 individuals of all fresh water species named in this code section. Several fish species were added to the list along with their minimum size limits for possession, along with the catch per day allowance. Section 6 In accordance with current, sound principles of wildlife research and management, the authority of the board is expanded to include the disposition; size, possession, and creel limits; and gear and landing specifications for fresh water fishing. Section 7 In accordance with sound principles and research, the board is authorized to publically display the rules and regulations regarding the salt water fishing using a bow and arrow. Section 8 No change Section 9 It shall be illegal to fish for trout in any trout waters, in accordance to Code Section 27-4-51 by any means other than one pole and line per hand. Subsection (b) states that it is illegal to use live fish for bait in any waters designated as trout waters except as authorized by the board. Section 10 Subsection (a) adds American eels, catfish in salt water and horseshoe crabs to the list of fish in which it is illegal to fish commercially without both a valid commercial fishing license as well as a valid commercial fishing boat license. Subsection (b) states that the board is authorized to determine, display and enforce rules and regulations regarding the seasons, days and places for which such fishing may take place. Subsection (c) states that it shall be illegal to fish for shad, American eels, catfish in salt water, or horseshoe crabs on days or in places not authorized by the board. Subsections (d) through (g) are removed. Section 11 Code Section 27-4-72 is repealed in its entirety. Section 12 Subsection (a) removes sturgeon nets from the allowable gear that can be used in commercial fresh-water fishing in this state.

Subsection (d) is removed. Section 13 Code Section 27-4-112 is repealed in its entirety. Section 14 Code Section 27-4-113 is repealed in its entirety. Section 15 Code Section 27-4-114 is repealed in its entirety. Section 16 Code Section 27-4-115 is repealed in its entirety. Section 17 Subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-118 is amended to state that it is unlawful for anyone not to maintain a daily record book showing the amount of seafood landed per trip for those involved in commercial fishing for seafood. Section 18 Code Section 27-4-130 is repealed in its entirety. A new Code Section 27-4-130 will be enacted. Subsection (a) states that the commissioner can't close all or any portion of salt waters of the state to fishing by species for a period longer than 6 months within a calendar year. Subsection (b) states that this code section will not prohibit a person from landing fish or seafood in federal waters, given that they possess a valid commercial federal permit. Subsection (c) states the department is authorized to zone the salt water in Georgia. Subsection (d) states that the opening or closing of any salt waters shall be given by posting such changes at the courthouse in each coastal county at least 24 hours prior to any enforcement action taken. Subsection (e) that the board is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations and to prohibit the sale of any or all seafood in the state. Section 19 Code Sections 27-4-130.1 and 27-4-130.2 are repealed in their entirety. Section 20 Code Section 27-4-131 is repealed in its entirety. Section 21 Subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-132 is revised to state that the board is authorized, in accordance with sound principles and research, to promulgate the rules and regulations regarding noncommercial shrimp fishing. The commissioner shall make the decision of whether to open or close a creek or a portion thereof for fishing for shrimp. Section 22 Subsections (c), (e), and (f) of Code Section 27-4-133 are amended. Subsection (c) no longer allows sturgeon to be fished for by means of cast nets in the tidal rivers and creeks. Subsection (e) removes the reference to code section 27-4-170. Subsection (f) removes the reference to Code Section 27-4-130 and adds jelly fish and whelks to what was previously allowed under subsection (f) of this Code Section. Section 23 Subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-137 is revised by removing the reference to Code Section 27-4-170. Section 24 Code Section 27-4-170 is repealed in its entirety. Section 25 Code Section 27-4-171 is repealed in its entirety and a new Code Section 27-4-171 will be enacted. Subsection (a.1) states that a valid personal commercial fishing license will be necessary to sell shrimp for live or dead bait. No bait dealer license shall be issued to a person holding a commercial food shrimp cast netting license. Bait dealer licenses are also restricted for individuals whose establishment is located on a dock or other facility where shrimp were taken and are processed, stored or sold for retail. Subsection (a.2) states that the amount of the required forfeiture bond amount to be filed with the commissioner be the state amount of $2,000.00. The term of the bond shall be one year and shall correspond to the period of the bait dealer license. Subsection (a.3) states that a license for bait shrimp trawling shall not be issued to anyone who does not possess a valid bait dealer license. Exceptions apply to those who are employees of a licensed bait dealer. Subsection (a.4) states that the department is authorized to promulgate the related rules and regulations in accordance with sound principles and research. Subsection (a.5.A) states that individuals with a valid commercial food shrimp cast netting license may not fish for shrimp for live bait. Subsection (a.5.B) states that fishing for shrimp for live bait is prohibited in closed waters, except bodies of water that have been opened for such taking. The determination of opening and closing the bodies of water shall be made by the commissioner. Subsection (a.5.C) states that fishing for shrimp for live bait is prohibited for those who fail to maintain the commercial fishing boat bait-holding facilities requirements set by the board. Subsection (b) states that shrimp caught per this Code Section shall not be lawfully sold for human consumption, or be kept for personal consumption. Subsection (c) states that the interstate import of bait shrimp shall not be prohibited provided proof that this Code Section

has not been violated. Subsection (d) specifies the color, location and size of the required numerals and letters to be presented on vessels involved with fishing for shrimp. The numerals and letters required for compliance with this subsection shall be assigned by the department at the time a bait dealer license is issued. Subsection (e) states that the bait dealer facilities relating to applications for licenses shall be inspected within 30 days from the time of the application to ensure appropriate compliance. Section 26 Code Section 27-4-172 is repealed in its entirety. Section 27 Subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-190 will be amended to include the requirements that all commercially licensed vessels engaged in commercial shellfish harvest or transport, whether with shellfish on board or not, shall have a portable marine toilet on board. Section 28 Subsection (a) of Code Section 27-4-194 is amended to restrict the size of oysters taken for commercial purposes. The restrictions are that the oysters measure more than two inches from hinge to mouth. If attached, the oyster which is less than two inches in measurement may be kept if it cannot be removed without destroying the two inch oyster. Section 29 Code Section 52-7-26 is amended to define the term `rules and regulations' to mean those rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources in force and effect on January 1, 2012. Section 30 Code Section 52-7-51 is amended to define the term `rules and regulations' to mean those rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources in force and effect on January 1, 2012. Section 31 States Sections 1, 29, and 30 of this Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. The remaining sections of this Act shall become effective on January 1, 2013. Section 32 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - House Committee Passed: 2/15/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Friday, February 24, at 8:30 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 26th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Education
HB 692 - Educational professionals; reduce salary if test scores were falsified; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 692 is relating to elementary and secondary education and to provide for an automatic decrease in the salary of a teacher or other certified professional personnel for any salary increase or bonus on the results of standardized test scores which were falsified. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell of the 88th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Education
HB 821 - Elementary and secondary education; mandatory attendance; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 821 is relating to school attendance in elementary and secondary education. This bill makes it mandatory for a parent, guardian or other person having control or charge of any child or children, to enroll the student in school within 15 days of becoming as new resident of a local school system in the state. If a student is not enrolled in a school within 15 days or accumulates 30 days of unexcused absences a report could be filed to the appropriate enforcement agency and the parent or guardian shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Anyone in violation of this Code section, on top of being guilty of a misdemeanor, they could be fined not less than $25.00 and not great that $100.00 and imprisonment not to exceed 30 days. - Authored By: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of the 83rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Education

HB 825 - Education; time frame relative to hearings before administrative law judges; eliminate
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 825 is relating to the process for students to follow in reporting instances of alleged inappropriate behavior by teachers. This bill would eliminate the time frame relative to a hearing before administrative law judges. - Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix of the 69th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Education

HB 836 - High School Athletics Overview Committee; create

- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 836 provides for the creation of the High School Athletics Overview Committee. This committee will

be composed of:

5 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House- one will be a member of the minority party



5 members if the senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor- one will be a member of the minority party

The Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor will each designate a co chairperson

Members of the committee shall serve two year terms concurrent with terms as members of the General Assembly

All high schools must comply with the provisions in this article to receive funding. It is stated that the Department of Education, the

Attorney General and all other agencies of the state Government shall all agencies of state government shall assist the committee on its

duties. The committee can employ staff and secure services of consultants as appropriate. The High School Athletics Overview

Committee on or before the first day of January of each year shall submit their findings and recommendations based on review of the

high school athletic associations to the General Assembly.

The committee is meant to evaluate the performance of high school athletic associations making sure they are consistent with the

following criteria: fairness and equity in establishing and implementing its standards and the promotion of academic achievement and

good sportsmanship.

House Bill 836 also states that the committee is authorized to expend state funds available for the discharge of its duties.

Members shall receive compensation, pier diem, expenses and allowances as authorized by law for members for interim legislative

study committees.

- Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th

- Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

HB 520 - Energy purchase; amount of energy provider required to purchase from generator; change
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation changes the required amount of energy an electric service provider purchases from eligible customers. An electric service provider shall only be required to purchase energy from an eligible customer on a first-come, first-serve basis until the cumulative generating capacity of all renewable energy sources equals 2.5% of the utility's annual peak demand in the previous year. This is an increase from the .2 percent under existing law. However, said providers are not required to purchase energy at a price above avoided energy cost unless it is part of a renewable energy program. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

HB 934 - State agencies; guaranteed energy savings performance contracts; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies the ability of cities to enter into energy performance savings contracts and the provisions to which they shall adhere when exercising the authority to execute said contracts. In addition, the bill also opens the list of qualified energy services providers maintained by GEFA to allow additions of providers at any point to prequalify. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

HB 1049 - Georgia Emergency Telephone Number 9-1-1 Service Act of 1977; change applicability and
requirements; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1049 makes changes to the "Georgia Emergency Telephone 9-1-1 Service Act of 1977." Voice over Internet Protocol service suppliers are required to register certain information with the director of emergency management. The term "prepaid wireless service" is defined as a service where a telephone subscriber pays a wireless service supplier in advance for a wireless telecommunications connection as follows: o sold in predetermined units or dollars which expire without an additional retail purchase and the number of which declines with use in a known amount;

ois not offered in conjunction with other communications services for which the terms permit payments in arrears; othe charges are not billed to any telephone subscriber or other person; and othe charges are not provided to a telephone subscriber or other person in a monthly statement. The definition of prepaid wireless service will also include, without limitation, calling or usage privileges included in the purchase of a wireless telephone as well as a calling card, a call, or an internet transaction. A wireless service provider is not authorized to recover any costs through providing wireless enhanced 9-1-1 services with respect to any prepaid wireless services. The word "telecommunications" is removed from the definition of "consumer" in regards to the purchase of prepaid wireless service transactions. "Wireless telecommunications service" is defined as commercial mobile radio service as defined by 47 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations). - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 766 - Archives and History, Division of; law regardig Foundation of American Law and Government displays; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 766 expands the law allowing the Foundations of American Law and Government display in courthouses. This bill will allow the display in all state and local government buildings. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Governmental Affairs
HB 990 - Municipal corporations; control over parks and fire stations; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 990 requires all remaining Special Service District taxes and earnings on the taxes in an area that incorporated would be transferred yearly to the respective city. This usually results from prolonged property tax disputes. The monies are currently frozen by the county. Secondly, the bill requires the sale of parkland within the boundaries of a new city if the land was classified as a park at the time of incorporation. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 46th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
SB 101 - Elections; poll officers; provide for the Student Teen Election Participant program
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 101 creates the "Student Teen Election Participant" (STEP) program. It allows election superintendents to develop and implement through a coordinated effort a Student Teen Election Participant (STEP) program. The STEP program shall permit full-time public, private, and home schooled high school students to volunteer to work as poll officers during any primary, special, or general election. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Governmental Affairs
SB 343 - State Accounting Office; designate as the Comptroller General; transfer the office
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 343 designates the state accounting officer as the Comptroller General. It transfers the office, functions, duties, and responsibilities of the Comptroller General from the Commissioner of Insurance to the State Accounting Office. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Human Relations & Aging
HB 857 - Day-care centers; install safety alarms in vehicles used to transport children; permit
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 857 requires a day-care center to install child safety alarms in any vehicle that is used to transport children. The centers are required to get these alarms installed by someone who is certified by the manufacturer, to check that they are working properly each time the vehicle is used for transporting children, and to post an inspection report. - Authored By: Rep. Sandra Scott of the 76th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Human Relations & Aging
HB 988 - Holidays and observances; Kindness Week; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 988 designates the second week in November of every year to be "Kindness Week" in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Andrew J. Welch of the 110th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Human Relations & Aging
HB 1146 - Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board; create
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1146 changes the Vocational Rehabilitation program from a Department of Labor program to an attached agency. The Program will be governed by a newly created Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Services Board, and attached to the Department of Human Services for administrative purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 30th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1025 - Dekalb County State Court; change certain fees
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the State Court of DeKalb County so as to change and provide for certain fees. - Authored By: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of the 83rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1059 - Burke County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Burke County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Gloria Frazier of the 123rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1060 - Burke County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Burke County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Gloria Frazier of the 123rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1074 - Long County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Long County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1075 - Long County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Long County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1076 - Talbot County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Talbot County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Debbie Buckner of the 130th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1077 - Talbot County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Talbot County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Debbie Buckner of the 130th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1083 - Cook County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Cook County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1084 - Cook County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Cook County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1088 - Colquitt County; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Colquitt County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1091 - Pike County; School District ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide an increase in the homestead exemption from Pike County School District ad valorem taxation from $12,000.00 to $27,000.00 for certain residents who are 65 and older whose gross income does not exceed $27,000.00. - Authored By: Mr.. Billy Maddox of the 127th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1092 - Stillmore, City of; staggered terms for members of city council; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide an increase in the homestead exemption from Pike County School District ad valorem taxation from $12,000.00 to $27,000.00 for certain residents who are 65 and older whose gross income does not exceed $27,000.00. - Authored By: Rep. Butch Parrish of the 156th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1100 - Berrien County; airport authority; increase membership of board
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to increase the number of members on the Berrien County Airport Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1113 - DeKalb County; levy an excise tax
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize DeKalb County to levy a hotel/motel tax. - Authored By: Rep. Michele Henson of the 87th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1118 - Trion, Town of; provide new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the Town of Trion. - Authored By: Rep. Barbara Massey Reece of the 11th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 392 - Board of Education of Marion County; change the description of education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Marion County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. George Hooks of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 397 - Board of Education of Hall County; change the description of the education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Hall County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
HB 641 - Courts; juvenile proceedings; substantially revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: No Summary Available - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 242 - American Laws for Georgia Courts Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This act shall be known as the "American Laws for Georgia Courts Act" and shall apply to contracts executed on or after July 1, 2011.
HB 242 provides that no court, arbitrator, administrative agency or other tribunal will enforce a foreign law if doing so would violate a right guaranteed by the Georgia or US Constitution. A foreign law includes any law, rule, or legal code/system established and used or applied in a jurisdiction outside of the US or its territories. - Authored By: Rep. Christian Coomer of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 541 - Obstruction of public administration; threaten or intimidate officer or official; provide for offense
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 541 prohibits intimidation of law enforcement officers or their immediate family member in retaliation for the officer's actions in carrying out his or her official duties. - Authored By: Rep. James Epps of the 140th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 717 - Dogs; criminal penalties for certain owners failing to secure; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 717 makes it a felony for failure to properly secure a dangerous or potentially dangerous dog. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 997 - Crimes and offenses; new crime of false lien statements against public officers; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 997 makes it a felony for someone to intentionally file a false lien or encumbrance on record against a public officer or employee based on the performance of that officer or employee's official duties. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 102nd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Public Safety & Homeland Security
HB 247 - Community Health, Department of; fingerprint and investigate emergency medical services personnel; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows firefighters certified by the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council who are employed with a local fire department who have obtained a criminal history records check from the FBI in the last ten years to waive the requirement to obtain an additional criminal history records check in order to be licensed as emergency medical services personnel. The Department of Community Health may, however, require that the chief of the employing local fire department submit a letter of other document verifying that the applicant is employed with the local fire department, has obtained a criminal history records check from the training center and the FBI, and has not been arrested for or convicted of a felony offense. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Ways & Means
HB 808 - Taxation; exclusion to certain income of certain disabled veterans; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies that disability income from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs is not subject to state income tax. This bill has no fiscal impact as this income has not previously been taxed based on federal law, this legislation just codifies the exemption. - Authored By: Rep. John P Yates of the 73rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Ways & Means
HB 965 - Income tax; allow certain fiduciaries an exception to the requirement of paying estimated taxes
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies the applicability of the requirement to remit estimated income tax by fiduciaries to coincide with federal law, by removing the requirement of filing such taxes two years after the death of the decedent in relation to the estate of such decedent and a testamentary trust. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Ways & Means
HB 967 - Income tax; withholding tax on taxable income of nonresident members of certain associations; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation alters the taxation of partnerships, Subchapter S corporations and limited liability companies so as to require the withholding of taxes from only non-resident members of such entities on the share of taxable income that the entity had in a given tax year. This change is to clarify the withholding practices for resident members of the types of entities mentioned above; due to the requirement that such income is already required to be present on the filer's state income tax return. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Ways & Means
HB 1056 - Ad valorem taxation; motor vehicles; clarify application to be consistent with federal provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies existing law to bring GA law in concurrence with federal law, specifically the Service Members Civil Relief Act. The bill deals with the ad valorem taxation of a non-resident service member's motor vehicle. The legislation clarifies that the motor vehicle must be a private passenger motor vehicle and removes the limitation that a service member may only be a joint owner in one vehicle, which receives this exemption; so as to ensure two jointly owned vehicles between spouses, where one spouse is a service member and the other spouse is a civilian who is stationed with the service member. The service member spouse does not have one motor vehicle subject to GA ad valorem tax and the other car is exempt, both vehicles would be exempt. Additionally, the requirement that the service member must remit ad valorem taxes, if required, in their home state. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - 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 - 8:30 AM 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Friday, February 24, 2012 Floor Session STATE INSTITUTIONS & PROPERTY RULES Jacobs Subcommittee (Subcommittee Two) Judiciary Civil JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL

HOUSE CHAMBER (9:00am) 415 CLOB- Upon Adjournment 341 CAP 132 CAP- Moved to MONDAY 132 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.

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