Daily report [Mar. 27, 2012]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 39th Legislative Day on Tuesday, March 27, at 10:00 AM. * 11 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Tuesday, March 27, 2012
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

38th Legislative Day

MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 839 - Paulding County; Board of Education; revise districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Paulding County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
RULES CALENDAR
HR 1731 - House Comprehensive Motor Vehicle and Traffic Reform Study Committee; create
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 1731 creates the House Comprehensive Motor Vehicle and Traffic Reform Study Committee. The study committee will undertake a comprehensive study and determine how best to modernize and organize Georgia's motor vehicle and traffic provisions into a more equitable manageable system for all Georgians. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Open - Yeas: 154; Nays: 0
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 2
SB 143 - Massage Therapy Practice; provide that an applicant for a license by endorsement shall provide certain information
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 143 amends Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, as it relates to the massage therapy profession. Section 1 Code Section 43-24A-8 relating to licensure of massage therapists, applications, and requirements is amended by removing obsolete language and including a requirement that the applicant has satisfactory results from a fingerprint records check report and criminal background check. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees related to these reports. Section 2 Code Section 43-24A-13 relating to license by endorsement is amended to include a requirement that the applicant has satisfactory results from a fingerprint records check report and criminal background check. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees related to these reports. Section 3 This act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval.

Section 4 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Henson of the 41st - House Committee: Regulated Industries - Rule: Modified-Open - Amendments(s): AM 36 0369 - Yeas: 109; Nays: 52
SB 225 - Criminal Offenses; provide for new offense of transmitting a false report; penalties
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 225 makes it illegal to report a false claim by news or social media, electronic distribution or any other indirect method of communication. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 154; Nays: 5
SB 236 - Drivers' Licenses; persons convicted under the influence; allow certain drivers with suspended licenses; limited driving permits
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 expands access to the required drug/alcohol course for students to obtain a license to the student's parent or guardian(s) and gives the option of taking the course electronically. Where a parent/guardian takes advantage of the course, SB 236 entitles them to a one-time three-year online motor vehicle report.
SB 236 gives discretion to judges to allow limited driving permits to someone with a second DUI offense in limited circumstances. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): AM 29 2015 - Yeas: 170; Nays: 0
SB 268 - Board of Education of Jones County; provide that future elections for members shall be conducted on a nonpartisan basis
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the members of the Jones County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 120; Nays: 30
SB 289 - Education; require students; one course containing online learning
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 289 states that the Board of Education shall establish rules and regulations to maximize the number of students, starting ninth grade in the 2014-2015 school year, to take one online learning course before graduation. This will be offered by the Georgia Virtual School. By the 2015-2016 school year, all end-of-course assessments shall be available online and the State Board shall establish rules and regulations to maximize the students utilizing the online assessments. Each local school system will have to pay costs for tuition, materials, and fees directly related to the course. However, no amount of tuition shall exceed $250.00 per student per year will be charged to the local school system. There will be an enrollment period for full-time students (3rd through 12th grade) of at least 90 days and not ending earlier than 30 days prior to the first day of school. One of all of the following mechanisms must be applied by the local school system to provide virtual instruction for students: o Facilitate enrollment in the Georgia Virtual School. o Enter into a contract with an approved provider. o Allow a local school system to enter into an agreement another local school system(s) to allow participation of its students in an approved virtual program. The department will give a list of approved providers to offer virtual instruction programs. Approved is described as: o Prior successful experience in offering online courses. o Assures instructional and curricular quality through a detailed curriculum and student performance plan that address every subject and grade level through:
Courses and programs that meet the nationally recognized standards for K-12 online learning. Instructional content and services that align with student attainment or proficiency in the state approved curriculum Mechanisms that determine students satisfy requirements for grade level promotion and high school graduation. o An approved provider shall retain its approved status for five years. The Department of Education must submit a report by December 1, 2012. It will identify and explain the best

method to enable the department to assist local broads in: acquiring digital learning at a reasonable price; determining the level of student support, teacher-student communication; and ways to increase student access to digital learning. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Education - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 125; Nays: 38
SB 302 - Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority; increase the amount of bonding authority
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Chapter 16 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Higher Education Facilities Authority, so as to increase the amount of bonding authority from $300 million to $500 million. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 146; Nays: 10
SB 319 - State Parks; use of boats; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 319
This bill amends Code Section 12-3-10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.
Section 1 Subsections (e), (g), (h), and (i) will be revised.
(e) It shall be unlawful for any person to have or use a boat on the waters of any park, historic site, or recreational area if in violation of any prohibition or restriction posted within the area by the department. The positing of signs at the entrances of such places shall constitute sufficient notice for the park, historic area or recreational area. (g) Subsection removed (h) Subsection removed (i) It shall be unlawful for any person to wade fish outside of the hours of 7:00am and 10:00pm, unless otherwise prohibited. It shall also be unlawful to fish in waters of any park, historic site, or recreational area which have been closed and posted by the department.
Section 2 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 156; Nays: 4
SB 324 - Veterinary Medicine; clarify a certain definition
- BILL SUMMARY: The substitute amends Code Section 43-50-44 of the O.C.G.A. so as to clarify a certain definition relative to theexemptions from licensing and registration for veterinary medicine or veterinary technology so as to provide an additional exemption.
Code Section 43-50-44, has new paragraph which reads as follows: "(21) Any person lawfully engaged in the art or profession of farriery."
All laws and parts of laws in conflict are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 163; Nays: 0
SB 337 - Insurance; limitations on licensure requirements for certain health care providers
- BILL SUMMARY: The House Insurance Committee Substitute to SB 337 provides for insurers to offer wellness endorsements or riders under certain circumstances. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 158; Nays: 0

SB 356 - Superior Courts; provide additional judge of the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit; initial appointment; election and term of office
- BILL SUMMARY: In August 2011, the Judicial Council approved six (6) new superior court judgeships. State appropriations have been set aside for two new judgeships, so the House committee substitute to SB 356 provides for the appointment of two new judgeships in the order of priority suggested by the Judicial Council. SB 356 creates one new judgeship in the Bell-Forsyth circuit and one in the Piedmont circuit.
The House committee substitute removes the section of the bill which provided procedure for the selection and duties of chief judge in a circuit as well as state court. For the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit, it adds provisions for the selection of a chief judge and grants authority to promulgate rules of court procedure upon and after qualification of an additional judge to the circuit. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 161; Nays: 1
SB 357 - Agriculture; repeal the "Georgia Treated Timber Products Act of 1973"
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation repeals the "Georgia Treated Timber Products Act of 1973." - Authored By: . John Wilkinson of the 50th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 156; Nays: 0
SB 365 - Property; collected funds; change prov.; residential real property; provide form Acknowledgment and Waiver of Borrower's Rights
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 365 redefines a settlement agent to be a lender or an active member of the State Bar of Georgia. The bill provides a penalty for anyone or any entity which conducts the settlement and disbursement of loan funds, when he, she, or it is not the settlement agent. However, the House committee substitute adds a provision for real estate brokers and salespersons to protect their common practice of handling earnest money checks.
As it passed the Senate, SB 365 provided that in real estate transactions, the preparation, execution and supervision of recording of deeds of conveyance; the supervision of real estate closings; and the collection and disbursement of funds necessary for real estate transactions must all be performed by a duly licensed attorney. However, the House committee substitute removes this provision. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 129; Nays: 29
SB 367 - Agriculture Commissioner; authorized to require persons incurring civil penalties to obtain a surety bond
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation amends Code Section 2-2-9.1 of the O.C.G.A. and provides for the person incurring civil penalties to obtain a surety bond.
The new language states that, "The Commissioner may require any person to obtain a surety bond on the balance of a monetary penalty or suspended portion of a monetary penalty imposed on such person pursuant to a consent order or final decision from which no further review is taken or allowed. If any aggrieved or adversely affected party fails to follow the terms of such consent order or final decision, the Commissioner may commence and maintain an action against the principal and surety on the bond."
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 2

SB 368 - Nurses; provide for continuing competency requirements; renewal of licenses
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1: Senate Bill 368 requires one of the following continuing competency requirements to be completed for nursing license renewals beginning in 2015. Completion of 30 continuing education hours. Maintenance of certification by a national certifying body recognized by the board. Verification of competency and at least 500 hours practiced. Other activities as prescribed and approved by the board. The board may waive or modify the continuing competency requirement in cases of hardship, disability, illness, or as the board sees appropriate.
Section 2: a) A nurse may elect to place his or her license on an inactive status. This would allow the nurse to be excused from payment of renewal fees. b) A nurse with an inactive license may restore their active status though application and payment with the board. The board will require evidence of competency to resume practicing and restore the active status. c) A nurse with an inactive status shall not practice nursing as a registered nurse or advanced practice registered nurse in Georgia. d) The board will be required to give a courtesy notice to an inactive licensee within 180 days of being inactive for five years. After five years, current law mandates that the nurse complete a "refresher course" before resuming practice.
Section 3: A nurse who has reasonable cause to believe that another nurse has violated any of the following will be required to report to the board. Any employer of nurses who has terminated or accepted a resignation in avoidance of termination for the violation of any of the following will report to the board. Any state agency that licenses, registers, or certifies a health care facility will report to the board if they have evidence that a nurse has violated any of the following. If a nurse enters a voluntary alternative to discipline program approved by the board, reporting will not be required under this Code section.
1. Practicing without a valid, current licensed. 2. Practicing under cover of any fraudulent diploma or license. 3. Practicing during the time the license is suspended, revoked, surrendered, or administratively revoked for failure to renew. 4. Using any words, abbreviations, figures, letters, title, sign, card, or device implying that such person is a licensed nurse. 5. Fraudulently furnishing a license to practice nursing. 6. Knowing, aiding, or abetting any person to violate this chapter. 7. Being convicted of a felony, crime involving moral turpitude, or crime violating a federal or state law relating to controlled substances or dangerous drugs. 8. Displaying an inability to practice nursing with reasonable skill and safety due to the use of alcohol, drugs, narcotics, or chemicals.
This bill gives immunity to anyone required to report a nurse under this article, but acted in good faith when they reported or failed to report to the board. Additionally, physicians or other licensed health care professionals who examine a nurse at the request of the board will be immune from suit for damages by the nurse if they acted in good faith. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0
SB 371 - Aviation; provide for local governments' ability to accept community improvement district funds
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 371 would authorize local governments to enter into cooperative agreements with Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) to utilize CID funds to assist with airport improvements. - Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins of the 37th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 157; Nays: 3

SB 383 - 'Georgia International Commercial Arbitration Code'; repeal Part 2, relating to international arbitration
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 383 updates and modernizes Georgia's international commercial arbitration Code primarily by separating the international code from the domestic process. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 3
SB 385 - Insurance Commissioner; provide for confidentiality of certain records; exceptions; premium taxes and rate; manner of collection
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 385 is a bill for the Department of Insurance. It provides for the confidentiality of certain records of the Commissioner of Insurance to extend to state, federal, or international regulatory law enforcement. It provides for certain premium taxes and the rate and manner of collection to include state participation in certain agreements with other states. It revises certain provisions regarding reinsurance and reinsurance credits applicable to an assuming insurer licensed in its state of domicile or of certain alien assuming insurers. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 152; Nays: 0
SB 396 - Herty Advanced Materials Development Center; change prov.; rename and transfer governance to Board of Regents
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 396 renames the Herty Advanced Materials Development Center as the Georgia Southern Hery Advanced Materials Development Center and transfers governance of the center to the Board of Regents. - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 165; Nays: 0
SB 402 - "Employees' Retirement System of Georgia Enhanced Investment Authority Act"; define certain terms relating to certain types of investments
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would allow public retirement systems other than the Teachers Retirement System to make alternative investments. Such investments shall not exceed 20% of the aggregate amount of the capital to be invested in the applicable private pool and the securities being issued in the applicable private pool. It also shall not exceed 5% of the retirement system assets at any time. If an eligible system is not in compliance, it shall come into compliance within two years, but they shall not increase the percentage of its assets committed to be invested in alternative investments.
This bill would also allow retirement systems to treat documents relating to alternative investment as confidential and not subject to open records. After one year the system shall make the following information publicly available: 1. The name of the alternative investment; 2. The date the retirement system first invested in an alternative investment; 3. The aggregate amount of money the system has invested; 4. The aggregate amount of money the system has received; 5. The internal rate of return; 6. The remaining cost of alternative investments in which the retirement system has invested at the end of the quarter.
Each year the system must provide a report to the Governor and to the chairpersons of the House and Senate retirement committees.
This bill has been certified as nonfiscal. - Authored By: Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 104; Nays: 53

SB 446 - Fire Protection and Safety; buildings; transfer certain functions; Dept. of Labor and Commissioner of Labor to the Office of Safety Fire Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 446 transfers oversight and inspection functions relating to elevators, dumbwaiters, escalators, man-lifts, and moving walks, boilers and pressure vessels, amusement rides, carnival rides, and scaffolding and staging from the Department of Labor and Commissioner of Labor to the office of Safety Fire Commissioner and Safety Fire Commissioner. It removes bond requirements for Chief Boiler, Pressure Vessel Inspector and Deputy Inspectors employed by the state. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 163; Nays: 1
SB 464 - Fish and Fishing; limit the number of commercial crabbing licenses issued
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 464 Section 1
New language states that a one day license for salt-water shore fishing will cost $5.00. (This is added due to the merge with SB 307)
Subsection (e)(1) of code section 27-4-150 is revised to state that only a person in possession of a valid commercial crabbing license may operate a commercial fishing boat for the purpose of commercial crabbing activities as provided for in subsections (b) and (c) of this Code section, except as provided in Code Section 27-4-133. Subsection (e)(2) is revised to state that on and after May 1, 2013, the total number of new commercial crabbing licenses issued shall not exceed 100. Those issued prior to this specified date will remain active until the license is not renewed. Any license not renewed by May 1 of any license year shall revert to the department for reissue by lottery devised and operated by the department. Subsection (e)(3) is revised to state that commercial crabbing licenses may be sold for consideration to any person not holding a current commercial crabbing license unless otherwise prohibited by law or regulation. The transferee of a license so transferred shall engage in commercial crabbing as evidenced by his or her commercial crab harvest records within two years after such transfer or the license shall revert to the department of reissue as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection. Anyone receiving such a commercial crabbing license transfer shall register such transfer with the department and pay the license fee to the department, if required, within 30 days following the date of the transfer.
Section 2 Subsection (d)(2) of Code Section 27-4-151 is revised to specify the penalties for any person convicted of violating the provisions of the subsection. The penalties in order of offense are specified as follows: 1. License suspended for three months. License renewal will only be allowed after this period has been observed. 2. License suspended for six months. License renewal will only be allowed after this period has been observed. 3. License shall be permanently revoked and the person shall be prohibited from purchasing a license in the future. Subsection (g)(3) is revised to specify that, upon a second of subsequent such offense, the person's license shall be revoked for one year, and at the end of that time such person must apply for a new license as if he or she had never before possessed a license; provided, however that such individual shall not be eligible to receive a license through transfer pursuant to paragraph (3) or (4) of subsection (e) of Code Section 27-4-150. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 2
SR 843 - Bert Ward Memorial Bridge; Catoosa County; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This is the annual Senate resolution package of various road facility dedications.
This package includes: Senate Resolutions 667, 1060, 1071, 1072, 1083, 1084, and House Resolution 1103.
There will be additional House Resolutions added to this bill in committee. Those tacked on will be:
HR 1239 Rep. Judy Manning This resolution designates the official Gone With The Wind Trail throughout the cities of Marietta, Atlanta, and Jonesboro.
HR 1465 Rep. Michael Hardin

This resolution dedicates the intersection of Highway 441 and Apple Pie Ridge Road in Banks County as the Tommie Irvin Memorial Intersection.
HR 1612 Rep. Chuck Sims This resolution dedicates US 441 in Coffee County from the Douglas city limits to the Atkinson County line as the John S. Gibson Memorial Highway.
HR 1642 Rep. Tommy Benton A resolution dedicating State Route 98 from Commerce to Ila as the "Highway 98" by Ricky Fitzpatrick Highway.
HR 1643 Rep. Wayne Howard A resolution dedicating the portion of State Route 4 in Richmond County from Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive Boulevard to Walton Way as the Ruth B. Crawford Highway.
HR 1674 Rep. Quincy Murphy A resolution dedicating the interchange of U.S. Route 78/State Route 10 with Interstate Route 520 in Augusta-Richmond County as the Deputy James D. Paugh Memorial Interchange.
HR 1676 Rep. Calvin Smyre A resolution dedicating the interchange of Interstate 185/State Route 411 with State Route 520/State Route 1 in Muscogee County as the John Flournoy Interchange.
HR 1730 Rep. Mickey Channell A resolution dedicating the bridge on SR 12/US 278 over Richland Creek in Greene County as the John B. Box Memorial Bridge.
HR 1732 Rep. Katie Dempsey A resolution dedicating the bypass in Floyd County from Highway 27 south to Blacks Bluff Road as the Chief Vann Bypass.
HR 1733 Rep. Kevin Cooke A resolution dedicating United States Highway 27 in Haralson County from the Polk County line to the Carroll County line as the Harold Shedd Highway.
HR 1734 Rep. Tom Dickson This resolution does the following: (1) Dedicates the portion of SR 2/US 411 in Murray County between the Eton city line and Cohutta Springs Road as the Charles N. "Judy" Poag Memorial Highway; (2) Authorizes and directs the Department of Transportation to erect and maintain appropriate signs dedicating the Charles N. "Judy" Poag Memorial Highway; (3) Repeals Part XVI and the sixteenth undesignated paragraph of Part XIX of Senate Resolution 1075 (Ga. L. 2010, p. 362).
HR 1808 Rep. Matt Hatchett A resolution dedicating the portion of U.S. Route 441/State Route 117 in Laurens County from State Route 19 to U.S. Route 80 as the Kelso Horne Memorial Highway.
HR 1825 Rep. Ann Purcell This resolution does the following: (1) Dedicates the bridge on SR 25 over the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks in the city limits of Port Wentworth in Chatham County as the Hugh Carroll Butler Memorial Bridge; (2) Repeals Part V and the fifth undesignated paragraph of Part XXVIII of House Resolution 507 (Ga. L. 2011, p. 900).

HR 1826 Rep. Richard Smith A resolution dedicating the interchange at Interstate 85 and J.R. Allen Parkway in Muscogee County as the Jim Wetherington Interchange.
HR 1827 Rep. Paulette Braddock A resolution dedicating Highway 92N in Paulding County from its intersection with U.S. 278 to GA 120 as the Mrs. Glenda and Dr. John Covington Highway.
HR 1849 Jason Shaw A resolution dedicating the bridge over the Alapaha River on U.S. Highway 82 East in Berrien County as the Sergeant Major James E. Jones Memorial Bridge. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 154; Nays: 0
LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 1290 - DeKalb County; board of education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the DeKalb County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Mosby of the 90th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
HB 1298 - Atlanta, City of; municipal court; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to modify provisions relating to the Municipal Court in the City of Atlanta so as to provide for the imposition, collection, and expenditure of an additional penalty in the municipal court for detention and prison facilities. - Authored By: Rep. Kathy Ashe of the 56th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
HB 1300 - Bleckley County; board of education and school superintendent; number of members and districts where elected; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Bleckley County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
HB 1304 - Southern Judicial Circuit; director of pretrial release program and other staff members make arrests and certain other powers; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide the director of the pretrial release program and other staff members of the program as designated by the chief judge with arrest and other powers in the Southern Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
SB 354 - Board of Commissioners of Toombs County; reconstitute the board of commissioners
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Toombs County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2

SB 462 - Board of Elections and Registration of Rockdale County; revise procedures; appointment of the at-large member
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide procedures relating to the appointment of the at-large member of the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration. - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
SB 523 - Recorder's Court of Gwinnett County; provide for the appointment of the judges of such court
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the appointment of judges of the Gwinnett County Recorder's Court. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 134; Nays: 2
* The House will reconvene Tuesday, March 27, at 10:00 AM, for its 39th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 39th Legislative Day, Tuesday, March 27, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
SB 153 - Education; professional development plans for personnel who have deficiencies; provide certain requirements and rights
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 153 states that if an employee is terminated or suspended due to the loss of students or program cancellation, the administration will specifically state in writing, that their termination/suspension is no fault of their own. If any school personnel are furloughed, the furlough day will take place on a Monday or Friday or in conjunctions with a holiday. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 234 - Georgia Public Revenue Code; extensively revise provisions; ad valorem tax assessments and appeals from such assessments
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the "Georgia Public Revenue Code" regarding provisions relating to advalorem tax assessments and appeals from such assessments. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/21/2012 - Rule: Structured
SB 246 - Retirement; provide an increase in the employee contribution; retirement benefit; conditions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 246 is a fiscal retirement bill relating to the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). It would raise the employee contribution for those that become members on or after July 1, 2012 from $4.00 per month to $10.00 per month. Additionally, it would increase the maximum monthly retirement benefit for those that retire on or after July 1, 2012 from $15.00 per month to $16.50 per month for each year of creditable service. Finally, this bill would increase the minimum monthly retirement benefit from $12.00 per month to $14.75 per month, which is the amount that is currently paid by the system. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th - House Committee: Retirement - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open

SB 380 - Pharmacist and Pharmacies; change definition of security paper; State Board of Pharmacy; revisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 380
Section 1 Senate Bill 380 amends the definition of security paper to include Medicare and Medicaid requirements for a tamperresistant prescription.
Section 2 (A)The board may only deny registration to a nonresident pharmacy or device distributer for good cause related to substantial evidence of misfeasance or malfeasance by an applicant.
These firms will be required to disclose the following information to the board: 1.) Proof of a valid, unexpired license, permit, or registration to operate a pharmacy and device distributer in compliance with the laws and rules of the state in which the facility is located. 2.) The location, names, and titles of all principal corporate officers and the pharmacist who serves as the pharmacist in charge for dispensing all drugs. 3.) Change of registered location and the state and federal registrations for the new location. 4.) Proof that it complies with all lawful directions and requests for information from the regulatory or licensing agency of all states in which it is licensed as well as with all requests for information made by the board. 5.) The location of records for all prescription drug or medical device orders in this state. 6.) A toll-free telephone service to facilitate communication between patients in this state and a pharmacist at the pharmacy or person at the medical device distributer who has access to the patient's records.
(B)Requires the applications for this type of permit to be made on a written or electronic form made available by the board. (C)Allows the board to set the registration and renewal fees. (D)Allows the board to deny, revoke, or suspend registration of, or fine or reprimand a nonresident pharmacy or medical device distributer for failure to comply with rules or law. (E)Allows the board to deny, revoke, or suspend registration of, or fine or reprimand a nonresident pharmacy or medical device distributer for conduct which causes serious bodily injury or serious psychological injury to a resident of this state. (F)Makes it unlawful for these firms to advertise their services if the firm remains unregistered after the effective date set by the board. (G)Requires that the pharmacist in charge of the nonresident pharmacy to be licensed in his or her state of location. (H)Requires the amendment of Code Section 26-4-60 which would enable a person or pharmacy regulated by the board to regularly employ mailing to sell, distribute, or deliver a prescription drug.
Section 3 Allows the Georgia Drugs and Narcotics Agency to accept donations, contributions, grants, or bequests of funds or property for the Prescription Drug Monitoring program. These funds will be reviewed by the Appropriations Committee of the House and Senate.
Section 4 Defines a "valid prescription drug order" as a prescription drug order issued by a physician, dentist, podiatrist, veterinarian, or other person licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized under the law to prescribe dangerous drugs and controlled substances.
Section 5 Strikes the requirements of board approval of security paper before marketing or sale in Georgia. Also strikes the requirement to affix a seal.
Section 6 Defines "dispenser" as any pharmacy or facility which is located outside this state and ships, mails, or delivers a dispensed dangerous drug or controlled substance into this state. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Health & Human Services - House Committee Passed: 3/21/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured

SB 382 - Public Service Commission; change description of the election districts; manner of election and term of office
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation redraws the five districts for the Public Sevice Commission as according to the 2010 Census. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment - House Committee Passed: 3/19/2012 - Rule: Structured
SB 403 - Education; school health nurse programs; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 403 moves to include school nurses in state formula based on full-time student counts. SECTION 1: Funding will be based on a 1:750 ratio for elementary school and 1:1,500 ratio at the middle and high
school. It will also be determined by a ratio of one registered nurse to five licensed practical nurses and based on a contract length of 180 days. School Systems that fail to meet the minimum full-time student requirement will receive a base amount of funding.
SECTION 2: The State Board of Education will give funds to local schools to purchase supplies for a school nurse program.
SECTION 3: Establishes a school health nurse program coordinator from within the Department of Education. This person is responsible for: Establishing and implementing school health nurse programs. Including development of guidelines for utilizing volunteers and retirees to supplement the program. Assisting in standardizing the reporting of any health information from the local system. Assisting in obtaining any additional funds/support from federal and other sources for nursing programs. (i.e. Medicaid funds, local hospital partnerships). - Authored By: Sen. Fran Millar of the 40th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 404 - Education; provide for development of category -level expenditure controls for staff development funds
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 404 provides for the development of category-level expenditure controls for staff development and includes administrators in professional development funding.
The State Board of Education, with consultation with the Professional Standards Commission, shall establish categorylevel expenditure controls to ensure that staff development funds be used in such a manner to help align professional learning with student achievement. This shall be established no later than July 1st 2015.
This bill also states that the State Board of Education shall provide professional development on state-wide strategic initiatives. This may include: training on the new common core curriculum, support for under-performing educators, and mentoring programs in specific subject areas.
Senate Bill 404 includes the implementation based on weight of salaries and benefits relating to state-wide funding for professional development in the funding formula. - Authored By: Sen. Fran Millar of the 40th - House Committee: Education - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 405 - Student Achievement Office of; private college submit confidential student data to Dept. of Education shall not be liable for breach
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Part 2 of Article 2 of Chapter 14 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Office of Student Achievement. The bill aims to relieve private colleges and universities in this state that submit confidential student data and records to the Office of Student Achievement from being held liable for the breach of the confidentiality of such data and records. This Code section would apply to any student data or records that are confidential under any law of this state or any federal law, including, but not limited to, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, 20 U.S.C. Section 1232g. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - House Committee: Higher Education - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open

SB 427 - Administrative Procedure; require agency procedures for timely processing; applications for issuance/renewal of licenses
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 427 amends Code Section 12-2-2 of the O.C.G.A. by requiring the EPD Director to develop and implement procedures for timely processing or applications made to EPD for issuance or renewal of permits or variances. These procedures shall also provide the applicant with status-tracking abilities with real-time updates via EPD's website. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/19/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
SB 428 - Administrative Procedure; provide for agency reports regarding federal government mandates and duplicate state/federal regulation
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 428 requires all state agencies to prepare an annual report that specifies, with detail, all federal rules and regulations implemented that year. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - House Committee Passed: 3/21/2012 - Rule: Modified-Open
SB 441 - Obstruction of Public Administration; establish the offense of unlawful pointing of a laser device at a law enforcement officer; penalties
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 441 prohibits anyone from knowingly and intentionally aiming or pointing a laser device at an aircraft or toward a law enforcement officer without the law enforcement officer's permission. - Authored By: Sen. John Crosby of the 13th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2012 - Rule: Modified-Structured
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Appropriations
SR 84 - General Assembly; authorize state entities to enter into multiyear rental agreements; procedures, conditions, and limitations-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Resolution 84 provides for a Constitutional Amendment that would allow the State Properties Commission and the Board of Regents to enter into multi-year rental agreements.
Agreements are limited to 10 fiscal years for rentals and 20 fiscal years for sales or leasebacks. Any portion of the fiscal year constitutes a full fiscal year under this amendment, and the insufficient availability of funds is grounds for terminating an agreement. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
SB 113 - Local government; municipal corporations; contracts; does not change/conflict with any existing authority
- BILL SUMMARY: The House Governemntal Affairs Substitute to SB 113 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: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Governmental Affairs
SR 673 - U.S. Congress; making renewed application to call for a convention; proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 673 is an application for Congress to call a constitutional convention for the purpose of proposing a balanced budget amendment. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Industrial Relations
SB 447 - Employment Security; unemployment compensation; prov.; change the amount of taxable wages; determination of weekly benefit amount; prov.
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 447 establishes the method whereby Georgia will repay a seven hundred million dollar loan to the federal government as well as provide solvency to the unemployment insurance trust fund. It increases the amount of taxable wages, beginning in 2013, to $9,500. It creates a one week waiting period before benefits begin, and it reduces the number of benefit weeks from 26 to 20. - Authored By: Sen. Fran Millar of the 40th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Industrial Relations
SB 469 - Labor; provide provisions prohibiting mass picketing shall apply to certain private residences
- BILL SUMMARY: The House Industrial Relations substitute to SB 469 prevents mass picketing by labor unions in front of private residences. It provides that the Georgia Department of Labor may establish locations in companies where signs can be placed reminding employees they can decertify a union. It allows employees to opt out of direct debit for payment of union dues. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 998 - Chatham County; board of commissioners; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Chatham County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 999 - Chatham County; City of Savannah; board of education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 393 - Board of Education of Ware County; change the description of the education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Ware County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 514 - Cherokee County; homestead exemption; ad valorem taxes for county purposes
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Cherokee County ad valorem taxes for county purposes of up to 100 percent as determined from the proceeds generated from the collection of a retail homestead option sales and use tax for residents of Cherokee County. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 519 - Board of Education of Toombs County; change the description of the education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Toombs County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. Tommie Williams of the 19th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 525 - Commissioner of Roads/Revenues; Walker County; modernize, update; elections, runoffs, expenses, county attorney; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to modernize, update, and revise the Act which created the Walker County Commission. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary Non-Civil
SB 431 - Forgery and Fraudulent Practices; add medical identity fraud to the provisions relating to identity fraud; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: As it passed the Senate, SB 431 was stripped and now contains language to fix a gaming issue with the "fee bill" from 2010, HB 1055.
In Section 2, SB 431 clarifies the definition of 'lottery' as well as the exceptions for what is not a lottery to include promotions offered by corporations such as Coke and games offered by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.
Section 3 clarifies Class A and Class B machines that are used for gaming purposes. Section 4 amends state regulatory provisions regarding bona fide coin operated amusement machines. It clarifies what local governments may enact and enforce in ordinances. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
State Institutions & Property
SB 37 - State Properties Commission; multiyear lease agreements; provide for termination of certain rental/lease agreements
- BILL SUMMARY: This Bill allows that State Properties Commission to enter into multi-year leases not to exceed ten years, or in the case of sale and leaseback, not to exceed twenty years. It directs the GA Financing and Investment Commission to establish policies regarding multi-year leases, and sets guidelines for how these leases should be handled in the State Budget. It also authorizes the commission to contract with a licensed real estate broker for transaction management.
It also requires the commission to provide an annual report to the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, chairpersons of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees, and chairpersons of the Senate and House State Institutions and Property Committees. The report shall provide the total sum of all leasing obligations to be paid by the state for the upcoming fiscal year, all revenues collected from the previous fiscal year, including revenues collected from broker fees, and provide an itemized budget allocation for the upcoming fiscal year. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass as Amended
State Institutions & Property
SR 84 - General Assembly; authorize state entities to enter into multiyear rental agreements; procedures, conditions, and limitations-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Resolution 84 provides for a Constitutional Amendment that would allow the State Properties Commission and the Board of Regents to enter into multi-year rental agreements.
Agreements are limited to 10 fiscal years for rentals and 20 fiscal years for sales or leasebacks. Any portion of the fiscal year constitutes a full fiscal year under this amendment, and the insufficient availability of funds is grounds for terminating an agreement. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

State Institutions & Property
SR 873 - Public Property; authorizing the granting of restrictive easements for facilities, utilities 14 counties
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 873 is a Resolution granting nonexclusive easements for operation and maintenance of facilities, on stateowned property in Bartow, Bibb, Butts, Chatham, Clinch, Douglas, Gordon, Hall, Houston, McDuffie, Newton, Tattnall and Ware counties.
Article I grants a nonexclusive easement on .301 of an acre in Bartow County to Georgia Power, for the purpose of installing, maintaining and operating a power line and associated equipment. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission and is located on Hwy. 140 in Rydal, Georgia. The consideration for this easement is $10.00.
Article II grants a nonexclusive easement to the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority, for the purpose of a restrictive easement to eliminate incompatible land use around Robins Air Force base, in Bibb and Houston counties. The property is currently under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources and is located adjacent to the Base at Echeconnee Creek Natural Area. It includes 159.576 acres in Bibb County and 367.924 acres in Houston County. The consideration for this easement is future conveyance of additional properties to the state by the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority, to be used as buffer for the Base.
Article III grants a nonexclusive easement on .13 of an acre in Butts County, currently under custody of the Department of Natural Resources, to the Department of Transportation for the purpose of widening SR 36 at the Towaliga River. The consideration for such easement is $10.00.
Article IV grants an easement to Georgia Power for 2.9 acres in Chatham County, located at Skidaway Island State Park, for the purpose of replacing and upgrading an old utility line. The consideration for the easement will be for fair market value not less than $10.00.
Article V grants a nonexclusive easement on .10 of an acre and .027 of an acre currently in the custody of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to Georgia Power, for the purpose of the installation, operation and maintenance of an electrical power line. This area is located at the Coastal Regional Crime Lab, Savannah Regional Drug Office, and the Bomb Truck Garage in Savannah (Chatham County). The consideration for this easement shall be $46,500 and Georgia Power will convey in-kind-cost-to-cure to GBI for the removal of existing trees, the planting of new trees and sod, an irrigation system, and a two-year maintenance and guarantee, to be installed upon the completion of the transmission line.
Article VI grants a nonexclusive easement on .045 of an acre in Clinch County, currently under custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, to the Department of Transportation for the purpose of the US-441 widening project. The consideration for this project will be $10.00.
Article VII of the Resolution grants a nonexclusive easement to Greystone Power Corporation for the construction, operation and maintenance of an electrical power line. The easement area is located at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Douglas County and consists of 2.74 acres, currently in the custody of the Department of Natural Resources. The consideration for this easement is fair market value not less than $650.00.
Article VIII grants a nonexclusive easement to the Department of Transportation to reconstruct the Interchange Improvement at I-75 and SR 136 in Gordon County, Resaca. The property is currently in the custody of Department of Natural Resources and is comprised of .03 of an acre. The consideration for this easement is $10.00.
Article IX grants a nonexclusive easement area to the Department of Transportation for the road widening at SR3/US41/SR 136 at SR 136 in Gordon County. The easement area consists of .121 of an acre, and the consideration for this easement shall be $10.00.
Article X grants a nonexclusive easement to Hall County for .407 of an acre that is currently under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources, for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining county roads at Don Carter State Park. The consideration for this easement is $10.00.
Article XI grants a nonexclusive easement on three lots in Hall County, for the purpose of installing, constructing, and operating overhead power lines in Don Carter State Park, to Jackson EMC, for a consideration of $10.00. The property is currently in the custody of the Department of Natural Resources.
Article XII grants a nonexclusive easement on .774 of an acre on the Middle Georgia Technical College property in Houston County, currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to Flint EMC. The easement is for the installation, operation and maintenance of an electrical power line and the consideration for such easement is $10.00.

Article XIII grants a nonexclusive easement on .101 of an acre on the Thompson campus of Augusta Technical College in McDuffie County, currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to Georgia Power. The easement is for the installation, operation and maintenance of an underground electrical power line and the consideration for such easement is $10.00.
Article XIV grants a nonexclusive easement to the Department of Transportation for the reconstruction of SR 142 in Newton County. The .0107 of an acre is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and the consideration for the easement will be $10.00.
Article XV grant a nonexclusive easement to Georgia Power to develop an early warning system associated with Plant Hatch, in compliance with Federal Nuclear Energy Regulatory Commission regulations. The .0574 of an acre easement area is located on the Department of Corrections' Georgia State Prison property in Reidsville, Tattnall County. The consideration for such easement will be fair market value, not less than $650.00.
Article XVI grants a nonexclusive easement at an address on Okefenokee Swamp Road, Waycross, Ware County, to John S. Braddy for the purpose of putting in a permanent access easement. The property, .207 of an acre, is currently under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, and the consideration for such easement is $10.00. It will remain in effect until John S. Braddy either transfers title of the easement area or is deceased.
Article XVII grants a nonexclusive easement to L&S Mullis Farms, Inc. in Ware County, Georgia, for the purpose of a permanent access easement and installation of a power line/pole at Dixon Memorial State Forest. The .944 of an acre is currently under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission and the consideration for the easement will be $650.00. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch of the 51st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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