Daily report [Feb. 21, 2013]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 22nd Legislative Day on Friday, February 22, at 09:30 AM. * 5 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DAILY REPORT

Thursday, February 21, 2013
TODAY ON THE FLOOR

21st Legislative Day

RULES CALENDAR
HB 126 - Park rangers; any person obstructing or hindering the lawful discharge of official duties; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 126 adds a new Code section relating to the obstruction of a park ranger from his or her duties. It creates a misdemeanor and a felony offense. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 24th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 167; Nays: 2
HB 232 - Regents Retirement Plan; level of employee participation; change
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 232 changes provisions under the Regents Retirement Plan. Currently, a participating employee contributes to an optional retirement plan a percentage of his or her earnable compensation as determined by the Board of Trustees of the Teachers' Retirement System at a level that is no less than 5 and no more than 6 percent. HB 232 removes the limit on the level of employee participation and shifts the responsibility of determining the required employee contribution rate to the Board of Regents. This is a non-fiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 157; Nays: 0
HB 234 - Contracts; new chapter that provides for notice of automatic renewal provisions in service contracts; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation adds a new chapter 12 of Title 13, that provides for notice of automatic renewal provisions in service contracts; to provide for notice to a consumer prior to the automatic renewal of a service contract and for other purposes.
Section 1 Automatic renewal provision is a provision under which a service contract is renewed for a specified period of more than one month if the renewal causes the service contract to be in effect more than six months after the day of the initiation of the service contract. Such renewal is effective unless the consumer gives notice to the seller of the consumer's intention to terminate the service contract.
Consumer means a person receiving service, maintenance, or repair benefits under a service contract. The term does not include a person engaged in business or employed by or otherwise acting on behalf of a governmental entity if the person enters into the contract as part of the person's business activities.
Seller means any person, firm, partnership association or corporation engaged in commerce that sells, leases, or offers to sell or lease any service to a consumer pursuant to a service contract. Service contract is a written contract for the performance of services for a specified period of time.

Code Section 13-12-2 states that any seller sells, lease, or offers to sell or lease any service to a consumer pursuant to a service contract that has an automatic renewal provision shall disclose the automatic renewal provision clearly and conspicuously in the contract or contract office.
Code Section 13-12-3 provides that any seller that sells leases or offers to sell or lease any service to a consumer under a service contract for 12 months or more and that automatically renews for a specified period of more than one month, unless the consumer cancels the contract, shall provide the consumer with written or electronic notification of the automatic renewal process. The notification shall be provided to the consumer no less than 30 days or no more than 60 days before the cancellation deadline pursuant to the automatic renewal provision.
Such notice shall disclose clearly and conspicuously (1) that unless the consumer cancels the contract that the contract will automatically renew; and (2) the methods by which the consumer may obtain details of the automatic renewal provision and cancellation procedure, including contacting the seller at a specified telephone number or address, referring to the contract or any other method. Code Section 13-12-4, provides that this chapter shall not apply to: (1) a financial institution as provided in Chapter 1 or 2 of Title 7 or any depository institution as defined in 12 U.S.C. Section 1813(2); (2) a foreign bank maintaining a branch or agency licensed under the laws of any state of the United States; (3) any subsidiary or affiliate of an entity provided in paragraph (1) or (2) of this Code Section; or (4) any electric utility as provided in Chapter 3 of Title 46.
Code Section 13-12-5 provides that a violation of this chapter renders the automatic renewal provision of a contract void and unenforceable.
Section 2 This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2013 and shall apply only to contracts entered into on or after that date.
Section 3 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Rep. Lynn Ratigan Smith of the 70th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 167; Nays: 2
HB 241 - Atlanta, City of; Board of Education; change description of districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Atlanta Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Pat Gardner of the 57th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
HB 254 - Motor vehicles; electronic proof of insurance may be accepted under certain circumstances; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 254 allows an electronic copy of ones "proof of insurance" to be accepted by law enforcement as actual proof of valid insurance. Currently, only the paper copy issued by the individual's insurance company is acceptable. - Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson of the 115th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 0
HB 255 - Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005; administration responsibilities from Department of Revenue to Department of Public Safety; transfer
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation moves responsibility of administration of the Unified Carrier Registration Act of 2005 from the Department of Revenue to the Department of Public Safety. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Rogers of the 10th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 2

HB 264 - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965; extensively revise
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill is an extensive rewrite of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965, or the MARTA Act. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 113; Nays: 57
HB 265 - Mass transportation; suspension of restrictions on the use of annual proceeds from sales and use taxes by public transit authorities; repeal provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill is repealing the composition of the board of directors of MARTA and the 50/50 restriction language from the Code in the event that House Bill 264 passes. If HB 264 does not pass, the repeal would not go into effect. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Transportation - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 156; Nays: 14
HB 286 - Hawkinsville, City of; Pulaski County; create and incorporate new political body corporate under name Hawkinsville-Pulaski County, Georgia
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a unified form of government for the City of Hawkinsville and Pulaski County and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Buddy Harden of the 148th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 155; Nays: 12
LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 340 - Enigma, City of; provide four-year terms for mayor and city council
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide four-year terms of office for the mayor and city council in the City of Enigma. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
HB 342 - Senoia, City of; provide new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Senoia. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Ramsey of the 72nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
HB 353 - Trion, City of; provide for continuation and support of the independent school system of the town
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the charter of the Town of Trion so as to provide for the continuation and support of the independent school system of the town and to provide limitations on the holding of other offices by the school superintendent and members of the board of education. - Authored By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden of the 12th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 160; Nays: 1
* The House will reconvene Friday, February 22, at 9:30 AM, for its 22nd Legislative Day.

COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 22nd Legislative Day, Friday, February 22, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HB 83 - Mortgage broker licensing requirements; licensed real estate brokers and salespersons assisting in a short sale real estate transaction; exempt
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 83 amends the Georgia Code as it relates to the licensing of mortgage lenders and brokers by providing an exemption for licensed real estate brokers and salespersons assisting in short sale real estate transactions from mortgage broker licensing requirements. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 130th - House Committee: Small Business Development - House Committee Passed: 2/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 161 - Trial juries; oath of bailiffs; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 161 modernizes the oath of bailiffs and makes sure it applies to oaths given in all courts which hold jury trials. It removes antiquated language and tightens the oath by taking into consideration modern technology. - Authored By: Rep. Alex Atwood of the 179th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 179 - Pharmacies; The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 179 amends the Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights: There shall be no recoupment of the cost of drugs or medicinal supplies allowed given that they were properly dispensed; a pharmacy shall be allowed at least 30 days to correct any clerical errors found during an audit or to appeal said audit report if it is considered to be unfavorable. - Authored By: Rep. Andrew J. Welch of the 110th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 274 - Game and fish; regulate practice of falconry
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 274 (LC 40 0286S) Code Section 27-2-17 is repealed in its entirety and replaced with a new section. In order to trap, take, transport, or possess raptors for falconry, one must first possess a valid falconry permit, in addition to any licenses and permits otherwise required. For non-residents, in order to possess or transport raptors in this state, a valid falconry license or permit from his or her state, or place of residence, is required, provided that the state has been certified by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. They must also possess all licenses and permits required by this title. A valid general or master level falconry license or permit from his or her state is required for any resident to trap, take, or attempt to trap or take a raptor from the wild in this state. The department is responsible for providing necessary forms for falconry permits, as well as inspecting the applicant's housing facilities and equipment. The department has the right during reasonable times to enter the premises of persons subject to this Code to inspect and certify compliance with federal and state standards. If this Code Section is satisfied, it is lawful for a falconer to take small game with raptors, so long as the individual observes all other laws regulating the taking of small game. - Authored By: Rep. Jon Burns of the 159th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 312 - Insurance; regulating insurance holding company systems; provide comprehensive revision of provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 312 is the annual "housekeeping" bill for the Insurance Department. It updates laws concerning holding companies in the State of Georgia so that they conform to standards set by the National Association of Insurance

Commissioners. It is necessary for the Department to maintain its accreditation. - Authored By: Rep. John Carson of the 46th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Friday, February 22, at 08:30 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Defense & Veterans Affairs
HB 188 - Professions and businesses; certain military certifications entitle persons to obtain certain professional licenses in this state; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 188 provides for newly discharged veterans who have received specialized skilled trades training to be issued an initial license if the training received is determined by the agency to be sufficient for a license issuance. This initial license would only apply to the first application and the licensee would still be subject to future requirements. Additionally the legislation provides for a spouse of an active duty personnel stationed in Georgia, to be able to receive a license for certain skilled trades if the issuing agency determines that the craftsman has met standards that meet or exceed those standards established in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Christian Coomer of the 14th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Defense & Veterans Affairs
HR 204 - United State Congress; House and Senate Armed Services Committees; avoid sequestration; encourage
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 204 is a resolution which encourages the United States Congress and the United States House and Senate Armed Services Committees to avoid sequestration for the purpose of preserving the interests of Georgians such as 450 Marines and 4500 employed citizens who live and work at the Marine Corps Logistics Base-Albany. - Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene of the 151st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Defense & Veterans Affairs
HR 274 - Department of Army; consider socioeconomic impact the Programmatic Environmental Assessment for Army 2020 Force Restructuring will have on Fort Benning, Georgia; request
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 274 is a resolution that asks the Department of the Army to carefully examine the socioeconomic consequences of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the of the Army 2020 Force Restructuring as it relates to Fort Benning and its surrounding environment. This resolution points out that the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and federal, state, and local governments have all made several considerable investments to the Fort and its outlying areas. The resolution describes the economic loss to the area in terms of sales, income, and employment that the region would suffer as a result of the Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) for the of the Army 2020 Force Restructuring. - Authored By: Rep. Richard Smith of the 134th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Economic Development & Tourism
HB 338 - Georgia Council for the Arts; role of arts in economic development and other vital functions to the state; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation clarifies the role of the Georgia Council for the Arts as it relates to economic development by making the council an advisory body. The council will be made up of nine members, appointed by the Governor, serving three year terms. Council members will represent a broad array of major fields of the arts and creative industries, and will be a balanced representation of the entire state. The Governor will appoint a chairperson on an annual basis for a term ending on

June 30th of the year following his or her appointment. The chairperson will be responsible for calling upon the council to meet at least twice per fiscal year. The council will advise the Governor through the Department of Economic Development on how best to advance the arts in education, tourism, community development, and economic development in Georgia. They will also assist local governments and communities to plan, build, and connect the arts to their tourism, community, and economic development initiatives. - Authored By: Rep. Joe Wilkinson of the 52nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 287 - Secretary of State, Office of; Division of Archives and History; reassign to Board of Regents of University System of Georgia
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 287 reassigns the Division of Archives and History from the Secretary of State's office to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Hatchett of the 150th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 296 - Motor vehicles; authorized to receive registration records; add certain persons
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 296 adds licensed private investigators to the list of individuals allowed to obtain motor vehicle registration and certificate of title records from the Georgia Department of Revenue. It gives the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue the authority to promulgate rules and regulations as to how these records may be obtained. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HR 281 - Tift County; named in honor of the late Henry Harding Tift; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 281 is a resolution providing that Tift County be so named in honor of the late Henry Harding Tift. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 155th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 328 - Lowndes County; nonpartisan nomination and election of judge of Probate Court; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the judge of the Probate Court of Lowndes County. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 329 - Lowndes County; judge of Small Claims Court shall be magistrate judge elected on nonpartisan basis; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the nonpartisan election of the magistrate judge of the Small Claims Court for Lowndes County. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 400 - Elections; population brackets and the census for approval of bonded debt; repeal certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal a population act originally applicable to Fulton County relating to the date to hold countywide bond or school bond elections in the county's unincorporated areas. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Judiciary
HB 336 - Civil practice; tort claims arising out of use of motor vehicles; provide for certain pre-suit settlement offers
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 336, also known as the "bad faith legislation," sets forth the guidelines for information which must be included in an offer to settle a personal injury or death claim arising from a motor vehicle accident. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 141 - Kidnapping; certain businesses and establishments post a model notice to enable persons who are the subject of human trafficking to obtain help and services; require
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 141 requires certain businesses (bars, primary airports, bus stations, truck stops, etc.) to post a national human trafficking hotline number. If an establishment fails to comply, law enforcement may notify them and allow 30 days for compliance, or the establishment is fined. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 146 - Criminal procedure; the issuance of arrest and search warrants by video conference; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 146 removes the existing geographic restriction on the location of a judge signing an electronic warrant. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Weldon of the 3rd - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 349 - Criminal cases; provide state with more direct appeal rights
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 349 is based on recommendations of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform Council ("Council") Recommendations.
Sections 1-3 grant the state the right to appeal a pre-trial ruling excluding evidence. These sections were not part of the Council's recommendations.
Sections 4 and 5 allow a judge to use his discretion to depart from mandatory minimums for drug trafficking up to 50% in certain enumerated circumstances.
In addition, Section 4 addresses a recent Georgia Supreme Court case, Wilson v. State, by removing the word 'knowingly' in regards to the weight of the drugs. This amendment clarifies that the person does not have to have subjective knowledge of the actual weight of the drug in order to be found guilty under the statute.
Section 6 revises the definition of administrative probation to allow the Board of Pardons and Paroles to utilize resources elsewhere while remaining in compliance with the Interstate Compact.
Sections 7-9 grant discretion to the court for departure from a mandatory minimum sentence for a serious violent felony when the prosecuting attorney and defendant agree.
Section 10 creates a Council on Criminal Justice Reform of for periodic review of criminal and correctional laws.
Section 11 codifies current law regarding child hearsay of a child witness to sexual or physical abuse of another child. This section was also not a recommendation of the Council.
Sections 12 and 13 allow for court discretion to grant a limited driving permit to a participant of drug court.
Section 15 allows the Department of Corrections to collect fees for drug screenings for probationers. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 40th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Natural Resources & Environment
HB 199 - Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; expand Georgia Reservoir Fund
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 199 changes the `Georgia Reservoir Fund' to the `Georgia Reservoir and Water Supply Fund' and extends the water supply division of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority's scope to make loans and grants to local governments by allowing them to provide loans and grants for the purpose of planning, constructing, acquiring, operating, evaluating, monitoring, or maintaining any part of any water supply system comprised of a new or existing reservoir; or of any project providing or enhancing water supply, water use efficiency, or water sufficiency.
The bill also amends O.C.G.A. 12-5-471 by extending the definition of `project' to include the acquisition of real property for any water supply system; the construction of any water supply system; the acquisition of real property or personal property surrounding any water supply system, including any interest in such property; assets reasonable to develop any water supply system comprised of new or existing reservoirs, and any means of combination of means of providing or enhancing water supply.
The bill also amends the definition of `affected local government' in O.C.G.A. 36-91-100 by including consolidated governments in which water supply, monitoring, distribution, conservation, or maintenance facilities of a project are located or proposed to be located.
The bill also amends the definition of `environmental facilities' to include "systems", and also allows for "monitoring" water to be a delineated purpose for an environmental facility, and for "conservation" to be one of the approved functions of a facility. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Natural Resources & Environment
HB 226 - Solid waste management; tire transportation, storage, and disposal; revise certain requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 226 requires a person who collects or transports any tires other than new tires to obtain a tire carrier permit issued by the Environmental Protection Division which he or she shall display on each vehicle used to collect or transport tires. This does not apply to a common carrier that collects tires exclusively from outside of Georgia. The bill also adds language that a person holding a tire carrier permit shall pay the EPD a nominal fee for each decal issued.
HB 226 also requires a person to obtain a scrap tire processing permit issued by the EPD prior to processing scrap tires. "Processing scrap tires" means any method, system, or other treatment designed to change the physical form, size, or chemical content of scrap tires for beneficial use."
The bill also amends who is exempted from this code section by exempting private individuals transporting no more than ten of his or her own tires, or a private individual transporting more than ten tires if he or she can provide proof of purchase with receipt of the tires. The section also does not apply to a tire retailer transporting its own used tires if the dealer can provide proof of purchase with receipt for all of the used tires being transported, as well as a document verifying the origin, route, and destination of the used tires. The section also does not apply to anyone transporting tires collected as part of an organized site cleanup activity.
The bill also lowers the number of scrap tires a person can store in Georgia from one hundred to twenty-five. This does not apply to tire retailers with no more than 1,500 scrap tires in storage, or tire retreaders with no more than 3,000 scrap tires in storage so long as the retreader is actively retreading. The amendment also does not apply to a licensed used motor vehicle parts dealer or registered secondary metals recycler with no more than 500 scrap tires in storage. It also does not apply to a scrap tire processor approved by the division so long as the number of scrap tires in storage does not exceed the quantity approved by EPD if all of the scrap tires are secured in a locked enclosure or are otherwise adequately secured in a manner suitable to prevent unauthorized access. The EPD, however, may grant a waiver of the enclosure requirement if the person requesting the waiver can definitively show a significant and unique economic hardship which impairs his or her ability to continue operating his or her business.
The bill also changes the amount of the surety bond provided to the director by a scrap tire carrier or scrap tire processor prior to issuance of a permit to ensure compliance with these provisions to not less than $10,000 and not greater than $20,000.
The bill also changes the effective date to January 1, 2013. - Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix of the 69th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Natural Resources & Environment
HB 320 - Solid waste management; currently existing and compliant inert waste landfill operations from regulatory permitting; exempt
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 320 amends O.C.G.A. 12-8-24 by adding a subsection that allows for any inert waste landfill that, as of January 1, 2014, is in full compliance with all permits by rule requirements as they existed on January 1, 2012 to continue to operate under the permit by rule requirements.
The bill also exempts any landfills from permitting requirements under O.C.G.A. 12-8-27 that have a total capacity of 250 cubic yards or less and receive only inert waste.
The bill also amends O.C.G.A. 12-8-30.6, which relates to civil penalties for solid waste management violations by setting the fine for non-compliance with this part at not more than $5,000 per day during the time which the violation continues. - Authored By: Rep. Buddy Harden of the 148th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Rules
HB 142 - Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission to adopt any rules and regulations necessary and appropriate except they cannot require the reporting or disclosure of more information than required by law. The bill also prohibits lobbyists from making expenditures for tickets to admission to athletic, sporting, recreational, musical concert, or other entertainment events, unless consideration of equal or greater than face value is received. It also prohibits lobbyists from a reimbursement or payment of expenses for recreational or leisure activities.
A lobbyist can make expenditure for food and beverages to the House or Senate, standing committees and subcommittees, caucuses of members of the majority or minority political parties of the House or Senate and other approved caucuses. Also permissible are monetary fees and honorariums paid to a public officer for speaking engagements or participation in seminars, discussion panels or other activities which directly relate to the official duties of that public officer. It is permissible to reimburse or pay for actual and reasonable expenses for the member or support staff related to transportation except airfare, lodging, travel, registration, food, and beverages for attending meetings that directly relate to the office duties of a public officer. It is permissible to pay for admission for members of the General Assembly to a collegiate athletic event if the team is part of the University System of Georgia or a private university or college accredited in Georgia and the event is offered to all members of the General Assembly.
It defines "lobbyist" as someone for compensation or pro bono advocates a position or agenda on behalf of someone else at a state building, for the purpose of influencing the decision maker. The registration fee for a lobbyist is dropped from $300 to $25 and now includes an identification card.
An individual does not have to register as a lobbyist if he or she communicates personal views, interests or personal opinions to any public officer. An individual does not have to register if they are not paid to lobby and do it no more than 5 days in a year. If an individual is invited to appear before a committee and clearly identifies the interested party on whose behalf her or she is testifying. If someone is required to register they cannot meet at a state building unless they are wearing their lobbyist badge. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Rules
HB 143 - Campaign contributions; disclosure reports; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes the signing and filing requirements for candidates for county or municipal offices. Instead of filing them with the commission, candidates for county office will now file the required disclosure reports with the election superintendent in the county and candidates for municipal office will file the reports with the municipal clerk in the municipality or the chief executive officer of the municipality if there is no clerk.
It also requires that any contribution of more than $100.00 received during the period beginning January 1st and ending the

first day of session, must be reported to the commission within five business days of the start of session and also reported on the next regularly scheduled campaign contribution report.
In addition, any candidate for elected county office, member of a local board of education, or elected municipal office who provides written notice that they do not intend to accept nor make a combined total of expenditures exceeding $2,500 in a calendar year does not have to file a report. If they end up exceeding $2,500, but not $5,000 they have to file the June 30th and October 25th reports. If they exceed $5,000 they have to file all reports. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Transportation
HB 384 - Transportation, Department of; local governing authority designating public streets or portions thereof for combined use of motorized carts and regular vehicle traffic; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would require each local governing authority allowing motorized carts upon public streets within its jurisdiction to erect signs on every highway which comprises a part of the state highway system at that point on the highway which intersects the corporate limits of the municipality or boundaries of the county. Signs shall be at least 24 by 30 inches in area and shall warn approaching motorists that motorized carts are authorized for use on public streets. Without the posting of required signs, the ordinances establishing operating standards for motorized carts are not effective. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 155th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Ways & Means
HB 210 - Gasoline and aviation fuel; temporary suspension of the collection of taxes; provide legislative findings
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation ratifies the Governor's Executive order from June 8, 2012, suspending the increase in prepaid state taxes on motor fuels until December 31, 2012. - Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer of the 178th - Committee Action: Do Pass
* Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office, and are then placed on the General Calendar.
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COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE

TBD 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM

Friday, February 22, 2013

Floor Session (LD22)

HOUSE CHAMBER (9:30am)

INDUSTRY & LABOR

506 CLOB

RULES

341 CAP

* This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meetings Calendar.