HOUSE BUDGET & RESEARCH OFFICE (404) 656-5050 HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS (404) 656-0305 TOMORROW'S FORECAST * The House will reconvene for its 37th Legislative Day on Friday, March 22, at 9:30 AM. * 13 bills are expected to be debated on the floor. GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DAILY REPORT Friday, March 22, 2013 TODAY ON THE FLOOR 36th Legislative Day MOTIONS TO AGREE 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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. LOCAL CALENDAR HB 380 - Fulton County; Board of Education; shall be the retirement and pension plan sponsor and funding agent of such plan; provide - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the act which created a system of pension and retirement pay for the Fulton County Board of Education so as to provide that it shall be the plan sponsor and funding agent of such plan, to provide for the administration of the plan through a committee of the board of education, to provide for a committee known as the pension board, and to provide for the membership and duties of the pension board. - Authored By: Rep. Lynne Riley of the 50th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 110; Nays: 47 HB 528 - Peachtree City, City of; levy an excise tax - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Peachtree City to levy a hotel/motel tax. - Authored By: Rep. John P Yates of the 73rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 561 - Jesup, City of; change description of election districts - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the board of commissioners of the City of Jesup. - Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer of the 178th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 575 - Peachtree Corners, City of; city's ability to enter into agreements with other governmental parties; change certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act to incorporate the City of Peachtree Corners so as to change certain provisions relating to the city's ability to enter into agreements with other governmental parties; to clarify the city's municipal elections; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 95th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 589 - Washington County; Board of Education; revise districts for election of members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Washington County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Mack Jackson of the 128th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 590 - Polk County; Board of Education; revise districts for election of members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Polk County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 591 - Clayton County School System; repeal Act creating a code of ethics and ethics commission - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create a code of ethics and ethics commission for the Clayton County School System. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Glanton of the 75th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 593 - Washington County; board of commissioners; revise districts for election of members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Washington County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Mack Jackson of the 128th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 596 - Telfair County; Board of Education; change description of districts - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the election districts of the Board of Education of Telfair County. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 598 - Fulton County; employees employed after July 1, 2013, to serve the Superior Court, Magistrate Court or State Court shall be employees at will; provide - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that Fulton County employees first or again employed on and after July 1, 2013, to serve the Superior Court of Fulton County, the Magistrate Court of Fulton County, or the State Court of Fulton County shall be employees at will. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 51st - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 107; Nays: 47 HB 603 - Cobb County State Court; change compensation of judges - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the judges of the State Court of Cobb County. - Authored By: Rep. Stacey Evans of the 42nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 HB 604 - Fulton County; dates on which governing authority may make or fix certain levies of ad valorem taxes; provide - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide to provide for dates on which the governing authority of Fulton County may make or fix certain levies of ad valorem taxes. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 47th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 108; Nays: 46 SB 222 - Conyers, City of; election/term of office of the mayor and councilmembers; repeal certain provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal provisions in the charter of the City of Conyers relating to the election and terms of office of the mayor and councilmembers. - Authored By: Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. of the 43rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 SB 223 - Board of Commissioners of Schley County; change the description of commissioner districts - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Schley County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 0 RULES CALENDAR HR 644 - House Study Committee on Timber Security; create - BILL SUMMARY: HR 644 creates a House Timber Security Study Committee to study the unauthorized taking of wood and to establish penalties for those who take timber without authorization. The committee will be comprised of the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, five representatives appointed by the Speaker, and one member of the local law enforcement community and the forestry community appointed by the Speaker. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 162; Nays: 2 SB 11 - Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council; reestablish; membership; duties - BILL SUMMARY: SB 11 creates the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council and states that the Environmental Protection Division shall coordinate its creation. The bill delineates the council's membership, which shall consist of the executive officer, or his or her designee, of the following entities: (A) Association County Commissioners of Georgia; (B) Department of Community Affairs; (C) Department of Economic Development; (D) Department of Homeland Security; (E) Department of Natural Resources; (F) Department of Public Health; (G) Department of Revenue; (H) Department of Transportation; (I) Environmental Protection Division; (J) Georgia Association of Regional Commissions; (K) Georgia Emergency Management Agency; (L) Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; (M) Georgia Municipal Association; (N) Georgia Technology Authority; (O) Office of Planning and Budget; (P) State Forestry Commission; and (Q) State Properties Commission The bill also states that the chairperson of the Georgia Geographical Information Systems Coordinating Committee shall serve in the council in a nonvoting advisory capacity. The bill also states that councilmembers will not be compensated for their services as members of the council, but their travel expenses may be covered by the entity they represent. The bill goes on to list the council's duties, which consist of monitoring, studying and ascertaining Georgia's present geospatial capabilities, the need for strengthening capabilities, and the extent to which such needs are currently met; planning for a sustainable state geographical information systems program; seeking input from relevant stakeholders; compiling and disseminating reports; coordinating with and making recommendations to the Governor, the General Assembly, state agencies, counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions of Georgia regarding geographical information systems; and adopting bylaws for the conduct of its business. The bill requires the council to produce an audit of Georgia's geospatial capabilities that contains a complete status update and recommendations for utilizing Georgia's geospatial capabilities to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency notification requirements, recommendations for moving forward to achieve governmental data interoperability and enhanced delivery of services to Georgia citizens through the geospatial approach, and any other geospatial technology. The new code section would be repealed on June 30, 2016. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 142; Nays: 18 SB 14 - Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan Task Force; create - BILL SUMMARY: SB 14 creates a Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan Task Force. The task force shall study and collect data to assess the current and future impact of the disease, identity resources available to those with the disease, review the national Alzheimer's plan and develop a state plan for addressing Alzheimer's disease. The task force will consist of 6 members: the director of the Division of Aging Services within the Department of Human Services, the commissioner of community health or his or her designee, the state health officer or his or her designee, the chairperson of the House Committee on the Health and Human Services, the chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and the chairperson of the House Committee on Human Relations and Aging. The members will not receive compensation outside of their authorized per diem. The goal of the task force is to create a comprehensive state plan to address Alzheimer's and related dementias in Georgia, which is due to the Governor and General Assembly on Mach 31, 2014. After the task force is abolished, the group becomes an advisory council meeting annually to review progress of the state plan. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Human Relations & Aging - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 3 SB 76 - Returning Veterans Task Force; create; membership - BILL SUMMARY: SB 76 creates the Returning Veterans Task Force as a part of the Department of Veterans' Service. The Returning Veterans Task Force shall consist of one representative from the Departments of Veterans' Service, Community Health, Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Labor, Defense, Board of Regents, and Technical College System of Georgia. Each representative will be appointed by the head of the same Department. The Department of Veterans' Service representative shall serve as chairperson. The purpose of the task force will be to meet quarterly to investigate and report to the relevant Department, ways to improve services to honorably discharged veterans. The task force shall report specific improvement suggestions to the Speaker of the House, the Lieutenant Governor, and the Governor by November 1st every year. - Authored By: Sen. Lester G. Jackson of the 2nd - House Committee: Defense & Veterans Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 150; Nays: 0 SB 87 - Roadside Markets Incentive Program; repeal - BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 The bill repeals Article 4 of Chapter 10 of Title 2 relating to the roadside market incentive program. Section 2 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. Frank Ginn of the 47th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 165; Nays: 1 SB 97 - Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef; create; membership; powers - BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 The bill provides for the establishment of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef. For the purposes of this paragraph, 'beef' means any bovine animal. Section 2 The bill provides for the governance of the commission and the balloting cycle of every three years. Section 3 Code Section 2-8-14 is amended and relating to the composition of agricultural commodity commissions generally, so as to provide that each commission shall be comprised of: 1.) The Agriculture Commissioner, ex officio; 2.)The president of the Georgia Farm Bureau, ex officio; 3.) One member elected to serve as ex officio by the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee who shall be a producer of an affected agricultural commodity and shall not be a member of the General Assembly; 4.) One member elected to serve as ex officio by the House of Representatives Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee who shall be a producer of an affected agricultural commodity and shall not be a member of the General Assembly and 5.) Five additional members, who shall be producers of the affected agricultural commodity, to be appointed by the ex officio members of the commission; provided however, that such additional membership of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef shall consist of three beef cattle farmers, one dairy farmer and one individual involved in the marketing of cattle. For the purpose of appointment of the five members, the two members elected by the respective agriculture and consumer affairs committees of the General Assembly shall serve as ex officio members. Section 4 Code Section 2-8-23.1 provides that no marketing order issued by the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef shall be impose an assessment in excess of $1.00 per head on bovine animals sold, nor shall any assessment be placed on an bovine animal which sells for less than $100.00. The assessment may be lower the assessment at the discretion of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Beef. Section 5 This Act shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. Section 6 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this act are repealed. - Authored By: Sen. John Wilkinson of the 50th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 149; Nays: 14 SB 140 - Insurance; include contracts, agreements, and instruments for repair of a motor vehicle - BILL SUMMARY: SB 140 includes contracts, agreements, and instruments for the repair of certain wear and tear of a motor vehicle to include rips, burns, tears, holes, and punctures to interior fabric or carpet, cosmetic repair to aluminum or painted wheels, and exterior reconditioning of foggy or yellowed headlights within the definition of property insurance in a manner similar to vehicle service agreements or extended warranty agreements. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 163; Nays: 2 SB 170 - Forgery and Fraudulent Practices; identity fraud; add medical identity fraud - BILL SUMMARY: SB 170 adds medical identity fraud to the Code provisions relating to identity fraud. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 167; Nays: 1 SB 179 - Public Contracts; if sealed competitive proposal requested/price or project cost not a selection factor; no bid bond shall be required - BILL SUMMARY: SB 179 clarifies when a bid bond is required on a public works contract, corrects some cross-references for payment bonds and establishes when public owners have the authority to utilize both liquidated damages and early contract completion incentives when a project schedule is deemed to have value. - Authored By: Sen. Hunter Hill of the 6th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 109; Nays: 53 SB 236 - Insurance; require insurers; indicate amount of the premium increase; Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - BILL SUMMARY: SB 236 requires health insurance companies to include an attachment on their annual premium statement identifying what percentage increase in premium cost is attributable to the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The provisions of this bill will stand repealed on December 31, 2014. - Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones of the 25th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 113; Nays: 48 SR 113 - Public Property; granting of restrictive and nonexclusive easements for operation/maintenance of facilities, utilities 16 counties - BILL SUMMARY: SR 113 is a resolution granting nonexclusive easements for operation and maintenance of facilities, utilities, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through state-owned property in Barrow, Carroll, Chatham, Cobb, Crisp, Dade, Dawson, DeKalb, Forsyth, Hall, Henry, Laurens, Macon, Paulding, Richmond, and White counties. Article I grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.05 of an acre in Barrow County to Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of installing, maintaining, and operating a power line and associated equipment. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located at Fort Yargo State Park. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article II grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.34 of an acre in Carroll County to Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of installing, maintaining, and operating a power line and associated equipment. The property is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and is located at the West Georgia Technical College. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article III grants a nonexclusive easement on 5.848 acres in Chatham County to the Georgia Department of Transportation, for the purpose of constructing, maintaining, and operating a bridge. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located in the Back River and connects to Jasper County, South Carolina. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article IV grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.276 acres in Chatham County to the Georgia Power Company, for installing, maintaining, and operating an underground electric utility line. The property is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and is located at the Aviation Training Center on the Crossroads Campus of Savannah Technical College. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article V grants a nonexclusive easement contingent on the Department of Natural Resources' and State's approval, in Chatham County to Regents, for the purpose of ingress and egress. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located at the Wormsloe Historic Site. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article VI grants a nonexclusive easement on 1.01 acres in Cobb County to the City of Marietta, for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining a pedestrian trail and related sidewalks, ramps, piping and drainage structures, and signal boxes. The property is known as the Western and Atlantic Railroad tract and is currently in the custody of the State Properties Commission. The consideration for this easement is $136,320. Article VII grants a nonexclusive easement on 1 acre in Crisp County to the Citizens Telephone Company, Inc., for installation, operation, and maintenance of an underground fiber optic line and necessary equipment to provide internet service. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located in the Georgia Veterans State Park at Lake Blackshear. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article VIII grants a nonexclusive easement on 2.92 acres in Dade County to the Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining an overhead power line. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located in the Cloudland Canyon State Park. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article IX grants a nonexclusive easement on 4.26 acres in Dawson County to Windstream Standard, L.L.C., for the purpose of installation, operation, and maintenance of an underground and above ground fiber optic line. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located at Amicalola Falls State Park. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article X grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.04 acres in Dawson County to the Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of installation, operation, and maintenance of an underground electrical power line and necessary equipment. The property is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and is located at Lanier Technical College. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XI grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.04 acres in the City of Decatur, Dekalb County to the Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of moving, locating, maintaining, and operating power lines and related facilities. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense and is located at the Decatur Armory. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XII grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.13 acres in the City of Cumming, Forsyth County to the Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of moving, locating, maintaining, and operating above and underground power lines, transformers, and power boxes. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense and is located at the Cumming National Guard Regional Readiness Center. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XIII grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.04 acres in Hall County to the City of Gainesville, for the purpose of laying, constructing, operating, and maintaining utility structures including a sanitary sewer line. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections and is located at the Gainesville Probation Office & Day Reporting Center. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XIV grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.04 acres in Henry County to the Snapping Shoals Electric Membership Corporation, for the purpose of installation, operation, and maintenance of an underground electrical power line. The property is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and is located at the Southern Crescent Technical College. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XV grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.21 acres in Laurens County to the Georgia Power Company, for the purpose of moving, locating, maintaining, and operating underground power lines. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense and is located at the Dublin Armory. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XVI grants a nonexclusive easement on 1.63 acres in Macon County to the Flint electrical membership Corporation, for the purpose of installation, operation, and maintenance of an underground electrical power line. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Education and is located at Camp John Hope. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XVII grants a nonexclusive easement on 4.7 acres in Paulding County to Mark B. Shipp and J. Cliff Shipp, for ingress and egress. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located at the Sheffield Wildlife Management Area. The consideration for this easement is $10.00 and the encumbrance of the Grantee's 45-acre property with the Right of First Refusal in favor of the State for the State to acquire that property for appraised value. Article XVIII grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.27 acres in Richmond County to the City of Augusta, for installation, operation, and maintenance of a sanitary sewer. The property is currently in the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and is located at the main campus of Augusta technical College in Richmond. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XIX grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.21 acres in Richmond County to the City of Augusta, for the purpose of replacement of existing water meter, and installation of a new backflow preventer. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections and is located at the Augusta State Medical Prison. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. Article XX grants a nonexclusive easement on 0.12 acres in White County to the Habersham Electric Membership Corporation (EMC), for the purpose of constructing, operating, and maintaining an overhead fiber optic cable line. The property is currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and is located in the Unicoi State Park and Lodge. The consideration for this easement is $10.00. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Jackson of the 24th - House Committee: State Properties - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0 SR 267 - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; urge to close Noyes Cut in the Satilla River System - BILL SUMMARY: SR 267 urges the United States Army Corps of Engineers to implement the proposed project for plugging the Noyes Cut within the Satilla River System. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 159; Nays: 2 POSTPONED LEGISLATION SB 82 - Education; change designations from North Georgia College to the University of North Georgia - BILL SUMMARY: SB 82 changes the designation of North Georgia College to the University of North Georgia, and designates the University of North Georgia as the senior military college of Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch of the 51st - House Committee: Higher Education - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open SB 187 - State Government; provide exemption for the board of commissioners of Georgia Student Finance Commission; board of directors - BILL SUMMARY: SB 187 adds the board of commissioners of the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the board of directors of the Georgia Student Finance Authority to the list of postsecondary education groups that must develop policies or regulations regarding postsecondary benefits that comply with federal law. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open * The House will reconvene Friday, March 22, at 9:30 AM, for its 37th Legislative Day. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE ON RULES The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 37th Legislative Day, Friday, March 22, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. NEXT ON THE FLOOR SB 1 - Child's Health Insurance Information and Records; provide that both parents have equal access - BILL SUMMARY: SB 1 prohibits health insurance policies from denying a parent the right to inspect, review, or attain copies of health insurance records relating to his or her own child. The health insurance records must be equally available to both parents unless a court order specifically removes the right of a noncustodial parent to such information or unless parental rights have been terminated. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 96 - State Courts, Solicitors-General of; part-time solicitor-general; engage in private practice of law; not represent defendants in criminal matters in such solicitor-general's state court - BILL SUMMARY: SB 96 allows part-time solicitors-general and assistant solicitors-general to engage in private practice as long as the part-time solicitor does not represent defendants in criminal matters in such solicitor's state court or appear in any matter in which he or she has exercised jurisdiction. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open SB 101 - Firearms; regulate the sale, use and possession in this state - BILL SUMMARY: The committee substitute replaces SB 101 with the language from HB 512 with changes including allowing places of worship to opt in to allowing congregation members to carry guns in church, restoring bar carry to current law, striking 'courthouses' from inclusion in government buildings, and clarification of private universities and their rights to decide on campus carry themselves. Additionally, the legislation included a prohibition of persons or entities to create or maintain a multijurisdictional data base of information regarding persons issued carry licenses. The judge of the probate court or his or her designee is authorized to verify the legitimacy and validity of a weapons carry license to a license holder, pursuant to a subpoena or court order, or for public safety purposes, but said judge or designee is not authorized to provide any further information regarding license holders. - Authored By: Sen. Frank Ginn of the 47th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 3/19/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 122 - Drivers' Licenses; authorize the issuance of a temporary driving permit; noncitizen applicant whose license has expired; filed extension - BILL SUMMARY: HB 122 authorizes the issuance of a temporary driving permit to a noncitizen applicant whose Georgia driver's license has expired, or will expire, who has filed a request for a visa extension. - Authored By: Sen. Hunter Hill of the 6th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 134 - Controlled Substances; revise the definition of "prescriber" - BILL SUMMARY: SB 134 revises the definition of 'prescriber' as it relates to controlled substances to include physicians licensed or regulated under the laws of any state or territory of the United States. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 158 - Temporary Medical Consent Guardianship; Physician Order for Life-sustaining Treatment; change certain signatures - BILL SUMMARY: SB 158 corrects a drafting error in Code section 29-4-18 to clarify that a Physician Order for Life-sustaining Treatment (a specific form to be developed by the Department of Public Health) is voluntarily executed by a patient or his or her authorized representative, and a physician. - Authored By: Sen. Nan Orrock of the 36th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open SB 170 - Forgery and Fraudulent Practices; identity fraud; add medical identity fraud - BILL SUMMARY: SB 170 adds medical identity fraud to the Code provisions relating to identity fraud. - Authored By: Sen. Judson Hill of the 32nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open SB 194 - Natural Resources Dept.; include an exemption for restoration of certain barns; promote Georgia tourist destinations - BILL SUMMARY: SB 194 relates to powers and duties of DNR relative to historic preservation and promotion and adds a new paragraph to O.C.G.A. 12-3-50 that states that nothing in this code section prohibits someone from restoring or utilizing an agricultural structure, including barns, erected before 1965 that previously promoted Georgia tourist destinations to the traveling public for the purpose of advertising or promoting Georgia products or tourist destinations. DNR shall approve applications for such structures so long as no public funds from Georgia are used in connection with the restoration of utilization. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - House Committee Passed: 3/14/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open SB 204 - Appeal and Error; limit the scope of judgments/orders; child custody cases; direct appeal - BILL SUMMARY: SB 204 clarifies that appeals that result from a child custody modification are directly appealable to the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 231 - Georgia Driver's Education Commission; additional sums collected on fines; extend the sunset provisions - BILL SUMMARY: SB 231 amends the act known as "Joshua's Law". It decreases the additional 5% fee charged on state fines to 1.5% and it extends the sunset date to June 30, 2016. Finally, it requires an annual report to be submitted to the General Assembly detailing the collection and expenditure of collected funds. - Authored By: Sen. Barry Loudermilk of the 14th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - House Committee Passed: 3/20/2013 - Rule: Modified-Structured SB 234 - Insurance; limited licenses to sell travel insurance; comprehensive revision of provision; issuance and regulation - BILL SUMMARY: SB 234 provides for a limited license for travel agents and agencies to sell travel insurance. - Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones of the 25th - House Committee: Insurance - House Committee Passed: 3/13/2013 - Rule: Modified-Open * The Rules Committee will next meet on Friday, March 22, at 9:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 38th Legislative Day. COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT Banks & Banking SB 139 - Contracts; collection of closing fees; advance of money/extension of credit - BILL SUMMARY: Senate bill 139 provides an additional code section relating to the collection of closing fees for the advance of money or the extension of credit. This bill states that any lender or seller may collect a one-time closing fee at the time of making a loan or extending credit in order to defray the cost of investigation and verification of a borrower's or purchaser's credit report for references. The closing fee may amount up to 4% of the face value of the loan or credit extension or total amount of the sales contract but shall not be more than $50.00, and may be paid from the proceeds of the amount borrowed or added to the principal amount of the loan or credit extension. Lenders or sellers may retain no more than $25 from the collected closing fee on loans or contracts that have been prepaid in full within 90 days, refunding the rest to the borrower. The closing fee shall not constitute interest or be considered an additional charge. The Code section relating to licensing requirements was also addressed in this legislation. Federal and state government departments, agencies, authorities, and instrumentalities and their authorized agents are granted the ability to sell or issue checks. - Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller of the 49th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Education HR 552 - State Department of Education; implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs for Georgia students; request - BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 552 is requesting the implementation of comprehensive school counseling programs for Georgia students. - Authored By: Rep. Joyce Chandler of the 105th - Committee Action: Do Pass Education SB 68 - Celebrate Freedom Week; establish; posting of historical documents - BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 68 would establish Celebrate Freedom Week. During this week, each local system shall include three hours of appropriate instruction. SB 68 would also recommend that students in grades 3-12 recite an expert from a important document in history. It would provide for the posting and age specific teaching of historical documents. Would also require the Department of Education shall create an online resources and instruction support for local school systems. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Education SB 100 - Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission; reestablish; membership - BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 100 would reestablish the Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission. This bill would set up information regarding membership, vacancies, terms, meetings and duties. - Authored By: Sen. John Wilkinson of the 50th - Committee Action: Do Pass Insurance SB 185 - Banking; secured transactions; change/provide for definitions; electronic chattel paper; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: SB 185 provides necessary updates to Article 9, Secured Transactions, of the Uniform Commerical Code. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 609 - Demorest, City of; corporate limits of city shall include certain property; provide - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Demorest. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Rogers of the 10th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 613 - DeKalb County; levy an excise tax - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize DeKalb County to levy a hotel/motel tax. - Authored By: Rep. Michelle Henson of the 86th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 614 - Brookhaven, City of; provide a definition for the governing authority; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the creation of community improvement districts in the City of Brookhaven. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 616 - Lyons, City of; provide new charter - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Lyons. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 156th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 619 - Chamblee, City of; change corporate limits of city - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Chamblee and to provide for a referendum. - Authored By: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver of the 82nd - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 620 - Peachtree Corners, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for referendum - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Peachtree Corners to exercise all redevelopment powers as permitted under the State Constitution and the Redevelopment Powers Law pending a local referendum to approve the authorization. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 95th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 622 - Quitman County; Board of Education; change certain provisions regarding the compensation of the chairperson and board members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the members of the Quitman County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene of the 151st - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 623 - City of Commerce Public Facilities Authority Act; enact - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to create the City of Commerce Public Facilities Authority and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 624 - Dawson-Terrell County Airport Authority; change membership - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the membership of the Dawson-Terrell County Airport Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene of the 151st - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 625 - Rincon, City of; provide that corporate limits shall include certain property - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Rincon. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens of the 161st - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 626 - Greene County Airport Authority; split position of secretary-treasurer into two separate positions - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the Greene County Airport Authority so as to split the position of secretarytreasurer into two separate positions. - Authored By: Rep. Mickey Channell of the 120th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 627 - Fulton County; change a certain provision relating to the dissolution of the district - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating one or more community improvement districts in unincorporated Fulton County so as to change a certain provisions relating to the dissolution of the district. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 628 - Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties; board of hospital authority; revise method of filling vacancies - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the Walker, Dade, and Catoosa Hospital Authority so as to change the method of filling vacancies on the hospital board. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 2nd - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 629 - Kennesaw, City of; provide new charter - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Kennesaw. - Authored By: Rep. Charles Gregory of the 34th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 630 - Polk County; board of elections and registration; provide for districts - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the Polk County Board of Elections and Registration so as to provide for districts for the board members. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 631 - Polk County Water Authority; change certain provisions relating to appointment, taking of office, and terms of office of members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the Polk County Water Authority so as to change provisions relating to the appointment, the taking of office, and the terms of office of members of the authority. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 632 - Dougherty County; Albany, City of; Joint County-Municipal Board of Registration and Elections; provide for appointment of members - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act creating the Joint County-Municipal Board of Registration and Elections for Dougherty County and the City of Albany so as to provide for the appointment of board members. - Authored By: Rep. Winfred Dukes of the 154th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 634 - Powder Springs, City of; provide for city council terms and qualifications for office - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Powder Springs. - Authored By: Rep. David Wilkerson of the 38th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 635 - Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority; change membership and terms of office - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for membership on the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority and to transfer the powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, and indebtedness of the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority to the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 636 - Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority; abolish authority - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to abolish the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport Authority and to transfer its powers, duties, assets, property, liabilities, and indebtedness to the Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 638 - Cobb Judicial Circuit; supplement paid to judges of superior court and additional supplement to chief judge; provide - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the judges of the Cobb Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart of the 36th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 639 - Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit; increase amount of supplement for judges of superior court - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the judges of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell of the 88th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 641 - Cobb County; office of tax commissioner; change compensation of certain employees - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the tax commissioner, the chief clerk in the tax commissioner's office, the executive secretary to the tax commissioner, and the administrative specialist in the office of the tax commissioner in Cobb County. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 44th - Committee Action: Do Pass Intragovernmental Coordination - Local HB 642 - Brookhaven, City of; clarify provisions regarding terms of office of mayor - BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the charter of the City of Brookhaven so as to clarify provisions regarding the terms of office of the mayor, to provide for a finance director, to provide for the duties of such finance director, and to provide for a charter commission. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - Committee Action: Do Pass Judiciary SB 105 - "Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act"; provide for a definition - BILL SUMMARY: SB 105 creates an exception to the 'Uniform Fraudulent Transfers Act' for non-profit organizations unless such organization was aware or participated in the fraudulent transfer. - Authored By: Sen. Hardie Davis of the 22nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Judiciary SB 185 - Banking; secured transactions; change/provide for definitions; electronic chattel paper; provisions - BILL SUMMARY: SB 185 provides necessary updates to Article 9, Secured Transactions, of the Uniform Commerical Code. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass Judiciary SR 371 - U.S. Congress; making renewed application to call for a convention for purpose of proposing an amendment to U.S. Constitution - BILL SUMMARY: SR 371 provides for a calling for a constitutional convention as provided by Article V of the US Constitution to propose a balanced budget amendment. Accompanying legislation defining how Georgia will appoint its delegates may be found in SB 206. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - Committee Action: Do Pass Judiciary Non-Civil SB 86 - Family Violence Order; provide greater protection of victims of family violence - BILL SUMMARY: The bill expands the definition of a family violence order. SB 86 allows law enforcement to arrest a perpetrator upon probable cause to believe that the offender has violated the order as long as the officer has never had a prior or current familial relationship with the parties involved. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Judiciary Non-Civil SB 160 - Public Employers; provide annual report relative to compliance with certain laws; provide for certain report to Dept. of Audits and Accounts - BILL SUMMARY: SB 160 mirrors language in Rep. Dusty Hightower's HB 125. SB 160 makes some necessary updates to our Code dealing with immigration. First, it redefines the 'physical performance of services' and allows for an exception from e-verify reporting for contracts smaller than $2,499.99. SB 160 streamlines the business license process for renewals by only requiring the business submit its federal work authorization user number. It adds to the definition of 'public benefit.' It streamlines the citizenship verification process for government benefits by only requiring that verification be provided upon initial application for a government benefit or service. Finally, SB 160 creates a new Code section to establish guidelines for the annual immigration compliance report which each agency and political subdivision is required to send to the Department of Audits and Accounts. - Authored By: Sen. Frank Ginn of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Judiciary Non-Civil SB 225 - Criminal Procedure; relieve a surety from liability under certain circumstances - BILL SUMMARY: SB 225 creates an exception for forfeiture of an appearance bond if the principal was receiving involuntary inpatient treatment. In addition, when a defendant fails to appear, it allows a bondsman to prove the location of a defendant to the district attorney, then the DA may decide whether or not to go after the defendant. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute State Planning & Community Affairs SB 181 - Georgia History Month; declare September of each year - BILL SUMMARY: The Georgia Code is amended by solely designating September as Georgia History Month. - Authored By: Sen. Charlie Bethel of the 54th - Committee Action: Do Pass Transportation SR 293 - Ralph A. Pierce Memorial Highway; Lumpkin County; dedicate - BILL SUMMARY: This is the Senate road and bridge dedication package. This includes the following resolutions: SR 293 Sen. Steve Gooch SR 293 dedicates the portion of Ga. 52 in Lumpkin County from Ga. 115 to the Hall County line as the Ralph A. Pierce Memorial Highway. SR 379 Sen. Steve Gooch SR 379 dedicates the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and Cavender Creek Road in Lumpkin County as the Judge William Jeffrey Lowe Memorial Intersection. SR 73 Sen. Donzella James SR 73 dedicates the bridge on State Route 29 over the train tracks near Roosevelt Highway and Welcome All Road in Fulton County as the Dekai Amonrasi Memorial Bridge. SR 96 Sen. Tim Golden SR 96 dedicates the portion of Interstate 75 in Lowndes County from the West Hill Avenue exit to the North Valdosta Road exit as the Governor Melvin Ernest Thompson Memorial Highway. SR 383 Sen. Jeff Mullis SR 383 dedicates the intersection of Battlefield Parkway and Dietz Road in Catoosa County as the Sergeant John A. Franklin Memorial Intersection. SR 418 Sen. William Ligon SR 418 dedicates GA25-Spur E. from Brunswick to St. Simons Island in Glynn County as the F.J. Torras Causeway. Sen. Butch Miller Additional language to the substitute passed by the Senate dedicates the intersection of Highway 129 and Athens Street in Hall County as the Beulah Rucker Oliver Memorial Intersection. HR 512 Rep. Mickey Channell HR 512 dedicates the bridge on Veazey Road over Interstate 20 in Greene County as the Felton L. Hudson Memorial Bridge. HR 513 Rep. Carl Rogers HR 513 dedicates the portion of State Route 347 from Interstate 985 East to the Old Winder Highway as the Lanier Islands Parkway. HR 530 Rep. Nikki Randall HR 530dedicates the interchange of I-475 and Thomaston Road in Macon-Bibb County as Veterans of All Wars Interchange. HR 570 Rep. Al Williams HR 570 dedicates the interchange and bridge at Interstate 95 over U.S. Highway 17 at South New Port Road in Liberty County as the Reverend Willie Anderson, Sr., Memorial Interchange. HR 604 Rep. Pat Gardner HR 604 dedicates the interchange at Interstate 75 and Exit 251 in Fulton County as the Senior Patrol Officer Gail Denise Thomas Memorial Interchange. HR 702 Rep. Ellis Black HR 702 dedicates the bridge on Ga. 177 over Sweetwater Creek between Fargo and Stephen Foster State Park in Clinch County as the Ray Daugharty Memorial Bridge. HR 719 Rep. Keisha Waites HR 719 dedicates the bridge on Cleveland Avenue over Interstate 75 in Fulton County as the John Charles Birdine, Jr., Memorial Bridge. HR 759 Rep. Jason Shaw This resolution dedicates the portion of Ga. 122 in Lanier County that runs beside Banks Lake from the City of Lakeland to the Lowndes County line as the Governor Eurith Dickson "Ed" Rivers Memorial Highway. HR 761 Rep. Penny Houston This resolution dedicates the bridge on County Road 246 Kinard Bridge Road over Interstate 75 in Cook County as the Jim McClelland, Sr., POW Memorial Bridge. - Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch of the 51st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Ways & Means HR 146 - Congress; enact the FairTax and express the State of Georgia's commitment to ratify the repeal of the 16th Amendment; request - BILL SUMMARY: HR 146 is an urging resolution, asking the US Congress to adopt the Fair Tax. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Kirby of the 114th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Ways & Means SB 92 - Taxation/Revenue; add public transit to authorized purposes for proceeds of excise taxes - BILL SUMMARY: SB 92 adds public transit to the list of authorized uses of rental car excise tax funds in localities that levy such excise taxes. - Authored By: Sen. Vincent Fort of the 39th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Ways & Means SB 137 - Income Tax; authorize the commissioner of economic development to designate areas as opportunity zones - BILL SUMMARY: SB 137 requires that for applications for Opportunity Zone tax credits, beginning July 1, 2013 both the Commissioners of Economic Development and Community Affairs must approve the application. - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Ways & Means SB 145 - Agritourism; add farm weddings to the definition - BILL SUMMARY: SB 145 allows for property owners who have placed their property into a conservation use covenant to use their property out for "farm weddings" and to host for not for profit equestrian performance events. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute Ways & Means SB 224 - Invest Georgia Fund; create - BILL SUMMARY: This legislation establishes the Invest Georgia Fund within Georgia Tech's Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) to provide access to seed capital for Georgia-based, high-tech and innovation companies. Invest Georgia will be overseen by a five-member appointed board. Through a competitive bid process the board will select a third-party fund administrator, which will then competitively select venture capital funds to manage investment activities focused on both Georgia early or seed stage and growth stage companies. The venture capital funds must have or establish a physical presence in Georgia in order to ensure that the investments are Georgia-focused. No direct funding mechanism is established in the legislation. - Authored By: Sen. Tim Golden of the 8th - 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. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULE 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM 9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Friday, March 22, 2013 GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS Utilities Subcommittee of Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications MARTOC - CANCELED RULES 506 CLOB 403 CAP 515 CLOB 406 CLOB- CANCELED 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.