Daily report [Feb. 24, 2014]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House will reconvene for its 28th Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00 AM. * 19 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

Monday, February 24, 2014

27th Legislative Day

TODAY ON THE FLOOR
RULES CALENDAR
HB 251 - Tobacco; sale of alternative nicotine products or components to minors; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 251 prohibits the sale of electronic cigarettes and nicotine gum, patches, etc. from being sold to persons under the age of 18. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 32nd - House Committee: Juvenile Justice - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 164; Nays: 2
HB 292 - Magistrates Retirement Fund of Georgia; maximum average final monthly compensation calculated in determining benefits; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the benefit calculation for the maximum average final annual compensation for members of the Magistrate Fund of Georgia. Under this bill each member will now pay into the fund a sum equal to 3.42 percent of the member's maximum average final monthly compensation based on the population of the county in which the member serves. This is a fiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 157; Nays: 15
HB 490 - Teacher health insurance plans; contract with local employers to librarians and other personnel employed by regional and county libraries; expand board authorization
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows the local board to contract with local employers for the inclusion of regional and county library employees with any health insurance plan allowed under subpart 2 of Article 17 in Title 20. It is the local employers duty to deduct from the salary payment required under the health insurance plan if a contract is entered into. This only includes library employees that work 30 hours or more per week.This legislation is expected to save local governments an estimated maximum savings of $1.66 million annually according to the Fiscal Note by the Department of Audits and Accounts. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Barr of the 103rd - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
HB 495 - State Properties Code; conveyance of state property and consideration of conveyances by General Assembly; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 495 amends Article 2 of Chapter 16 of Title 50 of O.C.G.A relating to the State Properties Code.
`Conveyance' is defined as `the sale or other disposition of real property including a transfer of fee simple title, lease, and easement' and the definition of `Property' is expanded to include `Any real property interest titled in the name of the state.'
This legislation also states that the State Properties Commission shall have the power and duty to approve a conveyance of state property valued at $500,000.00 or less. The commission also has the power and duty to have a report prepared, which will allow the commission to arrive at a fair valuation of all properties to be conveyed. If the property is to be conveyed to a private entity the report shall include either an opinion of the value or one written appraisal of the property. If the value of the property to be conveyed is in excess of $100,000.00 a second written appraisal shall be required. Conveyances initiated prior to regular session of the General Assembly may be contained in a resolution to be submitted to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House and to the chairpersons of the House and Senate standing committees that regularly consider proposed legislation related to state property. The standing committees that regularly consider matters related to state property in the Senate and House of Representatives may meet outside of the regular legislative session of the General Assembly to consider property conveyance resolutions submitted by the commission. The commission shall give no less than 30 days' prior written notice, by certified mail and e-mail, to the Office of Legislative Counsel, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the Senate, the chairpersons of the House and Senate standing committees that regularly consider state property related legislation, and all members of the General Assembly whose legislative districts contain all or a portion of the property. If any of these individuals objects to the conveyance they have the power to stop the expedited process and the piece of property will go through the full conveyance process. If approved during a committee meeting, the resolutions shall be filed at the next regular session of the General Assembly and be voted on as any other bill. However, the

resolution shall not be assigned to committee or amended.
This legislation also allows the commission to accept sealed bids and best and final offers for any conveyance of property and eliminates the exception allowing the Department of Labor to manage its own space. - Authored By: Rep. Calvin Hill of the 22nd - House Committee: State Properties - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 163; Nays: 2
HB 753 - Motor vehicles and traffic; federal regulatory requirements; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 753 is the Department of Public Safety annual bill that brings Georgia Code into compliance with the federal motor carrier statute. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 32nd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 156; Nays: 2
HB 763 - Georgia Military College; legislative intent language regarding certain postsecondary study beyond second year level; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill allows Georgia Military College to develop a Bachelor's of Applied Sciences (BAS) degree program and to partner with the Technical College System of Georgia in counties where a Board of Regents institution is not currently offering said degree. - Authored By: Rep. James Epps of the 144th - House Committee: Higher Education - Rule: Open - Yeas: 169; Nays: 0
HB 764 - Georgia State Employees' Pension and Savings Plan; certain employees make contributions at rate of 5 percent unless otherwise specified; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the Georgia State Employees' Pension and Savings Plan (GSEPS). The initial contribution rate for employees who enroll in the 401(k) portion of the plan will be changed from 1% of the employee's salary to 5% in order to maximize the full state offered match. Employees may change their contribution rate at any time. This will take effect for employees hired on or after July 1, 2014. This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 0
HB 778 - Food service establishments; certain nonprofit charitable entities from regulation; exempt
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 To amend Code Section 26-3-370 of the OCGA, relating to definitions of food service establishments, so as to exempt certain non-profit, charitable entities from regulation.
The legislation provides for such term, food service establishment, shall also not include any organization which is operating on its own property or on the property of a party that has provided written consent for the use of such property for such purpose and which is exempt from taxes under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 48-7-25 or under Section 501(d) or paragraphs 1-8 or paragraph 10 of Section 501 c of the IRS Code for the purposes of operating a house or other residential structures where seriously ill or injured children and their families are provided temporary accommodations in proximity to their treatment hospitals and where food is prepared, served or transported or stored by volunteers.
Section 2 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed. - Authored By: Rep. John Pezold of the 133rd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 170; Nays: 1

HB 816 - Sales and use tax; change a certain definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation seeks to clarify 48-8-2 so as to ensure that postage is not included in the taxable sale of direct mail, when the value of postage is separately itemized line item and not marked up by the seller. - Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson of the 115th - House Committee: Ways & Means - Rule: Structured - Yeas: 170; Nays: 0
HB 843 - Retirement and pensions; ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill reflects the change the IRS is requiring to keep the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) and the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) in compliance with IRS pension plan regulations. It replaces the detailed IRC 415 language with a statement that the plans must qualify with IRC 415 requirements. Similar changes are made to Legislative Retirement System and Judicial Retirement System (both add IRC 414 employer "pick-up" language). This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Lynne Riley of the 50th - House Committee: Retirement - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 155; Nays: 0
HB 863 - Crimes and offenses; cruelty to animals and aggravated cruelty to animals; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 863 amends 16-12-4 by amending the definition of animal cruelty from "unjustifiable physical pain" to "causes physical pain, suffering, or death by an unjustifiable act or omission." As to aggravated animal cruelty, the bill separates "maliciously" and "physical harm" into two separate subsections, and includes "malicious torture," "malicious administration of poison," and malicious failure to provide adequate care." As to both cruelty and aggravated cruelty, the bill provides that an adjudication of guilty in another state, territory, or foreign country, which would constitute the same offense in this state, shall be guilty of a high and aggravated misdemeanor for cruelty and one to ten years for aggravated cruelty. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 40th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 166; Nays: 1
HB 898 - Interstate Compact for Juveniles; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 898 amends Titles 39 and 49 of the O.C.G.A., which relates to minors and social services. The bill repeals the 1972 Interstate Compact on Juveniles and enacts a new Interstate Compact for Juveniles in Title 49. The bill further amends Code Section 15-11-10 and Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the exclusive original jurisdiction of juvenile courts and social services. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 108th - House Committee: Juvenile Justice - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 169; Nays: 0
HB 904 - Natural Resources, Department of; persons are not aggrieved by listings on hazardous site inventory that occur after a certain date; establish
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends O.C.G.A. 12-2-2 by adding a new provision stating that persons are not aggrieved or adversely affected by the listing of property in the hazardous site inventory unless the property was listed in the hazardous site inventory prior to July 1,2014, and unless or until the director seeks to recover response costs, enforce the order, or recover a penalty for violation of such order.
The bill also adds language stating that any person aggrieved or adversely affected by any such listing occurring after July 1, 2014, shall be entitled to a hearing as provided in O.C.G.A. 12-8-73. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 33rd - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 161; Nays: 6

HB 910 - Community Health, Department of; authorize medical-legal partnerships; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 910 allows the Department of Community Health to award grants to medical-legal partnerships. The Bill defines medical-legal partnerships as programs established by a non-profit entity through a written agreement between at least one medical service provider and at least one legal services program. These medical-legal partnerships will provide free legal assistance to income-eligible individuals on matters involving the health of such individuals and their families. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 167; Nays: 2
HB 920 - Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 920 provides that life insurance companies shall use the federal Death Master File when making comparisons of their in-force policies, annuities, and retained asset accounts. - Authored By: Rep. Sam Teasley of the 37th - House Committee: Insurance - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 168; Nays: 0
HB 973 - Medicaid; changes to civil penalties for false or fraudulent claims; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB: 973: amends OCGA 49-4-7B relating to false Medicaid claims. If a person knowingly or conspires to file a false claim or otherwise defraud Medicaid to receive assistance when the person does not qualify that person shall be liable to the State of Georgia for a civil penalty of a minimum $5,500.00 and maximum of $11,000.00 for each false or fraudulent claim. However, no more than two times the amount of actual damages to Georgia Medicaid resulting from such fraud shall be imposed where the person negligently filed a false claim, is notified of the discrepancy, and within 30 days of notification but before having actual knowledge of a plan to investigate or actual commencement of an investigation or suit relating to such claims, fully cooperates with any government investigation into the violation. Also amends OCGA 49-4-168.2 (l) to provide that Attorney General pursuing civil actions by private persons can only do so where the civil claimant discloses the fraud prior to public disclosure or where the claimant voluntarily provides independent material that adds to the public disclosure - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Judiciary - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 171; Nays: 0
HR 1186 - State Board of Education and State Department of Education; successful completion of SKILLS FOR SUCCESS financial literacy class; impose requirement for high school graduation
- BILL SUMMARY: This Resolution requests that the State Board of Education and State Department of Education impose a requirement that high school students successfully complete a "Skills for Success" financial literacy class prior to graduation. The class would include components such as resume writing, job interview preparation, how to balance a checkbook, and an understanding of insurance, good work ethic, budgeting, and credit card management. Students should also have an appreciation of civic responsibilities such as voting and an understanding of the soft skills needed for employment. - Authored By: Rep. Harry Geisinger of the 48th - House Committee: Education - Rule: Open - Amendments(s): N/A - Yeas: 149; Nays: 22

LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 961 - Charlton County; board of commissioners; change provisions relating to districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Charlton County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Rep. Ellis Black of the 174th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 962 - Charlton County; board of education; change provisions relating to districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the Charlton County Board of Education. - Authored By: Rep. Ellis Black of the 174th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 1024 - Macon Water Authority Act; change description of electoral districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act known as the "Macon Water Authority Act," so as to change the description of the electoral districts. - Authored By: Rep. Nikki Randall of the 142nd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 1036 - Waverly Hall, Town of; reincorporate and provide for a charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reincorporate the Town of Waverly Hall. - Authored By: Rep. Debbie Buckner of the 137th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 1037 - Forsyth County Public Facilities Authority; revise a definition; remove certain limitations regarding construction of buildings
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act creating the Forsyth County Public Facilities Authority, so as to revise a definition. - Authored By: Rep. Geoff Duncan of the 26th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 1041 - Baxley, City of; provide for new charter
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for a new charter for the City of Baxley. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 156th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
HB 1043 - Henry County; Board of Elections and Registration; provide process for removing elections supervisor for cause; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for the Henry County Board of Elections and Registration, so as to provide for a process for removing the elections supervisor for cause. - Authored By: Rep. Dale Rutledge of the 109th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 158; Nays: 1
* The House will reconvene Tuesday, February 25, at 10:00 AM, for its 28th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ON RULES
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 28th Legislative Day, Tuesday, February 25, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.
NEXT ON THE FLOOR
HB 412 - Revenue and taxation; option to taxpayer to receive bills or subsequent notices via electronic transmission; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows for county Tax Commissioners to offer the ability for taxpayers to opt in for receiving their tax bills and notifications electronically. - Authored By: Rep. Brett Harrell of the 106th - House Committee: Ways & Means - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Structured
HB 449 - Agency records disclosure; change certain provisions relating to 9-1-1 calls
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 449 amends Code Section 50-18-72(a), by adding new paragraph (26.1)(A). The new paragraph expands records that need not be disclosed to the public to included 9-1-1 telephone calls which contain cries in extremis or speech in distress of a caller who died during the call or the speech or cries of a person who was a minor at the time.
The records need not be turned over except to: a. representative of deceased estate's caller; b. parent or legal guardian of a minor; c. accused in a criminal case where the call is relevant to criminal proceedings; d. party to a civil action where the call is relevant; e. attorney for any person identified in a-d or; f. an attorney who may pursue a civil action and with a good faith belief the call is relevant. - Authored By: Rep. Micah Gravley of the 67th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/18/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 504 - Motor vehicles; failure to use safety belts may be admitted into evidence under certain circumstances; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 504 amends O.C.G.A. 40-8-76.1(d), and allows that an occupant in the front seat of a passenger vehicle, who fails to wear a seat belt, can be used as a fact to mitigate damages if the court finds that the occupant was 18 years old and not wearing a safety belt by clear and convincing evidence. The party seeking to introduce evidence that the occupant was 18 years of age shall file a motion within 30 days after discovery. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 108th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 566 - Motor vehicles; temporary transporter license plates available to permit mechanics to test drive certain vehicles being serviced or repaired; make
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 566 makes temporary license plates available to auto mechanics in order to allow them to test drive motor vehicles being serviced or repaired. - Authored By: Rep. B.J. Pak of the 108th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 643 - Georgia Civil Practice Act; general provisions governing discovery; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 643 amends OCGA 9-11-26 and explicitly provides that e-discovery can be privileged and receive protective orders based along same lines as other discovery protections. For spoliation claims regarding e-discovery attorneys' fees, negative jury instruction, and dismissal are available remedies depending on how egregious the spoliation is. Subpoenas may specify the form in which e-discovery is produced, if it does not specify, then it must be produce in a form that it is either ordinarily maintained or reasonably usable. A responding person cannot be required to produce: the same information in more than one form, and e-discovery not reasonably accessible due to undue burden or cost.

House Bill 643 provides new provisions for discovery meetings, conferences, and plans. At the meeting the parties must discuss the nature and basis of claims and ability to resolve promptly, resolve issues over preservation, scope of discovery, and discuss a discovery plan. If party fails to participate in good faith in the framing of a discovery plan sanctions are available.
Scope of Discovery is changed from an itemized list of what is discoverable to a more inclusive language of designated documents, electronically stored information, or tangible things which constitute or contain matters within the scope of subsection (b) of Code Section 9-11-26 and which are in the possession, custody, or control of the party upon whom the request is served. Still includes entry upon land for inspection and other purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 731 - J. Calvin Hill, Jr., Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The goal of the Code Revision committee is to revise, modernize, and correct errors or omissions in Georgia's Code and to repeal those portions which have become obsolete, have been declared unconstitutional, or have been preempted or superseded by subsequent laws. Last year, under the direction of Rep. Calvin Hill, the officers of the committee reached out to the agency community and requested input on any antiquated sections and provisions of the Official Code of Georgia. The "J. Calvin Hill, Jr." bill is the result of this effort and is so named under Part I. - Authored By: Rep. Andrew J. Welch of the 110th - House Committee: Code Revision - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 755 - Ad valorem tax; revised definition of forest land fair market value; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends the original language of the Forest Land Protection Act. Additionally if there is an appeal of a FLPA property, the final determination becomes the final valuation for purposes for the 2008 local assistance grants. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - House Committee: Ways & Means - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Structured
HB 761 - Public Retirement Systems Standards Law; definition of annual required contribution; change references
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the Public Retirement Systems Standards Law as they relate to the annual employer contribution. This bill changes the definition of "annual required contribution" to reflect the Governmental Accounting Standards Board Statements No. 25 and 27 that went into effect June 15, 2013. This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Lynne Riley of the 50th - House Committee: Retirement - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 776 - Courts; information provided to compile state-wide master jury lists and county master jury lists; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 776 amends OCGA 21-2-231, 31-2A-4, 35-3-33, 40-5-2, and Title 42. Section 6 amends 15-12-12 if the Chief Judge of a circuit had the power to appoint a jury clerk, as of January 1, 2011, they shall continue to have that power. Section 8 amends 15-12-40.1 relating to state-wide master jury lists, which shall be partly gathered from DDS, registered voters, Department of Public Health, and Department of Corrections. - Authored By: Rep. Alex Atwood of the 179th - House Committee: Judiciary - House Committee Passed: 2/17/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 782 - Facilitating Business Rapid Response to State Declared Disasters Act of 2014; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation provides for the ability for utility contractors who come into the state or travels to another state during times of a natural disaster to pay and file taxes in their home states. This only applies during times of a natural disaster and immediate clean-up and restoration of services. - Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson of the 115th - House Committee: Ways & Means - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Structured

HB 803 - Law enforcement agencies; develop policies addressing how peace officers shall negotiate their encounters with domesticated pet animals; require
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 803 amends Title 35 of the O.C.G.A. by stating that, on and after July 1, 2014, a state, county, and local law enforcement agency shall adopt written policies that set forth the manner in which peace officers employed/appointed by the law enforcement agency shall negotiate encounters with animals as well as develop methods to allow for control/neutralization of an animal that is or could become aggressive. The methods must utilize the least amount of force or likelihood of harm to the animal. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 804 - Trial proceedings; relating to testimony of a child ten years old or younger by closed circuit television and persons entitled to be present; repeal provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 804 repeals and enacts a new OCGA 17-8-55, which relates to the conduct of trial proceedings, so as to repeal provisions relating to the testimony of a child ten years old or younger by closed circuit television and persons entitled to be present. House Bill 804 further provides for the testimony of individuals under 18 years of age outside the physical presence of an accused in criminal proceedings under certain circumstances. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/17/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 825 - Alcoholic beverages; fruit growers licensed as farm wineries obtain license authorizing production of distilled spirits and fortified wines pursuant to certain conditions; permit
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 825 provides an exception to licensed farm wineries to manufacture distilled spirits and fortified wines for sale through a licensed wholesaler as long as the farm winery has no more than one tasting room on its premises. Additionally, the commissioner shall not authorize farm wineries to offer wine samples in more than one tasting room. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 826 - Crimes and offenses; carrying weapons within certain school safety zones and at school functions; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House 826 provides definitional changes of key terms. These new definitions are then implemented throughout various parts of the official code. The bill specifically adds a provision that requires an individual who is licensed to carry a weapon to keep their license in their immediate possession. If they are licensed, but do not have the license in their immediate possession, they may be fined no more than $10.00. Finally, the bill replaces the language "school safety zone" with a broader definition so as to expand the area of applicability for certain school related offenses. - Authored By: Rep. Ed Setzler of the 35th - House Committee: Juvenile Justice - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured
HB 872 - Evidence; privileged communication between law enforcement and peer counselors under certain circumstances; create
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 872 amends Chapter 5 of Title 24 of the O.G.C.A. to create privileged communication between law enforcement officers and peer counselors under certain circumstances. The bill defines client, immediate family, and peer counselor while stating that communications between a client and peer counselor shall be privileged and not disclosed unless certain exceptions are met. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Rogers of the 10th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured

HB 938 - Gwinnett County; office of chief magistrate; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for nonpartisan elections of the Chief Magistrate of Gwinnett County. - Authored By: . Chuck Efstration of the 104th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 939 - Gwinnett County; office of probate judge; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide for nonpartisan elections of the Probate Judge of the Probate Court of Gwinnett County. - Authored By: . Chuck Efstration of the 104th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - House Committee Passed: 2/20/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 947 - Labor and industrial relations; payment of wages by credit to prepaid debit card; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 947 allows employers to pay employees wages by placing them on a prepaid debit card. In order to do so, they must give employees the option of direct deposit in lieu of the prepaid debit card. - Authored By: Rep. Josh Clark of the 98th - House Committee: Industry and Labor - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Open
HB 965 - Georgia 9-1-1 Medical Amnesty Law; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: The purpose of this bill is to provide amnesty to individuals seeking medical assistance for a drug overdose. The bill provides definitions for "drug overdose," "drug violation," and "medical assistance." A person who seeks medical assistance for someone who is experiencing a drug overdose will be provided amnesty regarding any evidence obtained solely from seeking the medical assistance. The same standard applies for an individual seeking medical assistance for himself. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 43rd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - House Committee Passed: 2/19/2014 - Rule: Modified-Structured
* The Rules Committee will next meet on Tuesday, February 25, at 09:00 AM, to set the Rules Calendar for the 29th Legislative Day.
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COMMITTEE ACTION REPORT
Appropriations
HB 810 - HOPE; home study students regarding scores on standardized college admission test; revise requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends HOPE eligibility requirements for students who completed a home study program instead of graduating from an eligible high school. Under this bill, those students must score in the eightieth percentile or higher nationally on a standardized admission test, such as the SAT or ACT. - Authored By: Rep. Joyce Chandler of the 105th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 690 - Local government; county may petition any municipality within county to annex unincorporated islands; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 690 provides that any county that contains a municipality which has within its corporate boundaries unincorporated islands may, by resolution delivered to municipality, petition to annex the unincorporated islands. If the municipality fails or refuses to annex the unincorporated islands within six months, the county shall be allowed to undertake binding mediation with the municipality. Such binding mediation shall be initiated by the county by filing a request for mediation with the Department of Community Affairs which shall form an arbitration panel within 30 days following such request. The request shall be served on the governing authority of the municipality. The arbitration panel shall render a final decision within 90 days following the appointment of the panel. The final decision is binding upon the county and the municipality. The county or the municipality may appeal the decision of the arbitration panel. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 876 - Expense allowance; certain boards and commissions receive same per diem as members of General Assembly; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 876 provides that members of the State Personnel Board, State Transportation Board, Veterans Service Board, Board of Natural Resources, and the State Board of Education shall receive the same daily expense allowance as members of the General Assembly. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 122nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 913 - Community Health, Board of; persons having certain conflicts of interest from serving on board; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 913 provides a new section to the Code that regulates the qualifications for membership on the board for the Department of Community Health. It makes it unlawful for any member of the board to have any ownership interest in or be employed by any entity or program that is licensed or regulated by the department, which includes a busincess that provides medical staffing services to a licensed or regulated program. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Governmental Affairs
HB 991 - Fulton County; Industrial District; levying any tax for educational purposes; repeal amendment
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 991 repeals the amendment to the Constitution of the State of Georgia creating within Fulton County the Fulton County Industrial District. This is a companion bill to the legislation creating the city of South Fulton. - Authored By: Rep. Virgil Fludd of the 64th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Governmental Affairs
HB 1000 - Revenue and taxation; setoff debt collection against state income tax refunds for debts owed to political subdivisions and courts; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1000 allows the state of Georgia to recover any unpaid court fines by garnishing an individual's state income tax return. - Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming of the 121st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Health & Human Services
HB 971 - Consumer Information and Awareness Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 971 shall be known as the 'Consumer Information and Awareness Act'. This Act requires health care practitioners to identify the type of license they hold in any advertisement of the practice they are employed with or own. Additionally, a health care practitioner must communicate their licensure to all current and prospective patients by wearing an identifier that includes their name and the type of license they hold. A health care practitioner who practices in a non-patient care setting and who does not have direct interactions with patients is not subject to the provisions of this Act. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Health & Human Services
SB 273 - Public Health, Dept. of; required to establish the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to review maternal deaths
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 273 requires the Department of Public Health to establish a Maternal Mortality Review Committee to study and develop strategies to prevent maternal death. The Bill requires health care providers, health care facilities and pharmacies to provide the committee with reasonable access to relevant medical records. These records will not be admissible as evidence in any action of any kind in court. All medical records and findings of the committee shall be confidential. - Authored By: Sen. Dean Burke of the 11th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Industry and Labor
HB 1027 - State government; certain processes and procedures affecting unemployment insurance; change
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1027 is the annual Department of Labor bill bringing Georgia into compliance with federal law. Failure to adopt its provisions could result in a loss of $80 million dollars to the Unemployment Trust Fund. - Authored By: Rep. Brian Strickland of the 111th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 1029 - Dooly County; probate judge; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Dooly County shall be nonpartisan elections. - Authored By: Rep. Patty Bentley of the 139th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 1030 - Dodge County; chief magistrate; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that future elections for the Office of Chief Magistrate of Dodge County shall be nonpartisan elections. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 1031 - Dodge County; office of coroner; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that future elections for the Office of Coroner of Dodge County shall be nonpartisan elections. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination
HB 1032 - Dodge County; judge of probate court; provide nonpartisan elections
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Dodge County shall be nonpartisan elections. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 967 - City of McRae-Helena; create and incorporate new municipality; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide a unified form of government for the City of Helena and the City of McRae and to provide for its powers and duties. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
HB 1048 - Forsyth County; Board of Registrations and Elections; increase membership
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act creating the Forsyth County Board of Registration and Elections, so as to increase membership. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 24th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local
SB 359 - Troup County Airport Authority; repeal
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to repeal an Act creating the Troup County Airport Authority. - Authored By: Sen. Joshua McKoon of the 29th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Judiciary
HB 707 - The Georgia Health Care Freedom and ACA Noncompliance Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 707 provides that no individual may use State resources to support the ACA. It prohibits a State employee from voicing their support for the ACA during working hours or through the use of government funded resources. - Authored By: Rep. Jason Spencer of the 180th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 742 - Coweta Judicial Circuit; superior courts; provide for seventh judge
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 742 amends Code Section 15-6-2 of the O.C.G.A., relating to the number of judges of the superior courts, so as to provide for a seventh judge of the superior courts of the Coweta Judicial Circuit and one additional judge in Waycross Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix of the 69th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary
HB 772 - Public assistance; drug testing for applicants for food stamps; require
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 772 amends Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, and requires drug testing for applicants for food stamps based upon reasonable suspicion. Reasonable suspicion may be based upon demeanor, missed appoints, arrests, employment, etc. The bill further provides that any person who fails a drug test shall be ineligible to receive food stamps but the bill provides for reapplication, as well as, children's food stamps. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 156th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 940 - Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Oconee Judicial Circuit; election of additional judges; change date
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 940 provides for an additional judge of the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and Oconee Judicial Circuit. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 51st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 990 - Social services; expansion of Medicaid eligibility through increase in income threshold without prior legislative approval; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for the addition of a new code section relating to medical assistance. The new code section prohibits any department, board, or representative of the State from expanding the eligibility requirements for Medicaid without legislative approval. This does not include an increase as a result from the cost-of-living increase in the federal poverty level. - Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones of the 47th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary
HB 1010 - Local government; immunity of municipal corporations; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1010 declares it is the public policy of the State of Georgia that there is no waiver of the sovereign immunity of municipal corporations of the state, and such municipal corporations shall be immune from liability for damages to the same extent that counties are immune. Municipal corporations shall not be liable for failure to perform or for errors in performing their legislative or judicial powers. For neglect to perform or improper or unskillful performance of their ministerial duties, they shall be liable to the same extent that counties are liable, and they shall be immune to the same extent that counties are immune. - Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming of the 121st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 720 - Courts; collection of a fee to defray costs for using electronic citations; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 720 amends 15-6-95 and adds the electronic citations fund to the priority list that the clerk of superior court distributes criminal fines, forfeitures, surcharges, additional fees, and costs. The bill amends 15-21-201 to include an additional fine not to exceed $5.00 on all Title 40 offenses, to fund an electronic citation system, provided that the governing authority for such court has adopted a resolution agreeing to the imposition of such a fee. The money collected shall be expended by the governing authority solely and exclusively for the implementation of the electronic citation system. - Authored By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden of the 12th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 777 - Watercraft; suspension of privileges to operate a vessel for violations of vessel laws of this state and other states; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 777 amends OCGA 52-7-12.7, relating to the registration, operation, and sale of watercraft, so as to provide for suspension of privileges to operate a vessel upon the waters of this state for violations of vessel laws of this state and other states. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 32nd - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 845 - Public disclosure; disclosure of arrest booking photographs except under certain circumstances; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 845 restricts arrest booking photographs unless the person in the photograph has been convicted of a crime. As used in this paragraph, the term convicted means a plea of guilty or a finding of guilt. - Authored By: Rep. Brian Strickland of the 111th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 985 - Crimes and offenses; filing false liens or encumbrances against public employees; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 985 amends 16-10-20.1 and includes a definition for the term document, which is defined as information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or stored in an electronic or other medium. 16-10-20.1 is further amended and states that it is unlawful for any person to knowingly file, enter, or record any document in a public record or court that the person knowingly or having reason to know that such document contains materially false information. The bill also makes it unlawful to knowingly alter, conceal, cover up, or create a document and file or record. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Kirby of the 114th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HB 1051 - Lawful presence verification; professional licensing board; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1051 requires an applicant for a license, certificate, permit, or registration that is filling electronically to provide a verifiable driver's license or identification card number. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Judiciary Non-Civil
HR 1183 - General Assembly; additional penalties or fees for reckless driving and provide allocation of fees to Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund; impose - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution to impose additional fees for the offense of reckless driving and to provide that the allocation of such additional penalties or fees shall go to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Tanner of the 9th - Committee Action: Do Pass

Juvenile Justice
HB 914 - Social services; school personnel required to report child abuse shall be notified by child protective agency upon receipt of report and completion of investigation; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 914 amends Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to child abuse and deprivation records, so as to provide that school personnel who are required to report child abuse shall be notified by the department or governmental child protective agency upon receipt of such report and upon completion of its investigation. Upon competition of investigation, only the school counselor and principal are notified as to whether the abuse was confirmed. - Authored By: Rep. David Wilkerson of the 38th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Juvenile Justice
HB 1053 - Social services; registered organization are not exempt from regulation of early care and education programs; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1053 amends Article 7 of Chapter 5 of Title 49 of the official code as it relates to organizations providing services to runaway and homeless youth. The bill amends the language of what youths are serviced by nonprofit charitable organizations. The youths that are serviced include children who have run away or have a history of running away, homeless, at risk of becoming involved with juvenile justice or child welfare, or have been placed by their parent or guardian. - Authored By: Rep. Joyce Chandler of the 105th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles
HB 459 - Speed restrictions; impeding traffic flow and minimum speed in left-hand lanes; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 459 provides that on a controlled-access highway, no one may drive in the left lane except when passing another vehicle. - Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens of the 161st - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles
HB 881 - Special license plates; Grady Health Foundation; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 881 creates a special license plate for the Grady Health Foundation. The funds raised by the sale of this special license plate shall be disbursed to Grady Health Foundation. - Authored By: Rep. James Epps of the 144th - Committee Action: Do Pass
Natural Resources & Environment
HB 549 - Water pollution; establish water emergency response procedures
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill creates a new code section stating that if any substance that endangers the health or property of downstream water users in Georgia is discharged into such waters, it is the duty of the person in charge of the substance to immediately notify EPD of the discharge's nature and location, and to immediately take all reasonable steps to prevent injury to the health of property of downstream users. EPD must immediately conduct an initial investigation upon receiving notice made according to this new code section, or by someone in the public that observes such a situation and determines the criteria described above are satisfied. If EPD determines that the health or property of downstream users is threatened, then it shall as soon as possible, but not more than 24 hours after such determination, notify and consult with GEMA, as well as other appropriate emergency response agencies to determine if it is necessary to prepare and distribute a public notice concerning the threat. Upon EPD's notification, the local emergency management agency or local county health department must prepare and post the appropriate public notice through electronic media and print. The public notice must be located at places where the public regularly uses water or seeks information about such waters. EPD must ensure that immediate corrective action is initiated to the maximum extent practicable and as otherwise authorized to prevent further danger to health and property. EPD must also establish a protocol, which will be reviewed every five years, for coordinated response to discharges that create emergency situations, and must coordinate with the appropriate emergency response agencies to provide for continual

emergency response so as to most efficiently and effectively meet the needs of affected communities. EPD may provide training to state and local emergency response agencies in furtherance of this code section. EPD must promulgate necessary rules and regulations by December 1, 2014. - Authored By: Rep. Jon Burns of the 159th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Retirement
HB 844 - Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund; actions intended to defraud fund shall be a felony; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the code section relating to the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund. This bill increases the consequences of making a false statement or falsifying records of the fund in an attempt to defraud the fund. The original penalty was a misdemeanor with a fine not to exceed $500 and imprisonment for up to 12 months. The new penalty is a felony with a fine not to exceed $5,000 and imprisonment for up to 5 years. The member may be ordered to forfeit all rights and benefits that they are entitled to under the fund. Also, the member will have the right of judicial review in the superior courts. This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Retirement
HB 935 - Retirement and pensions; disclosure of public records shall include local retirement systems; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill revises the code section relating to retirement and pension systems. This bill changes the definition of retirement system as it relates to the exemption from disclosure of public records. "Retirement System" will now include any retirement, pension, or emeritus system covering an employee or employees of a county, municipality, local board of education, or other political subdivision. This bill also corrects a reference that actuarial investigations be conducted every two years rather than every three years. Two years is the general provision required for local retirement systems. This is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
Retirement
HB 937 - Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund; define certain terms; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 937 revises the code section relating to the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund. This bill revises the definition of "fire department" to align to O.C.G.A. 25-3-22, relating to fire protection and safety. A definition of "good standing" is added to mean a member of the fund who is current with all dues and payments to the fund and is still a member of the fund. Lastly, this bill states the fund will return contributions, less 5 percent, paid by a member who is now deceased who is not vested and not in good standing. The payment will be paid to the member's beneficiary upon application and receipt of the death certificate. The is a nonfiscal retirement bill. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - Committee Action: Do Pass
State Properties
HB 700 - Public facilities; State Capitol and CLOB; persons with disabilities; provide increased accessibility
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 700 amends Code Section 30-3, relating to access to and use of public facilities by persons with disabilities, by adding a new Code section to require that all permanent signs in the State Capitol and Coverdell Legislative Office Building accommodate the visually impaired by incorporating raised characters and Braille, by December 31, 2015. - Authored By: Rep. Keisha Waites of the 60th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute

State Properties
HB 702 - State government; placement of monument on capitol grounds; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 702 amends Code Section 50-3, relating to state flag, seal, and other symbols, by adding a new article to require that a granite monument depicting the Preamble to the Georgia Constitution, a portion of the Declaration of Independence, and the Ten Commandments be placed within the state capitol building or grounds. The monument shall be designed, procured, and placed by the Capitol Art Standards Commission and subject to final approval by a monument committee composed of three members of the House of Representatives and three members of the Senate. The committee shall be abolished upon placement of the monument. Gifts and donations from private individuals, organizations, or foundations shall be used to design and procure the monument. - Authored By: Rep. Greg Morris of the 156th - Committee Action: Do Pass by Committee Substitute
State Properties
SB 301 - Public School Facilities; disallow prohibitions on wood construction in public schools if in compliance with state minimum standard codes
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 301 amends Code Section 20-2-261, relating to minimum facility requirements for public school facilities, to allow wood construction that is in compliance with the state minimum standards codes as defined in paragraph (9) of Code Section 8-2-20. - Authored By: Sen. Fran Millar of the 40th - 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 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 9:30 AM - 10:00 AM 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 FLOOR SESSION (LD 28) Academic Innovations Subcommittee of Education RULES INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION General Government Subcommittee of Governmental Affairs INFORMATION & AUDITS INSURANCE ECONOMIC DEVLEOPMENT & TOURISM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BANKS & BANKING JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL JUDICIARY CIVIL PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY Resolution Subcommittee of Transportation HIGHER EDUCATION WAYS & MEANS TRANSPORTATION

HOUSE CHAMBER- 10:00am 415 CLOB 341 CAP 406 CLOB 606 CLOB 403 CAP 415 CLOB 406 CLOB 606 CLOB 406 CLOB 403 CAP 132 CAP 415 CLOB 506 CLOB 406 CLOB 606 CLOB 506 CLOB

* 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.