Daily report [Mar. 21, 2014]

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

TOMORROW'S FORECAST
* The House has adjourned SINE DIE for the 2014 Legislative Session.

Friday, March 21, 2014

40th Legislative Day

TODAY ON THE FLOOR
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT
HB 786 - Game and fish; Type I nonresident infant lifetime sportsman's license; add
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 786 amends Code Section 27-2-3.1, relating to hunting licenses, sportsman's licenses, and lifetime sportsman's licenses. The requirements for a nonresident to be considered eligible to acquire a lifetime sportsman's license are revised to allow all individuals less than two years of age. The fee for a nonresident Type I (Infant) license shall be the same as a resident Type I (Infant) license. For the purpose of procuring a lifetime sportsman's license, the term `resident' is revised; the domicile requirement is changed from 12 months to three months. For Type I and Type Y lifetime licenses a copy of a certified copy of a birth certificate shall be required to show age and parentage or a court order or other legal document establishing parental rights to show parentage. A replacement fee of up to $10.00 shall be required to replace all lost, stolen, or destroyed licenses and the exception for Type S licenses has been removed. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 130th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks - Yeas: 169; Nays: 3 - Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of this bill.
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 - Yeas: 144; Nays: 19 - Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of this bill.
SB 288 - Education; provide no high school which receives funding under the "Quality Basic Education Act"; shall participate in/or sponsor interscholastic sport events conducted by any athletic association
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 288 amends the 'Quality Basic Education (QBE) Act' to require that any athletic association that provides organization, sanction, schedule, or rules for interscholastic athletic events shall publish an annual financial report containing the entity's assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Also reconstitutes the Joint High School Athletics Overview Committee as a committee of the General Assembly. - Authored By: Sen. Charlie Bethel of the 54th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight - Yeas: 159; Nays: 7 - Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of this bill.
SB 391 - Health; provide that each medical facility make a good faith application; TRICARE network
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 391 stipulates that each medical facility in Georgia must make good faith applications to the TRICARE program no later than July 1, 2015. If the facility fails to qualify for the TRICARE program, the facility must implement a plan to upgrade the facility. The facility is responsible for submitting reports to the commissioner of public health detailing their efforts to join the program. The commissioner must maintain files on each medical facility and monitor their effort. Medical facilities are not required to participate in the TRICARE programs. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Yeas: 163; Nays: 2 - Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of this bill.

MOTIONS TO INSIST
HB 264 - Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965; extensively revise
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill is an extensive rewrite of the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965, or the MARTA Act. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Transportation - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 265 - Mass transportation; suspension of restrictions on the use of annual proceeds from sales and use taxes by public transit authorities; repeal provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill is repealing the composition of the board of directors of MARTA and the 50/50 restriction language from the Code in the event that House Bill 264 passes. If HB 264 does not pass, the repeal would not go into effect. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Transportation - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 295 - Ad valorem taxation; provide comprehensive revision of provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for a comprehensive revision of the provisions of the state ad valorem tax. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 897 - Elementary and secondary education; update and clarify provisions; repeal obsolete provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 897 repeals, amends, and revises Title 20: 1. Repeals subsection (d) of Code Section 20-2-51. Subsection (d) prohibits any county board of education member in a county with a population between 500,000 and 600,000, according to most recent census data, from holding another elective government office. 2. 3.Clarifies that the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. Adds science and socials studies to the statemandated content standards. 4. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-140.1 by adding that students can register for online learning through the clearing-house established pursuant to Code Section 20-2-319.3. 5 & 6. Revises language reflecting content standards, deletes language such as competencies and core curriculum. 7. Clarifies the state mandates content standards and makes first grade readiness report optional instead of mandatory. 8. Clarifies that the state mandates content standards and repeals language regarding the middle grades program. 9. 10. 11. 12. Revises language reflecting content standards, deletes language such as competencies and core curriculum. 13. 14. 15. 16. Repeals all language pertaining to the middle grades program 17. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 18. Reserved 19. Repeals and reserves Code 20-2-217 relating to professional and staff development stipends. 20. Amends Code 20-2-241 allowing the State School Superintendent to authorize the CFO to enter into contracts of $50.000 or less on behalf of DOE. 21. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 22. Adds a new Code section, 20-2-244.1 which sets out definitions for students, substantial hardship, variance, and waiver. This Code section also outlines the authority of the State Board of Education to grant waivers and variances. 23. Amends subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 20-2-260 relating to capital outlay by including expenditures for computer equipment and software. 24. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 25. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. Revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-281 as it relates to assessments. Writing assessments shall be administered to students in grades designated by the State Board of Education and the state board will develop or adopt an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities pursuant to Code Section 20-2-140. Deletes outdated language in section (k)(2). 26. Deletes language that was specific to the middle school program as both the middle school program and middle grades program are being funded in the same category now. 27. Reflecting the Executive Order by the Governor in 2013 to move the Governor's Honors Program to the Office of Student Achievement. 28. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 29. Revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-315 by making the publication and distribution of the GaDOE annual report regarding expenditures and participation for each gender optional. 30. O.C.G.A. is amended to reflect current funding. Private and home-schooled students may enroll at no cost if appropriations

are provided. If appropriations are not provided they may enroll at a cost not to exceed $250.00 per semester. Local systems are responsible for paying for their enrolled students and if said student enrolls in more than the maximum number of courses the student is subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250.00 per semester. 31. & 32. Eliminate duplicate language from two online clearing-house bills passing in the same year. 33. Repealing and reserving O.C.G.A. 20-2-319.5, which required the DOE to submit a report by 12/1/12, identifying the best methods and strategies to assist local boards of education in acquiring digital learning. 34. & 35. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 36. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-690, which would require the declaration of intent to utilize the home study program to also include the local school system in which the home study program is located. 37. & 38. State Board of Education will satisfy all outstanding obligations of the local employer to the health insurance fund. 39. Currently, the local board has until April 15th to serve a teacher with a nonrenewal notice and teachers have until May 1st to inform the local board of their intentions not to renew. This section extends those deadlines from April 15th to May 15th and from May 1st to June 1st. 40. This section amends O.C.G.A. to give the State Board of Education the authority to affirm, reverse, remand, or refer to mediation and local board tribunal decision that has been appealed to the state board. 41. Adds a new paragraph to O.C.G.A. 20-2-2062 defining "charter authorizer" or "authorizer." 42. Allows for an expedited petition process for high-performing charter schools to replicate, renew, or expand their school design. Establishes twice a year charter deadlines and "shot clocks". 43. Allows the State Board of Education to set minimum standards for authorizing charter school petition. 44. Provides that all students who reside within a charter attendance zone and submit a timely application shall qualify for enrollment unless the numbers of applicants exceed the capacity of the program, class, grade level, or building. If capacity is exceeded then a random selection process will take place so that all applicants can have an equal opportunity of enrollment. This section also defines certain categories of students a state charter school may be eligible for preferred enrollment. 45. Provides clarity of the level of local funding for locally approved charters determined by local boards. 46. This section allows the State Board of Education to post unused or underused facilities online so that a charter school or state charter school may determine if the facility is appropriate for school use. 47. Provides that all students who reside within a charter attendance zone, and submit a timely application, shall qualify for enrollment unless the numbers of applicants exceed the capacity of the program, class, grade level, or building. If capacity is exceeded then a random selection process will take place so that all applicants can have an equal opportunity of enrollment. This section also defines certain categories of students a state charter school may be eligible for preferred enrollment. 48. Allows the charter commission to establish application deadlines to submit petitions and clarifies that state charter school state-wide attendance zone also includes solely virtual instruction schools. This section revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-2064.1 by increasing the time frame the state board has to approve or deny a petition to 90 days. As the law stands, the state board now has 60 days to approve or deny a petition. 49. Clarifies 5 mil share deduction for virtual / state-charter schools is in proportion to the initial funding received. This interpretation has already been funded in governors AFY14 and FY15 budgets. Allows state charter schools to receive initial payment July 1 for enrollment growth. 50. Allows the charter commission to incorporate nonprofit corporations to aid the commission in carrying out any of its powers and accomplishing any of its purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Dudgeon of the 25th - House Committee: Education - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
SB 283 - Education; authorize school systems; provide instruction on history of traditional winter celebrations
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation provides that a local school system may educate students about the history of traditional winter celebrations and shall allow students and school system staff to offer traditional greetings regarding the celebrations, including, but not limited to: "Merry Christmas," "Happy Hanukkah," and "Happy Holidays." Further, a local school system may display on school property scenes or symbols associated with traditional winter celebrations, including a menorah or a Christmas image such as a nativity scene or Christmas tree, if the display includes a scene or symbol of more than one religion, or one religion and at least one secular scene or symbol. - Authored By: Sen. Mike Dugan of the 30th - House Committee: Education - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.

SB 374 - "Urban Redevelopment Law"; revise terminology from "slums" to "pockets of blight"
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 374 changes the terminology in the urban redevelopment law relating to "slums" and refers to those areas as "pockets of blight".
It amends Chapter 61 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A. relating to urban redevelopment for counties and municipal corporations by adding surface transportation projects to the definition of rehabilitation/conservation in accordance of an urban redevelopment plan. The bill further allows a municipality or county to afford maximum opportunity to the rehabilitation or redevelopment of the urban redevelopment area by private enterprise while also outlining the procedure relating to the disposal of property in a redevelopment area with respect to and for the benefit of advancing surface transportation projects. This bill is crafted to apply solely to streetcar/light-rail projects in the City of Atlanta. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - A motion to insist sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
MOTIONS TO AGREE
HB 60 - Firearms; certain laws regarding carrying and possession by retired judges; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 60 was amended to reflect language that amends Code Section 8-3-202, Article 2 of Chapter 3, Article 4 of Chapter 11, and Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 16, and Code Section 35-3-34 of the O.C.G.A. This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Safe Carry Protection Act".
Under Part 1, it shall be unlawful as a condition of tenancy in public housing to require any prohibition or restriction of any lawful possession of a firearm within an individual dwelling. The bill also provides for the right to possess a handgun or long gun in any private passenger motor vehicle by stating that the property owner has the right to exclude or eject a person who is in possession of a weapon or long gun on their private property. The language of a bar is struck out from the areas deemed unauthorized for a person to carry a weapon or long gun while a place of worships remains an unauthorized location unless the governing body or authority of that place of worship permits the carrying of weapons or long guns by license holders. A license holder who violates subsection (b) of this Code Section in a place of worship shall not be arrested but fined not more than $100. Stipulations for license holders to carry in government buildings, transportation furnished by a school, at school functions, and in school safety zones are provided along with exceptions.
`Controlled substance', `convicted', and a `dangerous drug' are defined under licensing exceptions while this legislation lists persons who no weapons carry license shall be issued to including any person who has been convicted of a felony of this state or any other state, any person who has been adjudicated mentally incompetent to stand trial, and any person who has been adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity at the time of the crime pursuant to Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 7 of Title 17. Persons provided for under subparagraph (b)(2)(J), (b)(2)(K), and (b)(2)(L) of this Code Section may petition the court in which adjudication, hospitalization, or treatment proceedings, if any under Chapter 3 or 7 of Title 37 occurred for relief. The bill also provides for the application for weapons carry license or a renewal license, fingerprinting, investigation of a weapons carry license applicant, revocation, loss, or damage to a license, weapons carry license specifications, penalties for altering or counterfeiting of a license, licenses for former law enforcement officers, temporary renewal licenses, situations in which an applicant may seek relief when denied a license, data base prohibition, and the verification process.
Section 1-8 adds state and federal judges, judges of probate, juvenile. And magistrate courts, full-time judges of municipal and city courts, and permanent part-time judges of municipal and city courts to the list of those who Code sections 16-11-126 through 16-11-127.2 providing for carry privileges for all mentioned.
Under Section 1-9, no person shall enter the restricted access area of a commercial service airport, in or beyond the airport security screening checkpoint, knowingly possessing or knowingly having under his or her control a weapon or long gun. A non-licensed holder who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor while license holder who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; provided, however, that a license holder who immediately leaves the restricted access area upon notification that he or she is in possession of a weapon or long gun shall not be guilty of violating this Code section. Section 1-9 allows for a local board of education to allow certain personnel to possess/carry weapons, but the policy shall include approval to carry and provide for training, approved list of weapons, and a method of securing weapons. This section also provides for access to a commercial service airport for a person possessing a weapon or a long gun.
SB 93 further gives the authority to regulate said weapons and long guns to the General assembly while providing certain exemption cases in which county and municipal government has the power to regulate, and outlines the emergency powers of the governor in relation to the sale, dispensing, and transportation of alcoholic beverages, explosives, or combustibles while also amending the O.C.G.A relating to aggravated assault (16-5-21), aggravated battery (16-5-24), contributing to the

delinquency of a minor (16-12-1), loitering upon school premises or within school safety zones (20-2-1180), school safety plans (20-2-1185), and private detectives and security agencies permits to carry firearms (43-38-10).
Under SB 93, it shall be unlawful to hunt wildlife with any weapon, except that longbows recurve bows, crossbows, and compound bows may be used for small game, feral hogs, or big game. During primitive hunts or primitive weapons seasons longbows, recurve bows, crossbows, compound bows, muzzleloading firearms of .44 caliber or larger, and muzzleloading shotguns of 20 gauge or larger loaded with single shot may be used. The bill also allows youth under 16 years of age to hunt deer with any firearm legal for hunting while providing further stipulations for weapons and firearms used for hunting deer, bear, small game, turkey, alligators, and feral hogs. There are no firearms restrictions for taking nongame animals or nongame birds.- Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 257 - Income tax; change certain definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation reduces the amount of tax credits allowed for new low-emission and zero-emission vehicles to $0.00 from the current $2,500 and $5,000 respectively. This change is effective for vehicles that are purchased on or after April 1, 2014. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Martin of the 49th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 271 - Individual's criminal history record information; revise definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 271 allows a court to restrict a felony charge that did not result in a conviction, if the individual was convicted of an unrelated misdemeanor (not a lesser included offense of the felony), and can demonstrate that the harm to the individual clearly outweighs the public's interest in the record being available. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 2nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 405 - Elementary and secondary education; members of governing boards of nonprofit organizations which are charter petitioners and charter schools to participate in governance training; require
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 405 would require members of governing boards of nonprofit organizations which are charter petitioners, charter schools, and state charter schools to participate in governance training. - Authored By: Rep. Rahn Mayo of the 84th - House Committee: Education - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 511 - State employees' health insurance plan; pilot program to provide coverage for bariatric surgical procedures for treatment and management of obesity; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 511 creates a two year pilot program to provide coverage for bariatric surgical procedures for State Health Benefit Plan participants. The program is required to be limited to no more than 75 participants. Eligible SHBP participants must meet criteria established by the department that must include the following: 1.) Participation in SHBP's wellness program for at least 12 months. 2.) Completion of a health risk assessment. 3.) A body mass index of greater than 40 or greater than 35 with one or more co-morbidities. 4.) Consent to provide personal and medical information. 5.) Non tobacco user. 6.) No other primary group health coverage or primary coverage with Medicare. 7.) Must be covered under SHBP for two years immediately prior to the pilot program and must express intent to continue coverage under SHBP for two years following the procedure date. The bariatric surgical procedures covered in the pilot program are the gastric band, laparoscopic sleeve gastrostomy, and Rouen-Y gastric bypass. This legislation creates a panel to review the results and outcomes of the pilot program. The department is required to provide a final report to the General Assembly on the last year of the program. - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 610 - Insurance; licensing and regulation of public adjusters; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 610 amends the Insurance Code as it relates to the definition of "Public Adjusters". The purpose is to ensure that individuals who receive compensation for investigating, settling, or adjusting a claim on behalf of an insurer or an insured are properly licensed by the commissioner. - Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson of the 115th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 670 - Trade names; require registration with the clerk of superior court; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1: House Bill 670 amends 10-1-490, and requires persons, firms, or partnerships operating under a trade name or partnership name to file with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where business is primarily carried on a verified statement stating the names, addresses, and nature on business conducted.
Section 2: Amends 15-6-61 by adding a new paragraph to subsection (a), establishes a state-wide electronic access to trade name registration. - Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming of the 121st - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 697 - HOPE; revise amount of grants; equal student's cost of tuition
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill defines "Zell Miller Grant Scholar" as a student who meets the requirements to receive a HOPE grant and earns at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA at the end of any semester or quarter. Under this bill, if a student is determined to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar, the student will be awarded the difference between the awarded HOPE amount and the then current academic year standard undergraduate tuition at the institution to be paid, or, for programs with exceptional tuition rates in effect on January 1, 2014, the exceptional tuition rate amount in effect on January 1, 2014.
Zell Miller Grant eligibility will be determined on a semester or quarterly basis and paid for the next semester or quarter in which the student is enrolled. If the student was not eligible to be a Zell Miller Grant Scholar because he or she had no cumulative GPA, then the student will also receive one semester or quarter of retroactive payment. - Authored By: Rep. Stacey Evans of the 42nd - House Committee: Appropriations - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 714 - Labor; determination of eligibility for unemployment benefits of certain people performing certain services; provide changes
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 714 amends the law regarding unemployment insurance. It provides that private employees that work in seasonal jobs cannot receive unemployment insurance benefits during breaks in their employment if there is a reasonable expectation that their employment will resume at the end of the break. This law establishes parity with public sector seasonal employees. It becomes effective January 1, 2015. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 24th - House Committee: Industry and Labor - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 729 - Revenue and taxation; manner for determining fair market value of motor vehicles subject to tax; change
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies provisions of the Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) system that was put into place a number of years ago. The bill clarifies the definition of the fair market value of used vehicles to require that the value to be used for taxation purposes is based upon the value guide that is promulgated by the Department of Revenue. Trade-in value will be based upon the value guide as well. Additionally, when a lease credit for the TAVT on the trade-in value is established, this can be applied to future vehicle leases. A definition of a Kit-car is added to the TAVT section, which sets the valuation at the greater of the retail selling price of the Kit or the valuation established by the department's value guide. Newly registered vehicles from out of state will now be subject to a 4 percent total TAVT instead of the current full rate paid over 12 months. Transfers resulting from a divorce order will not trigger a TAVT. Also, multi-year registrations are to be allowed for vehicles that fall into the new system, and a rate schedule is laid out within the Code. The bill adds clarifications to the registration system, such as extending to 45 days the date after which a purchase is made that a new tag must be placed on the vehicle, and an optional extension of such period is to be allowed as well. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Rice of the 95th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 749 - Crimes and offenses; crime of cargo theft; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 749 creates a cargo theft offence under 16-8-22, and defines cargo theft as the unlawful taking or unlawful appropriation of any vehicle engaged in commercial transportation of cargo or any trailer, semitrailer, container, or associated equipment, which is the property of another with the intention of depriving such person of the property, regardless of the manner in which the property was appropriated. - Authored By: Rep. Geoff Duncan of the 26th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
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 - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 773 - Crimes and offenses; discharging a gun or pistol near public highway or street; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 773 amends Part 1 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the O.C.G.A. to change provisions relating to discharging a gun or pistol near a public highway or street. Under HB 773, a firearm is defined as any handgun, rifle, or shotgun, and a public highway means every public street, road, and highway in this state. The legislation states that it shall be unlawful for any person without legal justification to discharge a firearm on or within 50 yards of a public highway. Exceptions include: indoor/outdoor sport shooting ranges, facilities used for firearm/hunting safety courses sponsored by unit of government, and any business location of any person, firm, dealer, or pawnbroker licensed as a firearm dealer pursuant to Chapter 16 of Title 43. This Code section shall not apply to any person engaged in legal hunting which occurs within 50 yards of a public highway, and any person who violates subsection (b) of the Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. - Authored By: Rep. Robert Dickey of the 140th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 828 - Insurance; solicitation, release, or sale of automobile accident information; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 828 prohibits the solicitation, release, or sale of car wreck information including the personal information of individuals' involved in the accident. A first time violation of this provision is a misdemeanor. Second and subsequent violations are felonies. - Authored By: Rep. Ronnie Mabra of the 63rd - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 837 - Probation services; provide for legislative findings and intent; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 837 amends Article 6 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 of the O.C.G.A. relating to agreements for probation services by stating that it is the General Assembly's intention to authorize judges to use county and municipal probation services providers to supervise misdemeanor and county and city ordinance offenders in the same manner as the judges of the superior courts use state probation services as a way to supervise felony offenders. The bill also amends Code Section 42-8100 by taking out the language of "county or municipal court" in relation to jurisdiction of probation matters as well as adding a list of terms and conditions for probation that the probationer shall follow including avoiding injurious and vicious habits, remaining in a specified location, and wear a device capable of tracking the location of the probationer. HB 837 allows judges to toll warrants when all efforts have been exhausted to find a running probationer while adding to the Code section an effective date for the tolling of the sentence and discussing related fines and time already served on probation. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 24th - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 840 - Insurance; persons under authority of Commissioner and subject to penalties under Title 33; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 840 updates the Insurance Code as it relates to persons required to be licensed by the Commissioner of Insurance. During recent legislative sessions, several changes have been made in regards to those needing to be licensed and the requirements of those licenses. This bill seeks to provide continuity in the Code as it relates to these changes. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 40th - House Committee: Insurance - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 842 - Appeal and error; payment of costs and indigency affidavits; clarify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Amends Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 5 by the allowing the $80.00 fee for criminal cases and $300.00 fee for civil cases appealed to the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court to be waived at the time of appeal if the applicant is incarcerated, counsel for the applicant was appointed due to indigency, or affidavit of indigency is filed. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 51st - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 857 - Bacon County; Board of Commissioners; remove limitation regarding membership on boards and authorities
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act which created the Bacon County Board of Commissioners so as to remove the limitation regarding membership of the chairperson and commissioners on boards and authorities. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 858 - Columbus, City of; Recorder's Court; impose and collect technology fee for each fine imposed
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the Recorder's Court of Columbus, Georgia, to impose and collect a technology fee, not to exceed $25.00 for each fine imposed. - Authored By: Rep. Calvin Smyre of the 135th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HB 877 - Motor vehicles; local authorities ability to regulate use of personal transportation vehicles on roadways and designated paths and lanes; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 877 updates and modernizes the Georgia Motor Vehicle Code as it relates to Motorized Carts and Personal Transportation Vehicles. It establishes Georgia as the model for all states in the use of these vehicles on public paths and roadways. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 155th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - House Committee: Juvenile Justice - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 930 - General Assembly; adopt standards and instructions for Article V convention delegates; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: A bill to amend Chapter 1 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding state government; to provide that the General Assembly shall adopt standards and instructions for Article V convention delegates. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Barr of the 103rd - House Committee: Interstate Cooperation - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 933 - Sales and use tax; regarding sale or use of certain property used in maintenance or repair of certain aircraft; remove sunset exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation removes the sunset on the sales tax exemption for parts used in the maintenance of qualified out of state registered aircraft. - Authored By: Rep. Alex Atwood of the 179th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 954 - Ad valorem tax; property; change definition of fair market value
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation provides that rent limitations must be factored in to the assessment of property that is qualified for the low income housing tax credit. - Authored By: Rep. Brett Harrell of the 106th - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 966 - Pharmacies; licensed health practitioners prescribe opioid antagonists to certain individuals and entities pursuant to a protocol; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 966 allows a practitioner, pharmacist, or person acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist to a person at risk of experience an opioid related overdose. An opioid antagonist is approved by the Federal Food and Drug Administration and works to counter the effects of an opiate overdose. The following individuals may also administer an opioid antagonist: emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and cardiac technicians. - Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper of the 43rd - House Committee: Health & Human Services - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 978 - Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority; change provisions relating to membership
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority by providing provisions for membership and term limits of the authority. The membership of the Authority should consist of one member appointed by each member of the Georgia General Assembly representing a portion of Chatham County, one member appointed by the majority vote of the Board of Commissioners of Chatham County and one member appointed by the majority vote of the mayor

and aldermen of the City of Savannah. The president of the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the president of the Savannah Area Convention and Visitors' Bureau shall both serve as ex officio and have a vote. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 983 - State sales and use tax; clarify eligible exemptions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies the Georgia Agriculture Tax Exemption program by clearly defining what is to be exempt from sales taxes when used in conjunction with agriculture. Agriculture operations are delineated so as to provide a clear definition of what is to be deemed agriculture as well as the definition of who qualifies as a producer. The Commissioner of Agriculture is required to verify farming activity through certain tax filings of the applicant as well as work with the Department of Revenue to produce a list of exempted items. - Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall of the 33rd - House Committee: Ways & Means - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
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 - House Committee: Governmental Affairs - A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.
HB 1042 - Auctioneers; relative to auctioneers and auction business; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1042 strikes the definition of `apprentice auctioneer' and all related language from Chapter 6 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The Bill adds the definition of `auction' which means a method of selling property or goods by competitive bid using any method, format, or venue, but not limited to, competitive bidding by a sealed bid or silent bid that occurs in person or through the Internet. - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Regulated Industries - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1078 - Courts; juries and grand juries; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1078 amends OCGA 15 -12 -1 relating to juries. Revises code section by adding in grand jury to provisions and provides creating a master jury list of people who are qualified to serve as jurors. Additionally this will prevent multiple requests for a person to serve as a juror within a single year. - Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley of the 16th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1114 - Hinesville, City of; change corporate limits
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act to create a new charter for the City of Hinesville, so as to change the corporate limits. - Authored By: Rep. Al Williams of the 168th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1128 - Clarkston, City of; change corporate limits
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to change the corporate limits of the City of Clarkston, so as to annex certain territory. - Authored By: Rep. Michelle Henson of the 86th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
HB 1136 - Brookhaven, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide a referendum
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to authorize the City of Brookhaven 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. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.

HR 1573 - Joint Study Committee on Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding; create
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 1573 creates a joint study committee of 16 members for the purpose of identifying new sources and methods of funding for critical transportation infrastructure needs. The committee will include the chairs of the House and Senate Transportation Committees, who will serve as co-chairs. The presiding officers of each chamber will appoint three legislative members and one citizen member. Other appointments include one representative and senator of the minority party and from outside the ARC region, the presidents, or their respective designee, from the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Metro-Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the planning director of GDOT, as well as the executive directors for the: Association County Commissioners of Georgia, Georgia Municipal Association, Georgia Centers of Innovation and Georgia Ports Authority. The committee is authorized for eight days and will make recommendations to the legislature by November 30, 2014. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 155th - House Committee: Transportation - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
SB 326 - Private Colleges and Universities Authority; authorize the authority to meet by teleconference and other methods permitted by law
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation changes language to reflect a gender neutral Chairperson and also adds that members can join by teleconference and other means permitted by law to count towards a majority of members present. - Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares of the 17th - House Committee: Higher Education - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill.
RULES CALENDAR
HR 550 - General Assembly; election of local school superintendents as alternative to appointment; provide - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 550 creates the House Study Committee on the Role of Federal Government in Education. The composition of the committee includes the House Education Committee Chair and the House Higher Education Committee Chair or a person designated by them. It will also include three additional House members, a State Board of Education member, three local superintendents, three teachers, and three parents or grandparents. The purpose of the committee is to study the federal government's role in public education and whether a recommendation should be made that the United States Department of Education be abolished. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Jasperse of the 11th - House Committee: Education - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 112; Nays: 52
HR 870 - Capitol Arts Standards Commission; arrange placement of portrait of former Speaker Pro Tempore Jack Connell in state capitol; urge
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 870 urges the Capitol Arts Standards Commission to arrange for placement of a portrait of former Speaker Pro Tempore Jack Connell in an appropriate location. - Authored By: Rep. Barbara Sims of the 123rd - House Committee: State Properties - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 168; Nays: 3
HR 1723 - House Study Committee on Licensing and Inspection of Child Welfare Providers; create
- BILL SUMMARY: House Resolution 1723 creates the House Study Committee on Licensing and Inspection of Child Welfare Providers. - Authored By: Rep. Andrew J. Welch of the 110th - House Committee: Juvenile Justice - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 168; Nays: 2
HR 1805 - House Study Committee on DUI Recidivism and Driver's License Suspensions and Reinstatements; create
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 1805 creates the House Study Committee on DUI Recidivism and Driver's License Suspensions and Reinstatements. The committee will be composed of five members of the House who are appointed by the Speaker of the House, and the committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to recidivism of driving under the influence. HR 1805 also creates the House Study Committee on For-Hire Transportation Services. This committee will be composed of five members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, and the

committee shall undertake a comprehensive study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems related to challenges posed by for-hire transportation services create in protecting the traveling public and ensuring the safety of persons using such forms of transportation services. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 32nd - House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 148; Nays: 22
HR 1828 - House Study Committee on Aviation and Jobs; create
- BILL SUMMARY: HR 1828 creates the House Study Committee on Aviation and Jobs. The committee will consist of five members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 149th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs - Rule: Modified-Open - Yeas: 166; Nays: 5
SB 291 - Georgia Adult and Aging Services Agency; create
- BILL SUMMARY: Updated Summary: SB 291 provides immunity from prosecution for individuals in possession of tetrahydrocannabinols including cannabinol and cannabidiol in the form of a liquid or pill. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Human Relations & Aging - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): This bill was amended to include language from HB 885 - Yeas: 168; Nays: 2
SB 304 - Continuing Care Providers and Facilities; provide for continuing care at home; define certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 304 expands the definitions of `continuing care', `limited continuing care', and `residential unit' to include assisted living communities. The Bill also stipulates that `nursing care' includes skilled or intermediate nursing services and personal care services. The Bill adds a definition for `resident owned living unit' which is a residence that is a component part of a facility in which the resident has an individual real property ownership interest.
SB 304 allows providers that have obtained proper authority and approval to offer continuing care at resident owned living units. All facilities providing this care shall make their current disclosure statements accessible to their residents and to the general public. - Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone of the 23rd - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Yeas: 158; Nays: 15
SB 391 - Health; provide that each medical facility make a good faith application; TRICARE network
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 391 stipulates that each medical facility in Georgia must make good faith applications to the TRICARE program no later than July 1, 2015. If the facility fails to qualify for the TRICARE program, the facility must implement a plan to upgrade the facility. The facility is responsible for submitting reports to the commissioner of public health detailing their efforts to join the program. The commissioner must maintain files on each medical facility and monitor their effort. Medical facilities are not required to participate in the TRICARE programs. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Health & Human Services - Rule: Modified-Structured - Amendments(s): AM 21 3097 - Yeas: 131; Nays: 25

LOCAL CALENDAR
HB 857 - Bacon County; Board of Commissioners; remove limitation regarding membership on boards and authorities
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend the Act which created the Bacon County Board of Commissioners so as to remove the limitation regarding membership of the chairperson and commissioners on boards and authorities. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 157; Nays: 1
SB 420 - Board of Commissioners of McIntosh County; change the description of the commissioner districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 151; Nays: 1
SB 421 - Board of Education of McIntosh County; change description of the education districts
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to reapportion the McIntosh County Board of Education. - Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 151; Nays: 1
SB 424 - State Court of Cobb County; change the compensations of the clerk and chief deputy clerk
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend an Act creating the State Court of Cobb County. - Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins of the 37th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 151; Nays: 1
SB 425 - Probate Court of Cobb County; change the compensation of the chief and deputy, chief investigator, executive assistant to the sheriff
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to provide compensation for the Clerk of the Superior Court, the Sheriff, and the Judge of the Probate Court of Cobb County from the fee system to the salary system. - Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins of the 37th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local - Rule: Open - Yeas: 151; Nays: 1