Daily report [Mar. 13, 2015]

Georgia House of Representatives

DAILY REPORT 30th Legislative Day

Friday, March 13, 2015

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Communications Office (404) 656-0305

The House will reconvene for its 31st Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. 6 bills / resolutions are expected to be on the House Floor.

Today on the Floor
Rules Calendar
HB 3 Education; programs; person solicit transaction with student-athlete; provide sanctions
Bill Summary: House Bill 3 prohibits the solicitation of a student-athlete by persons with knowledge that acceptance of the transaction could cause the student-athlete to be sanctioned. This bill creates a cause of action against any persons attempting to solicit student-athletes under these conditions.

Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) House Committee: Higher Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 145 Nays: 27

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-03-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 17

Hidden Predator Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 17, the 'Hidden Predator Act,' extends the statute of limitations for civil actions for childhood sexual abuse under certain circumstances.

Currently, an action for childhood sexual abuse must be filed before the plaintiff's 23rd birthday. As to childhood sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2015, HB 17 allows for an action to be brought against an individual alleged to have perpetrated such abuse either: by the plaintiff's 23rd birthday; or within two years from the date the plaintiff knew or had reason to know of such abuse and that such abuse resulted in injury to the plaintiff, as established by competent medical or psychological evidence. If an action is filed under the second option above, the judge must determine within six months of the filing of the case when the plaintiff knew or had reason to know of the alleged childhood sexual abuse.

If the alleged perpetrator of the childhood sexual abuse was a volunteer or employee of an entity that owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, or if the alleged perpetrator and the plaintiff were engaged in some activity over which the entity had control, the entity may only be found liable for damages to the plaintiff if the entity is found to be negligent by clear and convincing evidence.

The bill provides a two-year retroactive window to allow revival of civil cases that have been timebarred by Georgia's current five-year statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases. Such actions may only be filed against the individual alleged to have committed the abuse; no claim may be brought under the revival window against an entity. A revival action may not be brought if any claim has already been litigated to finality on its merits or if a written settlement agreement has been entered into between the plaintiff and defendant.

The bill also allows access for victims of child abuse or their guardians to investigation files after criminal cases have been closed.

Authored By: Rep. Jason Spencer (180th) House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Today on the Floor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 2

Amendments:

HB 21

Transit authority; creation of; metropolitan areas; repeal a population provision
Bill Summary: House Bill 21 relates to the creation of the transit authority by special legislation and the authority's attributes and powers. Effective July 1, 2015, whenever a transit authority or a county public transit provider is in operation within the territory delimited by the General Assembly of a new transit authority established under this Code section, an intergovernmental agreement shall be entered into between the transit authority or county public transit provider currently in operation.

Authored By: Rep. John Carson (46th) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 48

Special license plates; include surviving spouse of a sibling of service member killed in action; extend eligibility
Bill Summary: House Bill 48 is the annual omnibus license plate bill. Section 1 relates to prestige license plates and special plates for certain persons and vehicles by adding a new Code section that states that any law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical services personnel, ambulance driver, or other similarly employed public safety first responder who has sustained a major injury during his or her duties may apply to receive such special license plate. There is a one-time $25 manufacturing fee and a $35 yearly registration fee which shall be collected by the county tag agent.

Section 2 relates to free license plates and revalidation decals for certain disabled veterans by stating that any disabled veteran who is a citizen and resident of the State of Georgia shall be issued a free motor vehicle license plate upon application. The term "disabled veteran" means any veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions and who has been adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being 100 percent disabled or as being less than 100 percent disabled but is compensated at the 100 percent level due to individual un-employability.

Section 3 relates to special and distinctive license plates for veterans by adding motorcycles to the list of vehicles able to receive such license plates.

Section 4 relates to special license plates honoring family members of service members killed in action by adding that a surviving spouse of such service member's sibling may apply for a Gold Star license plate.

Section 5 relates to special license plates promoting certain beneficial projects and supporting certain worthy agencies, funds, or nonprofit corporations by stating that no special license plates authorized pursuant to subsections (l), (m), and (n) of this Code section shall be issued except upon the receipt by the department of at least 1,000 prepaid applications along with manufacturing fees.

Section 6 relates to ad valorem taxation of property by relating to eligibility and filing requirements for homestead extension for a qualified disabled veteran but stating that any veteran who was discharged under honorable conditions and who has been adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as being 100 percent disabled (or is compensated at the 100 percent level) is entitled to receive a statutory award from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

Section 7 relates to constitutional exemption from ad valorem taxation for disabled veterans by stating that once a disabled veteran has established his or her eligibility for such ad valorem tax exemption by being 100 percent disabled, he or she shall be entitled to receive such ad valorem tax exemption in succeeding years thereafter but must furnish proof of such disability through a letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. If a disabled veteran's disability has not been adjudicated at 100 percent total disability, he or she shall be entitled to such ad valorem tax exemption in succeeding years upon furnishing, on an annual basis, proof of their disabled status from the United States Department of Veteran Affairs. In the event of the death of a disabled veteran who received such tax exemption, his or her unmarried surviving spouse or minor child may continue

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Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

to receive the exemption.

Authored By: Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) House Committee: Motor Vehicles

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 94

Ad valorem tax; certain members of armed forces from penalties for failure to timely pay tax; exempt
Bill Summary: HB 94 precludes any interest or penalties that might be assessed against the ad valorem taxes due on a vehicle when the owner has voluntarily canceled the registration of the vehicle, and the tax collector fails to adequately bill the taxpayer. This does not affect the amount of taxes actually due while the registration has been canceled, but it does apply to the penalties that might have been assessed for failure to pay taxes due.

Authored By: Rep. Chuck Williams (119th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 165 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 131

The End to Cyberbullying Act; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 131 changes public school policies on bullying so that they include cyberbullying. Bullying would now also be prohibited through the use of technological equipment such as cell phones, wireless communication devices, computers, email, instant messaging, etc.

Authored By: Rep. Pam Dickerson (113th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 140 Nays: 26

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-02-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 152

Alcoholic beverages; holders of certain alcohol licenses and those who issue such licenses; impose certain requirements
Bill Summary: HB 152 pertains to employees working within the vicinity of alcohol as a primary source of business. The Act includes disciplinary measures and general employment specifications. Regarding disciplinary action, the commissioner of the Department of Revenue provides policies each county and municipality should implement and may fine them $750 per time the policy is not in compliance. Regarding employment, persons under 18 are restricted from working at establishments, like bars, where alcohol consumption plays an integral role; however, establishments including breweries, supermarkets, and convenience stores are allowed employers for this age group. Persons under 21 cannot serve as a bouncer for a bar unless they are a component of the United States Armed Forces. This Act does not include major sporting stadiums.

Authored By: Rep. Geoff Duncan (26th) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 12

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 153 Courts; civil action for damages; provide
Bill Summary: HB 153 creates a civil cause of action to recover damages, reasonable attorney's fees, and expenses of litigation for the unauthorized practice of law involving real estate transactions.

Authored By: Rep. Tom Weldon (3rd) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 164 Nays: 5

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Today on the Floor

HB 174 Urban Redevelopment Law; include blighted areas; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill removes "slum" from the Code relating to Urban Redevelopment law and applies that definition to a new term: "blighted" or "pockets of blight".

Authored By: Rep. LaDawn Jones (62nd) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 174 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 180

War Veterans' Home; residency requirements to qualify for admission; revise
Bill Summary: HB 180 amends the residency qualifications for a veteran to be admitted to the Georgia State War Veteran's Home to require that the veteran has resided within the state for two consecutive years or five years within the last 15 years. Current law requires that for admittance, the veteran must have resided within the state for the previous five years.

Authored By: Rep. E. Culver "Rusty" Kidd (145th) Rule Applied:

House Committee: Defense & Veterans Affairs

Committee Action:

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Open 03-03-2015 Do Pass

HB 201

Public utilities; telephone system for the physically impaired; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill relates to the state telephone system for the physically impaired, so as to change certain provisions relating to the establishment, administration, and operation of the statewide dual party relay service and audible universal information access service.

Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons (44th)

House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 209

Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act; prior school year attendance requirement to prior semester; revise
Bill Summary: House Bill 209 amends the Special Needs Scholarship to require specific written notice of the options available under the scholarship to parents of children with a Individualized Education Program annually.

Authored By: Rep. Wesley Cantrell (22nd) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 221 Ad valorem tax; property; change certain definitions
Bill Summary: HB 221 clarifies the statute regarding the valuation of subsidized property to allow subsidized loans to multi-family housing owners to qualify for the different valuation of property.

Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell (171st) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 230

Claims Advisory Board; compensation of persons wrongfully convicted and imprisoned; provide
Bill Summary: HB 230 amends the Code, with respect to the Claim's Advisory Board, to compensate those individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated in a state prison.

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Today on the Floor

In order to be compensated, a claimant must prove that: he/she was convicted of a crime and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment; he/she served all or part of that sentence; the claimant proclaims his/her innocence; and the claimant's innocence and wrongful conviction has been established by verifiable and substantial evidence. The amount of compensation per year is set at $50,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment.

Authored By: Rep. Carolyn Hugley (136th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 245

Condominiums; amount permissible as a special assessment fee; change
Bill Summary: HB 245 changes the maximum amount per fiscal year that the board of directors of a condominium association may charge as a special assessment fee per unit in a condominium instrument without approval of a majority of unit owners. The current law allows for a maximum fee of $200; HB 245 allows for one-sixth of the annual common expense assessment for each unit.

Authored By: Rep. Matt Dollar (45th) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 131 Nays: 39

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Open 02-24-2015 Do Pass

HB 268

Child abuse; mandatory reporters; change provisions
Bill Summary: This legislation strengthens the laws requiring mandatory reporting of child abuse by certain types of employees. It requires individuals who are employees or volunteers in a location where their duty is to attend to a child, such as a school, hospital, or social agency, to report to the person in charge of that facility whenever they receive reliable information that child abuse has occurred. The individual in charge of the institution, or the person delegated to receive the report, may not exercise control over the person writing the report or make any change to the information that is provided to them. Prior to receiving the report, they may be consulted and may provide additional relevant information. The bill also allows reports to be filed by telephone, email, or facsimile. Oral reports must be followed with a written report. The initial report must be filed within 24 hours from the time there is a reasonable suspicion of abuse.

Authored By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) House Committee: Juvenile Justice

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-02-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 297

Professional licensing boards; make designations for the receipt and processing of applications for examination; provide
Bill Summary: HB 297 allows for professional licensing boards in Georgia to delegate administrative functions to a national board, if approved by the members of the local Georgia board.

Authored By: Rep. Beth Beskin (54th) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Open 02-19-2015 Do Pass

HB 299

Contracts; provide for definitions; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 299 amends Chapter 1 of Title 13 to allow lenders to charge a "convenience fee," subject to the debit and credit card acceptance agreement, to debtors paying off loans through credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic payment methods. Lenders are only permitted to charge a convenience fee for industrial loans, retail installment and home solicitation sale contracts, motor vehicle financing contracts, and insurance premium finance agreements. Lenders charging a convenience fee must clearly disclose the fee and provide other payment options to debtors.

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Today on the Floor

Authored By: Rep. Emory Dunahoo (30th) House Committee: Banks & Banking

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 159 Nays: 13

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 322

Foreclosure; provide for recording of deeds under power within a certain time after sale; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 322 institutes a penalty for failure to file a deed under power after a foreclosure sale. Currently, the law allows 90 days from the foreclosure sale for filing of a deed under power with the clerk of the superior court of the county or counties in which the foreclosed property is located. HB 322 requires the holder of the deed under power to pay a late filing penalty of $500 upon filing, in addition to required filing fees if the deed under power is not filed within 120 days of the foreclosure sale.

The bill specifies that the clerk of the applicable superior court collects the penalty before the deed under power is filed. The sums are then remitted to the governing authority of the county. If the foreclosed property is located within a city, the county governing authority must remit the sums to the city governing authority within 30 days after receipt of the sums. For each late filing penalty for property located within a city, the county governing authority may withhold a five percent administrative processing fee from the remittance to the city.

Authored By: Rep. Brian Strickland (111th) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 164 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 342

Nursing homes; violation of certain regulations shall not constitute negligence per se; provide
Bill Summary: HB 342 provides that no violation by a nursing home of any regulation pursuant to the federal 'Nursing Home Reform Act' or any Georgia regulation shall constitute negligence per se; however, courts in a civil action shall still take judicial notice of these regulations and admit them into evidence.

Additionally, the bill states that results or findings of a federal or state survey or inspection of a nursing home facility shall not be used in an advertisement or solicitation, unless the advertisement or solicitation includes: the date of the survey; a statement that the Department of Community Health conducts a survey of all nursing home facilities at least once every 15 months; if applicable, a statement that the finding has been substantially corrected and the date of correction; the number of findings and the severity level of each finding; the average number of findings on the basis of surveys conducted by the department during the same calendar year as the survey used in the advertisement; the disclosure of whether each finding caused actual bodily harm to any residents and the number of residents harmed; and a statement that the advertisement is neither authorized nor endorsed by any government agency. A party found to have violated this provision shall be liable for attorney fees and costs incurred in an action to restrain or enjoin the violation; however, damages, attorney fees, and costs are not recoverable against any newspaper, news outlet, or broadcaster publishing an advertisement or solicitation submitted by a third party for a fee.

The bill only applies to causes of action arising on and after the effective date.

Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 173 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 343

Lamar County; Board of Education; members elected on nonpartisan basis; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 343 amends an Act providing for the election of members of the Lamar County Board of Education to provide that members of the board of education shall be elected on a nonpartisan basis.

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Today on the Floor

Authored By: Rep. Johnnie Caldwell (131st) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 119 Nays: 32

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass

HB 369

Sales and use tax; distribution for educational purposes; change certain provisions
Bill Summary: HB 369 enables independent school systems and county schools systems to enter into an agreement to divide the funds received through E-SPLOST. Currently, any deviation from the constitutional formula only occurs when allotted by a local act.

Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix (69th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass

HB 370

Elections; provide for waivers of certain civil penalties and fees incurred by candidates for local elected office; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 370 provides for waivers of fines and fees incurred by candidates for local elected office. Upon written request of a candidate or in a response by the candidate to any notification from the State Elections Commission alleging noncompliance with filings required between January 1, 2010 and January 10, 2014, the commission shall be authorized to waive late fees, fines, and civil penalties incurred by candidates for public office.

It allows the House and Senate party caucuses to create political action committees.

After January 1, 2016, a person seeking qualification to run for public office shall not do so until all outstanding fines due the Elections Commission have been paid.

Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 6

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-11-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 375

Motor vehicles; driving with suspended, canceled, or revoked registration; change provisions relating to plea of nolo contendre
Bill Summary: This legislation allows a driver cited for driving a motor vehicle with a suspended, cancelled, or revoked vehicle license to plead nolo contendre. The nolo plea can only be used once within a five-year period, which is measured from the date of the last previous offense resulting in a conviction or a nolo plea. Any other nolo plea within the time period will constitute a conviction.

The bill also provides for a 30-day temporary operating permit when a vehicle fails to pass federal emissions standards. Proof of valid insurance is still required.

Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell (171st) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass
AM 39 0106

HB 393

Motor vehicles fair practices; restrictions on ownership, operation, or control of dealerships by manufacturers and franchisors; provide exception
Bill Summary: House Bill 393 allows manufacturers of zero emission vehicles that were doing business prior to January 1, 2015, to sell factory direct to consumers. This is a narrowly-crafted exception to Georgia's dealership law. Manufacturers are allowed to build up to five brick and mortar facilities, of which two must be designed to do maintenance on their vehicles.

Authored By:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th)

Rule Applied:

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Modified-Structured

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Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

House Committee: Motor Vehicles

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 3

Committee Action: Amendments:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 401

Early care and learning; revise terminology relating to restrictions on persons with criminal records with regard to child, family or group-care facilities; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 401 updates and revises Code relating to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. This legislation makes administrative changes to improve the efficiency, operations, and communication between the department and child care providers.

Authored By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 409

Insurance; reimbursement for treatment of burns for skin substitutes utilizing cadaver derived skin tissue or nonhuman xenographic derived skin tissue; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 409 provides that all health insurance policies sold in Georgia must cover treatment utilizing cadaver or non-human, xenographic-derived skin tissue for the treatment of burns.

Authored By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) House Committee: Insurance

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 173 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 416

Consumer Information and Awareness Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 416, the 'Consumer Information and Awareness Act,' requires health care practitioners to wear an identifier that includes his or her name and the type of license the practitioner holds. Further, each practitioner must affirmatively communicate the practitioner's specific licensure to all current and prospective patients. Additionally, if the practitioner does not practice in a hospital, he or she must display a notice in the reception area that identifies the type of practitioners employed at that practice. A practitioner who violates these provisions is subject do disciplinary action by his or her professional licensing board.

Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers (29th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 151 Nays: 21

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-02-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 418

Grand jurors; prohibit certain individuals from serving; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 418 disqualifies certain individuals involved in pending criminal cases from serving on a grand jury. Currently, the only individuals ineligible for service are those convicted of a felony who have not had their civil rights restored and those who have been judicially determined to be mentally incompetent.

The bill adds to the list of those ineligible to serve on a grand jury to include the following: an individual in any pretrial release program, pretrial release and diversion program, or pretrial intervention and diversion program (including a similar program in another state or similar federal court program); an individual sentenced under the first-offense controlled substances conditional discharge statute (Code section 16-13-2) who has not completed the terms of his or her sentence; an individual serving a first-offender sentence pursuant to Georgia law or the law of another state; and an individual participating in a drug court division, mental health division, or veterans court division court program (or a similar program in another state or a similar federal court program).

The bill specifies that if an indictment is returned and a grand juror was ineligible to serve based upon any of the grounds stated above, the indictment will not be quashed solely as a result of such ineligibility.
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Today on the Floor

Authored By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 129 Nays: 40

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 426

Sales and use tax; provide new exemption only for limited period of time regarding tangible personal property to certain nonprofit health centers; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 426 provides for a two-year sales tax exemption for certain non-profit health centers. The exemption will run from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2017. The specific health centers that qualify for the exemptions are federally qualified nonprofit health centers (FQHCs) and nonprofit volunteer health clinics. Additionally, the legislation requires that any clinic taking the exemption must submit certain data to the Department of Revenue.

Authored By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 164 Nays: 3

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 429

Insurance; no health benefit plan shall restrict coverage for prescribed treatment based upon insured's diagnosis with a terminal condition; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 429 provides that no health benefit plan shall restrict coverage for prescribed treatment based upon the insured's diagnosis with a terminal condition. It further states that that treatment would not constitute assisted suicide.

Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) House Committee: Insurance

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass
AM 25 1344

HB 432

Annexation of territory; local Acts providing for deannexation of property from a municipality and annexation of same property to another municipality which are effective on the same day do not create a prohibited unincorporated island; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 432 allows that local Acts providing for the deannexation of property from a municipality and the annexation of the same property to another municipality, which are effective on the same date, do not create a prohibited unincorporated island.

Authored By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 6

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-11-2015 Do Pass

HB 436

Georgia HIV/Syphilis Pregnancy Screening Act of 2015; enact
Bill Summary: HB 436 requires a physician or health care provider who provides prenatal care to a pregnant woman to also offer to test her for HIV and syphilis during her third trimester of pregnancy. Further, under HB 436, if at the time of delivery there is no written evidence that an HIV or syphilis test has been performed, the physician shall order such a test.

Authored By: Rep. Valerie Clark (101st) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 161 Nays: 7

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-02-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 443 Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 443 permits employers to create policies that provide preferential hiring, promoting, or retention to veterans of the armed forces of the United States.

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Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) House Committee: Industry and Labor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass

HB 452

Protective Order Registry Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 452 expands the scope of the existing protective order registry to include registration of pretrial release orders and sentencing orders that prohibit contact. This allows law enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and the courts to have access to an electronic database of all protective orders to aid in the enforcement of such orders and in the protection of victims.

Authored By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 173 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass

HB 470

The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights; change certain provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 470 amends "The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights". It provides that the Commissioner of Insurance will have regulatory oversight of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) doing business in Georgia.

Authored By: Rep. David Knight (130th) House Committee: Insurance

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 474

Charter schools; enrollment priorities for educationally disadvantaged students and military students; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 474 allows start-up charter schools, conversion charter schools, and state chartered special schools to give preference, in the event of a lottery for admission, to educationally disadvantaged students or students with a parent who is active-duty military. Educationally disadvantaged students would include students who are economically disadvantaged, have a disability, are migrant, have limited English proficiency, are neglected or delinquent, or are homeless.

Authored By: Rep. Margaret Kaiser (59th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 43 1536

HB 475

Game and fish; hunting of feral hogs; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 475 amends Title 27, relating to game and fish, to allow for the hunting and trapping of feral hogs and for other purposes. The bill establishes that a wildlife control permit may be issued to authorize the hunting or trapping of feral hogs from within or while on a motor vehicle by a Georgia resident without a hunting or trapping license, if such hunting occurs on premises owned or leased by his or her immediate family and is used primarily for raising or harvesting crops other than timber or for containing livestock or poultry, and, except during deer season, at night with a light. The firearm restriction on hunting feral hogs is removed and the shotgun shell capacity restriction for hunting deer and bear is removed.

Authored By: Rep. Tom McCall (33rd) House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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HB 476

Fulton County Industrial District; repeal amendment; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 476 repeals the amendment to the Constitution of Georgia that created the Fulton County Industrial District within Fulton County and prohibits the governing authority of Fulton County from levying any tax for educational purposes within such district. This is a companion bill to the legislation creating the city of South Fulton.

Authored By: Rep. Virgil Fludd (64th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 147 Nays: 21

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 496

Ad valorem tax; the use of certain property for collection and conversion of solar energy shall not constitute a breach of conservation use covenants; provide
Bill Summary: This legislation alters the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment statute to enable land owners who own property in a covenant and wish to install solar power panels to remove such property from the covenant without causing a breach. The installed panels and underlying property will then be taxed at the fair market value.

Authored By: Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 165 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 505

Physical therapists; licensure and regulations of therapists and therapy assistants; revise various provisions
Bill Summary: HB 505 revises the definition of physical therapy. Additionally, under HB 505, the State Board of Physical Therapy has the power to refuse to grant or restore a physical therapist's license or to discipline a physical therapist if he or she: identifies himself or herself as a doctor without also informing the public of his or her credentials as a physical therapist; performs physical therapy without first examining and evaluating the patient; or acts in a manner inconsistent with the standard of the practice of physical therapy.

Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 151 Nays: 18

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 33 1531

HB 510

Georgia Sports Commission Fund; create; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 510 amends Chapter 34 of Title 50 to provide for the creation of the Georgia Sports Commission Fund. More specifically, the bill allows any registered sporting commission to apply for and receive grants from the Georgia Sports Commission Fund for expenses related to the registered commission's sporting activity. The bill permits the Georgia Sports Commission Fund to receive funding from any source allowable by law except for funding from settlements involving lawsuits against tobacco companies. The bill also outlines the fund's accounting procedures and procedures for the appointment of the fund's committee.

Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism Committee Action:

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 147 Nays: 21

Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass
AM 37 0270

HB 514 South Fulton, City of; Fulton County; incorporate Bill Summary: House Bill 514 creates the city of South Fulton.

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Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

Authored By: Rep. Roger Bruce (61st) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 148 Nays: 21

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 531 Nonresidents; grounds for exercising personal jurisdiction over nonresidents; change provisions
Bill Summary: HB 531 expands the reach of Georgia's long-arm statute, which allows Georgia courts to exercise personal jurisdiction over nonresidents.

Currently, a nonresident may only be brought into a Georgia court if the nonresident committed certain acts enumerated in the long-arm statute. The current long-arm statute has been interpreted to restrict Georgia's reach to nonresident businesses and individuals whose acts in Georgia give rise to the cause of action at issue. In other words, if the acts committed in Georgia are not the source of the cause of action, then Georgia cannot exercise jurisdiction over the nonresident.

HB 531 expands Georgia's long-arm statute to allow Georgia courts to exercise personal jurisdiction to the limits of constitutional due process that is not in conflict with the Constitution of the United States or the Constitution of Georgia. This would allow for the concept of "general" personal jurisdiction recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court, wherein an individual or entity's contacts or activity in Georgia are so continuous, systematic, and substantial that bringing it into court on a claim unrelated to its activities or contacts in Georgia would not offend traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice.

Authored By: Rep. Ronnie Mabra (63rd) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 142 Nays: 26

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-10-2015 Do Pass

HB 535

Alcoholic beverages; local authorization of sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises is lawful during a certain time on Sunday; provide
Bill Summary: HB 535 allows local governments to authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. until midnight.

Authored By: Rep. Brett Harrell (106th) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 121 Nays: 47

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass

HB 537

Medical assistance; provide single administrator for dental services for Medicaid recipients and PeachCare for Kids participants; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 537 requires the Department of Community Health to enter into a contract with a single administrator that provides dental services for recipients of medical assistance and PeachCare for Kids after the expiration of its current contract with a care management organization. The single administrator will be selected through a bidding process and is prohibited from outsourcing or subcontracting its services.

Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers (29th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 547

Estates; taxes and tax liens; change provisions
Bill Summary: HB 547 narrows the scope of the exemption from real property taxes in the year's support provision for the family of a decedent to include only the family's homestead, and exclude any other real property in the estate.

Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 1

Committee Action: Amendments:

03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 551

Public officers and employees; authorize political subdivisions to provide for voluntary contributions by employees through payroll deductions to certain not for profit organizations; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 551 expands to local governments a program under current law that allows state employees to voluntarily agree to payroll deductions to purchase certain consumer goods and services. This program will be administered by the Department of Administrative Services.

Authored By: Rep. Buzz Brockway (102nd) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 158 Nays: 12

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-11-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 552

Insurance; provide changes to the captive insurance company provisions; add definitions
Bill Summary: House Bill 552 modifies Georgia's insurance law as it relates to captive insurance companies. It allows for "pure" captives as defined in O.C.G.A. 33-41-2 and provides for reduced rates on premium taxes for pure captive companies.

Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th) House Committee: Insurance

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 565

Agriculture; Georgia Tobacco Community Development Board Overview Committee; eliminate
Bill Summary: HB 565 eliminates the Georgia Tobacco Community Development Board Overview Committee, which is a joint legislative oversight committee for the Georgia Tobacco Community Development Board.

Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas (138th) House Committee: Information and Audits

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-11-2015 Do Pass

HB 567

Alimony and child support; jurisdiction of courts that hear contempt proceedings; expand
Bill Summary: HB 567 allows a contempt proceeding for enforcement of a child support order to be brought in a court other than the court that issued the order, specifically, in the county where the person owing the duty of support may be found or is employed.

Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 167 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 568 Paternity; testing in certain cases; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 568 requires DNA testing in all new child support cases in Georgia. The legislation allows Georgia to receive block grants from the federal government. If the genetic testing excludes the alleged father from being the actual father of a child, the Department of Health Services will reimburse for the genetic testing fee. Also, if an alleged father is already paying child support, that individual can petition for a DNA test to determine paternity. If the test shows that the alleged father is not the biological father, he is relieved from the duty to pay child support going forward and any payments in arrears are forgiven. The genetic tests administered to the alleged father shall not be attached to any pleading or court order. Moreover, the results of such tests shall not be shared with any other person or entity and are to be destroyed within six months of said tests. Within 30 days of the destruction of the genetic material, notice must be given to the alleged father confirming the
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

destruction. Violation of this code section by the department will give rise to a civil penalty of $500 and reasonable attorney fees.

Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) House Committee: Juvenile Justice

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 29 2390

HR 36

Staff Sergeant Shaun J. Whitehead Memorial Bridge; Jackson County; dedicate
Bill Summary: HR 36 consolidates the following House resolutions for road and bridge namings: House Resolution 36 (Tommy Benton) enacts that the bridge on State Route 82 at Interstate 85 in Jackson County is dedicated as the Staff Sergeant Shaun J. Whitehead Memorial Bridge;

House Resolution 104 (Kevin Tanner) enacts that State Route 400 in Dawson and Lumpkin Counties is dedicated as the Bill T. Hardman Hospitality Highway;

House Resolution 105 (Rusty Kidd) enacts that the bridge on State Route 16 over Rooty Creek in Putnam County is dedicated as the William Love Walton Bridge;

House Resolution 225 (Darlene Taylor) enacts that State Route 302 in Decatur County from its intersection with State Route 97 to the Florida state line is dedicated as the Pauline Spearman Brinkley Highway;

House Resolution 301 (Chuck Williams) enacts that the bridge on U.S. 78/State Route 10 Business over the Middle Oconee River in Clarke County is dedicated as the Officer Buddy Christian Memorial Bridge;

House Resolution 306 (Penny Houston) enacts that the bridge on State Route 76 at milepost 3.19 in Berrien County is dedicated as the 1LTJames H. Perry "Uncle Jim" Memorial Bridge;

House Resolution 398 (Micah Gravley) enacts that the bridge on Lee Road over Interstate 20 in Douglas County is dedicated as the Captain Herb Emory Memorial Bridge;

House Resolution 420 (Tom McCall) enacts that the bridge on State Route 79 over Soap Creek in Lincoln County is dedicated as the Wayne J. Hawes Memorial Bridge; and,

House Resolution 425 (David Ralston) enacts that the intersection of State Route 515 and Loving Road in Fannin County is dedicated as the Roy William Beaver Intersection.

Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 215

Judge Ronald L. Newton Memorial Highway; Fannin County; dedicate
Bill Summary: House Resolution 215 dedicates a road in memory of the Honorable Ronald Lee Newton. Therefore, be it resolved and enacted by the General Assembly of Georgia that State Route 60 in Fannin County from its intersection with State Route 60 Spur in Mineral Bluff to the city limits of McCaysville is dedicated as the Judge Ronald L. Newton Memorial Highway.

Authored By: Rep. David Ralston (7th) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass

HR 519 Mixon, Mr. Harry; Mr. Brad Dorminy; name building in their honor; recognize Bill Summary: HR 519 renames a building on the campus of the Wiregrass Georgia Technical
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Today on the Floor

College in honor of Mr. Harry Mixon and Mr. Brad Dorminy.

Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts (155th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action:

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
HB 16 Education; no high school which receives funding from Quality Basic Education Act shall participate in or sponsor interscholastic sports events unless students enrolled in magnet schools can participate under certain conditions; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 16 requires high schools which receive funding under QBE to only participate in, sponsor, or provide coaching staff for athletic events that are affiliated with an athletic association which allows magnet students to participate. Local school systems decide whether to allow magnet school students to participate in their athletics.

Authored By: Rep. Brian Prince (127th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Committee Actions

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 31st Legislative Day, Wednesday, March 18, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.

HB 84

Insurance; denial of an aircraft claim unless the insured's action or failure to act had a direct causal connection to loss upon which claim is based; prohibit
Bill Summary: House Bill 84 provides that any aircraft insurance policy containing specific exclusions or conditions categories shall include conspicuous notice advising the insured that the policy contains such exclusions or conditions. The policy will provide specific instructions for the insured to undertake in order to protect and preserve his or her rights and coverage under the policy.

Authored By: Rep. Mike Cheokas (138th) House Committee: Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 106 United States Congress; convey title and jurisdiction of Federal Public Lands to the States; encourage
Bill Summary: A Resolution encouraging Congress to Convey Title and Jurisdiction of Federal Public Lands to the States.

Authored By:

Rep. Buzz Brockway (102nd)

House Committee: Interstate Cooperation

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Open 02-19-2015 Do Pass

HR 303 State Board of Education; develop and implement comprehensive civics education curricula; urge
Bill Summary: House Resolution 303 urges the State Board of Education to develop and implement comprehensive civics education curricula in order to improve students' civic knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Authored By:

Rep. Debbie Buckner (137th)

House Committee: Education

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Open 03-02-2015 Do Pass

HR 397 United States Congress; support equity and sales tax fairness; encourage
Bill Summary: HR 397 is an urging resolution to the United States Congress, asking for action that would allow for fair and constitutional collections of state and local sales taxes from out of state merchants.

Authored By:

Rep. Larry O`Neal (146th)

House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2015 Do Pass

SB 93

Seminole County; office of probate judge; nonpartisan elections
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for nonpartisan elections of the office of the probate judge of Seminole County.

Authored By:

Sen. Dean Burke (11th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-05-2015 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 13, 2015

Committee Actions

Committee Meeting Schedule
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.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 1:00PM FLOOR SESSION (LD 31) HOUSE CHAMBER 2:00 PM JUVENILE JUSTICE 606 CLOB 3:00 PM EDUCATION 606 CLOB

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