Daily report [Mar. 25, 2015]

Georgia House of Representatives

DAILY REPORT 36th Legislative Day

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Communications Office (404) 656-0305

The House will reconvene for its 37th Legislative Day on Thursday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Nine bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Insist
HB 170 Transportation Funding Act of 2015; enact

Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts (155th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist created a Conference Committee for this bill)

Motions to Agree
HB 1 Haleigh's Hope Act; enact

Authored By: Rep. Allen Peake (141st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.)

Motions to Disagree
HB 246 Accountants; provide for powers and actions granted to other licensing boards; provisions

Authored By: Rep. David Knight (130th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Motions to Disagree(A motion to disagree sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.)

Rules Calendar
HR 613 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); withdraw the proposed Clean Air Plan; encourage
Bill Summary: HR 613 encourages the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to withdraw the proposed Clean Power Plan and supports the comments on the Clean Power Plan submitted to EPA by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the Public Service Commission, and the Georgia Attorney General.

Authored By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 111 Nays: 41

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2015 Do Pass

HR 642

Joint Study Committee on Postsecondary Education and Employment Options for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; create
Bill Summary: House Resolution 642 creates the House Study Committee on Postsecondary Education and Employment Options for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The study committee will have five members, with the Speaker of the House appointing the Chair,

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Today on the Floor

and stand abolished on December 1, 2015.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 167 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 88

Labor and Industrial Relations; provide for the payment of wages by credit to a payroll card; provisions
Bill Summary: SB 88 allows employers to make wage, salary or other recurring compensation payments by using credit to a payroll credit account. It is elective, not mandatory, to the employee. If offered, the employer must offer a written explanation of any fees associated with the account. The employee has the right to opt out of the account at anytime.

Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th) House Committee: Industry and Labor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 145 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 133

Opportunity School District; establishment; provide for definitions; supervision of public elementary and secondary schools that are failing
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 133 is the enabling legislation for SR 287 and establishes the "Opportunity School District"(OSD) within the Office of Student Achievement. The superintendent of the OSD is appointed by and answers solely to the governor, but the Senate confirms the new superintendent. The OSD may select up to 20 failing schools per year to administer, with no more than 100 schools under its supervision at any time. Failing schools are those which have earned an "F" rating for three consecutive years. The schools may be taken over for: direct management by the OSD; shared management with the local board; reconstitution as an OSD Charter School; or closed if it is not enrolled at full capacity. The OSD superintendent is given the ability to retain or let go of any leader, teacher, or staff member at an opportunity school. Any teacher who is not retained will still be an employee of the local board. Opportunity schools which become OSD charter schools will be monitored by the State Charter Schools Commission. OSD's superintendent can select, approve, or remove the school principal and the governing board members for OSD charter schools. This Act begins with the 2017-2018 school year, if the constitutional amendment is ratified.

Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 108 Nays: 53

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 169

Highways, Bridges, and Ferries; revise what constitutes part of the state highway system; appropriation of funds to Dept. of Transportation
Bill Summary: Sections 1 and 2 of SB 169 update the Code to clarify that federal funds can be used to acquire right-of-way on local projects which have been approved for federal funds.

Section 3 aligns Georgia Department of Transportation's (GDOT) surplus right-of-way process with the local process, as currently defined in statute, to provide greater flexibility to market and notify the public of surplus right-of-way particularly by allowing said property to be listed on the Georgia MLS (multiple listing service). This provision makes clear that the department can utilize the same tools as local government in helping to reduce unneeded property owned by the state and return it to use in the private sector and the local tax digest. The section establishes a common sense look-back requirement of 30 years to identify the previous owner, successor-in-title to whom first right-of-refusal is offered to repurchase the property.

Section 4's provision updates the current state safety oversight statute to reflect requirements established by MAP-21 and provides flexibility to adhere to future federal re-authorizations. GDOT is designated as the Transit State Safety Oversight Entity.

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Today on the Floor

Section 5 relates to outdoor advertising and the relocation of signs on a right-of-way that is purchased by the department. The legislation provides criteria for the new location and for just compensation to be made when relocation is not possible.

Section 6 designates GDOT as the repository for crash reports generated from by law enforcement at all levels of government, and this provision ensures the most efficient and complete transfer of these records by requiring them to be submitted electronically.

Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 137 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 266 Property Conveyance; authorizing 10 counties Bill Summary: SR 266 is a conveyance resolution for property located in 10 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows:
Article I conveys property in Appling County, the former site of the Altamaha Technical College and currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to Appling County for the widening of U.S. Highway 341.
Article II conveys property in Cherokee County, currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, to the Georgia Department of Transportation for the replacement and realignment of the bridge on SR 372 at Etowah River.
Article III conveys property in Douglas County, currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to Douglas County to realign Timber Ridge Road.
Article IV authorizes the lease of property in Fulton County, upon acquisition of the property that will be in the custody of the Georgia Department of Driver Services, to the Georgia United Credit Union.
Article V authorizes the lease of property in Fulton County, known as the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center and currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, to the Georgia World Congress Center Authority and grants easements through the lease area.
Article VI authorizes the lease of property in Gordon County to the Calhoun Elks Home, Inc., which is an adjustment from previous lease property sizes due to an easement granted to the Georgia Department of Transportation to realign and repair a bridge on Highway 225 at the Coosawattee River.
Article VII authorizes the lease of property in Meriwether County, known as the Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation's Golf Course and currently under the custody of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, to The Warrior Alliance to operate the golf course as a vocational rehabilitation training program.
Article VIII authorizes the lease of property in Monroe County, located at the Tift College campus headquarters and currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, to the Georgia United Credit Union.
Article IX conveys easements on property in Paulding County, located in the Sheffield Wildlife Management Area and currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, to the Lee family and to the Paulding County to provide improved access to the Sheffield Wildlife Management Area.
Article X authorizes the lease of property in Troup County, located on a portion of the West Georgia

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Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Today on the Floor

Technical College's LaGrange campus and under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, to the Troup County School System for the THINC College and Career Academy.

Article XI conveys property in Upson County, currently under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, to Upson County as part of a property exchange.

Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) House Committee: State Properties

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 148 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-19-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 267

Public Property; granting of nonexclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities; 24 counties
Bill Summary: SR 267 is a resolution granting non-exclusive easements for construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through state-owned property in Baldwin, Barrow, Bartow, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, Houston, Laurens, Liberty, Lowndes, Macon, McIntosh, Meriwether, Newton, Polk, Richmond, Troup, Walton, and Wayne counties.

Article I grants an easement in Baldwin County to CorrectHealth GDC, LLC of approximately 3.68 acres currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Corrections for the purpose of ingress/egress at the Bostick State Prison site for $650.00.

Article II grants an easement in Barrow County to the Georgia Power Company for approximately one acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, and maintenance of underground distribution lines to serve new camper cabins at Fort Yargo State Park for $10.00.

Article III grants an easement in Bartow County to the Department of Transportation of approximately 0.548 of an acre located on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and currently under the custody of the State Properties Commission for the construction and maintenance of a bridge and road widening of SR140 from SR53 to SR3/US41 for $10.00.

Article IV grants an easement in Bartow County to the Atlanta Gas Light Company of approximately 0.57 of an acre currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, and maintain underground gas distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the North Metro Campus of Chattahoochee Technical College for $10.00.

Article V grants an easement in Chatham County to the Atlanta Gas Light Company of approximately 4.26 acres currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, and maintain underground gas distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Savannah Technical College for $10.00.

Article VI grants an easement in Clarke County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.09 of an acre at the Athens Day Reporting Center currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections for the installation, operation, and maintenance of underground electrical lines and associated equipment on Old Epps Bridge Road for $650.00.

Article VII grants an easement in Clayton County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.251 of an acre currently in the custody of the Georgia Department of Agriculture for the installation, operation, and maintenance of underground electrical lines and associated equipment to serve the Atlanta State Farmers Market for $10.00.

Article VIII grants an easement in Cobb County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.049 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment

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Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Today on the Floor

to serve the Kennesaw Armory for $10.00.
Article IX grants an easement in DeKalb County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.37 of an acre currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation, and maintenance of overhead distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Georgia Piedmont Technical College for $10.00.
Article X grants an easement in Floyd County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.103 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the installation, operation, and maintenance of underground electrical power lines and associated equipment to serve the Rome Armory for $10.00.
Article XI grants an easement in Fulton County to various utility companies of approximately 25.433 acres currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation, and maintenance of various utilities and associated equipment to serve the North Fulton Campus of Gwinnett Technical College for $10.00.
Article XII grants an easement in Gordon County to Department of Transportation of approximately 0.262 of an acre located on the Western and Atlantic Railroad and currently under the custody of the State Properties Commission for the road widening and construction and maintenance of a bridge on the South Calhoun Bypass from SR53 at CR13 East to SR53 at CR64 for $10.00.
Article XIII grants an easement in Houston County to the Flint Electric Membership Corporation of approximately 0.924 of an acre currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for installation, maintenance, and operation of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Health Services Center at Central Georgia Technical College for $10.00.
Article XIV grants an easement in Laurens County to the City of Dublin, Georgia of approximately 0.072 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the construction, installation, and maintenance of sanitary sewer lines to serve the Dublin Armory for $10.00.
Article XV grants an easement in Liberty County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.156 of an acre at Savannah Technical College currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the relocation of power poles and guy wire anchors due to the SR 119 widening for fair market value, but not less than $650.00.
Article XVI grants an easement in Lowndes County to the City of Valdosta, Georgia of approximately 0.04 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections for the construction, installation, and maintenance of a sanitary sewer main to serve Valdosta State Prison for $10.00.
Article XVII grants an easement in Macon County to the Flint Electric Membership Corporation of approximately 226.148 acres currently under the custody of the Department of Education for the construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical transmission lines and associated equipment to serve the cabins located on Camp John Hope for $10.00.
Article XVIII grants an easement in McIntosh County to the Coastal Electric Cooperative (Coastal EMC) of approximately 15.3 acres currently under the custody of the Coastal Resources Division of Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve Barbour and Wahoo Islands for fair market value, but not less than $650.00.
Article XIX grants an easement in McIntosh County to the Coastal Electric Cooperative (Coastal EMC) of approximately 1.03 acres currently under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve facilities at Altamaha River-Townsend WMA for $10.00.

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Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Today on the Floor

Article XX grants an easement in Meriwether County to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia of approximately 22.1 acres currently under the custody of the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for ingress and egress, parking, signage, utilities and any other rights which the parties deem desirable for the benefit of the Roosevelt Warm Springs Rehabilitation Hospital and the Hilliard Cottage for $10.00.

Article XXI grants an easement in Newton County to the Walton Electric Membership Corporation of approximately 0.16 of an acre currently under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the construction, operation, and maintenance of underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Georgia BioScience Training Center at Athens Technical College for $10.00.

Article XXII grants an easement in Polk County to the Corley family of approximately 0.03 of an acre currently under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for ingress and egress within Ironstob Phase I tract along Blue Car Body Road of the Paulding Wildlife Management Area in exchange for an easement to the State from the Corley family of approximately 6 acres for ingress and egress for public use and for the Department of Natural Resource's administrative use; and a grant from the Corley Family to the State of a Right of First Refusal to purchase approximately 360 acres of the Corley Family property.

Article XXIII grants an easement in Richmond County to Augusta, Georgia of approximately 0.873 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities for the replacement and construction of water pipelines at East Central Regional Hospital for $650.00.

Article XXIV grants an easement in Troup County to the City of West Point, Georgia of approximately 1.391 acres at the Kia/Hyundai Dymos Tract currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Economic Development for the installation, maintenance, and operation of a water and sewer line for $10.00.

Article XXV grants an easement in Walton County to the Georgia Power Company of approximately 0.7 of an acre currently under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, operation, and maintenance of transmission lines and associated equipment along Willow Springs Church Road at Walton Fish Hatchery for fair market value, not to be less than $650.00.

Article XXVI grants an easement in Wayne County to the Okefenokee Rural Electric Membership Corporation of approximately 0.28 of an acre currently under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the construction, operation, and maintenance of underground power lines and associated equipment for the new Wildlife Resources Division Maintenance Facility at Penholoway Swamp Wildlife Management Area for $10.00.

Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) House Committee: State Properties

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-19-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 287

Opportunity School District; allow the General Assembly to authorize the establishment; provide for state intervention for failing schools -CA
Bill Summary: This constitutional amendment allows the legislature to establish the "Opportunity School District", a separate school district within the state to reconstitute failing schools. The ballot question asks: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow the state to intervene in chronically failing public schools in order to improve student performance?"

Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 121 Nays: 47

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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Modified-Structured 03-23-2015 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
HR 620 Local boards of education; provide educational awareness regarding renewable energy; urge
Bill Summary: HR 620 urges local boards of education to provide educational awareness regarding renewable energy.

Authored By: Rep. Karla Drenner (85th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Local Calendar
HB 627 Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority; repeal Act Bill Summary: A Bill to repeal an Act creating the Lake Allatoona Preservation Authority.

Authored By: Rep. Scot Turner (21st)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 152 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-24-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 639 Pickens County; Magistrate Court; clerk; appointed by and serve at pleasure of chief magistrate
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide that the clerk of the Magistrate Court of Pickens County shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the chief magistrate.

Authored By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 152 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-24-2015 Do Pass

HB 641 Spalding County; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: A Bill to authorize the governing authority of Spalding County to levy a hotel/motel tax.

Authored By: Rep. David Knight (130th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 152 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-24-2015 Do Pass

HB 642

Putnam County; Magistrate Court; revise number, manner of selection, and compensation of judges
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for the Magistrate Court of Putnam County, so as to revise the number, manner of selection, and compensation of the judges of the magistrate court.

Authored By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 152 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-24-2015 Do Pass

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Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 37th Legislative Day, Thursday, March 26, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, March 26,
at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 38th Legislative Day.

HR 640 Joint Study Committee on Health, Education, and School-Based Health Centers; create
Bill Summary: HR 640 creates the House Study Committee on Health, Education, and School-Based Health Centers. The committee will be composed of five members who will make recommendations on the creation of a state-wide plan to promote the development and funding of comprehensive schoolbased health centers in the underserved communities in Georgia.

Authored By:

Rep. Bruce Broadrick (4th)

House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HR 641 Joint Study Committee on Children's Mental Health; create
Bill Summary: HR 641 creates the House Study Committee on Children's Mental Health. The committee will be composed of five members and the chairperson of the committee will have the ability to call as many meetings as he or she deems necessary; however, members will only be compensated for up to five meetings. If the committee adopts any specific findings or recommendations, the chairperson shall file a report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives. The committee shall be abolished on December 1, 2015.

Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 100

Motor Vehicles and Traffic; provide for applicability with current federal reg. in the safe operations of motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 100 is a housekeeping bill for the Department of Public Safety (DPS). It defines a "for hire intrastate motor carrier" as a person engaged in the transportation of goods or passengers for compensation wholly within the boundaries of Georgia.

It defines an "intrastate motor carrier" as any self-propelled or towed vehicle that is used on a highway in intrastate commerce to transport property or passengers and: has a gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight of 10,001 lbs. or more; is designed or used to transport more than ten passengers, including the driver, and is not used to transport passengers for compensation; or is used to transport hazardous materials in any quantity.

It requires that all intrastate motor carriers must register with the Department of Revenue (DOR). Prior to the initial registration, all intrastate motor carriers must also provide evidence to DPS of the completion of an educational and safety seminar. All for-hire intrastate motor carriers must now file a certificate of insurance with DOR in order to be issued a registration.

This bill also eliminates all mandatory driver's license suspensions for non-highway safety related or non-moving violations; however, the legislation does maintain suspension provisions imposed for failure to provide child support under the 'Child Support Recovery Act'. It eliminates the driving restrictions on an "Interlock Limited Driving Permit" as defined in Title 40.

Authored By:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th)

House Committee: Motor Vehicles

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Next on the Floor

SB 101

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation; provide for buffer against coastal marshlands within which certain land-disturbing activities are prohibited
Bill Summary: SB 101 amends Chapter 7 of Title 12, relating to the control of soil erosion and sedimentation, by establishing a 25-foot buffer along coastal marshlands and providing exceptions to that buffer. The definition of "coastal marshlands" is as defined in O.C.G.A. 12-5-282. No landdisturbing activity shall be conducted within the 25-foot buffer and the buffer shall remain in its undisturbed state of vegetation until all land-disturbing activities on the construction site are complete. Once the final stabilization of the site is completed, the buffer may be thinned or trimmed so long as protective vegetative cover remains.; however, for single family residence construction sites, the buffer may be thinned or trimmed at any time so long as a protective vegetative cover remains. On or before December 31, 2015, the board of Natural Resources shall promulgate rules and regulations that contain criteria for the grant or denial of requests for variances pursuant to this paragraph and provide variances by rule for the following categories of activities: where an alteration has been approved by the Army Corps of Engineers; and where an alteration will have a minimal impact on the water quality or aquatic habitat of adjacent marsh, including where the area within the buffer is not more than 500 square feet. The board may adopt rules and regulations that provide for an expedited process for certain categories of activities. The exceptions to the buffer are: Where the director determines to allow a variance that is at least as protective as a 25 foot buffer; Where otherwise allowed pursuant to 12-2-8; Where an alteration has been authorized pursuant to 12-5-286; For maintenance of any currently serviceable structure, landscaping, or hardscaping; provided that if such maintenance requires any land disturbing activity, adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented; Where a drainage structure or roadway drainage structure is constructed or maintained; provided that if such maintenance requires any land disturbing activity, adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented; On the landward side of a currently serviceable shoreline stabilization structure; For the maintenance of any manmade storm-water detention basin, golf course pond, or impoundment located within the property of a single owner; provided that if such maintenance requires any land disturbing activity, adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented; For utility lines that cause a width of disturbance of not more than 50 feet within the buffer; provided that adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented; For any land-disturbing activity conducted pursuant to and in compliance with a valid and effective land-disturbing permit issued between April 22, 2014 and the effective date of this act; provided that adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented; For any lot for which the preliminary plat has been approved prior to the effective date of this act if roadways, bridges, or water and sewer lines have been extended to such lot prior to the effective date of this act and if the requirement to maintain a 25-foot buffer would consume at least 18 percent of the high ground of the platted lot otherwise available for development; provided that adequate erosion control measures are fully implemented.

Authored By:

Sen. Ben Watson (1st)

House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-12-2015 Do Pass

SB 119

"Water Professionals Appreciation Day"; designate the first Monday in May of each year in Georgia
Bill Summary: SB 119 designates the first Monday in May of each year as "Water Professionals Appreciation Day" in Georgia.

Authored By:

Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th)

House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-19-2015 Do Pass

SB 194

Pharmacists and Pharmacies; certain provisions shall not apply; facility engaged solely in the distribution of dialysate, drugs; patients with end stage renal disease
Bill Summary: SB 194 exempts facilities engaged solely in the distribution of dialysate, drugs, or devices used to perform kidney dialysis from the general provisions relating to pharmacists and

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Next on the Floor

pharmacies in O.C.G.A 26-4-1; however, such facilities must meet certain criteria in order to be exempt from this Code section. These criteria require that the dialysate, drugs, or devices used to perform kidney dialysis be: approved by the Food and Drug Administration; lawfully registered with the state; held and delivered in their original state; delivered only by the manufacturer upon receipt of a physician's order; and delivered directly to a patient or health care provider.

Additionally, SB 194 allows a pharmacist, without authorization from the practitioner, to refill prescriptions for topical ophthalmic products at 70 percent of the predicted days of use. Additionally, a practitioner can authorize refills earlier than 70 percent of the predicted days of use.

Authored By: Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 195 Bonds and Recognizances; increase fees allowed for continuing education programs
Bill Summary: SB 195 raises the annual maximum fee for continuing education programs for professional bondsmen from $125 to $250.

The bill also requires the judge at a bond forfeiture proceeding to issue a bench warrant for the principal's arrest when the principal fails to appear.

Finally, the bill provides that judgement shall not be rendered on a forfeiture of any appearance bond if it is shown that the principal on the bond did not attend because he/she was deported or removed from the United States by federal authorities.

Authored By:

Sen. Michael Williams (27th)

House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-23-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 26

Joint House and Senate Coastal Greenway Study Committee; create
Bill Summary: SR 26 creates the Joint House and Senate Coastal Greenway Study Committee. A paved trail from Savannah to St. Marys, to be known as the Coastal Georgia Greenway, has been proposed. SR 26 creates a 13-member committee to study and report on the conditions, needs, issues, and problems of the trail. The committee will be composed of four senators, four house members, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the Commissioner of Natural Resources, the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, the Director of the Department of Economic Development, and the Executive Director of the Coastal Georgia Greenway.

Authored By:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-23-2015 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.
Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee
SB 148 Commerce and Trade; transfer powers and responsibilities of Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs to Attorney General's office
Bill Summary: Section 1 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions relating to administrative resolution of cases involving deceptive and unfair trade practices. The bill also eliminates a number of provisions relating to the collection and disbursement of fees to various entities to provide that all fees collected shall be remitted to the attorney general for disbursement.
Section 2 This section makes the attorney general the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions relating to the 'Fair Business Practices Act of 1975', and empowers that office to adopt rules, regulations, and standards for enforcing the act. This authority extends to restitution for violations. It provides for electronic delivery of notices to persons offered opportunities to participate in certain promotions, and redefines the term "covered communication" for purposes of telemarketing sales to have the same definition of "telemarketing" under the Telemarketing Sales Rule of the Federal Trade Commission, also including intrastate calls.
The Consumer Advisory Board will advise and recommend reforms to the attorney general and will consist of 15 members to be appointed by the attorney general. The board is required to make an annual report to the Governor.
The section repeals provisions relating to the appointment of a referee to conduct hearings and appeal to the Fulton County Superior Court and instead provides for judicial review in situations where a person has exhausted all administrative remedies.
This section also contains a savings clause which provides that rules, orders, and regulations adopted relating to the functions performed by the administrator under the Fair Business Practices Act will remain in force and effect until repealed, amended, or superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the Attorney General (lines 2200-2205).
Sections 3, 4 and 5 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions relating to sale of business opportunities, provisions relating to false advertising of legal services and provisions relating to disaster related selling.
Section 6 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions under the Buying Services Act of 1975. This section provides that rules and regulations adopted by the Attorney General under the Buying Services Act must comply with the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act. This section also contains a savings clause which provides that rules, orders, and regulations adopted relating to the functions performed by the administrator appointed under the Fair Business Practices Act will remain in force and effect until repealed, amended, or superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the Attorney General.
Section 7 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions relating to enforcement of actions relating to bad faith assertions of patent infringement.

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Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

Section 8 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs in provisions under the Georgia Lemon Law. This section also contains a savings clause which provides that rules, orders, and regulations adopted relating to the functions performed by the administrator appointed under the Fair Business Practices Act will remain in force and effect until repealed, amended, or superseded by rules or regulations adopted by the Attorney General.

Section 9 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs for purposes of enforcing provisions relating to regulation of beauty pageants.

Sections 10, 11 and 12 This section substitutes the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs for purposes of enforcing provisions relating to unfair and deceptive practices toward the elderly, purposes of enforcing provisions relating to business administration, and purposes of enforcing provisions relating to enforcement of the Fair Business Practices Act on poultry contract growers and producers, respectively.

Sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 23 These sections substitute the Attorney General for the administrator of the Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs for purposes of enforcing criminal provisions relating to identity fraud and other provisions relative to reporting of identity fraud.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 175

Animal Protection; require inspection of certain animals entering into the state
Bill Summary: The legislation revises Code Section 4-11-11 of the O.C.G.A. to make it unlawful for any person to import any equines, poultry, livestock or birds into this state unless accompanied by an official interstate or international certificate of veterinary inspection. Additionally, it is unlawful to import any other animal which the commissioner of Agriculture has determined may pose a significant risk of disease to domestic animals or humans, unless such animal is accompanied by a certificate. The department will maintain a website listing of all animals determined to pose significant risk of disease. No certificate shall be required for poultry originating from flocks participating in the National Poultry Improvement Plan administered by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Ellis Black (8th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Education Committee
SB 116 Celebrate Freedom Week; establish; posting of historical documents
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 116 strongly encourages local boards to designate the full week containing Constitution Day (September 17) as "Celebrate Freedom Week". The bill urges elementary, middle, and high schools to spend class time in social studies on learning about the United States Constitution, Declaration of Independence, the Founding Fathers, and the first six presidents. The bill further prevails upon these schools to have students recite certain passages of the U.S. Constitution or Declaration of Independence. A student may be excused through written request if they have a conscientious objection. Finally, schools are strongly encouraged to display either full copies or excerpts of famous documents.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Education

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

SB 132

"Quality Basic Education Act"; program for high school students to attend postsecondary institutions; provisions; 'Move on When Ready Act'
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 132 amends 20-2-161.3 to be referred to as the 'Move on When Ready Act'. The bill allows all high school students, whether in public or private school, to apply to a postsecondary school in order to take one or more classes; if accepted, the student can get credit for the class at both the student's high school and the postsecondary institution.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Mike Dugan (30th) Education

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 156

State Charter Schools Commission; authorize to establish a nonprofit foundation
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 156 allows the State Charter School Commission to set up a non-profit foundation. Donations to the foundation may be used by the commission, but may not be used for "direct employee costs", which are defined as salary, benefits, and travel expenses.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Education

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 164

Education; provide for positive behavioral interventions and supports and response to intervention initiatives
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 164 authorizes the State Board of Education to establish rules and regulations for "Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports" (PBIS) and "Response to Intervention" (RTI) programs. PBIS establishes a school-wide, targeted, data-driven framework to help reduce disciplinary incidents and increase safety at schools. RTI establishes a framework of identifying and addressing academic and behavioral needs of students through a tiered system. Local boards will be encouraged to implement these two programs in their schools, and particularly in their high-need schools.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Education

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 176

"Deantre Gregory Turman Act"; require youth athletes participating in gridiron football; four star rating on Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings
Bill Summary: The 'Deantre Gregory Turman Act' amends 20-2-324.1 to strongly encourage that youth athletes playing contact football be equipped with and wear a helmet which has at least a 4star rating on the Virginia Tech Helmet Rating scale.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Donzella James (35th) Education

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SR 80

College Board of Advanced Placement U.S. History; demand revision
Bill Summary: This resolution requests that the College Board revise the Advanced Placement U.S. History (APUSH) curriculum, in order to fix any biases and the perceived emphasis on negative aspects of United States History. The resolution directs the governor, State Board of Education, Department of Education and the Georgia Congressional delegation to push for or create an alternative mechanism.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Education

Committee Action:

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03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

Governmental Affairs Committee
SB 59 "Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act"
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 59 creates the "Partnership for Public Facilities and Infrastructure Act". It creates a Guidelines Committee by the same name and provides for its membership, terms of service, allowances and duties.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Hunter Hill (6th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 85

Development Authorities; revise the definition of projects as applicable; modify the tax exemption
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 85 amends the definition of "projects" within the Development Authority statute in Title 36 of the Georgia Code. It removes the 13 enumerated specific definitions of "project" and leaves only the 14th general provision.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 104 State Depository Board; delete references to building and loan associations
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 104 removes the Commissioner of Insurance from the State Depository Board.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Mike Dugan (30th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 127

Ethics in Government; provide for waivers of certain civil penalties and fees incurred by candidates for local elected office
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 127 changes the period for early voting and provides that early voting shall begin on the third Monday prior to each election and shall end on the Friday prior to the election. It further provides that it will occur on the second Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on the second Sunday between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. or the third Saturday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. as determined by the local jurisdiction. This bill provides for 12 days of early voting.

It also provides for waivers of fines and fees incurred by candidates for local elected offices. 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: House Committee:

Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Insurance Committee
SB 108 Insurance; provide the requirements for maintaining a risk management framework
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

Bill Summary: Senate Bill 108 is a Department of Insurance bill based on model legislation from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. It provides requirements for maintaining a risk management framework for large insurance carriers, as well as guidance and instruction for filing and reporting an Own Risk and Solvency Assessment with the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) Insurance

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 111

Continuing Care Providers and Facilities; define certain terms; provide for a provider to offer continuing care at home
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 111 provides for a continuing care provider to offer continuing care in the home.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd) Insurance

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination Committee
HR 743 House Study Committee on Annexation, Deannexation, and Incorporation; create
Bill Summary: A Resolution to create a study committee on deannexation, annexation, and incorporation of municipalities.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jan Tankersley (160th) Intragovernmental Coordination

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 596 DeKalb County; homestead exemption; modify time limitation on exemption
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act providing for a homestead exemption from certain DeKalb County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead, so as to modify the time limitation on such exemption.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Jacobs (80th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 643 Warner Robins, City of; resolution passed by city council; change a reference
Bill Summary: A Bill to authorizing the governing authority of the City of Warner Robins to levy a hotel/motel tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 644

Warner Robins, City of; ad valorem tax; filing an application for homestead exemption; change date
Bill Summary: A Bill to providing for a homestead exemption from all City of Warner Robins ad valorem taxes for any city purposes, including but limited to, taxes to retire bonded indebtedness for certain persons who have been residents of the City of Warner Robins for at least the immediately preceding five years and who are 65 years of age or older.

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 651 Paulding County; board of education; change method of filling vacancies
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for the election of members of the Board of Education of Paulding County, so as to change the method of filling vacancies on the board of education.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 652 Perry Public Facilities Authority Act; enact Bill Summary: A Bill to create the Perry Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Larry O`Neal (146th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 655

Fulton County; Magistrate Court; provide court administrator be chief magistrate or his or her designee; provisions
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for the administration of the budget of the Magistrate Court of Fulton County, so as to provide that the court administrator shall be the chief magistrate or his or her designee and that such court administrator shall have oversight of the budget.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 656 Dodge County; office of Commissioner; change description of districts
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend the office of Commissioner of Dodge County, so as to reapportion the commissioner districts.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jimmy Pruett (149th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

HB 657 Greene County Family Connection Commission; repeal an Act
Bill Summary: A Bill to repeal an Act creating the Greene County Family Connection Commission.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 171

Probate Court of Cobb County; change the compensation of the chief deputy, assist. chief deputy, and executive assist. to the sheriff
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act changing the compensation of 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, so as to change the compensation of the chief deputy, the assistant chief deputy, and the executive sheriff.

Authored By:

Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Page 16 of 19

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

House Committee:

Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 172

Probate Court of Cobb County; change the compensation of the clerk of the superior court; change salary of deputy clerk of superior court
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act changing the compensation of 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, so as to change the compensation of the clerk of the Superior Court, the deputy clerk, to provide for an executive assistant and an executive secretary.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

SB 224 Lawrenceville Building Authority; create; public corporation
Bill Summary: A Bill to create the Lawrenceville Building Authority as a public corporation and an instrumentality of the State of Georgia.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
SB 99 Conduct of Proceedings; reversal on appeal; judge expresses an opinion regarding proof in a criminal case; change provisions
Bill Summary: SB 99 revises the provisions for when a judge may express his opinion to a jury about the guilt of the accused or whether a fact has been proved; this bill makes it an error for a judge to do so during any phase of a criminal trial. If a judge expresses his opinion regarding the guilt of the accused (not whether a fact has been proved), the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, or trial court is required to grant a new trial. A party alleging a violation under this bill must make a contemporaneous objection, outside the presence of the jury, and inform the court of the specific grounds for the objection. The court is then charged with giving a curative instruction to the jury, if appropriate. Failure to object precludes appellate review unless the violation constitutes plain error which affects the substantial rights of the parties.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 130

"Smokefree Cars for Children Act"; any person in control of a motor vehicle who smokes; person under the age of 15 in vehicle; misdemeanor
Bill Summary: SB 130 creates the offense of smoking in a motor vehicle. A person who inhales, exhales, or carries a lighted cigarette, pipe, etc. when a person under the age of 15 is in the car will be guilty of a civil offense resulting in a $100 fine. A violation of act is will not constitute as child abuse. A person cannot be charged with this offense alone, but may be charged in conjunction with any other traffic offense.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 160 Alcoholic Beverages; revise penalties for a violation of Code Section 3-3-23
Bill Summary: SB 160 changes provisions regarding the punishment for unlawfully selling or furnishing alcohol to people under 21-years old and for underage people possessing alcohol. This

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 2015

Committee Actions

bill requires an officer to arrest by issuance of a citation to a person violating the provisions of O.C.G.A. 3-3-23 (a minor in possession of alcohol and furnishing alcohol to a minor). In addition to a citation, the officer may effect a custodial arrest of a person violating the provisions of this bill if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person is intoxicated to the extent that he/she poses a danger to himself or the person/property of another. The citation must enumerate the specific charges against the person and the date which they are required to appear and answer the charges. In lieu of the appearance date, the citation may provide that the person will be notified later about the date they are required to appear and answer the charges.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Michael Williams (27th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-25-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 25, 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.

Thursday, March 26, 2015 10:00 am FLOOR SESSION (LD 37) HOUSE CHAMBER 8:00 am Environmental Quality Subcommittee of Natural Resources 606 CLOB 9:00 am RULES 341 CAP 12:00 pm HEALTH & HUMAN SERVIVCES 341 CAP (Upon Lunch Break) 1:00 pm SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 403 CAP 2:00 pm Tax Reform Subcommittee of Ways & Means 133 CAP 2:00 pm TRANSPORTATION 506 CLOB 2:30 pm Joint High School Athletics Overview Committee/SB 288 506 CLOB

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