Daily report [Mar. 9, 2015]

Georgia House of Representatives

DAILY REPORT 28th Legislative Day

Monday, March 9, 2015

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Communications Office (404) 656-0305

The House will reconvene for its 29th Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 11 at 11:00 AM. 20 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HB 20 State income tax; certain allocations to owners of certain entities shall be governed by Georgia law; clarify
Bill Summary: This legislation clarifies the Low Income Housing tax credit in 48-7-29.6 to ensure that a member of an entity that receive such credits may utilize the allocated credits and that an I.R.S. determination of the member is not necessary to use such a credit.

Authored By: Rep. John Carson (46th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 161 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-12-2015 Do Pass

HB 106

Highways; revise what constitutes part of the state highway system; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 106 relates to highways, bridges, and ferries within the composition of the state highway system. No public road shall be designated as a part of the state highway interstate system unless it meets at least one of the following requirements: serves trips of substantial length and duration indicative of regional, state-wide, or interstate importance; connects adjoining county seats; connects urban or regional areas with outlying areas, both intrastate and interstate; or serves as part of the principal collector network for the state-wide and interstate arterial public road system.

In regard to the Department of Transportation's procedure for the disposition of property, the department, a county, or a municipality, provided that such department, county, or municipality has held title to the property for no more than 30 years, shall notify the owner of such property at the time of its acquisition or if the tract has been sold, shall notify the owner of abutting land holding title through the owner from whom the department, a county, or a municipality acquired its property.

Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts (155th) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 110

Fireworks; provide for sale of consumer fireworks; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 110 decriminalizes and regulates the sale and licensing of consumer fireworks, which must also comply with the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission and other regulated industries. The bill allots enforcement powers to the Safety Fire Commissioner.

Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts (155th) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 119 Nays: 49

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 36 0498

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Today on the Floor

HB 212

Pain management clinics; health care professionals who must be on-site for the clinics to provide medical treatment or services; revise a provision
Bill Summary: HB 212 allows a pain management clinic to provide medical treatment if a certified registered nurse anesthetist is on-site.

Authored By: Rep. Tom Weldon (3rd) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-18-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 215

Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax Act of 2015; enact
Bill Summary: HB 215 establishes a new local option sales tax for counties, called the Equalization HOST (E-HOST). This new option requires that all money derived from the penny sales tax be devoted to the reduction of homesteaded property tax in counties and in cities. Additionally, the legislation allows for a county which is currently collecting the full three-penny allowable, has a HOST tax, and collects the MARTA tax to transition to the E-HOST by referendum as well as institute a SPLOST, both of which require passage or else the county reverts back to the currently imposed HOST.

Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs (80th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 128 Nays: 35

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 02-12-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 34 0692

HB 253

Real estate appraisers; requirements for establishment and maintenance of a real estate appraisal management company; change certain provisions
Bill Summary: HB 253 restricts appraisal management companies from paying fees to any appraiser performing any real estate appraisal activity regarding federally-related transactions without complying with rules and regulations according to federal law and in accordance with standards required by the federal financial institution regulatory agency which regulates such transactions. The bill allows for real estate appraisers to appeal to federal court without leaving the state.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 158 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 02-24-2015 Do Pass

HB 255

State purchasing; equal credits be given to certain forestry certification systems when using green building standards in state construction operation, repair, and renovation projects; require
Bill Summary: HB 255 requires the state to use only those green building standards that give equal certification credits to Georgia forest products grown, manufactured, and certified under the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the American Tree Farm System, and the Forest Stewardship Council when using green building standards in any new construction, operation, repair, or renovation of any state building.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 120 Nays: 44

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 277

Sales and use tax; value all flooring samples at the same rate for purposes of fair market value
Bill Summary: HB 277 amends the taxation of carpet samples, to include all floor covering samples, to be taxed at 21.9 percent of the value of the raw materials incorporated into the finished product. Floor covering is defined as carpet, stone, engineered, laminate, tile, vinyl, resilient, linoleum, and other floor coverings.

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Today on the Floor

Authored By: Rep. Bruce Broadrick (4th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 296 Scholarship program; special needs students; expand eligibility
Bill Summary: House Bill 296 exempts lawful refugees or asylees from having to be a resident of Georgia for a year to be eligible for the Special Needs Scholarship.

Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix (69th) House Committee: Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 155 Nays: 16

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 353 Nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions; revise definitions; revise provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 353 updates and eliminates code relating to the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission.

Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers (29th) House Committee: Higher Education

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 152 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass

HB 385

Health records; determining annual cost adjustment for providing medical records from Office of Planning and Budget to Department of Community Health; move responsibility
Bill Summary: House Bill 385 amends the Official Code of Georgia, relating to the costs of copying and mailing medical records and a patient's rights to those records. The bill moves the responsibility for determining the annual cost of adjustment for providing medical records from the Office of Planning and Budget to the Department of Community Health.

Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 386

Georgia Coordinating Committee for Rural and Human Services Transportation; Chapter 12 of Title 32; repeal
Bill Summary: House Bill 386 repeals Chapter 12 of Title 32, which relates to the Georgia Coordinating Committee for Rural and Human Services Transportation.

Authored By: Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 397

State Soil and Water Conservation Commission; revise provisions; provisions
Bill Summary: This legislation establishes the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission as an attached agency to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Commencing with the appointments for 2015, the governor shall appoint five at-large members from throughout the state to serve on the commission. Such initial appointments shall be for terms of one, two, three, four and five years, respectively. Thereafter, successors shall be appointed for five-year terms of office.

The Commission may perform such acts, hold public hearings, and promulgate rules and regulations as may be necessary for the execution of its functions. The commission shall have duties and powers to: offer assistance to the supervisors of the soil and water conservation districts in carrying out their

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Today on the Floor

powers and programs; keep the district supervisors informed of the activities and experiences of all the other districts and to facilitate the interchange of advice, experience, and cooperation; coordinate the programs of the districts by advice and consultation; and secure cooperation and assistance of the United States and any of its agencies.

The commission may also receive grants from any agency of the United States government or any agency of this state as well as make grants to districts, municipalities, counties or state agencies in Georgia to fund up to 20 percent of the cost of obtaining permits for and constructing improvements to any dam originally constructed or financially assisted by the Natural Resources Conservation Service or to carry out other purposes of this article.

The "Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia" is defined as the published guidance of the commission governing the design and practices to be utilized in the protection of the state's natural resources from erosion and sedimentation which shall be based foremost upon sound engineering principles and repeatable bench and field testing of structural and vegetative best management practices and which shall have the annual approval of the Erosion and Sediment Control Overview Council established pursuant to Code Section 12-7-7.1.

Section Four of the bill creates the Erosion and Sediment Control Overview Council, which approves the Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control in Georgia prior to publication by the commission. The council also provides guidance on the best management practices for implementing any erosion and sediment control plan. The council shall be comprised of nine appointed members and meet prior to January 1, 2016 to approve the most current version of the manual and may also meet as necessary to approve changes or updates to the manual prior to its implementation. The council may develop recommendations governing the preparation of plans and the installation and maintenance of best management practices. If a dispute arises concerning the requirements of this Code section, the Erosion and Sediment control Overview Council shall mediate the dispute. These changes are effective on December 31, 2015.

Authored By: Rep. David Knight (130th) House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 156 Nays: 12

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 477

Abandoned public road property; notice and right to acquire when located within a subdivision; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 477 allows for notification about the sale of abandoned property to be given to the homeowner's association rather than each individual homeowner whose property borders the abandoned property. Additionally, the bill gives authority to new municipalities to maintain the county roads within the incorporated area unless another agreement exists between the city and the county.

Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones (47th) House Committee: Transportation

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 163 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 492

Crimes and offenses; carrying in unauthorized locations; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 492 amends Title 16 in several areas. This legislation revises the unauthorized locations to provide that carrying in a government building as a non-license holder is unlawful. This section is further revised to provide that the prohibition on polling places is only in effect when elections are being conducted and polling places are being used for that purpose.

A new subsection states that nothing in said sections are to affect, repeal, or limit the exemptions provided for in 16-11-130. Those sections are those relating to: carrying in places other than homes, motor vehicles, public property; carrying in unauthorized locations; carrying in school safety zones, at school functions, or on a bus or transportation provided by the school; or weapons on the premises of

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Today on the Floor

a nuclear power facility.

The Code relating to renewals of licenses is amended. For license renewals, the bill requires the probate judge to investigate the applicant pursuant to Code. License applications will be considered for renewal if the applicant has a license with 90 or fewer days to expiration or 30 or fewer days past expiration. Applications for persons under 21 who are members of the armed forces must be accompanied by a letter from the applicant's commander and a copy of his/her orders. For renewals, the presentation of the current license is evidence to the judge of the probate that the applicant's fingerprints are on file. The background check for renewals will be a non-fingerprint check with GCIC and the FBI. GCIC is to be notified immediately of the judge's revocation of a license but no less than ten days later.

If a person is convicted of a crime that would make it unlawful for him to maintain a weapons license, the judge will inquire whether such person has a license and in which county. The judge would then contact the probate in the county maintaining the license of the matter that makes the maintenance of such license is unlawful.

The bill adds political subdivisions and school districts to those entities that cannot regulate transport of firearms except as provided for in the Code. The instances where the municipality and the county can regulate are when it pertains to their employees; this bill also includes volunteers with the counties and cities. It revises the definition of "weapon" to mean any device designed or intended to be used, or capable of being used, for offense or defense, including but not limited to firearms, bladed devices, clubs, electric stun devices, and defense sprays.

Authored By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 153 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Structured 03-03-2015 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 would require 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

HB 89

Drug-free commercial zones; date of incorporation of local ordinances by reference; change
Bill Summary: This bill is the annual update to drug-free commercial zones and incorporates all drug-free commercial zones that have been properly adopted by municipal or county ordinance since 2013.

Authored By: Rep. Roger Bruce (61st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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Today on the Floor

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

Authored By: Rep. Roger Bruce (61st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

HB 515 Tucker, City of; DeKalb County; incorporate Bill Summary: House Bill 515 authorizes a referendum to create the city of Tucker.

Authored By: Rep. Billy Mitchell (88th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

HB 520 LaVista Hills, City of; DeKalb County; incorporate Bill Summary: House Bill 520 authorizes a referendum to create the city of LaVista Hills.

Authored By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 29th Legislative Day, Wednesday, March 11, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.

HB 72

Crimes and offenses; protection of disabled adults and elder persons; expand and clarify
Bill Summary: This bill expands and clarifies certain measures designed to protect disabled adults and elderly persons. The most substantial change is the inclusion of "investment companies" and their employees as mandatory reporters for suspected abuse or exploitation of the elderly. The second major change authorizes the commissioner of Community Health (or his designee) to request a warrant to make inspections.

Authored By:

Rep. Wendell Willard (51st)

House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 103 Kelsey's Law; enact
Bill Summary: This bill makes it a crime (misdemeanor) to intentionally cause a minor to be identified as someone in an obscene depiction in a way that a reasonable person would conclude that the person in the image was the minor. This includes giving the minor's name, address, telephone number, or email address. This also includes the electronic imposing of the minor's face onto an obscene depiction. If the violation involves an individual who resides in the state of Georgia, the person will be subject to prosecution even if their conduct took place outside of the state. If the conduct takes place within the state, the person will be subject to prosecution even if it involves an individual who resides outside the state. The prohibition does not apply to law enforcement activities when investigating crimes or when the identification and image is made in anticipation of litigation. Also, the bill contains a non-merger of offenses clause.

Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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

HB 114 Drivers' licenses; provide for use of paper eye charts for testing of noncommercial driver's vision; provisions
Bill Summary: Section 1 relates to persons exempt from driver's license requirements by stating that any resident who is 15 years of age or over, while taking actual in-car training in a training vehicle, must be in a vehicle equipped with dual-controlled brakes and it must be marked as a training vehicle.
Section 2 relates to school attendance requirements for the issuance, renewal, and expiration of instruction permits and drivers' licenses. The department shall not issue an instruction permit or driver's license to a person who is younger than 18 years of age, unless the applicant can prove at least one of the following, he or she: is enrolled in a public or private school and satisfies attendance requirements; is enrolled in a home education program and satisfies the reporting requirements; or has already received or is pursuing a high school diploma or general educational development (GED) diploma.
The department is also authorized to issue a limited driving permit to an applicant whose license is currently under suspension or revocation in any other jurisdiction.
Section 3 relates to application fees for drivers' licenses. The department shall waive the license fee for each person applying for a Class P noncommercial instruction permit for a Class C driver's license when the noncommercial knowledge test is to be administered by a licensed driver training school or public or private high school authorized to administer such tests.
Section 4 relates to examination of driver's license applicants by stating that no noncommercial driver's license shall be issued to any person who does not have a visual acuity of 20/60, corrected or uncorrected, in at least one eye or better.
Section 5 relates to the contents of drivers' licenses by stating that the department shall, upon payment of the required fee, issue to every applicant qualifying for a driver's license that indicates: the type or general class of vehicles the licensee may drive; which license shall be upon a form prescribed by the department; a driver's license number; a photograph of the licensee; the licensee's full legal name, and the licensee's signature. No license shall be valid until it has been signed by the licensee.

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Next on the Floor

Section 6 relates to the denial or suspension of a driver's license for noncompliance with a child support order by stating that the department shall suspend the license of any driver who fails to pay child support.
Section 7 relates to the suspension of driving privileges for failure to respond to a citation by stating that the department shall suspend the driver's license or privilege to operate a motor vehicle in the State of Georgia of any person who has failed to respond to a citation to appear before a court of competent jurisdiction in this state or in any other state for a traffic violation other than a parking violation.
Section 8 relates to the suspension and reinstatement of drivers' licenses for persons under the age of 21. Any person under the age of 21 who has been convicted of a hit and run or leaving the scene of an accident, racing on highways or streets, using a motor vehicle in fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, reckless driving, or any offense for which four or more points are assessable or illegally purchasing alcohol shall have their license suspended by the department. Any person under the age of 18 who has accumulated a violation point count of four or more points in any consecutive 12-month period shall also have their license suspended by the department.
Section 9 relates to the revocation of drivers' licenses of habitual violators by stating that any person who is a habitual violator must be notified by the department that his or her driver's license has been revoked by operation of law and that it shall be unlawful for such habitual violator to operate a motor vehicle.
Section 10 grants limited driving permits for certain offenders solely for the following purposes: going to his or her place of employment/performing occupational duties; attending college or school at which he or she is regularly enrolled as a student; attending regularly scheduled sessions or meeting of treatment support organizations for persons who have addiction or abuse problems; and going for monthly monitoring visits with the permit holder's ignition interlock device service provider.
Section 11 states that the contents of personal identification cards must include: full legal name; address of residence; birth date; identification issue date; sex; height; weight; eye color; signature of person; and such other information required by the department.
Section 12 requires the contents of commercial drivers' licenses to include: full legal name; residential address; person's photograph; physical description including sex, height, weight, and eye color; date of birth; driver's license number; person's signature; class or type of commercial motor vehicle; state name; and dates the license is valid.
Section 13 mandates the contents of personal identification cards for persons with disabilities to include: full legal name; address of residence; birth date; date identification is issued and date when it expires; sex; height; weight; eye color; signature of person; and such other information as required by the department.

Authored By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-19-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 123 Motor vehicles; use of safety chain or cable when operating a motor vehicle drawing a trailer; provide
Bill Summary: This legislation amends Georgia Code to adequately secure a load while operating a vehicle to include trailers. The bill requires that trailers are registered with the Department of Revenue for a license plate and makes it unlawful to operate a vehicle without adequately securing a trailer to that vehicle.

Authored By:

Rep. John Yates (73rd)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

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

HB 204 Civil Practice Act; opposing affidavits shall be served in motions for summary judgment; change provisions
Bill Summary: HB 204 amends the 'Civil Practice Act' to change the time fixed for a hearing on a motion for summary judgment from at least 30 days after the date of service of the motion to at least 45 days thereafter. The bill clarifies that a summary judgment motion may be decided by the judge without a hearing unless a party requests a hearing. The judge must permit a hearing on the motion if a party submits a written hearing request when filing a motion or within five days of filing a response to a motion.

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Next on the Floor

The bill also requires a party opposing the summary judgment motion to serve any affidavits in opposition not later than seven days before the time fixed for hearing the motion, unless the court allows them to be served at another time. Current law allows these opposing affidavits to be served prior to the day of the hearing, and court decisions have interpreted "service" in that case to encompass mailing an affidavit. This has resulted in the party moving for summary judgment to be presented with opposing affidavits on the day of the hearing on the motion.
The bill also clarifies that opposing affidavits to motions other than summary judgment motions must be served not later than one business day, rather than one day, before the hearing on the motion. This provision prevents the party serving the opposing affidavit from service on a weekend day or holiday that falls on the day before the hearing.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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

HB 237 State income tax; angel investor tax credit; extend
Bill Summary: HB 237 extends the Angel Investor tax credit, at the current capped amount of $5 million for calendar years 2016-2020. These credits may be only claimed two years after the credit has been created.

Authored By:

Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th)

House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-26-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 259 Georgia Business Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 259, known as the 'Georgia Business Act,' provides an exemption for certain automobiles manufactured in Georgia from competitive bidding procedures, as well as increases the exemption threshold for competitive bidding procedures from $5,000 to $25,000.

Authored By: Rep. Terry Rogers (10th) House Committee: State Properties

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 278 Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Rights to Know Act of 1988; transfer responsibility to Safety Fire Commissioner; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 278 shifts the responsibility of managing and enforcing the 'Public Employee Hazardous Chemical Protection and Right to Know Act of 1988' from the Georgia Department of Labor to the Georgia Office of the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner.

Authored By:

Rep. David Clark (98th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

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

HB 304 Criminal procedure; fixing of sentence; clarify service of consecutive sentences
Bill Summary: This bill instructs the Department of Corrections, when computing the length of consecutive sentences, to begin mandatory probation periods only after the confinement portion of the sentences is served.

Authored By:

Rep. Dustin Hightower (68th)

House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-18-2015 Do Pass

HB 341 Buildings and housing; certain qualified inspectors may be certified by Building Officials' Association of Georgia; provide
Bill Summary: HB 341 amends the definition of "Qualified Inspector" regarding state buildings, plumbing, and electrical codes to include inspectors that have a certification from the Building Officials' Association of Georgia.

Authored By:

Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th)

Rule Applied:

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Next on the Floor

House Committee: State Properties

Committee Action:

03-04-2015 Do Pass

HB 347 Interest and usury; interest on certain domestic relations cases; clarify provisions
Bill Summary: HB 347 specifies that interest begins to accrue on all monetary rulings rendered pursuant to Title 19 (including child support, alimony, and equitable division of assets) 30 days after such ruling is entered or an installment payment is due, unless a judge modifies the date on which interest begins to accrue. The bill also allows a judge to modify the date when interest begins to accrue on installment payments pursuant to a ruling for alimony or equitable division of assets and liabilities.

Authored By:

Rep. Dustin Hightower (68th)

House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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

HB 352 Criminal procedure; change provisions relating to discovery in misdemeanor cases; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 352 brings discovery in misdemeanor cases, regarding criminal procedure, in line with felony cases.

Authored By:

Rep. Brian Strickland (111th)

House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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

HB 396 Revenue and taxation; clarify penalty for failure to file return or pay revenue held in trust for the state; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 396 clarifies the penalty section of Title 48 to require that the interest rate accrues from the date that such penalty is assessed for failure to pay taxes in a timely manner. Additionally, the legislation adds sheriffs to those with whom it is illegal to interfere with when attempting to execute a tax sale.

Authored By: Rep. David Knight (130th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Structured 03-03-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 439 Georgia New Markets Jobs Act; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 439 creates the 'Georgia New Market Jobs Act,' which allows insurance companies to make investments in qualified small businesses in low-income communities.

Authored By: Rep. Jason Shaw (176th) House Committee: Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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

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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.

Education Committee
HB 502 Elementary and secondary education; update and clarify provisions and repeal obsolete provisions
Bill Summary: HB 502 repeals, amends, and revises Title 20: 1. Repeals subsection (d) of Code Section 20-2-51. Subsection (d) prohibits any county board of education member in a county with a population between 500,000 and 600,000, according to most recent census data, from holding another elective government office. 1A. Changes the title of status quo school systems currently in law and replaces it with electing not to request increased flexibility pursuant to this article. 1B. Changes the title of IE2 school systems to strategic school systems. 2. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-82 by removing the ability of the State Board to offer waivers of teacher evaluations for local school systems, as defined in O.C.G.A. 20-2-210. 2A. Changes the title of IE2 school systems to strategic school systems. 3. and 4. Clarifies that the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 5. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-140.1 by adding that students can register for online learning through the clearing-house established pursuant to Code Section 20-2-319.3. 6. Revises language reflecting content standards, deletes language such as competencies and core curriculum. 7. Clarifies the state mandates content standards and makes first grade readiness report by the State School Superintendent optional instead of mandatory. 8. Clarifies that the state mandates content standards and repeals language regarding the middle grades program. 9. 10. 11. and 12. Revises language reflecting content standards, deletes language such as competencies and core curriculum. 13. 14. 15. and 16. Repeals all language pertaining to the middle grades program. 17. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 18. Amends Code 20-2-205 to require all virtual school teachers, including out of state, to get certified by the Professional Standards Commission if they provide instruction to public schools in GA. 19. Amends Code 20-2-241 allowing the State School Superintendent to authorize the CFO to enter into contracts of $50,000 or less on behalf of DOE. 20. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 21. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-82 by removing the ability of the State Board to offer waivers of teacher evaluations for local school systems, as defined in O.C.G.A. 20-2-210. 22. Adds a new Code section, 20-2-244.1 which sets out definitions for students, substantial hardship, variance, and waiver. This Code section also outlines the authority of the State Board of Education to grant waivers and variances. 23. Amends subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 20-2-260 relating to capital outlay by including expenditures for computer equipment and software that is necessary to implement curriculum, instruction, or administration. This section also defines "local school system" as any entity defined by DOE as an LEA. 24. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 25. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. Revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-281 as it relates to assessments. Writing performance shall be assessed, at a minimum, for students in grades 5, 8, and 11, but additional grades levels may be designated by the State Board of Education. The state board will develop or adopt an alternate assessment for students with significant cognitive disabilities pursuant to Code Section 20-2-140. Deletes outdated language in section (k)(2). Allows kindergarten teachers the opportunity to participate in a staff development program regarding tests. Adds end-of-course assessments for science and socials studies for grades 3-8. Revised language from 'tests' to 'instruments'. Amends section (c) to clarify that State Board of Education has the authority to condition the awarding of high school diploma on end-of-course assessments. Allows the State Board of Education to consider an approved COMPASS score when considering a waiver
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Committee Actions

HR 4

for the high school graduation test. Deletes language referencing the High School Graduation Test. 26. Deletes language that was specific to the middle school program as both the middle school program and middle grades program are being funded in the same category now. Allows 'satisfactory business experience' to be considered as a minimum qualification for the school administrative manager position. 27. Reflecting the Executive Order by the Governor in 2013 to move the Governor's Honors Program to the Office of Student Achievement. 28. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 29. Revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-315 by making the publication and distribution of the GaDOE annual report regarding expenditures and participation for each gender optional. 30. O.C.G.A. is amended to reflect current funding. Private and home-schooled students may enroll at no cost if appropriations are provided. If appropriations are not provided they may enroll at a cost not to exceed $250 per semester. Local systems are responsible for paying for their enrolled students, and if that student enrolls in more than the maximum number of courses, then the student is subject to the cost of tuition not to exceed $250 per semester. 31. and 32. Eliminate duplicate language from two online clearing-house bills passing in the same year. 33. Repealing and reserving O.C.G.A. 20-2-319.5, which required the DOE to submit a report by 12/1/12, identifying the best methods and strategies to assist local boards of education in acquiring digital learning. 34. and 35. Clarifies the state mandates content standards, not curriculum. 36. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-690, which would require the declaration of intent to utilize the home study program to also include the local school system in which the home study program is located. 37. and 38. If local employers do not contribute their share to the health insurance fund, the State Board of Education will only withhold enough funds to pay the obligation, rather than withholding all the funds. Those funds will be transmitted to the Department of Community Health. 39. Currently, the local board has until April 15th to serve a teacher with a nonrenewal notice and teachers have until May 1st to inform the local board of their intentions not to renew. This section extends those deadlines from April 15th to May 15th and from May 1st to June 1st. 40. This section amends O.C.G.A. to give the State Board of Education the authority to affirm, reverse, remand, or refer to mediation a local board tribunal decision that has been appealed to the state board. 41. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-2065 so that charter schools cannot waive the teacher performance evaluation provisions of O.C.G.A. 20-2-210. 42. Amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-2067.1 to change the date that charter schools are required to submit their annual report detailing progress. 43. Revises O.C.G.A. 20-2-2084 by increasing the time frame a local board has to approve or deny a charter school petition to 90 days. A local board currently has 60 days to approve or deny a petition. 44. Clarifies 5 mil share deduction for virtual / state-charter schools is in proportion to the initial funding received. This interpretation has already been funded in the Governor's AFY14, FY15, and FY16 budgets. 45. Repeals an obsolete population bill.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Dudgeon (25th) Education

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Municipalities; establish by local law an independent school system; authorize - CA
Bill Summary: House Resolution 4 is a state constitutional amendment ballot question to allow municipalities to create their own independent school systems. The ballot question would ask: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended to allow any municipality to establish an independent school system by local law?"

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tom Taylor (79th) Education

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Committee Actions

HR 394

Sales and use tax; distribution of net proceeds for educational purposes between a county school system and one or more independent school systems; provide - CA
Bill Summary: House Resolution 394 is a state constitutional amendment ballot question to allow the distribution of the sales and use tax to include participating independent school systems within the same county. The ballot question would ask: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to provide for distribution of a sales and use tax for education among all the school systems within a county?"

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Randy Nix (69th) Education

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Health & Human Services Committee
HB 509 Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council; create; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 509 creates the Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council within the Department of Community Health. Additionally, this bill establishes a state-wide Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program within the department.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Tabled

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: House Committee:

Rep. Carl Rogers (29th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 564

Medical practice; physicians complete continuing education training on prescribing controlled substances and the development of addition; require
Bill Summary: HB 564 requires physicians to complete at least five continuing education hours on the ordering and use of controlled substances.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 51

Pharmacists and Pharmacies; provide for substitutions of interchangeable biological products
Bill Summary: SB 51 allows a pharmacist to substitute a biological product with an interchangeable biological product which is in stock. The pharmacist must indicate the substitution for an interchangeable biological product on the original prescription and on its label, and must notify the prescriber of such a substitution within 48 hours of dispensing the product.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Dean Burke (11th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Committee Actions

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 523 Waycross, City of; change corporate limits
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Waycross, so as to change the corporate limits.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 532 Cobb County; powers of improvement districts; add a certain provision
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act creating one or more community improvement districts in Cobb County and each municipality therein.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 533

Randolph County; Board of Commissioners; change compensation of chairperson and other members
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act creating the Board of Commissioners of Randolph County, so as to change the compensation of the chairperson and other members.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 545 Sumner, Town of; four-year terms for mayor and councilmembers; provide
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for four-year terms for the mayor and councilmembers of the town of Sumner.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Ed Rynders (152nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 546 McIntosh County; board shall consist of five members; provide
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act to create the board of elections and registration for McIntosh County, so as to provide that the board shall consist of five members.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. J. B. Jones (167th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 550 Burke County Economic Development Authority; repeal conflicting laws
Bill Summary: A Bill to repeal an Act creating the Burke County Economic Development Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Gloria Frazier (126th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

HB 553 Forsyth, City of; provide a new charter Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Forsyth.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

HB 554

Henry County; Board of Commissioners; authority, roles, and responsibilities of chairperson, board of commissioners and county manager; define
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend the Board of Commissioners of Henry County, so as to further define authority, roles, and responsibilities of members.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Dale Rutledge (109th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

Judiciary Committee
HB 381 Revised Georgia Law on Notarial Acts of 2015; enact
Bill Summary: HB 381, the 'Revised Georgia Law on Notarial Acts of 2015' (the 'Act'), updates provisions on notary qualifications, electronic recording, and interstate recognition, to adapt the prior law to accommodate societal and technological changes.
The bill provides that every notary public would be required to comply with the provisions of the Act in performing notarial acts after July 1, 2016 (with the exception of replacing an official seal prior to renewal). A current notary public's commission in effect on July 1, 2016 would continue until its expiration. A notary who applies to renew a commission on or after July 1, 2016 would be subject to and must comply with all provisions of the Act.
The bill requires a notary to pass an examination administered by the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority (GSCCCA). The GSCCCA must regularly offer a course to individuals desiring to become notaries public that instructs them about the laws, rules, regulations, procedures, and ethics relevant to notarial acts.
The bill provides that a notary applicant must undergo a criminal background check and must not have been convicted of any felony, or of any crime involving fraud, dishonesty, or deceit.
The bill requires a notary to maintain a journal in which he or she must chronicle all notarial acts he or she performs. The notary must retain the journal for ten years after the performance of the last notarial act chronicled in the journal. The journal can be created on a tangible medium or in an electronic format. A journal entry must be made contemporaneously with the notarial act and contain the date and time of the notarial act and a description of the type of notarial act performed, a description of the record being notarized, the name and address of the individual for whom the act is performed, a description of the method used to identify the individual, and the fee charged by the notary public (if any). If a notary discovers his or her journal has been lost or stolen, he or she must promptly notify the clerk of the superior court who issued the notary's commission, as well as the GSCCCA. When a notary's commission is suspended or revoked or the notary dies or is adjudicated incompetent, the notary or his or her personal representative or guardian, as applicable, must transmit the notary's journal to the applicable superior court clerk, and the clerk must retain such journal for ten years.
The bill provides that a notary can choose whether he or she will be performing notarial acts for electronic records, and if he or she chooses to do so, the notary must notify the GSCCCA of such choice and must identify the technology he or she intends to use. The GSCCCA must approve the use of the technology if it conforms to the standards adopted by such authority. A notary is not required to perform a notarial act for an electronic record with a technology that the notary has not selected.
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Committee Actions

The bill requires the GSCCCA to maintain an electronic database of notaries through which a person may verify the authority of a notary and which indicates whether a notary has notified the applicable clerk that he or she will be performing notarial acts on electronic records. The GSCCCA must keep a record for each notary showing his or her name, address, signature, age, sex, and commission term, and whether he or she has been approved to perform notarial acts on electronic records.
The bill also provides that the GSCCCA must adopt rules and regulations to implement the requirements laid out in the Act. Such rules and regulations must establish standards for the use of and type of tamper-evident technology used to perform notarial acts for electronic records. In adopting, amending, or repealing rules or regulations for notarial acts for electronic records, the GSCCCA must consider, so far as is consistent with the Act: the most recent standards regarding electronic records promulgated by national bodies such as the National Association of Secretaries of State; standards, practices, and customs of other jurisdictions with substantially similar laws as Georgia; and the views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons.
The bill grants a notarial act performed in another state or under the authority and in the jurisdiction of a federally-recognized Indian tribe the same effect under Georgia law as though performed by a Georgia notary if the laws of the state or tribe are substantially similar to Georgia laws and the act is performed by a notary public of such state or tribe or by any other individual authorized by the law of the state or tribe to perform a notarial act. Similarly, the bill provides that a notarial act performed under federal law will have the same effect as though performed by a Georgia notary if the act is performed by an individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under federal law, an individual designated a notarizing officer by the U.S. Department of State for performing notarial acts overseas, or any other individual authorized by federal law to perform a notarial act. The bill also recognizes that a notarial act performed under authority and in the jurisdiction of a foreign state (excluding Cuba, Iran, Sudan, or Syria) or under the authority of a multinational or international governmental organization has the same effect as though performed by a Georgia notary.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Andrew Welch (110th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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: House Committee:

Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
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, in order to compensate those individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and incarcerated in a state prison. In order to be compensated, a claimant must prove: 1) that he/she was convicted of a crime and was sentenced to a term of imprisonment; 2) that he/she served all or part of that sentence; 3) that the claimant proclaims his/her innocence; and 4) that the claimant's wrongful conviction has been established by verifiable and substantial evidence that the claimant is actually innocent. The amount of compensation per year is set by the legislation at $50,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Carolyn Hugley (136th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment Committee
HB 566 State house districts; boundaries of certain districts; revise
Bill Summary: HB 566 alters certain House districts around the state. Districts that are altered by the legislation are Districts 27, 30, 53, 55, 59, 60, 73, 104, 105, 109, 110, 111, 130, 165, 166, 176 and 177. This impacts districts in Butts, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Henry, Lamar, Lowndes, Newton, Rockdale, Spalding, Ware and White counties.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Randy Nix (69th) Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Motor Vehicles Committee
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 onetime $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 veterans 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

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Daily Report for March 9, 2015

Committee Actions

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 to receive the exemption.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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: House Committee:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 417

Motor vehicles; require drivers to stop at crosswalks with pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flash beacons; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 417 defines "pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flash beacons" and describes their appropriate use at pedestrian cross walks where provided.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Spencer Frye (118th) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

Ways & Means Committee
HB 243 Education Savings Account Act; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 243, the "Education Savings Account Act", would allow parents who do not enroll their eligible student in a public school to create an education savings fund. The amount that would have been provided for the student if he or she were enrolled in public school would be deposited into the fund. The funds could only be used for educational expenses, such as tuition and fees at a participating school, required textbooks, payment for private tutoring, curriculum materials, fees for nationally recognized examinations and postsecondary school expenses. If the account became inactive for two consecutive years, then those funds would be returned to the state. The Office of Student Achievement would be required to maintain the savings accounts and to monitor the participating students and schools.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Hamilton (24th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 308

Income tax; revise tax credit for rehabilitation of historic structures; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 308 extends the limitation on tax credits for the historic preservation tax credit. Current law allows for a maximum amount of tax credits for a certified structure to be limited to $300,000. The legislation would raise the cap to $5 million per project, as well as placing a cap on the total program cost of $25 million per year.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

HB 408

Excise tax; rooms, lodging and accommodations; clarify application of certain provisions to certain municipalities
Bill Summary: HB 408 allows two municipalities which were created after the original bond issue for the Georgia Dome to utilize the proceeds of the city's hotel/motel tax for purposes other than paying the bonded indebtedness following the complete payment of such bonds.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass

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 would qualify for the exemption would be federally qualified nonprofit health centers (FQHC) 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: House Committee:

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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 so as to allow land owners who own property in a covenant who wish to install solar power panels to be allowed 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: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

03-09-2015 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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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.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015 8:00 AM GAME, FISH & PARKS 403 CAP 9:00 AM STATE PLANNING & COMMUNITY AFFAIRS 403 CAP 9:00 AM Local Government Subcommittee of Governmental Affairs 133 CAP 10:30 AM Regulated Industries Subcommittee of Regulated Industries 514 CLOB 11:00 AM INSURANCE 606 CLOB 11:00 AM Alcohol & Tobacco Subcommittee of Regulated Industires 506 CLOB 11:30 AM Fleming Subcommittee of Judiciary Civil 605 CLOB 11:30 AM REGULATED INDUSTRIES 506 CLOB 2:00 PM JUVENILE JUSTICE 406 CLOB 2:00 PM ENERGY, UTILITIES & TELECOMMUNICATIONS 403 CAP 2:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION 515 CLOB 3:00 PM State Government Subcommittee of Governmental Affairs 415 CLOB
Wednesday, March 11, 2015 11:00am FLOOR SESSION (LD 29) HOUSE CHAMBER 8:00 AM Environmental Quality Subcommittee of Natural Resources 415 CLOB

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