Daily report [Mar. 14, 2016]

Georgia House of Representatives

DAILY REPORT 36th Legislative Day

Monday, March 14, 2016

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Media Services (404) 656-0305

The House will reconvene for its 37th Legislative Day on Tuesday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 12 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Agree
HB 947 Echols County; assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Probate Court; authorize
Bill Summary: A Bill to authorize the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Probate Court of Echols County.

Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th)

Rule Applied:

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

Rules Calendar
SB 262 Courts; when a judge, judicial officer, grand juror; may be disqualified by being related by consanguinity/affinity to a party; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill amends 15-1-8, 15-12-70, and 15-12-135 to change the disqualification of judges or judicial officers, grand jurors, and trial jurors, respectively, for being related to an interested party to the fourth degree as computed according to civil law. The bill also allows superior and state courts, by court rule, to accept electronic filings and submission of funds or other transfers of monies to the courts.

Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd) House Committee: Judiciary

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 162 Nays: 11

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 274

Budget in Certain Counties; repeal Act approved March 2, 1953
Bill Summary: SB 274 repeals Act No. 350, approved March 2, 1953, that provided for a budget in all counties with a population of 200,000 or more as indicated by the United States census of 1930 or by any future census. Additionally, this bill removes the requirement for the publication of such county's proposed budget and final budget as adopted.

Authored By: Sen. John Albers (56th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action:

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-07-2016 Do Pass

SB 302

Insurance; require health carriers to maintain accurate provider directories
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 302 requires health insurance providers to maintain an accurate directory of service providers within their networks. It specifies the contents of directory listings, the frequency of updates and the forms of directories to be supplied.

Authored By: Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) House Committee: Insurance

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 174 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:
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Modified-Open 03-09-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Today on the Floor

SB 316

Bingo; remove the daily permissible prize limitation while preserving the weekly permissible prize limitation
Bill Summary: SB 316 removes the daily $1,500 maximum amount of cash and prizes for bingo play, but retains the $3,000 maximum cash and prize award cap for a calendar week. Moreover, the bill prohibits free standing electronic bingo machines from being used for bingo play and requires the individual operating the bingo game to be physically present at the venue where the game is being played.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 161 Nays: 9

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 36 5408

SB 350

Taxation on Consumer Fireworks; dedicate moneys collected; trauma care, fire services, and local public safety purposes
Bill Summary: This legislation is the enabling legislation for SR 558, which is a constitutional amendment to provide that the existing excise tax on fireworks shall be specifically dedicated to the provision of trauma care, fire services, and local public safety purposes.

SB 350 provides that 55 percent of revenues collected from the excise tax shall go to the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; 40 percent shall go to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Commission for the purposes of implementing a grant program to improve the equipping and training of firefighters and the rating of fire departments by the Insurance Services Office; and 5 percent shall be provided to local governments to be used solely for public safety purposes consisting of the operation of 9-1-1 systems. The 9-1-1 revenues shall be distributed as a part of the existing 9-11 distribution made on or before October 15 of each year to such local governments.

Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) House Committee: Ways & Means

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 165 Nays: 5

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 876

Joint High-Speed Broadband Communications; create
Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 876 creates the Joint High-Speed Broadband Communications Study Committee to examine issues surrounding possible impediments to high speed broadband access throughout Georgia.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 166 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-09-2016 Do Pass

SR 955 Property Conveyance; authorizing 8 counties
Bill Summary: SR 955 is a conveyance resolution for properties located in 10 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows:
Article 1 conveys approximately 0.26 of an acre in Alma at Okefenokee Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia in Bacon County to the Bacon County Board of Commissioners for a term of three years with an option to renew for another three years for an annual rent of $1 per year, for administrative office functions.
Article 2 conveys approximately 27.72 acres at Coastal Pines Technical College f/k/a Altamaha Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia in Camden County, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Today on the Floor

Article 3 conveys approximately 1.13 acres, commonly known as the Green County Unit under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 4 conveys approximately 9.99 acres and approximately 0.634 of an acre access, previously known as the Gwinnett Regional Youth Detention Center, under the custody of the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice in Gwinnett County, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 5 exchanges a tract of approximately 3.696 acres at the Gwinnett portion of the Chattahoochee River Greenway Park under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as consideration for the acquisition of a like or better value approximately 3.696 acre tract adjacent to the Park.
Article 6 authorizes a lease for 5-years with the option to renew another 5-years approximately 0.0055 of an acre (231 square feet) under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources in McIntosh County to the United States Post Office as a mail distribution center for Sapelo Island residents for a consideration of $10 per year and $1,600 per year expenses for the first five year term, and $10 per year and $1,756 per year expenses if there is a second term.
Article 7 conveys approximately 2.12 acres, known as the Paulding County Unit under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 8 conveys approximately 6.21 acres, previously known as the Griffin Probation Office/Day Reporting Center under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections in Spalding County, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 9 authorizes a ground lease of approximately 0.075 of an acre with additional access appurtenant to the lease at Smithgall Woods State Park under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources in White County to New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (Lessee), from May 19, 2017 to December 31, 2027 as a telecommunications tower. The consideration should be fair market rent per year for the Lessee and for fair market value for each SubLessee, and other consideration as determined by SPC.
Article 10 conveys approximately 6.88 acres at Ogeechee Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia in Evans County, to the Economic Development Authority of Claxton-Evans County, or by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 11 conveys by exchange a leasehold interest of approximately 10.86103 acres at the Fulton County Airport-Brown Field (aka "Charlie Brown Airport") under the custody of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, as consideration for the conveyance, fair market value or for the consideration of an exchange to the State of Georgia of a like or better leasehold interest at the same airport, and such further consideration, terms and conditions as determined by the State Properties Commission to be in the best interest of the State of Georgia.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 168 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-09-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
SB 343 Decatur, City of; provide for homestead exemption; independent school district; educational purposes
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from City of Decatur independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes for five years in the full amount of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that school district who are 65 years of age or older.

Authored By: Sen. Elena Parent (42nd)

Rule Applied:

Local Calendar
HB 1129 "McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority Act"; enact
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act to create the McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority, so as to continue such authority.

Authored By: Rep. Pat Gardner (57th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

HB 1130 Houston County; State Court; office of the clerk; change to an appointed position
Bill Summary: A Bill to create and establish the State Court of Houston County, so as to change the office of the clerk of the state court to an appointed position.

Authored By: Rep. Buddy Harden (148th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

HB 1133 Lumpkin, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Lumpkin.

Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene (151st)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

HB 1134 Powder Springs, City of; annexation of certain property; provide Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Powder Springs.

Authored By: Rep. David Wilkerson (38th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

HB 1135 Kennesaw, City of; corporate limits; change provisions Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Kennesaw.

Authored By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Today on the Floor

HB 1136 Rome, City of; residency qualifications for members of the governing authority; change Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a new charter for the City of Rome.

Authored By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

SB 105 Chatham County Magistrate Court; provide for two full-time magistrates for Chatham County
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act making provisions for the Magistrate Court of Chatham County and abolishing the Municipal Court of Savannah.

Authored By: Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-11-2016 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

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, Tuesday, March 15, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Tuesday, March 15, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 38th Legislative Day.

SB 193

Crimes and Offenses; family violence battery; change penalty provisions
Bill Summary: SB 193 changes provisions of the Georgia Code relating to battery in the context of family violence. When a battery is committed between household members, and the perpetrator has previously been convicted of a separate forcible felony between household members in Georgia, or any other state, he or she will be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than five years.

Authored By:

Sen. Charlie Bethel (54th)

House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-09-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 206

Counties and Municipal Corporations; revise provisions relating to water liens; procedures
Bill Summary: The legislation revises provisions relating to the prohibition of a water supplier's option to disconnect water service to premises because of the indebtedness of a prior owner, occupant, or lessee. The bill provides a procedure to obtain information regarding moneys owed for water supplied to certain real property under certain circumstances. SB 206 exempts any property from the refusal to supply water because of the indebtedness of the prior occupant. A new section is added to current law setting forth that any property owner or tenant, person executing a contract for the purchase or occupancy of property, attorney closing a real estate transaction, or lender considering the loan of funds to be secured by real property shall have the right to request a statement from the water supplier setting forth the amount of any outstanding water charges along with any late fees with interest. Such a request must be: made in writing, state the address of the property, and delivered to the billing address of the water supplier by certified mail, return receipt, courier service, or electronic means if supported by the provider, as well as state a return address for payment of moneys owed. Requests made via electronic communication are presumed to be received the following business day. The water supplier must furnish back to the entity making the request a statement using the same mailing methods and may charge a fee not to exceed $10.00 for the requested information. Failure of the water supplier to provide the statement within 10 business days after receipt will extinguish any liens or unpaid charges and prevent the water supplier from denying water services to the new property owner or tenant. The statement furnished by the water supplier will be binding upon the supplier for 30 days; and, if full payment is tendered within the 30day period, any lien will be extinguished by operation of law. Additionally, there is a provision that exempts associations that supply water under certain conditions.

Authored By:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd)

House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-10-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 263

Law Enforcement Officers; provide governing authority; employs sworn police officers who are P.O.S.T certified; policies; disability in line of duty
Bill Summary: Senate bill 263 allows for the governing authority of each municipality and county in this state, as well as each board of education, which employs sworn police officer who are POST certified to adopt policies under which officers may retain their weapon or badge upon retirement or leaving employment as a result of a disability arising in the line of duty.

Authored By:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2016 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Next on the Floor

SB 269

Counties; require local governing bodies; provide certain entities with certification of compliance with Code section; condition of funding
Bill Summary: SB 269 requires local governments to submit proof of compliance and a certification pursuant to the Annual Immigration Compliance Report before funding is received from state agencies. Furthermore, it makes certification of compliance a requirement of the annual 'Immigration Compliance Act'.

Authored By: Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd) House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2016 Do Pass

SB 331

Courts; causing a child to be conceived; violating certain prohibitions relating certain offenses; additional ground for terminating parental rights
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 331 allows the termination of a father's parental rights when, by clear and convincing evidence, the father caused his child to be conceived as a result of non-consensual sexual contact. For purposes of legitimation proceedings, there shall be a presumption against legitimation where the court finds that the father caused his child to be conceived in such a manner. Such fathers shall also be barred from inheriting from a child so conceived; however, a child conceived as a result on non-consensual sex may still inherit from the father.

Authored By:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th)

House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 335

Retirement; permissible investments in commingled funds and collective investment funds; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 335 amends O.C.G.A. 47-20-83 relating to Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority law. This bill allows retirement systems to invest in commingled and collective investment funds maintained by state chartered banks or trust companies. Currently, retirement systems can only invest in commingled and collective investment funds that are regulated by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency of the United States Department of the Treasury. This bill has been certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill.

Authored By: Sen. Ellis Black (8th) House Committee: Retirement

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-09-2016 Do Pass

SB 336

Retirement; permit governing bodies of municipal corporations to enact plans by resolution in addition to ordinance
Bill Summary: SB 336 amends O.C.G.A. 47-5-40 relating to the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System. This bill allows each employer to establish a retirement plan or plans by resolution of the municipal corporation. Currently, a retirement plan or plans can only be enacted by ordinance of the governing body of a municipal corporation. This bill also adds that an employee's contribution under a defined benefit plan shall not exceed 50 percent of the value of such employee's benefit payable from the plan, except with respect to any employee contribution made to purchase additional creditable service. SB 336 also amends O.C.G.A. 47-5-41 relating to the establishment and use of master plans under the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System. It allows the board of trustees to establish one or more master plans for retirement plans with greater than 16 employees. Current law only allows master plans be developed for retirement plans with fewer than 16 employees. Also, this bill adds that an employee's contribution into a master plan shall not exceed 50 percent of the value of such employee's benefit payable from the plan, except with respect to any employee contribution made to purchase additional creditable service. This bill has been certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill.

Authored By:

Sen. Ellis Black (8th)

House Committee: Retirement

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-09-2016 Do Pass

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Next on the Floor

SB 364

"Quality Basic Education Act"; annual teacher, principal, and assistant principal evaluations; revise provisions
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 364 revises the annual performance evaluation for public school teachers and leaders. Student growth will now account for 30 percent of the evaluation, down from the original 50 percent. A professional growth component will account for 20 percent. The number of in-class observations are reduced for teachers with at least three years of teaching experience who have earned 'Proficient' or 'Exemplary' on the previous evaluation.

Senate Bill 364 also reduces the amount of state mandated testing required. Currently, there are 32 state mandated tests in grades K-12. This legislation reduces the number of state mandated test to 24 by removing social studies and science tests in grades 3, 4, 6, and 7. This bill also adds formative testing in grades 1 and 2 to assess reading and math development.

Authored By:

Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th)

House Committee: Education

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-11-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 402

Drug Abuse Treatment and Education Programs; provide for a moratorium on the issuance of new licenses to narcotic treatment programs
Bill Summary: SB 402 imposes a temporary moratorium on the acceptance of new applications for licensure of narcotic treatment programs in Georgia until June 30, 2017. Moreover, the bill creates the State Commission on Narcotic Treatment Programs, which is comprised of three members of the House appointed by the Speaker of the House, three members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, and five members appointed by the Governor. The Commission is tasked with studying multiple aspects of current narcotic treatment programs in Georgia, and to determine if legislative changes need to be made to licensure requirements of said treatment programs, or if any other changes to the law are required to address concerns that arise out of the Commission's study.

Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) House Committee: Regulated Industries

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 558

General Assembly; proceeds of excise taxes on sale of fireworks; funding of trauma care -CA
Bill Summary: SR 558 is a constitutional amendment to provide that the existing excise tax on fireworks shall be specifically dedicated to the provision of trauma care, fire services, and local public safety purposes. SR 558 is accompanied by SB 350, the enabling legislation, which allocates revenues collected.

Authored By:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 730

Coastal Regional Commission; encourage to support implementation of the Coastal Georgia Greenway
Bill Summary: SR 730 encourages the Coastal Regional Commission to create a comprehensive plan for and oversee the implementation of the Coastal Georgia Greenway and to create and file an annual report with the General Assembly detailing its progress. The resolution also encourages the General Assembly, state governmental authorities, the Coastal Georgia Commission, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Natural Resources to identify and utilize all available sources of funding.

Authored By:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd)

House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-10-2016 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Next on the Floor

SR 954

Public Property; granting of nonexclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads; 16 counties
Bill Summary: SR 954 authorizes the granting of nonexclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through property owned by the State of Georgia in the counties of Bartow, Bulloch, Carroll, Chatham, Columbia, Coweta, DeKalb, Emanuel, Gordon, Henry, Marion, Murray, Paulding, Sumter, Ware, and Whitfield.

Article 1 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company and assigns over approximately 1.7 acres under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the new Natural Resources Building (TCSG-269) at Ogeechee Technical College in Bulloch County for $10.

Article 2 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company and assigns over approximately 3.256 acres under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve structures at University of Georgia at the Wormsloe Historic Site in Chatham County for $10.

Article 3 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company and assigns over approximately 0.1 of an acre under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve an outdoor electronic sign at Augusta Technical College in Columbia County for $10.

Article 4 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company and assigns over approximately 0.04 of an acre under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the new facilities at Decatur Armory in Dekalb County for $10.

Article 5 grants an easement to Excelsior Electrical Membership Corporation and assigns over approximately 0.16 of an acre under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of distribution lines and associated equipment to serve new Group Shelters at George L. Smith State Park in Emanuel County for $10.

Article 6 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation and assigns over approximately 0.12 of an acre over Western and Atlantic Railroad property under the custody of the State Properties Commission for a road widening project and the construction and maintenance of a bridge on the South Calhoun Bypass from SR53 at CR13 East to SR53 at CR64 in Gordon County for $10.

Article 7 grants an easement to Snapping Shoals Electrical Membership Corporation and assigns over approximately 1.51 acres under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the new Henry County Campus (TCSG-248) of Southern Crescent Technical College for $10.

Article 8 grants an easement to Flint Electrical Membership Corporation (Flint Energies) and assigns over approximately 0.03 of an acre under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve a new building at Chattahoochee Fall Line Wildlife Management Area in Marion County for $10.

Article 9 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation and assigns over approximately 0.25 of an acre under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the construction of storm water drainage system and road improvement project at South Georgia Technical College in Sumter County for $7,000.

Article 10 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company and assigns over approximately 0.3 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation,

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Next on the Floor

operation and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve six new cabins at Laura S. Walker State Park in Ware County for $10.

Article 11 grants an easement to Sabal Trail Transmission, LLC (Sabal) and assigns over approximately 0.03 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment and facilities under navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Brooks, Colquitt, Dougherty, Lowndes, and Stewart Counties for fair market value but not less than $650.

Article 12 grants the following easements:

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) and assigns over approximately 0.69 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Bartow County for fair market value but not less than $650;

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) and assigns over approximately 0.33 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Carroll and Coweta Counties for fair market value but not less than $650;

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) and assigns over approximately 0.22 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Gordon County for fair market value but not less than $650;

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) and assigns over approximately 0.26 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Murray County for fair market value but not less than $650;

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) and assigns over approximately 1.1 of an acre under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Murray and Whitefield Counties for fair market value but not less than $650; and

An easement to Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company (Transco) or its successors and assigns over approximately 10.47 acres under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of a natural gas pipeline, associated equipment under and over land and navigable waters of the State of Georgia in Paulding County for fair market value but not less than $650.

Authored By:

Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th)

House Committee: State Properties

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-10-2016 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.

Health & Human Services Committee
HR 1254 Medicaid care management organizations; cover certain attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications; encourage
Bill Summary: HR 1254 encourages Medicaid care management organization to cover certain attention deficit hyperactivity disorder medications.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mickey Stephens (165th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

SB 385

Physicians; provide for certain requirements for advertisement or publication of representation of board certification by physicians
Bill Summary: SB 385 requires physicians to state the full name of their certifying board in any public advertisements, provided that such certifying board requires successful completion of a postgraduate training program and successful completion of any examination required for accreditation. Further, under the provisions of this bill, the Medical Composite Board of Georgia is authorized to take disciplinary action against any physician that violates this Code section.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 389

Social Services; temporary assistance for needy families; provide for exception to lifetime maximum assistance
Bill Summary: SB 389 requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to file an annual report with the Governor, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives on the amount of funds expended on the temporary assistance for needy families program (TANF) and the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP). Additionally, the report will include information such as the number of individuals who are eligible for each program; the number of individuals who receive assistance for each program; and the average amount of time recipients are provided assistance.

This bill reduces the maximum amount of time that a TANF recipient can receive benefits from 48 months to 36 months. However, DHS has the discretion to exempt from this provision a maximum of 20 percent of the average monthly number of families receiving TANF.

Additionally, under the provisions of SB 389, the board of DHS will have the authority to disregard the income and assets of the new spouse of a current TANF recipient for six months when calculating the amount of benefits such recipient will receive. The purpose of this is to encourage the maintenance of two-parent families. The board will also have the authority to develop procedures to determine whether a recipient has cooperated with a work activity requirement.

This bill authorizes DHS to implement a cash diversion program that grants TANF recipients lump sum cash amounts, as well as job referrals, if such recipients forego signing up for the cash assistance program.

The bill redefines the term "sanction" to mean a 100 percent reduction, increased from the current 25 percent reduction of any cash assistance for a violation of the work participation requirements, child support payment requirements, or any other program terms.

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Committee Actions

Further, this bill specifies that electronic benefit cards cannot be used to purchase a number of goods and services including alcohol, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco products, bail, etc. The bill also requires recipients who have requested more than four electronic benefit cards in a 12 month span to meet with a fraud investigator before receiving the fifth replacement card.

Finally, SB 389 updates the language in the Code regarding fraud in obtaining public assistance, and moves the sections criminalizing fraud in obtaining public assistance to Title 16.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Hunter Hill (6th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1131 Atlanta, City of; levy a retail sales and use tax
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide for the levy of retail sales and use tax by the City of Atlanta for the purpose of providing public transportation of passengers for hire in the metropolitan area of the City of Atlanta.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Pat Gardner (57th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

HB 1137 Haralson County; tax commissioner; modify compensation
Bill Summary: A Bill to amend an Act consolidating the office of Tax Receiver and Tax Collector of Haralson County into the office of Tax Commissioner, so as to modify the compensation of the tax commissioner.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kevin Cooke (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

HB 1138 Haralson County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: A Bill to provide a homestead exemption from Haralson County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in the amount of $4,000 of the assessed value of the homestead for residents of that county who are 65 years of age or older and whose income, together with the income of the spouse of such resident who resides within such homestead and excluding certain retirement income, does not exceed $10,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kevin Cooke (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

HB 1139 Fairmount, City of; corporate limits; change
Bill Summary: A Bill to repeal and replace the Charter of the City of Fairmount, so as to change the corporate limits of the city by annexing certain territory to the city.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

Judiciary Committee

SB 3

'Supporting and Strengthening Families Act'; power of attorney from parent to another person; care of minor child; provide for

Bill Summary: This bill amends Title 19, and is to be known as the "Supporting and Strengthening Families Act," relating to domestic relations and child custody proceedings providing for the creation, authorization, procedure, revocation, and termination of a power of attorney from a parent to another person for the temporary delegation of certain power and authority to care for a minor child. Definitions of "Child", "Legal custodian", "Parent" and "Kinship caregiver" are provided in the bill.

The bill provides that a parent or legal custodian of a child may delegate to any "kinship caregiver" residing in this state caregiving authority for a period of no more than a year the same rights, duties, and responsibilities regarding a parent-child relationship, except for the power to consent to the marriage, adoption, inducement of an abortion on or for the child, or the termination of parental rights to the child. Such power and authority may be delegated without the approval of a court by executing in writing a power of attorney that is signed and acknowledged before a notary public and complies with this Act.

The statutory power of attorney contained in this Code section may be used for the temporary delegation of parental power and authority to an agent but is not intended to be exclusive. Further, no provision of this article shall be construed to bar use by the parent of any other or different form of power of attorney for the care of a child that substantially complies with this article. The form indicated in this article shall not be executed during any divorce or child custody proceeding.

The person delegated as caregiver to the child must act in good faith in regards to medical, dental, or mental health care for a child and will not be held liable for consenting or refusing to consent to such care if done in good faith. Such person shall have the right to enroll the child in public or private school and any public school shall allow the person to enroll the child as long as the customary residency documentation is provided. A public school shall not unreasonably deny the enrollment of such child and if a denial does occur, such denial may be appealed and treated as any other denial of enrollment of a child in that school district with all available remedies otherwise available when a child is denied enrollment.

For a parent that is the sole legal custodian of the child, that parent shall place the noncustodial parent on written notice via certified mail at least 30 days prior to the execution of the power of attorney. Additionally, a legal custodian executing a power of attorney under this article shall comply with any applicable relocation notice requirements under subsection (f) of 19-9-3 (judgment awarding custody, visitation provisions and notification provisions for change of address).

While the child is in the custody of an adult who is not the parent or agent and who is temporarily supervising the child at the request of the parent or agent, then such person may be granted temporary written permission to seek emergency medical treatment or other services for the child by the parent or agent.

Except as permitted by the Every Student Succeeds Act a parent executing the power of attorney shall certify that the primary purpose of the action is not for the sole purpose of participating in the academic or interscholastic athletic programs provided by that school or for any other unlawful purpose. Any violation of this subsection shall be punishable in accordance with Georgia law and may require repayment of all costs incurred by the school for the violation. Additionally, power of attorney shall not be executed as a means to subvert an investigation on the child's welfare initiated by the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services and shall not execute such power of attorney so long as DFCS has an open child welfare and youth services case with regard to the parent, the child, or another child of the parent.

The parent or legal custodian of the child may revoke the power of attorney at any time and if the delegation of power and authority lasts longer than a year, it must be executed for each additional year that the delegation exists.

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Committee Actions

If the power is revoked, the child must be returned to the custody of the parent as soon as reasonably possible. Unless the authority is revoked or withdrawn by the parent, the agent shall exercise such control, outlined above, on a continuous basis without compensation and not subject to any provision concerning the licensing or regulation of foster care homes and the child shall not be considered to be in foster care. The execution of such power of attorney shall not constitute abandonment nor constitute abuse or neglect unless the parent or legal custodian fails to take custody of the child or execute a new power of attorney after the one-year time limit has elapsed.

A parent who is a member of the armed forces, or affiliated in any way, and is under a call or order to the President of the United States or to serve on active duty, may delegate the power and authority under this section for a period longer than one year if such parent is on active duty service as long as the term of delegation does not exceed the term of active duty service plus 30 days. When support for the child is being collected, the Child Support Enforcement Agency of the Department of Human Services, shall be authorized to redirect that support to the agent who is authorized as the care giving authority for the child.

This bill also provides forms for the standard delegation of power of attorney. Within the form provided, there is an introduction, in all caps, that explains what the form actual provides. It states that this form is one that outlines the duty of the agent in regards to childcare for the minor child and heightens the gravity of the power of attorney being granted. Furthermore, the form seeks an oath from the agent that they are not listed on a sexual offender registry and requires that they submit to a criminal background check if asked by the parent or legal guardian seeking to execute the power of attorney form.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
SB 367 Georgia Council Justice Reform; provide for comprehensive reform
Bill Summary: SB 367 expands Accountability Courts by authorizing "operating under the influence" court divisions. Any court with jurisdiction over DUI or boating under the influence cases may establish a division of their courts designated to handle those cases and provide an alternative to the traditional justice system with the goal of reducing recidivism. Each court must establish a planning group, comprised of judges, prosecuting attorneys, public defenders, and other court officials, to establish a "work plan," which will govern the operations of the division based on the state standards and local needs.
Guidelines for these divisions will be established by the Council of Accountability Court Judges based on the findings of the National Drug Court Institute and other developments in the accountability court field. State funding for local "operating under the influence courts" is contingent on approval of the court's procedures. The Council of Accountability Court Judges will be responsible for assisting, certifying, and monitoring local divisions.
Using the same structure as "operating under the influence courts," juvenile courts are authorized to create a "family treatment court division" to address dependency issues within families through court intervention and the reduction of dependency. The adjudicating judge may restrict access to the criminal records of individuals placed into Accountability Court Programs. These records must be preserved and the restriction may be removed at any time.
SB 367 allows for the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile justice to contract with private entities for the operation of Charter Schools to provide education for incarcerated children. These schools will be subject to the contract authorizing them and under the control of the
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Committee Actions

State Charter Schools Commission.
The bill establishes standards for school discipline. The State Board of Education will establish minimum qualifications and standards for officials conducting disciplinary hearings. All local boards of education must develop a system of progressive discipline to be imposed on students who are accused of disrupting the operation of a public school prior to filing a "complaint" with the juvenile court. Once the remedies provided by the school board have been exhausted, the local board may file the complaint. The complaint must show that the system sought to handle the case on it's own by engaging the child's parents, and evaluating his/her disability status, and reviewing his/her individual education plan.
SB 367 also addresses the return of driver's licenses to individuals who have had their license suspended as a result of, or in conjunction with, a criminal conviction. The section provides a paupers' provision, allowing those who cannot afford the reinstatement fee to receive their license without paying the suspension penalty. Moreover, the bill allows for time served in prison to count toward the period of revocation for licenses. It also adds court-mandated activities relating to sentences, such as attending programs, treatment and accountability court, to the list of activities allowed for drivers with limited driving permits.
The Department of Community Supervision (DCS) replaces the Governor's Office of Transition, Support, and Re-entry. The Board of Community Supervision will establish general policy for the DCS. The powers and duties of the probation division of the Department of Corrections, the probationary function of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles will now fall under the DCS. The DCS is tasked with coordinating successful re-entry of criminal offenders in this state in an effort to curb recidivism and enhance public safety.
SB 367 alters provisions of the Georgia First Offender Statute by allowing the court to set a date on which the defendant will be exonerated of guilt by successfully complying with the court's sentencing order and allowing the court to restrict access to those criminal records. Violations of the court's conditions, subsequent convictions, or determinations that the individual was not eligible for first offender status will allow the court to re-instate the adjudication of guilt and sentence the defendant. Discharges under this section will entitle defendant's to have their records restricted from dissemination by the Georgia Crime Information Center after their conditions are completed to law enforcement agencies or other limited purposes. These restrictions do not apply to individuals applying for employment in education, child service organizations, elderly care, or with persons who are mentally ill. It also does not prevent registry on sex offender lists.
Moreover, the bill adjusts provisions related to the revocation of probation for individuals because they have failed to pay their fines or failure to report to their probation officer. For the failure to pay a fine, an arrest warrant will be issued and the probationer will be scheduled for a hearing on the court's next calendar. Prior to the issuing of an arrest warrant for failure to report, the probation officer must present an affidavit to the court detailing their efforts to contact the probationer.
In addition, the probation officer must terminate pay-only probation within 30 days of the full payment of the probationer's fines and statutory charges. A court may also discharge probation when he determines it is in the best interests of justice. In misdemeanor probation cases where there are consecutive sentences, the court may terminate probation after 12 months when the probationer has completed all required testing and rehabilitation and paid all fines.
The bill allows for inmates serving sentences of at least six years for certain drug related offenses, or under the repeat offender statute for non-violent felonies, who meet the qualifications of the statute are eligible for parole consideration. The main qualifications include: no convictions for violent felonies, completion of at least six years of the total sentence, a low risk rating for recidivism, achievement of a high school diploma, and no serious disciplinary infractions in the last 12 months of incarceration. Moreover, those who have been convicted of a felony drug conviction will now be allowed to apply for SNAP benefits upon their release from imprisonment.
SB 367 provides that no professional licensing board may automatically refuse to grant a license
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Committee Actions

because of an arrest or conviction of a felony unless that felony directly relates to the occupation for which the license exists. The determination for whether the license is related to the occupation must evaluate the seriousness of the felony, the relationship between the occupation and the felony, the age of the person when they committed the crime, the time elapsed since commission, circumstances of commission, rehabilitation performed, and present fitness to perform the duties of the profession.

Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of Juvenile Justice to govern the transfer of supervision of individuals who are 17 years old from the Department of Juvenile Justice to the DCS.

Authored By: House Committee:

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

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

State Planning & Community Affairs Committee
SR 809 County and Municipal Governments; prohibit from entering into contracts with private entities; parking enforcement services-CA
Bill Summary: SR 809 amends the Georgia Constitution by prohibiting county and municipal governments from entering into contracts with private entities that provide parking enforcement services.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Vincent Fort (39th) State Planning & Community Affairs Committee
Action:

03-14-2016 Do NOT Pass

State Properties Committee
SB 327 State Purchasing; prohibit the state from entering into certain contracts unless such contracts contain a certification; does not presently conduct a boycott of Israel
Bill Summary: SB 327 states that any entity of the state of Georgia may not enter into a contract regarding construction, or the provision of services, supplies, or information technology, with an individual or company without including written certification that the individual is not currently, nor will during the duration of the contract, engage in a boycott of Israel.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Judson Hill (32nd) State Properties

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Transportation Committee
SB 307 Public Roads; provide for definitions relative to advertising
Bill Summary: SB 307 allows for multimedia messages at bus shelters. These messages are authorized as long as they comply with existing operational standards for multiple message signs; however, these messages will not be required to comply with spacing standards set in the same Code section. The substitute also provides for an annual permit which allows towing service providers to operate on the interstate systems in Georgia. Permits are to be issued by the Department of Public Safety after the applicant has completed and operator safety course that meets or exceeds minimum standards recognized and adopted by the Towing and Recovery Incentive Program and has submitted the annual $85 permit fee. Those found violating this Code Section are guilty of a misdemeanor. This statute relating to tow permits has a sunset date of January 1, 2021.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 14, 2016

Committee Actions

SB 346

"Environmental Policy Act"; exempt projects for construction/improvement of public roads from environmental effects reports
Bill Summary: Senate bill 346 amends the Environmental Policy Act to say that when a project of a department, municipality, county, or authority to construct or improve a public road or airport does not exceed $100 million in costs shall not constitute a proposed governmental action which may significantly adversely affect the quality of the environment. These projects would not be required to file formal reports with the Environmental Protection Division if an environmental evaluation shows that there would be no significant adverse impact on historical sites or buildings and cultural resources.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 383

Public Roads; Roadside Enhancement and Beautification Council; provide for purpose
Bill Summary: Senate bill 383 removes the five year waiting period on permits for trimming vegetation around a lawfully erected outdoor advertising sign promoting an agritourism facility as long as the sign comports with local ordinances.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Frank Ginn (47th) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 420

Local Government; require referendum approval prior to the expenditure of public funds; establishment of a fixed guideway transit
Bill Summary: Senate bill 420 requires a referendum vote of the people before the expenditure of public funds on the expansion, maintenance, and operation of a fixed guideway transit in any county that is a mass transit regional system participant.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-14-2016 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 14, 2016

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 15, 2016 10:00AM Floor Session (LD 37) House Chamber 9:00 AM RULES 341 CAP 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION 403 CAP 2:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 515 CLOB 2:00 PM REGULATED INDUSTRIES 506 CLOB 3:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY 406 CLOB 4:00 PM WAYS & MEANS 606 CLOB

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