DAILY REPORT Tuesday
February 21, 2017
21st Legislative
Day
House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050
House Media Services (404) 656-0305
The House will reconvene for its 22nd Legislative Day on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 14 bills are expected to be debated on the floor.
Today on the Floor
Rules Calendar
HB 174 Insurance; insurer's medium of payment of policy or contractual obligations; expand
Bill Summary: House Bill 174 updates and clarifies the method of payment an insurance company may use to pay a claim. These methods include: wire transfer, cashier's check, bank check or draft, electronic funds transfer, gift card, or any other method approved by the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.
Authored By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) House Committee: Insurance
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 162 Nays: 2
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 206
The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights; certain audits conducted by the Department of Community Health; remove exception; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill amends 'The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights' and removes an exception relating to faults in certain audits conducted by the Department of Community Health. Any clerical or unintentional error in billing, coding, or required documentation shall not constitute fraud for the medical assistance provided. No such claim shall be subject to criminal penalties without proof of intent to commit fraud. A provider of medical assistance shall be allowed 30 days following notice to the provider of an error or incomplete documentation identified pursuant to an audit or review in order to correct such miscalculation. A provider of medical assistance shall be given the right to a hearing for any attempted withholding of reimbursement or earning by the department or its agents if it correlates to an error, omission, or incomplete documentation relating to the provision of medical assistance.
Authored By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) House Committee: Health & Human Services
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-14-2017 Do Pass
HB 210
Health; certain specimen collection stations and blood banks are not considered clinical laboratories; provide
Bill Summary: This bill qualifies that specimen collection stations and blood banks are not "clinical laboratories" for the purpose of regulation. Clinical laboratory is defined as a facility for the examination of materials derived from the human body for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease. The term "clinical laboratory" shall include specimen collection stations and shall include blood banks which provide a system for the collection, processing, or storage of human blood and include tissue banks which procure, store, or process human or animal tissues designed to be used for medical
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Daily Report for February 21, 2017
Today on the Floor
purposes in human beings.
The term "clinical laboratory" shall not include laboratories which are non-diagnostic only and regulated pursuant to the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform examination of human blood or blood components intended as source material for the manufacture of biological products.
Authored By: Rep. Jodi Lott (122nd) House Committee: Health & Human Services
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 162 Nays: 0
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-14-2017 Do Pass
HB 250
Foster homes; employee with satisfactory fingerprint records check in past 24 months exempt from additional background check; provide
Bill Summary: HB 250 allows an adult who is applying to become a foster parent, providing care for foster children, or is an employee of an early care and education program for children, to submit evidence that he/she has received a satisfactory background and finger print records check within 24 months in lieu of completing the standard application process.
Authored By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) House Committee: Juvenile Justice
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 159 Nays: 0
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-09-2017 Do Pass
HB 254 Emanuel County; Board of Education; provide nonpartisan elections for members
Bill Summary: This bill provides for nonpartisan elections for members of the Emanuel County Board of Education.
Authored By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 125 Nays: 34
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-16-2017 Do Pass
HB 257
Local government authorities; register with Department of Community Affairs; require
Bill Summary: House Bill 257 streamlines the reporting process for local government authorities to file their statutorily-required reports to the Department of Community Affairs. It narrows the dates of reporting from two dates to one.
Authored By: Rep. Jan Tankersley (160th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs
Floor Vote:
Yeas: 160 Nays: 2
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
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Next on the Floor
Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 22nd Legislative Day, Wednesday, February 22, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, February 22, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day.
HB 37
Education; private postsecondary institutions in Georgia shall not adopt sanctuary policies; provide
Bill Summary: HB 37 would prohibit any private postsecondary institution eligible for tuition equalization grants from implementing a sanctuary policy. Sanctuary policies include policies that would prohibit or restrict employees of postsecondary institutions from working with federal and state officials or law enforcement officers on reporting immigration status information. Any private postsecondary institution that violates this code section would be subject to the withholding of state funding or state administered federal funding. Withholding of state funds includes funding for scholarships, loans and grants for students of such private postsecondary institutions.
Authored By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart (36th) House Committee: Higher Education
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-01-2017 Do Pass
HB 40
Evidence; confidentiality of certain medical information of animals within a veterinarian's care; provide exception
Bill Summary: This bill provides an exception for confidentiality of certain medical information of animals within a veterinarian's care. The bill states a veterinarian shall disclose the rabies vaccination history of any animal within the veterinarian's care within 24 hours of receiving a written request by the physician of any person bitten by the animal.
Authored By: Rep. Scot Turner (21st) House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-01-2017 Do Pass
HB 41
Architects; allow certain students to take examination; change qualifications
Bill Summary: HB 41 allows for an education pilot program for students to enroll in an accredited professional Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure degree program and permit the student to take the professional examination needed for licensure while enrolled in that program.
Authored By:
Rep. Brett Harrell (106th)
House Committee: Regulated Industries
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 86 Domestic relations; definition of sexual abuse; expand
Bill Summary: HB 86 increases the scope of offenses for mandatory reporters of child abuse to include suspicion of a child being involved in sex trafficking for the purpose of sexual servitude.
Authored By:
Rep. Mary Oliver (82nd)
House Committee: Juvenile Justice
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-09-2017 Do Pass
HB 150 State Road and Tollway Authority; failure to pay tolls; place hold on motor vehicle registration
Bill Summary: House bill 150 allows the State Road and Tollway Authority to garnish income tax refunds in order to offset the debt owed by toll violators who have not responded to attempts by the Authority to collect toll payments.
Authored By:
Rep. Alan Powell (32nd)
House Committee: Transportation
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
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Next on the Floor
HB 168 Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority; abolish Upper Oconee Resource Management Commission
Bill Summary: HB 168 amends the Oconee Basin Water Authority (HB 1514, 1994) by eliminating the Upper Oconee Resource Management Commission. The bill also alters the composition of the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority by lowering the number of members from nine to eight, with one additional member appointed by the members as a mechanism to select alternate board members. It establishes one-year terms and affects four counties.
Authored By: Rep. Regina Quick (117th) House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-16-2017 Do Pass
HB 224 Quality Basic Education Act; military student may attend any school in local system; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 224 amends the 'Quality Basic Education Act' to allow military students the ability to attend any school within their school system beginning in the 2017-2018 school year. This legislation defines a "military student" as any student whose parent is a military service member who lives on or off a military base. Local boards of education shall develop a streamlined process to allow for smooth transitions between schools for military students.
Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) House Committee: Education
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-16-2017 Do Pass
HB 238 Ad valorem tax; use of property for solar power generation; provide exception to a breach of covenants
Bill Summary: House Bill 238 amends 48-5-7.4, relating to bona fide conservation use property, and 48-5-7.7, relating to the forest land protection act, by allowing a portion of the property in a covenant to be used for solar generation of electricity or heat. The portion of the property used for solar electricity or heat generation will be removed from the covenant and become subject to ad valorem tax at the fair market value.
Authored By:
Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th)
House Committee: Ways & Means
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Structured 02-16-2017 Do Pass
HB 243 Minimum wage; require additional pay to employees based on schedule changes; preempt local government mandates
Bill Summary: House Bill 243 prevents local governments from adopting ordinances that require an employer to pay an employee for work they have not performed due to a last minute change in schedule.
Authored By:
Rep. William Werkheiser (157th)
House Committee: Industry and Labor
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-15-2017 Do Pass
HB 247 Sales and use tax; machinery used to mix or transport concrete; exempt
Bill Summary: House Bill 247 amends 48-8-3.2, related to a sales tax exemption for certain machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, by adding maintenance and repair of transit concrete mixer trucks. Motor fuel used in concrete mixer trucks is not exempted from sales and use tax.
Authored By:
Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)
House Committee: Ways & Means
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Structured 02-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 262 Insurance; standalone dental plans; exempt from requirement of printed directories for certain entities
Bill Summary: House Bill 262 exempts stand-alone dental insurance plans from the requirement of publishing printed provider directories.
Authored By:
Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th)
House Committee: Insurance
Rule Applied:
Modified-Open
Committee Action: 02-17-2017 Do Pass
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Daily Report for February 21, 2017
Next on the Floor
HB 268 Elections; time period for certification of election officials; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 268 is a housekeeping bill for the Secretary of State's Office's Elections Division. It reflects the recommendations by the Georgia Elections Advisory Council, removes references to antiquated terms and removes unnecessary Code sections.
Further, it provides that counties may not change precincts within a period of 90 days prior to an election. It clarifies that poll managers shall have control of the flow of traffic inside a voting precinct.
It extends the 90-day period of time an elector has to correct discrepancies between the name that appears on their voter registration application and the name that is supplied by the Department of Driver's Services and the Social Security Administration to 26 months.
Authored By:
Rep. Barry Fleming (121st)
House Committee: Governmental Affairs
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Structured 02-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 290 Ad valorem tax; definitions related to exemption of certain agricultural equipment; revise
Bill Summary: House Bill 290 amends 48-5-41.1, relating to exemption of qualified farm products and harvested agricultural products from taxation, by adding an exemption for agricultural equipment owned or held under a lease-purchase agreement by a family owned farm products producer.
Authored By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) House Committee: Ways & Means
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Structured 02-16-2017 Do Pass
HB 303 State Commission on Family Violence; terms and qualifications of members; change provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 303 increases the term of office for members of the State Commission on Family Violence from two to three years. It changes references in the Code from "battered women" to "victims of family violence".
Authored By:
Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd)
House Committee: Governmental Affairs
Rule Applied: Committee Action:
Modified-Open 02-15-2017 Do Pass
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Committee Actions
Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.
Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee
HB 205 Mining and drilling; regulate exploration and extraction of gas and oil; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill regulates the exploration and extraction of gas and oil in the state by amending the Oil and Gas and Deep Drilling Act of 1975. Any oil and gas exploration to identify new sources of energy should not occur at the expense of the state's important natural resources, such as residential, municipal, and industrial supplies of fresh water. Additionally, the bill also defines hydraulic fracturing.
It also allows the Board of Natural Resources to delegate to the director of the Environmental Protection Division the authority to create an Oil and Gas Board to review and issue permits and to regulate drilling activity. The Oil and Gas Board " which can only be created after receiving at least 12 applications in a calendar year for any permit to drill any well " will consist of the state geologist and three other members appointed by the governor.
The Board of Natural Resources will also have the power to create rules establishing procedures for the restoration and reclamation of well sites. The board also must adopt regulations governing hydraulic fracturing operations by July 1, 2018. These regulations include, but aren't limited to, creating public notices for any applications for any hydraulic fracturing permits, identification of groundwater sources within one-half mile of any proposed wellhead, and the disclosure of the contents of fluids used in hydraulic fracturing projects to the director and the commissioner of public health. This includes provisions which may allow for the withholding of trade secrets. Anybody wishing to drill a well, other than one that will produce fresh water, has to apply with the director of the EPD and pay $500 for a permit.
The director shall issue a public notice for the permit application within 30 days of receiving the application. Following a 30 day public comment period, the director will also have to notify the public of the final permit decision. The bill also defines permit requirements.
Additionally, the bill has a clause stating that the bill will not limit the authority of local governments to adopt local zoning or land use ordinances limiting the location or timing of the activities defined in the bill for the purposes of protecting natural resources or human health and welfare.
Moreover, a severance tax of three cents per barrel of oil and one cent per thousand cubic feet of gas shall be levied on oil or gas removed from the ground by an extractor. The governing authority of each county or municipality can enact local ordinances or resolutions to levy its own severance tax, which can't exceed nine cents per barrel of oil or two cents per thousand cubic feet of gas.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. John Meadows (5th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 336
Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia Act; enact
Bill Summary: This bill, the 'Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia Act', allows for political subdivisions to apply for certification as broadband ready communities with the Department of Economic Development.
A "broadband ready community" has enacted an ordinance for reviewing applications and issuing permits related to broadband projects. According to the bill, a broadband ready community will appoint a single point of contact for broadband projects. Additionally, the subdivision must approve or deny an application for a permit within 60 days of receiving a complete application. Any fees involved with applications or permits must be reasonable. An unreasonable fee is stated to be
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Committee Actions
anything over $100.
The Department of Economic Development may create a model ordinance with the necessary requirements that political subdivisions have to use; however, if the subdivision chooses to create its own ordinance, it must explain in writing to the Department of Economic Development how its ordinance differs with the model ordinance.
At the request of a broadband service provider, the Department of Economic Development can decertify a subdivision if it violates or is out of compliance with the broadband ready community ordinance.
Additionally, the GTA will have to turn in an annual report called the "Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia" to the governor and the General Assembly on or before November 1 of each year. The report will provide guidance for achieving broadband employment to 99.5 percent of all households and 99.8 percent of all businesses by 2024.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Don Parsons (44th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Game, Fish, & Parks Committee
HB 275 Game and fish; rules and regulations used to establish criminal violations; change provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 275, relating to towing persons on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards or similar devices, provides definitions for "body surfing" and "wake surfing", as well as requires the use of a life jacket for both activities. The bill also necessitates the use of a vessel with an inboard motor to body surf.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Matt Dubnik (29th) Game, Fish, & Parks
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
Health & Human Services Committee
HB 157 Medical advertising; certain certifying organizations; revise certain criteria
Bill Summary: House Bill 157 changes the requirements for advertising or publicizing a medical specialty so that no physician shall advertise as being certified unless the physician:
(1) Is either a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, the Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists, or the American Osteopathic Association and the advertisement or publication states the full name of the certifying board; (2) Has satisfactorily completed a training program with training, documentation, and clinical requirements similar in scope and complexity to programs approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education or Bureau of Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association in the specialty or subspecialty field of medicine in which the physician seeks certification; (3) Successfully passed a written or oral examination, or both, which psychometrically tests the physician's knowledge and skill in the specialty or subspecialty field of medicine; and (4) Requires diplomates to recertify no more than every 10 years, have written by-laws and a code of ethics, has proof of a determination by the Internal Revenue Service certifying the organization is tax-exempt under Section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code, and maintains a permanent headquarters to respond to consumer inquiries.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Health & Human Services
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
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Committee Actions
HB 241
Cove's Law; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 241 adds Krabbe disease to the list of metabolic and genetic conditions for which newborn screening may be conducted by the Department of Public Health. The department is responsible for the screening of all newborns for disorders determined by rules and regulations. The bill allows for Krabbe disease to be conducted separately at the option of the parent or parents. The fee for screening will be paid directly by the parents to the department's laboratory; however, the screening may be conducted by a laboratory located outside of Georgia if approved by the board.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Health & Human Services
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 360
Prescription drugs; expedited partner therapy for patients with venereal diseases; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 360 relates to the prescription drug orders and control of venereal disease, respectively, to provide for an expedited partner therapy for patients with chlamydia or gonorrhea. "Expedited partner therapy" means the practice of prescribing or dispensing antibiotic drugs to the sexual partner or partners of a patient clinically diagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without physical examination of the partner or partners.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Health & Human Services
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 427
Physicians and Health Care Practitioners for Rural Areas Assistance Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 427 expands the service cancelable loan program for physicians in underserved areas to other health care practitioners. The purpose is to increase the number of physicians and health care practitioners in underserved rural areas of Georgia by making loans to health care practitioners who have completed their medical or health care education and allowing such loans to be repaid by agreeing to practice medicine in such rural areas.
By making grants to hospitals and other health care entities, local governments and civic organizations in underserved rural areas agree to provide matching funds with the intent to enhance recruitment efforts in bringing physicians and health care practitioners to rural areas. It is the intent of the General Assembly that if funds are available to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, priority shall be given to make loans, grants, or scholarships.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Mark Newton (123rd) Health & Human Services
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Human Relations & Aging Committee
HB 330 Human Services, Department of; certain individuals identified in a diligent search conducted as part of a dependency proceeding; specify additional information
Bill Summary: HB 330 requires the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) of the Department of Human Services to include contact information for a regional DFCS case worker, knowledgeable in kinship care and financial assistance information, for kinship caregivers with notices during a relative search.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Stacey Abrams (89th) Human Relations & Aging
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
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Committee Actions
HB 331
The Caregiver Educational Consent Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 331, known as 'The Caregiver Educational Consent Act', authorizes a kinship caregiver to give legal consent for educational services, medical services relating to academic enrollment, and curricular and extracurricular participation. The bill provides the "Kinship Caregiver's Affidavit" form, as well as protects any person acting in good faith on executing a kinship caregiver's affidavit from civil liability, criminal prosecution, or professional disciplinary procedure.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Stacey Abrams (89th) Human Relations & Aging
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HR 279 Single Parent Day; March 21; designate each year
Bill Summary: HR 279 recognizes the challenges and dedication of single parents and designates March 21st of each year as Single Parent Day, mirroring a 1984 congressional joint resolution.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Valencia Stovall (74th) Human Relations & Aging
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 306 Cherokee County; Board of Education; change compensation of members
Bill Summary: This bill modifies the compensation for members of the Cherokee County Board of Education. The chairman of the board shall be compensated in an amount determined by the board, but not to exceed $1,200 per month. The other members' compensation will also be determined by the board, but not to exceed $1,000 per month. Current law states board members shall be compensated $600 per month.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Scot Turner (21st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 348
Waycross, City of; change corporate limits
Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the City of Waycross. It states that the corporate limits of the City of Waycross shall not include any territory within the boundaries of Pierce County except the lots mentioned specifically in the bill.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 349
Grantville, City of; election and terms of office for mayor and councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2; provide
Bill Summary: This bill provides for elections in odd-numbered years, instead of even-numbered years, for the mayor and the councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2 in the City of Grantville. It also lengthens the terms of office of the mayor and councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2, so that all three elected officials' terms will end on December 31, 2019, instead of December 31, 2018. Following that change, all three terms will last four years. Additionally, it also provides for a referendum asking if the residents of Grantville want to lengthen the above mentioned terms.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Robert Trammell (132nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
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Committee Actions
HB 355
Cobb County; Probate Court; change compensation of chief deputy, assistant chief deputy and executive assistant
Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the chief deputy, the assistant chief deputy, and the executive assistant to the Cobb County sheriff. The chief deputy shall make $138,839.13 a year, the assistant chief deputy shall make $125,976.83 a year, and the executive assistant shall make $75,692.46 a year.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. John Carson (46th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 356
Cobb County; Board of Commissioners; compensation of chairperson and other commissioners; change provisions
Bill Summary: This bill changes the provisions relating to the compensation of the chairperson and other commissioners of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. It states the commissioners representing Districts 1, 3, and 4 will be eligible to earn $46,531.14 per year, while the commissioner representing District 2 will be eligible to earn $44,095.93 per year. The chairperson of the board will be eligible to earn $135,123.87 per year. Additionally, the bill states that the chairperson will be compensated on a full-time employment basis, but shall only be allowed to devote no more than 15 hours per week to a business or employment interest not related to the Board of Commissioners. The commissioners and chair may also be reimbursed for miles driven, secretarial services above the services normally provided by the county and travel and lodging expenses.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. John Carson (46th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 380
Echols County; board of education; revise districts for election of members
Bill Summary: This bill revises the districts for the election of members of the Echols County Board of Education. The board consists of five members, who are elected from five districts described in the bill.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. John Corbett (174th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 383
Telfair County; Board of Education; compensation of members; change provisions
Bill Summary: This bill allows the Telfair County Board of Education to increase the amount it receives as compensation, but it can't increase its compensation until a notice has been published in the legal organ for at least once a week for three consecutive weeks.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Jimmy Pruett (149th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 384
Cobb County; tax commissioner's office; change compensation of certain employees
Bill Summary: The tax commissioner shall receive the minimum annual salary found in Code Section 48-5-183 plus a supplement in the amount of $18,001.39. The chief clerk to the tax commissioner will make $112,983.32 a year. It also states that any candidate for tax commissioner shall, on the date of qualifying for a primary or general election, certify to the probate court judge the name of the person the candidate shall appoint as chief clerk. The bill also states the commissioner's executive secretary and administrative specialist shall make $62,159.19 a year.
Authored By:
Rep. John Carson (46th) Page 10 of 16
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Committee Actions
House Committee:
Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee
Local
Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 385
South Fulton, City of; provide when mayor may vote and be included in determination of quorum
Bill Summary: This bill states that the South Fulton City Council's quorum shall consist of four councilmembers. The mayor shall be counted as one of the councilmembers for voting and quorum purposes, but the mayor shall only vote in the case of a tie. Additionally, it states that the voting on adoption of ordinances shall be by voice vote. It also states that no councilmember shall abstain from voting except if absent when a motion was made or in the case of a conflict of interest.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Debra Bazemore (63rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 393 Covington, City of; change corporate limits Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Covington.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 394 Oxford, City of; change corporate limits Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Oxford.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 395 Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority Act; enact
Bill Summary: This bill creates the Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority and authorizes the authority to provide recreational services throughout Colquitt County.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 407
Cobb County; Probate Court; change salary of superior court clerk, deputy clerk, executive assistant and executive secretary
Bill Summary: This bill changes the salary of the clerk of superior court, the deputy clerk, the executive assistant, and the executive secretary or Cobb County.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. John Carson (46th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
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Committee Actions
Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
HB 213 Crimes and offenses; sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession of fentanyl within the prohibition of trafficking certain drugs; include
Bill Summary: HB 213 adds fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives to the list of prohibited substances contained within the drug trafficking code.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Rich Golick (40th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Motor Vehicles Committee
HB 136 Drivers' licenses; demarcation of a valid driver's license, permit, or identification card; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 136 allows persons seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license, learner's permit, or state-issued identification to keep their old card. They must surrender it to Driver's Services (DDS) when making application; DDS will note on the old card that it is no longer valid, and it will be returned to the customer. This is necessary because Homeland Security will no longer accept temporary identification cards at their security check points.
It further provides that blind parents no longer have to show proof they have previously held a driver's license in order for their child to be issued a blind parent permit.
It raises the fee for an eight-year commercial driver's license from $20 to $32 to put it in parity with a standard driver's license.
Finally, it authorizes the commissioner of DDS to contract with a debt collection agency or an attorney to assist in the collection of delinquent fees owed the state.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Amy Carter (175th) Motor Vehicles
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 253
Special license plates; dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program; increase the proportion of moneys derived from the sale
Bill Summary: House Bill 253 clarifies that funds raised by the sale of the special license plate for the dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) shall be disbursed to the DOA and deposited in a special fund for support of the dog and cat reproductive sterilization support program and not to the general fund of the state.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Motor Vehicles
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HB 260
Special license plates; Georgia Electric Membership Corporation; establish
Bill Summary: House Bill 260 provides for a special license plate honoring Georgia's electric utility linemen. The funds raised by the sale of this special license plate shall be disbursed to the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Alan Powell (32nd) Motor Vehicles
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
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Committee Actions
HB 287
Special license plates; honoring service members killed in action; provide at no cost to eligible family members
Bill Summary: House Bill 287 provides for the issuance of up to two special license plates honoring family members of service members killed in action at no cost to eligible family members.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Tom Kirby (114th) Motor Vehicles
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
Regulated Industries Committee
HB 310 Secondary metal recyclers; certain used lead acid vehicle batteries; exclude applicability
Bill Summary: HB 310 provides an exception for vehicle batteries with respect to the reporting requirements for secondary metals recyclers to streamline enforcement of the Code. Moreover, retailers who accept used batteries for the purpose of recycling are allowed to provide a: discount on a new battery; store credit with the retailer; or return a store deposit previously paid to the retailer.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Buzz Brockway (102nd) Regulated Industries
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
Ways & Means Committee
HB 118 Fantasy Contests Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 118 is the "Fantasy Contest Operators Act." The Act defines "fantasy contest" as a simulated game or contest in which the value of all prizes offered is known in advance; all winning outcomes reflect the relative knowledge and skill of those who enter the game or contest and are determined by statistical results of the performance of individuals in sporting events or other competitions; winning outcomes are not based on the performance of a single team, combination of teams, or any individual; and contests are not based on university, college, high school, or youth sporting events.
No fantasy contest operator can provide fantasy contests without being registered with the Department of Revenue. Before obtaining the necessary registration, the fantasy contest operator must pay an annual fee ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 depending on the gross revenues of the operator. In addition to the fee the operator must also pay a fee of six percent of gross contest revenues. The bill also requires that fantasy contest operators implement procedures intended to prevent employees of the operator from participating in contests with cash prizes; prevent the sharing of confidential information before information is made public; prevent operators from participating in contests; verify that the players are 18 years of age or older; ensure that individuals who participate in a sporting event that is the subject of a fantasy contest are restricted from entering such fantasy contests; and segregate fantasy contest player funds from operational funds of the fantasy contest operator.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 199
Income tax credit; interactive entertainment companies; change certain provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 199 amends the "Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act" by reducing the annual total aggregate payroll for employees working within Georgia for a qualified interactive entertainment production company to qualify for tax credits from $500,000 to $250,000 if the company has a base investment of at least $500,000 over a two-year period. The bill also adds prereleased interactive games to the list of projects considered to be qualified production activities.
Section two of the bill creates the "Georgia Entertainment Industry Postproduction Investment Act"
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House of Representatives
Daily Report for February 21, 2017
Committee Actions
which allows for a 20 percent tax credit for postproduction companies, which had at least $250,000 in total payroll within Georgia and expended at least $500,000 in qualified expenditures during the taxable year. The credit increases to 30 percent if the production was created exclusively in Georgia and to 40 percent if production was completed exclusively in a tier 1 or tier 2 county. Postproduction companies with qualified expenditures of at least $100,000 but less than $500,000 and a payroll of at least $100,000 but less than $500,000 are qualified for a 20 percent tax credit for qualified expenditures. Tax credits for the smaller postproduction companies are capped at $1 million per tax year. Overall, the credit is capped at $5 million for 2017, $10 million for 2018, and $15 million for 2019 through 2022. If the cap is not met in any year the remaining amount will roll forward to the following year. No single company may claim more than 20 percent of the total aggregate tax credit for any year. The postproduction companies must submit a report to the Department of Revenue detailing the qualifications of the tax credits received. The tax credits are transferable and may be carried forward for five years. The credit has a sunset of January 1, 2023.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 237
Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation; receive private donations for grants to public schools; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 237 amends 20-14-26.1, relating to the authority of the Office of Student Achievement to incorporate nonprofit corporations as public foundations, by establishing the Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation. The foundation may receive donations to provide grants to public schools for the implementation of academic and organizational innovations to improve student achievement. Funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process. The foundation must submit a report to the Department of Revenue by January 12th each year which includes the total number and dollar value of individual and corporate donations and tax credits approved, the total number and dollar amount of grants awarded, and a list of donors and the amount donated by each donor. Individual taxpayers are allowed a credit of up to $1,000 per year for single individuals or a head of household, up to $2,500 per year for a married couple filing a joint return, and up to $10,000 per year for an individual who is a member of a limited liability company, a shareholder of a Subchapter 'S' corporation, or a partner in a partnership. A corporation is allowed a credit in an amount not to exceed the amount donated or 75 percent of the corporation's income tax liability, whichever is less. The aggregate amount of credits, which are allowed on a first come, first served basis, is capped at $7 million per year through 2025 and $10 million per year for 2026 through 2033, which is the designated as the sunset.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 265
Income tax; credit for establishing or relocating quality jobs; revise provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 265 amends 48-7-40.17, relating to income tax credit for establishing or relocating quality jobs, by allowing for qualified projects having at least a $2.5 million investment to receive a subsequent quality jobs tax credit. A taxpayer creating a qualified project is eligible to begin a subsequent seven-year job creation period for quality jobs developed through the project, provided that the taxpayer creates 50 or more new quality jobs above its single previous high yearly average. New quality jobs generated under a previous seven-year job creation period continue to be eligible. A taxpayer may create more than one subsequent seven-year job creation period.
The bill also amends 48-8-3, relating to exemptions from state sales and use taxes, by adding a new paragraph that allows for a state and local sales tax exemption on the tangible personal property used for the renovation or expansion of a theater located within a 501(c)(3) facility that contains an art museum, symphonic hall, and theater. This exemption applies from July 1, 2017 through January 1, 2019 and until the aggregate state sales tax exempted exceeds $750,000.
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House of Representatives
Daily Report for February 21, 2017
Committee Actions
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 301
Income tax; certain physicians; delete deduction to create new credit; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 301 adds language which replaces the preceptor tax deduction with a tax credit. The credit shall be $500 for the first through third preceptorship rotation and $1,000 for the fourth through tenth preceptorship rotation for physicians and $375 for the first through third preceptorship rotation and $750 for the fourth through tenth preceptorship rotation for advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Jodi Lott (122nd) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
HB 352
Motor vehicles; annual license fees; exclude certain vehicles from the fee charged to alternative fueled vehicles
Bill Summary: House Bill 352 amends 40-2-151 by exempting low-speed vehicles and electric powered personal transportation vehicles from the fees assessed on alternative fueled vehicles.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass
HR 158 General Assembly; provide for dedication of revenues derived from fees or other taxes to the public purpose for which such fees or other taxes were imposed; authorize - CA
Bill Summary: House Resolution 158 allows the General Assembly to, by general law, dedicate funds from fees or taxes for the purpose for which they were imposed. The general law dedicating the fees must reference this provision of the Constitution; provide the specific purpose for which the fees will be used; identify the agency to administer the funds; require annual reporting of the revenue and expenditures by the department administering the funds; and include a sunset date not to exceed ten years. The total amount of funds dedicated by this provision of the Constitution may not exceed one percent of the total state revenues of the prior fiscal year. All funds dedicated by this provision do not lapse.
Any law enacted pursuant to this provision requires the approval of two-thirds of the members of each branch of the General Assembly, however, it takes only a simple majority to repeal a law enacted pursuant to this provision. In the event the Governor declares a financial emergency, which shall be deemed to exist if revenue collections decrease by three percent or more from the previous year, the fees dedicated by this provision may be made subject to appropriation however this is limited to three, two-year periods during any ten-year period. The resolution also provides ballot language.
Authored By: House Committee:
Rep. Jay Powell (171st) Ways & Means
Committee Action:
02-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute
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House of Representatives
Daily Report for February 21, 2017
Committee Actions
Committee Meeting Schedule
This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meetings Calendar.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 8:00 AM Transporation Subcommittee on State Highways - 515 CLOB 9:00 AM RULES - 341 CAP 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 22) - HOUSE CHAMBER 1:00 PM Education Subcommittee on Education Administration & Planning - 606 CLOB 1:00 PM INTERSTATE COOPERATION - 403 CAP 1:00 PM Local Government Subcommittee of Governmental Affairs - 406 CLOB 1:00 PM Ways and Means Public Finance Subcommittee - 133 CAP 1:30 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - 406 CLOB 1:30 PM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL - 132 CAP 1:30 PM Ways and Means Income Tax Subcommittee - 133 CAP 1:30 PM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM - 341 CAP 2:00 PM ETHICS - 506 CLOB 2:00 PM JOINT HOUSE & SENATE TRANSPORTATION - 606 CLOB 2:30 PM Ways and Means Tax Reform Subcommittee - 133 CAP 2:30 PM Resource Management Subcommittee - 515 CLOB 3:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION - 403 CAP 3:00 PM SPECIAL RULES- CANCELLED - 515 CLOB 3:30 PM Ways and Means Sales Tax Subcommittee - 133 CAP
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