Daily report [Mar. 16, 2017]

DAILY REPORT Thursday
March 16, 2017

35th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Media Services (404) 656-0305

The House will reconvene for its 36th Legislative Day on Monday, March 20 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 7 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the Floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Insist
HB 44 General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
Bill Summary: House Bill 44, the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $24.9 billion. This represents an increase of $1.25 billion, or 5.3 percent, over the FY 2017 original budget. The bill, tracking sheet and highlights may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget.

Authored By: Rep. David Ralston (7th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

Motions to Insist: This motion to insist creates a Conference Committee to negotiate with the Senate for final passage.

Motions to Agree
HB 146 Fire departments; purchase and maintain certain insurance coverage for firefighters; require
Bill Summary: HB 146 requires legally organized fire departments to maintain insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2018 for all firefighters in the department to pay claims for cancer diagnosed after a firefighter has served at the department for 12 consecutive months. The term "cancer" means bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectal, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, thyroid, and cervical cancer; leukemia; multiple myeloma; or nonHodgkin's lymphoma.
The minimum benefit includes a lump sum benefit of $25,000 made payable to the firefighter upon submission of proof of their diagnosis to the fire department. This benefit is subordinate to any government health insurance benefit paid on behalf of, or as a reimbursement to, the member for such cancer, and shall be limited to the difference between the amount of such other paid benefit and the amount specified under this provision. If, as a result of such cancerous condition or treatment, the member is unable to perform his or her duties as a firefighter, then a monthly benefit equal to 60% of the member's monthly salary at the time of diagnosis or a monthly benefit of $5,000, whichever is less, will begin six months after submission of acceptable proof of diagnosis and will continue for a total of 36 consecutive months. If a member is a volunteer, as defined in Code Section 25-4-2, then a monthly benefit of $1,500 shall begin six months after submission of acceptable proof and continue for a total of 36 consecutive months. These benefits shall be subordinate to any other benefit actually paid to the firefighter for such disability from any other source, not including private insurance. They shall be limited to the difference between the amount of such other paid benefit and the amount specified in this bill.
Any person who was a member of more than one fire department at the same time shall not be entitled to receive benefits under this paragraph from or on behalf of more than one fire department. Any member who receives benefits may be required to have their condition reevaluated. In the event that the reevaluation reveals that the firefighter is able to perform duties as a firefighter, then his or her benefits shall cease. Benefits shall also cease upon the death of such person. A member who
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Daily Report for March 16, 2017

Today on the Floor

departs or retires after at least one year as a firefighter shall be entitled to continue his or her coverage through a continuation or conversion to individual coverage. At that point, the departing member is responsible for paying all premiums.
County and municipal governing authorities may use proceeds from county and municipal taxes to purchase insurance for the firefighters intended to be covered by this bill. Funds received as premiums for this coverage shall not be subject to premium taxes. The computation of premium amounts by an insurer for this coverage shall be subject to generally accepted adjustments from insurance underwriting.
The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council shall be authorized to adopt rules and regulations that are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.
A fund authorized by this chapter may be established by an agency only if the agency has enrolled members which, for each fund which includes accident or disability coverage, shall generate an annual gross premium of not less than $500,000.
Language is also added in Code Section 48-7-27 to provide that payments received by firefighters pursuant to this bill are included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income and are not otherwise exempt under any other provision of this Code section.

Authored By: Rep. Micah Gravley (67th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

Motions to Disagree
HB 44 General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
Bill Summary: House Bill 44, the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $24.9 billion. This represents an increase of $1.25 billion, or 5.3 percent, over the FY 2017 original budget. The bill, tracking sheet and highlights may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget.

Authored By: Rep. David Ralston (7th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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

Rules Calendar
SB 103 'The Pharmacy Patient Fair Practices Act'; pharmacy benefits managers; Commissioner of Insurance to promulgate certain rules and regulations; authorize
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 103 is 'The Pharmacy Patient Fair Practices Act' and restricts certain actions by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

PBMs are prohibited from: requiring the use of mail-order pharmacies; penalizing a pharmacist for disclosing a cheaper generic option to a prescribed medication to a patient; disallowing pharmacies to offer store direct delivery services.; charging more in co-pays than the actual cost of the drug, as well as charging fees to pharmacies for adjudicating claims. The commissioner of the Department of Insurance is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for enforcement.

This Code section shall not apply to a care management organization, the Department of Community Health, the State Health Benefit Plan, or any licensed group model health maintenance organization with an exclusive medical group contract and which operates its own pharmacies.

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

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2017 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

SB 109

"Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact" ("REPLICA"); provide for the enactment
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 109 enacts the "Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact" (REPLICA) to facilitate the day-to-day movement of emergency management services (EMS) personnel across state boundaries. The compact recognizes that states have a vested interest in protecting the public's health and safety through the shared licensing and regulation of EMS personnel.

The compact is designed to: (1) increase public access to EMS personnel; (2) enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety, especially patient safety; (3) encourage the cooperation of member states in the areas of EMS personnel licensure and regulation; (4) support licensing of military members who are separating from an active duty tour and their spouses; (5) facilitate the exchange of information between member states regarding EMS personnel licensure, adverse action, and significant investigatory information; (6) promote compliance with the laws governing EMS personnel practice in each member state; and (7) invest all member states with the authority to hold EMS personnel accountable through the mutual recognition of member state licenses.

Any member state may require an individual to obtain and retain a license to practice in a member state. A home state's license authorizes an individual to practice in a remote state only if the home state: (1) currently requires the use of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination as a condition of issuing initial licenses at the EMT and paramedic levels; (2) has a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about individuals; (3) notifies the commission, in compliance with the terms of the compact, of any adverse action or significant investigatory information regarding an individual; and (4) requires a criminal background check of all applicants for initial licensure within five years of activation of the compact.

To have the privilege to practice under the terms and provisions of this compact, a member must be at least 18 years old, possess a current unrestricted license in a member state, and practice under the supervision of a medical director.

This Bill also relates to an interstate compact known as the "Nurse Licensure Compact." This will facilitate the exchange of information between party states in the areas of nurse regulation, investigation and adverse actions, promote compliance with the laws governing the practice of nursing in each jurisdiction, invest all party states with the authority to hold a nurse accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the patient is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of party state licenses, and decrease redundancies in the consideration and issuance of nurse licenses; and Provide opportunities for interstate practice by nurses who meet uniform licensure requirements.

A state must implement procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial multistate license or licensure by endorsement. Such procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state's criminal records.

All compact states authorized to take adverse action against a nurse's multistate licensure privilege such as revocation, suspension, probation or any other action that affects a nurse's authorization to practice under a multistate licensure privilege. If a compact state takes such action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the home state of any such actions by other compact states.

A nurse may hold a multistate license, issued by the home state, in only one compact state at a time. If a nurse changes primary state of residence by moving they must apply for licensure in the new home state, the prior home state will be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the Commission.

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Each compact state shall enforce this Compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate this Compact's purposes and intent. The Commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding that may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the Commission, and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process in such proceeding to the Commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the Commission, this Compact or promulgated rules.

Authored By: Sen. Michael Williams (27th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 161 Nays: 9

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-07-2017 Do Pass
AM 34 0754

SB 169

Specialty License Plate; honoring law enforcement; establish
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 169 creates a special license plate honoring Georgia law enforcement officers, with the phrase "back the badge" to be displayed across the bottom. The funds raised by the sale of this special license plate shall be disbursed to the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund.

Authored By: Sen. Greg Kirk (13th) House Committee: Motor Vehicles

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 165 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-14-2017 Do Pass

SR 152

Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers in Georgia; create
Bill Summary: HR 362 creates the Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers for the purpose of reviewing the existing data and current practices relating to stream buffers prior to recommending legislation.
The committee is composed of 17 members: five members of the House, with the chairperson of Natural Resources and Environment serving as co-chair; five members of the Senate with the chairperson of Natural Resources and Environment serving as the co-chair; the director of the Environmental Protection Division; three members of the private sector with experience in water resources appointed by the speaker of the House, and three members appointed by the president of the Senate. The committee is authorized to meet up to five days.

Authored By: Sen. Frank Ginn (47th) House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Yeas: 165 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-09-2017 Do Pass

SR 224

Joint Study Committee on Storm-Water Management Fees; create
Bill Summary: SR 224 creates the Joint Study Committee on Storm-Water Management Fees for the purpose of reviewing existing data and current practices relating to the imposition of storm-water collection and disposal fees onto private property owners.

The committee is comprised of 12 members: two members of the Senate, including the chairperson of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee, who shall serve as co-chair; two members of the House, including the chairperson of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, who shall serve as co-chair; two members with experience in local government appointed by the president of the Senate; two members with experience in local government appointed by the speaker of the House; two members from the private sector who own property subject to storm-water management fees appointed by the president of the Senate; and two members from the private sector who own property subject to storm-water management fees appointed by the speaker of the House.

Authored By: Sen. Frank Ginn (47th) House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Yeas: 162 Nays: 4 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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Modified-Open 03-09-2017 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 16, 2017

Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
SB 173 Captive Insurance Companies; provisions; extensively revise
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 173 extensively revises provisions relating to captive insurance companies (CICs) and updates several definitions within this Code section.
"Affiliate" means any person in the same corporate system as a parent, an industrial insured, or a member organization by virtue of common ownership, control, operation, or management. "Agency captive insurance company" means any domestic insurance company granted a certificate of authority pursuant to this chapter. "Controlled unaffiliated business" is defined as any person who: is not in the corporate system of a parent and its affiliated companies; has an existing contractual relationship with a parent or one of its affiliated companies; or any person whose risks are managed by a pure captive insurance company in accordance with this chapter. "Formation documents" are articles of incorporation, if the CIC is a stock insurer or a mutual insurer, or articles of organization, if the CIC is a limited-liability company. "Mutual insurer" means an incorporated insurer without capital stock or shares that is governed by its policyholders. The definition for "parent" is redefined as an entity which directory or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote more than 50 percent of the total outstanding voting securities of a pure CIC organized as a stock corporation or as a limitedliability company. Finally, "stock insurer" means an incorporated insurer with capital divided into shares and owned by its shareholders.
An agency CIC may only reinsure the risk of insurance or annuity contracts placed by or through the agency, brokerage, managing general agent, or reinsurance intermediary by which it is owned or controlled, or the contractual liability arising out of service contracts or warranties sold through a marketer, producer, administrator, issuer, or provider of service contracts or warranties by which it is owned or controlled. They may do this with prior written approval from the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.
A pure CIC may be organized as a manager-managed, limited-liability company (LLC). It may be incorporated as a stock insurer or a mutual insurer. CICs formed as corporations pursuant to this chapter are subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 13. The commissioner also has the authority to establish regulations regarding the formation, organization, operations, merger, and dissolution of CICs. In the event of any conflict between statutes and regulations, the provisions of this chapter or regulations prevail. CICs are exempt from publishing, and probate court certification requirements set forth in Title 14 or within this title. The provisions of Chapter 14 of this title shall not apply to CICs except as specifically set forth within this title or by the commissioner.
The articles of incorporation of a CIC must be signed by the incorporator and must have the name, the number of shares the CIC is authorized to issue, contact information for the initial registered office and the initial registered agent, as well as contact information for directors; the same requirement applies for the articles of organization of a CIC. In addition to formation documents, the company must submit a $100 fee.
All corporate powers and privileges of CICs shall be issued by the Secretary of State (SOS) and are subject to the laws and Constitution of Georgia. In the event that the SOS is unable to grant powers, the duties shall be performed by the commissioner. When formation documents have been received by the SOS, the CIC shall be issued a certificate of incorporation or organization; however, it shall not transact business as an insurer until the receipt of such certificate.
CICs may amend their formation documents, if they are an LLC, for a fee of $50. The commissioner shall examine the proposed amendments and determine if they are in compliance with applicable insurance laws and will transmit the documents to the SOS. A CIC may merge with one or more business entities if it is a corporation or an LLC, but it shall submit all required merger documents to the commissioner, who shall examine and transmit those documents to the SOS. A CIC may convert to a manager-managed, LLC for a fee of $100. A CIC may dissolve if it is an LLC.
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A CIC shall not use a name that is similar, misleading, or confusing with respect to any other name that is in use by another CIC. The commissioner shall not approve formation documents of a CIC with such a name.

Risk retention group CICs shall only be subject to relevant taxes on direct premiums collected for coverage within the State of Georgia.

Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

SB 201

Labor and Industrial Relations; employees to use sick leave for the care of immediate family members; allow
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 201 provides that an employer with at least 25 employees that provides sick leave shall allow an employee to use that leave for the care of an immediate family member.

Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Local Calendar
HB 574 Johns Creek, City of; Fulton County; provide for vacancies on the governing authority
Bill Summary: This bill provides for vacancies to the governing authority of Johns Creek and also provides for a city manager and mayor pro tempore. It states the city council shall order a special election to fill the balance of an unexpired term of office of the mayor or councilmember. However, if the vacancy occurs within six months of expiration, the council will appoint a successor. Additionally, the mayor is responsible for appointing a city manager, but the city council must ratify the appointment.

Authored By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

03-15-2017 Do Pass

HB 575 Brookhaven, City of; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the city of Brookhaven to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: Rep. Mary Oliver (82nd)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

03-15-2017 Do Pass

HB 576

Habersham County; reconstitute board of elections and registration; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill reconstitutes the board of elections and registration of Habersham County and provides for the composition, powers, duties, and responsibilities of that board. Additionally, it repeals an act creating a board of elections and registration for the county.

Authored By: Rep. Terry Rogers (10th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

03-15-2017 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

HB 577

Marietta, City of; mayor pro tem, presiding officer, organizational meetings, and board of lights and waterworks; revise provisions
Bill Summary: This bill revises the provisions for the mayor pro tem and presiding officer of the city of Marietta. The mayor pro tem, who will be paid an additional $125 a month, does not have the power of veto while serving as mayor. Additionally, a presiding officer shall be appointed and approved by a majority of the council. The presiding officer will serve in the absence of the mayor and pro tem, but will not receive an additional salary. The bill also states that the organizational meeting of the city council will be held in January, during which time annual appointments will be made. Additionally, the bill describes the membership of the Board of Lights and Waterworks for the city.

Authored By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th)

House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

03-15-2017 Do Pass

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Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 36th Legislative Day, Monday, March 20, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Monday, March 20, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 37th Legislative Day.

SB 18

Georgia Public Safety Training Center; any member of security police force; retain his/her weapon and badge under certain conditions
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 18 allows retired law enforcement officers with an aggregate of 10 years of service, separated in good standing, and possessing a law enforcement identification card from the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to carry anywhere in this state. The bill also allows retirees who left under honorable conditions to retain their badge and weapon upon retirement as part of their compensation. This provision applies to all retired law enforcement who are POST certified and served in Georgia or another state's entity.

Authored By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-13-2017 Do Pass

SB 88

'Narcotic Treatment Programs Enforcement Act'
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 88 provides for the regulation of narcotic treatment programs. The 'Narcotic Treatment Programs Enforcement Act' applies to any system of treatment provided for chronic heroin or opiate-like drug-dependent individuals that administers narcotic drugs under physicians' orders either for detoxification purposes or for maintenance treatment in a rehabilitative context offered by any county board of health, partnership, corporation, association, or person or groups of persons engaged in such administration.

The Department of Community Health is authorized and directed to create all rules and regulations necessary for narcotic treatment programs. The department shall establish an information forum for potential applicants no less than 14 days prior to the start of an open enrollment period, which shall be held December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, to accept applications for narcotic treatment. It is mandatory for a representative of the applicant to attend the information forum. Failure to attend and comply with this record of attendance requirements shall disqualify any applicant from consideration during open enrollment. The Department of Community Health will also establish an application review process committee that consists of staff and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

The Department of Community Health shall issue up to four licenses per region to a governing body for any narcotic treatment program which meets all the rules and regulations; however, the department shall establish a review process to determine if a waiver should be granted to allow any additional licensed narcotic treatment programs in a region. The department shall have full authority to determine the requirements for a waiver to be considered for review.

Narcotic treatment programs shall not provide a bounty, free services, free medication, or other rewards for patient referral to such program. Narcotic treatment programs shall not provide temporary discounted financial incentives to a potential patient that do not conform to the schedule of fees established by the department's rules and regulations. To prevent simultaneous enrollment of a patient in more than one program, all programs shall comply with the policies and participate in the central registry operated by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

Authored By:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-14-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 128

Drivers' Licenses; Department of Natural Resources; limited purposes; allow for the sharing of personal data Bill Summary: Senate Bill 128 allows for the sharing of driver's license information with the
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Next on the Floor

Department of Natural Resources for use in detecting and preventing fraud in applications for licenses, permits, registrations, and to confirm residency. This information is only be used by the department in connection with detection and prevention of fraud and in its fulfillment of obligations under the 'Child Support Recovery Act'.

Authored By:

Sen. John Wilkinson (50th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-13-2017 Do Pass

SB 147

Cemetery and Funeral Services; unitrust distribution method provisions; permit a cemetery to request a trustee
Bill Summary: SB 147 expands the type of distribution that a cemetery can make from the required irrevocable trust fund to include the unitrust distribution payment method. The bill also gives authority to the Secretary of State to limit or prohibit any unitrust distributions where the investment practices have not resulted in sufficient protection of the perpetual care trust fund.

Authored By:

Sen. Michael Williams (27th)

House Committee: Regulated Industries

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-14-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 200 Insurance; synchronizing patients' chronic medications; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 200 allows pharmacists to synchronize prescriptions for patients to minimize consumer trips to the pharmacy.

Authored By:

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd)

House Committee: Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 206 'Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Act'
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 206 mandates health insurance coverage for hearing aids for children. Businesses with 10 or less employees are exempt from this measure.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 242

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; delegating physician can enter into a protocol agreement at any one time for nurses; provide
Bill Summary: SB 242 relates to advanced practice registered nurses. A delegating physician may not enter into a nurse protocol agreement with more than 10 advanced practice registered nurses at any one time, nor supervise more than four advanced practice registered nurses at any one time pursuant to nurse protocol agreements. The physician shall not be required to conduct any meetings, observations, or review of medical records if the advanced practice registered nurse practice at a location that: (1) Maintains evidence-based clinical practice guidelines; (2) Is accredited by an accrediting body, approved by the board, such as the Joint Commission or a nationally recognized accrediting organization with comparable standards; (3) Requires the delegating physician to document and maintain a record of review of at least 10 percent of the advanced practice registered nurses' medical records to monitor quality of care being provided to patients, which may be conducted electronically or onsite; (4) Requires the delegating physician and advanced practice registered nurse to participate in and maintain documentation of quarterly clinical collaboration meetings, either by telephone, in person, or onsite, for purposes of monitoring care being provided to patients; and (5) Requires the delegating physician's name, contact information, and record of the visit to be provided to the patient's primary care provider of choice with the patient's consent within 24 hours of the visit.

Authored By:

Sen. Renee Unterman (45th)

House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-14-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

Committee Actions
Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.

Education Committee
HR 354 Georgia Department of Education; develop and provide a list of training materials to increase awareness of mental health issues and disabilities; urge
Bill Summary: House Resolution 354 urges the Department of Education to develop a list of training materials for mental health, behavioral disabilities, and learning disabilities. The Department of Education will consult with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and mental health experts to develop the training list. Once the training list is development the Department of Education shall provide the list to all school systems.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick (93rd) Education

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

SR 192

General Assembly; election of local school superintendents; local boards of education by grand juries as alternative to appointment; authorize -CA
Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 192 amends Article VIII, Section V of the Constitution relating to school governance. Currently, the Constitution provides that each local board of education shall be elected by voters and the local school superintendent shall be appointed by those elected board members. Senate Resolution 192 provides local communities an alternative to the current process by allowing a local school system the option, subject to approval by voters, to elect the local school superintendent. In this option, the local school board would be appointed by the grand jury which is also made up of voters in the local district.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) Education

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Not Pass

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 555 Carrollton, City of; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Carrollton to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kevin Cooke (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

HB 580 Putnam County; abolish office of elected county surveyor; provide for appointment
Bill Summary: This bill abolishes the office of elected county surveyor of Putnam County and provides for the appointment of the county surveyor by the governing authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

HB 581

Taliaferro County; Board of Education; change compensation of members
Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the members of the Taliaferro County Board of Education. The members, excluding the chairperson, will receive $300 per month, while the chair shall receive $325 a month. Additionally, actual expenses will be reimbursed to members while meeting or traveling outside the county as a member of the board.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

HB 582

Monroe County; Joint Board of Elections and Registration; create
Bill Summary: This bill creates the Joint Board of Elections and Registration of Monroe County, which shall conduct the primary and general elections for Monroe County, the city of Culloden, and the city of Forsyth.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

HB 585

Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Development Authority; provide for members, terms, vacancies and a quorum
Bill Summary: This bill provides for the members of the Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Development Authority. It states the authority shall consist of six members, who shall serve one year terms and who shall be eligible for reappointment. The chairperson of the Irwin County Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues shall appoint himself or herself, one member of the board, and one at large, unelected person to the authority. The mayor of the city of Ocilla will do the same. A majority of the directors will constitute a quorum.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Clay Pirkle (155th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

HB 586 Reynolds, City of; provide a new charter; provisions Bill Summary: This bill creates a new charter for the City of Reynolds.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Patty Bentley (139th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

HB 587

Jonesboro, City of; provide nonbinding advisory referendum to lower homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides for a nonbinding advisory referendum to ascertain whether the people of Jonesboro want the governing authority of the city to seek to lower the homestead exemption from city ad valorem taxes over a period of five years to $10,000 of the assessed value of the homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Glanton (75th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

HB 589 Walton County; change compensation of coroner Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the coroner of Walton County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

Judiciary Committee
SB 95 Selection of Jurors; state-wide master jury list; change provisions; Georgia Crime Information Center; pardons and paroles; provide conforming cross-references
Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code sections relating to jury selection, state-wide master jury list, driver's license information, list of registered voters, and "random list of persons to comprise the jury" for purposes of generating a new secure unique identifier number per person to comprise the state-wide master jury list. The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia (council) is currently required to facilitate updating all information relative to jurors on the state-wide and county master jury lists. Effective July 1, 2017, the council requires that the Department of Driver Services, the Secretary of State, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Corrections, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to provide the council with data showing the person's full name, address to include the county of residence zip code, date of birth, gender and when available, the person's race. This information will be used by each agency to generate a secure unique identifier, comprised of the last four digits of the person's social security number, to be submitted to the council as well. The data and secure, unique identifier shall be provided to the council in electronic format as required by the council. The Supreme Court may establish by rules the reasonable standards for the preparation, dissemination, and technological improvements of the state-wide and county master jury lists. The bill removes the requirements to: provide the information to the Administrative Office of the Courts; note whether the license of identification card is valid or expired; and disclosure of ethnicity.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

SB 126

State Tort Claims; venue of actions; provisions; change
Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to venue of actions by adding certain specifications. Currently, tort action against the state must be brought in the state or superior court of the county where the loss occurred. Under this bill the tort action against the state must be brought in the state or superior court of the county where the tort that gave rise to the loss occurred. Here, the difference is that a tort may occur in one area and the loss resulting from that tortious conduct occurs elsewhere, now rather than being where the loss was incurred the venue shall be where the tortious action occurred. Provided however, wrongful death actions may be brought in the county where the tort giving rise to the loss occurred or the county where the decedent died. This Act will only apply to causes of action arising on or after July 1, 2017.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 132

Civil Practice; statutory civil case filing and disposition forms; allow Judicial Council of Georgia to promulgate forms; child custody proceedings; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 132 removes the statutory forms for civil case filing and disposition and authorizes the Judicial Council of Georgia, with the approval of the Supreme Court, to publish the forms to be used. This bill further amends the Code section relating to entry of judgment and filing of a civil case disposition form.

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 16, 2017

Committee Actions

The form requirements used to exempt actions related to proceedings depriving owners of land or property will only exempt disclosure of ownership. The duties of the Administrative Office of the Courts is amended by requiring that data to be analyzed in civil cases shall be provided on or before October of each year to agencies of the executive branch, and the chairpersons of the standing committees of the General Assembly that are assigned issues related to courts, instead of being pursuant to the Code sections relating to commencement of action (commencing a court proceeding for a civil case) and entry judgment.

The authority of the Georgia Courts Automation Commission is amended to remove the commission's authorization to receive electronic data from the civil case filing and disposition forms, and reassigns the compilation of civil filings and dispositions data to the Administrative Office of the Courts. Civil case filings and disposition forms will be transmitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, in addition to the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority. A requirement to transmit the filings to the Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority within 30 days of filing and the section relating to the superior court civil case information system are removed.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Juvenile Justice Committee
SB 168 Child Abuse; permitted to access child abuse records by department, or county, or other state or local agency; extend; Central Child Abuse Registry; permit access
Bill Summary: SB 168 expands the persons and agencies with permitted access to child abuse records to include licensed adoption agencies of this and any other state which is placing a child for adoption, local and state law enforcement agencies, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Juvenile Justice when those entities are providing supervision or services to individuals or families. The bill also allows those local and state agencies to access such records electronically. Moreover, SB 168 expands those with access to the child abuse registry to include any federal, state, tribal, or local governmental agency which is investigating a case of possible child abuse. SB 168 also permits licensed foster care child placing agencies in Georgia, and an entity licensed by any other state which places children for adoption, to have access to the child abuse registry solely for the purpose of conducting background checks on foster and adoptive parents.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Butch Miller (49th) Juvenile Justice

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 170

'Georgia SERVES Act of 2017'; child care services for foster children and their families; provide for certification of volunteers
Bill Summary: SB 170 is designed to help in the recruitment and retention of foster families by allowing for a foster care volunteer to provide tangible support such as babysitting, mentoring, or domestic work. The bill also provides that the Division of Family and Children Services adopt policies and procedures to establish a uniform system meant to streamline a process for approving such volunteers which must include a criminal background check. In addition, SB 170 calls for an advisory committee to make recommendations to the Division of Family and Children services about the uniform system with members to be appointed by the Governor, to stand repealed on December 31, 2018.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Hunter Hill (6th) Juvenile Justice

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 16, 2017

Committee Actions

SB 175

Juvenile Code; juvenile court proceedings; enact reforms
Bill Summary: SB 175 is part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform Package regarding the juvenile code. The bill empowers juvenile court judges the ability to issue an order restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian in any proceeding involving a child in need of services or a delinquent child. When issuing such an order, the court shall consider many factors such as the best interest of said child, the risk to public safety said child poses, evidence of a repeated pattern of conduct, the extent to which enhanced involvement and supervision of said child would decrease the risk to public safety, and any other action the court finds reasonably related to the child's treatment, rehabilitation, or the safety of the public. Civil contempt of court is the manner in which the court compels the actions of said parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Moreover, SB 175 broadens and clarifies the code regarding what options the court has to place a child who has been found incompetent but has committed a crime, in the least restrictive setting while balancing public safety concerns. When a child has been found to be unrestoratively incompetent, the length of detention cannot exceed the period of time than is allowed if the case had been disposed of in court.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Juvenile Justice

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass

Transportation Committee
* The committee had under consideration, the Georgia Department of Transportation's Ten Year Plan as required by 2015's HB 170. The committee voted unanimously to approve.

SB 6

Georgia Regional Transit Council; definitions; membership; powers; duties; create
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 6 creates the Georgia Regional Transit Council. The council is charged with establishing: a vision for transit; an investment strategy; methods for planning projects, and a strategic plan for services to enhance mobility.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 183

State Road and Tollway Authority; definition; powers of the authority; provide
Bill Summary: SB 183 allows the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) to enter into public private partnerships and issue bonds to private developers who contract to work on a state owned project. The bill also aligns the procurement methods to mirror that of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 219

Motor Vehicles; definitions; operation of motor vehicles with automated driving systems on certain public roads; provide
Bill Summary: SB 219 allows for autonomous vehicles to operate on the roads of this state without a human driver present. The vehicle is required to have the ability to obey all traffic laws and to be covered under liability coverage at the same limits as commercial indemnity and limousine carriers set in Georgia Code. The bill preempts any laws prohibiting automated driving systems and declares that automated motor vehicles, automated driving systems and any commercial use or operations are governed exclusively by this Code section.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 16, 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.

Friday, March 17, 2017 9:30 AM JUDICARY NON-CIVIL - 406 CLOB

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