DAILY REPORT Friday March 24, 2017 38th Legislative Day House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 House Media Services (404) 656-0305 The House will reconvene for its 39th Legislative Day on Tuesday, March 28 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet on Monday, March 27 at 1:30 p.m. Today on the Floor Motions to Agree 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 $250,000. The bill also adds pre-released 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' which allows for a 20 percent tax credit for post-production companies which have at least $250,000 in total payroll within Georgia and 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 35 percent if production was completed exclusively in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county. Post-production 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 post-production companies are capped at $1 million per tax year. Overall, the credit is capped at $10 million for 2018 through 2022. If the cap is not met in any year, the remaining amount will roll forward to be applied the next year. No single company may claim more than 20 percent of the total aggregate tax credit for any year. The post-production 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: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Rule Applied: Structured Motions to Agree: (A Motion to Agree as Amended by the House sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.) 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 an entity created by the merger of two or more entities which individually qualify as a family farm owned entity to be eligible to participate in the conservation use valuation assessment and by allowing portions of the property in a covenant to be carved out of the covenant and used for solar generation of electricity or heat and farm labor housing. The portion of the property which is removed from the covenant and used for solar electricity or heat generation will be subject to a penalty in the amount equal to the reduction in taxes paid for the year of the breach and become subject to ad valorem tax at the fair market value. The portion of the property which is removed from the covenant and used for farm labor housing will become subject to ad valorem tax at the fair market value. Authored By: Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th) Rule Applied: Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) Page 1 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today 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. It reflects the recommendations by the Georgia Elections Advisory Council, removes references to antiquated terms and removes unnecessary Code sections. HB 268 provides that counties may not change precincts within a period of 90 days prior to an election and clarifies that poll managers shall have control of the flow of traffic inside a voting precinct. The bill allows tribal identification cards issued to members of Indian tribes to be used for voter identification purposes. It also 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. It further allows election superintendents to make corrections to primary election ballots if they discover a mistake or omission on printed ballots or on the display screens of electronic voting machines. Finally, it allows municipalities, if they deem it practical, to hold a special election or run-off election in conjunction with a federal special or run-off election. Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A Motion to Agree as Amended by the House sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration.) Rules Calendar HR 462 House of Representatives; commitment to strengthening military installations located within state; reaffirm Bill Summary: House Resolution 462 reaffirms the Georgia House of Representatives' commitment to strengthening the military installations located within the state. In an effort to maximize the military value of those installations, the House is rededicating itself to supporting our troops and their families by taking all prudent actions to improve their quality of life and empower them to contribute to our nation's defenses. Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) House Committee: Defense & Veterans Affairs Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 164 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-13-2017 Do Pass SB 4 "Enhancing Mental Health Treatment in Georgia Act"; Georgia Mental Health Treatment Task Force; establish Bill Summary: SB 4 relates to medical assistance to establish the Georgia Mental Health Treatment Task Force. The Task Force will be composed of three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and three members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate. Three members will be appointed by the Governor. Also, the Georgia Mental Health Treatment Advisory Council will be composed of 21 nonvoting members to be appointed by the Governor to include the following: (1) The commissioner of community health or his or her designee; (2) The commissioner of behavioral health and developmental disabilities or his or her designee; (3) The commissioner of public health or his or her designee; (4) The commissioner of human services or his or her designee; (5) The commissioner of community affairs or his or her designee; (6) The commissioner of corrections or his or her designee; (7) The commissioner of community supervision or his or her designee; Page 2 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor (8) The commissioner of public safety or his or her designee; (9) One board licensed psychiatrist in private practice; (10) One board licensed psychiatrist practicing in an acute care hospital that maintains in-patient psychiatric beds; (11) One board licensed psychiatrist practicing in a private free-standing psychiatric institution; (12) Two representatives each from two separate boards representing the state's community service boards; (13) One licensed psychologist; (14) One licensed social worker; (15) One licensed professional counselor; (16) Two active post certified members of law enforcement; (17) One consumer who has a mental illness diagnosis; (18) One family member of a consumer who has a mental illness diagnosis; and (19) One licensed emergency medical technician or paramedic. The Task Force will examine the current mental health landscape in the state with particular attention to the number of residents affected by serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders and their health insurance coverage status, both public and private. The member will also evaluate whether the current Medicaid program provides adequate and effective mental health care services to the portion of the population suffering from, and at risk for, serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders. There will also be verification of the impact on the state's hospitals, emergency rooms, law enforcement, prisons, jails, and related institutions and services resulting from a lack of treatment of those with mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Finally, a report will be submitted to the General Assembly detailing the task force's findings and recommendations, including whether to submit a Section 1115 waiver application to the Department of Health and Human Services or apply for a block grant for the provision of services related to serious mental illness and substance abuse disorders. Authored By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) House Committee: Health & Human Services Floor Vote: Yeas: 138 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-21-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 15 Crimes and Offenses; weapons carry license; add to the category of former law enforcement officers Bill Summary: SB 15 grants former law enforcement officers with ten years of service who left that position as the result of a disability arising in the line of duty to a weapons carry license free of charge. Authored By: Sen. Michael Rhett (33rd) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil Floor Vote: Yeas: 149 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2017 Do Pass SB 108 Veterans Service; maintenance of a women veterans' office by the commissioner of veteran services; require Bill Summary: This bill instructs the Department of Veterans Service to maintain a Women Veterans' Office. This office will conduct outreach to female veterans for the purpose of improving awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' benefits and services and to conduct assessments of the specific needs of women veterans with respect to benefits and services. The Women Veterans' Office will also work to assist with recruiting and training women veterans to serve as mentors for veterans participating in the veterans' court divisions. Authored By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) House Committee: Defense & Veterans Affairs Floor Vote: Yeas: 163 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-13-2017 Do Pass Page 3 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor SB 117 Georgia Technology Authority; definition of the term "agency"; change; establishment of certain policies and standards used by all agencies; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 117 clarifies the code as it relates to the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) in order for the state to purchase cyber insurance. It reflects current practices by adding the General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Defense, and elected constitutional officers to the list of government entities not supported by GTA. Further, it requires GTA to establish technology policies and standards for all agencies they serve. These policies shall include, but not be limited to, the role and responsibilities of chief information officers and chief information security officers within such agencies. Authored By: Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs Floor Vote: Yeas: 164 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 121 "Jeffrey Dallas Gay, Jr., Act" Bill Summary: SB 121 is the "Jeffery Dallas Gay Jr. Act" which allows for the opioid antagonist Naloxone to be sold over the counter without a prescription. The state health officer is allowed to issue a standing order to prescribe opioid antagonists on a statewide basis and every pharmacist in the state is required to retain a copy of said order. Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil Floor Vote: Yeas: 163 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-17-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 149 School Resource Officers; training requirements; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 149 requires that the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) maintain a 40-hour training course for school resource officers. Minimum training will include: assignment to an elementary or secondary school; search and seizure procedures in those schools; criminal offenses; gang and drug awareness; interviews and interrogations; emergency preparedness; and interpersonal interactions with adolescents, including encountering mental health issues. This legislation also requires that municipal probation officers who wish to have arrest powers over those they are supervising be POST certified. Finally, this bill includes language prohibiting persons from providing tobacco products to an inmate without the knowledge and consent of the jailer inside or outside of the jail. It also prohibits the procurement and possession of stored value cards for and by inmates. Authored By: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Rule Applied: House Committee: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action: Floor Vote: Yeas: 148 Nays: 7 Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 153 Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers; exempt certain activities Bill Summary: SB 153 increases the scope of practice for optometrists by allowing for pharmaceutical agents to be administered through injections. Authored By: Sen. Matt Brass (28th) House Committee: Regulated Industries Floor Vote: Yeas: 121 Nays: 36 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 36 0594 Page 4 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor SB 160 "Back the Badge Act of 2017" Bill Summary: SB 160 is the 'Back the Badge Act of 2017'. The bill defines "public safety officer" to include peace officers, correctional officers, emergency health workers, firefighters, highway emergency response operators, and certain officers of the court. The legislation broadens the offenses of aggravated assault on a public safety officer and aggravated battery on a peace officer. The punishment for assault on a public safety officer where there is a discharge of a firearm is a felony punishable with incarceration from 10 to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of 10 years that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced. When such assault does not involve the discharge of a firearm, the punishment is a felony with a term of incarceration from five to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of five years that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced. When a person commits the offense of aggravated battery on a public safety officer while that officer is engaged in his or her official duties, the punishment is a felony with a term of imprisonment from 10 to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of three years to be imposed that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced; however, the court may depart from such mandatory minimum sentence when the prosecuting attorney and defendant have agreed to a sentence that is below the mandatory minimum in each case. The bill creates a felony obstruction crime where a person knowingly and willfully obstructs by throwing, tossing, projecting, or expelling human or animal urine, feces, vomitus, or seminal fluid on a law enforcement officer, prison guard, jailer, and others when an officer is in the discharge of his or her official duties. The punishment is a felony with a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than five years. The bill also places juveniles between the ages of 13 to 17 who commit one of the aforementioned crimes into the Superior Court to be tried as adults. Moreover, the bill increases the state payment to the decedents of fallen officers to $150,000. Authored By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil Floor Vote: Yeas: 102 Nays: 44 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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: Sen. Butch Miller (49th) House Committee: Juvenile Justice Floor Vote: Yeas: 151 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 174 Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform; reform for individuals supervised under accountability courts; provide Bill Summary: SB 174 is a part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform package. This bill provides that the Council of Accountability Court Judges shall create and manage a certification of peer review process to ensure that veteran court divisions are adhering to the standards and practices of the Council and that veteran court divisions must adhere to the same policies, procedures, and Page 5 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor standards of other accountability courts. Moreover, SB 174 allows the Board of Community Supervision to provide educational programs for probationers and that it must create a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate that may be given to those probationers who successfully complete the program. The bill also grants the ability for judges to require payments of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of probation which can be waived if the court finds significant hardship. Also, judges are granted the ability to provide that conditions of probation be imposed when a defendant is serving a split sentence. Authored By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil Floor Vote: Yeas: 156 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-17-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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 the child, the risk to public safety the child poses, evidence of a repeated pattern of conduct, the extent to which enhanced involvement and supervision of the child would decrease the risk to pubic 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: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) House Committee: Juvenile Justice Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-16-2017 Do Pass SB 176 Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform; driving privileges; enact reforms Bill Summary: SB 176 is a part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform package. When an individual is apprehended by an officer for non-serious traffic violations, in lieu of being incarcerated, ordered to post a bond, or ordered for an appearance for trial, the individual may display his or her license and be issued a traffic citation. Upon the display of the license, the apprehending officer shall release the individual for further appearance before the proper judicial officer. When a uniform traffic citation is issued and the accused fails to appear before the court, before a bench warrant is issued, the clerk of court shall notify the individual a post card allowing for 30 days to dispose of the matter. If the accused again fails to dispose of the matter, the clerk of court will forward the matter to the Department of Driver Services the accused license number to suspend the license. Authored By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil Floor Vote: Yeas: 154 Nays: 1 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-17-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 186 Education; HOPE; students who earned high school diploma through dual coursework are eligible; associate degree; clarify Bill Summary: SB 186 allows students who received a high school diploma through completion of a technical college diploma program or at least two technical college certificate of credit programs in one specific career pathway to be eligible for up to 30 degree hours of the HOPE grant, provided the student meets residency requirements. Currently, a student who receives a high school diploma Page 6 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor through completion of a technical college diploma program or at least two technical college certificate of credit programs in one specific career pathway may not meet the prerequisite course requirements for an associate or bachelor degree. HOPE scholarship does not pay for prerequisite courses; therefore, SB 186 would allow students to use HOPE grant for those prerequisite courses. This bill also includes 'The Caregiver Educational Consent Act', which 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: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) House Committee: Higher Education Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-15-2017 Do Pass AM 40 0208 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: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) House Committee: Transportation Floor Vote: Yeas: 151 Nays: 17 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-16-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 226 Alcoholic Beverages; regulations; provisions; annual production requirements for Georgia farm wineries; change Bill Summary: SB 266 increases the amount of wine that a winery can receive in bulk from out of state from 20 to 40 percent of the winery's annual production. Authored By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th) House Committee: Regulated Industries Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-14-2017 Do Pass SB 258 Eligibility and Qualifications for Office; ineligibility for office for holders of public money of municipalities who refuse; pay over such funds to proper office; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 258 disqualifies municipal and school board officers from holding public funds if they have refused or failed when called upon to pay to the proper officer. Authored By: Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) House Committee: Governmental Affairs Floor Vote: Yeas: 151 Nays: 1 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 7 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor SR 130 Joint Transparency and Open Access in Government Study Committee; create Bill Summary: This resolution creates the Joint Transparency and Open Access in Government Study Committee to examine ways to appropriately, efficiently, and securely share data between and within state agencies to allow for quicker, more impactful cross-agency analysis to allow policymakers to expedite informed decisions. Authored By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) House Committee: Special Rules Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 153 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SR 228 Property Conveyance; authorize 18 counties Bill Summary: SR 228 is a conveyance resolution for properties located in 18 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows: Article 1 conveys approximately 1,966 acres in Baldwin County at the Central State Hospital campus, which is under the custodies of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Corrections, to the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority for a consideration of $10 in accordance with that valuation of buildings and real property conducted by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and State Properties Commission staff. Article 2 conveys approximately 10.6 acres in Baldwin County (known as the Oconee District Office) under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 3, to settle all disputes of ownership, conveys approximately 174 diked-acres of marsh island in Camden County (known as Raccoon Key) to Mapache, LLC in exchange for a quitclaim deed from Mapache of approximately 1,546 acres of marshlands. Mapache will seek a mitigation bank permit on the 174 acres and 15 percent of each credit release will go the state (1/3 of those credits available after 10 years). The state will also receive immediate use stipulations on approximately 105 acres and conveyance back to the state of 69 acres if a mitigation bank is not approved. Article 4, to settle all disputes of ownership of the property in Chatham County and all present and former littoral, wharfing, and other rights, interests, and privileges in and to the property and adjoining tidally influenced water bottoms and tidal waters, conveys to MMA/PSP Savannah River, LLC 57.76 acres of marshlands and tidally-influenced water bottoms for the consideration of fair market value or exchange of real property or a combination thereof including a strip of land measuring not less than three feet in width adjoining the sheetpile bulkhead. Article 5 conveys approximately 16.14 acres in Clinch County, previously known as the Homerville State Prison (under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections) by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 6 conveys approximately 16.14 acres in Coffee County (previously known as the Homerville State Prison) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 7 conveys approximately 20.72 acres in Crawford County (described as the former Crawford County Center of the Central Georgia Technical College) under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government of state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use with terms of a lease back to TCSG of 3,200 square feet of the Page 8 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor 20,000 sq. ft. building for $10 per year to continue operating at the location. Article 8 conveys approximately 5.03 surplus acres in Dougherty County (formerly the Department of Juvenile Justice's Albany Regional Youth Detention Center) to the Board of Regents of the University System for $10 with reversion to the state if the board discontinues its use; or by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 for public purpose use. Article 9 conveys and releases the public purpose use restriction and reversionary interest over approximately 3.56 acres in Fannin County (of the former Blue Ridge State Farmer's Market) conveyed to the City of Blue Ridge on November 29, 2007, for the consideration of $14,000. Article 10 conveys approximately 2 acres (an office and warehouse) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, to Gordon County for $10 so long as the property is used for public use, or by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government of state entity for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 11 conveys to the Georgia Department of Transportation approximately 0.253 of an acre in Hall County (a portion of the 3.07 acres State Patrol Post 6) for $22,072 fee simple, $15,000 for site improvements, and $103,345 for cost-to-cure to replace the septic system and water vault; or by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 for public purpose use. Article 12 conveys approximately 84.74 acres in Houston County (known as the Robins Air Force Base Buffer Project) to the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority as a buffer and to protect it from any Base Realignment and Closure Commission citations for Robins Air Force Base for fair market value or exchange of real property or a combination thereof. Article 13 conveys approximately 0.453 of an acre in Lincoln County (commonly known as the Lincoln County Unit) under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 14 conveys approximately 14.7 acres in Muscogee County (formerly known as the Columbus Farmers Market) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Agriculture by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public purpose; or to a local government or state entity for the payment of fair market value or exchange of real property, or a combination thereof. Article 15, after the reversion of approximately 4.67 acres (formerly known as the Donalsonville Farmers Market) from Seminole County to the custody of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, conveys the property to the City of Donalsonville for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use, or by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government of state entity for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use. Article 16 conveys approximately 4.6 acres in Tattnall County (commonly known as the former Tattnall Institute Building and the Allied Health Building and parking area at Southeastern Technical College-Glennville Campus) under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to the Tattnall County Industrial Development Authority for a consideration of $10 and the economic benefit to the state as defined by the Department of Economic Development. Article 17 leases to Washington County approximately 3,000 square feet under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia as a 9-1-1 call center for $10 per year for 20 years and payment of its prorated share of expenses for utilities and maintenance of the approximately 16,875 square foot building located on approximately 45.6 acres, which was recently conveyed by the County to the State as the Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Sandersville. Page 9 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor Article 18 conveys by quitclaim deed approximately 15 acres in Worth County to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for $10 for title clearing purposes, as the same property was transferred for use to the board by an Executive Order on December 12, 1966 from the custody of the Department of Natural Resources. Article 19 leases the approximately 137.33 miles and accompanying rail corridor (of approximately 66 feet in width and 23 feet in height as improved with railroad tracks, with appurtenances, depots, sheds, buildings, bridges, sidings and spurs) known as the Western and Atlantic Railroad found in Bartow, Catoosa, Cobb, Fulton, Gordon, and Whitfield Counties in Georgia and Hamilton County in Tennessee, as described in the amended lease dated January 1, 1986 and as inventoried in the State Properties Commission records as Real Property Record 07352. A new lease to CSXT, Inc. will commence January 1, 2020 for a term of 50 years for a consideration of fair market value base rent of $12,100,000 at commencement and escalating at 2.5 percent compounded annually, provided that the base rent may be adjusted during the first year of the lease in order to account for expenses of the State Properties Commission related to lease negotiations, and 50 percent of the revenue generated from existing or new CSXT agreements, sub-leases, easements, of licenses on the leased property. The lease may not preclude the State from an authorized usage of the rail. Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th) House Committee: State Properties Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 161 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 44 0041 SR 229 Public Property; granting of non-exclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads; authorize 10 counties Bill Summary: SR 229 authorizes the granting of non-exclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through property owned by the State of Georgia in the counties of Baldwin, Bleckley, Chatham, Cherokee, Douglas, Effingham, Evans, Fulton, Glynn, Hall, Henry, Laurens, Madison, Rockdale, Upson, Walton, and White, as follows: Article 1 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.10 of an acre at the Baldwin State Prison in Baldwin County under the custody of the Department of Corrections for the construction, operation and maintenance of a transmission line and associated equipment in Land Lots 243 and 244, 5th Land District, 318th G.M. District, for fair market value, but not less than $650. Article 2 grants an easement to Bleckley County or its successors and assigns over approximately 1.86 acres under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to widen, pave and maintain County Road 128 (Roy Bryant Road) in Land Lot 57, 1811th G.M. District, for $10. Article 3 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.02 of an acre at the Coastal State Prison in Chatham County under the custody of the Department of Corrections for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a power line and associated equipment to serve a new welding shop at Coastal State Prison in the 8th G.M. District for $10. Article 4 grants an easement to the Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.001 of an acre in Cherokee County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of a gas regulator station and associated equipment to serve the Woodstock campus of Chattahoochee Technical College in Land Lot 10022, 15th District, 2nd Section, for $10. Article 5 grants an easement to the Greystone Power Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.05 of an acre in Douglas County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines Page 10 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor and associated equipment to serve the park manager's residence at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Land Lot 886, 18th Land District, 2nd Section for $10. Article 6 grants an easement to Georgia Pacific Consumer Products, LP or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.52 of an acre of marshlands in Effingham County (commonly known as the Georgia Pacific Savannah River Mill Maintenance dredging area) under the regulation by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, O.C.G.A. 125-280, et seq., and the governor's powers to regulate public property, O.C.G.A. 50-16-61, for the purpose of expanding the dredging area by 0.52 of an acre for $650. Article 7 grants an easement to the Canoochee Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.05 of an acre in Evans County in the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical lines and associated equipment to serve a new picnic pavilion at the Evans County Public Fishing Area in the 401st G.M. District for $10. Article 8 grants an easement to the City of Atlanta or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.0671 of an acre of a portion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in Fulton County under the custody of the State Properties Commission for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a sub-surface deep drinking water tunnel and associated equipment in Land Lot 189 of the 17th District for fair market value in the amount of $1,403. Article 9 grants an easement to the Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.226 of an acre at the Coastal Pines Technical College in Glynn County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of underground gas distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Golden Isles campus for construction project TCSG-247 in the 26th GM District, for $10. Article 10 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately one acre at the Coastal Pines Technical College in Glynn County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Golden Isles campus for construction project TCSG-247 in the 26th GM District, for $10. Article 11 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 6.73 acres at the Lanier Technical College in Hall County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Hall County campus for construction project TCSG-327 in the 411th GM District, for $10. Article 12 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 6.73 acres at the Lanier Technical College in Hall County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Hall County campus for construction project TCSG-327 in the 411th GM District, for $10. Article 13 grants an easement to the Snapping Shoals Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 3.14 acres at the Henry County Campus of Southern Crescent Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical transmission lines and associated equipment to serve the Industrial Training and Technology Building at the Henry County campus of Southern Crescent Technical College for construction project TCSG-317 in Land Lot 136, 7th District, for $10. Article 14 grants an easement to the City of Dublin or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.16 of an acre of temporary easement and 0.010 of an acre of permanent easement in Laurens County under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the replacement, operation and maintenance of sewer lines and associated equipment to serve the Dublin Readiness Center in Land Lot 233 of the 1st Land District for $10. Page 11 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor Article 15 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 2.0 acres at the Watson Mill Bridge State Park and surrounding areas in Madison County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution lines power line and associated equipment to serve the Watson Mill Bridge State Park and surrounding areas in the 203rd G.M. District for $10 and the conveyance of any interest that Georgia Power may have in their existing 8.0 acre easement. Article 16 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.0007 of an acre at the Conyers Region 10, Investigative Office in Rockdale County under the custody of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new office modular unit in the 237 Land Lot of the 16th GM District, for $10. Article 17 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately one acre in Upson County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground power lines and associated equipment at Sprewell Bluff Wildlife Management Area in Land Lot 206 of the 15th Land District for fair market value, but not less than $650. Article 18 grants an easement to the Walton Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre in Walton County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new Wildlife Resources Division's maintenance building at the Walton Fish Hatchery in Land Lot 74, 1st District for $10. Article 19 grants an easement to Habersham Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.3 of an acre at the Hardman Farm Historic Site in White County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve a new entrance sign at the Hardman Farm Historic Site in Land Lots 56 and 73, 3rd Land District for $10. Article 20 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.25 of an acre at Unicoi State Park in White County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new archery range restroom building at Unicoi State Park in Land Lot 6, of the 3rd Land District for $10. Authored By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th) House Committee: State Properties Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-15-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Postponed Until Next Legislative Day SB 3 "Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training (CONNECT) Act"; enact Bill Summary: Senate Bill 3 enacts the 'Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training (CONNECT) Act'. The at amends and expands Title 20 to provide for industry credentialing for students who complete focused programs of study. This legislation adds "energy" to the current list of focused programs and allows local school systems, charter schools, and college and career academies to develop and submit additional pathways for consideration by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education shall establish a competitive grant for renovation, modernization, replacement, or purchase of equipment for certified in industry certification programs Page 12 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor and those in the process of achieving certification, with grant priority given to chronically lowperforming high schools. Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Rule Applied: Modified-Open 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) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured SB 141 Carnival Ride Safety; engineering evaluation with a carnival ride permit application; require Bill Summary: SB 141 requires carnivals operating in the state of Georgia in 2018 to submit a onetime engineering evaluation from a licensed engineer regarding the condition of critical components when applying for a permit to operate in this state. Authored By: Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Rule Applied: Modified-Open SB 211 Student Assessments;consideration of local reading programs; research based formative assessments; summative component; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 211 amends Code Section 20-2-281 relating to research-based formative assessments for the first and second grades in mathematics and English-language arts/reading. This legislation amends the current code by requiring such research-based assessments provide real-time data; allow flexible grouping of students based on skills level; and measure study progress. This legislation also requires the State Board of Education to conduct a study comparing state content standards in grades nine through 12 to nationally recognized academic assessments such as SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER. Authored By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Rule Applied: Page 13 of 20 Modified-Open House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor Local Calendar HB 597 Trenton, City of; Dade County; change position of city clerk from elective to appointive; provisions Bill Summary: This bill changes the position of city clerk for the city of Trenton from elected to appointed. Authored By: Rep. John Deffenbaugh (1st) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 598 Trenton, City of; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Trenton to levy an excise tax. Authored By: Rep. John Deffenbaugh (1st) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 600 Stonecrest, City of; DeKalb County; revise city's voting districts; provisions Bill Summary: HB 600 prohibits the mayor of the city of Stonecrest from serving three consecutive terms. It further provides that a councilmember may serve unlimited successive terms. It also states that four councilmembers, including the mayor, will constitute a quorum. The mayor shall only vote in the event of a tie. Authored By: Rep. Doreen Carter (92nd) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 603 Fulton County; State Court; modify compensation of judges Bill Summary: This bill modifies the compensation of the judges of the State Court of Fulton County. Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 131 Nays: 19 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 608 Alpharetta, City of; members of governing authority; implement term limits Bill Summary: This bill implements term limits for the city of Alpharetta's governing authority. It states no councilmember elected and qualified for three consecutive terms shall be eligible for the succeeding term. It also states no mayor elected and qualified for two consecutive terms shall be eligible for the succeeding term. Authored By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass Page 14 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor HB 609 Acworth, City of; adopt by reference a certain map Bill Summary: This bill adopts the "Official Map of the Corporate Limits of the City of Acworth, Georgia" as the official map of the corporate limits of the city. That map is prepared by and retained by the city clerk. Authored By: Rep. Ed Setzler (35th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 610 Clayton Judicial Circuit; judges of superior court; increase county supplement to state salary Bill Summary: This bill increases the county supplement to $50,000 per year for the judges of the superior court of the Clayton Judicial Circuit. Authored By: Rep. Mike Glanton (75th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 611 Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority Act; enact Bill Summary: This bill provides for definitions and membership to the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority. It also provides for the powers of the authority. Authored By: Rep. Winfred Dukes (154th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 612 Newton County; board of education; provide manner of changing compensation for members Bill Summary: This bill states the Newton County Board of Education can fix the salary, compensation, and expenses of its members. However, any salary, compensation, expenses, or expenses in the nature of compensation for the members shall not be effective until the first day of January of the year following the next general election held after the increase was made. Additionally, the board may not take any action to increase any of the above mentioned terms until a notice of intent, along with the fiscal impact, is published in the legal organ at least once a week for three consecutive weeks before the meeting. Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 613 Sugar Hill, City of; change corporate limits Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Sugar Hill. Authored By: Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: Nays: Floor Action: Recommit to Committee Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass Page 15 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Today on the Floor HB 614 Powder Springs, City of; provide for annexation of certain property Bill Summary: This bill provides for annexation of certain property into the city of Powder Springs. Authored By: Rep. David Wilkerson (38th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass HB 615 Walker County; Board of Commissioners; create Bill Summary: This bill creates the Walker County Board of Commissioners. Authored By: Rep. Steve Tarvin (2nd) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 150 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-24-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 246 DeKalb County Charter Review Commission; create; membership, officers, purpose, meetings, hearings, functions; provide Bill Summary: This bill creates the DeKalb County Charter Review Commission. Authored By: Sen. Gloria Butler (55th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 155 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-23-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 265 Forsyth County; compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner; provide Bill Summary: This bill provides for compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner of Forsyth County. It also provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a salary supplement for the coroner. The coroner shall make $53,000 a year, while the deputy coroners shall only be compensated with investigation fees found in Code Section 45-16-27. The COLA shall be authorized by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. That board may also authorize a salary supplement. Authored By: Sen. Michael Williams (27th) House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination Local Floor Vote: Yeas: 150 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-24-2017 Do Pass Page 16 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Committee Actions Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar. Appropriations Committee SB 5 Lottery for Education; net proceeds transferred to the state treasury for credit to the Lottery for Education Account; establish the percentage Bill Summary: SB 5 requires that net lottery proceeds transferred to the treasury shall equal 35 percent or as near as is practical but not less than 25 percent of lottery proceeds. It further requires that, beginning in FY 2019, in any year that net sales revenue for the current fiscal year exceeds the net sales revenue for the previous fiscal year by 5 percent or more, then the Lottery Corporation shall increase proceeds transferred to the Lottery for Education Account by .5% over the prior fiscal year. If in any fiscal year the net sales revenue fails to exceed the highest net sales revenue earned, then this increased payment shall not be applicable until net sales revenues again exceed the highest net sales revenue earned. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Bill Cowsert (46th) Appropriations Committee Action: 03-24-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee HB 615 Walker County; Board of Commissioners; create Bill Summary: This bill creates the Walker County Board of Commissioners. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Steve Tarvin (2nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-24-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 265 Forsyth County; compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner; provide Bill Summary: This bill provides for compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner of Forsyth County. It also provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a salary supplement for the coroner. The coroner shall make $53,000 a year, while the deputy coroners shall only be compensated with investigation fees found in Code Section 45-16-27. The COLA shall be authorized by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. That board may also authorize a salary supplement. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Michael Williams (27th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-24-2017 Do Pass Judiciary Committee SB 222 'Local Government 9-1-1 Authority Act'; Local Government 9-1-1 Authority; create Bill Summary: SB 222 establishes the "Local Government 9-1-1 Authority" (authority) and provides the Department of Revenue (DOR) fee collection powers for a monthly "9-1-1 charge" to customers. This 9-1-1 charge is for costs associated with 9-1-1 services including operating the system. Unless exempt, telephone companies will collect 9-1-1 charges from customers and remit such monthly charges to DOR no later than the 20th day of the month following the month in which they are collected, along with a report identifying the amount of charges being collected from their customers attributable to the local government based on the customer's zip code. DOR is entitled to retain an administrative fee equal to 0.5 percent of the gross 9-1-1 charges Page 17 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Committee Actions remitted to DOR, and shall remit 1 percent of gross 9-1-1 charges to the authority for administrative operations and auditing. The remaining 98.5 percent shall be remitted to each local government on a pro rata basis based on the amounts attributable to each local government as reported by the telephone company. This shall occur no later than 20 days following the month in which such charges were collected. Each local government shall deposit and account for these funds in a separate restricted revenue fund known as the "Emergency Telephone System Fund". The monthly 9-1-1 charge shall be a $1.50 per telephone service provided to the customer. The requirement that the 9-1-1 charges be listed as a separate line item on a customer's bill is removed, but the service supplier must keep the data in a format that is accessible by auditors. Telephone services include new and old forms of telephone services available such as postpaid wireless services, land lines, Voice Over Internet Provider accounts (VOIP), and prepaid services. The bill also eliminates the service supplier's ability to charge local governments a cost recovery fee and instead allows the service suppliers to bill customers a cost recovery fee up to $0.45 per line. All telephone service suppliers must register with the authority or face penalties. The authority shall coordinate the development and implementation of a state-wide emergency 9-1-1 system; contract with DOR or others to audit business records of any telephone service provider required to remit 91-1 charges to DOR; ensure proper collection and remittance of such charges; and impose penalties on violators. The authority shall also have the duties and responsibilities to: (1) apply for, receive, and use federal grants, state grants, or both; (2) study, evaluate, and recommend technology standards for state-wide services; (3) identify any changes necessary to accomplish more effective and efficient service across this state; (4) provide an enforcement mechanism for providers who do not collect and remit the 9-1-1 fees to the authority as required, (5) coordinate all planning and training for the 9-1-1 centers, and (6) provide an annual report which shall include proposed legislation, if any, to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 1 of each year. The authority shall also promulgate bylaws and may adopt procedures. The authority may develop a 9-11 emblem to be utilized by public safety vehicles participating in a 9-1-1 system. Control and management of the authority shall be vested in a board of directors, which shall consist of 17 members all from jurisdictions which operate a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAPs) and will be appointed as follows: two by the Speaker, two by the Lieutenant Governor, and the remainder by the Governor. A PSAP is a public safety agency which receives incoming 9-1-1 telephone calls and dispatches appropriate public safety agencies to respond to such calls. Additionally, local governments shall become members of the authority upon their adoption of a resolution or ordinance to impose the monthly 9-1-1 charge. The authority shall have the power and authority to: (1) have a seal; (2) make and execute agreements; (3) acquire real or personal property in furtherance of the public purpose of the authority, provided however, that the authority shall not be required to pay taxes or assessments upon any real or personal property acquired or under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision; (4) apply for and to accept any gifts, grants, loan guarantees, loans of funds, property, or financial or other aid in any form from the federal or state government, agency or instrumentality and such money received shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied as approved by the board; (5) fix and collect fees and charges for data, media, and incidental services furnished by it to any individual or private entity; (6) deposit or otherwise invest funds held by it in any state depository or in any investment that is authorized for the investment of proceeds of state general obligation; (7) do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers, duties, and activities conferred; (9) bring and defend actions; (10) provide for the collection of moneys; and other such similar powers. The authority shall have no jurisdiction over the setting rates, terms, and conditions for telecommunications services. The board shall appoint an executive director to be head of the authority and establish the executive director's salary. The executive director, with the concurrence and approval of the board, shall hire officers, agents, and employees, and prescribe their duties, responsibilities, qualifications, salaries, and perform such other duties as the authority prescribes. Furthermore, the board is allowed to develop its own auditing service supplier schedule, which cannot allow for auditing more than once every three years. A service supplier may seek, by written request, approval from the authority as to a billing practice and the authority shall issue a written Page 18 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 2017 Committee Actions decision within 90 days of the receipt of the request. If the authority fails to issue its decision within the time period, then the billing practice shall be deemed approved. As of July 1, 2017 all local governments which operate or contract for the operation of a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) will be required to be members of the authority. All information submitted by a service supplier to the DOR or the authority shall be presumed to be confidential, provided however, members of DOR or the authority may have access to this information for the purpose of determining the accuracy of collections and remittances related to the member's jurisdiction. General information may be released or published by DOR or the authority if they do not identify or allow identification of numbers of subscribers or revenues attributable to an individual service supplier. These prohibitions shall not prohibit compliance with a court order, taxing or regulatory authority, law enforcement agency, or prosecuting attorney in conjunction with an investigation. As of January 1, 2019, the authority will approve the creation of new PSAPs, ensuring they conform to guidelines and procedures. SB 222 also requires public agencies to assist the authority in carrying out the authority's duties. The bill also adds the authority to the existing exemptions from liability in the operation of a 9-1-1 system. Lastly, SB 222 preserves any pending legal action or for any action against a service supplier prior January 1, 2019. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary Committee Action: 03-24-2017 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 19 of 20 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 24, 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. Monday, March 27, 2017 1:30 PM RULES - 341 CAP 2:00 PM SMALL BUSINESS - 506 CLOB Page 20 of 20