Daily report, 2018 March 15

DAILY REPORT Thursday
March 15, 2018

35th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Media Services (404) 656-0309

The House will reconvene for its 36th Legislative Day on Monday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. The Rules committee will meet at 10:00 a.m. 16 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HR 1260 House Study Committee on Juvenile Court Judges; create
Bill Summary: HR 1260 forms a study committee to undertake an investigation into the conditions, needs, issues, and problems regarding the state of juvenile court judges and to review current laws as applied to the compensation of juvenile court judges, their appointment, qualifications, and governance. Further, the committee will make recommendations including actions and legislation as deemed appropriate by the committee.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Juvenile Justice
Yeas: 162 Nays: 2 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 02-26-2018 Do Pass

HR 1363 United States Congress; amend Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug; urge
Bill Summary: HR 1363 urges the United States Congress to amend the 'Controlled Substances Act of 1970' to reclassify marijuana as a Schedule II drug so that its medical benefits and effects may be researched. It further urges Congress to enact the 'Marijuana Effective Drug Study Act' (MEDS Act) if it is unwilling to reclassify marijuana.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Health & Human Services
Yeas: 158 Nays: 5 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-06-2018 Do Pass

SB 82

HOPE; need based HOPE scholarship and grant; create
Bill Summary: SB 82 allows a member of the Georgia National Guard or a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces located in Georgia to be classified as a legal resident under eligibility requirements for HOPE scholarships and grants.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd) Higher Education
Yeas: 158 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-07-2018 Do Pass

Page 1 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

SB 118

Autism; age limit for coverage for autism spectrum disorders for an individual covered under a policy or contract; change
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 118 amends Ava's Law by increasing the age of coverage for the treatment of Autism Spectrum disorders from six-years to 20-years old and the limit on coverage from $30,000 per year to $35,000 per year.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Insurance
Yeas: 157 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-12-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 37 0401

SB 321

Medicaid Claims; false or fraudulent; recover the maximum penalty authorized by federal law; increase the civil penalties
Bill Summary: This bill increases the civil penalty for Medicaid fraud from between $5,500 and $11,000 to between $11,181 and $22,363 for each false or fraudulent claim. The additional Medicaid program penalty of three times the amount of damages is retained.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) Judiciary
Yeas: 152 Nays: 5

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-06-2018 Do Pass

SB 330

"Green Agricultural Education Act"; three-component model; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 330 creates O.C.G.A. 20-2-154.2., which requires agricultural education programs in Georgia to be based on a nationally recognized three-component model of school-based agricultural education for grades six through 12. The Department of Education will develop the curriculum and standards for the program with input from agricultural education teachers. This legislation also authorizes the Department of Education to establish an agricultural education pilot program for elementary agricultural education to determine whether such a program is suitable for statewide implementation.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) Education
Yeas: 163 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 357

Health Coordination and Innovation Council of the State of Georgia; create
Bill Summary: SB 357 establishes the Health Coordination and Innovation Council of the State of Georgia. The 18-member council includes: a new position for a director of health care policy and strategic planning; the commissioner of the Department of Community Heath; the commissioner of the Department of Public Health; the commissioner of the Department of Human Services; the commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; and the executive of director of the Division of Substance Abuse, Addiction, and Related Disorders. Six additional members are appointed by the governor for four-year terms. Appointments shall be made to ensure that the council always includes: a dentist, a pharmacist, a primary care physician and a member representing a private health care industry. The lieutenant governor and the speaker of the House of Representatives each have one appointment. The council will create an annual report of its business, which is to create a forum for innovative ideas, evaluation, maximize resources, and organize a health care approach.

The new position is responsible for the management and coordination of health care delivery on all government levels, in addition to coordinating data-driven decision-making between the Health Coordination and Innovation Council and the state. The director may hire staff to perform these functions.

This bill also creates a 13- to 19-member advisory board to the council, which may not have government employees as members. The governor will appoint all members who have experience to

Page 2 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

address the needs of the council, such as reviewing and commenting on all health care grant applications. The following entities shall provide required reporting to the council, the: Maternal Mortality Review Committee; Office of Women's Health; Commission on Men's Health; Renal Dialysis Advisory Council; Kidney Disease Advisory Committee; Hemophilia Advisory Board; Georgia Council on Lupus Education and Awareness; Georgia Palliative Care and Quality of Life Advisory Council; Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission; Behavioral Health Coordinating Council; Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry; Office of Cardiac Care; and Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Dean Burke (11th) Health & Human Services
Yeas: 153 Nays: 5

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 381

Surplus Line Insurance; nonadmitted insurer domiciled in this state will be deemed a domestic surplus lines insurer if certain criteria are met; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 381 provides that a non-admitted insurer domiciled in this state, if all qualifications are met, will be deemed a domestic surplus lines insurer, and will be able to sell surplus line products in Georgia.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Insurance
Yeas: 158 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-09-2018 Do Pass

SB 395

Georgia Joint Defense Commission; create
Bill Summary: SB 395 creates the Georgia Joint Defense Commission. This commission consists of: the chairperson of the Senate Veterans Military and Homeland Security Committee; the chairperson of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee; four members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House; two members of the Senate appointed by the lieutenant governor; one citizen member from each military installation region in the state appointed by the governor; the director of the Governor's Defense Initiative; the Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard or his/her designee and the commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia or his/her designee.

The goals of the commission are to: advise the governor and the General Assembly on defense and military issues within the state and nationally; make recommendations regarding policies and plans to support the long-term viability and development of the military; develop methods to assist defensedependent communities in the design and execution of programs that enhance each community's relationship with military installations and defense-related business; serve as a task force to seek advice on and prepare for potential base realignment or closure of military installations in the state; develop and implement a strategic plan to navigate potential base realignment or closure of military installations studies and proceedings; and produce and distribute a detailed annual report regarding the status of the state's military installations. The Technical College System of Georgia will provide the administrative support staff for the commission.

Part two of SB 395 pertains to the Defense Community Economic Development Grant program, which is administered by the workforce development division of the Technical College System of Georgia subject to appropriations. The consideration for this grant will be based upon the furthering of the relationship between the military community and military installation, and the furthering of the military installation's economic development investment into the military community.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Ben Watson (1st)

Rule Applied:

Economic Development & Tourism Committee Action:

Yeas: 160 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-09-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 3 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

SB 406

"Georgia Long-term Care Background Check Program" enact; public safety; promote
Bill Summary: SB 406 creates the Georgia Long-term Care Background Check Program, which requires comprehensive criminal background checks for owners, applicants for employment, and employees providing care or owning a personal care home, assisted living community, private home care provider, home health agency, hospice care, nursing home, skilled nursing facility, or an adult day care. This requirement would begin for new applicants on October 1, 2019, but existing employees and owners have until January 1, 2021 to submit a records check application to the Department of Community Health. The department is authorized to conduct national fingerprintbased criminal background checks and provide an appeals process. Additionally, the department is to establish and maintain a caregiver registry so that employers who are family members or guardians of elderly persons can obtain an employment eligibility determination from the department for personal care applicants and employees. The bill provides immunity from liability for the department and any person or facility acting in good faith to comply with the requirements in this bill.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Human Relations & Aging
Yeas: 163 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 436 Probate Courts; general provisions; change and modernize
Bill Summary: This bill amends Code sections related to general provisions for probate courts involving training, appointments and vacancies.

The bill repeals provisions allowing the sheriff to act as an administrator. It extends the time allotted to complete new judge orientation training and file an attendance record, rather than a certificate, to one year.

This bill also removes the provision mandating concurrent terms of employment of an associate judge and the elected judge so that an associate judge may remain employed beyond the term of the elected judge. Associate judges may also practice any law outside his or her of role as an associate judge.

In the event a probate court judge is unable to act and does not appoint another attorney, a clerk of court may only act as the probate judge if the clerk is qualified to run for the position. A special election is required. Before the special election, the vacancy may be filled by the most senior associate judge even if that associate judge does not live in the district, however, if that associate judge wishes run in the special election then he or she must move into the district and otherwise qualify. If the most senior associate judge does not wish to fill the vacancy, he or she shall inform the chief judge of the superior court in which the judgeship is located in writing. If no associate judge exists to fill the vacancy or if all judges decline, the vacancy shall be filled by a qualified chief probate clerk. In the absence of an associate judge or chief clerk, the chief superior court judge shall appoint an individual to serve until the election.

The bill increases the judge's bond requirement from $25,000 to $100,000 to be paid by the county government. The bill also removes the minimum number of years a judge must serve to qualify as "retired" for purposes of granting a marriage license.

Lastly, this bill amends the Code section relating to the right of an interested person to offer a will for probate when the executor, the person appointed to administer the will, fails to do so. "Interested person" includes, but is not limited to a: recipient under the will, creditor of the decedent, purchaser from an heir of the decedent, and/or another similarly situated person.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Judiciary
Yeas: 164 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 4 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
SB 328 Income Tax; expiration of certain income tax credits; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 328 repeals the income tax credits for federal qualified transportation fringe benefits, private driver education courses, and diesel particulate emission reduction technology equipment. The bill also allows for a corporate income tax deduction for income specified in Section 951A of the IRC of 1986, Global Low-Taxed Intangible Income (GILTI).

Authored By: Sen. John Albers (56th)

Rule Applied: Structured

Local Calendar
HB 1011 Martin, Town of; mayoral term; change certain provisions Bill Summary: This bill changes provisions relating to the Town of Martin's mayoral term.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dan Gasaway (28th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HB 1025 Jesup, City of; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Jesup to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. William Werkheiser (157th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1037 Meigs, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: This bill provides a new charter for the City of Meigs.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HB 1038 Gwinnett County; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of Gwinnett County to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Scott Hilton (95th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1039 Big Canoe Water and Sewer Authority Act; enact Bill Summary: This bill creates the Big Canoe Water and Sewer Authority.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

Page 5 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

HB 1044 Southern Judicial Circuit; superior court judges; increase supplement to compensation
Bill Summary: This bill increases the compensation supplement for the judges of the superior courts of the Southern Judicial Circuit.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jason Shaw (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1047 Washington County; State Court; charge technology fee
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the Washington County State Court to charge a technology fee for each civil case filed and each criminal fine imposed.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mack Jackson (128th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1048 Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit; Superior Court judges; increase compensation
Bill Summary: This bill increases the amount of compensation paid by the county comprising the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit to each judge of the superior courts of the judicial circuit.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1049 Cherokee County; State Court judges; modify compensation
Bill Summary: This bill modifies the compensation of the judges of the Cherokee County State Court.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

HB 1050 Byron, City of; duties and powers of mayor; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill revises provisions related to the duties and powers of several members of the City of Byron government.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

SB 410

Board of Elections and Registration of Rockdale County; meetings of the board; provisions; change
Bill Summary: This bill changes provisions related to the meetings of the Rockdale County Board of Elections and Registration and changes the compensation for the members of the board.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

Page 6 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Today on the Floor

SB 412

City of Hapeville; levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A.; authorize
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Hapeville to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Nan Orrock (36th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-14-2018 Do Pass

SB 480 Walker County; authorize governing authority to levy an excise tax; procedures, conditions, and limitations; provide
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of Walker County to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 157 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

Page 7 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 36th Legislative Day, Monday, March 19, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Monday, March 19, at 10:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 37th Legislative Day.

HR 1036 State of Georgia; fund public awareness campaign in support of computer science education; urge
Bill Summary: House Resolution 1036 urges the State of Georgia to fund a public awareness campaign in support of computer science education. This resolution states the high demand for computer science skills in Georgia and lists the average wage earnings for computing occupations which are significantly higher than the state average salary. HR 1036 urges a comprehensive statewide campaign including a summit, counselor and administrator awareness, and enhancing awareness for curriculum options for students to encourage students to enter computer science careers.

Authored By: Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick (93rd) House Committee: Education

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-22-2018 Do Pass

HR 1107 Economic Development, Department of; construct the emerging commercial space industry in Georgia; urge
Bill Summary: HR 1107 urges the Department of Economic Development's Center for Aerospace Innovations and its Aerospace, Defense and Advance Manufacturing (ADAM) team to work with the Department of Transportation and other relevant state agencies to strategically construct, enhance, focus, and recruit with intent to encourage the emerging commercial space industry to grow in Georgia.

Authored By: Rep. Jason Spencer (180th)

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-20-2018 Do Pass

HR 1414 House Study Committee on School Security; create
Bill Summary: This resolution creates a committee to study what is needed to provide more security for schools to help curb incidents of violence and to facilitate life-saving responses. The committee is composed of nine members of the House of Representatives.

Authored By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) House Committee: Special Rules

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-13-2018 Do Pass

HR 1471 House Study Committee on the Revitalization of the Atlanta State Farmers Market; create
Bill Summary: HR 1471 creates the House Study Committee on the Revitalization of the Atlanta State Farmers Market. The committee will investigate the decline in patrons of the market and possible solutions to attract farmers, business owners, and consumers. The nine-member committee is composed of five members of the House of Representatives and four members from the private sector or members of the House of Representatives; all members are appointed by the speaker of the House. The committee is authorized to meet for five days and stands abolished on December 1, 2018.

Authored By: Rep. Valencia Stovall (74th) House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-14-2018 Do Pass

SB 301

"Revised Uniform Fiduciary Access to Digital Assets Act"; enact
Bill Summary: This bill creates new Code sections to extend a fiduciary's powers to include the management of digital assets in which an individual has a right or interest, such as e-mail accounts, cryptocurrency, and other online records. The bill applies the new Code sections to: fiduciaries acting under a will or power of attorney; trustees; personal representatives; and conservators. The bill exempts digital assets of employers used by employees.

Page 8 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

A user may use an "online tool", defined as an electronic service, which is provided by a "custodian", a person who receives, transmits, or maintains electronic communications of another person. The bill directs the custodian on disclosure or non-disclosure to a third party of the user's digital assets and electronic communications. If the online tool allows modification of a direction at all times, a direction from the online tool will override a direction in a will, trust, power of attorney, or other record. If the user does not use the online tool or if the custodian does not provide an online tool, the user may allow or prohibit disclosure via a will, trust, power of attorney, or other record. If the user has not provided any direction, the custodian's terms of service will control disclosure or non-disclosure. A user's direction in an online tool, will, or other written instrument overrides a contrary provision in a custodian's terms of service that does not require the user to act affirmatively and distinctly from the user's assent to such terms.

The bill also clarifies that rights of custodians and users to access digital assets under a terms of service agreement will not be impaired, nor shall a fiduciary or recipient be granted any new or expanded rights other than those available to the user. Custodians, except as otherwise directed by the user, are permitted in their sole discretion to: provide varying levels of access to fiduciaries or recipients when disclosing digital assets; assess a reasonable fee for disclosure; withhold from disclosure a digital asset deleted by the user; and object to disclosure on the basis of undue burden by seeking a court order, among other things.

When a person other than the user requests disclosure and provides the custodian with a court order, power of attorney, will of a deceased user, or other evidence of the user's consent to share the content of his electronic communications, the custodian must disclose. Additionally, the custodian must only disclose a catalogue of electronic communications sent or received by the user and digital assets, other than the content of electronic communications, if: the user did not prohibit disclosure of digital assets; an agent has specific authority over digital assets or general authority to act on behalf of a principal; or a conservator is appointed and the court grants the conservator access. In each scenario, the fiduciary must provide a written request for disclosure and a copy of the document authorizing access. Where a trustee is an original user of an account, any digital asset of the account held in trust, as well as the content and a catalogue of electronic communications, must be disclosed.

The legal duties of care, loyalty, and confidentiality to the management of tangible assets are applied to digital assets, as well as a right to access digital assets. For purposes of unauthorized computer access laws, SB 301 makes the fiduciary an authorized user if the fiduciary has authority over tangible assets. The bill clarifies that terms of service shall apply to the fiduciary, unless otherwise provided in these code sections.

Custodians must comply with properly filed requests for disclosure or termination of an account within 60-days' notice. If the custodian fails to comply, the fiduciary or designated recipient may obtain a court order. Custodians may notify the user that a request for disclosure or termination has been made and are empowered to require a court order to verify ownership of the account and consent to act. Additionally, custodians are exempt from liability for acts done in good faith and in compliance with these Code sections.

The bill also references the 'Global and National Commerce Act' and notes that these Code sections shall supersede the act except in regard to certain other provisions in federal law. Lastly, the definition of "property" is revised to include digital assets and electronic communications in Code sections relating to the powers of a conservator and cooperation with the guardian of a minor, subject matter jurisdiction, authority of a conservator of an adult and cooperation with a guardian or other interested parties, and trusts generally.

Authored By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) House Committee: Judiciary

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-06-2018 Do Pass

Page 9 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

SB 331

Georgia Lottery for Education Act; winner of lottery prize to remain anonymous under certain conditions; allow
Bill Summary: SB 331 requires the Georgia Lottery Corporation to keep all information regarding the winner of awards of $250,000 or greater confidential upon written request of the prize winner.

Authored By: Sen. Steve Henson (41st) House Committee: Higher Education

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-07-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 336

Georgia Bureau of Investigation; general provisions; subpoena issued for production of electronic communication; not provide notice to the subscriber
Bill Summary: SB 336 prohibits the provider of electronic communication services from notifying a subscriber that the provider has been issued a subpoena concerning the subscriber's usage of the electronic communication service regarding minors. In addition, SB 336 allows for certain state agencies that, as a condition of employment, require fingerprint criminal background checks to opt-in to a program where the Federal Bureau of Investigation retains the fingerprints for the duration of the individual's employment. Violations of law in other states can be transmitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and then to the applicable state agency. Moreover, the bill provides that the individual's fingerprints be purged from the database within 10 days when that person is no longer employed by the state agency.

Authored By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-12-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 342

Licensing of Motor Vehicles; owner with valid license plate without the required revalidation decal to retain custody of vehicle under certain conditions; permit
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 342 allows the owner or operator of a vehicle which has a valid license plate without the required revalidation decal to retain custody of the vehicle if they are cited for an expired tag. If the driver shows proof to the court that their registration was in fact up to date, the citation will be dismissed.

Authored By: Sen. Marty Harbin (16th) House Committee: Motor Vehicles

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-13-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 353

Boilers and Pressure Vessels; violations concerning the regulation; civil enforcement and penalty authority in the Safety Fire Commissioner; establish
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 353 establishes civil enforcement and penalty authority in the Safety Fire Commissioner for violations concerning the regulation of boilers and pressure vessels. The maximum penalty is $5,000.

Authored By: Sen. Lee Anderson (24th) House Committee: Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-09-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 355

Nuclear Generating Plant; recovery of the costs of financing the construction; provisions; change
Bill Summary: This bill amends O.C.G.A. 46-2-25 so that a utility shall recover the financing costs associated with constructing a nuclear power plant from its customers if the plant has been certified by the Public Service Commission prior to January 1, 2018.

Authored By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) House Committee: Energy, Utilities &
Telecommunications

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-12-2018 Do Pass

SB 370

Medical Assistance; commissioner of human services waives the first $25,000 of any estate; provide
Bill Summary: This bill requires, no later than July 1, 2018, the Department of Community Health shall submit a state plan amendment to waive the first $25,000 value of any estate to the United States

Page 10 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In the event that such amendment to the state plan is not approved, this change shall stand repealed in its entirety.

Authored By: Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) House Committee: Health & Human Services

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-12-2018 Do Pass

SB 377

State Workforce Development Board; transfer to Technical College System of Georgia; duties and obligations; revise
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 377 transfers the State Workforce Development Board from the Department of Economic Development to the Technical College System of Georgia.

Authored By: Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) House Committee: Industry and Labor

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-07-2018 Do Pass

SB 444

Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan Advisory Council; create
Bill Summary: SB 444 creates the Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan Advisory Council to ensure that focus remains on implementing and amending the goals set forth in the Georgia Alzheimer's and Related Dementias State Plan as needed. The advisory council will submit a report to the governor and the General Assembly every three years on the work of the advisory council. This act shall be known as the 'Senator Thorborn 'Ross' Tolleson, Jr., Act.'

Authored By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) House Committee: Human Relations & Aging

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-08-2018 Do Pass

SB 458

Ad Valorem Taxation; conditions; family owned farmed entities; discontinue a qualifying use of bona fide conservation use property; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 458 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-7.4, relating to bona fide conservation use property, by allowing owners of parcels of conservation use land of less than 10 acres to provide proof of bona fide conservation use in the form of a statement of incurred expenses for or generated income from the qualifying use. Owners of parcels of conservation use land greater than 10 acres are not required to submit additional proof. The bill also states that boards of tax assessors cannot require a plat or survey for the exclusion of a residence from the conservation use property and removes the requirement for a non-profit club to be registered as a 501(c)(7) organization.

If a determination is made on an appeal by a superior court to approve the conservation use application or to reverse a determination of a breach, then the taxpayer shall recover the costs of litigation and attorney's fees. In the case of an appeal determination that results in a reduction in taxes due, the refund shall be paid by the tax commissioner within 60 days and the refund shall include interest accrued from the due date or actual payment. In the case of an appeal determination that results in an increase in taxes due, the taxpayer shall be afforded 60 days to make a full payment. If full payment is not received within 60 days it shall be considered past due and be subject to all interest, fees, and penalties associated with past due tax bills.

The bill also allows the owners of a family-owned farm entity to be assessed a penalty for a breach of covenant in the amount of the current year's reduced taxes rather than the full breach of covenant penalty. In order to qualify, the property must have been renewed in the program at least once and be under its current covenant for at least three years as well as have a current shareholder, member, or partner who has held some interest in the property since it entered into its previous covenant having reached the age of 65.

Authored By: Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Structured 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 11 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

SR 821

Cyber Security And Information Technology Innovation Corridor; recognize Augusta; Logistics Technology Innovation Corridor; recognize Savannah
Bill Summary: SR 821 designates the Fort Gordon Cyber Security and Information Technology Innovation Corridor and the Savannah Logistics Technology Innovation Corridor as official technology innovation corridors in the state of Georgia. These corridors directly foster the growth of information technology and innovation through local collaboration among universities, hospitals, and logistics hubs.

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

Rule Applied:

House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-06-2018 Do Pass

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

Game, Fish, & Parks Committee
SB 191 Petroleum Pipelines; regulation and permitting in this state; definitions; provide
Bill Summary: SB 191 designates the shoal bass as the official Georgia state native riverine sport fish.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) Game, Fish, & Parks

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 332

Department of Natural Resources; hunter mentor program; provide
Bill Summary: SB 332 creates a hunter mentor program within the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The program will include an outdoor passport for mentees in the program, which grants noncommercial hunting and fishing privileges across all categories. The bill requires DNR to provide instruction to outdoor mentors before working with a mentee. DNR shall also work with partners to create incentives for participating mentors, which may include reduced license fees. SB 332 also sets an annual license fee of $50 for a nonresident youth sportsman's license for those 15 years of age or younger.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Game, Fish, & Parks

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Health & Human Services Committee
SB 31 Community Health Dept.; at least two members of board shall also be members of the state health benefit plan; State Health Benefit Plan Customer Advisory Council; create
Bill Summary: SB 31 provides that at least two members of the board of the Department of Community Health shall also be members of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) and at least one of whom shall be a member of the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERS) and one of whom shall be a member of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRS). Furthermore, one shall be a retired member and one shall be an active member of the respective retirement system.
The State Health Benefit Plan Customer Advisory Council will advise the commissioner on components, provisions, elements, strategies, marketing, and customer satisfaction of the plan. The council shall be composed of 12 members, all of whom are participants in the SHBP and each of whom is an active or retired member of ERS or TRS. At least three members shall be retired members of TRS, and at least two members shall be retired members of ERS.
Each member of the council shall be appointed by the commissioner from nominations provided by

Page 12 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

nonprofit associations and state department human resource units which represent at least 1,000 members of the plan. The members shall serve without compensation or reimbursement of expenses. The commissioner shall select a chairperson and a vice chairperson. The council shall meet at least three times per year at the call of the commissioner or upon the call of the chairperson. The council may accept the assistance of the commissioner in administrative functions of the council. The commissioner shall provide the council with all departmental SHBP recommendations to be made to the board and shall provide the council chairperson the opportunity on behalf of the council to make comments to the board prior to the board taking action on such recommendations.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Joshua McKoon (29th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Failed *A Notice for a Motion to Reconsider was offered for the next meeting

SB 81

"Jeffrey Dallas Gay, Jr., Act."; opioid antagonists under conditions the state health officer may impose; provide state health officer may issue standing order permitting certain persons and entities to obtain
Bill Summary: SB 81 relates to pharmacies so that the state health officer may issue a standing order permitting opioid antagonists under the conditions the state health officer may impose. Every pharmacy operating in this state shall keep a copy of the standing order issued by the state health officer and keep a record of every opioid antagonist distributed. Each record shall include the name of the purchaser and address. This record shall be maintained by the pharmacy for two years and can be sustained electronically. Pharmacists shall not be required to submit this information to the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Pharmacies in this state will not also be required to maintain opioid antagonists in their biennial inventories.
Naloxone is added to the controlled substance list as an exempt Schedule V controlled substance, which will require rule making by the State Board of Pharmacy and can be sold only in a pharmacy. Interns and externs of authorized pharmacists can dispense naloxone only with a prescription by a licensed practitioner. Naloxone, sold under the brand name Narcan among others, is a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdose.
Beginning on July 1, 2018, an electronic data base will be established pursuant to meet or exceed industry standards. Every prescriber who prescribes Schedule II, III, IV, or V controlled substances in this state must register with the electronic data base established no later than July 1, 2018. A prescriber or their delegate must seek and review information from the electronic data base whenever he or she is prescribing benzodiazepines, opiates, opioids, opioid analgesics, or opioid derivatives to a patient for the first time and at least once every 90 days thereafter if such prescriber continues to prescribe a controlled substance to a patient.
A prescriber or delegate shall be exempt from the duty to seek and review information from the electronic data base pursuant to this paragraph if:
(A) The patient is terminally ill or under the supervised care of a hospice program; (B) The patient is in a long-term care facility that has dedicated or institutional long-term care pharmacies or the controlled substances under this paragraph are dispensed by a hospital pharmacy; (C) The patient is undergoing addiction treatment in a program that is administering methadone or buprenorphine; (D) The prescription is for a supply of three days or less with no refills permitted; or (E) The electronic data base is not operational due to a systematic technological interruption or widespread electrical failure as a result of a natural disaster, provided that the prescriber notifies the board and agency of such incident.
When prescribing benzodiazepines, opiates, opioids, opioid analgesics, or opioid derivatives to an adult patient for the first time, a prescriber will not issue a prescription for more than a five-day supply of the controlled substance. They may use medical judgement if it is medically necessary for palliative care or to treat a patient's acute medical condition, chronic pain, or pain associated with a cancer diagnosis. These conditions will be documented in the patient's medical record and the
Page 13 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

prescriber shall indicate that an alternative to such controlled substance was not appropriate to treat the medical condition.

The Department of Community Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities shall publish an annual report using data from the department's central registry data base on the number of patients in enrolled treatment, the number of patients discharged from treatment, patients' state of residence, and other information determined by the departments. The Department of Community Health shall conduct an annual onsite inspection of each narcotic treatment program licensed in this state. The department shall require notice and reporting of incidents of neonatal abstinence syndrome, which involves the group of physical problems that occur in a newborn infant who was exposed to addictive illegal or prescription drugs while in the mother's womb. The Department of Community Health shall require the reporting from a health care provider, coroner, or medical examiner, or any other person or entity the department determines has knowledge of diagnosis or health outcomes related to neonatal abstinence syndrome. The department shall provide an annual report of any findings and recommendations on how to reduce the number of infants born with neonatal abstinence syndrome to the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairperson of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, and the chairperson of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1011 Martin, Town of; mayoral term; change certain provisions Bill Summary: This bill changes provisions relating to the Town of Martin's mayoral term.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Dan Gasaway (28th)

Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HB 1037 Meigs, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: This bill provides a new charter for the City of Meigs.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sam Watson (172nd)

Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

SB 480 Walker County; authorize governing authority to levy an excise tax; procedures, conditions, and limitations; provide
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of Walker County to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee

Local

Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

Judiciary Committee
SB 338 Administrative Procedure; agency rule making; modify requirements
Bill Summary: This bill clarifies agency rule-making regarding notice and comment for adoption, amendment, or repeal as well as the timing of adoption and effective dates of rules, and standing committees' ability to review rules.
Notice and Comment Period: Under this legislation, the deadline for providing notice of intent to adopt a rule to the public and legislative counsel is extended from 30 days prior to effective date to 60 days prior to adoption with a later effective date being provided as discussed below. The notice
Page 14 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

of intent to adopt a rule must now contain the existing rule if repealing or amending the rule. Additionally, the requirement that a synopsis be distributed in same manner as a proposed rule is removed. The bill clarifies that the date, time, and location of the public meeting must be in the notice and adds a requirement that the public meeting occur at least 30 days after the filing of the notice. Further, a citation and concise explanation of statutory and constitutional authority under which proposed rule is adopted is required. However, proposals for repeal or amendment of an existing rule need not have such authority clearly identified. The bill removes the mandatory oral hearing requirements for substantive rules making such oral hearings only required where requested by 25 persons or more directly affected, by a governmental subdivision, or by an association with 25 or more persons. Also, reducing the economic impact on small business is now a requirement of agency rulemaking.
Adopting Rules: Now, where an agency complies with the notice and comment provisions the rule shall be deemed adopted upon the date of submission of such rule to the office of the secretary of state, and the submission must include the public notice that noticed the rule. The agency must also concurrently submit the rule to the legislative counsel, and the legislative counsel must still, in accordance with rules established by the General Assembly, distribute rules to: the presiding officers of each branch, the chairperson of the appropriate standing committee, and any member thereof who makes a standing written request. The standing committee to which the rule is assigned may also object to the rule by majority vote of the its current members in person or by telephone if permitted by the rules of that chamber, although this is not required for the introduction of a joint resolution. Current law requires an in person vote by two-thirds of its members as of January.
Effective Date for Rules: Rules adopted on or before December 1 shall become effective as of March 15th of the following calendar, unless the Georgia General Assembly objects via a joint disapproval resolution or passes an earlier effective date resolution. Rules adopted after December 1 shall become effective as of March 15th in the calendar year following the next calendar year, unless, again, the Georgia General Assembly objects via a joint disapproval resolution or passes an earlier effective date resolution.
The joint disapproval resolution or earlier date resolution may begin in either chamber, upon being adopted by majority vote of one chamber it shall be immediately transmitted to the other chamber and voted upon within 5 days after receipt of the resolution and before the 40th legislative day. If the resolution is adopted, it shall be submitted to the governor for approval or veto. Regarding a change in the effective date, if the resolution is approved by the governor or if the governor's veto is overridden, the resolution shall become effective on the day after the governor's approval or General Assembly overriding the governor's veto, although the effective date shall not exceed March 15. Regarding voiding the rule, the resolution shall become effective the day after the governor's approval or the General Assembly overriding the veto.
Currently, the law allows the standing committee of either house of the General Assembly to which the bill is assigned to file an objection to the rule. If the agency ignores the objection and decides to adopt the proposed rule, then the standing committee that objected may consider the rule at any time within the first 30 days of the next session by filing a resolution of disapproval regarding the rule. However, if the standing committee files an objection and such objection is adopted by a two-thirds vote of the standing committee prior to the rule being adopted by the agency, then the rule is stayed until the next legislative session, at which time the standing committee that objected may consider the rule at any time within the first 30 days of the next session by filing a resolution of disapproval regarding the rule. In each case, if the disapproval resolution is adopted by a two-thirds majority in each house, then the rule shall become void. If the resolution is passed by a majority in each house, it shall be presented to the governor for approval or veto. If the governor vetoes the resolution the rule shall remain in effect, but if the governor approves the resolution the rule shall become void the day after the governor's approval.
Contesting Rulemaking Procedures: Proceedings to contest any rule for failing to comply with these procedures must be commenced within two years of effective date, otherwise the rule will now be deemed valid, rather than this merely being a statute of limitations.

Page 15 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

Emergency Rules: Emergency rules are now adopted upon submission to the governor and become effective upon approval by the governor. Emergency rules are also subject to resolutions of disapproval and change in effective date from the General Assembly. These rules are still only effective for a period of not more than 120 days and must be promptly submitted to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees.

Effective Date of Rules Filed With Secretary of State: The requirement that a rule shall not become effective until 20 days after the rule is filed with the secretary of state is removed as well as the exceptions that apply to the 20 day filing period to reflect the changes provided in the other parts of the bill.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 339

Board of Regents and University System; establishment of free speech policies for institutions of the university system; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 339 would add new provisions to the Code requiring the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia to develop a free speech policy to be implemented at all institutions within the system.

This bill enumerates seven principles that the board shall address when adopting regulations and policies regarding free speech including: (1) to protect freedom of speech and press for all persons; (2) to foster learning through the sharing of different ideological positions; (3) the requirement that each institution publish content neutral time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activities for the use of facilities and resources using the least restrictive means necessary for that use in order to foster learning through the sharing of different ideological positions; (4) to assure that the institution does not shield students and teachers from speech protected by the First Amendment; (5) to assure that students and faculty can assemble and engage in expressive activity that is lawful, does not interfere with classroom instruction, and is permitted by university policies; (6) to assure that the institution is open to speakers invited by students and faculty so long as the speaker complies with university policies and; (7) to protect students and their guests who peacefully protest so long as they do not interfere with classroom instruction, violate university policy, or interfere with previously scheduled events.

The bill also mandates that the board establish a range of disciplinary sanctions for anyone under the jurisdiction of any state institution who has violated the board's policies on free speech. It also provides that the board must submit a yearly report to the governor and General Assembly which includes information regarding barriers or disruptions of free expression, administrative handling of discipline, substantial difficulties in maintaining administrative and institutional neutrality, and any criticisms or recommendations the board would like to include.

The board is authorized to adopt regulations to further the purposes of these policies. Nothing in these provisions shall be construed to prevent institutions from regulating student speech or activity that is prohibited by law.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 427

Child Support in Final Verdict or Decree; court's discretion in making a final determination of support; provisions; change
Bill Summary: SB 427 provides that a court's final determination of child support shall take into account the obligor's (individual owing a duty of support to a child or children) earnings, income, other evidence of the obligor's ability to pay, and the basic subsistence needs of the parents and the child for whom support is to be provided. When a parent fails to produce reliable evidence of income, their income may be imputed by the court based on the circumstances of the parent, the

Page 16 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

local job market, availability of employers "willing to hire the parent", prevailing earning levels in the community and other relevant factors. Additionally, if a parent is incarcerated that parent's income may be imputed based on the actual income and assets available to such incarcerated parent, but shall not be based on pre-incarceration wages. Now, when an individual's incarceration prevents employment such person shall not be determined as being willfully or voluntary unemployed or underemployed, previously the code was silent.

The bill also provides that a child's enrollment in Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, or other public health care program can satisfy the requirements in the child support order for providing for the child's health care needs, but such enrollment also does not prevent a court from ordering the parents to obtain health insurance for the child. Previously, enrollment of the child in Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids was insufficient to comply with a child support order to provide for a child's healthcare needs. When calculating a deviation from the presumptive amount of child support, a noncustodial parent's ability or inability to pay may serve as the basis of the deviation. Moreover, the bill provides that a nonspecific deviation may be used when the court or jury finds the noncustodial parent has a limited ability to pay the presumptive amount of child support, whereas the code was previously silent.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Natural Resources & Environment Committee
SB 451 State Soil and Water Conservation Commission; formulate certain rules and regulations in consultation with Environmental Protection Division of the Dept. Of Natural Resources; remove authority
Bill Summary: SB 451 codifies the executive action that places the agriculture water metering program under the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) of the Department of Natural Resources. The bill also removes a $250 application fee placed on farms within the Flint River basin.

The following concerns both ground water and surface water withdrawal:

If a permit is modified, amended, transferred, or assigned, the permittee shall have one year from the updated date to have an acceptable type of water-measuring device installed at the cost of the permittee. When the device is installed, EPD shall have 60 days to inspect the device.

SB 451 also requires EPD to develop a priority system for installing state-sponsored watermeasuring devices. If a site does not have the proper infrastructure for a state-sponsored watermeasuring device, the permittee has five years to meet the infrastructure requirements. After the expiration of five years, the permittee shall be responsible for installing an acceptable watermeasuring device.

After November 1, 2019, SB 451 requires all permittees to be responsible for annually recording data from their water-measuring device between November 1 and November 30. The permittee shall transmit the data to the EPD by January 15 of the following year. The permittee will be responsible for all costs associated with recording the data. The EPD shall use the data to improve the accuracy of meter readings and be responsible for any maintenance, repair, or replacement of watermeasuring devices necessary to ensure accurate water usage readings.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 17 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

Special Rules Committee
HR 1053 United States Congress; create a reliable stream of resources to address deferred maintenance needs in America's National Park System; urge
Bill Summary: This resolution urges the United States Congress to create a reliable stream of resources to address deferred maintenance needs in the National Park System.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HR 1257 House Study Committee on the Workforce Shortage and Crisis in Home and Community Based Settings; create
Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on the Workforce Shortage and Crisis in Home and Community Based Settings to determine ways that staffing issues can be addressed. The committee will have five members.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HR 1374 House Study Committee on Professional Licensing Boards Operations and Funding; create
Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Professional Licensing Boards Operations and Funding to determine if there is some mechanism whereby a professional licensing board can retain all of the fees generated by the board for operating, rather than be subject to appropriations from the state's general fund. The committee will also study ways to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of each professional licensing board in this state. The committee will have five members.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Brett Harrell (106th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HR 1429 House Study Committee on County Governance; create
Bill Summary: This resolution creates a study committee to review forms of county governance to ensure that citizens at the county level are receiving the most efficient, effective, and responsive government and governmental services possible.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Meagan Hanson (80th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

HR 1469 Government of Israel; maintain Consulate General in Atlanta, Georgia; urge
Bill Summary: This resolution urges the government of Israel to maintain its Consulate General in Atlanta, Georgia.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Micah Gravley (67th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

Page 18 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

HR 1470 President of the United States; relocate United States Embassy to Israel's capital of Jerusalem; urge
Bill Summary: This resolution recognizes Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel and urges the President of the United States to relocate the United States Embassy to Israel's capitol.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Micah Gravley (67th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

Transportation Committee
SB 89 Transportation Department Officers; railways and railroad facilities and equipment; provide for state investment
Bill Summary: SB 89 establishes within the Department of Transportation a Georgia Freight Railroad Program. This program is administered by the commissioner and subject to appropriations, and it will enhance the state's investment in freight rail projects. It is composed of three subprograms: rail enhancement, rail preservation, and rail industrial. In administering these subprograms, every effort will be made to balance the initiative around the state. At the end of each fiscal year, the commissioner or his appointee will submit a report of the program to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the House. The report shall also be made available to the members of the General Assembly.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. David Shafer (48th) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 324

Contracts with State Agencies and Adjoining Counties; municipalities may contract with abutting counties; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 324 allows a city to contract with any county abutting the corporate city limits for bridge construction and maintenance within the limits of both such city and such county.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Albers (56th) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

SB 391

State Road and Tollway Authority; requirements relating to identification and regulation of motor vehicles; exempt transit service buses, motor vehicles, and rapid rail systems
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 391 exempts bus, rapid rail, or motor vehicle service provided by the Georgia Regional Transportation Authority (GRTA) from the Motor Carrier Code section. This exemption exists in GRTA's Code section already, and because the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) assumed operations in July, the SRTA Code is being updated to mirror the existing GRTA Code.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass

SB 445

Department of Transportation; standards for contracts; contract bidding process and award procedure; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 445 is a clean-up bill for the Department of Transportation. Section 1 strikes the reference to federal-aid highway contracts since construction projects are also now state funded. This ensures that existing contracting requirements related to pre-bid site inspection and contract terms apply consistently.

Section 2 clarifies that posting a letting advertisement on the department's website fulfills the notice requirement.

Page 19 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

Committee Actions

Section 3 makes clear that the deadline for a bidder to supply their signed, notarized, e-verify affidavit is prior to contract award as opposed to bid submission.

Section 4 states that "camping" or temporary habitation on state right-of-ways is not lawful. This language is to assist state and local law enforcement with respect to more clear enforcement.

Section 5 adds more consistency to the department's surplus right-of-way statute to allow the department to sell surplus right-of-way to the highest bidder, even up to 15 percent below the appraised value. Further, this section clarifies that a real estate broker who lists these sales must be Georgia-based and adjusts the required listing time from three months to 30 days.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation

Committee Action:

03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Page 20 of 21

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 15, 2018

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 16, 2018 No Meetings are scheduled
Monday, March 19, 2018 9:00 AM WAYS & MEANS - 606 CLOB 10:00 AM RULES - 341 CAP 11:00 AM HOUSE FLOOR SESSION (LD 36) - House Chamber 2:00 PM Kelley Subcommittee of Judiciary (Civil) - 132 CAP 3:00 PM JUVENILE JUSTICE - 415 CLOB

Page 21 of 21