Daily report, 2018 March 21

DAILY REPORT Wednesday
March 21, 2018

37th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

House Media Services (404) 656-0309

The House will reconvene for its 38th Legislative Day on Friday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. 23 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Insist
SB 2 "The FAST Act - Fairness, Accountability, Simplification, and Transparency - Empowering Our Small Businesses to Succeed"
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 2 amends Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the O.C.G.A. to provide for the development of a ready-for-partnership certification for each county and municipality by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

DCA will establish a voluntary certification program, the Ready for Partnership Georgia, for each municipality or county. A council, made up of 13 total members, will establish metrics for certifying counties and municipalities and provide a process of review, renewal, and revocation of the certifications.

The council is chaired by the commissioner of DCA, in addition to 12 other members: three members will be appointed by the governor; three by the president of the Senate; three by the speaker of the House; one recommended by the Georgia Municipal Association and approved by the governor,;one recommended by the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and approved by the governor; and one recommended by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and approved by the governor.

The certification is based upon metrics that include licensing and permitting fees charged by the county or municipality, the time required by the local government to process applications for licenses and permits, and the consolidation of forms and documents to avoid repetitive or duplicative requests for information, among others.

Authored By: Sen. Mike Dugan (30th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Insist: A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.

Motions to Agree
HB 135 Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; creditable service for certain law enforcement officers; expand
Bill Summary: HB 135 expands the definition of law enforcement officer to include any "investigator" of the Department of Driver Services and any criminal investigators or K9 handlers of the Department of Corrections. An individual who meets this definition will receive creditable service in the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) for prior service as law enforcement in Georgia, as long as that person will not receive retirement benefits from a local government for that same service. The individual has to pay the full actuarial cost of the service, and service cannot be purchased until the individual has become vested in ERS at 10 years. This bill has been certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a fiscal retirement bill. The actuary has

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Daily Report for March 21, 2018

Today on the Floor

determined that a state appropriation is not required to implement the changes.

Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st)

Rule Applied: Open

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

HB 354

Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center; reconstitute and authorize Department of Economic Development to contract for certain projects
Bill Summary: House Bill 354 renames and reconstitutes the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority in Chatham County. The bill provides for its membership, manner of appointment, terms of office and power and duties. It also provides for legislative findings, definitions, and exempts the Authority from taxation and provides for venue, disposition of property and exempting its property from levy and sale, and transfers certain assets and liabilities.

The bill replaces the term "local government", which individually or in combination means the City of Savannah and Chatham County and any development authority of either, with "the authority", which is the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority. The bill creates the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority, a public corporation and instrumentality of the state with its principal office in Chatham County. As such, the authority shall not be required to pay taxes or assessments upon any of the property acquired or leased by it or under its control or possession, or upon its activities in the operation or maintenance of the buildings erected or acquired by it, or upon any fees or other charges received by the authority for the use of such buildings, or upon other income received by the authority. The authority shall also be exempt from all sales and use taxes.

The bill provides for the membership of the authority and their term limits, as well as providing for the reimbursement of proper expenses. The membership of the authority shall consist of one member appointed by each member of the Georgia General Assembly representing a portion of Chatham County, and each of these members shall have a vote. These members shall serve terms of three years, and if a vacancy on the authority occurs, the seat shall be filled by the body or individual that appointed the member vacating the position. There are four ex officio members who shall have a vote each, the county manager of Chatham County, the city manager of the City of Savannah, the president of the Savannah Economic Development Authority, and the president of the Savannah Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau. The members of the authority shall not be entitled for compensation for their services, but instead shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses properly incurred in the performance of their duties.

The bill provides for the authority's powers. The authority is permitted to accepts grants of money, materials, or property of any kind from the United States or any agency or instrumentality thereof or from the State of Georgia, or any department, agency, authority, or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof, upon such terms and conditions the United States or the State of Georgia may impose. The authority also has the power and ability to purchase property, employ personnel, make contracts, construct and maintain projects, accept gifts or other contributions of money from private individuals, and exercise any general power which is usually possess by private corporations performing similar functions and which do not conflict with the Constitution and laws of the State of Georgia. If the authority, for any reason, be dissolved, title to all property held by the authority at the time of dissolution shall be conveyed to the State of Georgia.

The bill further provides any action or suit against the authority shall be brought in the Superior Court of the Easter Judicial Circuit in Chatham County. The court is to liberally construe laws enacted with reference to the authority.

Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th)

Rule Applied: Structured

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

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Today on the Floor

HB 422

Veterans Service, Department of; nonprofit corporation as a public foundation; authorize incorporation
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the Veterans Service Board to establish a non-profit corporation designated as the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, Inc. The purpose of the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, Inc. is to actively seek supplemental funds, in-kind goods, services, and property to promote Georgia's state war veterans' homes and veterans' cemeteries. Funds received by the foundation will be conveyed to the Department of Veterans Service or awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the Veterans Service Board.

Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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

HB 441

Trusts; establish qualified self-settled spendthrift trusts; provisions
Bill Summary: This bill adds a new Article to the Code section relating to spendthrift provisions, which are trusts created to prevent a beneficiary from spending all the funds in the trust by giving an independent trustee full authority to make financial decisions on behalf of the beneficiary.

Under this Article, a settlor may prevent creditors from gaining access to the settlor's funds by transferring those assets to a qualified self-settled spendthrift trust, which is an irrevocable trust that includes a spendthrift provision that restrains creditors from reaching the funds while the settlor still retains a qualified interest in the trust. The Code sections relating to the validity of spendthrift provisions and property subject to the claims of settlor's creditors shall not apply to the qualified interest. A settlor may have both qualified and non-qualified interests in the trust, and the Code sections only apply to the interest in the non-qualified trust. Within 30 days of transferring assets to a qualified self-settled spendthrift trust, the settlor shall notify creditors by certified mail or statutory overnight delivery.

If there is a vacancy in the position of a qualified trustee, the position shall be filled by an eligible person meeting a prioritized list of qualifications. The same requirements and priority order for selection are applied to an independent qualified trustee.

A trust shall not be considered revocable because the instrument includes: (1) a power of appointment effective only upon the death of the settlor; (2) the qualified interest in the trust; (3) the right of the settlor to receive income or principal; (4) the potential or actual receipt by a settlor from a charitable remainder type of trust and the right of the settlor to release in writing all or party of the retained interest of the settlor in the trust; (5) annual receipt of up to five percent of the initial value of the trust asset by the settlor; (6) the right of the settlor to remove a trustee and appoint a new trustee; (7) the potential or actual use of real property by a settlor when it is held under a personal residence trust; (8) the potential or actual receipt of use by a settlor of a qualified interest (interest that a settlor may receive for distributions of income, principal or both in the discretion of an independent qualified trustee); (9) the ability of a qualified trustee, upon the settlor's death, to pay debts owed by the settlor, expenses of administering the estate of the settlor, or any estate inheritance tax imposed on the estate of the settlor; and (10) the potential or actual receipt of income or principal by a settlor to pay certain taxes.

A beneficiary who has the right to withdraw the entire interest in the trust shall be treated as its settlor to the extent of the withdrawal right when it has been lapsed, released, or expired. Qualified selfsettled spendthrift trusts shall not block creditors that seek alimony or child support, including judgments or orders issued in another state. A creditor seeking a claim against the settlor of a qualified self-settled spendthrift trust may bring a cause of action or claim for relief to such a trust under the 'Uniform Voidable Transactions Act'.

Authored By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree as Amended: (A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration)

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Today on the Floor

HB 513

Domestic relations; signs to be posted at certain medical facilities where a newborn child may be left; provide
Bill Summary: This bill allows the Department of Community Health to promulgate rules for a sign to be developed and posted at any medical facility to inform the general public that the facility is an authorized safe place to leave a newborn child. This is to prevent injuries and deaths of newborn children who are abandoned.

Authored By: Rep. Pam Dickerson (113th)

Rule Applied: Open

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

HB 618 Skidaway Island, City of; incorporate Bill Summary: House Bill 618 is a bill to incorporate the city of Skidaway Island.

Authored By: Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

HB 769

Health; recommendations from the House Rural Development Council; implement
Bill Summary: HB 769 implements recommendations from the House Rural Development Council relating to health care issues. The bill revises provisions relative to pharmacy practices, as well as provisions relative to credentialing and billing. This legislation provides for the establishment of the Rural Center for Health Care Innovation and Sustainability and the establishment of micro-hospitals. Also, HB 769 provides for a grant program for insurance premium assistance for physicians practicing in medically underserved rural areas of the state. Finally, HB 769 increases the value of the tax credit to 100 percent related to contributions to rural hospital organizations.

Sections 1 and 2 allow remote pharmacy drug orders for hospital patients by a pharmacist licensed in this state, who is located within the United States, from a remote location indicating that the specific drug order has been reviewed by a pharmacist. Remote orders shall be reviewed a pharmacist who is physically in the hospital within 24 hours or by the next business day.

Section 3 directs the Department of Community Health to take steps to streamline and expedite the credentialing and billing process for state medical plans and examine the potential for a uniform billing platform. The department will also review standardization of billing codes among providers, post billing criteria on the department's website, and enable concurrent processes for credentialing and contract negotiation for new providers. Billing for telehealth-delivered care, which allows for payments to both the on-site presenter and off-site provider will be examined. The Department of Community Health will also review maximized billing for a patient who sees multiple specialists through multiple encounters during a single visit in a safety net setting.

A Rural Center for Health Care Innovation and Sustainability will be established through the existing Office of Rural Health to provide leadership training and health data analysis for rural hospitals. This postsecondary institution partner will have a health program or college that focuses on rural and underserved areas of the state. No later than January 1, 2019, an education curriculum and training will be provided to leadership of rural hospital organizations, hospital executive leadership, hospital board members, and hospital authority members for best practices and hospital operating standards. No rural hospital organization shall be eligible to receive contributions from the tax credit, qualify or receive any state funds unless the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, every board member and every hospital authority member has completed the education program approved by the center no later than December 31, 2020, or within 12 months of initial hiring or appointment and every two years thereafter.

The center is authorized to make application for and receive funds and grants for purposes and projects. The Rural Center for Health Care Innovation and Sustainability is authorized to enter into contracts and agreements with colleges and universities for participation in the work of the center. Each year on or before December 31st, the center will file a report to the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Health and Human Services, the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, and the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. The report will include recommendations, a
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Today on the Floor

summary of activities on who received training from the center, and the status of rural health care in the state.

Sections 4 and 5 define "micro-hospital" to mean a hospital in a rural county which has at least two and not more than seven inpatient beds and provides emergency services seven days a week and 24 hours per day. The legislation allows for the creation of micro-hospitals without requiring a new certificate of need when a hospital is closing or recently closed and is purchased by a hospital in a contiguous county. The relocation of any micro-hospital can occur within the same county, as long as the facility does not propose to offer any new or expanded clinical health services at the new location.

Section 6 creates a grant program within the Georgia Board of Physician Workforce to provide financial assistance for liability premiums for some rural physicians as an offset for establishing and/or operating a practice in an unserved or underserved area of the state. The board will form rules and regulations for the program, but eligible applicants must: be licensed in Georgia and boardcertified; maintain a practice in the medically underserved area for a certain time; complete 100 hours of continuing education; provide extended or weekend hours; and accept Medicaid and Medicare patients.

Section 7 revises the tax credits for rural hospitals to allow 'S' corporation shareholders, limitedliability company members, and married couples filing a joint return to contribute $10,000 per taxable year, and single or head of household filers to contribute $5,000 per taxable year. The credit's sunset is extended through December 2021.

Authored By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Motions to Agree as Amended: (A motion to agree as amended sends this bill back to the Senate for consideration)

HB 979 Johns Creek, City of; term limits for mayor and councilmembers; provide
Bill Summary: This bill provides for term limits for the mayor and councilmembers of the City of Johns Creek.

Authored By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th)

Rule Applied:

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

Rules Calendar
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: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Special Rules
Yeas: 159 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 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: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Rep. Brett Harrell (106th) Special Rules
Yeas: 165 Nays: 1 Adopted (Resolution)

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-15-2018 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 21, 2018

Today on the Floor

SB 139

Focused Programs of Study; pathway in leadership; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 139 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-159.1 relating to focused programs of study by allowing local school systems, charter schools, and college and career academies to develop and submit additional pathways for consideration to the State Board of Education.

This legislation also requires the State Workforce Development Board, in consultation with the Department of Education and the Technical College System of Georgia, to develop a list of highdemand careers. This list must include industry credentials and state licenses which are linked to occupations that are in high demand and have an occupational wage of at least 70 percent of the average annual wage in this state unless the credential is a stackable credential needed for the next level of the occupation which meets the wage criterion. The list created by the Workforce Development Board should be distributed to all Georgia middle and high schools and posted on the Department of Education's website. This legislation further requires local school systems to annually report the number of students earning industry credentials and state licenses by type from the list. This local school system report will be distributed to the governor, the president of the Senate, and the speaker of the House of Representatives annually.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Hunter Hill (6th) Education
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-08-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute AM 33 1747

SB 202

Medical Assistance; increase in the personal needs allowance to be deducted from a nursing home resident's income; provide
Bill Summary: This bill relates to the 'Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act'. There will be established Adult Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation Multidisciplinary Teams to coordinate the investigation of and responses to suspected instances of abuse of disabled adults or elder persons. HB 635 allows the district attorney in each judicial circuit to establish the Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Multidisciplinary Team and outlines the persons or agencies who shall have reasonable access to records concerning reports of elder, disabled adult, or resident abuse.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Michael Rhett (33rd) Health & Human Services
Yeas: 170 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-14-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 327 Death Investigations; medical examiner's inquiry is required to be conducted; clarify
Bill Summary: SB 327 gives the option to coroners to order a medical examiner's inquiry when there is no suspicion concerning a death that has happened unattended by a physician.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. John Albers (56th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 167 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Marty Harbin (16th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 167 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

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Today on the Floor

SB 350

Notice of Information Practices By Institution or Agent; policy renewal to comport with federal law; update notice practices requirements
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 350 updates Georgia law in regards to the notice requirements for an insurance company or agent to their policyholders in the case of policy renewal to comport with federal law.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Insurance
Yeas: 165 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-09-2018 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Lee Anderson (24th) Insurance
Yeas: 164 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 03-12-2018 Do Pass

SB 404

Public Water Systems; charging or assessing a separate fee for standby water service for fire sprinkler system connections; prohibit county, municipal and other public water systems
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 404 prohibits local governing authorities from charging a separate fee for standby water service for fire sprinkler systems.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Matt Brass (28th) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 116 Nays: 52

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-14-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 409

Railroad Crossings; persons driving vehicles shall exercise due care and caution for other ontrack equipment; require
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 409 defines "on-track equipment" and requires motor vehicles to yield or otherwise treat on-track equipment in the same manner as a train when approaching a railroad crossing.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 03-13-2018 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next 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)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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: Modified-Open

SB 8

"Surprise Billing and Consumer Protection Act"; health insurance; provide consumer protections; definitions
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 8 is designed to bring transparency to the process of medical billing. It prevents the "surprise" bill patients receive when an out-of-network doctor participates in the treatment team for an elective procedure. The bill requires hospitals, healthcare providers and insurers to disclose to patients which doctors in their treatment team are or are not part of their insurance network. Further, it requires the disclosure of the cost for the out-of-network care.

The elements of this bill do not apply to emergency care or any care that arises due to a complication during an elective procedure. In the event a surprise bill does arise as a result of complications during a procedure, the legislation provides for a dispute resolution process.

Authored By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

Local Calendar
HB 1041 McDonough, City of; revise corporate boundaries Bill Summary: This bill revises the corporate boundaries of the City of McDonough.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dale Rutledge (109th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1043 Jesup, City of; staggered terms for board of commissioners; provide Bill Summary: This bill provides staggered terms for the City of Jesup Board of Commissioners.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. William Werkheiser (157th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

HB 1045 Putnam County; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for referendum
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes Putnam County to exercise all redevelopment and other powers found under Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VII(b) of the Georgia Constitution and Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the O.C.G.A.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ricky Williams (145th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1046 Fitzgerald, City of; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Fitzgerald to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Clay Pirkle (155th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1052 Whitfield County; board of commissioners; provide for election by district
Bill Summary: This bill provides for the election of certain members of the Whitfield County Board of Commissioners by district.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Steve Tarvin (2nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1054 Acworth, City of; adopt by reference a certain map Bill Summary: This bill adopts by reference a certain map for the City of Acworth.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ed Setzler (35th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1056 South Fulton, City of; ad valorem tax; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption, which has the effect of a valuation freeze, from City of South Fulton ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Debra Bazemore (63rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1057 Pelham, City of; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Pelham to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jay Powell (171st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

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HB 1058 Miller County; Board of Education; revise districts for election of members
Bill Summary: This bill revises the districts for the election of members of the Miller County Board of Education.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Winfred Dukes (154th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1059 Murray County; office of elected county surveyor; abolish Bill Summary: This bill abolishes the office of elected county surveyor of Murray County.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1060 Stonecrest, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: This bill provides a new charter for the City of Stonecrest.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

HB 1062 Douglas, City of; governing authority; stagger terms of members
Bill Summary: This bill staggers the terms of the members of the governing authority of the City of Douglas.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

SB 481

Board of Education of Putman County; members; compensation; reimbursement of expenses; provide
Bill Summary: This bill provides for the compensation for the Putnam County Board of Education members.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Burt Jones (25th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 156 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

03-19-2018 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 38th Legislative Day, Friday, March 23, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 194

Garnishment Proceedings; maximum part of disposable earnings subject to garnishment; change
Bill Summary: SB 194 amends Code sections relating to garnishment. It removes provisions requiring the clerk of court to approve garnishment or dispossessory affidavits. It raises the maximum weekly disposable income earnings amount from $217 to funds over $217.50. The bill also changes the formula for calculating earnings for a period other than a week from a multiple of $7.25 per hour to the proportionate fraction or multiple of 30 hours per week at $7.25 per hour.

The legislation clarifies that the form for summons of garnishment on a financial institution shall not be used for a continuing garnishment or a continuing garnishment for support, which subjects the employees of financial institutions to a continuing garnishment.

Additionally, garnishment proceeding forms can be sent to the address the defendant identified as his/her residence in any pleading in the action resulting in the judgment debt, in addition to the address where the defendant was served in a judgment debt.

This legislation clarifies that a garnishment proceeding based on an affidavit of garnishment shall automatically be dismissed after two years unless there are funds remaining in the registry of the court or a new summons of garnishment has been issued in the preceding 30 days.

The bill adds new provision for a garnishee or a third-party claimant may seek a trial on the following claims if the plaintiff: does not have a judgment; has an incorrect affidavit of garnishment; has a false or legally insufficient affidavit of garnishment; has money held by the garnishee that is exempt or subject to a prevailing claim from a third party. Another provision prevents the defendant from presenting evidence or prevailing on a claim. Finally, the bill adds a provision that prevents a third party from presenting evidence or prevailing on a claim of exemption or defense that belongs to the defendant.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-08-2018 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 sets an annual license fee of $50 for a non-resident youth sportsman's license for those 15 years of age or younger.

Authored By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

SB 365

Code Revision Commission; statutory portion of said Code; revise, modernize, correct errors or omissions in and reenact
Bill Summary: This bill is the annual Code Revision clean-up bill. It amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to revise, modernize, and correct errors or omissions. The bill reflects the work of the Code Revision Commission to repeal portions of the Code which have become obsolete, unconstitutional, or preempted or superseded by subsequent laws. Lastly, the bill provides for other matters relating to revision, reenactment, and publication of the Code.

Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) House Committee: Code Revision

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-12-2018 Do Pass

SB 397

Real and Personal Property; municipalities to hire state licensed real estate brokers to assist in sale; allow
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 397 allows cities to contract with real estate agents or brokers for the purpose of marketing city-owned property.

Authored By: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) House Committee: Governmental Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 03-14-2018 Do Pass

SB 402 "Achieving Connectivity Everywhere (ACE) Act"
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 402, the 'Achieving Connectivity Everywhere (ACE) Act,' amends Titles 32, 34, 36, 44, 46, and 50 of the O.C.G.A.

Part Two states the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has the authority to plan for, establish, and implement a long-term policy for the use of rights-of-way on interstate highways and state-owned roads for the development of broadband services. All net revenues from the use, lease, or other activities in such rights-of-way in excess of any project costs, which are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Highway Administration, shall be paid into the state general fund.

Part Three states that any county or municipal governing bodies shall provide for the promotion of the deployment of broadband services by providers in any of their comprehensive plans. Part Three-A allows an electric membership corporation (EMC) that obtains a certificate of authority from the Public Service Commission (PSC) pursuant to O.C.G.A. 46-5-163 to provide and operate emerging communications technologies within the EMC's assigned area and within a five-mile radius thereof. No cross-subsidization shall be permitted between an EMC's natural gas activities, electricity service, or emerging communications technologies operation. Part Three-B permits telephone cooperatives to furnish emerging communications technologies in addition to furnishing telephone service.

Part Four authorizes the Department of Economic Development to promote the deployment of broadband services throughout the state, including the deployment of broadband services in any facilities and developments designated as a Georgia Broadband Ready Community Site. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) are provided additional authorization and responsibilities.

Part Five adds the speaker of the House as a co-vice chair on the OneGeorgia Authority Board of Directors.

Part Six, Article One defines "broadband services" as a wired or wireless terrestrial service that can transmit at speeds of 25 megabits per second (Mbps) in the downstream direction and 3 Mbps in the upstream direction. An "unserved area" is also defined as a census tract, a group of census tracts, or a combination of census tracts, as determined by DCA, in which broadband services are not available to 20 percent or more of locations as determined by DCA.

Article One also states GTA is authorized and directed to establish and implement such programs and policies as necessary to coordinate state-wide efforts to promote and facilitate deployment of broadband services. GTA shall submit copies of an annual report to the lieutenant governor, the speaker, and the governor regarding the policies and programs established by the authority. All state agencies shall
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Committee Actions

cooperate with GTA by providing requested information.

Article Two states DCA shall determine the areas of the state that are unserved areas and publish such findings. On or before January 1, 2019, DCA shall publish on its website a map showing the unserved areas of the state. DCA shall consult with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine if a map exists that shows the unserved areas of the state, as determined by DCA. If on or before July 1, 2018, DCA determines that a map does not exist, then a map shall be created by DCA or an agent designated by DCA. All local governments shall cooperate with DCA by providing requested information. A provider or political subdivision may file a petition with DCA alleging that an area should be designated as a served or unserved area.

Article Three states a political subdivision that has a comprehensive plan that includes the promotion of the deployment of broadband services may apply to DCA for certification as a broadband ready community. DCA shall approve an application if the department determines the political subdivision has enacted a model broadband ordinance as created by the department, or something similar to said ordinance.

Article Four states DCA shall, with the assistance of the Department of Economic Development, create and administer the "Georgia Broadband Ready Community Site Designation Program." The program will designate facilities and developments that offer broadband services at rates of at least one gigabit per second. The Department of Economic Development shall promote the program.

Article Five enables DCA to develop the "Georgia Broadband Deployment Initiative" on or before July 1, 2019. The initiative shall provide funding to qualified broadband providers that request the least amount of money to offer broadband services in the state. DCA may also use a request-for-proposal process in soliciting proposals from qualified broadband providers and may also accept proposals from qualified broadband providers through an ongoing open proposal process. Providers shall submit solicited or unsolicited proposals for unserved areas in which they are seeking to deploy broadband services, provided that DCA seeks competing proposal for any unsolicited proposals.

The program will consist of a minimum of five rounds of grants, with DCA having the ability to extend the program if unserved areas still exist. Additionally, Article Five states that DCA shall submit a report on June 30, 2019, and each year thereafter, to the lieutenant governor, the speaker, and governor on the program's progress. Additionally, the state auditor shall conduct a performance audit of the grant program at least once every three years and provide the report to the lieutenant governor, speaker, and governor.

Article Six defines an "authority" as any: local authority, local governing authority, political subdivision providing retail electric service, EMC, and cooperative. The article details the rates and fees charged by an authority for attachments to the authority's utility poles and wireless support structures. These rates have stipulations, which include the year and broadband speeds.

Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) House Committee: Ways & Means

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-19-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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 within 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 items affect ground and surface water withdrawals:

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.

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Committee Actions

SB 451 also requires EPD to develop a priority system for installing state-sponsored water-measuring devices. If a site does not have the proper infrastructure for a state-sponsored water-measuring 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 water-measuring 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 water-measuring devices necessary to ensure accurate water usage readings.

Authored By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 03-15-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

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

Health & Human Services Committee
HR 1592 Health insurers; provide coverage for less-addictive opioids and opioid addiction treatments to reduce the number of Georgians addicted to opioids; urge
Bill Summary: HR 1592 urges health insurers to provide coverage for less-addictive opioids, opioid addiction treatments, and opioid alternative treatments for patients to reduce the number of Georgians addicted to opioids.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Karen Mathiak (73rd) Health & Human Services

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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 non-profit 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 to make comments to the board prior to the board taking action on such recommendations on behalf of the council.

Authored By: House Committee:

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

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do NOT Pass

Insurance Committee
SB 319 "Consolidation of Fire Safety Services in Georgia Act"; enact; Department of Fire Safety; establish
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 319 moves the state fire marshal, deputy state fire marshal, and the state arson investigator from the Department of Insurance to the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Albers (56th) Insurance

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Daily Report for March 21, 2018

Committee Actions

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1061 Tarrytown, Town of; provide new charter Bill Summary: This bill provides a new charter for the Town of Tarrytown.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Greg Morris (156th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1063 South Fulton, City of; limit authority of mayor and city council over personal matters
Bill Summary: This bill limits the authority of the mayor and city council of the City of South Fulton over personnel matters.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Roger Bruce (61st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1064 Fulton County; ad valorem tax; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from Fulton County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $50,000 for residents who are older than 65 years of age.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1065 Jefferson, City of; creation of one or more community improvement districts; provide
Bill Summary: This bill provides for the creation of one or more community improvement districts in the City of Jefferson.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1067 Stonecrest, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption, which has the effect of a valuation freeze, from City of Stonecrest ad valorem taxes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1068 Stonecrest, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption for disabled and senior citizen residents from City of Stonecrest ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $14,000, provided the resident's income does not exceed $15,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1069 Stonecrest, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from City of Stonecrest ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

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03-21-2018 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 21, 2018

Committee Actions

HB 1070 Stonecrest, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from City of Stonecrest ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $10,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1071 Stonecrest, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: This bill provides for a homestead exemption for unremarried surviving spouses of military veterans from City of Stonecrest ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

HB 1072 Henry County; annual salary for coroner and deputy coroner; provide Bill Summary: This bill provides for the salaries of the Henry County coroner and deputy coroner.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Geoffrey Cauble (111th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

SB 477 City of Decatur; levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A; authorize the governing authority
Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Decatur to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Elena Parent (42nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass

SB 478 "City of Brookhaven Public Facilities Authority Act"
Bill Summary: This bill creates the City of Brookhaven Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Elena Parent (42nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Juvenile Justice Committee
SB 437 Resuscitate; parental requirement for consent; revise
Bill Summary: SB 437 clarifies the language in the Code regarding a parent's oral or written consent for a minor child's non-resuscitation order.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Juvenile Justice

Committee Action:

03-21-2018 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SR 681

U.S. Congress; propose the Parental Rights Amendment to the states for ratification; encourage
Bill Summary: SR 681 encourages the United States Congress to pass a constitutional amendment providing that parental rights become fundamental rights and to add explicit text to the constitution to protect those rights from being infringed upon.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Marty Harbin (16th) Juvenile Justice

Committee Action:

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03-21-2018 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 21, 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.

Thursday, March 22, 2018 9:00 AM SPECIAL RULES - 515 CLOB 10:00 AM JUDICIARY (NON-CIVIL) - 406 CLOB 10:00 AM MOTOR VEHICLES - 506 CLOB 11:00 AM DEFENSE AND VETERANS AFFAIRS - 415 CLOB 1:30 PM PUBLIC SAFETY - 606 CLOB 2:00 PM EDUCATION - 606 CLOB 2:00 PM TRANSPORTATION - 506 CLOB

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