Daily report, 2020 June 23

Tuesday June 23,
2020

DAILY REPORT 37th Legislative Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 38th Legislative Day on Wednesday, June 24 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 23 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Agree
HB 426 Criminal procedure; imposition of punishment for crimes involving bias or prejudice; revise criteria
Bill Summary: HB 426 is the "hate crime" legislation. The bill requires that the prosecution must give notice to the defendant that an enhanced penalty is being sought. If the court determines beyond a reasonable doubt that the victim, group of victims, or any property is the object of the offense because of the victim's actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, mental disability, or physical disability then the court can apply an enhanced penalty.

HB 426 designates five misdemeanors available for enhancement, and are as follows: simple assault; simple battery; battery; criminal trespass; and misdemeanor theft. For these misdemeanor offenses, the sentence imposed is imprisonment for a period of at least six months but not more than 12 months with a fine not to exceed $5,000. The enhancement can apply to any felony, with the sentence imposed of imprisonment for a period not less than two years and a fine up to $5,000.

The bill requires the judge to state when the sentence enhancement is imposed and the amount of increase of the sentence is due to the hate crime penalty statute. Moreover, when a law enforcement officer investigates an incident of a crime in which it appears to the defendant intentionally selected the victim(s) in violation of the hate crime statute, the officer must submit to his or her supervisor a written report of the incident entitled "Bias Crime Report". The report will be used for statistical purposes only, and when no arrest is made will not be subject to open records. All law enforcement must report to the Georgia Crime Information Center all incidents involving alleged criminal violations of the hate crimes statute. The GBI will compile and analyze the statistics of such reports and annually publish the findings in the Georgia Uniform Crime Reports.

Authored By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Rule Applied: Structured

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

HB 838

Law enforcement officers and agencies; Office of Public Safety Officer Support; change the name
Bill Summary: House Bill 838 renames the recently established Office of Public Safety Officer Support at the Department of Public Safety to the Office of Public Safety Support. The bill also establishes the "Peace Officers Bill of Rights" which establishes procedures for when a peace officer of this state is under investigation by members of a law enforcement agency for any reason that could lead to disciplinary action, suspension, demotion, or dismissal.

Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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

House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HB 1148 Berrien County; Magistrate Court; provide for election of future chief magistrates
Bill Summary: House Bill 1148 provides for the non-partisan elections of future chief magistrates of the Berrien County Magistrate Court.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Penny Houston (170th) Intragovernmental Coordination
Yeas: 100 Nays: 57

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-17-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 1195 Berrien County; office of probate judge; provide nonpartisan elections
Bill Summary: House Bill 1195 provides for future elections for the office of probate judge of Berrien County to be non-partisan.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Penny Houston (170th) Intragovernmental Coordination
Yeas: 98 Nays: 59

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-17-2020 Do Pass

SB 123

Waste Management; the coal ash surcharge imposed by host local governments; eliminate
Bill Summary: SB 123 raises the required local government surcharge on a municipal solid waste disposal facility operated by a private enterprise from $1.00 per ton to $2.50 per ton. The bill removes an exception for the same facilities that accept coal combustion residuals and raises the required surcharge from $1.00 to $2.50 per ton of coal combustion residuals. The percentage of surcharges collected by local governments specifically designated to offset repairs is lowered from 50 to 20 percent.

The bill allows for any permitted municipal solid waste landfill operating by July 1, 1997 to expand its operation within two miles of a federally restricted military air space used for a bombing range.

SB 123 removes language to lower the surcharge on the disposal of waste at a solid waste disposal facility from $0.75 per ton of solid waste to $0.51 per ton. The surcharge's sunset date is June 30, 2025. The bill strikes language to lower the fee on all new replacement tires from $1.00 to $0.38 per tire sold. The fee's sunset date is June 30, 2025.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 142 Nays: 15

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 435

"The Debbie Vance Act"; court imposing sentence may grant the relief of vacatur for convictions and sentences of defendants; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 435, 'The First Survivors Act', provides relief to proven victims of human trafficking from sentencing and punishment for crimes committed while being trafficked.

A defendant convicted and sentenced for an offense as a direct result of being the victim of human trafficking may petition the court to vacate the conviction. The petition must be submitted on the appropriate form promulgated by the attorney general, along with a copy of the defendant's criminal history background check, no earlier than six months following the conviction and sentencing for a misdemeanor and one year following a completion of sentencing for a felony. The petition may include certain documentation of the defendant's status as a victim of an offense of human trafficking. Defendants with an outstanding warrant may not file a petition.

If the prosecuting attorney consents to set aside the conviction or fails to respond to the petition within 30 days, the court shall, without notice or hearing, issue an order vacating the convictions and sentence and restrict access to criminal history record information for the offense. If the prosecuting
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

attorney objects, the court shall hold a hearing within 90 days of the filing of the petition. If the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the defendant committed an offense as a direct result of being a victim of human trafficking, the court may issue an order vacating the conviction and sentence. If ordered, the court shall also issue an order restricting access to criminal history record information for the offense.

Finally, the bill amends the Code as it relates to the Georgia Crime Information Center to allow for the restriction of access to a defendant's criminal history record information in accordance with the intent of the bill.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 161 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

SB 442

Property; amendments to property owners' association instruments and covenants that restrict rental of residential lots and plots; prohibit
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 442 provides that an instrument of a property owners' association may not be amended to prohibit or restrict a non-owner occupied lot from continuing to be leased or rented for a initial term of six months or longer pursuant to the pre-amended instrument. In the event such lot, or any interest in the lot, is transferred for consideration worth $100 or more, the lot must then conform to the instrument as amended.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 123 Nays: 27

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-16-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 474

Department of Natural Resources; construct, operate, maintain, and supply informational materials at welcome centers assigned to it by the Governor; provide
Bill Summary: SB 474 extends the ability to construct and operate welcome centers to the Department of Natural Resources. The agency may also operate vending machines and install automated teller machines in assigned welcome centers.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 156 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

SB 509

Glynn County Police Department; abolish; transfer of assets and property of such police department; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 509 abolishes the Glynn County Police Department, subject to voter approval of a binding referendum. If the referendum passes, the police department will be abolished on May 2, 2021.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 152 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

SR 19

Georgia Commission on Freight and Logistics; create
Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 19 proposes an amendment to the Constitution to provide for alternative meeting locations and means in certain emergency situations for the General Assembly. In the event of an emergency affecting the state due to an enemy attack or a natural or manmade disaster or pandemic that makes it difficult or impossible for the General Assembly to physically meet in the state capitol, the General Assembly will be allowed to meet at another location or may meet through electronic means.

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Rules
Yeas: 151 Nays: 6

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
SB 28 Insurance; imposing a copayment, coinsurance, or office visit charge in an amount greater than charges imposed for physician; prohibit
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 28 establishes additional criteria for co-payments in certain health benefit plans. The bill adds a provision regarding insurance requiring co-payments to: be reasonable in relation to the covered benefits to which they apply; must serve as an incentive rather than a barrier to access appropriate care; and must not unfairly deny necessary health care services.

Authored By: Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 318

Education; public forums at public institutions of higher education; provide
Bill Summary: SB 318 is the 'Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act'. The bill provides that the unrestricted outdoor areas of the campuses of the University System of Georgia and the Technical College System of Georgia's institutions are public forums for their campus communities. The institutions will not prohibit expressive activities in those areas or designate any campus areas as a "free speech zone". Institutions may maintain and enforce restrictions for expression so long as the restrictions are narrowly tailored to serve a significant institutional interest and employ criteria that is clear, published, neutral, and provides ample alternative means for expression. Restrictions must also allow the community to assemble spontaneously and to distribute literature.

Individuals may engage in expressive activities that do not materially and substantially disrupt the functions of the institution. Disruptions do not include conduct protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. The bill does not prevent an institution from prohibiting student-onstudent harassment or unlawful activities.

Institutions may not discriminate against, deny any benefits or privileges available to, or deny recognition to any active or proposed student organization based on actual or anticipated activities. Policies, regulations, and expectations of student expression on campus will be made public by the institution. The institutions will also develop materials, programs, and procedures regarding student expression for all individuals responsible for the education or discipline of students.

The State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia will publish an annual report related to its actions on free expression. The report will be shared with the governor and General Assembly on July 1 of each year.

Authored By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 337

Invasion of Privacy; prohibition against the transmission of photography depicting nudity; include falsely created videographic or still images
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 337 amends Code Section 16-11-90, relating to invasion of privacy, to include falsely created videographic still images of other persons within the prohibition against the transmission of photography or videos depicting nudity or sexually explicit conduct of another person under certain circumstances.

Authored By: Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 340 Childhood Cancer Awareness Day; September 1 of each year; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 340 establishes September 1st as the annual Childhood Cancer Awareness Day in Georgia.

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Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

Authored By: Sen. Brandon Beach (21st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

SB 367

Effectiveness of Educational Programs; number of student assessments; reduce; when assessments must be administered; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 367 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-281, relating to assessments, by reducing the number of state assessments given to students. SB 367 eliminates the fifth grade end-of-grade social studies assessment and reduces the number of end-of-course assessments in high school from eight to four. School systems must administer the state required end-of-grade assessment for grades three through eight within 25 school days of the last day of school. The Department of Education is authorized to conduct an analysis of locally implemented assessments and provide guidance to eliminate redundant assessments to improve student achievement.

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

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 394

Attorney General; authority to investigate and prosecute certain crimes and offenses; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 394 provides that the attorney general shall have the authority to employ peace officers during the investigation of human-trafficking cases and other investigations authorized by the attorney general's general powers under the Code. The bill allows the attorney general to investigate medical assistance fraud (Medicaid and Medicare).

Authored By: Sen. John Albers (56th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 410

Ad Valorem Tax Appeals; alternative means of recovering costs of litigation and attorney's fees; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 410 amends 48-5-311, relating to creation of county boards of equalization, duties, review of assessments, and appeals, to allow the taxpayer to recover costs of litigation and attorney's fees for appeals made by the board of assessors to the superior court where the final determination of value is 85 percent or less of the value set by the board of assessors.

The bill also amends 48-5-511, relating to returns of public utilities to the commissioner of the Department of Revenue, to require the annual property tax return of public utilities be transmitted to the commissioner electronically.

Authored By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th)

Rule Applied: Structured

SB 426

Air Quality; reporting of any unpermitted release of ethylene oxide to the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; provide
Bill Summary: SB 426 requires any permittee of an operation that includes the emission of ethylene oxide to report a spill or release of any amount of ethylene oxide to the Environmental Protection Division within 24 hours of discovery. The division must make the report publicly available on the division's website.

Authored By: Sen. Brian Strickland (17th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 445

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation; water and sewer authorities to be designated as local issuing authorities for land-disturbing activity permits; authorize
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 445 allows for a water or water and sewer authority to issue land disturbance permits if the authority has been certified by the director of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and authorized by local law. All applicable counties or municipalities must approve an intergovernmental agreement to allow the authority to operate as a local issuing authority.

Authored By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

SB 446

Cash Bonds; unclaimed cash bonds; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 446 allows a posted cash bail to be paid into the general fund of an appropriate court when it is unclaimed by the surety on the bond after two years. The bill also provides that the time begins from the date of the surety's release from liability or the date of disposition of the case, whichever is earlier.

Authored By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 473

Conservation and Natural Resources; duties, powers, and responsibilities relative to historic preservation; from Department of Natural Resources to the Department of Community Affairs; transfer
Bill Summary: SB 473 transfers the Historic Preservation Program, including all grant, tax credit, and site designation responsibilities, to the Department of Community Affairs.

Authored By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 477

Investigation of Family Violence; terminology used in determining whom to arrest; revise
Bill Summary: SB 477 allows for arresting officers to make a decision regarding mutual combat about which party caused the violence and is the predominate aggressor in domestic violence situations requiring arrest.

Authored By: Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 482

Office of Health Strategy and Coordination; state all-payer claims database; establishment of an advisory committee; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 482 establishes the Georgia All-Payer Claims Database (GAPCD). Claims data is the information included in an institutional, professional, or pharmacy claim for a covered individual, including the amount paid to a provider of health care services, plus any amount owed by the covered individual.

Additionally, the bill creates an advisory committee to make recommendations regarding the creation of the framework and implementation plan for the GAPCD to facilitate the reporting of health care data. The committee will make initial recommendations to the director of the Office of Health Strategy and Coordination no later than March 1, 2021. The objective of the GAPCD is to facilitate data-driven and evidence-based improvements in access, quality, and cost of health care in order to understand health care expenditure patterns.

The committee will conduct an evaluation of the GAPCD at least every five years to ensure these purposes are met.

The director will seek funding for the creation of the all-payer health claims database and report to the governor and General Assembly on the status of the funding effort and final data elements recommended by the advisory committee no later than March 15, 2021. The GAPCD will be created if sufficient funding is received through gifts, grants, donations, or appropriations on or before January 1, 2022.

Authored By: Sen. Dean Burke (11th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

SB 489

Lighting Equipment of Motor Vehicles; requiring an amber strobe light upon low-speed vehicles; provisions; repeal
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 489 removes the requirement that low-speed vehicles must display an amber strobe light as a warning to other drivers.

Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

Local Calendar
HB 1167 Atlanta, City of; ad valorem tax for municipal purposes; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: House Bill 1167 provides a new homestead exemption from city of Atlanta ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $30,000 for each resident of Atlanta who holds real property subject to a written lease having an initial term of not less than 99 years with a landlord that is an entity exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and who owns all improvements located on the real property.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Park Cannon (58th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-18-2020 Do Pass

HB 1217 Middle Chattahoochee Regional Water and Sewer Authority Act; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 1217 changes the name of the South Fulton Municipal Regional Water and Sewer Authority.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Derrick Jackson (64th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1221 Haralson County; school district ad valorem tax; increase exemption
Bill Summary: House Bill 1221 increases a Haralson County School District homestead exemption from $8,000 to $14,000 for residents who are 65 and older and have annual incomes not exceeding $10,000.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Trey Kelley (16th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1223 Colquitt County; Airport Authority; modify provisions regarding qualifications, selection, terms, powers, officers, and duties of members
Bill Summary: House Bill 1223 modifies provisions regarding the qualifications, selection, terms, powers, officers, and duties of members of the Colquitt County Airport Authority.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1225 Young Harris, City of; reduce size of city council; modify term of mayor Bill Summary: House Bill 1225 reduces the size of the Young Harris City Council.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Gurtler (8th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1227 Cusseta-Chattahoochee County; levy an excise tax
Bill Summary: House Bill 1227 authorizes the governing authority of the Unified Government of Cusseta-Chattahoochee County to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cheokas (138th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

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06-22-2020 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Today on the Floor

Floor Vote:

Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Amendments:

HB 1231 Chehaw Park Authority; change name of park; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 1231 changes the name of the Chehaw Park Authority and expands its purpose to include the acquisition of zoological specimens.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1233 Lavonia, City of; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; increase homestead exemption
Bill Summary: House Bill 1233 increases a city of Lavonia homestead exemption from $10,000 to $20,000 for residents who are 65 and older.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Alan Powell (32nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

HB 1234 Tallulah Falls, Town of; terms, qualifications, election, and vacancies of mayor and councilmembers; modify provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 1234 modifies the provisions regarding the mayor and councilmembers of the town of Tallulah Falls.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Chris Erwin (28th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

SB 512

Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority; members of the authority are appointed; revise
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 512 revises how members of the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority are appointed.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Burt Jones (25th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-22-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 38th Legislative Day, Wednesday, June 24, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, June 24,
at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 39th Legislative Day.

SB 288

Criminal History Record Information; automatic restriction; final disposition other than a conviction; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 288 expands the ability of individuals convicted of certain misdemeanors or convicted of non-serious or non-sexual felonies and are later pardoned to petition for the restriction and sealing of their criminal history record information. Specific misdemeanor offenses along with violent or sexual felonies are excluded. Exceptions are provided to allow for criminal history record information that was previously restricted and sealed to be unrestricted and unsealed for certain purposes.

A restriction or sealing may be used to disqualify an individual for employment in the same manner as a discharge under Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42. Restricted and sealed criminal history record information shall always be available for inspection: for the purpose of imposing a sentence under Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42; by the Judicial Qualifications Commission; by an attorney representing an accused individual who submits a sworn affidavit to the court attesting that such information is relevant to a criminal proceeding; by a prosecuting attorney or public defender; pursuant to a court order; and by an individual who is the subject of a restricted or sealed offense.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd)

Rule Applied:

Special Committee on Access to the Committee

Civil Justice System

Action:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 301

Detainers; inmates charged with subsequent felony offenses under sentence and in custody; temporary custody provisions; revise
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 301 allows the sheriff to request an inmate in the state penal system to remain in state custody when awaiting trial for an offense committed within the confines of the state correctional institution. The bill places authority to grant those requests with the commissioner of the Department of Corrections and goes on to prohibit the transfer of such inmates to an institution outside of the county making the request.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

SB 321

Physician Assistants; relating to the number a physician can authorize and supervise at any one time; provisions; revise
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 321 authorizes an advanced practice registered nurse to order radiographic imaging tests in non-life threatening situations if delegated to do so by a physician. The bill also brings parity to the number of advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistance that a physician may supervise in a nurse protocol agreement to four.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) Regulated Industries

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 335

Children and Youth; foster children and foster families; laws and supports; strengthen
Bill Summary: SB 335 allows foster parents free admission into state parks. In addition, a tracking system must be developed for cases involving foster care. The bill gives hearings involving dependency issues priority over cases involving jury trials. The bill allows for the Division of Family and Children Services to work with child placement agencies regarding the hours of training required

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Next on the Floor

for foster and respite families. SB 335 also addresses the Lake Lanier Development Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Matt Brass (28th) Juvenile Justice

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 342

Local Fire Departments; procedures for organization, issuance and revocation of certificates of compliance; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 342 establishes the Georgia Volunteer Fire Service Council as a division of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council to govern and administer the requirements for volunteer fire departments in the state.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

SB 344

Witness or Criminal Defendant; certain proceedings conducted by video conference; requirements; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 344 provides that prisoners and crime lab employees may appear for certain court proceedings via video conference; however, these do not include criminal proceedings outside of pretrial and post-sentencing matters.

When a prisoner will attend a proceeding digitally and a party intends to introduce testimony, the party must give written notice to the opposing counsel within 10 days of the hearing. Opposing counsel may object in writing any time after being given notice, but at least five days before the hearing. Upon objection, a judge may require the prisoner to appear in person. The state will then determine the prisoner's availability to testify and if the prisoner is found to be unavailable, the court may grant a continuance. The court retains the ability to order a defendant's personal appearance for any hearing.

For both prisoners and crime lab employees appearing digitally, accommodations must be made to preserve the attorney-client privilege. A private means of communication must be provided when a defendant and defense counsel are in different locations. Records of any digital proceeding will be made in the same manner as non-digital proceedings. Upon consent of the parties, digital proceedings may be recorded by an audio-video recording system and the recording becomes part of the record. Minimum requirements are provided for the video conferencing systems to be utilized.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

SB 370

Public Utilities and Public Transportation; compliance with certain safety and permit requirements; electric easements are utilized for broadband services; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 370 requires owners of electric easements located on, along, across, under, or over property owned by a railroad company or state agency to comply with the application, review, safety, and permit requirements of the railroad company or state agency for projects where the easement is utilized for broadband services.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

SB 371

Department of Transportation Officers; state investment in railways and railroad facilities and equipment; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 371 requires the Department of Transportation to administer the Georgia Freight Railroad Program, subject to appropriations, in order to enhance the state's investment in freight rail projects.

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Next on the Floor

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

SB 429

Code Revision Commission; statutory portion of said Code; revise, modernize, correct errors or omissions in, and reenact
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 429 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 that 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: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Code Revision

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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Committee Actions

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

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 1165 Joint Liberty County, City of Gum Branch, City of Midway, City of Riceboro, and City of Walthourville Fire Protection Facilities and Equipment Authority; repeal Act
Bill Summary: House Bill 1165 repeals the joint Liberty County, city of Gum Branch, city of Midway, city of Riceboro, and city of Walthourville Fire Protection Facilities and Equipment Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Al Williams (168th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1242 Decatur, City of; independent school district ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: House Bill 1242 provides a city of Decatur independent school district homestead exemption for 10 years in the full amount of the assessed value for residents who are 62 and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Karla Drenner (85th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1243 DeKalb County; board of commissioners; change manner of appointment and terms of office of members
Bill Summary: House Bill 1243 changes the manner of appointment and terms of office of the members of the DeKalb County Board of Ethics, and provides for an ethics administrator and the duties of that position.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Viola Davis (87th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1245 Lanier County Building Authority Act; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 1245 creates the Lanier County Building Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. James Burchett (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1246 Satilla Regional Water and Sewer Authority; all five board members are elected pursuant to the Act; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 1246 provides that all five Satilla Regional Water and Sewer Authority board members be elected.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. James Burchett (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1247 Warner Robins, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: House Bill 1247 provides a new charter for the city of Warner Robins.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Committee Actions

HB 1248 Cordele, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: House Bill 1248 provides a new charter for the city of Cordele.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Noel Williams (148th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

HB 1249 Henry County; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for a referendum
Bill Summary: House Bill 1249 authorizes Henry County and each municipality within Henry County to exercise all redevelopment powers found in the Georgia Constitution and Code.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Andrew Welch (110th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

SB 510 Wheeler County; board of elections and registration; create Bill Summary: Senate Bill 510 creates the Wheeler County Board of Elections and Registration.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

Judiciary Committee

SB 289

Ad Valorem Taxation of Property; mobile homes procure permits and procure and display decals; remove the requirement
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 289 requires courts and the Georgia Tax Tribunal to decide all questions of law regarding the proper interpretation of revenue and taxation-related statutes or regulations without deference to the Department of Revenue's interpretation of the statute or regulation in dispute. The Department of Revenue retains deference to properly promulgated regulations unless the court finds that a taxpayer has a superior interpretation of ambiguous statutory language.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 402

Bonds and Recognizances; conditions for unsecured judicial release on a person's own recognizance; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 402 amends Code Section 17-6-12, relating to the discretion of courts to release a person charged with a crime on their own recognizance, to specify certain bail-restricted offenses. It renames the release of a person on his or her own recognizance without a purported dollar amount through secured means or property as an "unsecured judicial release." The bill specifies that a person charged with a bail-restricted offense shall not be released on bail on unsecured judicial release for pretrial release programs, release and diversion programs, or intervention and diversion programs. Additional references in the Code to the release of a person on "his or her own recognizance" are replaced with "unsecured judicial release."

Any bond issued by an elected judge or judge sitting by designation that purports a dollar amount shall be executed in the full-face amount of the bond through secured means or shall be executed by use of property. This shall not prohibit a sheriff from releasing an inmate from custody in cases of medical emergency with consent of the judge.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 23, 2020

Committee Actions

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

SB 40

Sexual Assault By Persons with Supervisory or Disciplinary Authority; sexual contact between an employee and student enrolled at such school; prohibit
Bill Summary: SB 40 allows for the sale of to-go sealed bottle mixed drinks, wine, and beer that comply with all consumption on premises rules.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 208

Drivers Licenses; implied consent notices; revise
Bill Summary: SB 208 updates the Code regarding licensure for certain three-wheeled vehicles that have seatbelts and frames that partially or fully enclose the operator. The operators of these vehicles are not required to wear eye-protective or head-protecting devices.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 320

Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; sexually dangerous predators who fail to verify or update registration information; provide penalty
Bill Summary: SB 320 increases the penalty for aggravated sexual offenders who fail to complete the mid-year registration to be in line with the penalty for failure to register on their birthday.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Chuck Payne (54th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

SB 308

Abandoned Vessels; unattended vessels in public waters; remove certain redundant processes
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 308 removes the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the National Crime Information Center Network from the Code relating to removal and storage of abandoned vessels, as well as the section relating to the requirement to notify the two of removal. The bill places all authority and notification back with the Department of Natural Resources.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

Committee Meeting Schedule
This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meetings Calendar.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 8:00 AM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS 506 CLOB 8:00 AM Resource Management Subcommittee of Natural Resources and Environment 606 CLOB 9:00 AM RULES 341 CAP 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 38) House Chamber 3:00 PM INDUSTRY AND LABOR 506 CLOB 3:00 PM TRANSPORTATION 606 CLOB
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