Daily report, 2020 June 24

DAILY REPORT Wednesday June 24, 2020

38th Legislative
Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 39th Legislative Day on Thursday, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 10 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Agree
HB 789 Insurance; creation of a surprise bill rating system based upon the number of certain physician specialty groups contracted with a hospital within a health insurer's network; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 789, also known as the 'Surprise Bill Transparency Act', creates a health benefit plan surprise bill rating system that is defined by the number of green check marks and red X marks between zero and four. The number of check marks and X marks is determined by the number of qualified hospital-based specialty group types, or lack thereof, with which the health benefit plan is contracted for the provision of health care services. The bill defines "hospital-based specialty groups" as anesthesiologists, pathologists, radiologists, and emergency medicine physicians.

The insurer must make this rating system available for patients to view online for each network plan. If a rating is less than four check marks, the insurer advertising a hospital as in-network must describe which specialty group type is not contracted with the health benefit plan. If an insurer processes a claim on a covered person from an out-of-network specialty group provider at an out-ofnetwork rate, the insurer must update the relevant rating within 30 days to reflect any necessary reduction in the rating.

Authored By: Rep. Mark Newton (123rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

HB 987

Health; additional measures for the protection of elderly persons; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 987 provides several new provisions for the protection of elderly persons in personal care homes with 25 beds or more and in assisted living facilities, to include: requiring an initial and annual training for direct care staff; maintaining a minimum on-site staffing ratio of one direct care staff person for every 15 residents during waking hours, and one for every 20 residents during non-waking hours; providing a 60-day notice to the Department of Community Health and residents of any bankruptcy or property eviction and a 14-day notice for any change of ownership that affects care; and providing a financial stability affidavit upon submission of application for licensure to affirm ability to operate for two years.

Additionally, assisted living facilities must maintain at least two direct care staff at all times and a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) between eight and 40 hours per week depending on number of residents in facility.

House Bill 987 also provides a certification for memory care units that must provide the following staff: one dementia trained staff person for every 12 residents; one licensed social worker or professional counselor for eight hours per month; one RN, LPN, or certified medication aide at all times; at least two direct care staff at all times; at least one RN or LPN between eight and 40 hours on-site depending on number of residents; and initial and annual dementia specific training.

House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

The bill adds a provision related to COVID-19. Each personal care home with 25 or more beds, each assisted living community, and each nursing home licensed in Georgia must: inform its residents and their representatives by 5:00 p.m. the next day following the occurrence of either a single confirmed infection of COVID-19 or another type of airborne infectious disease; maintain a minimum sevenday supply of protective masks, surgical gowns, eye protection, and gloves; maintain and publish policies and procedures pertaining to control and mitigation efforts; and include a pandemic plan for influenza and other infectious diseases. Unless previously tested, and no later than 90 days after its effective date, each resident and direct care staff person in a long-term facility in Georgia is required to receive an initial baseline molecular Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) CoV-2 test.

Additionally, this bill creates the State Board of Long-Term Care Facility Administrators consisting of nine members: three members who are nursing home administrators in Georgia; three members who are either a personal care home or assisted living community administrator; two members of the public who are not administrators; and one member who is a health care professional.

Furthermore, House Bill 987 imposes a mandatory fine of at least $5,000, and increases the maximum daily fine for long-term care facilities from $1,000 to $2,000 up to a total of $40,000 for any violation that causes the death or serious physical injury of a resident.

Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

HB 1114 Medical assistance; Medicaid coverage for lactation care and services and postpartum care; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 1114 requires the Department of Community Health to provide Medicaid coverage, and pursue a waiver if needed, to provide coverage for lactation care and services to pregnant and lactating women, children who are breastfeeding or receiving their mother's milk, and postpartum care for mothers for a period of up to six months following birth. This bill will become effective only upon the effective date of a specific appropriation of funds by the General Assembly.

Authored By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

Motions to Disagree
HB 1094 Public officers and employees; paid parental leave for state employees; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 1094 reduces the FY 2021 annual salary of the lieutenant governor by 14 percent. Additionally, this bill reduces the salary of each member of the General Assembly by 11 percent.

Authored By: Rep. Houston Gaines (117th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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

Rules Calendar
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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd) Insurance
Yeas: 145 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd)

Rule Applied:

Special Committee on Access to the Committee

Civil Justice System

Action:

Yeas: 159 Nays: 0

Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Yeas: 157 Nays: 2

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 142 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-17-2020 Do Pass

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Yeas: 158 Nays: 0

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

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: Floor Vote: Floor Action:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 81 Nays: 68 Failed

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) Education
Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation
Yeas: 149 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

freight rail projects.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation
Yeas: 154 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. John Albers (56th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 102 Nays: 64

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-17-2020 Do Pass

SB 416

Office of College and Career Transitions; change the name to Office of College and Career Academies
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 416 amends O.C.G.A. 45-7-4 relating to the annual salary of the lieutenant governor and the members of the General Assembly. The lieutenant governor's salary will be reduced by 14 percent for the 2021 fiscal year and the members of the General Assembly's salary will be reduced 10 percent for the 2021 fiscal year.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Education
Yeas: 106 Nays: 51

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-17-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 150 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Code Revision
Yeas: 166 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 139 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Judiciary Non-Civil
Yeas: 137 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Natural Resources & Environment
Yeas: 151 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-18-2020 Do Pass

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Juvenile Justice
Yeas: 145 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

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.

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Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

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: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Sen. Dean Burke (11th) Health & Human Services
Yeas: 144 Nays: 4

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day
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 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: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd)

Rule Applied: Modified-Structured

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. Moreover, the bill gives hearings involving dependency issues to take priority over cases involving jury trials. The bill allows for the Department

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

of Family and Child Services to work with child placement agencies regarding the hours of training required for foster and respite families. SB 335 also addresses the Lake Lanier Development Authority.

Authored By: Sen. Matt Brass (28th)

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.

Authored By: Sen. Brandon Beach (21st)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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 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

Local Calendar
HB 922 Whitfield County Board of Education; revise and restate the law
Bill Summary: House Bill 922 repeals a local constitutional amendment providing for the division of Whitfield County into school districts. It also revises and restates the law relating to the Whitfield County Board of Education.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 134 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Al Williams (168th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Today on the Floor

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Karla Drenner (85th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Viola Davis (87th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. James Burchett (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. James Burchett (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Noel Williams (148th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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Today on the Floor

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Andrew Welch (110th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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: Floor Vote:

Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 155 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

06-23-2020 Do Pass

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Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 39th Legislative Day, Thursday, June 25, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, June 25, at
9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 40th Legislative Day.

SB 211

Advertisement and Sale of Meat; representation of nonanimal products and non-slaughtered animal flesh as meat; render unlawful
Bill Summary: SB 211 prohibits labeling or advertising food that is not derived from the flesh, offal, or other by-product of an animal as meat unless the labeling clearly states one of the following: "labgrown", "lab-created", or "grown in a lab" if it is made of cell cultured products; or, "vegetarian", "veggie", "vegan", "plant based", or other similar term if it is a plant-based product.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-22-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 316

Military Spouses; licensed in other states to practice certain professions; obtain a license by endorsement to practice in this state; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 316 requires professional licensing boards to issue an expedited license to a military spouse or transitioning service member who holds a current license, in good standing, with another state; examinations to demonstrate required knowledge may be required.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Governmental Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-16-2020 Do Pass

SB 341

Peace Officers; re-employment of retired peace officers and correctional officers during disasters and emergencies; provide
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 341 allows any law enforcement unit in the state to supplement its workforce as necessary with qualified, retired peace officers or correctional officers when a disaster or emergency has been declared by a county sheriff, a public safety director, or the governor or when there is a national emergency. Any retired officers must be in compliance with the annual training and qualification standards set for peace officers in Georgia law. Assisting officers have the same immunities and arrest powers in that location as the officers of the requesting entity only for the duration of the specific event. Any compensation is paid by the requesting entity and the officers assisting are deemed employees of the requesting entity during the event and therefore subject to the workers' compensation, overtime, and expense reimbursement provisions provided to him or her as an employee of the requesting agency.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Action:

Modified-Structured 06-19-2020 Do Pass

SB 413 Conflicts of Interest in Zoning Actions; definition of the term applicant; expand
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 413 allows agencies to hold public hearings via teleconference during emergency conditions.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. P. K. Martin (9th) Governmental Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 06-22-2020 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.

Governmental Affairs Committee

SB 322

Development Impact Fees; exemption of development projects from funding such projects' proportionate share of system improvement; authorize
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 322 provides guidelines for specified election outcomes when a candidate on the ballot in a nonpartisan election dies prior to election.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Frank Ginn (47th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 463

Primaries and Elections; provisions and references regarding direct recording electronic voting machines; remove
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 463 requires poll officers to be residents of the state of Georgia. The bill sets the registration deadline for a run-off primary on the fifth Monday prior to the date of the run-off. The bill prohibits the secretary of state, State Election Board, county registrar, or other specified officials from distributing unsolicited absentee ballots to electors. The secretary of state is authorized to develop a secure website for electors to request absentee ballots. Upon request, electors 70 years and older must be permitted to vote immediately at the next available voting booth without having to wait in line.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
HB 922 Whitfield County Board of Education; revise and restate the law
Bill Summary: House Bill 922 repeals a local constitutional amendment providing for the division of Whitfield County into school districts. It also revises and restates the law relating to the Whitfield County Board of Education.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Natural Resources & Environment Committee

SB 384

Solid Waste Management; location of any municipal solid waste disposal facility within certain distance of a blackwater river; flows directly into the ocean; prohibit
Bill Summary: SB 384 declares blackwater rivers that are wholly contained within the borders of the state, originate in Georgia's coastal plain, and flow directly into the ocean as a vital area of the state. The state is restricted from issuing permits to municipal solid waste disposal facilities or landfills accepting coal ash located within three miles of a blackwater river considered a vital area.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd) Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Committee Actions

Transportation Committee
SR 844 Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon Memorial Bridge; Hall County; dedicate Bill Summary: The House substitute to SR 844 includes the following dedications:
Senate Resolution 844, dedicating the bridge on State Route 11/Cleveland Highway in Hall County as the Deputy Nicolas Blane Dixon Memorial Bridge;
Senate Resolution 862, dedicating the intersection of State Route 92 and State Route 9/State Route 120 in Fulton County as the Tom Price Intersection;
Senate Resolution 858, dedicating the bridge on 17th Street over I-75 in Fulton County as the Calvin McLarin Memorial Bridge;
Senate Resolution 889, dedicating the overpass bridge on State Route 38/U.S. 221 in Lowndes County as the Joseph "Sonny" Vickers Overpass;
House Resolution 1326, dedicating the portion of State Route 139 from Campbellton Road to Donnelly Avenue in Fulton County as the Vivien Harmon Memorial Highway;
House Resolution 1328, dedicating the overpass bridge on 701 West Highway 80 in Chatham County as the Kicklighter Overpass;
House Resolution 1366, dedicating the portion of State Route 41 from mile marker 6 to mile marker 7 in Marion County, Georgia, as the Wesley Frank Weaver Memorial Mile;
House Resolution 1387, dedicating the portion of State Route 17 from Rocky Ford to Scarboro in Screven County as the C. Arthur Howard, Jr., Highway;
House Resolution 1388, dedicating the bridge on State Route 85 over Railroad Ave/Railroad Street in Muscogee County as the Albert W. Thompson Memorial Bridge;
House Resolution 1389, dedicating the interchange at the U.S. 80/State Route 22 Connector in Muscogee County as the Congressman Jack T. Brinkley Memorial Interchange;
House Resolution 1392, dedicating the intersection of Brown Road and State Route 56 in AugustaRichmond County as the James "Jimmy" Smith, Jr., Intersection;
House Resolution 1431, dedicating the bridge on State Route 88 over Brier Creek in Keysville, Georgia, as the Maggie Bell Cheatham Cartwright Bridge;
House Resolution 1444, dedicating the interchange between Interstate 20 and Washington Road in Richmond County as the Jessye Norman Memorial Interchange;
House Resolution 1472, dedicating the overpass bridge at the overpass on State Route 169 in Wayne County as the William "Billie" E. Clanton Bridge;
House Resolution 1522, dedicating the bridge on State Route 515/State Route 5 over Talona Road in Gilmer County as the Billy Burnette Memorial Bridge;
House Resolution 1523, dedicating the bridge on State Route 338 over I-16 near the city limits of Dudley in Laurens County as the Johnnie B. Hall Memorial Bridge;
House Resolution 1524, dedicating the intersection between State Route 31/US 319/ US 441 and State Route 117/ US 441 Bypass in Laurens County as the Kipley "Kip" Allen Brown Memorial Intersection;

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Committee Actions

House Resolution 1548, dedicating the interchange at Interstate 75 and Union Grove in Gordon County as the Johnny Meadows Memorial Interchange;

House Resolution 1589, dedicating the intersection of State Route 1 and Veterans Memorial Highway in Floyd County as the Carl Evans Memorial Intersection;

House Resolution 1597, dedicating the bridge on SR 38/US 84 over SR 3/SR 300/US 19 in Thomas County as the Major Henry Talmage Elrod Medal of Honor Recipient Memorial Bridge;

House Resolution 1598, dedicating the bridge on State Route 93 between 1st and 2nd Avenue in the city limits of Cairo in Grady County as the Veterans Memorial Bridge.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Butch Miller (49th) Transportation

Committee Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Ways & Means Committee
SB 375 Cigarettes and Tobacco Related Products; additional penalties regarding any person under 21 years of age; provide; definition of vapor product; revise
Bill Summary: Effective January 1, 2010, Senate Bill 375 raises the legal age to purchase and possess vapor and tobacco products, establishes licensing and regulatory requirements on vapor products, and establishes an excise tax on vapor products.

The bill raises the legal age to purchase tobacco and vapor products to 21 and makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to possess the products. The bill also makes it unlawful to use any vapor product within a school safety zone.

The bill also establishes excise taxes of five cents per milliliter on consumable vapor products in a closed system and seven percent of the wholesale cost price on vapor devices and vapor devices that contain any consumable vapor product at the time of sale and are not intended to be refilled.

"Consumable vapor product" is defined as any liquid solution that is intended to be heated into an aerosol state and inhaled by an individual. "Closed system" is defined as any disposable container which is pre-filled and sealed by the manufacturer and is intended or used to dispense consumable vapor products using a vapor device that is intended to be reused. "Open system" is defined as any method or manner used to contain a consumable vapor product that is not a closed system. "Vapor device" is defined as any system or device developed or intended to deliver a consumable vapor product to an individual who inhales from the device.

No person shall engage in or conduct business relating to alternative nicotine products and vapor products without first obtaining a license from the commissioner of the Department of Revenue. The commissioner may require a separate license for each business activity and product including alternative nicotine products, vapor products, and traditional tobacco products or may allow the license holder to participate in all business activities and products under one license. The license fees for vapor products is an additional $10 initial fee and an annual $10 fee. Vapor products are included in the current regulatory structure for tobacco products and all sales must be made in a face-to-face manner with the purchaser being at least 21 years of age as shown on a valid identification. Home delivery of vapor products is allowed, but requires that the recipient be at least 21 years of age as shown on a valid identification and provide a signature that matches that of the identification.

Alternative nicotine products and vapor products are incorporated into the Code section, which provides the department with the ability to regulate the tobacco industry.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

06-24-2020 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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House of Representatives

Daily Report for June 24, 2020

Committee Meetings

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, June 25, 2020 9:00 AM RULES 341 CAP 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 39) House Chamber

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