Daily report, 2021 March 1

Monday March 1,
2021

DAILY REPORT 25th Legislative Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

The House will reconvene for its 26th Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 3 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. March 2, 2021 is a Committee Day.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar
HB 124 Funeral directors and embalmers; multiple cremation devices; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 124 allows for crematories to use aquamation by creating a new definition for "cremation device," which is used to expand the current references to a "retort" to also include vats and containers in which cremation occurs by traditional flame, alkaline hydrolysis, or other approved means.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Ricky Williams (145th) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-16-2021 Do Pass

HB 244

Insurance; flood risk reduction in the enumerated list of county purposes for ad valorem taxes; include
Bill Summary: House Bill 244 adds flood risk reduction to the list of services provided by counties to inhabitants of unincorporated areas.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Don Hogan (179th) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 158 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2021 Do Pass

HB 392

Alcoholic beverages; licenses for retail sale packages of alcoholic beverages for consumption off premises shall be subject to regulation as to distance from schools as determined by the local governing authority; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 392 makes new alcoholic beverage licensees for off-premises consumption subject to the local jurisdiction's distance requirements from school and educational buildings. These distance requirements can be less restrictive than those in Code, but cannot be more restrictive. If the local jurisdiction does not have specific distance requirements enacted for school and educational buildings, then the state's distance requirements shall control.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 126 Nays: 35

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Today on the Floor

HB 443 Torts; transfer of structured settlement payment rights; provide new requirements
Bill Summary: House Bill 443 creates the 'Georgia Structured Settlement Protection Act' to provide new requirements regarding the transfer of structured settlement payment rights.

The bill defines certain terms and establishes registration and application requirements for persons or entities acquiring, or proposing to acquire, structured settlement payment rights (defined in the bill as "transferees"). A person or entity shall not act as a transferee, attempt to acquire structured settlement payment rights from a Georgia resident, or file a structured settlement transfer proceeding unless the person or entity has registered with the Secretary of State to do business in Georgia. Applications must be renewed annually and include a sworn certification providing that the applicant has secured a surety bond, has been issued a letter of credit, or has posted a cash bond in the amount of $50,000. Transferees or structured settlement purchase companies are prohibited from engaging in certain actions, and a cause of action is created for the violation of such prohibitions.

At least 10 days before the holder of a structured settlement signs a transfer agreement that transfers his or her interest in such settlement to a transferee, the transferee must provide such holder with certain disclosures. No transfer of structured settlement payment rights shall be effective unless the transfer has been approved in advance in a final court order based on certain express findings by the court. Notice of a transferee's application for the approval of such transfer must be provided at least 20 days prior to any scheduled hearing on the application. Requirements for such notice and application are also provided.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (33rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 161 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass

HB 453

Special license plates; certified, volunteer, and retired firefighters; provide standards for proof of eligibility
Bill Summary: House Bill 453 allows firefighters to utilize a firefighter special license plate on a vehicle used for transportation purposes unrelated to their role as a firefighter. The bill includes retired firefighters on the eligible firefighter list that is provided to county tag agents in order to establish who qualifies for a firefighter special license plate.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lauren McDonald (26th) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 164 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass

HB 459

Local government; prohibit annexations of county operated airport property
Bill Summary: House Bill 459 prohibits certain municipalities from annexing any territory that includes a county-operated airport unless the county government adopts a resolution approving such annexation.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Governmental Affairs
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2021 Do Pass

HB 466

Motor vehicles; number of required hours in the intervention component of DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Programs; reduce
Bill Summary: House Bill 466 lowers the required course hours from 20 to 16 for intervention programs related to the use of alcohol or drugs while driving. The bill allows for driver education training courses and driver training courses to be conducted in-person, online, or via remote participation platforms.

The bill allows, in specified instances, driver training schools and public or private high schools to administer the skills test required for a commercial driver's license. The Department of Driver

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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Today on the Floor

Services commissioner is authorized to issue a special license to qualified driver training school instructors allowing them to serve as driver's license examiners and conduct tests required for the issuance of a driver's license. The bill requires the department to be notified when there is a change in ownership of a driver training school.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Alan Powell (32nd) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 143 Nays: 21

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 476

Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Act of 2021; enact
Bill Summary: House Bill 476 is known as the 'Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Act of 2021'. The bill renames the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors to the Georgia Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board and requires that the governor's appointees to the board to be confirmed by the Senate. Effective July 1, 2021, the board is an attached agency of the Georgia Secretary of State for administrative purposes only, although it will not be under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of State nor its licensing division. This bill also creates a new position of executive director that heads the agency with accompanying powers. Continuing education requirements for professional engineers and professional structural engineers are changed from 30 hours biennially to 30 hours annually, and requirements are changed for professional land surveyors from 15 hours biennially to 7.5 hours annually. Licenses will be renewed annually rather than biennially.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Dale Washburn (141st) Regulated Industries
Yeas: 163 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 531

Elections; no election superintendents or boards of registrars shall accept private funding; provide
Bill Summary: Section 1 establishes that the non-partisan chairperson of the State Election Board is to be elected by the General Assembly through a joint resolution. The secretary of state shall be an ex-officio non-voting member of the State Election Board.

Section 2 requires the secretary of state to provide necessary support and assistance at the request of the State Election Board.

Section 3 permits the State Election Board to adopt emergency rules only in circumstances of imminent peril to public health, safety, or welfare and subject to specified notice requirements.

Section 4 prohibits election superintendents from accepting funds from any source other than a county, municipal, state, or federal governing authority.

Section 5 provides for the appointment of an acting election superintendent, in counties without a board of elections, when there is a vacancy or incapacitation in the office of judge of the probate court.

Section 6 permits a poll officer to serve in a county that adjoins the county of their residence, when specified conditions are met.

Section 7 provides guidelines in the event of the death of a candidate on the ballot in a non-partisan election.

Section 8 prohibits boards of registrars from accepting funds from any source other than a county, municipal, state, or federal governing authority.

Section 9 provides that in a precinct with more than 2,000 electors, if the voting wait time was more than one hour for the previous general election, the superintendent must either reduce the size of the precinct to less than 2,000 electors or provide additional poll workers or equipment, or both, before
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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Today on the Floor

the next general election.
Section 10 specifies that buses and readily-movable facilities, used to supplement polling place capacity, shall only be used in governor-declared emergency situations.
Section 11 clarifies when a candidate in a non-partisan election is duly elected.
Section 12 clarifies that in any election other than a statewide general election, the election superintendent may provide more or less voting booths per precinct than the general election standard of one voting booth per every 250 electors, depending on relevant factors.
Section 13 requires ballots to be printed on security paper.
Section 14 provides requirements for the public notice of the time and place of voting equipment testing.
Section 15 allows an elector to apply for an absentee ballot beginning 78 days prior to the election until 11 days prior to the election and requires absentee ballot applications to be received by the board of registrars or an absentee ballot clerk no later than 11 days prior to the election.
The bill requires the submission of identifying information, including a driver's license or identification card number, when applying for an absentee ballot. If the applicant does not have a driver's license or identification card, a photocopy of an approved form of identification must be submitted with the application. The absentee ballot application must also include an oath for the elector or relative submitting the application to sign.
The secretary of state, election superintendents, boards of registrars, or other governmental entities are prohibited from sending unsolicited absentee ballot applications to electors. The bill prohibits any unauthorized person from sending an absentee ballot application with pre-filled personal information to an elector. Other than specified exceptions, no person may handle or return an elector's completed absentee ballot application. Handling of a completed absentee ballot application by an unauthorized person is a misdemeanor.
If an absentee ballot application is sent to an elector by a non-governmental person or entity, the following guidelines must be followed: the application must be the same form as the one made available by the secretary of state; the name of the person or entity sending the application must be clearly disclosed on the face of the application; and a disclaimer that the person or entity is not a governmental entity, the application is not a ballot, and that completion of the application is not required to vote.
In instances where the identifying information submitted with the absentee ballot application does not match the elector's identifying information on file with the board of registrars, a provisional absentee ballot will be sent to the applicant, along with information on how to cure the discrepancy. If the application is incomplete or the oath is unsigned, the registrar or clerk must promptly contact the applicant in writing to request the additional information or the signed oath.
Section 16 requires boards of registrars and absentee ballot clerks to establish at least one secure absentee ballot drop box. Additional drop boxes are permitted, subject to limitations, and must be evenly geographically distributed throughout the county. Absentee ballot drop boxes must be located at the office of the board of registrars or absentee ballot clerk or inside advance voting locations. The drop boxes will be available for ballot drop-off during the hours of advanced voting. The bill provides guidelines for the security, construction, and ballot collection process of the drop boxes.
Section 17 requires boards of registrars or absentee ballot clerks to mail or issue official absentee ballots to all eligible applicants between 29 days and 25 days prior to a non-municipal election. Official absentee ballots must be issued to electors entitled to vote absentee under the federal 'Uniformed and Overseas Citizen Absentee Voting Act' (UOCAVA) between 49 days and 45 days prior to a federal primary or election.

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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Today on the Floor

During the advance voting period, boards of registrars or absentee ballot clerks must issue an absentee ballot, provisional absentee ballot, or notice of rejection within three days of receipt of the absentee ballot application. An elector confined to a hospital may apply for an absentee ballot on the day of the primary or election or during the ten-day period prior to the primary or election. These applications must be immediately processed and, if approved, the ballot must be delivered to the elector.
The envelope that an elector uses to return a completed absentee ballot must include the following: the elector's name and signature; the elector's driver's license or identification card number; a space for the elector to mark if they do not have a driver's license or identification card; the elector's date of birth; and the last four digits of the elector's social security number, if the elector does not include the driver's license or identification card number. These identifying pieces of information should be concealed when the envelope is correctly sealed. Any unauthorized person who knowingly unseals an absentee ballot envelope shall be guilty of a felony.
The uniform instructions provided with the absentee ballot must include the following: specific instructions that the elector must mark the ballot in private and will not allow any unauthorized person to deliver or return the ballot on their behalf as well as an oath, under penalty of false swearing, affirming such; a list of persons authorized to return a completed ballot to the board of registrars on behalf of the elector; and the contact information of the State Election Board.
A special absentee run-off ballot must be included with each general primary or general election absentee ballot that is sent to UOCAVA voters. The special absentee run-off ballot will allow the UOCAVA elector to cast their vote for a runoff by indicating their order of preference for each candidate in each race. The elector will rank each candidate beginning with "1," then "2," and so forth until the elector has ranked each candidate that he or she chooses to rank.
Section 18 requires the outer oath envelope of the absentee ballot to include a space for the elector to provide his or her driver's license or identification card number and his or her date of birth. If the elector does not have a driver's license or identification card, the elector must provide the last four digits of his or her social security number. If none of the above can be provided, the elector must include a copy of an approved form of identification.
The advance voting period must begin on the fourth Monday immediately prior to each primary or election and as soon as possible prior to a runoff. Advance voting hours must begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and, when applicable, Saturdays or Sundays. The registrar shall choose to hold advance voting on either the third Saturday or third Sunday prior to a primary or election. Registrars may extend the early voting hours to permit voting from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Advance voting is only permitted to occur on the days specified in Code, and cannot be conducted on any other days.
The board of registrars must publish the dates, times, and locations of advance voting at least 14 days prior to the advance voting period for a primary or election and at least seven days prior to the advance voting period for a runoff. Once published, the board of registrars are prohibited from removing an advance voting location unless an emergency occurs.
Section 19 provides that upon receipt of an absentee ballot, the registrar or clerk must compare the identifying information provided by the elector with the same information contained in the elector's voter registration records and verify that the elector's oath has been signed. If the elector did not sign the oath or their provided identifying information does not match the information in the elector's voter registration records, the ballot will be rejected and the elector will be given the opportunity to cure the problem that resulted in the rejection.
The election superintendent is authorized to process and scan verified and accepted absentee ballots beginning at 8:00 a.m. on the third Monday prior to and no later than the second Monday prior to the day of the primary, election, or runoff. It is prohibited, unless otherwise provided in Code, to tabulate or tally in any way the absentee ballot votes until the closing of the polls on the day of the election. At least seven days prior to processing and scanning the absentee ballots, the superintendent must provide written notice to the secretary of state as well as post the notice in the superintendent's office
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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Today on the Floor

and on the county election superintendent's website. The secretary of state must post the provided notice on the secretary of state's website as well.
The processing and scanning of absentee ballots must be open to the view of the public, but only the superintendent or their employee or designee is authorized to touch the ballots or ballot container. Anyone involved in processing or scanning absentee ballots must swear an oath before beginning the process.
Political parties have the right to designate persons to act as monitors to observe the absentee ballot processing and scanning. Such monitors are prohibited from the following: interfering with the process in any way; using or bringing into the room any type of recording device; engaging in campaigning; endangering the secrecy and security of the ballots; touching the ballots or ballot container; in any way tabulating the votes cast on the absentee ballots; or communicating observed information about any ballot, vote, or selection to anyone other than an election official.
When requested by the superintendent, but not earlier than the third Monday prior to the election, a registrar or absentee ballot clerk must deliver the absentee ballots, rejected ballots, ballot applications, and the list of certified and rejected ballots to a designated location. At that location, the superintendent must ensure that the ballots are opened and tabulated.
The superintendent is required to ensure that absentee ballot returns are reported to the public as soon as possible following the closing of the polls on election day.
Section 20 requires poll watchers to complete training provided by the political party or body that they are representing.
Section 21 prohibits giving money or gifts, including food and drinks, to an elector within 150 feet of a polling place, within a polling place, or within 25 feet of a voter standing in line to vote.
Section 22 removes a provision allowing an elector to cast a provisional ballot in a precinct other than their own. If a provisional ballot is cast by an elector in the wrong precinct, the ballot will not be counted.
Sections 23 and 24 clarify when votes for candidates who have died or been disqualified will or will not be counted.
Section 25 establishes the creation of duplication panels to prepare duplicate copies of ballots when necessary. The duplication panel must consist of an election superintendent, or their designee, and two other members, as specified based on the type of election.
Section 26 provides that election returns must be certified by the superintendent by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday following election day.
Section 27 provides that when a runoff is necessary, it must be held on the 28th day after the general or special primary, or general or special election.
Section 28 provides that special primaries and special elections held at the same time as a general primary must be conducted using the same machines and facilities as the general primary, when possible. If a vacancy occurs in a partisan office to which the governor is authorized to appoint an individual to serve until the next general election, a special primary must precede the special election. The names of candidates on the ballot in a special primary must be listed alphabetically.
Section 29 provides that, when applicable, the candidates and questions on the ballot for a special primary or special election must be included on the ballot for a general primary or general election, if the registration deadlines are the same for both elections.
Section 30 provides that in order to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term of a United States senator, a special primary must be held at the same time as the general primary, followed by a special election held at the same time as the general election.
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Today on the Floor

Section 31 specifies that a person shall be guilty of a felony if they, without proper authorization, accept an absentee ballot from an elector for delivery or return to the board of registrars.
Section 32 provides that if the decennial census results are published within 120 days of the next general or special municipal election, the reapportionment of municipal election districts shall be effective for any subsequent special or general municipal election.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) Special Committee on Election Integrity Yeas: 97 Nays: 72

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-24-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 539

Medical Practice Act of the State of Georgia; institutional licenses; revise provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 539 revises provisions related to institutional licenses in the 'Medical Practice Act of the State of Georgia' by adding hospitals licensed by the Department of Community Health, medical schools approved by the Georgia Composite Medical Board, teaching hospitals, and clinics that service predominantly Medicaid, indigent, and underserved populations.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Health & Human Services
Yeas: 162 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-23-2021 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Committee Actions

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

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

HB 574

Animals; Companion Local Government Animal Trust Fund for reimbursement of impoundment expenses incurred by local governments; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 574 creates the Companion Local Government Animal Trust Fund and dedicates no more than $50,000 of collected pet dealer, kennel, stable, and animal shelter fees to the fund, provided the fund's total does not exceed $200,000. Local governments may apply for reimbursement of expenses related to impounding more than 29 dogs or cats or more than nine equines as part of an investigation. The Department of Agriculture determines which expenses are reasonably and appropriately incurred and qualify for reimbursement. The department shall retain up to $10,000 for the administration of the fund and develop rules and regulations. The commissioner shall provide a report on the fund to the House and Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs committees by February 1 of each year. The fund stands abolished on July 1, 2031.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Beth Camp (131st) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass

Human Relations & Aging Committee

HB 290

Hospitals and nursing homes; policy during a declared public health emergency that limits patients' abilities to be visited by designated family members and friends; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 290, known as the 'Patient and Resident Representation and Visitation Act,' prohibits a hospital or long-term care facility from implementing any policy that limits a patient or resident's access to in-person physical contact with a designated legal representative for less than one hour per day during any hospitalization, treatment, or residence that last longer than 12 hours. For patients in operating rooms, transplant wards, or requiring physical isolation for immunocompromised conditions, the attending physician may restrict or postpone a patient's access to in-person physical contact with their designated legal representative for up to 48 hours. The governor cannot waive or otherwise limit these provisions, including during a public health emergency. Hospitals and long-term care facilities may impose reasonable safety requirements and must post these requirements on the facility's website.

HB 290 also prohibits long-term care facilities from implementing any policy that limits a resident's ability to have in-person physical contact with at least two legal representatives or essential caregivers for no less than a single period of two hours each day for any treatment or residence that lasts longer than 24 hours. Long-term care facilities may impose reasonable safety requirements and must post these requirements on the facility's website.

The bill allows for instances when a hospital or long-term care facility may temporarily suspend or terminate the access of a legal representative as well as allows for a patient to bring civil action in court for the failure of a hospital, long-term care facility, or governmental entity to comply with the provisions in this bill. Additionally, the bill allows for instances when a long-term care facility may temporarily suspend or terminate the access of an essential caregiver as well as allows for any patient or essential caregiver to bring civil action in court for the failure of a long-term care facility or governmental entity to comply with the provisions in this bill.

The provisions of this bill are conditions for hospitals and nursing homes to obtain operational permits and begin on July 1, 2021.

The Department of Community Health shall establish rules and regulations for the provisions of this bill and is authorized to take civil, disciplinary, or administrative action against any hospital or long-

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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

Committee Actions

term care facility for non-compliance with the provisions in the bill.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Ed Setzler (35th) Human Relations & Aging

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 605

Health; provide for authorized electronic monitoring in long-term care facilities
Bill Summary: House Bill 605 allows for the use of authorized electronic monitoring devices in any skilled nursing facility, intermediate care home, assisted living community, or personal care home. A resident or his or her representative must submit to the facility the specified written notification and consent form that is approved by the resident's roommate, if applicable. If a resident's roommate refuses to consent, then the facility shall relocate the resident when able to a comparable room.

The bill prohibits a resident's use of a facility's local area network to connect the electronic monitoring device to the internet, unless the facility provides written consent to the resident. A resident may arrange for access to the internet through an internet service provider. For any resident who is authorized to use electronic monitoring, the bill requires the facility to post at the entrance to the resident's room a sign that states in large, easy-to-read type, "This room is electronically monitored."

No recording from an authorized electronic monitoring device may be accessed or disseminated without the permission of the resident or resident's representative. Any unapproved electronic monitoring device may be removed by the facility. A copy of a recording that contains alleged evidence for an allegation of neglect, abuse, negligence, or other misconduct must be provided by the resident or resident's representative to the facility upon the facility's written request.

The bill states that facilities are not liable for privacy violations due to electronic monitoring devices and that facilities cannot discriminate against any current or future resident or roommate for consenting or refusing the use of electronic monitoring devices.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Human Relations & Aging

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Committee

HB 620

Guardian and ward; payment of certain settlements involving claims of minors; clarify and revise procedures and requirements
Bill Summary: House Bill 620 amends and updates provisions of the Code relating to the settlement of claims of minors. The maximum amount of the value of a minor's personal property, or the value of a minor's anticipated settlement, that may be received or accepted by the minor's guardian without becoming a conservator or court approval is raised from $15,000 to $25,000.

For proposed settlements of a minor's legal claim, the bill revises the definition of "gross settlement" and creates a new definition of "net settlement" to differentiate and clarify when a conservator must be appointed to submit a proposed settlement and which court must approve a proposed settlement.

When a minor has no assets, other than an interest in a legal claim, the requirement for a conservator to obtain a bond to settle the claim is delayed until the value of such interest is determined.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rob Leverett (33rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 624 South Georgia Judicial Circuit; additional judge of the superior court; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 624 increases the number of judges for superior courts in the South Georgia Judicial Circuit from two to three. The additional judge shall be appointed by the governor

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Committee Actions

for a term beginning July 1, 2022, until December 31, 2024. A successor shall be elected at the nonpartisan judicial election held in 2024; and the elected successor will take office January 1, 2025.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Regulated Industries Committee

HB 364

Professions and businesses; exempt persons having completed Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training from required fingerprint submission for application to be licensed as a private guard, watchman, or patrolman
Bill Summary: House Bill 364 allows Georgia law enforcement officers, who are certified by the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, to be exempted from certain requirements when applying for private detective and private security licenses. The bill also allows those officers to serve in private security positions while awaiting the application decision of the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. J. Collins (68th) Regulated Industries

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 369

Physicians; job description submission to Georgia Composite Medical Board; provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 369 expands the eligibility as to who can issue an affidavit to authorize a motor vehicle disability parking permit by including advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants. The bill also allows advanced practice registered nurses to authorize limited Scheduled II prescriptions so long as it is pursuant to a nurse protocol agreement and meets the other listed requirements. Further, the bill allows physicians to delegate the authority to issue prescription drug orders in emergency situations under specific requirements.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Alan Powell (32nd) Regulated Industries

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 645

Crimes and offenses; medical cannabis; update and revise provisions
Bill Summary: House Bill 645 revises the Code to clarify that provisions relating to low THC oil also include resulting products, which is already defined in O.C.G.A. 16-12-200. The Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission's responsibilities are increased by adding that the commission should review new treatment and delivery methods of low THC oil and products that result from medical research. Further, the bill clarifies that the commission is required to provide documents and information promptly to the Medical Cannabis Commission Oversight Committee, as requested, and clarifies the overall duties of the oversight committee. The bill also allows local jurisdictions to use their zoning powers to allow for additional locations of dispensaries, if needed. The bill allows licenses to be issued and replacement licenses to be offered if others are revoked, suspended, or surrendered and if certain license thresholds are met. An exemption is created from disciplinary action by a licensing board or civil penalties for those transporting low THC oil on behalf of their licensed company. HB 645 also allows for universities and other colleges that meet the specific criteria to engage in joint research with licensees, so long as the partnership is to conduct medical research.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Micah Gravley (67th) Regulated Industries

Committee Action:

03-01-2021 Do Pass

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Daily Report for March 1, 2021

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.

03/02/2021 8:00 AM EDUCATION (House)
03/02/2021 8:00 AM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (House)
03/02/2021 8:00 AM Motor Vehicles Tags and Titles Subcommittee (House)
03/02/2021 8:30 AM Motor Vehicles Driver Safety and Service Subcommittee (House)
03/02/2021 9:00 AM Insurance Life and Health Subcommittee (House)

406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 606 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 606 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 132 CAP VIDEO HYBRID

03/02/2021 9:30 AM INSURANCE (House)

132 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 10:00 AM INDUSTRY AND LABOR (House)

506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 10:30 AM RULES (House)

341 CAP VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 11:00 AM STATE PROPERTIES (House)

403 CAP VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 11:30 AM PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY (House) 506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 11:30 AM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM (House) 406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 12:30 PM SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON ACCESS TO QUALITY HEALTH CARE (House)

406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 1:00 PM Judiciary NON Civil Setzler Subcommittee (House) 515 CLOB VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 1:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS (House)

403 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 1:00 PM INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION (House) 341 CAP HBRID

Agenda

03/02/2021 1:30 PM Judiciary Reeves Subcommittee (House)

132 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 1:30 PM REGULATED INDUSTRIES (House)

506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 2:00 PM Natural Resources and Environment Resource Management Subcommittee (House)

341 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

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Committee Meetings

03/02/2021 2:00 PM HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (House)

606 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 2:00 PM RETIREMENT (House)

406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID

03/02/2021 2:30 PM GAME, FISH AND PARKS (House)

403 CAP VIDEO Agenda

HYBRID

03/02/2021 3:00 PM ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS 403 CAP VIDEO Agenda

(House)

HYBRID

03/02/2021 3:00 PM Transportation Resolutions Subcommittee (House) 406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda

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03/02/2021 3:30 PM TRANSPORTATION (House)

406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda

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03/02/2021 4:00 PM Motor Vehicles Alternative Fuel Vehicles

606 CLOB VIDEO

Subcommittee (House)

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03/02/2021 4:00 PM NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT (House) 341 CAP VIDEO

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