DAILY REPORT Tuesday March 29, 2022 House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 37th Legislative Day The House will reconvene for its 38th Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Seven bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor. Today on the Floor Rules Calendar SB 330 "Giving the Gift of Life Act"; enact Bill Summary: Senate Bill 330 prohibits insurance companies from canceling, modifying, or refusing to issue life insurance based on an individual's status as an organ donor. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. John Albers (56th) Ways & Means Yeas: 157 Nays: 1 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 345 State Government; state and local governments from mandating vaccine passports; prohibit Bill Summary: Senate Bill 345 prohibits state and local governments from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of providing services, accessing a facility, issuing licenses or permits, performing duties, and other matters. Exceptions are applied if compliance would violate Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations or federal contracts relating to workplace locations. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd) Health & Human Services Yeas: 99 Nays: 67 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-22-2022 Do Pass SB 397 General Educational Development (GED) Diplomas; update and replace terminology; state approved high school equivalency (HSE) diplomas; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 397 amends the O.C.G.A titles 15, 20, 25, 40, 42, and 43 to update terminology from "general educational development (GED) diplomas" by replacing it with "state approved high school equivalency (HSE)." Current law provides for a HOPE GED voucher issued upon the receipt of a GED diploma, but SB 397 updates it to the HOPE HSE voucher and allows those funds to go toward the cost of an approved exam instead of a reward on the back end. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Russ Goodman (8th) Higher Education Yeas: 147 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass SB 479 Firearms by Convicted Felons and First Offender Probationers; each firearm in the possession or attempted possession of certain offenders shall be charged as a separate offense; specify Bill Summary: Senate Bill 479 increases the penalty for those 1) who are on probation as a felony first offender, who are on probation for a felony, or who have been convicted of a felony in Georgia House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Today on the Floor or elsewhere, and 2) who receive, possess, or transport a firearm. This bill makes it a separate violation for each firearm that is connected to the crime. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Sen. Bo Hatchett (50th) Judiciary Non-Civil Yeas: 89 Nays: 62 Failed Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass SB 486 Agricultural Commodity Commission for Propane; full or partial remote communication with regard to public hearings; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 486 allows for any meeting of the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Propane to be held in-person, remotely, or a combination of both in-person and remote. Notice of a hearing shall be provided on the commission's website and in the Farmers and Consumers Market Bulletin, or a similar publication. SB 486 changes the process of adopting an assessment to require a minimum response rate of 25 percent of notified eligible dealers and two-thirds of eligible votes cast in favor of the assessment. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Yeas: 154 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-23-2022 Do Pass SB 496 Death Investigations; medical examiner's inquiry when a pregnant female dies and an inquest; require Bill Summary: Senate Bill 496 requires a medical examiner's inquiry in cases where a woman dies within 365 days of being pregnant. This requirement is waived in cases when such woman dies from the result of a motor vehicle accident or when the cause of death is known. Coroners or medical examiners notified of such death are required to order an inquiry through a regional perinatal center. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Dean Burke (11th) Health & Human Services Yeas: 156 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 534 State Government; certain procedural requirements and considerations for the adoption of rules by state agencies that are applicable to charitable organizations; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 534 amends the 'Administrative Procedures Act' to provide guidelines for amending, adopting, and repealing rules that affect charitable organizations. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Governmental Affairs Yeas: 165 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-23-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 558 Department of Transportation; meetings for the election of board members; amend notice provisions Bill Summary: Senate Bill 558 allows for the call of a caucus for the purposes of a Department of Transportation board election to be sent via email rather than by mail. The bill also cleans up language relating to contracting for public-private partnerships and alternative contracting methods. HB 558 adds the Department of Transportation to the Code section relating to when public disclosure not required by a state agency and adds the data of vehicle information, or personally identifiable information to those records not required for disclosure. SB 558 also provides a length increase from 80 feet to 84 feet for modular unit transporters. This Page 2 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Today on the Floor increase would be permissible when the vehicle has been issued a permit. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation Yeas: 156 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 573 Hospitals and Health Care Facilities; hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to utilize surgical smoke evacuation systems during surgical procedures to protect patients and health care workers from the hazards of surgical smoke; require Bill Summary: Senate Bill 573 requires hospitals to adopt policies to reduce exposure to surgical smoke. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Matt Brass (28th) Health & Human Services Yeas: 149 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass SB 586 Road Projects; the use of the design-build contracting method by counties; authorize Bill Summary: Senate Bill 586 authorizes counties to use the design-build contracting method. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Transportation Yeas: 160 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass Postponed Until Next Legislative Day SR 463 Joint Study Committee on the Electrification of Transportation; create Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 463 creates the Joint Study Committee on the Electrification of Transportation. Authored By: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Rule Applied: Modified-Open Local Calendar HB 797 Clarke County; ad valorem tax; increase existing general and senior homestead exemptions Bill Summary: House Bill 797 increases existing general and senior homestead exemptions and creates a low-income base-year value homestead exemption from ad valorem taxes levied by the Unified Government of Athens-Clarke County for unified government purposes. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. Houston Gaines (117th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 153 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 1600 Flemington, City of; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: House Bill 1600 authorizes the city of Flemington to levy an excise tax. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. Al Williams (168th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 153 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2022 Do Pass Page 3 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Today on the Floor HB 1601 Echols County; Board of Commissioners; increase size Bill Summary: House Bill 1601 increases the size of the Echols County Board of Commissioners. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 153 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2022 Do Pass HB 1602 Murray County; board of elections and registration; establish Bill Summary: House Bill 1602 establishes the Murray County Board of Elections and Registration. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 153 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2022 Do Pass SB 560 County Board of Education of DeKalb County; code of conduct for board members and a duty to abide by the same; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 560 revises provisions relating to the compensation of the DeKalb County Board of Education. The chairperson of the board shall receive $24,500 per year, the vicechairperson shall receive $23,500 per year, and the other members of the board shall receive $22,500 per year. Additionally, the chairperson and the members of the board shall receive an expense allowance of $2,500 per year. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 153 Nays: 5 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 4 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 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, March 30, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, March 30, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 39th Legislative Day. HR 625 State of Georgia; establish Georgia Gullah Geechee Heritage Society; encourage Bill Summary: House Resolution 625 encourages the State of Georgia to establish a Georgia Gullah Geechee Heritage Society. The resolution recognizes the tradition of the Gullah Geechee culture such as the history, music, dance, and other art forms. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Carl Gilliard (162nd) Special Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Open 03-22-2022 Do Pass HR 1025 State of Georgia; recognize copper as critical; urge for inclusion on official United States Geological Survey Critical Minerals List Bill Summary: House Bill 1025 recognizes copper as crucial to Georgia's economy and urges its inclusion on the United States Geological Survey's List of Critical Minerals. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th) Rule Applied: Natural Resources & Environment Committee Action: Modified-Open 03-24-2022 Do Pass SB 343 Retirement; prohibition of granting postretirement benefit adjustments to any individual who became a member on or after July 1, 2009; remove Bill Summary: Senate Bill 343 specifies that forfeited leave payments for retirements that become effective prior to July 1, 2022, will not have to be paid by the employer; instead, these payments will be factored into actuarial assumptions for the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia (ERS) and paid as part of the annual defined employer contribution (ADEC). Currently, employers contribute amounts relating to creditable service for forfeited leave payments. The bill also changes the 401(k) match for the Georgia State Employees' Pension and Savings Plan (GSEPS). Employers will contribute up to a maximum of five percent of the employee's salary and 0.5 percent for each year of the member's creditable service after five years, for a maximum employer match of nine percent at thirteen years. This bill is certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd) Retirement Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 03-14-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 363 "Fair Business Practices Act of 1975,"; class action suits and for damages for violating the requirements for solicitations for corporate filings; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 363 requires solicitations related to corporate filings or employment/labor posters or notices to be labeled as solicitations. Notice that the material is a solicitation and not an official government document shall be on the front of any envelope and include at the top of the page that the solicitation has not been sent by the Secretary of State or the Department of Labor. A violation of this Code section may be brought in a representative capacity and may be the subject of a class action, with damages being the actual damages or $200, whichever is greater. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Blake Tillery (19th) Judiciary Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured Page 5 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Next on the Floor SB 404 Emergency Medical Services Personnel; Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to retain certain fingerprints under certain conditions; authorize Bill Summary: Senate Bill 404 authorizes the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to retain fingerprints obtained if the Department of Public Health is participating in a program in which they are providing criminal background checks that are authorized for the purpose of determining suitability for employment, placement, registration, a permit, or a license for an agency or entity that is participating in the federal program which allows for the ongoing and continuing review of the individual's criminal history as it relates to emergency medical services personnel. The department is required to notify the individual whose fingerprints are taken of the parameters of retention. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. John Albers (56th) Rule Applied: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 553 Watercraft; any person 15 years of age or older to operate a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 vessel; authorize Bill Summary: Senate Bill 553 allows a person 15 years or older to operate a Class 1, Class 2, or Class 3 vessel on state waters if the individual has proper identification or an instruction permit and is accompanied by an adult that is 18 years or older. The accompanying adult must also be authorized to operate the vessel and be able to take control of the vessel. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Game, Fish, & Parks Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 03-24-2022 Do Pass Page 6 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar. Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee HR 896 House Study Committee on Alternative Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources for Veterans; create Bill Summary: House Resolution 896 creates a House Study Committee on Alternative PostTraumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources for Veterans. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 96 Notaries Public; identification of persons for whom notaries perform notarial acts shall be evidenced; valid Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 96 allows notaries to accept a valid Veterans Health Identification Card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as confirmation of identity. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Lester Jackson (2nd) Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass Health & Human Services Committee HR 1103 Biden Administration; remove its veto and reapprove Georgia's Medicaid expansion waiver; urge Bill Summary: House Resolution 1103 urges the Biden Administration to remove the veto and reapprove Georgia's Medicaid expansion waiver. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mark Newton (123rd) Health & Human Services Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass SB 116 Children and Youth Services; registration of maternity supportive house residences to provide housing for pregnant women; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 116 allows for registration of maternity-supportive housing residences providing housing for pregnant and postpartum women aged 18 years or older. Registrants will be required to pay a $250 registration fee to the Department of Human Services, and registration certificates will be valid for one year. The department will not have authority to implement regulations for registration of maternity homes, but can maintain submitted records. No municipality can constrain the establishment of a maternity home to an extent beyond that of a single-family residence. Non-profits administering housing can partner with other organizations or agencies to provide wraparound services for residents. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Health & Human Services Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 7 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions Human Relations & Aging Committee SB 610 Department of Community Health; conduct a comprehensive review of provider reimbursement rates for home and community based services covered by the waiver programs; require Bill Summary: Senate Bill 610 requires the Department of Community Health to conduct a comprehensive review every four years of provider reimbursement rates for home and communitybased waiver services and programs and propose rate models, policy changes, and fiscal projections. SB 610 instructs the Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services allowing private mental health institutions to qualify for Medicaid reimbursement. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Sally Harrell (40th) Human Relations & Aging Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee HB 1604 Adel, City of; change corporate limits Bill Summary: House Bill 1604 changes the corporate limits of the city of Adel. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Penny Houston (170th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass HB 1606 Houston County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of a technology fee Bill Summary: House Bill 1606 authorizes the assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Houston County Probate Court. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass HB 1607 Taylor County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption Bill Summary: House Bill 1607 provides a homestead exemption from Taylor County school taxes in the amount of 10 percent of the assessed value of the homestead for residents who are between 70 and 74 years of age, in the amount of 15 percent for residents who are between 75 and 79 years of age, and in the amount of 20 percent for residents who are 80 years of age or older. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Patty Bentley (139th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass SB 632 Rockdale County School District; ad valorem taxes for educational purposes; increase the exemption Bill Summary: Senate Bill 632 increases a Rockdale County School District senior homestead exemption to $50,000. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass SB 635 Henry County; compensation of such judge of the Probate Court; change the provisions Bill Summary: Senate Bill 635 changes provisions relating to the compensation of the Henry County Probate Court judge. The judge shall receive an annual salary equal to 90 percent of the thencurrent total compensation, including the base salary and supplements, of the judges of the Flint Page 8 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions Judicial Circuit. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass SB 637 City of Senoia Building and Facilities Authority; create Bill Summary: Senate Bill 637 creates the city of Senoia Building and Facilities Authority. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Matt Brass (28th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass Judiciary Committee SB 276 County Law Libraries; authorize the charging and collection of law library fees in county recorders' courts and magistrate courts; allow county governing authorities Bill Summary: Senate Bill 276, the 'Child Victim Protection Act of 2022,' revises Section 9-3-33.1 of the Code, relating to actions for childhood sexual abuse. Civil actions for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse committed on or after July 1, 2015, may be brought within four years (extended from two years) from the date that the plaintiff knew or had reason to know of the abuse, and the abuse resulted in injury established by competent medical or psychological evidence. Effective July 1, 2022, a plaintiff between the age of 23 and 38 years old may bring a civil action for recovery of damages because of childhood sexual abuse. When such actions are brought against a person who was a volunteer or an employee of an entity with the duty to care for the plaintiff or the person and the plaintiff were engaged in some activity under the control of the entity, damages will only be awarded if there is a preponderance of evidence that: finds gross negligence on the part of the entity; the entity knew or should have known of the alleged conduct; and the entity failed to take remedial action. A look-back period of one year is established as of July 1, 2022, during which a plaintiff of any age, who was previously barred by a statute of limitations, may file an action for recovery of damages suffered as a result of childhood sexual abuse against a perpetrator or an entity. If filed against an entity, the plaintiff must prove by clear and convincing evidence that the entity owed a duty of care to the plaintiff and: the entity knew of the abuse by an employee or volunteer and intentionally allowed the abuse to continue; or knew the employee or volunteer committed previous abuse against another individual and intentionally or fraudulently harbored, concealed, or withheld information about the prior act, resulting in the plaintiff's injury. Actions against an entity shall not include actions or inactions occurring before July 1, 1988. Individual members or owners of unincorporated associations are not liable for the actions of the association. Sovereign and governmental immunity is expressly waived for actions pursued against entities during the look-back period. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 359 "Safe and Secure Georgia Act"; enact Bill Summary: Senate Bill 359, the 'Safe and Secure Georgia Act,' contains a number of criminal justice and other legal matters. The bill states that a conviction of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon or first-offender probationer shall be imprisoned for between five and ten years, provided the prior offense was a forcible felony, a domestic violence felony, or an act of family violence. Further, with respect to family violence, evidence of the accused's commission of family violence, domestic abuse, child abuse, or cruelty to children shall be admissible in a corresponding Page 9 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions proceeding. This admissibility also applies in proceedings where one is accused of one or more offenses against an elder person or disabled adult. The prosecutor shall disclose evidence at least 10 days in advance of trial. The bill provides findings with respect to criminal street gangs and requires that a plea of guilty or nolo contendere for a criminal gang offense shall preclude the defendant from disputing matters proved in the criminal proceeding during a subsequent related civil action or proceeding. Additionally, with respect to criminal gang activity, the bill aligns venue considerations for prosecution with the criminal racketeering venue statute. Further, SB 359 requires that prior felons convicted for abusing a disabled person, elder person, or minor who is subsequently convicted of that same felony offense shall be sentenced for the longest period of time prescribed for that offense subject to probation or suspension of only the maximum sentence. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. John Albers (56th) Judiciary Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 576 Grandparents or Family Members Visitation Rights; provisions regarding visitation actions brought by certain grandparents of minor children; revise Bill Summary: Senate Bill 576 relates to grandparent visitation rights and establishes that if one of the parents of a minor child dies, is incapacitated, or is incarcerated, the court may award reasonable visitation if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interests of the child and the health or welfare of the child is harmed unless visitation is granted. Based on an evaluation of the grandparent's relationship prior to the death, incapacitation, or incarceration of the child's parent, the court shall consider and may find that harm to the child can result from denial of visitation. A rebuttable presumption is created that a child denied contact with his or her grandparent or who is not provided minimal opportunity for contact may suffer emotional injury harmful to the child's health. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Judiciary Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass Judiciary Non-Civil Committee SB 10 "Jaye Mize Law"; promoting illegal drag racing and laying drags; provide for an offense Bill Summary: Section I amends O.C.G.A. 16-10-23 to make it a felony offense to impersonate an officer of the court with punishment of imprisonment of between one to five years, a maximum fine of $1,000, or both. Section II makes it a crime to intentionally, secretly place or direct someone else to place a global positioning system (GPS) on a motor vehicle when the car owner or lessee has a protective order against the person placing the GPS. Section III provides discretion to judges when a person fails to appear for court so that the court can order that person's driver's license be reinstated in lieu of the case being fully adjudicated. The uniform traffic citation is amended to say that the failure to appear may result in suspension of the driver's license. Further, this allows the court to waive the fee to reinstate the driver's license. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 10 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions SB 539 Wiretapping, Eavesdropping, Surveillance; use of any device to photograph or record patients in a health care facility shall be unlawful; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 539 amends O.C.G.A. 16-11-62 to prohibit the unknowing photography or recording of activities of patients that occur in a facility operated by a county board of health without the consent of all patients observed. The punishment is a felony with imprisonment of between one to five years, a maximum fine of $10,000, or both. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Bo Hatchett (50th) Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass SB 591 Secondary Metals Recyclers; shall be illegal for certain persons to purchase, possess, obtain, or sell used, detached catalytic converters, used utility wire, or used communications copper; provide Bill Summary: Section 1-1 of Senate Bill 591 amends O.C.G.A. 10-1-350 to create new definitions for "copper wire," "used communications copper," and "used utility wire." The bill amends O.C.G.A. 10-1-351 to define the term "used, detached catalytic converter." Section 1-2 of the bill makes it a crime to receive, dispose of, or retain a used, detached catalytic converter, or any non-ferrous parts of a catalytic converter, that a person knows or should know was stolen. This does not apply to a person receiving, disposing of, or retaining those items if the intent is to return them to the owner. Further, it is unlawful for any person to purchase, solicit, or advertise for the purchase of a used, detached catalytic converter or any non-ferrous parts of a catalytic converter, unless the person is a registered secondary metals recycler as required in O.C.G.A. 10-1-359.1. Violations of this section are punishable as "theft by receiving stolen property" as provided in O.C.G.A.16-8-12. Under Section 1-4, secondary metals recyclers are allowed to pay in cash, but are prohibited from: paying any seller more than $100 in cash for any transaction, limited to two per seller, per day, per registered location; and paying cash to any seller for catalytic converters or coils, used utility wire, used communications copper, copper wire, or a battery. This section does not apply to transactions between business entities, unless that transaction is related to catalytic converters. Section 1-5 makes O.C.G.A. 10-1-358 applicable to catalytic converters, which relates to entities that are exempt from the Article 14, Chapter 1, of Title 10. This bill also revises an exemption for vendors that do not both generate and sell regulated metal property in the course of its business. Part 1 of the Act is effective on July 1, 2022. Part 2, which removes the cash-payment language and limitations, is effective on January 1, 2025. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Bo Hatchett (50th) Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Regulated Industries Committee SB 45 Professions and Businesses; individuals who move to the state and establish residency to obtain a license by endorsement to practice certain professions and occupations in this state; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 45 is a comprehensive clean-up bill pertaining to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors. Additionally, the bill revises the regulation of advanced practice registered nurses. Under the Division of Master Plumbers and Journeymen Plumbers, only those under the "Master Plumber Class II" license or journeyman plumbers are authorized to install, maintain, alter, or repair Page 11 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions medical gas piping systems. Under the Division of Conditioned Air Contractors, any licensed conditioned air contractor who is a registered professional engineer is not required to complete continuing education requirements. The Division of Utility Contractors' authorized abilities is revised by removing the ability to require continuing education, although it is authorized to require safety training courses. Under O.C.G.A. 43-14-6, each division is required to make all reasonable efforts to make the continuing education and safety training courses available online or through home study. O.C.G.A. 43-14-8 is revised to allow valid master plumber licensees to construct, alter, or repair any plumbing system that extends from the property line up five feet of any other building or conveyance. Further, anyone engaging in low-voltage contracting is required to have a valid license from the Division of Low Voltage Contractors, unless that person is an employee of a low-voltage contractor. O.C.G.A. 43-14-9 removes the requirement that all entities qualified under the section notify the division if any of the persons upon whom qualification were severed from that entity. O.C.G.A. 4314-10 is revised to provide a definition for "permanent office" and to allow the division to approve safety courses for all licensed utility managers or utility foremen. O.C.G.A. 43-14-12 is revised to remove the requirement that the Division of Utility Contractors require proof of completion of safety training courses and to instead allow for the Division of Utility Contractors to seek proof every two years when a utility foreman certificate renewal is requested. O.C.G.A. 43-14-17 is revised to include plumbing contracting and electrical engineering in the provision regarding unlicensed persons involved in the unlawful practice of those fields. The penalties for a violation are increased to $1,500. The fine for a violation under O.C.G.A. 43-14-20 is increased to $3,000. SB 45 also revises the definition of "advanced nursing practice" to include clinical nurse specialists and cite to O.C.G.A. 43-26-7.1, which contains the educational or certification requirements. The bill amends the definition of "advanced practice registered nurse" (APRN) to require that an eligible person be licensed as a certified nurse midwife, certified nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, or clinical nurse specialist and clinical nurse specialist in psychiatric or mental health, in addition to working in a population focus. Further, this bill provides eligibility requirements for licensing of APRNs and renewal requirements for licenses. Requirements for applying for a license to practice as an APRN include being licensed as a registered professional nurse or holding a multistate license, having completed a qualifying accredited graduate or postgraduate-level program, being currently certified by a national certifying organization, receiving satisfactory fingerprint record reports, and meeting other criteria as specified by the board. Requirements for applying for the reinstatement of a license include meeting competency requirements as set by the board, receiving satisfactory fingerprint record reports, and meeting other criteria as specified by the board. The list of various misdemeanor crimes in which it is illegal to practice without a valid, current license is updated to include APRNs. The bill also allows the Department of Revenue to issue license plates and permits for those with disabilities upon affidavits, or signed and dated statements, from licensed APRNs or physician assistants. Further, the Department of Revenue is added to the list of state agencies having verification and evaluation forms in which those with the authority can sign, certify, and endorse for a patient within his or her scope of authorized practice. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 352 Professions; issuance of expedited licenses by endorsement for certain licenses to spouses of firefighters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers who relocate to the State of Georgia; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 352 incorporates the definition of "firefighter" from O.C.G.A. 45-9-81, creates a new definition for "healthcare provider," and incorporates the definition of "law enforcement officer" from O.C.G.A. 45-9-81. This bill changes the requirements for military spouses to obtain an expedited license by endorsement to require that the spouse not be the subject of an investigation or a disciplinary proceeding by a Page 12 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 Committee Actions processional licensing board in his or her previous state. Further, spouses of firefighters, healthcare providers, or law enforcement officers are eligible to receive expedited licenses by endorsement so long as the individual applying and his or her spouse meet certain requirements. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 445 National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974; civil penalties; revise Bill Summary: Senate Bill 445 amends the state civil penalties available for violations of the 'National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974' by removing the $1,000 maximum penalty and replacing it with the penalty set by federal regulation in 24 C.F.R. Section 3282.10. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Max Burns (23rd) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass Ways & Means Committee SB 361 "Law Enforcement Strategic Support Act" or "LESS Crime Act"; enact Bill Summary: Senate Bill 361 establishes a tax credit for contributions to 501(c)(3) law enforcement foundations, which are defined as being any domestic non-profit corporation with the sole function of supporting one local law enforcement unit through a formal relationship with such local law enforcement unit. Taxpayers are allowed a 100 percent income tax credit for qualified donations to law enforcement foundations provided that a single individual or head of household shall not be allowed a credit of more than $5,000; a married couple, individual who is a member of a limited liability company, a shareholder of a Subchapter 'S' corporation, or a partner in a partnership shall not be allowed a credit of more than $10,000; and a corporation shall not be allowed a credit of more than 75 percent of the corporation's income tax liability. This tax credit has an annual aggregate cap of $60 million and a per law enforcement foundation cap of three million dollars per year. Qualified expenditures by the law enforcement foundations include bonus payments or training of law enforcement officers; purchase, lease, maintenance, or improvement of equipment to be used by law enforcement officers; or costs incurred by the local law enforcement unit for the operation of an emergency response team that combines law enforcement officers and behavioral health specialists. SB 361 establishes an annual aggregate cap on the tax credits for contributions to rural hospital organizations, student scholarship organizations, education donations for the purpose of awarding grants to public schools, law enforcement foundations, and foster care support organizations of $250 million per year. The commissioner of the Department of Revenue shall preapprove, deny, or prorate requested tax credits on a first-come, first-served basis and shall provide notice to the taxpayer and the entity as to whether the credits have been approved, denied, or prorated. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Ways & Means Committee Action: 03-29-2022 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 13 of 14 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2022 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. Wednesday - March 30, 2022 8:00 AM Judiciary Non-Civil Smith Subcommittee 132 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 8:00 AM AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE 406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE 341 CAP VIDEO Agenda 11:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 38) House VIDEO Chamber 1:00 PM EDUCATION COMMITTEE 341 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 1:00 PM Judiciary Non-Civil Setzler Subcommittee 132 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 1:30 PM Ways & Means Tax Revision Subcommittee 403 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 2:00 PM ENERGY, UTILITIES & TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE 506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 3:00 PM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL COMMITTEE 132 CAP VIDEO Agenda HYBRID 3:00 PM Special Committee on Access to Quality Health Care 406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda HYBRID Page 14 of 14