Daily report, 2023 February 21

DAILY REPORT Tuesday
February 21, 2023
House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

21st Legislative
Day

The House will reconvene for its 22nd Legislative Day on Wednesday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Ten bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor
Rules Calendar
HB 80 Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 80, the 'Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act', permits unsworn declarations to have the same effect as sworn declarations in circumstances in which a declarant is making an unsworn declaration while being physically located outside U.S. boundaries. Making an unsworn declaration is not permitted in cases of depositions; oaths of office; oaths required by statute to be given before a specified official other than a notary public; proceedings when verification is sufficient pursuant to O.C.G.A. 9-10-113; or instruments expressly required to comply with O.C.G.A. 44-2-15 concerning registrable instruments. An unsworn declaration must be presented in the same medium as a sworn declaration if the law requires it. Knowingly and willfully making a material false statement when executing an unsworn declaration constitutes perjury.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 174 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 186

Appeal and error; filing of petitions for review in reviewing courts from lower judicatories; revise an exception
Bill Summary: HB 186 amends sections of the Code from utilizing the "certiorari" process to instead using the "petition for review" appellate procedure when appealing from a lower judicatory (any government body exercising judicial or quasi-judicial authority) to a superior or state court.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 173 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 221

Insurance; filing review process for private passenger motor vehicle liability coverage providing the minimum limits offered by the carrier; revise
Bill Summary: HB 221 relates to personal private passenger motor vehicle insurance policies with limits above the mandatory minimum. The bill requires that rates, rating plans, rating systems, or underwriting rules be effective 60 days after filing unless the commissioner of insurance authorizes an earlier effective date or the insurer specifies a later effective date.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Insurance
Yeas: 169 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

HB 242 Georgia Driver's Education Commission; violation of traffic laws or ordinances under Joshua's Law; provide additional penalty
Bill Summary: HB 242 reinstates the additional penalty for a traffic violation under 'Joshua's Law', setting it at three percent of the original fine.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Motor Vehicles
Yeas: 161 Nays: 9

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 243

Coweta Judicial Circuit; superior court; provide eighth judge
Bill Summary: HB 243 increases the number of superior court judges in the Coweta Judicial Circuit from seven to eight. The eighth judge will be appointed for a term beginning July 1, 2023 continuing through December 31, 2024. Their successor will be elected at the nonpartisan judicial election in 2024.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) Judiciary
Yeas: 172 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 279 Insurance; discount for property owners who build a new property that better resists tornado, hurricane, or other catastrophic windstorm events; provide
Bill Summary: HB 279 provides an insurance premium discount or reduction for a home or commercial property built to fortified standards to better resist catastrophic wind events.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matthew Gambill (15th) Insurance
Yeas: 172 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 280

Insurance; additional value-added products or services that are excluded from being unfair trade practices and unlawful inducements; provide
Bill Summary: HB 280 provides exclusions to unfair trade practices and unlawful inducements by allowing insurance companies to provide products to policyholders that incentivize behavior changes to improve health.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matthew Gambill (15th) Insurance
Yeas: 172 Nays: 2

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 294

Insurance; administration of certain rehabilitation policies by a ceding insurer placed into liquidation; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 294 clarifies the rights and responsibilities of entities involved in the liquidation of reinsurance companies. The bill allows the succeeding entity receiving the liquidating company or the Georgia Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association to continue the reinsurance contract. The bill outlines processes for arbitration, handling unpaid premiums, and notification of affected policyholders.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Buddy DeLoach (167th) Insurance
Yeas: 174 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

HB 315

Commissioner of Insurance; promulgate rules and regulations regarding cost-sharing requirements for diagnostic and supplemental breast screening examinations; provide
Bill Summary: HB 315 involves cost-sharing requirements for diagnostic and supplemental breast screenings. The bill allows the commissioner of insurance to apply rules and regulations regarding cost-sharing provisions based on guidelines established by professional medical associations.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Insurance
Yeas: 173 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 22nd Legislative Day, Wednesday, February 22, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday,
February 22, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day.

HB 121

Waters, ports and watercraft; wakesurfing and wakeboarding; provide restrictions and requirements
Bill Summary: HB 121 amends O.C.G.A. 52-7-1 by adding definitions for the terms "wakeboarding" and "wake surfing", and placing restrictions on these activities. Except in certain circumstances, no person is to engage in either of these two defined activities between sunset and sunrise, on a body of water less than 50 acres in size, on a portion of a body of water with a width of less than 400 feet, within 200 feet of a shoreline or structure located on the water, or without wearing a personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. These restrictions do not apply to activities in which the commissioner has granted a marine event permit. Conflicting laws are also repealed.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Game, Fish, & Parks

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 167

Motor vehicles and traffic; standards for issuance of limited driving permits for certain offenders; provide
Bill Summary: HB 167 amends the list of individuals with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license eligible to apply for a limited driving permit by adding persons not in compliance with a child support order. The bill provides conditions for revocation of a limited driving permit.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Martin Momtahan (17th) Motor Vehicles

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 203

Health; restrictions on sale and dispensing of contact lenses with respect to physicians; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 203 prohibits the writing of a contact lens prescription by any prescriber unless that state-licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist has completed all measurements, tests, and examinations necessary to satisfy their professional judgment that the patient is a viable candidate to wear contact lenses, and has evaluated and fitted the contact lenses to the patient's eyes. The bill creates an assessment mechanism for conducting an eye assessment or generating a contact lens or spectacle prescription, and sets regulations for use of an assessment mechanism. The bill requires a prescriber using electronic prescriptions be held to the same standards of care as those used in traditional in-person clinical settings.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-13-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

HB 207

Waters, ports, and watercraft; carrying of night visual distress signals upon coastal waters during certain hours; provide
Bill Summary: HB 207 amends O.C.G.A. 52-7-1. This bill outlines the requirement for all vessels to carry U.S. Coast Guard approved nighttime and daytime visual distress signals when operating in state coastal waters. The bill specifies the type of signals that should be carried during different hours of the day, the minimum number of signals required, and the size of vessels exempt from carrying such signals.

In the event of an accident or collision, the operator of each vessel involved is required to stop, remain at the scene, and provide their name, address, and registration to the operator of the vessel struck. Upon request, the operator must exhibit their government-issued identification. At the scene of an accident, vessel operators involved are responsible for rendering assistance to any injured person as well as notifying emergency medical services and law enforcement if necessary. Vessel operators are required to stay at the scene of the accident until these requirements are fulfilled unless the operator is unable to notify the appropriate services, in which case they may leave the scene to make such notification. If an incident results in death, disappearance, or injury that requires medical treatment and the operator knowingly fails to stop and comply with these requirements, they will be guilty of a felony and upon conviction, may be sentenced to no less than one year nor more than five years.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Game, Fish, & Parks

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 226

Social services; treatment services under Medicaid to persons with HIV; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 226 allows the Department of Community Health to submit a waiver request to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services of the U.S. Health Department of Health and Human Services for the purpose of providing Medicaid coverage for HIV treatment services. Eligible individuals must have an HIV diagnosis, an income less than 138 percent of the federal poverty level, and no health insurance.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Public Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HB 285

Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; total percentage of funds invested in alternative investments; raise limit
Bill Summary: HB 285 allows the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) of Georgia to invest up to 10 percent of assets in alternative investments. Currently, ERS can only invest up to five percent of assets in alternative investments. The bill is certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Retirement

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-15-2023 Do Pass

HB 299 Georgia Code; add appropriate references to United States Space Force; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 299 adds the U.S. Space Force to provisions relating to associate probate court judges; crimes and offense; weapons carry licenses; domestic relations; education; military affair; and registration/licensing of motor vehicles.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Defense & Veterans Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-15-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

HB 317 State Employees' Assurance Department; assignment of certain group term life insurance benefits; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 317 allows Employees' Retirement System of Georgia members to designate licensed funeral service providers as beneficiaries to pay funeral costs.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Insurance

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass

HR 157 Property; conveyance of certain state owned property; authorize
Bill Summary: HR 157 is a conveyance resolution for properties located in 10 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows:

Article 1 leases approximately 4.16 acres located in Appling County between the State of Georgia, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and Appling County School System for a term of 25 years for the consideration of $10, and the construction and operation of Southern Pines College and Career Academy at the Baxley Campus of Coastal Pines Technical College.

Article 2 conveys approximately 0.26 of an acre located in Bacon County, under the custody of the Department of Human Services, commonly known as the Alma DFCS, by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 as long as the property is used for public purpose in perpetuity.

Article 3 leases approximately 11,520 square feet of improved property located in Bacon County, being a portion of the Alma Campus of Coastal Pines Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation for a term of two years for the consideration of $33,293 per year.

Article 4 conveys approximately 16 acres of real property located in Effingham County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, being a portion of Savannah Technical College and Career Academy, to the Effingham County Board of Education for a consideration of $10.

Article 5 conveys approximately 93.9 acres of fee, 1.868 acres permanent easement for construction and maintenance of drainage, and 0.542 of an acre driveway easement, all located within Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties. This is under the custody of the Department of Economic Development Authority, commonly known as the Rivian Site, to the Joint Development Authority of Jasper County, Morgan County, Newton County, and Walton County for fair market value or for a consideration of $10.

Article 6 leases approximately 1.12 acres of real property in Rabun County, commonly known as the Dillard State Farmers Market, under the custody of the Department of Agriculture to the City of Dillard for a term of 20 years for the consideration of $10, and the continual operation of a local farmers' market and agritourism.

Article 7 conveys or leases approximately 10.01 acres of improved property in Taylor County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections, commonly known as the Taylor Detention Center, by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10.

Article 8 conveys approximately 7.233 acres in fee, 4,750 square feet easement for construction and maintenance of drainage, and 938.492 linear feet for access, located in Walton County. This is under the custody of the Department of Economic Development Authority, commonly as the Rivian Site, to the Georgia Department of Transportation for a consideration of $547,300.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) State Properties

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-15-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

HR 158 Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize
Bill Summary: HR 158 authorizes the State of Georgia, acting through the State Properties Commission, to grant easements over certain state-owned properties in 15 counties as listed below:
Article 1 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 1.43 acres, located in Calhoun County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to construct, install, operate, and maintain five replacement cubicles and switchable bypass two 3-phase terminating cabinets at Calhoun State Prison, system upgrade, and enhance reliability for $10.
Article 2 grants an easement to Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.10 of an acre, located in Camden County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve TCSG-265A MPP Building (Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building) for $10.
Article 3 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.90 of an acre, located in Camden County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve TCSG-265A MPP Building (Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building) for $10.
Article 4 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.092 of an acre, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Agriculture to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve Refrigerated Services for $10.
Article 5 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation or its successors and assigns over approximately 4.829 acres, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources-Coastal Resources Division for a bridge replacement on SR25 (PI 0013741) over the Savannah River in Port Wentworth for $37,155.
Article 6 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation or its successors and assigns over approximately 2.961 acres, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources-Coastal Resources Division for a bridge replacement on SR25 (PI 0013742) over the Middle River in Port Wentworth for $22,163.
Article 7 grants an easement to Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre, located in Clarke County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve TCSG-365 Industrial Systems Building for $10.
Article 8 grants an easement to the City of Douglas or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.06 of an acre, located in Coffee County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines to serve TCSG-379 Commercial Truck and Diesel Tech at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College for $10.
Article 9 grants an easement to Southern Company Gas or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.28 of an acre, located in DeKalb County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to relocate, construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve Georgia Piedmont Technical College for $10.
Article 10 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.41 of an acre, located in Emanuel County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines to serve Emanuel Women's Facility for $10.
Article 11 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.306 of an acre, located in Fulton County, under the custody of the Technical College

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to improve and upgrade reliability at Atlanta Technical College for $10.

Article 12 grants an easement to Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.009 of an acre, located in Jeff Davis County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the relocation of electrical distribution lines to improve and upgrade reliability at Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area for $10.

Article 13 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre, located in Monroe County, under the custody of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Alternate Care Facility for $10.

Article 14 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.15 of an acre, located in Morgan County, under the custody of the Department of Public Safety to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the State Patrol Post 8 for $10.

Article 15 grants an easement to Georgia Transmission Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 20 acres, located in Morgan County, under the custody of the Department Economic Development to construct, install, operate, and maintain electrical substations, transmission lines, and related facilities, and access to the same to serve the Rivian Site for $10.

Article 16 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.026 of an acre, located in Polk County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the relocation of distribution lines to enhance service and reliability to JL Lester Wildlife Management Area for $10.

Article 17 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.72 of an acre, located in Tattnall County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the relocation of distribution lines to enhance service and reliability to Jack Hill State Park for $10.

Article 18 grants an easement to Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.25 of an acre, located in Towns County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of fiber optic lines to serve Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa's cottages and cabins for $10.

Article 19 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.2 of an acre, located in Washington County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a terminating cabinet and 15-ft. trench for a three-phase underground cable for reliability improvement for power supply to Washington State Prison for $10.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) State Properties

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-15-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

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

Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee

SB 21

Georgia Veterans Service Foundation, Inc.; revise operations
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 21 revises provisions related to the Georgia Veterans Service Foundation by expanding the number of board directors from seven people to a range of seven to 13 people and specifying that at least four of the members have served a certain amount of time in the armed forces or National Guard or reserves. SB 21 reduces the term of members from seven years to three years and increases the meeting frequency from annually to quarterly. Lastly, the bill allows the commissioner of the Department of Veterans Services to appoint a chief executive officer.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Defense & Veterans Affairs

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee

HB 73

Public utilities; written disclosure statement with any agreement for sale or financing of distributed energy generation systems; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 73 provides guidelines related to electrical service received through a solar energy procurement agreement. Every seller of distributed energy generation systems that is not an electric supplier must obtain a certificate of authority from the Public Service Commission (PSC). The PSC is directed to establish the rules/requirements to obtain such certification by December 31, 2023.

The certification application must ensure that all sellers require appropriate background checks of all employees or contactors; provide contact information accessible to the public; possess adequate capital and are financially viable; and meet any requirement the PSC deems necessary. A certificate of authority may be revoked, suspended, or adjusted by the PSC. The bill outlines the process for public hearings, decisions concerning applications, and appeals for a certificate authority.

Anyone who installs a distributed energy generation system must be licensed as a general contractor, residential contractor, or an electrical contractor. All distributed energy generation sellers must provide to each buyer and lessee as part of any agreement a written disclosure statement.

Before January 1, 2024, the PSC must create a standard written disclosure statement form and a solar awareness presentation to be posted on the PSC website. Any seller that does not provide a written disclosure statement or provides a written disclosure statement that fails to meet the requirements set by the PSC will be liable for a civil penalty for each violation. The civil penalty may not exceed the purchase price of the system or the amount a financed system would have cost the lessee to purchase at the time the agreement is signed.

The act becomes effective on July 1, 2023, and applies to contracts executed on or after January 1, 2024.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Joseph Gullett (19th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 438 Public utilities; prohibit governmental entities from adopting any policy that prohibits the connection or reconnection of any utility service based upon the type or source of energy or fuel
Bill Summary: HB 438 prohibits governmental entities from adopting any policy that restricts the connection or reconnection of any utility service or sales of certain fuels based on the appliance used

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

by the customer.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

Game, Fish, & Parks Committee

HB 244

Board of Natural Resources; effective date for certain rules and regulations; extend
Bill Summary: HB 244 amends O.C.G.A. 27-1-39 by extending the date for which the rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources are in effect. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 24-4-136 by requiring licensed seafood dealers to report non-activity to the department in the same manner as provided by rule or regulation.

O.C.G.A. 27-4-188 is revised by defining the term "cage" and stipulates that for a larger outer unit holding smaller units inside, the entire unit should be treated as a single cage. Language is updated to give the department authority over decisions regarding whether or not violators of O.C.G.A. 27-2-25 should have their harvester permit revoked. HB 244 eliminates the current cage fee in effect, and makes it legal to hunt bobcat and fox using electronic calls or sounds.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Game, Fish, & Parks

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Higher Education Committee

HB 122

Georgia Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE); governance of program by board of directors of Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan; provide
Bill Summary: HB 122 provides for membership of the board of directors for the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan (GHESP). The board must consist of the following members: the governor as the chairperson; the chancellor of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia; the commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia; the executive director of the Georgia Student Finance Commission; the commissioner of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities; the commissioner of the Department of Community Health; the state auditor; the director of the Office of Planning and Budget; the commissioner of the Department of Revenue; and four governor-appointed directors, with at least one being a person with a disability, a family member of a person with a disability, or a disability advocacy professional. The state treasurer acts as the board's administrative officer.

The bill removes the specified maximum GHESP account balance of $235,000 and allows the board of directors to set a reasonable maximum amount.

The bill authorizes the GHESP board of directors to govern the Georgia Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program Corporation.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Committee

HB 30

State government; definition of antisemitism; provide
Bill Summary: HB 30 provides a definition of antisemitism for purposes of state law, using the advisory definition adopted on May 26, 2016 by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The bill includes the examples of antisemitism set forth by the IHRA. State departments and agencies will consider antisemitism as evidence of discriminatory intent for any law that prohibits discrimination or under any hate crimes provision. The bill does not diminish any rights protected

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

under the First Amendment.

The bill amends the terroristic threats statute in O.C.G.A. 16-11-37 by including in the offense of a terroristic act using in an unlawful manner antisemitic imagery such as a swastika with the intent to terrorize another person, their household, their property, or their public property.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John Carson (46th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 204

Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council; create
Bill Summary: HB 204 creates the Georgia Municipal Court Clerks' Council as an institution designed to improve municipal courts, assist municipal court staff, and assist in training municipal court staff. The council is a state agency comprised of the municipal court staff of all state municipal courts. The council is authorized to elect officers and an executive committee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Bill Yearta (152nd) Judiciary

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

HB 254

Civil practices; alternative procedure for designation of official legal organ; provide
Bill Summary: HB 254 amends O.C.G.A. 9-13-142 concerning official legal organs (publications containing official legal notices). If no otherwise qualified publication has a paid circulation of at least 100 copies per issue in the county, the bill permits the probate court judge, sheriff, superior court clerk, or a majority of those officers to designate a newspaper as an interim legal organ. That designation will terminate once another newspaper meets the qualifications and is designated as the county's legal organ pursuant to the Code section.

The bill allows counties or municipalities required to publish a legal notice to also meet publishing requirements by posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the county or municipality's website as well as on a common statewide website. Corrections to errors made in the published legal notice will be made within two business days on the publishing website, the Georgia Public Notice website, and in the next edition of the legal organ or newspaper of general circulation. Postings will remain in place until the event or action being advertised has concluded, and will not exceed one year.

The bill amends legal advertisement rates by increasing the rate by $5 for each 100 words and $5 for each subsequent insertion.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 444

Property; revise when an action may operate as a lis pendens
Bill Summary: HB 444 provides that no action involving an interest in real property will operate as a lis pendens, the official public notice that a property has a pending lawsuit or claim attached to it, until a lis pendens is issued by a court. Requirements for the issuance and effectiveness of a courtissued lis pendens are provided.

The clerks of superior courts must keep a lis pendens docket in which they record all notices of lis pendens on real property filed with them. Dismissal of any action by a plaintiff, the plaintiff's withdrawal, or the settlement or final judgement will be indicated on the face of the lis pendens record by the clerk. Actions involving claims against real property related to domestic relations are excepted from these new provisions.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

Motor Vehicles Committee

HB 301

Motor vehicles and traffic; revise amount of civil monetary penalty for violations of improperly passing a school bus or speeding in a school zone
Bill Summary: HB 301 sets the penalty at $250 for improperly overtaking a school bus and prohibits the addition of any other fees, fines, or penalties. The bill caps the maximum fee that may be charged for electronic processing of a penalty for speeding in a school zone at $25. Any agent, law enforcement agency, or governing body that violates this provision will be fined $1,000. O.C.G.A. 40-14-11 now includes penalties collected for speeding in a school zone in the calculation for total speeding fine revenue.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 348

Motor vehicles; standards for signs warning of use of automated traffic enforcement safety devices; provide
Bill Summary: HB 348 requires warning signs for traffic safety enforcement devices and school zone speed limit reduction to display flashing yellow lights while the speed reduction is in effect. The speed limit may be enforced 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the school starts and 30 minutes prior to and 30 minutes after the school dismisses; when the driver is 10 miles per hour over the speed limit. After a citation has been issued the penalty must be paid within 60 days or the vehicle's registration will be suspended. The vehicle's registration will be reinstated upon receipt of payment and the collection of a $50 restoration fee. A county or municipality must apply for a permit through the Department of Transportation before acquiring an automated traffic enforcement safety device.

The bill authorizes the suspension of vehicle registration for an unpaid fine for improperly overtaking a school bus. The vehicle's registration will be reinstated upon receipt of payment and the collection of a $50 restoration fee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. J Collins (71st) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Tabled

Public Health Committee
HB 440 Education; authorize public and private schools to stock a supply of undesignated ready-to-use glucagon
Bill Summary: HB 440 allows public and private schools to stock a supply of glucagon and permits prescribers to provide such medication to schools.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Doug Stoner (40th) Public Health

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

Regulated Industries Committee

HB 155

Professions and businesses; issuance of licenses by endorsement for spouses of firefighters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers who relocate to Georgia; provide
Bill Summary: HB 155 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 requires professional licensing boards or other boards to issue a license by endorsement to an individual seeking licensure for a profession other than that of a firefighter, healthcare provider, or

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

a law enforcement officer. To qualify, an individual must have: established residency in Georgia; hold a current license in another state to practice the profession; be in good standing in that state; and pass any examination that may be required to demonstrate knowledge of Georgia's laws.

This bill does not apply to licensing for the practice of law in Georgia, and does not override any licensing compact or permit the issuance of a license without verification under O.C.G.A. 50-36-1.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Regulated Industries

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 212

Niche-Beauty Services Opportunity Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 212 repeals and replaces the Code sections pertaining to cosmetology by modernizing and revising the following provisions. The Code allows for the following license categories: barber II; barber II apprentice; esthetician; esthetician apprentice; hair designer; hair designer apprentice; hair removal technician; hair removal apprentice; instructor; master barber; master barber apprentice; master cosmetologist; master cosmetologist apprentice; nail technician; and nail technician apprentice.

The State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers will remain in existence, and the board membership and membership terms will remain the same. All board rules and regulations will remain in existence. The board consists of nine members, and the board will be required to meet at least once a year to adopt rules and regulations, and handle other required matters.

Licenses are required for an individual to engage in, teach, hold themselves out as licensed in, or advertise that they are qualified to offer services in the practice of barbering II, aesthetics, hair design, master barbering, master cosmetology, or nail care. It is unlawful to own, operate, or open a service salon or school of instruction without a license.

The following are exempt from licensing: braiding hair by hairweaving, wrapping, or using extensions; applying cosmetics; washing, shampooing, combing, or brushing hair in a licensed service salon, provided that activities do not include application or removal of any chemicals that alter hair structure; and washing hair, blow drying or styling hair, threading, or any combination of those activities.

In order for an individual to wash hair, blow dry or style hair, engage in threading, or do any combination of those activities for compensation, they must complete a health and safety course approved by the board for a maximum of four hours and maintain proof of course completion.

To obtain an occupational license, an applicant must be at least 17 years old, meet minimum education requirements, and meet the study course requirement at a board-approved school or the apprentice requirement. Licenses must be stored in a conspicuous place, and are renewable for a period of two years. Upon renewal, a licensee must have proof of five hours of continuing education taken during the two-year term. The board can require that either three or four hours of continuing education be satisfied by a health and safety course.

The bill provides for a license by endorsement for an applicant who holds a license or certification in another state as long as the applicant completes the application and is in good standing in the other state. The board can issue an expedited license by endorsement to any occupational license to any current or discharged member of the military who holds a license in another state.

A person can learn under one of the apprentice licenses if they are at least 16 years of age and file the required application. These licenses are effective for a four-year period and are not eligible for renewal.

The board has the power to: refuse to grant, renew, or restore a license; revoke a license; suspend any license for a definite period of time or an indefinite period of time; administer a reprimand; require coursework; limit or restrict a license as the board deems necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare; and impose a fine independent of any other action.

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Daily Report for February 21, 2023

For more strenuous violations, the board can impose an additional $500 fine for each violation, although a violation of not following board rules and regulations is only punishable by a maximum fine of $100 for the first violation, $200 for the second violation, and $300 for any subsequent violation.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Regulated Industries

Committee Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

State Planning & Community Affairs Committee

HB 43

Council on American Indian Concerns; revise membership
Bill Summary: HB 43 adds a requirement to the membership of the Council on American Indian Concerns to include at least one member representing each of the American Indian tribes of Georgia identified in Code. It updates the address list of American Indian tribes recognized by the State of Georgia.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marvin Lim (98th) State Planning & Community Affairs Committee
Action:

02-21-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 21, 2023

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.legis.ga.gov to view all upcoming events.

Wednesday - February 22, 2023

8:00 AM SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (House)

506 CLOB

8:00 AM AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB

8:00 AM Ways & Means Sales Tax Subcommittee (House)

403 CAP

8:00 AM INSURANCE COMMITTEE (House)

406 CLOB

8:15 AM Ways & Means Public Finance & Policy Subcommittee (House) 403 CAP

9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE (House)

341 CAP

10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 22) (House) 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (House)

House Chamber 606 CLOB

1:00 PM Ways & Means Tax Revision Subcommittee (House)

403 CAP

1:30 PM Judiciary Non-Civil Leverett Subcommittee (House)

132 CAP

2:00 PM HEALTH COMMITTEE (House)

515 CLOB

2:00 PM 2:00 PM

TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION COMMITTEE (House) JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE (House)

406 CLOB 506 CLOB

2:00 PM SPECIAL RULES COMMITTEE (House)

403 CAP

2:00 PM TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (House)

415 CLOB

3:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (House)

606 CLOB

3:00 PM Insurance Property & Casualty Subcommittee (House)

403 CAP

3:00 PM CODE REVISION COMMITTEE (House)

415 CLOB

3:00 PM INDUSTRY & LABOR COMMITTEE (House)

506 CLOB

3:30 PM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL COMMITTEE (House)

132 CAP

4:00 PM Education Policy Subcommittee (House)

406 CLOB

4:00 PM HUMAN RELATIONS & AGING COMMITTEE (House)

341 CAP

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