DAILY REPORT Wednesday February 22, 2023 House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 22nd Legislative Day The House will reconvene for its 23rd Legislative Day on Thursday, February 23 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 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 Conflicting laws are also repealed.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: Floor Vote: Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Game, Fish, & Parks Yeas: 164 Nays: 6 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Martin Momtahan (17th) Motor Vehicles Yeas: 168 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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. House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Health Yeas: 171 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-13-2023 Do Pass 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Game, Fish, & Parks Yeas: 170 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 02-14-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Retirement Yeas: 171 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Defense & Veterans Affairs Yeas: 168 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-15-2023 Do Pass Page 2 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Insurance Yeas: 171 Nays: 1 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Page 3 of 16 Modified-Open 02-15-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 168 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Amendments: 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. Page 4 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 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 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: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) State Properties Yeas: 163 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 02-15-2023 Do Pass Page 5 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Postponed Until Next Legislative Day 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: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 23rd Legislative Day, Thursday, February 23, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Thursday, February 23, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 24th Legislative Day. HB 36 Ad valorem tax; language required to be included in notices of current assessment; revise Bill Summary: HB 36 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-311 relating to county boards of equalization, duties, review of assessments, and appeals by allowing a taxpayer with tangible personal property having a fair market value greater than $200,000 to appeal directly to a hearing officer. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-306 relating to the annual notice of current assessment, contents, posting notice, and new assessment description by requiring that the option to appeal directly to a hearing officer for tangible personal property with a fair market value of greater than $200,000 be included on the notice of assessment. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass HB 95 Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Code of 1986; revise terms and incorporate certain provisions of federal law into Georgia law Bill Summary: HB 95 amends O.C.G.A. 48-1-2 relating to income tax definitions by providing an update to the definition of "Internal Revenue Code" to include 'Inflation Reduction Act' provisions, signed by the President on August 16, 2022, and the 'Consolidated Appropriations Act', signed by the President on December 29, 2022. Among the changes made in federal legislation and addressed in the bill are the following: allowing defined contribution plans to provide participants with an option to receive matching contributions on a Roth basis; a one-time election for a qualified charitable distribution to a split-interest entity and an increase to the IRA charitable distribution limit; and cost recovery related to green energy properties. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Knight (134th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass HB 138 Revenue and taxation; update population bracket and census data for a certain property tax exemption for certain leased property Bill Summary: HB 138 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-40 relating to property tax exemptions by updating a homestead exemption for counties having populations between 23,500 and 23,675 on the 2010 U.S. Page 6 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Census with counties having populations between 25,400 and 25,500 on the 2020 U.S. Census. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Clint Crowe (118th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass HB 142 Education; establishment of unified campus police forces through agreements by colleges and universities; provide Bill Summary: HB 142 provides for the establishment of unified campus police forces through agreements entered into by colleges and universities. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mesha Mainor (56th) Rule Applied: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-15-2023 Do Pass HB 162 Income tax; one-time tax credit for taxpayers who filed returns for both 2021 and 2022 taxable years; provide Bill Summary: HB 162 provides a one-time income tax refund equal to the lesser of either the taxpayer's 2021 income tax liability or $250 for a taxpayer filing as single; $375 for taxpayer filing as head of household; or $500 for a married couple jointly filing a return. The refund will not be made available to nonresident alien individuals, individuals claimed as a dependent during the 2021 and 2022 tax years, or an estate or trust. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lauren McDonald (26th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass HB 165 State government; public disclosure not required relative to inspection of public records; include certain documents from Department of Natural Resources Bill Summary: HB 165 amends O.C.G.A. 50-18-72, which concerns public disclosures not required to be included as part of an inspection of public records, to include records from the Department of Natural Resources that contain information regarding the location or character of a historic resource that could lead to harm or theft related to the historic resource. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Kimberly New (64th) Rule Applied: Natural Resources & Environment Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-16-2023 Do Pass HB 222 Insurance, Department of; clarify, streamline, and make transparent the practices of the department Bill Summary: HB 222 clarifies that service contracts will only be sold or offered to consumers. The bill extends the probationary insurance license period from 12 to 24 months, and allows applicants to reapply between one and five years after a denial. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Insurance Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-14-2023 Do Pass HB 319 Education; abolish Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation Bill Summary: HB 319 abolishes the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and transfers any obligations, liabilities, or assets to the Georgia Student Finance Authority. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Higher Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass Page 7 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 HR 66 General Assembly; motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes; ratify Governor Brian P. Kemp's Executive Orders Bill Summary: HR 66 ratifies executive orders issued by the governor between May 26, 2022 and January 10, 2023 related to suspension of the collection of motor fuel and diesel fuel taxes. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matthew Gambill (15th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass Page 8 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 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 33 State Board of Veterinary Medicine; independent state agency attached to the Department of Agriculture; provisions Bill Summary: HB 33 amends O.C.G.A. 43-50-20 to create a separate budget unit for the State Board of Veterinary Medicine and attach it administratively to the Department of Agriculture. The bill outlines the powers, duties, and responsibilities of the executive director of the board. The act goes into effect on January 1, 2024. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 187 Crimes and offenses; authorize for-profit credit repair services Bill Summary: HB 187 amends O.C.G.A. 16-9-59 to allow for-profit credit repair organizations to operate in Georgia once a credit repair organization obtains a bond of $100,000 and meets certain criteria. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Code Revision Committee HB 475 Code Revision Commission; revise, modernize and correct errors in omissions Bill Summary: House Bill 475 is the annual Code revision bill to revise, modernize, and correct errors or omissions to the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The bill reflects the work of the Code Revision Commission to repeal portions of the Code that are obsolete, declared unconstitutional, or preempted or superseded by subsequent laws. Lastly, the bill provides for other matters relating to revision, reenactment, and publication of the Code. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Code Revision Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass SB 23 O.C.G.A.; various titles; revise a committee name; relating to inactive boards, panels, authorities, centers, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, and other such bodies; provisions; repeal Bill Summary: SB 23 amends the Code by revising committee names and authority titles while repealing specific inactive authorities, committees, advisory councils, offices, and commissions. The bill specifies how assets of certain entities are devolved following repeal. Language relating to prefiling of legislation is repealed. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Code Revision Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 9 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions Governmental Affairs Committee HB 269 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act; authorize local workforce development boards to conduct meetings via teleconference Bill Summary: HB 269 authorizes specified local workforce development boards to hold meetings via teleconference. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Governmental Affairs Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 306 Education; energy cost savings measures; revise definition Bill Summary: HB 306 updates definitions for "energy cost savings measure" and "energy conservation measure" to include facility alterations or specified equipment designed to generate revenue. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tim Fleming (114th) Governmental Affairs Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Health Committee HB 343 Lowering Prescription Drug Costs for Patients Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 343 requires prescription drug coinsurance or deductible amounts to be calculated at the point of sale based on a price reduced by an amount equal to at least 80 percent of all rebates received or to be received for the dispensing or administration of the prescription drug. The bill requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) to report annually to the Department of Insurance the aggregate amount of rebates passed through to insureds at the point of sale for the previous calendar year. The bill states that a PBM will not disclose information deemed a protected trade secret, including the actual amount of rebates received by a PBM or health plan on a product or therapeutic class of products, manufacturer, or pharmacy-specific basis. Any health plan administered by the state is exempt from this bill, including the State Health Benefit Plan and Medicaid health plans, as well as self-funded employer-sponsored health insurance plans regulated under the 'Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974' (ERISA). The bill is effective January 1, 2024. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Health Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 414 Mental health; grant program to aid service members, veterans, and their families; provide Bill Summary: HB 414 creates the Veterans Mental Health Services Program, a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. The grant program will provide behavioral health services to service members, veterans, or family members through non-profit community behavioral health programs. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Health Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 416 Pharmacies; authorize qualified pharmacy technicians to administer certain vaccines Bill Summary: HB 416 allows for qualified pharmacy technicians to administer any COVID-19 vaccine and any vaccine on the adult immunization schedule to individuals 18 years of age or older. The supervising pharmacist will have discretion over delegating the authority to administer vaccines Page 10 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions and must be readily available to the pharmacy technician when a vaccine is being administered. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Health Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 441 Professions; authorize and regulate teledentistry by licensed dentists pursuant to permits issued by Georgia Board of Dentistry Bill Summary: HB 441 prevents licensed dentists from providing teledentistry unless the dentist has been issued a permit by the Georgia Board of Dentistry. Permits will only be issued after a licensed dentist proves there is an established referral relationship with a dentist who practices in a physical dental office in Georgia within 50 miles of where the teledentistry interaction will occur. The teledentistry permit allows a dentist to: authorize a licensed dental hygienist to perform dental hygiene functions; prescribe medications that are not controlled substances; authorize digital scans; and authorize the transmittal of patient records. The bill includes conditions for providing dental care through teledentistry as well as insurance coverage requirements. The bill allows dental assistants to perform coronal polishing on a patient under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Health Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Tabled Human Relations & Aging Committee HB 309 Health; financial stability requirements for applicants and licensees of personal care homes and assisted living communities; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 309 requires assisted living communities and personal care homes to provide a financial stability affidavit to the Department of Community Health upon initial application and change of ownership. The department is directed to create a financial stability affidavit form to determine the applicant's financial viability. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Human Relations & Aging Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 497 Health; use of certified medication aides in penal institutions; authorize Bill Summary: HB 479 authorizes the use of certified medication aides in penal institutions. The aide must keep a record of all medications that have been administered and detail any changes to the inmate's condition. An employer of a certified medication aide must annually administer a comprehensive clinical skills competency review to each aide. All aides must receive ongoing medication training. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. John LaHood (175th) Human Relations & Aging Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Industry and Labor Committee HB 518 Labor and industrial relations; employment security; change certain provisions Bill Summary: HB 518 revises the year from 2022 to 2026 at which the required rate of contributions for new or newly covered employers to make into unemployment insurance increases from 2.64 percent of wages to 2.7 percent of wages. Page 11 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions The bill revises the rate table that applies to variations of the contribution rate by making O.C.G.A. 34-8-155(e) apply until December 31, 2026, with O.C.G.A. 34-8-155(c) applying for any variations after that time. HB 518 also extends the administrative assessment of .06 percent on all wages from December 31, 2022, until December 31, 2026. The repeal date of Article 6 of Chapter 8 of Title 34 is revised from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2027. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mike Cameron (1st) Industry and Labor Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Insurance Committee HB 63 Insurance; insurers providing policies for groups of 20 or more to furnish claims experience at the request of a group policyholder; require Bill Summary: HB 63 allows group policyholders with at least 20 covered employees to receive claims experience from the insurance company. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Noel Williams (148th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 295 Insurance; consumer protections against surprise billing; revise certain procedures Bill Summary: HB 95 relates to surprise billing and clarifies provisions relating to arbitration. The bill requires the designation of plans that are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the 'Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974'. The bill extends the time insurers have to submit data after an arbitration request is made from 30 to 60 days. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 362 Insurance; benefit provider to disclose certain payments to a treating healthcare provider; provide Bill Summary: HB 362 requires benefit providers to provide a written account of payments and reimbursements for services to treating providers upon 30 days of a request being made. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Karen Mathiak (74th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass SB 27 Unfair Trade Practices; health care insurer from requiring an ophthalmologist or optometrist to extend any discounts on services that are not covered eye care services; prohibit Bill Summary: SB 27 prohibits insurers from requiring ophthalmologists or optometrists to provide a discount on eye services that are not covered to receive increased payments, better reimbursements, preferential treatment, or any other benefit. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Matt Brass (28th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass SB 65 Commissioner of Insurance; general provisions; establishing an advisory committee; provisions; authorize Bill Summary: SB 65 allows the state to establish a state-based healthcare exchange. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) Insurance Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass Page 12 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee HB 354 Pike County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of technology fee Bill Summary: A bill to authorize a technology fee by the Probate Court of Pike County. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 391 Early County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption Bill Summary: A bill to remove the expiration date of a homestead exemption from Early County school district ad valorem taxes. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 395 Heard County; ad valorem tax for county and educational purposes; provide homestead exemption Bill Summary: A bill to provide a homestead exemption from Heard County school district ad valorem taxes in the amount of $20,000 for residents of the school district who are 70 years of age or older. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Huddleston (72nd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 HB 422 Ware County; board of elections and registration; appointment of members; revise provisions Bill Summary: A bill to revise the appointment of board members to the board of elections and registration of Ware County. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. James Burchett (176th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 519 Emanuel County Public Facilities Authority; create Bill Summary: A bill to create the Emanuel County Public Facilities Authority. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass SB 6 City of Sylvania; expenditure of funds; provisions; revise Bill Summary: A bill to authorize the City of Sylvania to levy an excise tax. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. Max Burns (23rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass Judiciary Non-Civil Committee HB 88 Coleman-Baker Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 88 is known as the 'Coleman-Baker Act' and requires the head of an agency or their designee to review a cold case murder when requested in writing, and to determine if a full Page 13 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions reinvestigation would result in the identification of probative investigative leads or a likely perpetrator. The review must: look at what procedures may have been missed initially; whether witnesses should be interviewed or reinterviewed; if forensic evidence was properly tested and analyzed; and perform an update of the case file using the most current investigative standards to the extent it would help develop probative leads. The agency must conduct a full investigation if, at the agency's sole discretion, the review concludes that a full reinvestigation would result in additional, previously unidentified probative leads or a likely perpetrator. An investigation cannot be fully conducted by a person who previously investigated the case, and only one full reinvestigation can be undertaken at one time with respect to the same victim. If a full reinvestigation is completed and a likely perpetrator is not identified, no additional investigation will occur for a period of five years from the conclusion of the reinvestigation, unless there is newly discovered material evidence. Each law enforcement agency is required to develop a written application and procedures, and the agency must provide a written notification of receipt of the application as soon as reasonably possible. If a request does not meet the criteria, then the agency must provide the requestor with a letter stating that final review is not necessary. The law enforcement agency has six months from receipt of the application to complete its case file review and conclude whether or not a full reinvestigation is warranted. The agency can extend the time limit once for a maximum of six months if the agency finds that it would be unfeasible to comply with the original time limit. The Carl Vinson Institute of Government will establish and maintain a case tracking system and searchable public website with information about the applications, extensions, number of reinvestigations, and statistical information on suspects, arrests, etc. This process applies to any cold case murders that occurred on or after January 1, 1970. The bill allows a coroner or medical examiner to issue a death certificate with a non-specific cause of death. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 332 Controlled substances; Schedules I. IV, and V; provide certain provisions Bill Summary: HB 332 is the annual narcotics and drug update. Various substances are added to or removed from the schedules, including Schedules I, IV, and V, and the lists of defined "dangerous drugs". Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Juvenile Justice Committee HB 291 Guardian and ward; add to the list of providers who are authorized to participate in the processes for appointment of a guardian for an adult Bill Summary: HB 291 petitions for the appointment, modification, or termination, of a guardian, emergency guardian of an adult, conservator, or emergency conservator, and can be supported by an affidavit of: an advanced practice registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or registered professional nurse; a physician assistant; or a licensed clinical social worker, licensed master's social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor. If a proposed ward is a patient in a federal medical facility and certain licensed parties are not available, affidavits of new licensees may be used for petitions for the appointment of a guardian or emergency guardian. If a petition is not dismissed, the court may appoint an evaluator who is: an advanced practice registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or registered professional nurse; a physician assistant; or a Page 14 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 2023 Committee Actions licensed clinical social worker, licensed master's social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, or professional counselor. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (14th) Juvenile Justice Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee HB 406 Georgia Public Service Commission; regulation of the provision of certain electricity used as a motor fuel in electric vehicles; provide Bill Summary: HB 406 amends the Code defining terms related to electric vehicles and adding language regarding the sale of electricity at electric vehicle charging stations, making it similar to the sale of gasoline. It gives regulative authority over electric vehicle charging stations to the Department of Agriculture and clarifies that the supply of electricity by an electric utility to premises that are electric vehicle charging stations will be considered a sale at retail. The provision of electric vehicle charging services will not violate the `Georgia Territorial Electric Service Act', as long as it occurs on the same property as the charging station. The commissioner of the Department of Agriculture may hire charging station inspectors and investigators, and is expected to enforce rules and regulations upon those employed. All electric vehicle charging stations are required to provide accurate readings of electricity charged to each vehicle on a per kilowatt-hour basis and will be further equipped with meters that record numbers for total hours. Stations found to give inaccurate readings will be deemed inoperable until reapproved by the department, and those found to provide accurate readings will be marked with a seal by an authorized inspector. The department is given the power to implement rules necessary to carry out inspections in the manner provided by in this Code. The bill makes it unlawful to tamper with an inspector-issued seal and outlines penalties for further violations. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Transportation Committee HB 189 Highways, bridges, and ferries; allowable variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle or load; provide for Bill Summary: HB 189 provides for a 12.5 percent variance to the 80,000 pound gross vehicle weight limit for trucks hauling certain commodities from point of origin to point of processing within a 250-mile radius. In order to haul these loads, the tractor and trailer must be certified to meet or exceed the weight allowable by the variance. The bill provides penalties for violations. When the vehicle weight is less than 95,000 pounds, a penalty of five cents per pound over the allowed weight limit not including any variance is assessed. When the vehicle weight is over 95,000 pounds, the penalty is 10 cents per pound over allowed weight limit not including any variance. For loads greater than 100,000 pounds, the penalty is 15 cents per pound for all excess over allowable weight not including any variance. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Steven Meeks (178th) Transportation Committee Action: 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 15 of 16 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 22, 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. Thursday - February 23, 2023 8:00 AM NATURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB 8:30 AM EDUCATION COMMITTEE (House) 506 CLOB 9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE (House) 341 CAP 9:00 AM MOTOR VEHICLES COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB 10:00 AM 12:00 PM FLOOR SESSION (LD 23) (House) JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE (House) House Chamber 415 CLOB 1:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB 1:00 PM Regulated Industries Lottery Oversight-Gaming Subcommittee (House) 1:00 PM WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (House) 515 CLOB 406 CLOB 1:00 PM TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE (House) 506 CLOB 1:30 PM JUDICIARY (CIVIL) COMMITTEE (House) 132 CAP 2:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (House) 406 CLOB VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Page 16 of 16