Daily report, 2023 February 27

DAILY REPORT Monday
February 27, 2023
House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

24th Legislative
Day

The House will reconvene for its 25th Legislative Day on Tuesday, February 28 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. Nineteen bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Motions to Disagree
HB 18 Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023
Bill Summary: HB 18, the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $32.56 billion. This is a 7.8 percent increase, or $2.36 billion, over the original Fiscal Year 2023 budget. The bill and tracking sheet may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website.

Authored By: Rep. Jon Burns (159th)

Rule Applied: Modified-Open

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

Rules Calendar
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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Higher Education
Yeas: 167 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Today on the Floor

HB 147

Safe Schools Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 147 is the 'Safe Schools Act.' The bill requires the Professional Standards Commission (PSC) to consult with the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS), the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to create a school safety and anti-gang endorsement for eligible certificated professional personnel who volunteer to complete a training program approved by the PSC in multidisciplinary best practices for promoting and preserving safe schools, and for identifying and deterring youth gangs.

The legislation adds GEMA/HS to those agencies to which the school must submit their school safety plan. Schools are required to conduct intruder alert drills by October 1 of each school year and report to GEMA/HS when the drill is completed. All students are required to participate, but each system may allow an option for a parent/legal guardian to elect, in writing, that the child is not participating.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Will Wade (9th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Yeas: 148 Nays: 20

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-15-2023 Do Pass

HB 220

Property; means of enforcement of condominium and property owners' association instruments, rules, and regulations; provide
Bill Summary: HB 220 permits condominium associations to pursue injunctive relief without first pursuing other remedies after providing notice in accordance with terms of the instrument or 10 days' written notice if the instrument is silent. Notice will not be required in the event of a violation of the instrument or reasonable rules adopted by the association that presents a clear and imminent danger, or when injunctive relief would become moot if not granted before expiration of a notice period. Property owners in a planned subdivision containing no fewer than 15 individual plots will comply with all lawful provisions of covenants. Lack of compliance will be grounds for recovery of sums due, damages, injunctive relief, or any other remedy available at law or in equity.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary
Yeas: 144 Nays: 22

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

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

HB 237

State government; Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby as official soap box derby of the State of Georgia; designate
Bill Summary: HB 237 designates the Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby in Lyons, Georgia as the official soap box derby of the State of Georgia. The Department of Economic Development and other agencies are encouraged to coordinate advertising programs to promote tourism related to the derby.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) Special Rules
Yeas: 168 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Open 02-14-2023 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

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Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Today on the Floor

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Judiciary
Yeas: 166 Nays: 1

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 268

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; motor vehicle related crime prevention initiatives; establish grant program
Bill Summary: HB 268 establishes a grant program to provide funds from the criminal justice coordinating council to local law enforcement agencies and multi-jurisdictional task forces for the prevention, reduction, investigation, and prosecution of motor vehicle crimes. The bill establishes the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board and the required membership. The board will solicit and review applications for the grants, and make recommendations to the council for awards.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. John Corbett (174th)

Rule Applied:

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action:

Yeas: 162 Nays: 7

Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Doug Stoner (40th) Public Health
Yeas: 169 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass

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: Floor Vote:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary
Yeas: 171 Nays: 0

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass

HB 480

Workers' compensation; benefits; change certain provisions
Bill Summary: HB 480 revises O.C.G.A. 34-9-261 to raise the maximum weekly amount of temporary total disability of workers' compensation to $800. The maximum weekly amount of temporary partial disability of workers' compensation is increased to $533 in O.C.G.A. 34-9-262. The maximum total workers' compensation that can be paid to a surviving spouse after their spouse dies is increased to $320,000 in O.C.G.A. 34-9-265.

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Today on the Floor

The bill states that in claims for workers' compensation in which there is not a surviving spouse, including situations in which a deceased employee and a person claiming they were dependent on that deceased employee and that they lived together continuously and in a relationship similar to a marriage, the person making the claim must prove that they received economic support from the deceased employee, including monetary support, food, or housing. Workers' compensation can now be terminated upon cohabitation in a relationship similar to marriage if that relationship involves economic support. No consideration is made for payments of financial support that are less than a period of three months.

The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2023 and applies to injuries that occur on or after that date.

Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Industry and Labor
Yeas: 154 Nays: 15

Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments:

Modified-Structured 02-16-2023 Do Pass

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Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules
The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 25th Legislative Day, Tuesday, February 28, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Tuesday, February
28, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 26th Legislative Day.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 84

Commerce and trade; provide for commercial financing disclosures
Bill Summary: HB 84 requires providers of certain commercial financing transactions to disclose with each transaction the total amount of funds provided to the business in the transaction, the total amount of funds disbursed to the business after any fees, withholdings, or third-party payments, the total amount to be paid to the provider under the transaction terms, the total dollar cost of the transaction, and a statement of whether there are any costs or discounts associated with prepayment under the transaction. No broker shall solicit or collect an advance fee from a business to provide services as a broker, nor shall a broker make any false representations in offering his or her services or offer his or her services in a publication without disclosing necessary contact information. The attorney general may take action to enforce these provisions, and the bill contains civil penalties for violations of these provisions.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Banks & Banking

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-08-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Next on the Floor

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 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 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

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Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Next on the Floor

criteria.
Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass

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

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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.

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass

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 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Next on the Floor

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Open 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 396 Oconee River Greenway Authority; add president of Georgia College and State University
Bill Summary: HB 396 adds the president of Georgia College and State University to the Oconee River Greenway Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kenneth Vance (133rd)

Rule Applied:

Natural Resources & Environment Committee

Action:

Modified-Open 02-23-2023 Do Pass

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 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 and must be readily available to the pharmacy technician when a vaccine is being administered.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Health

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass

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Next on the Floor

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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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.

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. The bill 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

Rule Applied: Committee Action:

Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

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Committee Actions

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

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

HB 305

Georgia Farmers' Market Authority Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 305 creates the 'Georgia Farmers' Market Authority Act' and provides for powers, duties, and membership of the authority. The authority consists of seven members: the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture or their representative; two members appointed by the commissioner; two members appointed by the governor; one member appointed by the chair of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee; and one member appointed by the chair of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.

The purpose of the authority is to operate and promote Georgia's state farmers' markets to boost the state's economy.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Robert Dickey (145th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 452

Agriculture; acquisition of possessory interest in certain land by certain nonresidents; prohibit
Bill Summary: HB 452 creates O.C.G.A. 2-1-7 to prohibit nonresident aliens who are subjects of foreign governments designated as adversaries by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce from having a possessory interest in agricultural land or land within a 25 mile-radius of any military base, military installation, or military airport. If a nonresident alien acquires a prohibited possessory interest through inheritance or the collection of a debt, the possessory interest must be disposed of within one year if acquired through inheritance and three years if acquired through debt collection.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Clay Pirkle (169th) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 545

Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits; provide
Bill Summary: HB 545 creates the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Citrus Fruits beginning July 1, 2023, for producers who own or operate at least five acres of citrus fruit-bearing trees. Every three years a ballot will be taken to determine whether or not to continue the commission for another three years.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Charles Cannon (172nd) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

Higher Education Committee

HB 163

Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce; student loan repayment for medical examiners employed by the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; provide
Bill Summary: House Bill 163 establishes a student loan repayment program for full-time medical examiners employed with the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The total repayment amount must not exceed $120,000 or the total student debt amount, whichever is less, and the payments will be paid in annual installments, for a period not exceeding five years. The Georgia Student Finance Authority is authorized to establish rules and regulations to implement the

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Committee Actions

program and the program is contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lauren McDonald (26th) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 380 Georgia Lottery Game of Sports Betting Act; enact Bill Summary: Section 1-1: Includes online sports betting as a type of lottery game. The section specifies that online sports betting does not include pari-mutuel betting.
Section 1-2: Authorizes the Georgia Lottery Corporation (GLC) to carry out responsibilities related to the Georgia Lottery game of sports betting.
Section 1-3: Establishes a minimum reserve within the Lottery for Education Account of at least 50 percent of the average amount of net proceeds deposited for the preceding three fiscal years. If on the last day of a fiscal year the total reserve fund balance exceeds the minimum reserve, 10 percent of the excess reserve funds must be appropriated for educational purposes.
Section 2-1:
Part 1: Creates the 'Georgia Lottery Game of Sports Betting Act' and provides definitions related to its implementation. Prescribes the powers, duties, and rule-making authority of the GLC, in relation to the control of the lottery game of sports betting.
Part 2: The GLC will issue and renew licenses to offer, operate, and manage sports betting to qualified applicants who satisfy specified criteria. Specified application fees and annual fees are required, depending on the type of license issued. All licenses are valid for a period of five years unless suspended or revoked. Specified persons, including coaches or players, are not eligible to apply for or obtain a license.
The GLC is authorized to issue not more than 16 Type 1 sports betting licenses to Type 1-eligible entities or their designated online sports betting service providers in order to offer online sports betting. Proposition bets can only be offered by authorized licensees.
Part 3: An annual privilege tax of 25 percent of the adjusted gross income derived from online sports betting will be imposed and paid monthly by online sports betting services providers. If a Type 1 sports betting licensee does not contract with a sports betting services provider, the Type 1 sports betting licensee must pay the privilege tax. The privilege tax will be paid to the Georgia Lottery Corporation and distributed to the state for constitutionally-approved educational purposes.
Each licensee must report specified information to the GLC by January 15 of each year.
Part 4: Any person who knowingly allows a minor to place a wager; offers, accepts, or extends credit to a bettor in the form of a marker; targets minors in sports betting advertising; offers or accepts wagers on high school sporting events; or accepts a wager from an individual who is prohibited from placing a wager will be guilty of a misdemeanor, indefinitely prohibited from placing a wager, and required to forfeit the proceeds of any illegal wager.
Any individual who is not ineligible for specified reasons, is 21 years of age or older, and is physically located in this state may place a wager as part of the GLC's game of sports betting. Specified individuals and categories of individuals are prohibited from placing a wager on sporting events or online sports betting platforms in this state.
The GLC must establish rules and regulations to ensure individuals who are specifically prohibited from wagering on specified sporting events or online sports betting platforms are not permitted to collude with otherwise eligible individuals to directly impact the outcome of a sporting event. Any ineligible individual who places a wager will be guilty of a misdemeanor, indefinitely prohibited from placing a wager, required to forfeit the proceeds of any illegal wager, and will be subject to specified fines.
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House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Committee Actions

Specified bets, including betting on injuries and penalties, are prohibited. A professional sports governing body or sporting events operator may request to the GLC that certain types or categories of bets be restricted, limited, or prohibited.

Part 5: Before placing an online sports betting wager, each bettor must register and create a player account with an authorized online sports betting licensee. The licensee is responsible for ensuring minors and other ineligible individuals are not able to gain unauthorized access to betting platforms. A bettor is not permitted to create more than one account with a licensee. Licensees must utilize geofencing technology to ensure that online sports betting is only available to bettors who are physically located in this state.

Licensees must provide methods for bettors to self-impose limits on their betting activities. The GLC is required to work with national and local organizations to provide services to individuals with problem gambling behaviors or gambling addiction issues. Sports betting advertisements must prominently include messaging related to problem gambling and access to gambling addiction resources. The GLC is required to submit an annual report to the governor, lieutenant governor, and the speaker of the House of Representatives providing information related to problem gambling in the state.

Part 6: Licensees are not required to use official league data or official event data for determining the results of specified sports wagers in certain specified instances.

Part 7: Authorizes the GLC to inspect the books and records of licensees to ensure compliance with state law. Licensees must report suspicious or corrupt betting activities to the Georgia Lottery Corporation and to the appropriate professional sports governing body or sporting events operator.

The GLC is authorized to conduct investigations and hearings to ensure that licensees are in compliance with state law. The corporation is authorized to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a license to any licensee in violation of state law or the corporation's established rules and regulations. The GLC must establish a schedule of fines related to licensee violations and specified fines are required for certain offenses, including accepting wagers from minors.

Sections 3-1, 3-2, and 3-3: Provides for exceptions and clarifications to several places in Code to allow for legal online sports betting.

Section 4-1: Exempts online sports betting wagers from state sales and use tax.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Higher Education

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

HB 166

Courts; provide for qualification of constables
Bill Summary: HB 166 modifies the eligibility requirements of constables to require an eligible person to: be at least 21 years old; be a U.S. citizen; be a registered voter; and have obtained a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) diploma. The bill allows for a locality to impose additional requirements for the office of chief constable, constable, or both. These requirements apply to any constable taking office on or after July 1, 2023.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Karen Mathiak (74th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

Page 13 of 17

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 196

Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; subject to Administrative Procedure Act and laws governing open meetings and records; provide
Bill Summary: HB 196 makes the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission (the commission) subject to the 'Administrative Procedures Act' (Chapter 13 of Title 50), state purchasing laws (Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 50), open and public records (Chapter 14 of Title 50), and inspection of public records (Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50). The commission has the ability to issue an additional dispensing license to registered patients at the premises of each Class 1 or Class 2 production facility. Dispensaries are also permitted to sell low THC oil and products from any production licensee in the state.

The bill allows for the commission to issue up to four additional Class 1 production licenses and to issue seven additional Class 2 production licenses. Applicants for the previous round of licenses that have filed post-award protests and appealed the administrative decisions will be awarded licenses. The commission will also be authorized to issue one additional Class 2 production license for every increase of 5,000 patients in the Low THC Oil Patient Registry and one additional Class 1 production license for every increase of 10,000 patients in the registry, subject to the overall limit of Class 1 and Class 2 licenses in Code.

The Georgia State-wide Business Court will have exclusive jurisdiction over any appeals of final decisions by the commission regarding the issuance of new licenses. Each commission member will be required to file an annual financial disclosure statement for the previous calendar year.

Ulcerative colitis and myasthenia gravis are added to the list of conditions eligible for low THC oil.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 227

Crimes and offenses; offense of criminal interference with critical infrastructure; provide
Bill Summary: HB 227 clarifies that the offense of criminal damage to property in the first degree can be committed through electronic means against critical infrastructure or any vital public service. The penalty for this crime is increased to imprisonment of between two to 20 years. The bill revises the misdemeanor crime of interfering with property of public utility companies, municipalities, or political subdivisions owning critical infrastructure, by prohibiting a person from altering or interfering with critical infrastructure. The definition for "critical infrastructure" in O.C.G.A. 16-11220 is amended to include other vital public services.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 302 Crimes and offenses; issuance of a temporary or permanent protective order by the court; provide
Bill Summary: HB 302 allows courts to issue either temporary or permanent protective orders to protect against conduct that constitutes stalking.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

HB 327 Crimes and offenses; incest; include step-grandparent and step-grandchild relationship
Bill Summary: HB 327 adds a grandparent and step-grandchild to O.C.G.A. 16-6-22(a)(4), which is a list of people whom it is prohibited to have sexual intercourse or sodomy with. Existing language applies to a grandparent and grandchild.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cameron (1st) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

Page 14 of 17

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Committee Actions

Small Business Development Committee
HB 498 Funeral directors and embalmers; reinstatement of lapsed license; change certain provisions Bill Summary: HB 498 allows for the reinstatement of a less than 10-year lapsed funeral director license.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Danny Mathis (149th) Small Business Development

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

HB 507

Commerce and trade; certain additional information to beauty pageant contestants before accepting a fee; provide
Bill Summary: HB 507 requires beauty pageant operators to provide the email address of the individual overseeing the pageant and the person approved to accept service of process. The operator must provide the pageant website and the website of the financial institution holding the entry fees. This information must be given to contestants before the operator is authorized to accept any entry fees.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Small Business Development

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

Special Rules Committee
HB 373 State holidays; September 11 as First Responders Appreciation Day; designate Bill Summary: HB 373 designates September 11 of each year as "First Responders Appreciation Day".

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sheila Jones (60th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

HR 119 Joint Study Committee on Censorship by Social Media Platforms; create
Bill Summary: House Resolution 119 creates a joint study committee on Censorship by Social Media Platforms to review issues of censorship by social media platforms.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Ways & Means Committee

HB 31

Conservation and natural resources; Hazardous Waste Trust Fund; dedicate proceeds of certain hazardous waste fees
Bill Summary: HB 31 amends O.C.G.A. 12-8-95, relating to the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund, by dedicating hazardous waste management and substance reporting fees collected by the state to the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Debbie Buckner (137th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

Page 15 of 17

House of Representatives

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 230

Revenue and taxation; qualified consolidated government special purpose local option sales tax; provide
Bill Summary: HB 230 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-6, relating to sales and use taxes, to allow for a qualified consolidated government to implement a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) for a coliseum capital outlay project, which is defined as any capital outlay project related to a multiuse coliseum or civic center type of facility. The tax will be set at a rate of 0.5 percent. The bill provides for the mechanism to implement the SPLOST as well as the ballot language to be used.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

HB 264

Revenue and taxation; handling of appeals of property tax assessments; revise certain deadlines and procedures
Bill Summary: HB 264 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-311, relating to the creation of county boards of equalization, duties, review of assessments, and appeals, by changing the following deadlines related to appeals of property tax assessments.

The deadline for the county board of tax assessors to notify a taxpayer of any corrections or changes is changed from 180 days to 90 days after receipt of a notice of appeal. The deadline for county boards of equalization to hold a hearing on questions presented in an appeal is changed from 180 days to 90 days from the receipt of a notice of appeal. The time period for a county board of tax assessors to review a taxpayer's written appeal is changed from 90 days to 60 days. The deadline for a taxpayer to deem changes unacceptable is changed from 30 days to 15 days from the mailing of a notice of changes made following a written appeal by the county board of tax assessors. The time period for a county board of tax assessors to send or deliver documentation to an appeal administrator is changed from 30 days to 15 days from a taxpayer rejecting changes. The deadline for a taxpayer to forward an appeal to the board of equalization is changed from 30 days to 15 days following the mailing of a county board of tax assessors notice of no changes or corrections.

In the case of certain actions not being taken by the county board of tax assessors within 90 days, appeals will be forwarded to the county board of equalization. If a hearing is not scheduled within 180 days from the date of an appeal being sent to an appeal administrator, the assessed fair market value for the taxpayer's property for the tax year in question will default to the property value asserted by the taxpayer in the appeal. A fair market value set in this manner may not be used as a comparison in future tax appeals. The bill allows for electronic notifications from the county board of equalization for notices of hearings or decisions if the taxpayer or taxpayer's authorized agent approves such correspondence.

The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-299, relating to changing real property values established by appeal in prior year or stipulated by agreement, by striking language stating that a taxpayer failing to attend an appeal hearing or provide written evidence is as an exception for the board of tax assessors to be unable to raise a new valuation for two successive years. The bill strikes exception language that includes errors in a description or characterization of property in the records of the board of tax assessors' records.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Vance Smith (138th) Ways & Means

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 408

Sales and use tax; exemption for competitive projects of regional significance; change sunset provision
Bill Summary: HB 408 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3, relating to sales and use tax exemptions, to extend the sunset date for an exemption on sales of tangible personal property used for construction of a competitive project of regional significant to December 31, 2026.

Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (112th)

Page 16 of 17

House of Representatives
House Committee:

Daily Report for February 27, 2023

Committee Actions

Ways & Means

Committee Action:

02-27-2023 Do Pass

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.

Tuesday - February 28, 2023

8:00 AM MOTOR VEHICLES COMMITTEE (House)

606 CLOB

8:00 AM CANCELED JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE (House)

506 CLOB

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

403 CAP

8:00 AM INSURANCE COMMITTEE (House)

406 CLOB

8:15 AM Ways & Means Ad Valorem Subcommittee (House)

403 CAP

9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE (House)

341 CAP

9:00 AM CREATIVE ARTS & ENTERTAINMNET COMMITTEE (House)

406 CLOB

10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 25) (House)

House

Chamber

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

403 CAP

1:00 PM PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE (House)

606 CLOB

1:00 PM INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE (House) 406 CLOB

1:00 PM Governmental Affairs Elections Subcommittee (House)

415 CLOB

1:30 PM JUDICIARY COMMITTEE (House)

132 CAP

2:00 PM Governmental Affairs State & Local Government Subcommittee 415 CLOB (House)

3:00 PM REGULATED INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE (House)

606 CLOB

3:00 PM JUVENILE JUSTICE COMMITTEE (House)

515 CLOB

3:00 PM Education Curriculum Subcommittee (House)

415 CLOB

3:00 PM Appropriations General Government Subcommittee (House) 341 CAP

3:00 PM CANCELED ENERGY, UTILITIES & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

403 CAP

COMMITTEE (House)

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