DAILY REPORT Tuesday February 28, 2023 25th Legislative Day House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 The House will reconvene for its 26th Legislative Day on Wednesday, March 1 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 24 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor. Today on the Floor Motions to Insist 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 Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) Rules Calendar 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. House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Rep. Joseph Gullett (19th) Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Yeas: 125 Nays: 44 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Banks & Banking Yeas: 101 Nays: 68 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-08-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Judiciary Non-Civil Yeas: 168 Nays: 1 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 2 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Regulated Industries Yeas: 168 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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 criteria. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Yeas: Nays: Recommit to Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Bill Yearta (152nd) Judiciary Yeas: 168 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Governmental Affairs Yeas: 153 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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, Page 3 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (14th) Juvenile Justice Yeas: 165 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Motor Vehicles Yeas: 163 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Tim Fleming (114th) Governmental Affairs Yeas: 170 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Human Relations & Aging Yeas: 160 Nays: 6 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Page 4 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor House Committee: Floor Vote: Judiciary Non-Civil Yeas: 164 Nays: 0 Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Kenneth Vance (133rd) Natural Resources & Environment Yeas: 171 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Health Yeas: 167 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Health Yeas: 164 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Code Revision Yeas: 168 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 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: Floor Vote: Rep. John LaHood (175th) Human Relations & Aging Yeas: 167 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 5 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Floor Vote: Rep. Mike Cameron (1st) Industry and Labor Yeas: 105 Nays: 64 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Postponed Until Next Legislative Day 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. Page 6 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Today on the Floor A person can learn under one of the apprentice licenses if they are at least 16 years of age and file the required application. These licenses are effective for a four-year period and are not eligible for renewal. The board has the power to: refuse to grant, renew, or restore a license; revoke a license; suspend any license for a definite period of time or an indefinite period of time; administer a reprimand; require coursework; limit or restrict a license as the board deems necessary for the public health, safety, and welfare; and impose a fine independent of any other action. 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: Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Page 7 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 26th Legislative Day, Wednesday, March 1, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Wednesday, March 1, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 27th Legislative Day. HB 43 Council on American Indian Concerns; revise membership Bill Summary: HB 43 adds a requirement to the membership of the Council on American Indian Concerns to include at least one member representing each of the American Indian tribes of Georgia identified in Code. It updates the address list of American Indian tribes recognized by the State of Georgia. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Marvin Lim (98th) Rule Applied: State Planning & Community Affairs Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass HB 51 Education; local boards of education use vehicles other than school buses for transport of students; authorize Bill Summary: HB 51 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-1076 to allow local boards of education to utilize alternative means of transportation other than school buses to transport students to school and schoolrelated activities where appropriate. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Clay Pirkle (169th) Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 130 Georgia Student Finance Authority; student loan repayment for peace officers; provide Bill Summary: HB 130 establishes a student loan repayment program for eligible full-time peace officers. The total repayment amount must not exceed $20,000 or the total student debt amount, whichever is less. 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 program, and the program is contingent upon appropriation of funds by the General Assembly. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matthew Gambill (15th) Higher Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 185 Education; provide for HOPE Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) grants Bill Summary: HB 185 provides for the establishment of Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) grants. The grants would be awarded to eligible Georgia students enrolled on or before July 1, 2028, in authorized IPSE programs at qualified postsecondary institutions in an amount equal to the current academic year undergraduate tuition at each student's qualified institution. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Higher Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 8 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor HB 244 Board of Natural Resources; effective date for certain rules and regulations; extend Bill Summary: HB 244 amends O.C.G.A. 27-1-39 by extending the date for which the rules and regulations of the Board of Natural Resources are in effect. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 24-4-136 by requiring licensed seafood dealers to report non-activity to the department in the same manner as provided by rule or regulation. O.C.G.A. 27-4-188 is revised by defining the term "cage" and stipulates that for a larger outer unit holding smaller units inside, the entire unit should be treated as a single cage. Language is updated to give the department authority over decisions regarding whether or not violators of O.C.G.A. 27-2-25 should have their harvester permit revoked. HB 244 eliminates the current cage fee in effect, and makes it legal to hunt bobcat and fox using electronic calls or sounds. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Game, Fish, & Parks Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 273 Board of Natural Resources; extend date by which rules and regulations must be in effect for purposes of establishing criminal violations Bill Summary: HB 273 revises the effective date for rules and regulations promulgated by the Board of Natural Resources to January 1, 2023. The bill makes the following changes to the composition of the Sapelo Island Heritage Authority: allows the governor to appoint a designee; increases the number of members from the Hog Hammock community from one to two; removes the commissioner of the Human Relations; and designates the commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources the chairperson and the governor as the vice chairperson of the authority. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Buddy DeLoach (167th) Rule Applied: Natural Resources & Environment Committee Action: Modified-Open 02-23-2023 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 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 298 Courts; exemption or deferment from jury service for natural or adoptive mothers of children six months of age or younger; provide Bill Summary: HB 298 excuses or defers from jury service a natural or adoptive parent who has a child six months of age or younger and has custody of that child, with the excusal or deferment granted upon the parent executing an affidavit. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lauren Daniel (117th) Judiciary Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 308 Revenue and taxation; certain medical preceptor rotations; revise tax credit Bill Summary: HB 303 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.22 to replace the structure for tax credits provided to a physician for medical preceptor rotations from a $500 credit for each of the first three rotations and a $1,000 credit for the fourth through 10th rotation in a calendar year to $1,000 for every medical preceptor rotation up to 10 in a calendar year. Page 9 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor The structure for an advanced practice registered nurse or physician assistant is also revised from a $375 credit for each of the first three rotations and a $750 credit for each of the fourth through 10th rotation in a calendar year to $750 for every preceptor rotation up to 10 in a calendar year. The bill adds licensed dentist as eligible for the same tax credit as a physician. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 311 Ad valorem tax; optional temporary tax relief to certain properties located in nationally declared federal disaster areas; provide Bill Summary: HB 311 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-33, relating to ad valorem taxation of property, to create an optional temporary tax relief mechanism for buildings damaged by a natural disaster that may be utilized by local governments, pursuant to Article VII, Section I, Paragraph III(h) of the Georgia Constitution. During a disaster response operation, the local emergency management director of an impacted area will travel to and assess whether buildings damaged by the disaster are qualified as either "major" or "destroyed". Assessments will be provided to the relevant county tax commissioners, who will identify eligible tax parcel numbers within the assessment before providing the assessment to each affected governing authority located within the disaster area. Upon receipt of the report, a governing authority may adopt a resolution providing a defined amount of temporary tax relief to eligible damaged or destroyed buildings. The temporary tax relief may be offered in the form of either a millage rate reduction or a credit. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) Ways & Means Rule Applied: Committee Action: Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 318 Education; reestablishment of Office of Charter School Compliance under State Charter Schools Commission Bill Summary: HB 318 amends Chapter 2 of Title 20 to reestablish the Office of Charter School Compliance, create the Office of District Flexibility, and require administrative fees held back by the state or local school system for the administration of charter schools to be used solely for that purpose. The Office of Charter School Compliance is reestablished under the State Charter Schools Commission and assists with the administration, review of, and creation of new local charter schools. The bill creates the Office of District Flexibility under the Department of Education to help school systems become and remain a charter system. Up to three percent may be retained by local boards of education from the charter school funding to provide administrative services for the local charter school. The local board of education must spend these funds solely and directly on administrative services performed for the local charter school. Any funds not expended should be remitted to the local charter school each year by June 30th. The Department of Education may retain up to three percent for the administration of state chartered special schools. Any funds not used by June 30th for the administration of the state chartered special school will be remitted to the school. The State Charter School Commission must follow the same structure relating to retaining and reimbursing state charter schools for the three percent administrative fee collected. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 10 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor HB 336 Buildings and housing; prohibit Georgia state minimum standard codes from prohibiting use of certain refrigerants Bill Summary: HB 336 stipulates that no provision within the Georgia state minimum standard codes will prohibit the use of a refrigerant if the refrigerant has been approved for usage after July 1, 2023 under the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 7671. The equipment containing the refrigerant must also be listed and installed according to standards stated in 42 U.S.C. 7671. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Brent Cox (28th) Rule Applied: Natural Resources & Environment Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 338 Student Technology Protection Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 338, the 'Student Technology Protection Act', amends the 'Quality Basic Education Act' by revising O.C.G.A 20-2-324 to provide that schools promote the safe and appropriate use of technology. By October 1, 2023, each local board of education and charter school governing body will adopt an acceptable use policy with the purpose of preventing and prohibiting any computer or network from accessing obscene materials. Each system will take necessary steps to implement and enforce the acceptable use policy to filter grade-appropriate content on school-owned devices. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Chris Erwin (32nd) Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass HB 402 Education; water safety education information to parents of students under 18 years of age and to students 18 years of age and older; provide Bill Summary: HB 402, the 'Edna Mae McGovern Act', amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-779.3 to require each public school to provide parents or students over 18 years of age with information on water safety education. At the beginning of each school year, the school will provide information to promote safety in, on, and around bodies of water. This may include information on local water safety courses and swim lessons. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Education Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute 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 Page 11 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor 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 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 436 Surface mining; revise maximum criminal penalties for violations Bill Summary: HB 436 amends O.C.G.A. 12-4-84, relating to surface mining, by raising the maximum fine for violating requirements set in the Code section or for willfully misrepresenting information from $1,000 to $10,000. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Rule Applied: Natural Resources & Environment Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 460 Courts; child's right to legal representation in legitimation cases; provide Bill Summary: HB 460 provides a right to counsel for a child who is the subject of a legitimation petition and a child who is party to a hearing to determine whether continuation or termination of a temporary guardianship is in the best interests of a child. Custodians or guardians whom are subject to a sworn complaint or affidavit and any other respondent to a dependency proceeding have the right to an attorney at all stages of the dependency proceedings. A child receiving extended care youth services from the Division of Family and Children Services is provided a right to counsel for all stages of dependency proceedings. The bill requires that affidavits or sworn complaints only be used when a child is taken into custody under exceptional circumstances. A trial court can appoint an attorney for a child at all stages of proceedings for extended care youth services. The child will be provided notice of their right to an attorney and be given the opportunity to: use, waive the right, obtain an attorney of their choice, or obtain the court-appointed attorney in the court's discretion. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Juvenile Justice Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 500 Crimes and offenses; offense of arson of law enforcement vehicle; provide Bill Summary: HB 500 creates the offense of arson of a law enforcement vehicle. Any person convicted of the offense is punished by a fine up to $100,000 or by imprisonment for a minimum of five years with a maximum of 20 years, or both. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Deborah Silcox (53rd) Rule Applied: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 505 Crimes and offenses; riot; provide for a felony penalty Bill Summary: HB 505 makes the offense of riot a felony offense punishable by imprisonment for a minimum of one year up to a maximum of 20 years. Page 12 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Next on the Floor Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mike Cheokas (151st) Rule Applied: Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 508 Crimes and offenses; orders be served on a respondent within 24 hours of the court's issuance of such order; provide Bill Summary: HB 508 requires the clerk of a superior court to issue a summons and deliver it for service to the party whom the order is against within 24 hours of the issuance of an ex parte order under O.C.G.A. 16-5-94 for temporary relief for a petitioner or minor from stalking. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Juvenile Justice Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass HB 509 Crimes and offenses; burglary; include an act of family violence Bill Summary: HB 509 expands the crime of burglary in the first and second degrees to include when a person enters the house, or other specified building or structure, of another person with the intent to commit an act of family violence. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Juvenile Justice Rule Applied: Committee Action: Modified-Structured 02-23-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 13 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar. Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee HB 549 Georgia State-wide Music Office Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 549 establishes the Georgia State-wide Music Office and provides related definitions. The office will be administered by the Department of Economic Development and serve as a liaison between music businesses and government agencies. The office is expected to focus on state-wide support, promotion, and cultivation of Georgia's growing music industry. Responsibilities include; publicizing significant developments in the industry; marketing specific programs to attract professionals within the industry; creating and maintaining an information database; and utilizing resources to foster growth within the state's industry. The Georgia Music Advisory Council is also established, with a chairperson appointed by the governor. The council is responsible for creating and implementing a strategic development plan for the industry. The council will provide advice and recommendations to the governor, General Assembly, Department of Economic Development, and other state agencies regarding the promotion and preservation of the music industry in the state. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Creative Arts & Entertainment Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass Insurance Committee HB 384 Insurance; annual notification by insurers to male insureds of coverage for prostate-specific antigen tests; provide Bill Summary: HB 384 requires insurers to notify covered males about annual prostate-specific antigen tests. This notification applies to covered males who are at least 45 years old and if ordered by a physician, those age 40 years and older. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sharon Henderson (113th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 529 Insurance; minimum amounts of uninsured and underinsured coverage to be maintained by transportation network and taxi service companies; provide Bill Summary: HB 529 reduces the required minimum uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for transportation network companies from $1 million to $300,000 for bodily injury and death per accident, $100,000 for bodily injury per person, and $250,000 for property damage. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Noel Williams (148th) Insurance Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 14 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions Intragovernmental Coordination Committee HB 532 Pike County; Magistrate Court; chief judge; provide nonpartisan elections Bill Summary: HB 532 provides nonpartisan elections for the chief judge of the Magistrate Court of Pike County. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Beth Camp (135th) Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass Judiciary Committee HB 248 Courts; limiting sheriffs to one additional salary for serving as sheriff of multiple courts; repeal provisions Bill Summary: HB 248 provides that a sheriff who serves in more than one court, be it a state court, probate court, magistrate court, juvenile court, or county recorder's court, will receive no more than three salaries, defined in the Code as not less than $385.90 per month. Any additional salary paid to a sheriff will be paid by calculating the minimum salary increase after applying cost-of-living and longevity increases received by state employees. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Jason Ridley (6th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 267 Income tax; failure of employers to comply with revenue provisions regarding employees; authorize private causes of action for equitable relief Bill Summary: HB 267 permits civil causes of action for equitable relief when an employer fails to properly deduct and withhold funds from wages as required by O.C.G.A. 48-7-101 or fails to perform any other duty related to complying with revenue provisions. Any person bringing the civil action can seek injunctive relief to require the employer to comply with revenue provisions, whether or not there is a showing of special or irreparable damage to the person. A temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction may be issued before a final determination is made on the civil action. When a final determination is made, the court will award costs and expenses of litigation, including attorneys' fees, to the prevailing party. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 292 Property; nonjudicial foreclosure of time-share estates; revise procedures Bill Summary: HB 292 allows for a procedure for foreclosing on time-share estates through a trustee foreclosure procedure, in addition to judicial and nonjudicial foreclosure procedures provided for in the Code. A mortgage must permit the trustee foreclosure procedure. If it does not, an amendment to the time-share instrument must be adopted and recorded prior to the procedure being used. The trustee must be a member of the State Bar and use good faith, skill, and diligence in discharging the trustee duties. Before initiating the foreclosure procedure, a claim of lien or mortgage must be recorded in the county in which the time-share estate is located. In any trustee foreclosure proceeding, the trustee must first deliver to the time-share owner a written notice of default. At any time before the trustee foreclosure sale, the time-share estate owner may cure the default, but no right of redemption will exist after consummation of the sale. In order for a trustee to sell an encumbered time-share estate, the trustee must have provided the written notice of default. The trustee must not have received from the time-share owner a written objection to using the trustee foreclosure procedure, have delivered a notice of sale and recorded that Page 15 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions notice in the county records, and have published a notice in the respective legal organ. Requirements are laid out for notices of default, notices of sale, and trustee foreclosure sales. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 382 Evidence; privilege for participation in victim centered programs; provide Bill Summary: HB 382 creates a privilege for communications or actions taken while preparing for or participating in restorative justice practices or victim-offender dialogues. Those communications or actions will not be used or referred to in proceedings unless the privilege is waived, and that privileged information shall not be subject to discovery or disclosure. The privilege does not extend to situations where there are threats of imminent violence or there are risks to the safety of any party or other person. A facilitator of a restorative justice practice or victim-offender dialogue will not be held liable for civil damages for any aspect of a practice or dialogue unless that action is made with willful disregard for the safety or property of any party, or if that action is grossly negligent and made with malice. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Teri Anulewicz (42nd) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 470 Georgia Candor Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 470 allows for a healthcare provider jointly with a healthcare entity following an adverse healthcare incident to provide the patient within 150 days of the incident date with written notice of wanting to have an open discussion. If the patient agrees to engage in the open discussion, any communications or offers made between the two parties will not be considered an admission of liability, will be privileged and confidential, and will not be admissible as evidence or discoverable. The healthcare provider must investigate how the adverse healthcare incident occurred, must disclose results of the investigation to the patient, and may disclose what subsequent measures will be taken so the incident at issue does not reoccur. Communications, records, and materials subject to discovery that were not prepared specifically for use in an open discussion remain not confidential. The statute of limitations is tolled for patients not represented by an attorney from the date an open discussion is agreed to until the date of resolution or from the date the patient retains an attorney, whichever comes first. If a healthcare provider or facility determines compensation is warranted, the provider or facility will provide the patient with a written offer within 60 days of the patient agreeing in writing to engage in an open discussion unless the time frame is extended by both parties. Participation in the open discussion process is voluntary and no one shall be pressured or coerced to participate. The bill provides updates on O.C.G.A. 31-33-3 with respect to medical records by allowing for production of records, rather than solely copying and mailing of records to account for electronic records. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 530 Civil practice; protective orders for certain high-ranking officers; provide Bill Summary: HB 530 allows for protective orders to prohibit depositions of high-ranking officers of private, public, and governmental organizations by showing that the officer lacks unique personal knowledge of any relevant subject matter to the pending action. The person seeking a protective order has the burden of establishing the factors necessary to be granted the protective order. If the party seeking discovery demonstrates that they have exhausted reasonable means of discovery but the discovery remains inadequate, good cause for a protective order will not be found. When a party Page 16 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions seeking a protective order shows that an officer knows some but not all relevant matters, the court may limit the scope of the deposition rather than prohibiting the deposition. The bill requires that a chief executive officer of a state government entity provide at least one designee for service of process for civil actions brought against the state. The contact information of the designee will be published conspicuously on the homepage of the entity's website. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. James Burchett (176th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 543 Courts; six-person jury trials in civil actions; revise an exception Bill Summary: HB 543 increases the dollar threshold from $25,000 to $100,000 by which a party in a civil action in state court may demand a 12-member jury. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 563 Fair Employment Practices Act of 1978; hearing before an administrative law judge; provide Bill Summary: HB 563 adjusts sections of the Code from requiring the appointment of a special master for addressing complaints to now providing for a hearing before either a hearing officer or an administrative law judge with the Office of State Administrative Hearings. If the Office of State Administrative Hearings is a respondent, the court will then appoint a special master. The bill amends the unlawful practices statute to include willfully neglecting or failing to comply with a subpoena or other lawful order from an administrator or hearing officer. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Judiciary Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass Juvenile Justice Committee HB 462 Raise the Age Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 462 is the 'Raise the Age Act'. The bill increases the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to include children who are 17 years old and revises various references in the Code to reflect this change. The bill establishes an implementation committee, which consists of 12 members and is responsible for conferring with appropriate agencies and interested parties regarding standards and practices of other jurisdictions, the most recent national standards, and the interested parties' views. A superior court will maintain jurisdiction of those who are 17 years old at the time of the alleged crime when those individuals are alleged to have committed criminal gang activity or an offense that would be a felony, if tried as an adult, for a second or subsequent time. Parts I and IV of the bill become effective upon the governor's signature. Parts II and III of the bill become effective January 1, 2025, subject to appropriations. If the co-chairpersons of the implementation committee determine that money was not appropriated for that year, the determination will be made during the following years until January 1, 2030. If those funds are appropriated in one of the following years, it will become effective on January 1 of that fiscal year. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Juvenile Justice Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Page 17 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions Motor Vehicles Committee HB 524 Motor vehicles; issuance of Class C driver's license to operators of certain three-wheeled motor vehicles; provide Bill Summary: HB 524 allows a Class C license to be issued to an operator of a three-wheeled vehicle with seatbelts and a frame to partially or fully enclose the driver. Operators of these vehicles are not required to wear protective headgear or eyewear. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Jordan Ridley (22nd) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 541 Motor vehicles; proper procedure for passing postal service vehicle; provide Bill Summary: HB 541 requires drivers to move over for a postal service vehicle displaying flashing yellow, amber, white, or red lights. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Motor Vehicles Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass Public Health Committee 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 100 percent of the federal poverty level, and no health insurance. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Public Health Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 453 Health; ambulance services pay annual license fee; repeal requirement Bill Summary: HB 453 repeals the annual ambulance service license fee which is required for ambulance service providers. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Public Health Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass HB 520 Buildings and housing; tenant selection; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 520 authorizes the Department of Community Health (DCH) to collaborate with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) to study the psychiatric treatment residential facilities referral processes with the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and Department of Human Services (DHS). The study will be submitted to the governor and General Assembly no later than December 1, 2023. The bill prohibits health benefit plans from implementing step therapy protocol for medications prescribed to treat severe mental illness. DBHDD is authorized to work with the Behavioral Innovation and Reform Commission (BHIRC), the Department of Corrections (DOC), DJJ, the Department of Community Supervision (DCS), and other relevant experts to create guidance for standardized terminology such as the definition of serious mental illness. Page 18 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions Definitions for homeless individuals, recidivism, and other terms may also be developed. Such preliminary definitions will be proposed no later than December 1, 2023. DBHDD will develop a pilot at identified sites to test the use of standardized terminology prior to state-wide rollout, and these definitions will be finalized and adopted by DBHDD and other relevant agencies by December 31, 2023. DBHDD will also work with individuals to provide county-based coordinators to work with criminal justice and behavioral health providers to ensure resources are effectively utilized, and eliminate barriers to reduce jail admission of those in a mental health crisis that do not pose a public safety risk. These activities will be completed subject to funding through contracts, employees, and/or community services boards. Such coordinators will work to build relationships between local law enforcement agencies and behavioral health providers, and engage with referral sources. A state-wide public-private partnership will be established by DBHDD to serve as a clearinghouse for best practices, information, and resources to support "familiar faces". These are individuals with serious mental illness that have frequent contact with criminal justice, homeless, and behavioral health systems. The clearinghouse can be located at a higher education institution, nonprofit organization, or other appropriate entity to utilize expertise from state agencies, law enforcement agencies, behavioral health providers, and others. The clearinghouse will: provide technical assistance to counties; host information-sharing events with relevant stakeholders; develop diversion programs and jail-based behavioral health screening programs; share evidence-based practices; act as a repository for criminal justice and behavioral health information; and organize state interagency justice, mental health, and substance abuse activities. The clearinghouse will provide reports to the General Assembly covering criminal justice and behavioral health initiatives and their impact, the accessibility of community-based behavioral health treatment for adults and children, and the effect of community diversion alternatives. Subject to appropriations, DBHDD will develop a pilot program to assist jails in implementing behavioral health screening programs and protocols. The department will also create a grant program to create or expand jail in-reach and reentry programs which will focus on "familiar faces" and connect individuals with community resources. DBHDD will provide an annual report to the governor and General Assembly about distributed grant funding, pilot programs' progress, and recommendations for state-wide expansion. A comprehensive study on the public behavioral health workforce will be conducted by DBHDD to understand recruitment and retention issues, and target solutions to help with shortages. The study will include a review of staffing, vacancies, and salary comparisons to the private sector and surrounding states. This study will be submitted to the governor, General Assembly, BHIRC, and Office of Health Strategy and Coordination (OHSC) by December 1, 2023. Two peer support specialists are added to BHIRC membership. BHIRC, with DBHDD, is required to develop a common definition of "serious mental illness" and include "familiar faces" to initiative coordination. The commission is also tasked with creating a multi-year plan to expand the use of forensic peer mentors. BHIRC is also required to establish a task force to build a continuum of care. The task force will comprehensively study access to inpatient behavioral health beds, and make recommendations on needed capacity building, youth specific care, and autism spectrum-related care. The task force will also formally review competency evaluation and restoration challenges, and forensic laws and regulations that affect those interacting with the behavioral health and criminal justice systems. This task force will study increased capacity of child and adolescent substance misuse intensive outpatient treatment programs. Task force studies will be submitted to BHIRC, the governor, General Assembly, and OHSC by December 1, 2023. BHIRC will convene a task force to review the effect of behavioral health on homeless populations across the state. This task force will be appointed by BHIRC chairpersons, and consist of state and local officials, advocates, experts, and other stakeholders. Task force activities will include identifying agencies and organizations providing services and funding for the homeless population, Page 19 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions and the recommendation of the following: how to improve coordination of government agencies, nonprofit organizations, services, and funds; system for government agencies and nonprofits to share data about served individuals; ways to improve DOC transitions for housing and wrap-around services; and ways to reduce the number of people with behavioral health conditions that are homeless. Task force studies will be submitted to BHIRC, the governor, General Assembly, and OHSC by December 1, 2023. The bill eliminates provisions regarding the assisted outpatient treatment program relating to participant eligibility. Language requiring DBHDD to publish a biennial state plan for disability services and submit an annual report regarding the State Plan for Coordinated System of Care are repealed. Members of the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council are allowed to appoint delegates to attend meetings on their behalf. A physician's certificate or affidavit is required to be attached to a court order for involuntary treatment. Personally identifying information will be removed from such document. OHSC is required to study behavioral health provider licensing requirements to identify barriers to entry or licensure. Professional boards to be included in the study are Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists; State Board of Examiners of Psychologists; and the Georgia Board of Nursing. The study will update licensing application and renewal systems, create pathways for foreign-trained practitioners, and update practicum and supervision requirements. The Secretary of State and its professional licensing division are required to fully cooperate with OHSC on such study. The study will be submitted to the governor, General Assembly, Secretary of State, and BHIRC by December 1, 2023. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists is authorized to waive experience requirements for applicants licensed under another state that have maintained good standing in that jurisdiction for at least two years. The Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists and the Georgia Board of Nursing are authorized to manage a professional health program for impaired health care professionals across the state. To perform this duty, the board will enter into a contract with an organization or medical professional association that conducts health programs to monitor and rehabilitate the impaired health care professional based on their fitness and risk to public safety. Any information or documents related to such monitoring or rehabilitation are confidential and not subject to open records and will not be available for court subpoenas or discovery proceedings. The health care professional will be responsible for the cost of program participation, and contracting entities are immune from any liability that may incur under performance of the contract. The Governor's Office of Planning and Budget (OPB) will hire a director as the executive head of the Georgia Data Analytic Center (GDAC). GDAC will serve as the central repository for Georgia from which data can be released to requesting agencies. The director will have the authority to review data sharing disputes between executive state agencies when a data request made by one agency is denied by another with the reasoning that it would violate state or federal law. If the director determines such a request does not break the law, the agency is compelled to cooperate with such request. Agencies are able to appeal the director's decision to the Governor's Executive Counsel who can, with the GDAC director, consult the attorney general if needed. A data advisory group will be formed by GDAC to assist with such activities. The DCH will ensure that the Medicaid program includes reimbursement for psychological diagnostic assessments and treatment and family therapy services; reimbursement for licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and certified peer specialists; psychiatric hospitals as eligible for inpatient care for those under the age of 21 years enrolled in feefor-service Medicaid; updates of reimbursement rates for the assessment and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in collaboration with relevant agencies and organizations; and therapeutic foster care for those under the age of 21 years. Necessary requests for Medicaid state plan amendments or waivers will be made to the United States Department of Health and Human Services by December 1, 2023. DCH is also required to take necessary steps to ensure the receipt of relevant federal funds to Page 20 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions provide services, such as housing and employment supports and case management, for recipients and their caregivers if they are under the age of 19 years. The Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce is required to work with state licensing boards to establish the Georgia Health Care Professionals Data System to collect and share de-identified descriptive data about licensed health care professionals in Georgia. Such information will be stored in a publicly accessible repository on the board's website. Information will include demographics and geographical distribution of licensed health care professionals across the state. Licensing boards must provide such data upon request or up to two times annually as required. Information provided by licensing boards will include age, race, gender, ethnicity, language spoken at home, practice location, and license type. Subject to appropriations, the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce is authorized to provide student loan repayment for recipients delivering services as mental health and substance use professionals under certain capacities. The DCA will increase supportive housing for the "familiar faces" population. The department will provide guidance on the implementation of tenant selection plans that do not pose a barrier due to a criminal record that is unrelated to one's fitness as a tenant by December 1, 2023. An assessment into the feasibility of reserved housing for the "familiar faces" population and inventory of such existing programs will take place. Incentives will be included in DCA's annual Qualified Allocation Plan to increase supportive housing options for the "familiar faces" population, and a landlord incentive fund will be explored. DCA will submit an annual report to the governor and General Assembly on the progress of such activities. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Todd Jones (25th) Public Health Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 557 Professions and businesses; authority to certain nurses and physician assistants to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances; authorize Bill Summary: HB 557 authorizes advanced practice registered nurses and physician assistants to prescribe Schedule II controlled substances in emergency situations under certain circumstances. These circumstances include good standing with the applicable medical board and at least one year of post-licensure clinical experience. The patient receiving the prescription must be at least 18 years old unless the medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the supervising physician is a pediatrician, family practice physician, internal medicine physician, or psychiatrist. The bill only allows for an initial prescription that does not exceed a five-day supply. Authorization must be included in the provider's nurse protocol agreement and physician assistant's job description. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Public Health Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass as Amended Regulated Industries Committee HB 353 Georgia Lottery for Education Act; administrative procedures regarding coin operated amusement machines shall be subject to Chapter 13 of Title 50; provide Bill Summary: HB 353 provides additional requirements and rules for those involved in coin operated amusement machines (COAMs). The bill makes the Georgia Lottery Corporation's regulation of COAMs subject to the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act. The permitted noncash redemption award per play at a Class A machine is capped at $50. Gift cards, which are defined as electronic payment devices that can be issued for noncash redemption that was earned by a successful player of a COAM, can be reloaded but cannot be exchanged for cash. To be eligible for a location owner or location operator license, the applicant must show that the property is owned or leased by the applicant, and a person or entity holding one of those licenses can offer gift cards for noncash Page 21 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Actions redemption for play on Class A or Class B machines, although no value can be placed on those gift cards unless a player has won a game on a COAM. Those who win prizes are permitted to redeem their winnings on a gift card from a self-service gift card redemption device. A master licensee, a location owner, a location operator, or those holding a combination of those licenses, can conduct billiards or darts tournaments on the premises of a location that they have a contract for the installation of COAMs, and those tournaments can be conducted on those COAMs. Any settlements involving a proposed revocation or a proposed nonrenewal of a master license require a public action. In buildings that are licensed locations for COAMs, a master licensee can place non-fixtures on the premises, including digital video signage, rugs, seating, removable partitions, or wall coverings, to show that the location has a relationship with the master licensee. These are not deemed to be unfair methods of competition, or unfair or deceptive acts. In certain disputes between location owners or operators and master licensees, a hearing officer can award withheld funds to either party if they can meet certain conditions by clear and convincing evidence. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute HB 398 Professions and businesses; ticket brokers; remove an exception permitting certain resale restrictions Bill Summary: HB 398 prohibits conditions on the resale of a ticket to an athletic contest or entertainment event when the ticket is only available electronically. The original ticket seller is prohibited from penalizing, discriminating against, or denying access to an event to a person who purchases or resells a ticket. This bill does not limit the ticket seller's ability to limit the quantity of tickets or to not offer tickets in a transferrable form if they are sold or given as part of a private event or targeted promotion, so long as those tickets are clearly marked as restricted. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Regulated Industries Committee Action: 02-28-2023 Tabled Committee Meeting Schedule This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.legis.ga.gov to view all upcoming events. Wednesday - March 1, 2023 8:00 AM AGRICULTURE & CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB VIDEO Agenda 8:00 AM Ways & Means Sales Tax Subcommittee (House) 403 CAP VIDEO Agenda 8:15 AM Ways & Means Public Finance & Policy Subcommittee (House) 403 CAP VIDEO Agenda 8:30 AM CANCELED Education Policy Subcommittee (House) 506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda 9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE (House) 341 CAP VIDEO Agenda 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 26) (House) House Chamber VIDEO 1:00 PM PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE (House) 506 CLOB VIDEO Agenda 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION COMMITTEE (House) 606 CLOB VIDEO Agenda 1:00 PM PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE (House) 415 CLOB VIDEO Agenda 1:00 PM BANKS & BANKING COMMITTEE (House) 406 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda 1:00 PM Ways & Means Tax Revision Subcommittee (House) 403 CAP VIDEO Agenda Page 22 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 28, 2023 Committee Meetings 1:00 PM Judiciary Non-Civil Hong Subcommittee (House) 2:00 PM CANCELED TECHNOLOGY & INFRASTRUCTURE INNOVATION COMMITTEE (House) 2:00 PM HEALTH COMMITTEE (House) 3:00 PM GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (House) 3:00 PM INDUSTRY AND LABOR COMMITTEE (House) 3:30 PM JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL COMMITTEE (House) 132 CAP 406 CLOB 403 CAP 606 CLOB 506 CLOB 132 CAP VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Agenda VIDEO Page 23 of 23