Wednesday March 22,
2023

COMMITTEE

DAY REPORT

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050
The House will reconvene for its 38th Legislative Day on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m. 14 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

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

Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

SB 132

Agriculture; the acquisition of possessory interest in certain land by certain nonresident aliens; prohibit
Bill Summary: SB 132 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:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Agriculture & Consumer Affairs

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Economic Development & Tourism Committee
HR 488 House Rural Development Council; reauthorize Bill Summary: HR 488 reauthorizes the House Rural Development Council.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Meeks (178th) Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

Governmental Affairs Committee

SB 145

"Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act"; enact
Bill Summary: SB 145 provides guidelines and requirements for municipal deannexations. The bill prohibits deannexations that result in the formation of unincorporated islands or non-contiguous areas within the municipality.

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

The bill establishes the 'Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act' which prohibits local prohibitions or regulations that distinguish or create differing standards for gasoline-powered leaf blowers from any other gasoline-powered, electric, or other type of leaf blower.

The bill makes clarifying changes to the 'Zoning Procedures Law'.

The bill creates the 'Commercial Property Assessed Conservation, Energy, and Resiliency Development Authorities Law'. The act provides for the establishment of commercial property assessed conservation, energy, and resiliency development authorities within each county and municipal corporation in the state.

The authority in each county or municipality cannot exercise any powers until the governing body of the county or municipality declares that there is a need for such an authority. The act provides guidelines for the membership and governance of the board of directors that must be established for each authority. The purpose of the authorities is to facilitate local businesses in receiving low-cost, long-term financing for specified, qualified improvements including energy efficiency, water conservation, renewable energy, and resiliency improvements.

The bill prohibits governmental entities from adopting any policy that restricts the connection or reconnection of any utility service or sales of certain fuels based on the type of source of energy or fuel delivered or the appliance used by the customer.

The bill increases the limit on the amount of investments an electric membership corporation can make or maintain in a gas affiliate from 15 to 30 percent of its net utility plant.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Shawn Still (48th) Governmental Affairs

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Higher Education Committee

SB 112

"Workforce EXCELeration Act"; enact
Bill Summary: SB 112 creates the 'Workforce EXCELeration Act' which provides for a pilot program to establish the High School Diploma Program for Adult Learners. The program will be facilitated by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia. The pilot program must include no more than three program locations in the state and will be automatically repealed on June 30, 2028.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jason Anavitarte (31st) Higher Education

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 137

Tuition Equalization Grants at Private Colleges and Universities; definition of approved school; revise
Bill Summary: SB 137 allows eligible institutions that have been located in this state since on or before January 1, 2021, to qualify to receive tuition equalization grant funds.

The bill expands tuition equalization grant eligibility to include higher education institutions which offer baccalaureate programs in nursing, have a current physical presence in Georgia for at least five years, have received accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and have accreditation from either the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools or a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

These institutions must also have a four-year average passage rate of at least 85 percent for the National Council Licensure Examination and admit students who have a high school diploma or equivalency, or a degree from an accredited postsecondary institution. Such institutions are only

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

considered as approved institutions for students who enroll on or before July 1, 2025.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Max Burns (23rd) Higher Education

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

HB 591

DeKalb County; increase income cap on homestead exemption for citizens age 65 or older meeting certain income requirements; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 591 increases the net household income cap from $15,000 to $37,500 of a homestead exemption from DeKalb County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $14,000 for residents who are disabled or 65 years of age or older whose household net income does not exceed $15,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Becky Evans (89th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 593

DeKalb County; increase income cap on homestead exemption for citizens 62 years or older meeting certain income requirements; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 593 increases the net household income cap from $16,000 to $40,000 of a homestead exemption from DeKalb County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount of $20,000 for residents who are disabled or 62 years of age or older whose household net income does not exceed $16,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Becky Evans (89th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 594

DeKalb County; increase income cap on homestead exemption for citizens 65 years or older meeting certain income requirements; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 594 increases the net household income cap from $15,000 to $37,500 of a homestead exemption from DeKalb County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount of $14,000 for residents who are disabled or 65 years of age or older whose household net income does not exceed $15,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Becky Evans (89th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 678 Clayton County; Board of Commissioners; provide code of ethics; establish board of ethics
Bill Summary: HB 678 provides a code of ethics and establishes a board of ethics for Clayton County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Sandra Scott (76th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 711 Gwinnett County; ad valorem tax; increase homestead exemption to $8,000.00
Bill Summary: HB 711 increases a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County school district ad valorem taxes, except taxes levied to relieve bonded indebtedness, for all residents from $4,000 to $8,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 717 Forsyth County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 717 provides a homestead exemption from Forsyth County School District ad valorem taxes through tax year 2035.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Carter Barrett (24th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

HB 728 Webster County; Board of Commissioners; clarify governing authority is the Unified Government of Webster County
Bill Summary: HB 728 repeals an act to create a board of commissioners of Webster County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cheokas (151st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 729 Brookhaven , City of; DeKalb County; modify amount of base year homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 729 modifies a homestead exemption from City of Brookhaven ad valorem taxes in the amount of 75 percent of the value of the assessed homestead.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Karen Lupton (83rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 734 Preston, City of; clarify that the territory formerly included within the boundaries of the city is subject to governance by the Unified Government of Webster County
Bill Summary: HB 734 repeals an act providing a new city charter for the City of Preston.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cheokas (151st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 737 Commission of the Unified Government of Webster County; readopt and revise laws
Bill Summary: HB 737 readopts the Commission of the Unified Government of Webster County, and the cities of Preston and Weston.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mike Cheokas (151st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 743 Hart County; Board of Education; change description of districts Bill Summary: HB 743 changes the board of education districts of Hart County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 744 Hart County; Board of Commissioners; change description of districts Bill Summary: HB 744 changes the board of commissioner districts of Hart County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 748 Gwinnett County; ad valorem tax; additional homestead exemption of $2000.00 for certain public service employees
Bill Summary: HB 748 provides a homestead exemption from Gwinnett County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount of $2,000 for residents who are certain public service employees.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 749 Haralson County; Magistrate Court; authorize assessment and collection of technology fee Bill Summary: HB 749 authorizes a technology fee by the Magistrate Court of Haralson County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Tyler Smith (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 750 City of Watkinsville Public Facilities Authority; create Bill Summary: HB 750 creates the City of Watkinsville Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 751 Cohutta, City of; ad valorem tax; municipal purposes; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 751 provides a homestead exemption from City of Cohutta ad valorem taxes in the amount of $60,000 for residents who are 65 years of age or older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 752 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; repeal a homestead exemption Bill Summary: HB 752 repeals a homestead exemption from Oconee County ad valorem taxes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 753 Whitfield County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; revise homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 753 increases a homestead exemption from Whitfield County School District ad valorem taxes for residents who are 70 years of age and older from $150,000 to $250,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 754 Whitfield County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 754 provides a homestead exemption from Whitfield County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $250,000 for residents who are 70 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 755 Tunnel Hill, City of; ad valorem tax; municipal purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 755 provides a homestead exemption from City of Tunnel Hill ad valorem taxes in the amount of $100,000 for residents who are 70 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 756 Dalton, City of; ad valorem tax; increase income cap
Bill Summary: HB 756 increases a homestead exemption from City of Dalton ad valorem taxes from $75,000 to $150,000 for residents who are 65 years of age and older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 758 Dalton, City of; ad valorem tax; increase income cap and homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 758 increases a homestead exemption from City of Dalton ad valorem taxes from $75,000 to $150,000 for residents who are 65 years of age or older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 759 Peachtree City, City of; annex certain properties Bill Summary: HB 759 annexes certain properties into Peachtree City.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Josh Bonner (73rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 760 Tyrone, Town of; Fayette County; deannex certain properties Bill Summary: HB 760 deannexes certain property from the Town of Tyrone to Fayette County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Josh Bonner (73rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 761 Tunnel Hill, City of; ad valorem tax; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 761 provides a homestead exemption from City of Tunnel Hill ad valorem taxes in the amount of $60,000 for residents who are 65 years of age and older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 762 Dalton, City of; ad valorem tax; increase homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 762 increases a homestead exemption from City of Dalton independent School District ad valorem taxes from $150,000 to $250,000 for residents who are 70 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 763 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 763 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $10,000 for residents who are 75 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 764 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 764 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the assessed value of a homestead for residents who are 65 years of age or older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 765 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; repeal homestead exemption Bill Summary: HB 765 repeals a homestead exemption from Oconee County ad valorem taxes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 766 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 766 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County School District ad valorem taxes in the amount of $3,000 and an automatic increase to $8,000 on January 1, 2035.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 767 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 767 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County School District ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the value of the assessed homestead for residents who are 65 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 768 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; close certain homestead exemption to new applicants Bill Summary: HB 768 closes a homestead exemption for Oconee County to new applicants.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 769 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 769 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $3,000 and an automatic increase to $8,000 on January 1, 2035.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 770 Oconee County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 770 provides a homestead exemption from Oconee County school district ad valorem taxes in the amount of $10,000 for residents who are 75 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 771 Cohutta, City of; ad valorem tax; provide new homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 771 provides a homestead exemption for the City of Cohutta ad valorem taxes in the amount of $100,000 for residents who are 70 years of age and older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 772 Bacon County; State Court; authorize assessment and collection of technology fee Bill Summary: HB 772 authorizes a technology fee by the state court of Bacon County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Meeks (178th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 773 Ranger, Town of; Gordon County; provide new charter Bill Summary: HB 773 repeals the city charter for the Town of Ranger.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Barton (5th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 776 Forsyth County; Board of Registrations and Elections; start and end date of member terms; revise provisions
Bill Summary: HB 776 revises the board of registrations and elections of Forsyth County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Carter Barrett (24th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 777 Gwinnett County; Board of Commissioners; provide compensation of chairperson
Bill Summary: HB 777 revises the compensation for the chairperson of the board of commissioners of Gwinnett County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Dewey McClain (109th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 778 Glynn County; State Court; change compensation of solicitor general Bill Summary: HB 778 revises the position of solicitor general of the state court of Glynn County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Rick Townsend (179th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 779 Paulding County; Board of Education; filling vacancies; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 779 revises filling vacancies of the board of education for Paulding County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Martin Momtahan (17th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 780 Brooks County Public Facilities Authority; create Bill Summary: HB 780 creates the Brooks County Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. John LaHood (175th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 781 Henry County Building and Facilities Authority; create Bill Summary: HB 781 creates the Henry County Building and Facilities Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. El-Mahdi Holly (116th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 782 Dillard, City of; eliminate one council post Bill Summary: HB 782 eliminates one council post from the City of Dillard.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 783 Moreland, Town of; Recorder's Court; repeal provisions
Bill Summary: HB 783 repeals the Recorder's Court and establishes the Municipal Court of the Town of Moreland.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 784 Henry County Airport Authority; create Bill Summary: HB 784 creates the Henry County Airport Authority.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. El-Mahdi Holly (116th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 785 Greene County; creation of one or more community improvement districts; provide Bill Summary: HB 785 creates one or more community improvement districts in Greene County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 786 Dalton, City of; ad valorem tax; municipal purposes; increase homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 786 increases a homestead exemption from City of Dalton ad valorem taxes from $150,000 to $250,000 for residents who are 70 years of age or older.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 787 Whitfield County; School District; increase homestead exemption amount and income ceiling
Bill Summary: HB 787 increases a homestead exemption from Whitfield County school district ad valorem taxes from $30,000 to 150,000 for residents who are 65 years of age and older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 788 Blackshear, City of; city council; decrease size to five members Bill Summary: HB 788 revises the city council of the City of Blackshear.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Steven Meeks (178th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 789 Whitfield County; ad valorem tax; county purposes; provide homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 789 provides a homestead exemption from Whitfield County ad valorem taxes in the amount of $150,000 for residents are 65 years of age and older whose income does not exceed $40,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 790 Suwanee, City of; change corporate limits Bill Summary: HB 790 changes the corporate limits of the City of Suwanee.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 791 Oconee County; ad valorem tax for educational purposes; repeal a homestead exemption
Bill Summary: HB 791 repeals a homestead exemption from Oconee County School District ad valorem taxes.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Marcus Wiedower (121st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 792 Atlanta, City of; Board of Education; qualifications for membership; remove certain limitations Bill Summary: HB 792 revises the qualifications for the board of education of the City of Atlanta.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Park Cannon (58th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

HB 800 Fulton Technology and Energy Authority Act; enact
Bill Summary: HB 800 revises the Fulton Technology and Energy Enhancement Authority of Fulton County.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Mesha Mainor (56th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

HB 802 Morganton, City of; provide new charter Bill Summary: HB 802 provides a new charter for the City of Morganton.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Johnny Chastain (7th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

SB 289 City of Hampton; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; provide
Bill Summary: SB 289 provides a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes in the amount of $50,000 for residents who are both under 65 years of age and totally disabled.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

SB 290 City of Hampton; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; provide
Bill Summary: SB 290 provides a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes in the amount of $15,000.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

SB 31

Prosecuting Attorneys; the reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Attorney General in prosecuting a criminal case or cases due to the failure of a district attorney to prosecute such criminal case or cases; provide
Bill Summary: SB 31 requires a locality to reimburse the attorney general and the Department of Law, upon request by the department, when a locality's district attorney refuses to prosecute a criminal case or cases that the attorney general and Department of Law have jurisdiction to prosecute the case, which they do. Requests must be made by motion within 15 days of the plea or verdict of the underlying case, and the court must hold a hearing within 15 days of that filing to determine whether the district attorney failed to perform their official duties. If the court finds for the attorney general and Department of Law, then it will award all reasonable expenses and costs to the department.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

SB 36

Pimping and Pandering; penalty provisions; increase
Bill Summary: Senate Bill 36 makes the crimes of pimping and pandering penalized by a felony with one to 10 years of imprisonment. A person who commits a second or subsequent offense of pimping, or who commits a second or subsequent offense of pandering, will be penalized by a felony, with imprisonment of one to 10 years, and a mandatory minimum of one year. The court can depart from either crimes' mandatory minimum if it deems in its discretion that the sentence is not in the interest of justice, although the court must state its findings on the record when doing so. Multiple Code sections are also revised to broaden the eligibility for vacating of sentences when a victim of human trafficking commits a crime while trafficked but is not technically convicted since they were sentenced as a felony first offender.
The bill adds a provision that makes a person guilty of a misdemeanor when they bring a weapon or long gun while on the property of the Georgia World Congress Center, or on the property of a locality during a private event involving a gated entry and ticketing, and on which alcohol is licensed to be sold. This is limited to three consecutive days, and it only applies when the government and the private party have contractually agreed that the private entity will indemnify the government for acts

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

occurring on the property during the events. This provision may not be implemented more than two times in a calendar year.

The crime of aggravated assault is modified to include when someone immediately exits a vehicle and discharges a firearm at a person, an occupied motor vehicle, or an occupied building. The crime of criminal damage to property in the first degree is modified to include when someone knowingly and without justification causes damage to a building by discharging a firearm while inside a vehicle or after immediately exiting a motor vehicle. This also increases the penalty for second or subsequent violations to imprisonment of between five and 20 years.

The bill creates a new crime of drive-by shooting when a person who is either in a motor vehicle or is close to a motor vehicle that they used to drive to the location, discharges a firearm at another person, motor vehicle, or dwelling, with the intent to injure. The penalty is imprisonment of between five and 20 years. Penalties for drive-by shootings that result in serious bodily injuries or are against a person under the age of 16 years old are also imprisonment of between five to 20 years. The crime of driveby shooting is added to the list of statutes that are eligible to be prosecuted under the racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) framework.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 63

Bonds and Recognizances; setting of bonds and schedules of bails; provide
Bill Summary: SB 63 prohibits a local jurisdiction from creating a bail schedule, or policy, that mandates releasing a person from jail on unsecured judicial release, and it modifies the definition of "bail" in the Code section.

The bill modifies the list of crimes under "bail restricted offenses" to include various crimes, including misdemeanors and second or subsequent violations of certain crimes. No person is eligible to be released on unsecured judicial release if they were charged with a bail-restricted offense. Those individuals are only eligible for release through the use of secured means, professional bondsmen, and approved property. Any person arrested for any offense who has previously been convicted of a felony within the past seven years is not eligible for an unsecured judicial release.

A surety is now released from liability if, prior to a judgment, the person at issue participates in an accountability court or enters into a pretrial release program. The standard that sureties are held to when determining whether they should be released from liability is changed from "should have known" to "had reason to know" that the principal used a false name. The surety is also not required to show that they acted with due diligence and used all practical means to secure the principal's attendance at court.

The bill increases the amount that bail recovery agents can charge for continuing legal education programs, the timeline for when sureties are relived from liability due to a failure to timely file a bench warrant and forfeiture of bond, and the amount of remission of a bond to be paid to the surety.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 68

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations; offense of dogfighting as racketeering activity; include
Bill Summary: SB 68 adds offenses under the statute outlawing dogfighting to the list of statutes that are eligible to be prosecuted under the racketeering influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) framework.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Rick Williams (25th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

SB 92

Prosecuting Attorneys Oversight Commission; create
Bill Summary: SB 92 creates the Prosecuting Attorneys Qualifications Commission (PAQC). The PAQC consists of a five-member investigative panel with the members consisting of those with various amounts of experience as a district attorney (DA) or solicitor-general (SG), and whom are appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, and Senate Committee on Assignments. The three-member panel will consist of members with experience as a DA or SG, as well as a former judge with prior experience as a DA or SG, who are appointed by the governor, a vote of the Senate, and a vote of the House. All members must be appointed by April 1, 2024. The PAQC will end its investigation into any DA or SG when that person is under indictment.

The bill contains various grounds for discipline by the PAQC, including mental or physical incapacity; willful misconduct in office; willful and persistent failure to carry out duties; conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice; and knowingly authorizing or permitting an assistant DA or assistant SG to commit any act constituting a ground for removal. The PAQC is allowed to entertain a complaint on various grounds, including when a DA or SG has a stated policy that demonstrates that the DA or SG categorically refuses to prosecute any type of an offense or offenses. No complaints can be filed prior to July 1, 2024.

Section 2 makes the act effective upon approval by the governor for appointment of members, while the rest of the bill is effective July 1, 2023.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Motor Vehicles Committee

SB 110

'Back the Blue Act'; enact
Bill Summary: SB 110 creates a Back the Blue Fund of which the revenue commissioner will be the custodian and administer to sheriffs' offices through the Georgia Sheriff's Association for the purpose of providing bonuses to deputy sheriffs and jailers. An option will be provided to contribute $5 to the fund upon issuance or renewal of a motor vehicle car tag.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Motor Vehicles

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

SB 11

"Georgia Fights Terrorism Act"; enact
Bill Summary: SB 11 grants original jurisdiction to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) for violation of laws concerning domestic, cyber, biological, chemical, and nuclear terrorism.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. John Albers (56th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass

SB 37

Sheriffs; qualification requirements for the office of sheriff; revise
Bill Summary: SB 37 requires peace officers who want to qualify as candidates for the office of sheriff to be in good standing with the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Council. The bill requires the executive director of POST Council to create and provide for an affidavit attesting to the person's compliance with the new standard for qualifying. The director, or their designee, must sign the affidavit and the person seeking to qualify must present the affidavit to elections officials in order to qualify. The bill allows a sheriff who serves in more than one court to receive salary for each court but prohibits the sheriff receiving more than two additional salaries.
The bill amends the statute relating to school bus cameras and school zone speed cameras to allow for

House of Representatives

Daily Report for March 22, 2023

Committee Actions

the Department of Revenue to remove penalty on a vehicle registration if the department receives adequate proof of payment of the fee and any late fee from the agent or governing body.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

SB 97

'Georgia Cyber Command Act'; Georgia Cyber Command Division under the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency; create
Bill Summary: SB 97 abolishes the Access to Cannabis Commission, and transfers existing licenses and all current contracts to the Georgia Department of Agriculture. The bill provides for all appeals to go to the Georgia State-wide Business Court. The bill updates the appointments to the joint committee for legislative oversight as well as licensing provisions. The number of licenses issued grow with the registry not to exceed 20 total for both Class 1 and Class 2. The department is required to issue a license to applicants who participated in previous bidding and who filed post-award administrative protests, and appealed those decisions to the appropriate courts.
The bill provides for an additional three conditions on the approved list for the Low THC Oil Registry, and provides for those persons removed or deleted from the registry to reapply free of charge by December 31, 2023.

Authored By: House Committee:

Sen. Jason Anavitarte (31st) Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Action:

03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute

Special Rules Committee
HR 547 House Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Recruitment; create Bill Summary: HR 547 creates the House Study Committee on Rural Medical Personnel Treatment.

Authored By: House Committee:

Rep. Karen Mathiak (74th) Special Rules

Committee Action:

03-22-2023 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.

Thursday - March 23, 2023 8:00 AM Natural Resources & Environment Resource Management
Subcommittee (House) 9:00 AM CANCELED MOTOR VEHICLES COMMITTEE (House) 9:00 AM RULES COMMITTEE (House) 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD 38) (House) 1:00 PM WAYS & MEANS COMMITTEE (House)

606 CLOB

VIDEO Agenda

606 CLOB

VIDEO Agenda

341 CAP

VIDEO Agenda

House Chamber VIDEO

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VIDEO