DAILY REPORT Wednesday March 29, 2023 House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050 Today on the Floor 40th Legislative Day Conference Committee Reports HB 19 General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Bill Summary: HB 19, the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $32.4 billion. This is a 7.4 percent increase, or $2.2 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 Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 170-3. The Senate has adopted the Conference Committee Report. (Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of the bill.) HB 142 Education; establishment of unified campus police forces through agreements by colleges and universities; provide Bill Summary: HB 142 provides for the establishment of unified campus police forces through agreements entered into by colleges and universities. Authored By: Rep. Mesha Mainor (56th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 145-12. The Senate has adopted the Conference Committee Report. (Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of the bill.) HB 189 Highways, bridges, and ferries; allowable variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle or load; provide for Bill Summary: HB 189 provides for a 10 percent variance for trucks when hauling agricultural or farm products form a farm to the first point of marketing or processing within a 250 mile radius of the farm or point of origin, and must be outside of the 13 county metro Atlanta region. When the weight of the vehicle is less than 93,000 pounds, a penalty of five cents per pound over the allowed weight limit, not including any variance, is assessed. When the weight is over the variance but less than 93,000 pounds, the penalty is five cents per pound over allowed weight limit, not including any variance. For loads greater than 93,000 pounds but less than 100,000 pounds, the penalty is 10 cents per pound for all excess over allowable weight, not including any variance. When weights equal or exceed 100,000 pounds, the penalty is 20 cents per pound for all excess over allowable weight not including any variance. The bill provides for penalties based on axle weight and introduces penalties for those who operate a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight greater than the posted weight allowable on any bridge where GDOT has placed signs. The legislation authorizes certified local law enforcement agencies to enforce weight limits on roadways within their jurisdiction. House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Any variance granted within the legislation has a sunset provision through July 1, 2025. Authored By: Rep. Steven Meeks (178th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 95-75. The Senate has adopted the Conference Committee Report. (Adoption of the conference committee report represents final passage of the bill.) SB 13 Public Sales; tax levies and executions; authorize online Bill Summary: SB 13 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-311 relating to county boards of equalization, duties, review of assessments, and appeals by allowing a taxpayer with tangible personal property having a fair market value greater than $200,000 to appeal directly to a hearing officer. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-306 relating to the annual notice of current assessment, contents, posting notice, and new assessment description by requiring that the option to appeal directly to a hearing officer for tangible personal property with a fair market value of greater than $200,000 be included on the notice of assessment. Authored By: Sen. John Albers (56th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Conference Committee Reports: The House adopted the Conference Committee Report with a vote of 152-14. The Senate has not adopted the Conference Committee Report. Motions to Insist 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: Rep. Noel Williams (148th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) HB 514 Housing Regulation Transparency Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 514 creates the 'Housing Regulation Transparency Act'. The bill establishes a 180-day time limit, subject to specified exceptions, for any local ordinance or resolution that would result in a temporary moratorium on single-family residential zoning decisions or permit issuance or approval for single-family residential purposes. The bill authorizes local governments to levy and collect specified fees related to exercising zoning powers and issuing associated permits. The proceeds of such fees are required to be used to fund the administration and enforcement of zoning ordinances. Local governments are authorized to waive any zoning-related fees for single-family housing developments or projects of less than 2,500 square feet of conditioned space per unit. Authored By: Rep. Dale Washburn (144th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) 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 hydrocodone, oxycodone, or their compounds 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. 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. Page 2 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor The bill also allows licensed chiropractors, licensed advanced practice registered nurses, and licensed physician assistants to provide an affidavit so that persons with disabilities may be issued temporary, permanent, and special permanent parking permits. The bill also outlines provisions protecting healthcare professionals that seek mental health or wellness services. Participation by a healthcare professional will not be reported to the licensing board unless the participant is not competent to practice or is a danger to themselves or others. Those involved in evaluating the program will be immune from civil liability under certain circumstances and neither oral or written findings or notations will be subject to discovery or evidence in civil action under certain circumstances. The bill prohibits the imposition or enforcement of restrictive covenants by hospitals or hospital systems against staff if the hospital is permanently closed or is acquired by a third party that then reduces a staff person's compensation. Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) 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. It also 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. The bill removes the exemption for those who were deported from the country by the federal government, meaning that a judgment can be made by a court on a forfeiture of an appearance bond if the person at issue was deported and could not attend court for that reason. 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 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: Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) 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. 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. Page 3 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Sen. Shawn Still (48th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) SB 246 Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce; student loan repayment for certain nursing faculty; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 246 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. Eligible students may also receive an additional IPSE grant to cover certain fees. The bill authorizes the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce to provide for the repayment of up to $100,000 in student loans for eligible recipients serving as faculty members in eligible postsecondary nursing programs in this state. Authored By: Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Insist: (A motion to insist sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) Motions to Recede HB 52 Transportation, Department of; amend notice provisions relative to meetings for election of board members; provisions Bill Summary: HB 52 allows for the call of a caucus for a Department of Transportation board election to be sent via email rather than by mail. The bill clarifies language relating to contracting for public-private partnerships and alternative contracting methods. The bill amends the Code governing the length of modular unit transporters to allow for an increased length from 80 feet to 84 feet when a permit is purchased. Code Section 45-16-23 is amended to allow any coroner or county medical examiner to delegate to medical personnel the power to perform the duties of the coroner or county medical examiner when an accident on an interstate highway or limited-access road results in a death and a significant disruption to the flow of traffic. The Department of Transportation is added to the Code section relating to when public disclosure is not required by a state agency and adds the data of vehicle information, or personally identifiable information, to those records that are not required to be disclosed. Authored By: Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Recede: (A motion to recede represents final passage of the bill.) Page 4 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Motions to Agree HB 35 Georgia Ports Authority; provide for powers; expand arrest authority of officers Bill Summary: HB 35 gives authority to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) employees designated as security personnel and peace officers the responsibility of preserving and protecting GPA properties or projects. Persons designated as peace officers have the power to arrest for traffic offenses committed and to investigate motor vehicle accidents occurring on any property under GPA jurisdiction and upon any private or public property within one mile thereof. Ports peace officers are given additional duties and powers of policing within the jurisdiction of GPA, its property, and its facilities, not including any inland ports. Authored By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 76 Professions and businesses; education, experience, and training requirements for licensure in marriage and family therapy; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 76 revises the requirements for an associate marriage and family therapist license to allow the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education to determine the coursework requirements and the type, and minimum amount of hours, of clinical experience applicants must have. The bill also revises the clinical experience requirements for those currently licensed as an associate marriage and family therapist, those with a qualifying master's degree, and those with a qualifying doctorate degree. The bill also adds a definition for "bare knuckle boxing match" to O.C.G.A. 43-4B-1, and exempts the term from the current definition of "boxing match." The Georgia Athletic and Entertainment Commission shall have jurisdiction over any bare knuckle boxing match that is held in the state, is filmed in the state, or is broadcast in the state. Rules are also provided for contestants of bare knuckle boxing matches. Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 80 Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 80, the 'Uniform Unsworn Declarations Act', permits unsworn declarations to have the same effect as sworn declarations in circumstances in which a declarant is making an unsworn declaration while being physically located outside U.S. boundaries. Making an unsworn declaration is not permitted in cases of depositions; oaths of office; oaths required by statute to be given before a specified official other than a notary public; proceedings when verification is sufficient pursuant to O.C.G.A. 9-10-113; or instruments expressly required to comply with O.C.G.A. 44-2-15 concerning registrable instruments. An unsworn declaration must be presented in the same medium as a sworn declaration if the law requires it. Knowingly and willfully making a material false statement when executing an unsworn declaration constitutes perjury. Authored By: Rep. Rob Leverett (123rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 86 Sales and use tax; sales of tangible personal property used for or in the renovation or expansion of certain aquariums; exempt Bill Summary: HB 86 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3, relating to exemptions from sales and use tax, extending the period of time for which qualifying aquariums may be exempt from state sales and use tax associated with renovations and expansions to July 1, 2023 until December 31, 2026. Relating to sales and use tax exemptions associated with renovations and expansions for zoological institutions, the bill changes the eligible time period to July 1, 2023 until December 31, 2026, or until the aggregate sale and use tax refund amount reached $800,000, whichever occurs first. Authored By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (124th) Rule Applied: Open Page 5 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) 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: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 120 Motor vehicles; standards for issuance of limited driving permits for certain offenders; provide Bill Summary: HB 120 amends the list of individuals with a suspended, revoked, or cancelled license eligible to apply for a limited driving permit by adding persons convicted of driving under the influence of a controlled substance or marijuana, and those in non-compliance with a child support order. The bill provides conditions for revocation of a limited driving permit. Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 121 Waters, ports and watercraft; wakesurfing and wakeboarding; provide restrictions and requirements Bill Summary: HB 121 amends O.C.G.A. 52-7-1 by adding definitions for the terms "wakeboarding" and "wake surfing", and placing restrictions on these activities. Except in certain circumstances, no person is to engage in either of these two defined activities between sunset and sunrise, within 200 feet of a shoreline or structure located on the water, or without wearing a personal flotation device approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Language is added further defining multipurpose off-highway vehicles and regarding license plates for such vehicles. It requires multipurpose off-highway vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2000 to be registered and issued a title. Page 6 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor The bill authorizes the commissioner to issue temporary operating permits and provides equipment requirements for multipurpose off-road vehicles. Such vehicles are permitted to operate on highways that are part of county road systems but are limited to crossing highways that are a part of a municipal street or state highway system. Authored By: Rep. Victor Anderson (10th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 163 Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce; student loan repayment for medical examiners employed by the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 163 establishes a student loan repayment program for full-time medical examiners employed with the Division of Forensic Sciences of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The total repayment amount must not exceed $120,000 or the total student debt amount, whichever is less, and the payments will be paid in annual installments, for a period not exceeding five years. The Georgia Student Finance Authority is authorized to establish rules and regulations to implement the program and the program is contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the General Assembly. Authored By: Rep. Lauren McDonald (26th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 175 Motor vehicles; federal regulations regarding safe operation of commercial motor vehicle and carriers; update reference date Bill Summary: HB 175 authorizes specialty license plates for state constitutional officers and members of the Public Service Commission. The bill allows revenue sharing for the license plates honoring Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated. The design of specialty license plates for retired members of the reserve and Georgia National Guard is changed by displaying "Retired" in lieu of the county of issuance. The bill allows disabled veterans to receive the Title Ad Valorem Tax exemption without having to obtain a disabled veteran tag. Authored By: Rep. Lauren Daniel (117th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 182 Property; curing defective deeds and other instruments; revise provisions Bill Summary: HB 182 aligns the Georgia recording statute regarding deeds and other instruments with the savings statute in O.C.G.A. 44-2-18, allowing an improperly executed instrument to be corrected by having the savings statute apply to both attestations and acknowledgments. Authored By: Rep. Matt Reeves (99th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 183 Motor vehicles; temporary license plates and operating permits; revise terminology Bill Summary: HB 183 provides for the issuance of temporary operating permits in lieu of temporary license plates in specified instances. The bill prohibits a hold on the title of a vehicle for an unpaid citation. Authored By: Rep. Matt Barton (5th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 188 Georgia Dangerous Sexual Predator Prevention Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 188 is known as 'Mariam's Law'. Page 7 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Section 2-1 changes the name of the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board (SORRB). Section 3-1 defines the term "sexual felony" to be a felony conviction of the following crimes: aggravated assault; kidnapping that involves a victim under the age of 14, except by a parent; sex trafficking; rape; aggravated sodomy; statutory rape; child molestation; aggravated child molestation; enticing a child for indecent purposes; improper sexual contact by employee or agent in the first or second degree or improper sexual contact by a foster parent in the first or second degree, unless the punishment was not subject to O.C.G.A. 17-10-6.2; incest; aggravated sexual battery; and sexual exploitation. Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony who is convicted of aggravated assault with the intent to rape will be subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. Electronic monitoring is imposed as a condition of probation. Section 3-2: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of kidnapping is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-3: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of human trafficking for sexual servitude is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-4: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of rape is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-5: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of aggravated sodomy is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-6: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of statutory rape is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-7: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of aggravated child molestation is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-8: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of enticing a child for indecent purposes is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-9: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of improper sexual contact by an employee, agent, or foster parent in the first or second degree is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-10: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of incest is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 3-11: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of aggravated sexual battery is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Page 8 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Section 3-12 removes the crime for removing or inhibiting an electronic monitoring device who is required to wear it under O.C.G.A. 42-1-14, as a response in part to the Supreme Court of Georgia case Park v. State. Section 3-13: Any person who was previously convicted of a sexual felony that is convicted of sexual exploitation of children is subject to imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life that includes electronic monitoring as a condition of probation. Section 4-1 changes the name of SORRB and requires that a defendant who was sentenced to probation submit to SORRB within 60 days of being sentenced for a risk assessment rather than the current requirement of 10 days. Section 5-1 changes the name of SORRB. Section 6-1 changes the name of SORRB and adds the crime of electronically furnishing obscene material to minors to the list of crimes defined as a "dangerous sexual offense" under O.C.G.A. 42-112(a)(10)(B.4). Section 6-2 changes the name of SORRB. Section 6-2A requires a sexual offender to be fitted for a location tracking device while on probation or parole and awaiting risk assessment classification when the offender has previously been convicted of a felony sexual offense, or the assigned community supervision officer determines that a special need exists for the offender due to an immediate danger to society the offender poses. Any costs of the location tracking device and monitoring are required to be paid by the offender. An offender can petition the superior court in which he or she resides for release from the location tracking requirements within 30 days, and the court can suspend the requirement if it finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the offender does not pose an immediate danger to society. Section 6-3 repeals and replaces O.C.G.A. 42-1-14, which was previously ruled unconstitutional. The section clarifies the procedure for when a sexual offender moves from another state or territory to Georgia, the risk assessment process for sexually dangerous predators, and the timelines for when risk assessment evaluations need to be made by SORRB. A person receiving a Level II risk classification, or as a sexually dangerous predator, may request re-evaluation after 10 years from the initial classification and then once every five years thereafter. Section 6-4 requires the court to refer a case to an officer of the circuit for investigation and recommendation prior to sentencing when a life sentence may be imposed because of a previous conviction for a sexual felony. SORRB is also required to determine the classification level of the defendant in writing and report that determination to the court. The findings will be provided to the prosecutor and defendant no later than 10 days prior to the sentencing hearing. Section 6-5 requires the Department of Community Supervision to file a petition on behalf of a person who is on probation for life for a sexual felony after that person has served 10 years if: all restitution has been paid; probation has not been revoked; the probationer has not been arrested for anything other than a non-serious traffic offense; and the probationer has not been classified as a sexually dangerous predator by SORRB. Upon issuing an order terminating an offender's probation, the court will provide written notice to the local district attorney and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding the court's intention, and the prosecuting attorney will be given an opportunity to be heard during the 30 days prior to the issuance of the termination order by the court. The provisions changed by this portion of the bill are retroactive to any probationer under the supervision of the Department of Community Supervision. If the petition is not granted, a petition will be filed every five years afterward until the probationer meets the requirements. Section 6-6 changes the name of SORRB in a reference and allows the person who was convicted as a sexual offender to obtain supervision records of the Department of Community Supervision. Page 9 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Section 7-1 states that this will apply to all offenses committed on or after July 1, 2023. Authored By: Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 196 Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission; subject to Administrative Procedure Act and laws governing open meetings and records; provide Bill Summary: Part I of HB 196 abolishes the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission, effective May 10, 2023, and transfers its employees and contracts to a newly-created Medical Cannabis Division of the Department of Agriculture. The division is subject to the 'Administrative Procedures Act' (Chapter 13 of Title 50), state purchasing laws (Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 50), open and public records (Chapter 14 of Title 50), and inspection of public records (Article 4 of Chapter 18 of Title 50). Any appeal of a fine levied by the division will be made to the Georgia State-wide Business Court (Business Court). The commission has the ability to issue an additional dispensing license to registered patients at the premises of each Class 1 or Class 2 production facility. Dispensaries are also permitted to sell low THC oil and products from any production licensee in the state. The current joint legislative oversight committee is revised to be composed of the chairmen of the House Regulated Industries Committee, House Committee on Agriculture, House Committee on Health, the Senate Economic Development Committee, the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services, and the Senate Agriculture Committee. Both the speaker and the lieutenant governor can appoint a member each from their respective legislative body. The committee is authorized to conduct an independent audit or investigation of the department regarding medical cannabis. The department is authorized to issue up to nine additional Class 1 production licenses and up to 12 additional Class 2 production licenses. The required study of the participation of minority and women-owned businesses as licensees will begin on January 1, 2026, and review from January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2025. All working papers, documents, and copies produced by, obtained by, or disclosed to, the department will be subject to state open records laws. By May 31, 2023, the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture is required to engage in mediation with the applicants that protested and appealed the Access to Medical Cannabis Commission's previous awarding of licenses. The commissioner will be authorized to issue additional Class 1 and Class 2 production licenses provided that the contract for a license will be deemed to be a waiver and release of any further to right to sue. The extra licenses must be awarded by December 31, 2023. After that deadline, the department will be authorized to issue one additional Class 2 license for every increase of 25,000 patients in the Low THC Oil Patient Registry ("the registry") and one additional Class 1 license for every increase of 50,000 patients in the registry. The number of patients will be based on the number of patients registered as of January 1, 2024. The Georgia State-wide Business Court will have exclusive jurisdiction over any appeals of final decisions by the commission regarding the issuance of new licenses. Each commission member will be required to file an annual financial disclosure statement for the previous calendar year. Ulcerative colitis is added to the list of eligible conditions for patients to obtain low THC oil. Part II amends O.C.G.A. 2-32-2 relating to hemp farming licensure, permitting, and product analysis. To sell hemp products in a retail setting, the establishment must be licensed annually by the Department of Agriculture. Consumable hemp products must have a QR code visible to allow customers to access the certificate of analysis conducted on the product. The department will randomly test consumable hemp products to ensure compliance with this Code section. The bill prohibits retailers from selling hemp products to any individual under the age of 21. Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell (33rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Page 10 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor HB 230 Revenue and taxation; qualified consolidated government special purpose local option sales tax; provide Bill Summary: HB 230 amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-6, relating to sales and use taxes, to allow for a qualified consolidated government to implement a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST) for a coliseum capital outlay project, which is defined as any capital outlay project related to a multiuse coliseum or civic center type of facility. The tax will be set at a rate of 0.5 percent and the net proceeds may not exceed $250 million. The bill provides for the mechanism to implement the SPLOST as well as the ballot language to be used. Authored By: Rep. Mark Newton (127th) Rule Applied: Structured HB 243 Coweta Judicial Circuit; superior court; provide eighth judge Bill Summary: HB 243 increases the number of superior court judges in the Coweta Judicial Circuit from seven to eight. The eighth judge will be appointed for a term beginning July 1, 2023 continuing through December 31, 2024. Their successor will be elected at the nonpartisan judicial election in 2024. Authored By: Rep. Lynn Smith (70th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 249 Education; needs based financial aid program; provide definition Bill Summary: HB 249 provides College Completion Grant eligibility to students who have completed 70 percent of a four-year program or 45 percent of a two-year program. The maximum award amount per eligible student is set at $3,500, with no single payment exceeding $2,500. The bill provides free tuition for specified training programs that relate to the operation of a commercial motor vehicle for qualified participants who are U.S. armed forces veterans. Authored By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 268 Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; motor vehicle related crime prevention initiatives; establish grant program Bill Summary: HB 268 establishes a grant program to provide funds from the criminal justice coordinating council to local law enforcement agencies and multi-jurisdictional task forces for the prevention, reduction, investigation, and prosecution of motor vehicle crimes. The bill establishes the Georgia Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Advisory Board and the required membership. The board will solicit and review applications for the grants, and make recommendations to the council for awards. The new Code section created by the bill is repealed on December 31, 2030. Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 294 Insurance; administration of certain rehabilitation policies by a ceding insurer placed into liquidation; provisions Bill Summary: HB 294 clarifies the rights and responsibilities of entities involved in the liquidation of reinsurance companies. The bill allows the succeeding entity receiving the liquidating company or a guaranty association to continue the reinsurance contract. The bill outlines processes for arbitration, handling unpaid premiums, and notification of affected policyholders. Authored By: Rep. Buddy DeLoach (167th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) 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 Page 11 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 319 Education; abolish Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation Bill Summary: House Bill 319 abolishes the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and transfers any obligations, liabilities, or assets to the Georgia Student Finance Authority. The bill prohibits tuition and fee increases of more than 3% unless a joint resolution is passed by the General Assembly. Authored By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 340 Education; daily duty-free planning periods for teachers in grades six through twelve; provide Bill Summary: HB 340 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-218 to protect planning periods for teachers. Teachers who are in the classroom more than 50 percent of a regular school day are required to have a duty-free planning period, with some exceptions related to safety. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.21, relating to tax credits for qualified education donations for the purpose of awarding grants to public schools by extending the repeal date to December 31, 2026. Local school board members are prohibited from discussing personnel matters with superintendents or other school personnel other than a referral of a personnel matter to the superintendent. Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured HB 374 Local government; municipal deannexation; repeal certain provisions Bill Summary: HB 374 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. 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 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. Authored By: Rep. Brad Thomas (21st) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) 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: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) Page 12 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor 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: Rep. Scott Hilton (48th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 528 Georgia Online Automatic Renewal Transparency Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 528 the 'Georgia Online Automatic Renewal Transparency Act', relating to deceptive and unfair trade practices regarding the automatic monthly charges for a service or product. Companies must have a clear and conspicuous method of cancellation online if the company also allows consumers to accept an automatic renewal or continuous service online. The bill requires companies to provide consumers with notice if there is a material change in the terms of the renewal offer. Authored By: Rep. Houston Gaines (120th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 538 Georgia Early Literacy Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 538 creates the 'Georgia Early Literacy Act' to implement the science of reading in Georgia. School systems will be required to teach high-quality instructional materials approved by the State Board of Education in grades kindergarten through third grade. The Department of Education must develop and provide training to kindergarten through third-grade teachers on the science of reading so teacher have the skills and knowledge to teach young students to read. Students across the state will take a universal reading screener assessment to monitor their progress in foundational literacy skills multiple times a year. The Department of Early Care and Learning must require teachers in all programs licensed or commissioned by the department to receive training on developmentally appropriate evidence based literacy instruction by July, 1 2025. Authored By: Rep. Bethany Ballard (147th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HB 541 Motor vehicles; proper procedure for passing postal service vehicle; provide Bill Summary: HB 541 requires drivers to move over for a stationary vehicle or postal service vehicle displaying flashing yellow, amber, white, or red lights. Authored By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) 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 hydrocodone, oxycodone, or their compounds 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. 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. The bill also allows licensed chiropractors, licensed advanced practice registered nurses, and licensed physician assistants to provide an affidavit so that persons with disabilities may be issued temporary, permanent, and special permanent parking permits. Page 13 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor The bill also outlines provisions protecting healthcare professionals that seek mental health or wellness services. Participation by a healthcare professional will not be reported to the licensing board unless the participant is not competent to practice or is a danger to themselves or others. Those involved in evaluating the program will be immune from civil liability under certain circumstances and neither oral or written findings or notations will be subject to discovery or evidence in civil action under certain circumstances. The bill prohibits the imposition or enforcement of restrictive covenants by hospitals or hospital systems against staff if the hospital is permanently closed or is acquired by a third party that then reduces a staff person's compensation. Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured HB 611 Budgetary and financial affairs; disposition of state funds derived from certain legal judgments or settlements; provide Bill Summary: HB 611 requires all funds from legal judgements awarded to the state on or after June 1, 2023, or legal settlements entered into by the state or on its behalf by June 1, 2023, to be held by the state treasury until appropriated by the General Assembly. Authored By: Rep. James Burchett (176th) Rule Applied: Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HR 157 Property; conveyance of certain state owned property; authorize Bill Summary: HR 157 is a conveyance resolution for properties located in 10 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows: Article 1 leases approximately 4.16 acres located in Appling County between the State of Georgia, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and Appling County School System for a term of 25 years for the consideration of $10, and the construction and operation of Southern Pines College and Career Academy at the Baxley Campus of Coastal Pines Technical College. Article 2 conveys approximately 0.26 of an acre located in Bacon County, under the custody of the Department of Human Services, commonly known as the Alma DFCS, by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 as long as the property is used for public purpose in perpetuity. Article 3 leases approximately 11,520 square feet of improved property located in Bacon County, being a portion of the Alma Campus of Coastal Pines Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia and Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation for a term of two years for the consideration of $33,293 per year. Article 4 conveys approximately 16 acres of real property located in Effingham County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia, being a portion of Savannah Technical College and Career Academy, to the Effingham County Board of Education for a consideration of $10. Article 5 conveys approximately 93.9 acres of fee, 1.868 acres permanent easement for construction and maintenance of drainage, and 0.542 of an acre driveway easement, all located within Morgan, Newton, and Walton Counties. This is under the custody of the Department of Economic Development Authority, commonly known as the Rivian Site, to the Joint Development Authority of Jasper County, Morgan County, Newton County, and Walton County for fair market value or for a consideration of $10. Article 6 leases approximately 1.12 acres of real property in Rabun County, commonly known as the Dillard State Farmers Market, under the custody of the Department of Agriculture to the City of Dillard for a term of 20 years for the consideration of $10, and the continual operation of a local farmers' market and agritourism. Page 14 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Article 7 conveys or leases approximately 10.01 acres of improved property in Taylor County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections, commonly known as the Taylor Detention Center, by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10. Article 8 conveys approximately 7.233 acres in fee, 4,750 square feet easement for construction and maintenance of drainage, and 938.492 linear feet for access, located in Walton County. This is under the custody of the Department of Economic Development Authority, commonly as the Rivian Site, to the Georgia Department of Transportation for a consideration of $547,300. Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Rule Applied: Modified-Open Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HR 158 Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize Bill Summary: HR 158 authorizes the State of Georgia, acting through the State Properties Commission, to grant easements over certain state-owned properties in 15 counties as listed below: Article 1 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 1.43 acres, located in Calhoun County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to construct, install, operate, and maintain five replacement cubicles and switchable bypass two 3-phase terminating cabinets at Calhoun State Prison, system upgrade, and enhance reliability for $10. Article 2 grants an easement to Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.10 of an acre, located in Camden County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve TCSG-265A MPP Building (Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building) for $10. Article 3 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.90 of an acre, located in Camden County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve TCSG-265A MPP Building (Precision Machining and Manufacturing Building) for $10. Article 4 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.092 of an acre, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Agriculture to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve Refrigerated Services for $10. Article 5 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation or its successors and assigns over approximately 4.829 acres, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources-Coastal Resources Division for a bridge replacement on SR25 (PI 0013741) over the Savannah River in Port Wentworth for $37,155. Article 6 grants an easement to the Georgia Department of Transportation or its successors and assigns over approximately 2.961 acres, located in Chatham County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources-Coastal Resources Division for a bridge replacement on SR25 (PI 0013742) over the Middle River in Port Wentworth for $22,163. Article 7 grants an easement to Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre, located in Clarke County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve TCSG-365 Industrial Systems Building for $10. Article 8 grants an easement to the City of Douglas or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.06 of an acre, located in Coffee County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Page 15 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines to serve TCSG-379 Commercial Truck and Diesel Tech at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College for $10. Article 9 grants an easement to Southern Company Gas or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.28 of an acre, located in DeKalb County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to relocate, construct, install, operate, and maintain underground gas distribution lines to serve Georgia Piedmont Technical College for $10. Article 10 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.41 of an acre, located in Emanuel County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines to serve Emanuel Women's Facility for $10. Article 11 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.306 of an acre, located in Fulton County, under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to construct, install, operate, and maintain underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to improve and upgrade reliability at Atlanta Technical College for $10. Article 12 grants an easement to Satilla Rural Electric Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.009 of an acre, located in Jeff Davis County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the relocation of electrical distribution lines to improve and upgrade reliability at Bullard Creek Wildlife Management Area for $10. Article 13 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre, located in Monroe County, under the custody of the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Alternate Care Facility for $10. Article 14 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.15 of an acre, located in Morgan County, under the custody of the Department of Public Safety to construct, install, operate, and maintain overhead and underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the State Patrol Post 8 for $10. Article 15 grants an easement to Georgia Transmission Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 20 acres, located in Morgan County, under the custody of the Department Economic Development to construct, install, operate, and maintain electrical substations, transmission lines, and related facilities, and access to the same to serve the Rivian Site for $10. Article 16 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.026 of an acre, located in Polk County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the relocation of distribution lines to enhance service and reliability to JL Lester Wildlife Management Area for $10. Article 17 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.72 of an acre, located in Tattnall County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the relocation of distribution lines to enhance service and reliability to Jack Hill State Park for $10. Article 18 grants an easement to Blue Ridge Mountain Electric Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.25 of an acre, located in Towns County, under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of fiber optic lines to serve Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa's cottages and cabins for $10. Article 19 grants an easement to Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.2 of an acre, located in Washington County, under the custody of the Department of Corrections to the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a terminating cabinet and 15-ft. trench for a three-phase underground cable for reliability improvement for power supply to Page 16 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Washington State Prison for $10. Authored By: Rep. Gerald Greene (154th) Rule Applied: Modified-Open Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) HR 256 Sophia Ruth Fisher Interchange; Tift County; dedicate Bill Summary: HR 256 is the annual House road dedication resolution. The omnibus dedication package includes: HR 256, dedicating the interchange at Willis Still Road and Interstate 75 in Tift County as the Sophia Ruth Fisher Interchange; HR 69, dedicating the bridge on State Route 39 over Cemochechobee Creek in Clay County as the John E. Brown Bridge; HR 97, dedicating the bridge on State Route 190 over Lane Street in Meriwether County as the Sergeant Eddie Thomas Terry Memorial Bridge; HR 125, dedicating the portion of State Route 138 from Tara Boulevard in Clayton County to Scarlett Drive in Clayton County as the Dr. Barbara Pulliam Highway; HR 167, dedicating the portion of State Route 138 from Highway 54 to North McDonough Street in Clayton County as the Jeffrey E. Turner Parkway; HR 207, dedicating the portion of Highway 78 from the east boundary of the City of Tallapoosa to the west boundary of the City of Tallapoosa in Haralson County as the Mayor William "Pete" Bridges Memorial Highway; HR 208, dedicating the portion of Georgia Business Route 10 within the city limits of Washington in Wilkes County as the MLK Memorial Drive; HR 230, dedicating the portion of State Route 57 East from Mile Marker 15 to the Johnson/Emanuel County Line in Johnson County, Georgia, as the Deputy Emory Rowland Memorial Highway; HR 231, dedicating the State Route 125 bridge over Vanceville Road near the Berrien/Tift County line in Berrien County as the West Berrien Vietnam War Veterans Memorial Bridge; SR 45, dedicating the intersection of Hiram Acworth Highway and East Paulding Drive in Paulding County as the Deputy Marshall Samual Ervin Jr. Memorial Intersection; SR 94, dedicating State Route 46 from Highway 301 South to State Route 67 South in Bulloch County as the E. Raybon Anderson Highway; SR 255, dedicating the intersection of State Route 16 and Newnan Crossing Bypass as the Gene Evans Memorial Intersection; SR 319, dedicating the portion of State Route 92 from Highway 78 to Interstate 20 in Douglas County as the Coach Forsh Road; SR 321, dedicating the interchange of Highway 78 at Mountain Industrial Boulevard in DeKalb County as the Senator Stephen B. Henson Interchange; SR 347, dedicating the intersection of State Route 193 at Chamberlain Road in Walker County as the Sean P. Kornacki Memorial Intersection; SR 370, dedicating State Route 54 from mile marker 58 to mile marker 61 in Clayton County as the Minnie Melton Saxton Memorial Highway; Page 17 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor HR 349, dedicating the bridge on State Route 10 over I-285 in DeKalb County as the Thomas E. Brown Bridge; HR 385, dedicating the portion of State Route 178 from Highway 56 to Bud Clifton Road in Toombs County as the R.T. Stanley, Jr. Highway; HR 386, dedicating the interchange of Interstate 75 at State Route 16 (Exit 205) in Butts County as the Congressman Mac Collins Memorial Interchange; HR 399, dedicating the portion of State Route 81 from North Ola Road to Keys Ferry Road in Henry County as the Officer Paramhans Desai Memorial Highway; HR 412, dedicating the portion of State Route 376 from State Route 31 to Loch Laurel Road in Lowndes County as the Honorable Ellis Black Highway; HR 414, dedicating the portion of State Route 82 from 500 feet from the western boundary of Hoboken and 500 feet from the eastern boundary of Hoboken in Brantley County as the Kaleb Driggers Highway; HR 475, dedicating the bridge on Interstate 675 over Interstate 75 in Henry County as the Pastor Spencer T. O'Neal Memorial Bridge; HR 491, dedicating the intersection of State Route 204 at Eisenhower Drive in Chatham County as the Judge Willie Lovett, Jr. Intersection; HR 492, dedicating the intersection of State Route 204 at West Montgomery Cross Road in Chatham County as the Flau'jae Johnson Intersection; HR 493, dedicating the intersection of State Route 204 at Whitebluff Road in Chatham County as the E. Larry McDuffie Intersection; HR 522, dedicating the intersection of U.S. Route 78 and Lumpkin Street in Clarke County as the Vince Dooley Memorial Intersection; HR 523, dedicating the portion of U.S. Route 278 from mile marker 59 to mile marker 64 in Greene County as the PFC John W. Adams Memorial Highway; HR 524, dedicating the interchange of State Route 403 at Cleveland Avenue Southwest (Exit 76) in Fulton County as the Jamida Orange Memorial Interchange; HR 525, dedicating the intersection of State Route 8/U.S. Route 278 and Piedmont Avenue in Fulton County as the Marshall Rancifer Memorial Intersection; HR 545, dedicating the intersection of State Route 9 and State Route 52 in Lumpkin County as the Opal G. Crawford Barron Memorial Roundabout; HR 602, dedicating the portion of State Route 9SO (Spring Street) from Peachtree Street to 14th Street in Fulton County as the Charlayne Hunter-Gault Parkway; and Repealing lines 558-560 in HR 820 (2022 Session) and dedicating State Route 54 from Highway 138 to Battle Creek Road in Clayton County as the Arnold Fountain Professional Club Highway. Authored By: Rep. Clay Pirkle (169th) Rule Applied: Modified-Open Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) Page 18 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor SB 23 O.C.G.A.; various titles; revise a committee name; relating to inactive boards, panels, authorities, centers, commissions, committees, councils, task forces, and other such bodies; provisions; repeal Bill Summary: Senate Bill 23 amends the Code by revising committee names and authority titles while also repealing specific inactive authorities, committees, advisory councils, offices, and commissions. The bill specifies how assets of certain entities are devolved following repeal. Senate Bill 23 also defines the Georgia Data Analytic Center (GDAC) as an agent of all executive state agencies that shares and receives government information. Executive state agencies shall cooperate with GDAC requests for receipt of or access to data unless an Office of Planning and Budget review upon consultation of the chairpersons of the Senate and House appropriations committees determines and explains that the request would result in a violation of law. Sharing of data to and from GDAC does not constitute a disclosure or release under law, and any confidential or privileged designation of government information shall be maintained when sharing with GDAC. Authored By: Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) Rule Applied: Modified-Open Motions to Agree: (A motion to agree represents final passage of the bill.) Motions to Disagree HB 514 Housing Regulation Transparency Act; enact Bill Summary: HB 514 creates the 'Housing Regulation Transparency Act'. The bill establishes a 180-day time limit, subject to specified exceptions, for any local ordinance or resolution that would result in a temporary moratorium on single-family residential zoning decisions or permit issuance or approval for single-family residential purposes. The bill authorizes local governments to levy and collect specified fees related to exercising zoning powers and issuing associated permits. The proceeds of such fees are required to be used to fund the administration and enforcement of zoning ordinances. Local governments are authorized to waive any zoning-related fees for single-family housing developments or projects of less than 2,500 square feet of conditioned space per unit. Authored By: Rep. Dale Washburn (144th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Disagree: (A motion to disagree sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) SB 13 Public Sales; tax levies and executions; authorize online Bill Summary: SB 13 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-311 relating to county boards of equalization, duties, review of assessments, and appeals by allowing a taxpayer with tangible personal property having a fair market value greater than $200,000 to appeal directly to a hearing officer. The bill amends O.C.G.A. 48-5-306 relating to the annual notice of current assessment, contents, posting notice, and new assessment description by requiring that the option to appeal directly to a hearing officer for tangible personal property with a fair market value of greater than $200,000 be included on the notice of assessment. Authored By: Sen. John Albers (56th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Disagree: (A motion to disagree sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) SB 240 Retirement and Pensions; the minimum and maximum allowable benefit multiplier for current and future retirees; revise Bill Summary: SB 240 prohibits anyone hired after June 1, 2023 from becoming a member of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia, if the operator or management company of the public charter school in which they are employed offers an alternative retirement plan. The bill requires the Employees Retirement System (ERS) of Georgia to identify each school system that does not extend Social Security coverage to members of the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). The ERS must submit a report of all school systems that do not offer Page 19 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor this benefit to the chairmen of the House and Senate Retirement Committees by September 1, 2023. Any school system not offering coverage must revise their plan to extend coverage by January 1, 2024. On or after September 1, 2023, the ERS is not authorized to approve any plan that does not extend Social Security benefits to PSERS members. The bill allows the ERS of Georgia to invest up to 10 percent of assets in alternative investments. Currently, ERS can only invest up to five percent of assets in alternative investments. The bill is certified by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts as a non-fiscal retirement bill. Authored By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Disagree: (A motion to disagree sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) SB 246 Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce; student loan repayment for certain nursing faculty; provide Bill Summary: Senate Bill 246 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. Eligible students may also receive an additional IPSE grant to cover certain fees. The bill authorizes the Georgia Board of Health Care Workforce to provide for the repayment of up to $100,000 in student loans for eligible recipients serving as faculty members in eligible postsecondary nursing programs in this state. Authored By: Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured Motions to Disagree: (A motion to disagree sends the bill back to the Senate for consideration.) Rules Calendar HR 519 House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources; create Bill Summary: HR 519 creates the House Study Committee on Fishing Access to Freshwater Resources. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Rep. David Jenkins (136th) Judiciary Yeas: 170 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-27-2023 Do Pass HR 603 House Study Committee on Certificate of Need Modernization; create Bill Summary: HR 603 creates the House Study Committee on Certificate of Need Modernization. The committee consists of five members of the House of Representatives and will be abolished on December 1, 2023. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Rep. Sharon Cooper (45th) Rules Yeas: 170 Nays: 0 Adopted (Resolution) Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Open 03-27-2023 Do Pass HR 651 Georgia Congressional Delegation; assist in finding reasonable solutions to protect North Atlantic right whales and coastal culture and economy; urge Bill Summary: HR 651 urges the Georgia Congressional Delegation to assist in finding reasonable solutions to protect North Atlantic right whales, and Georgia's coastal culture and economy. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Knight (134th) Rules Rule Applied: Committee Action: Page 20 of 26 Modified-Open 03-29-2023 Do Pass House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor Floor Vote: Floor Action: Yeas: 168 Nays: 2 Adopted (Resolution) Amendments: 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. It also 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. The bill removes the exemption for those who were deported from the country by the federal government, meaning that a judgment can be made by a court on a forfeiture of an appearance bond if the person at issue was deported and could not attend court for that reason. 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 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: Floor Vote: Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) Judiciary Non-Civil Yeas: 95 Nays: 81 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-22-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 115 Georgia National Guard; the adjutant general to be the official sponsor of the state sponsored life insurance program; provide Bill Summary: SB 115 recognizes that under the common law public trust doctrine, the state owns all navigable stream beds for the public's use of fishing, hunting, passage, navigation, commerce, and transportation. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) Defense & Veterans Affairs Yeas: 93 Nays: 75 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-14-2023 Do Pass SB 133 Juvenile Code; a uniform process to assume custody of children as a result of disposition orders; create Bill Summary: SB 133 clarifies procedures for implementing existing law within the Juvenile Code. Section 1 stipulates that in a child in need of services (CHINS) proceeding, a juvenile court must comply with the law related to a dual designation of a child. Section 2 provides a framework for CHINS proceedings in which the juvenile court must hear or consider certain information, and comply with Title 15, Chapter 11, Article 3, prior to placing a child in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) on a nonemergency basis or in the absence of exceptional circumstances based on evidence provided at a disposition hearing. Once a child has been ordered into the custody of DFCS, the juvenile court must conduct a preliminary protective hearing within 72 hours after the placement. All parties to the CHINS case must provide copies of medical, psychological, and educational assessments, and reports of the child or the child's parent or guardian to DFCS within 72 hours after the ordering of custody. Section 3 stipulates that in a disposition of a dependent child, a juvenile court must comply with the Page 21 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor law related to a dual designation of a child. Section 4 provides a framework for child delinquency proceedings in which the juvenile court must hear or consider certain information, and comply with Title 15, Chapter 11, Article 3, prior to placing a child in the custody of DFCS on a nonemergency basis or in the absence of exceptional circumstances based on evidence provided at a disposition hearing. Once a child has been ordered into the custody of DFCS, the juvenile court must conduct a preliminary protective hearing within 72 hours after the placement. All parties to the CHINS case must provide copies of medical, psychological, and educational assessments, and reports of the child or the child's parent or guardian to DFCS within 72 hours after the ordering of custody. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Brian Strickland (17th) Juvenile Justice Yeas: 102 Nays: 69 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2023 Do Pass SB 233 'The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act'; establishment of promise scholarship accounts Bill Summary: SB 233 creates the 'Georgia Promise Scholarship Act', which would provide $6,500 per student to families for qualified education-related expenses outside of the public school system. Qualified education expenses include; tuition at a participating school, tutoring, and purchase of curriculum, professional services, transportation, and other expenses authorized by the State Board of Education. Funds will go into an account controlled by a parent to be used for qualified education expenses. In order to allow parents and taxpayers to measure the achievements of this program, students participating must take nationally norm-referenced tests that measure student academic progress in math and language arts annually. The bill stipulates reporting requirements participating schools must provide annually to the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the Department of Education. The commission must annually report to the General Assembly on the previous fiscal year's promise scholarship recipients and their respective schools. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Floor Action: Sen. Greg Dolezal (27th) Education Yeas: 85 Nays: 89 Failed Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-21-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute SB 272 Courts; supplement the duties of administrative judges; Criminal Case Data Exchange Board; reestablish Bill Summary: SB 272 reestablishes the Criminal Case Data Exchange Board, which was previously under the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and later the Council of Superior Court Clerks to a board under the Judicial Council and its Administrative Office of the Courts. The board continues to have 19 members, and meetings can be called to order by the chairperson of the board, the designee to the board from the Judicial Council, the chief justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia, or the governor. The board must fulfill multiple duties, including participation in the review and improvement of the state's criminal case data exchange and management systems; make recommendations for the improvement of data sharing for the benefit of the public, employers, and law enforcement; provide regular advice and counsel to the Judicial Council of Georgia; regularly review and update uniform standards; and prepare a report by October 1 of each year detailing the board's progress, which will be sent to multiple parties, including the chairs of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the House Appropriations Committee, by October 10 of each year. The board will be required to conduct a review with experts in the field of criminal justice on the Page 22 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor feasibility of a system for tracking and analyzing criminal history data related to recidivism, criminal plea agreements, and immunity defenses. The feasibility study will include a review of a system to track charges pertaining to human trafficking, and whether those charges resulted in convictions or resulted in pleas of lesser or related charges. This review will be required to be completed by December 1, 2024, at which point the board will deliver it to the required parties in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Judiciary Non-Civil Yeas: 146 Nays: 21 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Modified-Structured 03-20-2023 Do Pass by Committee Substitute Local Calendar SB 291 City of Forsyth; provisions related to the powers of the city manager related to appointment of department heads; revise Bill Summary: SB 291 revises the powers of the city manager of the City of Forsyth. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 147 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-29-2023 Do Pass SB 295 Lumpkin County; levy an excise tax; procedures, conditions, and limitations; provide Bill Summary: SB 295 authorizes Lumpkin County to levy an excise tax. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 298 Rockdale County; compensation of the chairperson and commissioners; provisions Bill Summary: SB 298 revises the compensation of the chairperson and commission of Rockdale County. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: SB 303 Fulton County; ad valorem taxes for county purposes; seniors have to reapply for such exemption every two years; remove the requirement Bill Summary: SB 303 removes the reapplication requirement for a homestead exemption from Fulton County ad valorem taxes for residents who are 65 years of age and older. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Sonya Halpern (39th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 305 City of Hampton; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; provide Bill Summary: SB 305 provides a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes in the amount of $50,000 for residents who are 68 years of age or older. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: Page 23 of 26 03-28-2023 Do Pass House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor SB 306 City of Hampton; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; provide Bill Summary: SB 306 provides a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes in the amount of $25,000 for residents who are 62 years of age or older and under 68 years of age. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 309 City of Hampton; ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; homestead exemption; provide Bill Summary: SB 309 provides a homestead exemption from City of Hampton ad valorem taxes in an amount equal to the amount that the current year assessed value exceeds the base year assessed value of the homestead. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 310 City of Powder Springs; update the boundaries of the city; adopt by reference Bill Summary: SB 310 revises the boundaries of the City of Powder Springs by reference of a certain map. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Michael Rhett (33rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 311 Newton County; the income cap and exemption provided to citizens who are 65 years of age or older; homestead exemption; increase Bill Summary: SB 311 revises a homestead exemption from Newton County and Newton County School District ad valorem taxes for residents who are 65 years of age and older whose net retirement income combined with a spouse does not exceed $100,552 and whose non-retirement income does not exceed $25,000 by increasing the amount to $50,000. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 312 Rockdale County; compensation of the coroner; change Bill Summary: SB 12 revises the compensation of the Rockdale County coroner. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 313 Magistrate's Court of Rockdale County; provisions relating to the compensation of the chief magistrate; change Bill Summary: SB 313 revises the compensation of the chief magistrate judge of Rockdale County. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass Page 24 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Today on the Floor SB 314 State Court of Rockdale County; compensation of the judges of said court; revise provisions Bill Summary: SB 314 revises the compensation of the state court judges of Rockdale County. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 0 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 315 Juvenile Court of Rockdale County; judge; supplementary compensation; provide Bill Summary: SB 315 provides a supplementary compensation to the juvenile court judge of Rockdale County. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 316 Probate Court of Rockdale County; compensation of such judge; change Bill Summary: SB 316 revises the compensation of the probate court judge of Rockdale County. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass SB 317 Atlanta Board of Education; qualifications for membership on said board related to working for other boards of education; remove limitations Bill Summary: SB 317 revises the membership qualifications of the City of Atlanta Board of Education. Authored By: House Committee: Floor Vote: Sen. Jason Esteves (6th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Yeas: 163 Nays: 2 Rule Applied: Committee Action: Amendments: 03-28-2023 Do Pass Page 25 of 26 House of Representatives Daily Report for March 29, 2023 Committee Actions Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar. Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee SB 291 City of Forsyth; provisions related to the powers of the city manager related to appointment of department heads; revise Bill Summary: SB 291 revises the powers of the city manager of the City of Forsyth. Authored By: House Committee: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Intragovernmental Coordination Local Committee Action: 03-29-2023 Do Pass Rules Committee HR 651 Georgia Congressional Delegation; assist in finding reasonable solutions to protect North Atlantic right whales and coastal culture and economy; urge Bill Summary: HR 651 urges the Georgia Congressional Delegation to assist in finding reasonable solutions to protect North Atlantic right whales, and Georgia's coastal culture and economy. Authored By: House Committee: Rep. David Knight (134th) Rules Committee Action: 03-29-2023 Do Pass Page 26 of 26