First readers in House [Feb. 2, 2017]

FIRST READERS IN HOUSE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 02, 2017
TWELFTH LEGISLATIVE DAY
Legislation not listed consecutively indicates those pre-filed.
HB 6. By Representatives Waites of the 60th, Sharper of the 177th, Jones of the 91st, Scott of the 76th, and Jones of the 53rd: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 9 of Chapter 9 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the "Georgia Rail Passenger Authority Law," so as to amend the authority's name to the Georgia Rail Passenger and High Speed Rail Facilities Authority; to revise the short title; to revise the legislative purpose; to revise a definition; to revise certain general powers of the authority; to revise the statement of public purpose of the authority; to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to change references to the authority; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on TRANSPORTATION
HB 16. By Representatives Waites of the 60th, Sharper of the 177th, Thomas of the 39th, Scott of the 76th, and Jones of the 53rd: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 2 of Article 16 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to discipline of students in elementary and secondary education, so as to revise provisions relating to bullying; to prohibit bullying and harassment of students and school employees; to require annual reporting of bullying and harassment incidents; to provide for definitions; to provide for requirements for local boards of education and state charter schools; to provide for requirements for the Department of Education; to provide for statutory construction; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for an effective date; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on EDUCATION
HB 203. By Representatives Strickland of the 111th, Welch of the 110th, Fleming of the 121st, and Rutledge of the 109th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 9-3-29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to limitations of actions relative to breach of restrictive covenant, so as to provide for accrual periods of rights of action; to amend Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property, so as to provide for the expansion of a condominium after the declarant's right to expand has expired and provide for procedures for such expansion; to provide for the procedure and right of certain property owners to take control of a condominium association, property owner's association, or entity created pursuant to covenants restricting land to certain uses affecting certain planned subdivisions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY
HB 204. By Representatives Harrell of the 106th, Powell of the 171st, England of the 116th, Knight of the 130th, Houston of the 170th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding ad valorem taxation
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of property, so as to provide that property tax bills shall not include any nontax related fees or assessments; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 205. By Representatives Meadows of the 5th, Dempsey of the 13th, Jasperse of the 11th, Ridley of the 6th, Lumsden of the 12th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mining and drilling, so as to regulate the exploration and extraction of gas and oil in this state; to provide for a definition; to provide for authority to create an Oil and Gas Board under certain circumstances; to require the promulgation of rules and regulations related to drilling and extraction; to amend provisions relating to drilling permits; to increase the amount of bond security for drilling operations; to provide for authority of local governments; to impose a severance tax on the extraction of oil and gas; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES & TELECOMMUNICATIONS
HB 206. By Representatives Kelley of the 16th, Welch of the 110th, Collins of the 68th, Oliver of the 82nd, Hogan of the 179th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 26-4-118 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, "The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights," so as to remove an exception relating to certain audits conducted by the Department of Community Health; to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to medical assistance generally, so as to provide that clerical or other errors do not constitute a basis to recoup payments made by providers of medical assistance; to provide for a correction period; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
HB 207. By Representatives Paris of the 142nd, Howard of the 124th, Abrams of the 89th, Hugley of the 136th, Williams of the 168th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 5B of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state accounting office, so as to direct the state accounting officer to pay state obligations to vendors within a certain time period; to provide that, if such payments are not made within the time specified, the state will owe interest equal to 12 percent per annum; to provide for information from state agencies; to provide for promulgation of rules and regulations; to provide for a short title; to provide for an effective date; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
HB 208. By Representatives Rhodes of the 120th, Knight of the 130th, Efstration of the 104th, Rogers of the 10th, and Nimmer of the 178th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to game and fish, so as to revise definitions, license fees, and license requirements; to amend Code Section 52-7-5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to numbering of vessels, requirements, and fees, so as to revise boat registration
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fees and allow additional methods for reporting the sale of boats; to correct crossreferences; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on GAME, FISH, & PARKS
HB 209. By Representatives Hawkins of the 27th, Clark of the 98th, Meadows of the 5th, Smyre of the 135th, Hitchens of the 161st, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-5-48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to homestead exemption by qualified disabled veterans, filing requirements, periodic substantiation of eligibility, and persons eligible without application, so as to provide that certain disabled veterans shall be issued refunds of certain ad valorem taxes paid during certain periods of time when such disabled veterans receive final determinations of disability containing retroactive periods of eligibility; to provide a short title; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 210. By Representatives Lott of the 122nd, Cooper of the 43rd, Broadrick of the 4th, Holmes of the 129th, and Williamson of the 115th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 31-22-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to clinical laboratories, so as to provide that certain specimen collection stations and blood banks are not considered clinical laboratories for the purpose of regulation under Chapter 22; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
HB 211. By Representatives Beskin of the 54th, Shaw of the 176th, Hatchett of the 150th, Willard of the 51st, Taylor of the 79th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to imposition, rate, and composition of and exemptions from income taxes, so as to create an annual tax credit for up to five years for taxpayers who purchase, own, and occupy a dwelling that qualifies for a homestead exemption located within a school attendance zone assigned to a public elementary school that is among the lowest 5 percent of academic achievement public elementary schools in the state; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 212. By Representatives Beskin of the 54th, Barr of the 103rd, Quick of the 117th, Hanson of the 80th, Willard of the 51st, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 19-6-15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to child support in final verdict or decree, so as to enact a recommendation by the Georgia Child Support Commission relating to child support; to change provisions relating to work related child care costs; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY
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HB 213. By Representatives Golick of the 40th, Cooper of the 43rd, Reeves of the 34th, Gravley of the 67th, and Coomer of the 14th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to schedules, offenses, and penalties, so as to include the sale, manufacture, delivery, or possession of fentanyl within the prohibition of trafficking certain drugs; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL
HB 214. By Representatives Golick of the 40th, Smith of the 134th, Reeves of the 34th, Coomer of the 14th, Gravley of the 67th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 1 of Chapter 9 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forgery and related offenses, so to provide consistent punishment for the unlawful manufacture, sale, or distribution of a proof of insurance document and the issuing of fake or counterfeit insurance identification cards; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL
HB 215. By Representatives Hanson of the 80th, Powell of the 171st, Tanner of the 9th, Coomer of the 14th, Blackmon of the 146th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 1 of Article 5A of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the special district mass transportation sales and use tax, so as to clarify the ability of counties and qualified municipalities to issue general obligation bonds as necessary; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 216. By Representatives Buckner of the 137th, McGowan of the 138th, Drenner of the 85th, Douglas of the 78th, Hugley of the 136th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 10 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, Title 36, and Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to contracts and purchases by public schools, local government, and general authority, duties, and procedure relative to government purchasing, respectively, so as to modify provisions relating to contractual and purchasing preferences for Georgia service providers and certain supplies, materials, equipment, and agricultural products grown, manufactured, or produced in this state; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
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HB 217. By Representatives Carson of the 46th, Kelley of the 16th, Knight of the 130th, Ehrhart of the 36th, Stephens of the 164th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to imposition, rate, computation, and exemptions from state income taxes, so as to increase the amount of the aggregate cap on contributions to certain scholarship organizations in order to receive income tax credits; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 218. By Representatives Evans of the 42nd, Willard of the 51st, and Battles of the 15th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to retirement and pensions, so as to provide that an election to participate in the Regents Retirement Plan in lieu of the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia shall be revocable at will; to provide that persons who made an irrevocable election for such participation may nonetheless elect to participate in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia; to provide for creditable service; to provide for application and transfer of funds; to provide conditions for an effective date and automatic repeal; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on RETIREMENT
HB 219. By Representatives Smith of the 70th, Stover of the 71st, Trammell of the 132nd, and Bonner of the 72nd: A BILL to be entitled an Act to create a board of elections and registration for Coweta County and to provide for its powers and duties; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on INTRAGOVERNMENTAL COORDINATION LOCAL
HB 220. By Representatives Bennett of the 94th, Smyre of the 135th, Belton of the 112th, Holcomb of the 81st, Hitchens of the 161st, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to imposition, rate, and computation and exemptions from state income taxes, so as to provide for a Georgia Veterans Work Opportunity Tax Credit as a state income tax credit incentive to be provided to private sector employers to hire veterans who face employment barriers; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 221. By Representatives Efstration of the 104th, Willard of the 51st, England of the 116th, Cooper of the 43rd, Morris of the 156th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 6 of Title 10 of the O.C.G.A., relating to agency, so as to update and conform provisions relating to powers of attorney to a uniform Act; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY
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HB 222. By Representatives Blackmon of the 146th, Corbett of the 174th, Evans of the 42nd, Williams of the 168th, Belton of the 112th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 7 of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to HOPE scholarships and grants, so as to provide that members of the Georgia National Guard and reservists meet residency requirements; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION
HB 223. By Representatives Waites of the 60th, Jones of the 53rd, Beasley-Teague of the 65th, McClain of the 100th, and Sharper of the 177th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 10 of Chapter 21 of Title 15, Part 2 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20, and Chapter 5 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Driver's Education Commission, competencies and core curriculum for elementary and secondary education, and drivers' licenses, respectively, so as to ensure teenage drivers are equipped for driving on public roads; to require public schools with grades nine through 12 to offer an elective driver education and training course; to change the minimum age for the issuance of certain licenses and permits; to amend provisions to conform with such minimum age change; to provide for related matters; to provide for effective dates and a contingent effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on EDUCATION
HB 224. By Representatives Belton of the 112th, Smith of the 134th, Rynders of the 152nd, Smyre of the 135th, Ealum of the 153rd, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 13 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to organization of schools and school systems under the "Quality Basic Education Act," so as to provide that a military student may attend any school in the local school system; to provide a definition; to provide for a streamlined process and annual notice; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on EDUCATION
HB 225. By Representatives Powell of the 171st, Kelley of the 16th, England of the 116th, Harrell of the 106th, Powell of the 32nd, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 7 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicle license fees and classes, so as to repeal inoperable provisions related to licensing of ride share networks; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state sales and use tax, so as to repeal an inoperable sales tax exemption related to ride share networks; to impose collection and remittance of a tax upon ride share network services; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
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HB 226. By Representative Powell of the 171st: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to income tax returns and furnishing of information, so as to authorize the state revenue commissioner to require by rule and regulation for individual income tax returns, reports, and other documents to be filed electronically; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 227. By Representatives Powell of the 171st, Kelley of the 16th, Harrell of the 106th, Duncan of the 26th, and Williamson of the 115th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to administration of revenue and taxation, so as to provide for the value of interest to be paid on refunds of certain overpayments made pursuant to a direct payment permit; to amend Part 2 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the imposition, rate, collection, and assessment of sales and use taxes, so as to require the Department of Revenue to establish and maintain a direct pay permit program that permits a qualified taxpayer to accrue and pay directly to the department certain state and local sales and use taxes; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HB 228. By Representatives Raffensperger of the 50th, Houston of the 170th, Stephens of the 165th, Cooper of the 43rd, Pirkle of the 155th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance generally, so as to provide for a short title and findings; to require health plans to provide coverage for hearing aids for certain individuals; to provide for the frequency of replacing hearing aids; to provide for coverage of services and supplies; to provide options for higher priced devices; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on INSURANCE
HB 229. By Representatives Dollar of the 45th, Coomer of the 14th, Powell of the 32nd, Golick of the 40th, Jasperse of the 11th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to postsecondary education, so as to limit yearly tuition and student fee increases within the university system; to provide for definitions; to provide for methods of tuition and student fee calculation; to provide for exceptions, limitations, and waivers; to provide for related matters; to provide for a contingent effective date; to provide for automatic repeal under certain conditions; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION
HB 230. By Representatives Burnough of the 77th, Frye of the 118th, Cannon of the 58th, Alexander of the 66th, Trammell of the 132nd, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2A of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to student scholarship organizations, so as to require that
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otherwise eligible schools or programs maintain nondiscriminatory practices in order to qualify to receive scholarship disbursements; to provide for a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION
HB 231. By Representatives Broadrick of the 4th, Hawkins of the 27th, and Gravley of the 67th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 13 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to controlled substances, so as to change certain provisions relating to Schedules I, II, IV, and V controlled substances; to change certain provisions relating to the definition of dangerous drug; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on JUDICIARY NON-CIVIL
HB 232. By Representatives Marin of the 96th, Abrams of the 89th, Oliver of the 82nd, Stephens of the 165th, and Waites of the 60th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 16-11-129 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to weapons carry license, temporary renewal permit, mandamus, and verification of license, so as to provide for a training requirement for certain persons making application for a weapons carry license or renewal license; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY
HB 233. By Representatives Marin of the 96th, Oliver of the 82nd, Stephens of the 165th, and Scott of the 76th: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to prestige license plates and plates for certain persons and vehicles, so as to provide for special decals issued to persons with disabilities to include a photograph of the person issued the decal; to amend Code Section 10-1164.1, relating to self-service gasoline price for drivers holding special disability permit, so as to correct a cross reference; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on MOTOR VEHICLES
HB 234. By Representatives Frye of the 118th, Quick of the 117th, Hitchens of the 161st, Williams of the 119th, Cantrell of the 22nd, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to require drivers of motor vehicles to stop at crosswalks with user activated rectangular rapid-flash beacons; to make it unlawful to activate such devices when there is no intent to cross a roadway; to require drivers of motor vehicles to stop at crosswalks for bicycle riders; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY
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HB 235. By Representatives Frye of the 118th, Alexander of the 66th, Hitchens of the 161st, Cantrell of the 22nd, Lumsden of the 12th, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 40-6-183 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to alteration of speed limits by local authorities, so as to decrease the lowest speed limit which may be set by a local governing authority in an urban or residential district; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
HB 236. By Representatives Teasley of the 37th, Cantrell of the 22nd, Brockway of the 102nd, Duncan of the 26th, Fleming of the 121st, and others: A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 48-7-29.16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the qualified education tax credit, so as to increase the aggregate amount of tax credits allowed; to provide for two separate application dates; to provide for an automatic annual increase; to provide for rollover of tax credits; to provide for resubmittal of applications; to provide for an effective date and applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HR 1. By Representatives Waites of the 60th, Jones of the 53rd, Beasley-Teague of the 65th, Alexander of the 66th, Thomas of the 56th, and others: A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for dedication of certain existing fees and assessments for the purpose of funding driver education and training courses in public schools with grades nine through 12; to provide that such funds shall not be subject to lapse; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on PUBLIC SAFETY & HOMELAND SECURITY
HR 158. By Representatives Powell of the 171st, Abrams of the 89th, Welch of the 110th, Harrell of the 106th, Meadows of the 5th, and others: A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the dedication of revenues derived from fees or taxes to the public purpose for which such fees or taxes were imposed; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for the redesignation of a current subparagraph of the Constitution; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on WAYS & MEANS
HR 159. By Representatives Dollar of the 45th, Coomer of the 14th, Powell of the 32nd, Golick of the 40th, Jasperse of the 11th, and others: A RESOLUTION proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide that increases in tuition or fees at institutions of the
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University System of Georgia shall not exceed the rate of inflation; to provide for additional authority, limitations, and exceptions; to provide for related matters; to provide for submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.
Referred to the Committee on HIGHER EDUCATION
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