Weekly wrap-up [House] [No. 9 (Mar. 27, 2002)]

GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE ROOM 131, STATE CAPITOL 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
Weekly Wrap-up #9
Back to PIO The House reconvened on Monday, March 25, 2002 at 10:00 am. Tuesday, March 26th was the thirty-third day of the 2002 session. If a bill has not passed at least one of the chambers after this day, it cannot continue in the legislative process. Some fifty House measures were taken up on that day. Lawmakers have also voted to recess Thursday, March 28th, 2002, Friday, March 29th, 2002 and reconvene Monday, April 1, 2002 at 10:00 am. This is intended to allow the Senate to work on the state budget for fiscal year 2003. It is also to save time during the 40 day session in case the General Assembly must redraw district lines. A ruling on Georgia's district maps drawn last August is expected from a Federal Court in Washington in the near future. There are six days remaining in the session.
Former Senator Herman Talmadge - Georgia citizens and members of the General Assembly paid their last respects to Herman Eugene Talmaldge, who died last Thursday at the age of 88. He was a former Governor from 1948 to 1955 and US Senator from 1956 to 1980. He laid in state in the Capitol Rotunda on Monday from 8:00 am to 11:00 am and members of the General Assembly adorned the front steps of the Capitol as his casket was carried out of the building around noon. He was later buried that afternoon in Lovejoy.
Predatory Lending - HB 1361, the "Georgia Fair Lending Act" passed on Tuesday 163 - 4. This is a part of the Governor's Legislative Agenda. It was amended several times on the floor of the House. The adopted version attempts to stop lenders who use high equity loans are often targeted towards the elderly, minorities and those not familiar with borrowing money. The measure is only applicable to high cost loans more than 13 percent, or at least seven points, and requires more information be provided to borrowers before they choose a loan. To view HB 1361 click here
Retired Teachers - On Monday the House passed HB 210, 108 - 2. Trying to help alleviate the teacher shortage in Georgia, HB 210 allows retired teachers to return to the classroom full time with a regular salary and retain full retirement benefits, for up to five years. To qualify, retired teachers must be at least 60 years of age or have put in 30 years of service. Currently, retired teachers who want to go back into the classroom may teach only 49 percent of a full-time schedule. The bill also stipulates that once a retired teacher is back in the classroom no additional retirement credit could be earned and school systems would have to prove that they've tried to find a qualified teacher for that position. No more than 1 percent of a school systems full time teaching force could be retirees. To view HB 210 click here
Improving Indigent Defense - HB 1505 passed Tuesday 159 - 0. The measure requires counties to set aside at least 25 percent of any surpluses they generate from court fees and traffic fines for indigent defense. Of Georgia's 159 counties, 21 have a public defender's office, 63 contract with

attorneys to work part-time on indigent defense, and the rest have a pool of attorneys who take turns representing the indigent for a fixed and low fee. It is estimated the legislation could add up to $60 million to pay for lawyers for poor criminal defendants, as well as needed investigators and other staff. The bill also protects any proceeds from fines that go to employee pension plans and counties would be able to put any leftover revenues in their general funds at the end of the year.
Charter Schools - HB 1200 is a part of the Governor's Legislative Package and passed on Monday 166 - 1. The broad based bill simplifies language in required petitions to form a charter school. It also says that local and state boards shall treat a local charter school "no less favorably" than other public schools.
Tracking Sexual Offenders - HB 1054, which passed on Monday 102 - 3, requires the State Department of Education to notify school systems on convicted sexual offenders moving into their neighborhoods. The bill also stipulates that public and private schools be given more instruction on how to retrieve this information from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's internet website.
Improving Health Care - HB 716 passed on Monday 103 - 0. Under the bill, managed health care plans or physicians who cancel a contract with a network would have to guarantee health care to chronically or terminally ill patients, from the time of the contract's termination, for 60 days. The bill also guarantees Women who are 12 weeks into pregnancy health care from the same physician through six weeks after the baby is born.
Wildlife Violator Compact - HB 1056 was adopted on Monday and adds Georgia to a compact with seventeen other states that tracks poachers and would prevent them from attaining a hunting license if they have had their license taken away somewhere else.
Helping Surviving Military Personnel Spouses - On Monday the House passed HB 1217, 164 - 0. The measure exempts property taxes on homes of surviving spouses of military personnel who have died as a result of war. This does not include spouses who have remarried.
Stopping Littering - HB 1343 passed on Tuesday 158 - 0. The bill makes first time offenses of littering a ''civil penalty'' with fines of $200. Now the first offense is a misdemeanor. The hope is by decriminalizing the first offense, littering citations will be increased because law enforcement officers wouldn't have to appear in court for every incident. Currently, if they issue a littering citation, he or she has to take time away from their regular duties to go to court and testify in the criminal case.
Upgrading Atlanta's Sewer System - On Tuesday the House passed HB 1444 by a vote of 94 25. Under the measure, residents in Fulton and Dekalb Counties could vote to increase sales taxes by 1 percent to pay for sewer upgrades for the city of Atlanta. Also included in the bill is a provision allowing any county in Georgia to add a 1 percent sales tax by voter approval for the funding of capitol outlay projects, specifically, non-profit hospitals.
National Rifle Association Tags - On Tuesday the House passed HB 1295, 150-0. It would

allow for the printing of a special license tag in Georgia supporting the National Rifle Association and bearing the phrase "The Right to Keep and Bear Arms Shall not be Infringed".
Bail Bondsmen - HB 1556, which passed on Tuesday 161-0, requires professional bail bondsmen or bondswomen to undergo a criminal background check in order to qualify to write bonds.
Grits - HB 1297, that passed Tuesday 120 - 22, makes grits the official prepared food of the State of Georgia. To view legislation click here
Other Legislation Passed this Week
Monday, March 25, 2002 - 32nd Day of the Session HB 38, A bill to amend Code Section 47-2-298 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to membership in the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia by employees of county departments of family and children services, so as to provide for creditable service for certain service; to provide for application and the payment of employee contributions; passed 156 - 0. HB 487, A bill to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated so as to change references to the Department of Archives and History to the Division of Archives and History; passed 148 16. HB 547, A bill to amend Code Section 48-5-242 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the waiver of penalties due on unpaid taxes under certain circumstances, so as to provide for the waiver of interest due on unpaid taxes of certain elderly and lower income taxpayers under certain circumstances; passed 101 - 56. HB 1121, A bill to amend Code Section 20-2-55 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to per diem and expenses of members of local boards of education, and Code Section 4518-5, relating to coverage of county officers and employees under the state employees' health insurance plan; to provide expressly that members of local boards of education who are eligible for state employees' insurance, schoolteachers' insurance, or school employees' insurance by reason of some status other than membership on a local board of education may choose such coverage in lieu of coverage as a member of a local board of education; passed 97 - 1. HB 1157, A bill to amend Chapter 34 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the ""Georgia Motor Vehicle Accident Reparations Act,"" so as to provide for the application of the proceeds of an insurance policy to multiple lienholders in the event of a total loss; passed 107 0. HB 1208, A bill to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to provide for salary increases for certain school social workers who are certified as Certified School Social Worker Specialists; to provide for leave for preparing documentation required for certification; to provide for reimbursement of the program participation fee; passed 102 - 5. HB 1215, A bill to amend Chapter 3 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of accountants, so as to delete provisions allowing waiver of education requirements in certain circumstances for certification as a certified public accountant and as a registered public accountant; to delete provisions describing examinations as written or oral; to delete provisions regarding the frequency of examinations; passed 152 - 8.

HB 1244, A bill to amend Code Section 48-5-41 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to property exempted from ad valorem taxation, so as to exempt from taxation certain historic property owned by a nonprofit corporation and used for a medical museum and medical society offices; passed 105 - 0. HB 1280, A bill to amend Code Section 20-2-850 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to sick and personal leave for teachers and other personnel, so as to provide for restoration of certain forfeited sick and personal leave after return to service for two consecutive years; passed 109 - 3. HB 1342, A bill to amend Chapters 3 and 4 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating respectively to postsecondary education and vocational, technical, and adult education, so as to provide that each publisher of a textbook shall provide an electronic format of such textbook; passed 159 - 7. HB 1345, A bill to amend Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to retirement and pensions, so as to provide that each local retirement system shall adopt written guidelines and procedures for the investment of retirement system assets; to provide requirements for such guidelines; to provide for a waiver of the minimum funding standards for local retirement systems in cases of severe hardship; passed 103 - 0. HB 1369, A bill to amend Code Section 33-23-12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to limited licenses, so as to provide a limited license for retail vendors of communications equipment and their employees who sell insurance coverages for the loss, theft, mechanical failure, or malfunction of or damage to communications equipment; passed 96 - 1. HB 1438, A bill to amend Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 5 of Title 3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local malt beverage excise taxes, so as to repeal certain provisions regarding use of excess tax proceeds; passed 166 - 0. HB 1449, A bill to amend Code Section 48-5-18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the time for making tax returns, so as to change the provisions relating to population brackets and the census relative to the time for making tax returns in certain counties; passed 157 - 0. HB 1514, A bill to amend Code Section 45-4-11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to blanket bonds covering two or more political subdivisions, so as to provide for applicability, form, and procedures relative to blanket bonds; passed 166 - 0. HB 1547, A bill to amend Code Section 15-10-23 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to compensation of magistrates, so as to change certain provisions regarding the minimum salary of chief magistrates and other magistrates; passed 163 - 0. HB 1559, A bill to amend Code Section 48-5-45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to homestead exemption applications, so as to change the provisions relating to population brackets and the census relative to the time for making such applications in certain counties; passed 156 - 0. HB 1587, A bill to amend Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to allocation of transportation funds, so as to change certain provisions relating to allocation of state and federal transportation funds and authorization of reduction of funds allocated; to authorize certain waivers of funding allocation requirements; passed 159 - 3. HB 1699, A bill to amend Code Section 27-4-133 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to lawful nets, opening and closing waters, and identification on boats taking shrimp, so as to provide that a certain limitation shall not apply to vessels having a draft of seven feet or less; passed 153 - 0.

HR 567, A resolution urging all state agencies and departments to use turfgrass sod to establish groundcover following road and building construction projects; passed 162 - 0. HR 802, A resolution compensating Barbara A. Daniell; passed 103 - 59. HR 940, A resolution compensating Danny Goodman; passed 133 - 24.
Tuesday, March 26, 2002 - 33rd Day of the Session *Legislation must have passed at least one chamber of the General Assembly by this day. HB 254, A bill to amend Chapter 23 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System, so as to provide for the transfer of contributions from the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia to the Georgia Judicial Retirement System on behalf of state court judges; to provide for the repayment of any employee contributions withdrawn, together with interest thereon; passed 154 - 9. HB 342, A bill to amend Chapter 8 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employment security, so as to provide for an adjustable base period for calculating eligibility to receive unemployment compensation; to provide that certain persons seeking parttime work are not disqualified from receiving benefits by that fact alone; passed 137 - 0. HB 501, A bill to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to sales by certain nonprofit humane societies for animals; passed 134 - 1. HB 552, A bill to amend Code Section 47-2-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, so as to define a certain term; passed 149 - 0. HB 627, A bill to amend Code Section 47-6-42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to an election as to coverage, required coverage under the Georgia Legislative Retirement System, state contributions, and the preservation of rights and privileges, so as to change the date for an election of membership; passed 147 - 1. HB 666, A bill to amend Code Section 47-2-263 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to creditable service in the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia for certain past service as an assistant district attorney or employee of the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council and the payment of employee contributions, so as to provide that such members may obtain creditable service for prior service as a law clerk or legal assistant to a superior court judge; passed 93 - 5. HB 824, A bill to amend Code Section 36-32-6, of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to jurisdiction in marijuana possession cases, so as to authorize prosecution via a summons or citation, without an accusation; passed 137 - 13. HB 828, A bill to amend Chapter 34 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to physicians, so as to provide for the licensing of the practice of orthotics, prosthetics, and pedorthics; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to provide for definitions; to provide for the Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics; passed 105 - 41. HB 917, A bill to amend Chapter 4 of Title 29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to guardians of minors, so as to enact the ""Standby Guardianship Act""; passed 153 - 0. HB 967, A bill to amend Code Section 34-8-35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definition of employment for purposes of unemployment compensation, so as to exempt services performed by an individual who is employed by corporation which such individual wholly owns and which employs no other individuals; passed 147 - 10.

HB 1172, A bill to amend Chapter 7 of Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to parent and child relationship generally, so as to legitimize a child whose parent has established paternity; to provide for a father to legitimate his child by establishing paternity; to limit the issues in a paternity action; to provide for custody of a child during the pendency of a paternity petition; passed 154 - 0. HB 1224, A bill to provide for changes in laws pertaining to child support enforcement and to amend Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to domestic relations, so as to provide for the trier of fact to vary the final sum certain monetary award of child support upon a written finding that special circumstances make the presumptive amount of support excessive or inadequate; to authorize the use of the National Medical Support Notice to enforce medical support provisions of a child support order; passed 157 - 0. HB 1253, A bill to amend Title 11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the ""Uniform Commercial Code,"" so as to enact a new Article 5 relating to letters of credit; to strike former Article 5 in its entirety and replace it with a new article; to define terms; to provide for general matters relating to letters of credit; to provide for the rights of parties to letters of credit; to provide for penalties and remedies; to provide for transfer of letters of credit; to amend Article 9 of said Title 11, relating to secured transactions, so as to change various definitions in various Code sections and to amend a nonuniform provision; passed 153 - 0. HB 1255, A bill to amend Code Section 40-5-24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to instruction permits, graduated licensing and related restrictions, and temporary licenses, so as to change the limitations on operation of vehicles by holders of Class D permits during the initial six month period after receiving such permits; passed 148 - 3. HB 1278, A bill to amend Part 2 of Article 5 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to county boards of tax assessors, so as to change provisions relating to removal of members of such boards; to broaden the grounds for removal so that a member of the board of tax assessors may be removed by the county governing authority for any due cause shown; passed 153 - 1. HB 1279, A bill to amend Code Section 15-9-60 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to costs for judges of the probate courts, Code Section 16-11-129 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to firearms licenses, and Chapter 8 of Title 29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to custody of certain funds by judges of the probate courts, so as to change certain fees for judges of the probate courts; to clarify provisions relating to remitting funds to other agencies, advance cost, notices of claims and claims by creditors against estates of decedents or persons believed to be dead, and fees charged by other agencies for examination of records with regard to applications for firearms licenses; passed 94 - 3. HB 1335, A bill to amend Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration of voters, so as to provide that certain applications for resident hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses shall also serve as applications for voter registration; passed 145 - 12. HB 1337, A bill to amend Article 7 of Chapter 12 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the protection of American Indian human remains and burial objects, so as to provide that the Council on American Indian Concerns may impose a civil penalty under certain circumstances; to provide that the Governor may consult all Indian tribes recognized by general law for recommendations on membership to such council; to change the membership of such council; to provide for additional powers and duties of such council; to amend Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the department of

archives and history, so as to repeal certain duties of such department relating to Indian affairs and the preservation of Indian culture and heritage; passed 161 - 2. HB 1338, A bill to amend Code Section 16-13-49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to forfeiture of certain contraband property, so as to change certain provisions relating to exemptions; passed 146 - 5. HB 1374, A bill to amend Code Section 50-18-72 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to when public disclosure of public records is not required, so as to provide that public disclosure shall not be required for certain records relating to local government employees; passed 153 - 0. HB 1389, A bill to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to regulate low-speed vehicles; to redefine a term; to define a term; to change certain provisions relating to registration of motor vehicles not manufactured to comply with federal emission and safety standards applicable to new motor vehicles; to change certain provisions relating to requirement of compliance with federal safety standards; to provide special uniform rules of the road for low-speed vehicles; passed 167 - 0. HB 1417, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 20 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state personnel administration, so as to redefine the terms ""department"" and ""agency"" as used in such article and thereby change the applicability of said article; to amend Code Section 50-25-5.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the chief information officer of the Georgia Technology Authority, so as to change provisions relating to membership of certain authority personnel in the unclassified service of the merit system; passed 154 - 0. HB 1435, A bill to amend Code Section 21-2-501 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to number of votes required for election, so as to repeal certain provisions regarding municipal candidates in certain cities; passed 149 - 3. HB 1492, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to insurance generally, so as to change certain provisions relating to coverage for equipment and self-management training for individuals with diabetes and enforcement; passed 105 - 46. HB 1493, A bill to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to require the promulgation of rules and regulations to regulate in the public interest contracts and purchases involving the aggregate sum of $5,000.00 or more on behalf of students in public elementary and secondary schools; to provide for the contents of such rules and regulations; to require bidding, award to the lowest bidder, and monitoring of compliance with the contract or bid; passed 152 - 2. HB 1515, A bill to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to the sale or use of liquefied petroleum gas or other fuel used for certain horticultural purposes; passed 144 - 6. HB 1526, A bill to amend Chapter 1 of Title 21 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions regarding elections, so as to provide for the composition and number of congressional districts; passed 97 - 58. HB 1562, A bill to amend Chapter 11 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to abandoned motor vehicles, so as to change the definition of an abandoned motor vehicle to reduce the period of time a motor vehicle is left from five to three days; to reduce the period of time from five to three days when peace officers may have vehicles removed

from public property; passed 138 - 12. HB 1584, A bill to amend Code Section 45-18-10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to a right of continuation of coverage for former employees, payment of premiums, establishment of terms and conditions by board, and appointment as United States attorney, so as to provide that if a former member of the Generally Assembly dies after ceasing to hold office but before he or she begins to receive a retirement benefit, and he or she has continued to participate in the state health plan, his or her surviving spouse and dependent children shall be entitled to continued coverage; passed 99 - 1. HB 1585, A bill to amend Code Section 16-5-100 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cruelty to a person 65 years of age or older, so as to provide for additional acts of harm and better define the exceptions; passed 156 - 0. HB 1590, A bill to amend Part 3 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to educational programs for quality basic education, so as to provide that for the purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C.A. Section 1400, et seq., students enrolled in home study programs shall be provided with the same special education and related services as students enrolled in private schools; passed 148 - 4. HB 1613, A bill to provide for operation of off-road vehicles on certain unpaved highways and insurance, registration, titling, and equipment requirements, related thereto; to amend Code Section 33-34-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to motor vehicle accident reparations, so as to redefine a term; to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to change certain provisions relating to registration and license requirements and penalties; to change certain provisions relating to registration of motor vehicles not manufactured to comply with federal emission and safety standards applicable to new motor vehicles; passed 141 - 16. HB 1616, A bill to amend Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the ""Georgia Surface Mining Act of 1968,"" so as to change the definition of surface mining; to change the provisions relating to borrow pits; passed 154 - 0. HB 1656, A bill to amend Part 2 of Article 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, known as the ""Fair Business Practices Act of 1975,"" so as to provide for a definition; to provide that the failure by a consumer credit counseling agency or any officer, employee, or agent thereof to disclose certain information shall be an unfair and deceptive trade practice and shall be unlawful; passed 145 - 0. HB 1657, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to the elements and formation of contracts generally, so as to provide that certain provisions in a contract providing for binding arbitration or consenting to a legal jurisdiction outside of this state shall be void as against the policy of this state; passed 147 - 12. HB 1669, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 81 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government budgets and audits, so as to change certain provisions relating to grant certification; to provide for definitions; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; passed 136 - 6. HB 1693, A bill to amend Code Section 33-7-11.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to commencement of liability of insurer to pay benefits to third party on behalf of insured, so as to include towing and storage costs in the losses for which an insurer must pay to a third party on behalf of an insured under a motor vehicle or automobile liability insurance policy; passed 140 - 1.

HR 789, A resolution urging the board of regents to adopt a policy allowing paraprofessionals pursuing teaching degrees to substitute their past teaching experience for student teaching otherwise required for a degree; passed 154 - 0. HR 1069, A resolution encouraging the development and application of plasma-arc torch technology for solid waste management in Georgia and urging the cooperation and guidance of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; passed 94 - 3. HR 1287, A resolution authorizing the conveyance of certain state owned real property or real property interest located in Chatham County; passed 156 - 0. HR 1288, A resolution urging support for the national motto of the United States; passed 98 - 0. HR 1372, Joint Study Committee on Economic Development Through the Investment of State Pension Funds into private Equities; passed 136 - 29. HR 1374, A resolution directing the placement of a portrait of Honorable Joe T. Wood, Sr., at the Georgia War Veterans Home in Milledgeville; 153 - 0.
First Uncontested Resolution Calendar: HR 946, Commission on Psychiatric Medication of School-Age Children; HR 1178, Joint Study Committee on the Certification or Licensure of Home Builders and Commercial General Contractors; HR 1296, "J. T. 'Sonny' King Memorial Regional Office" of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation; HR 1320, Blue Star Memorial Highway; designate portion of Covington Highway; passed 143 - 2.
Second Uncontested Resolution Calendar: HR 1222, A resolution designating the ""Ellis Arnall Highway""; HR 1283, A resolution designating the Sonny Dixon Interchange; HR 1319, A resolution designating the ""Ronnie Green Parkway""; HR 1322, A resolution creating the House Arts Education Study Committee; HR 1348, A resolution designating the DeWayne King, USMC, Memorial Bridge and designating U.S. 441 in the unincorporated areas of Coffee County as the Max Lockwood Highway; HR 1373, A resolution commending Henry P. Russell, Jr., and designating the Henry P. Russell, Jr., Parkway; passed 154 - 0.
Third Uncontested Resolution Calendar: HR 986, A resolution creating the House Study Committee on the Development of Sustainable Energy in Georgia; HR 1322, A resolution creating the House Arts Education Study Committee; HR 1327, A resolution designating the Technology Corridor and providing for certain authority and duty of the Department of Transportation; passed 155 - 0.
Wednesday, March 27, 2002 - 34th Day of the Session SB 79, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 9 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insuring and indemnification of public officers and employees, so as to change certain definitions; to change provisions relating to payment of temporary disability compensation to certain public safety employees; to amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated so as to change references to ""fireman"" to ""firefighter"" and references to ""firemen"" to ""firefighters""; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 151 - 0. SB 100, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 47-17-80 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to retirement benefit options, payment to the surviving spouse, the effect of reemployment, the effect of changes in retirement benefits, and payment on the death of

a member under the Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit Fund, so as to provide that the retirement benefits of a member of such fund who retired with at least 30 years of creditable service shall not be affected if such member returns to service as a peace officer; to provide conditions for an effective date and automatic repeal; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 148 - 0. SB 357, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 12-5-180.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the allocation of water and waste-water usage among tenants and charging tenants for usage, so as to provide that the owner of a building who allocates water to tenants may be considered the owner of a public water system; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 141 - 15. SB 364, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 21 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund, so as to change the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Authority to the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Fund Commission; to authorize the commission to disburse trust fund money for operating expenses which shall be kept to a minimum; to provide that no funds shall be disbursed until approved by the Governor; to require the commission to recommend disbursement of funds before the Governor may authorize such disbursement; to provide for related matters, to repeal conflicting laws; passed 150 - 0. SB 394, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Human Resources and its governing board and commissioner, so as to change the composition of the Board of Human Resources; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 135 - 17. To view legislation click here
Georgia House of Representatives Public Information Office