GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE ROOM 131, STATE CAPITOL 30334 404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800 
Weekly Wrap-up #8 
Back to PIO The House of Representatives reconvened Monday, March 24, 2003 at 10:00 am after recessing the past two weeks to work on the state budget. Members have agreed to recess March 31st through April 4th to work on the state spending plan, reconvene April 7th at 10:00 am and work through the rest of the week. They will then be in session April 14th, 15th and 16th, take one day of recess before the 40th day, and finish Sine Die on Friday April 18th. Of course, this is subject to change. Friday was the 31st day of the 40 day session. 
Honoring the Troops - The first order of business Monday was unanimous approval of a privileged resolution honoring those in the armed forces who are currently taking part in the war in Iraq. The resolution expressed support, admiration, and the deepest gratitude of the Georgia House of Representatives for our fighting men and women who are in harm's way. The ladies and gentlemen of the Georgia House of Representatives are united in their hope for a quick end to this conflict, and the safe return of our country's brave service men and women. 
Mid-Year Budget Finalized - On Monday the House agreed to the conference committee report on HB 121, 173 - 3. This is the state's supplemental budget, which is a revised spending plan for the current fiscal year that ends June 30th. The measure makes up a $620 million shortfall with spending cuts and by dipping into state reserves. Included in the $16.1 billion plan is $19 million in state bonds for cost overruns on the construction of phase IV of the Georgia World Congress Center expansion and $300,000 for operating expenses of the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, an agency developing water resource plans for the metro Atlanta area. One of the largest cuts was $30 million from the Greenspace program which sets aside funds to purchase and preserve open spaces of land in Georgia. To go to the House Appropriation Committee click here To go to the Legislative Budget Office click here 
Reimbursing Nursing Homes - HB 526 passed on Wednesday by a vote of 166 - 3. Under the bill, nursing homes would be charged a 6 percent fee. The monies generated would then go to the federal government and used to leverage federal funds. Because the federal match share is greater than the state's required match, the federal money could be used to reimburse providers for their fees, and the leftover cash used to offset budget funding shortfalls for the state's nursing home industry. The 6 percent fee is expected to raise approximately $91 million, which would draw down some $227 million in federal matching funds. The net effects of HB 526 would therefore be an extra $136 million sent back to Georgia's nursing homes. Over 80 percent of nursing homes revenue comes from medicaid and 17 other states use this method to leverage more medicaid dollars. 
 
 Credit History - On Monday the House passed HB 215 by a vote of 166 - 4. The measure changes rules for insurance companies using credit history reports when deciding coverage rates. Under the bill insurers would be banned from using credit history as the only method for denying, canceling, or refusing to renew insurance coverage. The legislation also would not allow companies to use credit reports which are greater than six months old, or reports which are in dispute by the consumer. 
National Guard Tax Exemption - HB 383, which passed on Tuesday 175 - 0, provides that military income received by a member of the national guard or any reserve component of the armed services of the United States stationed in a combat zone as a result of military orders does not have to pay state income tax. Georgia currently has approximately 12,000 reservists and guard personnel, and around 6,400 have been mobilized for the war in Iraq. HB 383 is expected to cost the state between $2.4 million and $4.8 million. 
Sheriff's Owning Certain Businesses - HB 415 passed on Tuesday 169 - 1 and prevents a sheriff from owning a private detective agency, a bail-bonding business or a towing company in their home county because they are to closely tied to the duties of the office. 
Expanding Hope Scholarships  HB 341 passed on Tuesday 171 - 0. Under the bill, Hope Scholarship benefits would be extended to students who attend private colleges and universities on a part-time basis. Georgia currently funds full-time students at private schools, and both full land part-time students at public schools. 
Daimler-Chrysler Tax Credit - HB 422, which passed Wednesday 172 - 0 is vital legislation in connection with the new Daimler-Chrysler assembly plant being built near Savannah. HB 422, which is a part of the Governor's legislative package, grants the corporation a tax break of $5,250 for each job it brings to Georgia if they invest at least $450 million and create at least 1,800 full time jobs by the sixth taxable year. Savings for the company could amount to $17 million a year and it would apply to a maximum of 3,300 jobs. 
Corporate Relocation Tax Credit - HB 492, that passed on Thursday 166 - 0 and is a part of the Governor's legislative package, provides a tax credit of at least $2,500 per employee for companies whose headquarters facilities employ at least 50 people full time. Currently the required minimum for the tax break is 100 jobs. Estimates show that if 12 companies move their headquarters to Georgia because of HB 492 the tax break for them could be worth $1 million to $3 million per year. 
Internet Child Pornography - On Thursday the House passed HB 462, 111 - 0. The measure creates a new crime of "obscene internet contact". This offense would be contact with children under 16 years of age via a computer internet service - including, but not limited to e-mails, chat rooms, internet bulletin boards and other on-line message services, when the contact involves the exchange of information intended to arouse or satisfy the sexual desire of either the child or the adult. Those guilty would be charged with a felony punishable by a fine up to $10,000. Morphing, which is blending photographs of adults with those depicting a child's body to skirt pornography laws, was also banned under this proposal. Violators could face up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. 
 
 Day Care Liability -HB 433 passed on Thursday by a vote of 153 - 9 requires all day care facilities to carry liability insurance of up to $100,000 if they want to be licensed by the state. 
State Voice Mail - HB 627, which passed Thursday 133 - 29, requires state agencies with at least five employees to provide callers a way to reach a live attendant and not limit them to voice mail. The measure only applies during normal business hours. 
State Licensing Boards - On Thursday the House passed HB 597, 163 - 1. Under the bill, the 28 professional licensing boards under the Secretary of State's Office with members of 6 or more would lose the longest serving member after their term is up. Intentions are to save the state money during the current economic times. 
Inmates Cleaning up Graffiti - HB 144 passed on Friday, 157 - 7 and allows local and state governments to use inmate labor to clean up graffiti on public or private property. The measure also states that a fee could not be charged for the clean up. 
Cosmetic Tattoos - HB 183 passed on Thursday 166 - 3 and allows doctors' assistants to give tattoos within an inch of the eye socket as long as they are under a doctor's supervision. Currently, only doctors can perform such procedures. 
Drug Trafficking  HB 196, which passed on Friday 139 - 13, reduces the quantity of marijuana needed for a trafficking prosecution from 50 lbs to 10 lbs. 
Warning about Meningitis - HB 521, which passed Friday 154 - 1, requires new students after they have completed college registration to sign a warning affidavit about meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of spinal cord fluid and the fluid surrounding the brain that can be caused by bacteria or by a virus. 
Boat Restrictions on Lake Oconee - HB 444 passed on Thursday 154 - 6 and bans boats longer than 30 feet on Lake Oconee. To view legislation click here 
Other Legislation Passed this Week Monday, March 24, 2003 - 27th Day of the Session 
HB 90, A bill to amend Code Section 15-2-8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the powers of the Supreme Court generally, so as to provide for submission of each state bar applicant's fingerprints for a national check for criminal convictions; passed 172 - 0. HB 544, A bill to amend Code Section 48-7-103 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to quarterly, monthly, and jeopardy returns, so as to increase the threshold for filing monthly returns; passed 166 - 0. HB 550, A bill to amend Part 1 of Article 3 of Chapter 5 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general authority, duties, and procedure regarding state purchasing, so as to provide for multiyear lease, purchase, or lease purchase contracts with respect to benefits based funding projects; passed 172 - 0. 
 
 HB 551, A bill to amend Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to postsecondary scholarships, loans, and grants, so as to change certain provisions regarding the Georgia Student Finance Commission and the Georgia Student Finance Authority; to change certain provisions regarding the board of commissioners of the commission; to change certain provisions regarding the board of directors of the authority; passed 150 - 20. Uncontested Resolution Calendar - HR 88, A resolution designating the Jim Gillis-Historic Savannah Parkway; HR 104, A resolution recognizing and commending Honorable Jack Connell and designating the Jack Connell Parkway; HR 129, A resolution designating the Shelton Isaiah DeLoach Memorial Bridge; HR 131, A resolution designating SR 196 in Long County as Albert Shelton Swindell Memorial Highway; passed 156 - 2. Tuesday, March 25, 2003 - 28th Day of the Session 
HB 236, A bill to amend Code Section 16-14-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions, so as to include insurance fraud within the definition of racketeering activity under the "Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act"; passed 161 - 7. HB 339, A bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 8 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state-wide probation system, so as to change certain provisions relating to confidentiality of papers, exemption from subpoena, and declassification; passed 161 - 10. HB 352, A bill to amend Code Section 43-1-19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to grounds for refusing to grant or revoking licenses, so as to provide that complainants shall be notified of the status and disposition of complaints filed against licensees of professional licensing boards; passed 168 - 0. HB 447, A bill 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 applications of minors for drivers' licenses and distinctive license for persons under age 21; to change certain provisions relating to when courts are to send licenses and reports of convictions to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety; to amend Code Section 42-8-112 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to proof of compliance required for reinstatement of certain drivers' licenses and for obtaining probationary licenses and reporting requirements; to amend Chapter 13 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to instructors in driver training and operators of driver training schools; passed 170 - 0. HB 638, A bill to amend Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to employees' insurance and benefits plans, so as to include employees of public or nonprofit critical access hospitals in certain state benefits plans; passed 169 - 0. HR 90, A resolution commending the Military Veterans of Banks County and designating the Veterans Memorial Highway; passed 170 - 0. 
Wednesday, March 26, 2003 - 29th Day of the Session HB 147, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to authorize the Board of Community Health to contract with any agricultural commodity commission created pursuant to Chapter 8 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to provide for the inclusion in such plan of any such commission's employees and retiring employees and their spouses and dependents; passed 173 - 0. 
 
 HB 217, A bill to amend Part 4 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicle horns, exhaust systems, mirrors, windshields, tires, safety belts, and energy absorption systems, so as to require the use of certain child passenger restraints in motor vehicles; to change certain provisions relating to safety belts required as equipment and safety restraints for children four years of age or younger; passed 153 - 7. HB 385, A bill to amend Chapter 5 of Title 18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to debt adjustment, so as to limit the maximum charge that may be imposed for the provision of debt adjustment services; to provide for exemptions from those provisions related to debt adjustment; to require persons engaged in the business of debt adjustment to obtain an annual audit of all accounts and to maintain a certain amount and type of insurance coverage; to provide for the disbursement of a debtor's funds within 30 days of receipt; passed 168 - 2. HB 502, A bill to amend Code Section 15-11-18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to creation of juvenile courts and provisions relative to juvenile court judges, so as to provide for salary adjustments for full- time and part-time juvenile court judges who are paid with state funds; passed 158 - 0. HB 504, A bill to amend Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation, so as to change certain provisions regarding definitions; to change certain provisions regarding exemptions with respect to motor fuels; to change certain provisions regarding dealers' sales and use tax returns; to provide for prepayment of certain taxes with respect to motor fuels; passed 173 - 0. HB 517, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, "The Retail Installment and Home Solicitation Sales Act," so as to change provisions relating to late fees and dishonor fees which may be charged in retail installment contracts and revolving accounts; passed 167 - 1. HB 596, A bill to amend Part 6 of Article 7 of Chapter 3 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Oconee River Greenway Authority, so as to change certain provisions relating to definitions; to change certain provisions relating to creation, membership, compensation, qualifications, accountabilities, and assignment of the authority; passed 139 - 0. HR 266, A resolution ratifying the change of regional development center boundaries established by the Board of Community Affairs; passed 169 - 0. 
Thursday, March 27, 2003 - 30th Day of the Session 
HB 290, A bill to amend Code Section 48-5-7.4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to current use assessment for ad valorem taxation of bona fide conservation use property, so as to include undeveloped riverside or streamside lands within buffer zones established by law or local ordinance as eligible for such assessment; passed 100 - 0. HB 320, 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 153 - 10. HB 371, A bill to amend Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to equipment and inspection of motor vehicles, so as to provide for certain child passenger restraining systems related to a child's age, weight, and height; passed 172 - 0. 
 
 HB 372, A bill to amend Article 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to county and municipal hospital authorities, so as to provide for financial assistance to students, postgraduate trainees, or the parents of such for programs of study in fields in which critical personnel shortages exist in the authority's service area; passed 169 - 1. HB 397, A bill to amend Part 3 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to carrying and possession of firearms, so as to provide an affirmative defense for the unauthorized possession of firearms or other deadly weapons at public gatherings; to amend Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to transportation passenger safety, so as to provide for exceptions to certain prohibitions; passed 163 - 1. HB 468, A bill to amend Code Section 48-7-120 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to failure to pay estimated income tax, so as to change the method of calculating underpayment amounts; passed 169 - 0. HB 469, A bill to amend Code Section 48-2-35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to tax refunds, so as to increase the period of time during which certain income tax refunds may be claimed; passed 168 - 1. HB 479, A bill to amend Chapter 15 of Title 19 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to child abuse, so as to change provisions relating to the county multiagency child fatality review committee and chairperson thereof; to change provisions relating to the membership and powers of the Georgia Child Fatality Panel; passed 149 - 6. HB 506, A bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 2 of Title 8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to factory built structures, so as to provide for record ownership of manufactured homes and mobile homes and their status as personal or real property; to provide how such homes may be converted from personal property to real property and vice versa; to provide for filings with the commissioner of motor vehicle safety and the clerk of superior court and the practice and procedure in connection with such filings; to provide for related matters; to repeal Code Section 40-3-31.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to replacement certificates of title for mobile homes; passed 145 - 1. HB 527, A bill to amend Article 10 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the ad valorem taxation of motor vehicles and mobile homes, so as to provide that farm equipment held in inventory for resale shall be exempt from taxation; passed 173 - 0. HB 561, 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 a definition; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; passed 161 - 0. HB 621, A bill to amend Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state government, so as to change certain provisions regarding the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority; to change certain provisions regarding authorized investments; passed 170 - 0. HB 697, A bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 20A of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to patient's right to independent review, so as to include state employees in the definition of eligible enrollee to allow for the right to independent review of a medical decision; passed 168 - 0. HR 92, A resolution compensating Ms. Mavis Blackstock; passed 158 - 7. 
 
 Friday, March 28, 2003 - 31st Day of the Session HB 94, 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," so as to prohibit the sale or lease of a motor vehicle conditioned upon financing approval except under certain conditions; to define the term "spot delivery"; to provide for a criminal penalty; passed 148 - 8. HB 95, A bill to amend Part 14 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to other educational programs, so as to provide a cause of action against certain persons in favor of certain colleges and universities and student athletes for violations of college athletic recruitment rules and regulations; to provide for damages, costs, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief; to provide for certain required disclosures for all studentathletes in high schools in this state; passed 144 - 7. HB 164, A bill to amend Code Section 15-2-9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to answers to questions certified by federal appellate courts to the Georgia Supreme Court, so as to provide that the Supreme Court of this state may answer any question of law certified to it from any federal appellate or district court; to provide for related matters; to provide that the effectiveness of this Act shall be conditioned upon the approval by the voters of a certain constitutional amendment; passed 163 - 0. HB 255, A bill to amend Code Section 15-6-77 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to superior court fees and construction of other fee provisions, so as to provide that interpreters are provided to petitioners in temporary protective order hearings; passed 155 - 7. HB 503, A bill to amend Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions of the State Road and Tollway Authority, so as to provide for an exemption from a toll for access to a causeway on to a barrier island for certain motor vehicle owners who are residents of the county in which the causeway is located; passed 160 - 0. HB 509, A bill to amend Chapter 7 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of soil erosion and sedimentation, so as to change certain provisions relating to adoption of comprehensive ordinances related to land-disturbing activities and delegation of responsibility to planning and zoning commissions; passed 164 - 2. HB 537, A bill to amend Code Section 33-1-18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to housing tax credits with respect to certain qualified projects, so as to change certain provisions regarding credit amounts; passed 167 - 0. HB 556, A bill to amend Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation, so as to provide for additional administrative powers, duties, and authorities of the state revenue commissioner; to provide for dissemination of certain information regarding tax executions; to provide for additional fees with respect to collection of tax liabilities; passed 153 4. HB 579, A bill to amend Code Section 2-6-27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to additional duties and powers of the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission, so as to provide for certain powers and duties related to water resources; to amend Chapter 5 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to water resources, so as to provide for programs for measuring certain farm uses of water; passed 157 - 3. HB 595, A bill to amend Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, so as to provide a short title; to provide a statement of constitutional authority and intent; to define certain terms; to create in each county a public safety and judicial facilities authority; passed 158 - 3. 
 
 HB 626, A bill to amend Part 2 of Article 10 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to ad valorem taxation of motor vehicles so as to provide for an exemption from such taxation with respect to certain motor vehicles owned or leased by veterans organizations; passed 163 - 0. HB 680, A bill to amend Article 4A of Chapter 1 of Title 7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cashing checks, drafts, or money orders for consideration, so as to change the exemption requirement for licensure for certain businesses that are engaged in check cashing; passed 151 - 1. HR 68, A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide that the Supreme Court shall have jurisdiction over questions of law from any state appellate or federal district or appellate court; passed 162 - 0. HR 257, A resolution designating a portion of SR 247 as the Robert Ray Parkway; passed 139 3. To view legislation click here 
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