2007 session highlights

Jill C. Fike Director
Brian Scott Johnson Deputy Director

Senate Research Office
204 Paul D. Coverdell Legislative Office Building 18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, Georgia 30334

Telephone 404.656.0015
Fax 404.657.0929

2007 SESSION HIGHLIGHTS

This document is a report of selected legislation passed by the 2007 Georgia General Assembly, and is intended to provide a general overview only. This document contains summaries of selected legislation, an index of passed legislation, and an index of vetoed legislation. If further detail on legislation is needed, please contact the Senate Research Office.
The following issues are found on the corresponding page numbers:

APPROPRIATIONS AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION AND YOUTH ETHICS FINANCE HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES HIGHER EDUCATION INSURANCE AND LABOR JUDICIARY NATURAL RESOURCES PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY REGULATED INDUSTRIES AND UTILITIES RETIREMENT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SPECIAL JUDICIARY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS STATE INSTITUTIONS AND PROPERTY TRANSPORTATION INDEX OF PASSED LEGISLATION INDEX OF VETOED LEGISLATION

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Prepared by the Senate Research Office June 15, 2007

APPROPRIATIONS

HOUSE BILL 94 HOUSE BILL 95

SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS: FISCAL YEAR 2007 GENERAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT: FISCAL YEAR 2008

The Senate Budget and Evaluation Office will provide information regarding the 2008 Fiscal Year Budget and the 2007 Amended Budget.

HOUSE RESOLUTION 102

COMPENSATION FOR MR. ROBERT CLARK

This resolution authorizes and directs the Department of Administrative Services to pay the sum of $1.2 million to Mr. Robert Clark for his loss of liberty, personal injury, lost wages, injury to reputation, emotional distress, and other damages as a result of being incarcerated more than 23 years for crimes for which he was exonerated by DNA evidence.

AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

SENATE BILL 165

AGRICULTURAL COMMODITY COMMISSIONS

This bill ratifies the following Agricultural Commodity Commissions, which were formed after enactment of the Georgia Agricultural Commodities Production Act of 1961: Soybeans, Canola, Pecans, Corn, and Vegetables.

Prior to April 30, 2009, and every three years thereafter, balloting will be conducted in accordance with current law governing marketing orders to determine whether such Commissions will continue to exist and operate.

HOUSE BILL 122

EQUINE FEED LABELING REQUIRMENTS

Current law requires commercial feed, other than a customer-formula feed, to be accompanied by a label bearing the common or usual name of each ingredient used in the manufacture of such feed. This legislation requires that ingredients for all commercial feed be listed in descending order of predominance by weight.

Furthermore, the Commissioner of Agriculture is prohibited from exempting or permitting the use of a collective term for a group of ingredients used in the manufacture of equine feed. Current law which allows such an exemption or use, by regulation, remains unchanged as it relates to other commercial feed.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HOUSE BILL 383

GEORGIA CONDOMINIUM ACT

This bill amends the Georgia Condominium Act to allow for the creation of master condominium and subcondominium associations. It defines master association, master condominium, subassociation, subcondominium, and subunit.

Additionally, the bill delineates the authority of subassociations created for subcondominiums and subunits; assessments of the master association against a subassociation; the ability of a subunit owner to remove liens from his or her subunit; and the rights of the subassociation in the foreclosure of such liens.

EDUCATION AND YOUTH

SENATE BILL 10

GEORGIA SPECIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIP

The Department of Education is authorized to administer the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship for students with disabilities who attend public schools in Georgia. The purpose of the scholarship program is to tailor a student's education to that student's specific needs and enable families to make independent private choices to direct their

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resources to appropriate schools. The legislation allows the parents of students with disabilities to apply for scholarships for their child to attend participating schools.

SENATE BILL 39

CHARTER SYSTEMS ACT

The Charter Systems Act authorizes the State Board of Education to enter into a charter with a local board of education to establish a local school system as a charter system. Essentially, the Act will allow a local school system to operate under the regulations of a charter, wherein every school within the approved charter system will be a system charter school, except as otherwise provided.

SENATE BILL 72

SCHOOL COUNCILS; SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGERS;
ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION

This bill provides that a majority of school council members must be composed of parents or guardians of students enrolled in the school, with at least two being businesspersons. The chairperson of the school council must be a parent member. Local boards of education will be authorized to employ school administrative managers, in lieu of or in addition to assistant principals, and to determine their qualifications. The school administrative manager must, at a minimum, possess a bachelor's degree; however, he or she will not be required to be certified by the Professional Standards Commission. A school administrative manager will oversee and manage the financial and business affairs of the school and will report directly to the principal. In addition, local school systems may provide an alternative teacher certification program for secondary school teachers who will teach a core or non-core academic subject.

ETHICS

SENATE BILL 40

PENALTIES FOR ELECTION-RELATED OFFENSES

This bill increases the penalties for several election-related offenses. The following offenses would be felonies with possible punishments of one to ten years of imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $100,000: false registration; fraudulent entries; interference with primaries and elections generally; intimidation of electors; influencing an elector while assisting; voting by unqualified elector or giving false information; repeat voting in the same primary or election; absentee voting by an unqualified elector; and frauds by poll workers. Upon enactment of this bill, previous misdemeanor offenses of entry into a voting compartment or booth while another is voting; interfering with an elector; inducing an elector to reveal or revealing an elector's vote; and poll workers permitting unregistered or unqualified persons to vote will become felony offenses punishable by fines of up to $10,000 and/or one to ten years of imprisonment. This bill also adds a specific penalty for violations of subsection (b) of O.C.G.A. 21-2385, related to rendering assistance to an elector in preparing an absentee ballot. Persons who willfully violate this subsection would be guilty of a felony punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and/or one to ten years of imprisonment.

SENATE BILL 194

ABSENTEE BALLOTS/ PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARIES

This bill revises Georgia law on absentee ballots. Among the changes, it requires election officials to compare the signature on the ballot's oath with the absentee elector's voter registration card signature and would allow for the absentee ballot tabulation process to begin upon the opening of the polls on Election Day. It also provides that poll workers participating in the tabulation be sequestered during this process. Although typically absentee ballots come sealed in an outer envelope and an inner envelope, those sealed only in an outer envelope will also be counted. Additionally, the bill revises the process for the cancellation of an absentee ballot.

Moreover, this legislation provides for an earlier date for Georgia's presidential preference primary. Currently, this primary is on the first Tuesday in March. Under this bill, the next such primary would be held on February 5, 2008, and would thereafter be held every four years on the first Tuesday in February. Additionally, the date by which the state and county party executive committees are to certify the names of candidates
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for delegates to the presidential nominating convention could be no later than November 1 of the year preceding the year of the presidential preference primary. Currently, the deadline is December 31. Likewise, the state executive committee of each party must submit to the Secretary of State a list of names of the candidates to appear on the presidential preference primary ballot by November 1 of the year preceding the year of the primary (up from December 31), and the Secretary of State must publish these lists in a newspaper of general circulation by the first week of December in the year preceding the primary (up from the first week of January in the year of the primary).

FINANCE

SENATE BILL 184

DEDUCTIBLE BUSINESS EXPENSES: AUTHORIZED EMPLOYEES

This bill prohibits payments of more than $600 annually to employees which may be claimed as a deductable business expense on state income tax unless that employee is duly authorized. This will not apply to individuals who present to an employer a valid drivers license or identification card issued by the State of Georgia; moreover, this will not apply to employers who participate in the federal electronic verification pilot program authorized under the Illegal Immigrant Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 as operated by the Department of Homeland Security. This applies to individuals hired after January 1, 2008.

Further, this bill exempts military or National Guard income from state income taxation if such persons are protecting the borders of the United States.

HOUSE BILL 128

SALES TAX HOLIDAY FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES AND ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES

This bill authorizes a sales tax exemption for school-related supplies during the first weekend in August 2007, and for energy efficient products during the first weekend in October 2007.

HOUSE BILL 186 SALES TAX EXEMPTION: ALTERNATIVE FUELS FACILITIES

This bill authorizes a temporary sales tax exemption for goods utilized in the construction of alternative fuel facilities such as ethanol, biodiesel, and butanol. This exemption does not apply to goods purchased after production of the fuel has begun. This exemption sunsets on June 30, 2012.

HOUSE BILL 193

DELTA ASSISTANCE

This bill authorizes a sales tax exemption for jet fuel purchased by qualifying airlines after $15 million in state sales tax has been paid by the airline only at a qualifying airport with at least 750,000 annual takeoffs and landings. The exemption sunsets on July 1, 2009.

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

SENATE BILL 60

GEORGIA TRAUMA COMMISSION GEORGIA TRAUMA TRUST FUND

The lack of a quality trauma care system in Georgia is an issue the legislature continues to confront. Current data suggests that only 30 percent of major traumatic injuries in Georgia are treated in designated trauma centers. Consequently, Georgia's traumarelated death rate is 20 percent higher than the national average, and the state is experiencing a trauma care crisis.

In an effort to address this crisis, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 60, which establishes the Georgia Trauma Commission (Commission), and the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund (GTTF). The Commission will study the provision of trauma care in Georgia, establish a statewide trauma network, develop a trauma transportation system to
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provide immediate transport for trauma victims where other options are not available, develop and administer a compensation system for providers of uncompensated trauma care, facilitate trauma education and prevention, and act as the accountability mechanism for the entire Georgia trauma system.

The Commission will apply for, receive, and administer state and federal funds, grants, and donations, and will distribute such funds to cover uncompensated physician and EMS trauma services; uncompensated costs of trauma care centers; trauma care readiness costs; and start-up costs for providers who are seeking trauma care designation. The executive director of the Commission will serve as the trustee of the GTTF and may expend funds deposited into the GTTF with the approval of the Commission.

SENATE BILL 102

CHIROPRACTORS' SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Senate Bill 102 makes grammatical changes to current law regarding the scope of chiropractic practice. Current law states that chiropractors may adjust patients according to chiropractic methods. This legislation specifies that chiropractors can evaluate, diagnose, and adjust patients in order to correct spinal subluxations or to adjust articulations of the human body.

Additionally, chiropractors may use therapeutic procedures and modalities that attempt to improve function of the human body. Modalities include any physical agent applied to produce therapeutic change to tissue, including thermal, acoustic, noninvasive light; mechanical or electric energy; hot or cold packs; and electrical stimulation. Chiropractors may also utilize and recommend therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, massage, structural supports, and nutritional and dietary supplements, provided that chiropractors will be held to the same standard of care as licensed physicians performing similar acts.

Finally, this bill increases the maximum fine for practicing chiropractics without a license from $1,000 to $5,000.

HOUSE BILL 147

ULTRASOUND PRIOR TO ABORTION

House Bill 147 amends the Woman's Right to Know Act to require that women who are seeking an abortion be offered an opportunity to undergo an ultrasound if the imaging is available and given the chance to view the ultrasound image and listen to the fetal heartbeat.

As part of the informed consent process to an abortion, at least 24 hours before the procedure, a woman must be given a geographically-arranged list of clinics that perform ultrasounds free of charge. In all cases in which an ultrasound is performed prior to an abortion, a woman must be offered the opportunity to view the ultrasound image and listen to the fetal heartbeat. If an ultrasound is performed, the woman must certify in writing (prior to the abortion) that she was given the opportunity to view the image and listen to the heartbeat and whether or not she chose to do so. The physician performing the abortion (or his or her agent) must receive a copy of the written certifications, and they must be kept on file with the woman's medical record for at least three years.

Physicians who do not comply with this legislation are subject to being reported to the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners for disciplinary action.

HOUSE BILL 429

HIV PREGNANCY SCREENING

House Bill 429 establishes the Georgia HIV Pregnancy Screening Act of 2007. It requires every physician who provides prenatal care to pregnant women to test such women for HIV, either during the pregnancy or at the time of delivery through a blood sample or rapid oral test, unless a woman specifically refuses the test. A woman must be informed of the test to be conducted and her right to refuse such testing. If she tests positive, counseling services provided by the Department of Human Resources must be made available to her and she must be referred to the appropriate medical care provider. Failure to conduct such HIV testing must be recorded on a woman's medical records; if she refuses to have the test, the physician is relieved from any responsibility under this legislation.
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Additionally, this bill modifies language regarding state health planning by rendering the Health Strategies Council more advisory in nature. The Council will review, comment, and make recommendations to the Board of Community Health on components of the state health plan.

HIGHER EDUCATION
HOUSE BILL 131 GEORGIA HERO SCHOLARSHIP FOR SURVIVING SPOUSES
This bill allows a surviving spouse of a deceased member of the Georgia National Guard or a reserve component of the armed forces to apply for the Georgia HERO Scholarship. The surviving spouse will be eligible for a grant of $2,000 per award year for up to four years. Applications for the initial grant must be made before July 1, 2009, or not later than two years following the death of the spouse, whichever is later.

INSURANCE AND LABOR

SENATE BILL 96

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM ADDITIONAL TESTING OPTIONS

Currently, under the Drug-Free Workplace Program, employers who are certified by the State Board of Workers' Compensation as having a drug-free workplace are entitled to a 7.5 percent discount on their workers' compensation premiums. This legislation expands the drug testing options by allowing urinalysis conducted by laboratories, testing at the employer worksite with on-site testing kits, or the use of oral testing to be conducted under the Drug-Free Workplace Program.

HOUSE BILL 424

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

This bill amends several provisions of the workers' compensation program. Significant changes include the following:

Farm Laborers and Workers' Compensation This bill amends the Workers' Compensation Act by defining farm laborers to mean any person employed by an employer in connection with the raising and feeding of and caring for wildlife. By establishing this new definition, the employers of such professions will not be required to provide such employees workers' compensation insurance.

Workers' Compensation Claims: Hearings and Dismissals For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2007, any claim filed with the board for which neither medical nor income benefits have been paid will stand dismissed if no hearing has been held within five years of the alleged date of injury. This provision does not apply to a claim for an occupational disease.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits and Temporary Partial Disability Benefits This bill increases the weekly temporary total disability benefits that the employer must pay to the employee. The maximum benefit increases from $450.00 to $500.00 and the minimum increases from $45.00 to $50.00. However, if a weekly wage is below $50.00, then the employer will pay a weekly benefit equal to the average weekly wage. This legislation also increases the maximum weekly temporary partial disability benefit that the employer must pay to the employee from $300.00 to $334.00.

HOUSE BILL 443

UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

The unemployment insurance (UI) program pays temporary cash benefits to workers who have lost jobs through no fault of their own. The UI system is administered as a federal-state partnership. To finance the program, the states levy and collect payroll taxes from employers, and the funds collected are managed in a trust fund administered by the federal government. The UI system operates counter-cyclically, paying out benefits during recessionary times and collecting revenue during recovery periods. Employers pay the premiums for the UI program through federal and state payroll taxes that are assessed on employers but based on employees' earnings.

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Suspension of the Statewide Reserve Ratio Surcharge In addition to such payroll taxes, solvency taxes are assessed on employers when the balance in a state's unemployment fund falls below a specified level. Georgia's solvency tax is commonly referred to as the Statewide Reserve Ratio surcharge. Current law has suspended this surcharge through December 31, 2007. However, in the event the Statewide Reserve Ratio is less than 1.25 percent, the Commissioner of Labor has the option to impose an increase in the overall rate of up to 35 percent, as of the computation date, for each employer whose rate is computed under a rate table in O.C.G.A. 34-8-155.1 This legislation extends the suspension of the Statewide Reserve Ratio surcharge through December 31, 2009 as long as the ratio remains at or above 1.25 percent.
Increase of Weekly Employment Security Benefits This bill provides that the weekly benefit amount of an individual's claim will be determined by dividing the two highest quarters of wages paid in the base period by 42. Current law divides the two highest quarters by 44. This section also provides that, in the event that an alternative computation is necessary, the weekly benefit amount will be determined by dividing the highest single quarter of base period wages paid by 21. Current law divides the highest quarter by 22.
Minimum and Maximum Benefits Beginning July 1, 2007, the minimum weekly employment security benefit will be increased from $42.00 to $44.00. Beginning July 1, 2008, the maximum weekly benefit amount will increase from $320.00 to $330.00.

JUDICIARY

SENATE BILL 182

ASBESTOS AND SILICA LITIGATION REFORM

The purposes of this bill are to: give priority to plaintiffs who demonstrate actual physical harm or illness caused by asbestos or silica; preserve the rights of future plaintiffs to pursue claims for damages if they become sick in the future due to exposure; enhance the ability of the courts to supervise and control asbestos/silica litigation; and conserve resources to allow for the compensation of plaintiffs who have become ill as a result of asbestos/silica exposure while also protecting the right to similar compensation for plaintiffs in the future.

The statute of limitations for asbestos and silica claims accruing after May 1, 2007 will not begin to run until the plaintiff obtains, or should have obtained, prima facie evidence of physical impairment. Asbestos or silica claims pending as of May 1, 2007 will be dismissed within 180 days of that date, without prejudice, unless all parties stipulate at least 60 days before trial begins that the plaintiff has established prima facie evidence of physical impairment, OR the trial court orders that the plaintiff has established such evidence. For asbestos or silica claims filed on or after May 1, 2007, the plaintiff must include a medical report with the complaint, along with accompanying documentation with the medical findings necessary to establish prima facie evidence of physical impairment.

This bill does NOT allow class action lawsuits in asbestos or silica cases. All asbestos and silica claims must be individually filed in separate civil actions, except where claims relating to exposure for the same exposed person may be joined in a single action. Civil actions alleging asbestos or silica injuries or diseases may only be brought in a Georgia court if the plaintiff is a Georgia resident at the time of filing the action or if the claimed exposure to asbestos or silica occurred in Georgia. However, a claim pending from a non-Georgia resident filed before April 12, 2005 will not be dismissed based on residency, if the non-resident can establish prima facie evidence of physical impairment.

Cumulative successor asbestos related liabilities of a corporation are limited to the fair market value of the total gross assets of the transferor determined at the time of the merger or consolidation. The corporation will not have any responsibility for successor asbestos liabilities exceeding this limitation.
1The Statewide Reserve Ratio is computed on June 30 of each year by dividing the balance in the trust fund, including accrued interest, by the total covered wages paid in the state during the previous calendar year.
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HOUSE BILL 24

GEORGIA ADVANCE DIRECTIVE FOR HEALTH CARE ACT

This statute contains an easy-to-use form dealing with end of life issues. Any person of sound mind who is emancipated or over age 18 may execute a document that allows the withholding of life-sustaining procedures or provision of nourishment or hydration, and/or appoints a health care agent. Designated health care agents do not have the authority to make health care decisions that are different from or contrary to the individual's decisions as long as the individual is able to understand the nature of the health care procedure being consented to or refused, and agents are under no duty to exercise granted powers, or assume control of or responsibility for health care decisions.

The statute provides immunity to health care providers, facilities, and any person who acts in good faith reliance on a decision made by a health care agent. An individual cannot be required by any physician, health care facility or provider, or health care service plan, disability insurer, self-insured employee welfare benefit plan or nonprofit hospital service plan, to execute an advance directive for health care as a condition for being insured or for receiving health care services. This law should not be construed to authorize mercy killing or to permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life, other than to permit the process of dying.

HOUSE BILL 369

GEORGIA SHARED PARENTING BILL

The Georgia Shared Parenting Bill calls for minor children to have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of their children, and to encourage parents to share the responsibility of raising their children after separation or divorce. The law will provide for direct appeal to the Georgia Court of Appeals or the Georgia Supreme Court for all judgments or orders in divorce, alimony, child custody and other domestic relations cases, including holding or declining to hold a party in contempt. This statute will require parents to submit a parenting plan to the court for permanent custody and modification actions, and in additional circumstances based on the judge's discretion. The shared parenting plan will help parents make joint decisions related to the child's education, health, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing. If the parties cannot agree on a permanent parenting plan, each party will file and serve a proposed parenting plan by a certain date set by the judge, who will determine which plan is in the best interests of the child. There will be no presumption in favor of legal or physical custody for either parent. The judge may grant sole custody, joint custody, joint legal custody, or joint physical custody as appropriate to the circumstances. Custody matters will not be decided by a jury.

NATURAL RESOURCES

SENATE BILL 157

E-85 INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT PROGRAM

This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to establish a grant program to fund the costs of E-85 projects. The term "E-85 project" is defined as the installing, replacing, or converting of motor fuel storage and dispensing equipment at sites where motor fuel is stored and dispensed for retail such that the equipment will be used exclusively for storing and dispensing E-85 gasoline for retail sales for a period of not less than five consecutive years.

The Department is also required to contract with the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) to implement, administer, and disperse grant money, as well as implement and administer such a program subject to the following minimum criteria:
Each grant applicant must submit a project plan that will be subject to approval by GEFA;
A grant for any approved project will not exceed 33 1/3 percent, or $20,000, whichever is less, and the applicant will be required to pay for the remainder of the project. However, the grant applicant is not prohibited from using grants or loans from the federal government or private sources to pay for such remainder of the project cost;
Construction for any approved project must begin no later than six months after the date of the grant; and
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Grant money will be refunded to the state with interest at the legal rate no later than two years after any failure to meet the above requirements.

HOUSE BILL 100

SHRIMPING

House Bill 100 provides for significant revisions to current law relating to shrimping. The provisions in this bill are the result of recommendations made by a public stakeholders group, coordinated and facilitated by the Coastal Resources Division of the Department of Natural Resources in 2005.

This bill allows modified cast nets to be used for shrimping and defines a "food shrimp cast net" as a cast net constructed of a minimum of one-half inch bar mesh until March 1, 2009; thereafter, the term is defined as a cast net constructed of a minimum of fiveeighths inch bar mesh.

The amount of shrimp that may be taken by commercial food shrimp cast netters on the same boat with a food shrimp cast netting license is increased from 60 to 150 quarts of shrimp with heads and from 38 to 95 quarts of shrimp tails; however, beginning December 1 until the close of each food shrimp season, possession at any time is limited to 75 quarts of shrimp with heads or 48 quarts of shrimp tails in any day. The limit on the amount of shrimp that can be taken for noncommercial purposes remains the same.

Furthermore, it is now illegal to take shrimp for commercial purposes at night. Powerdrawn nets may also be used during the day.

HOUSE BILL 214

JEKYLL ISLAND

House Bill 214 extends the Jekyll Island State Park Authority's lease, as well as its existence as an instrumentality of the state, for an additional 40 years. This legislation also provides for appointment of two advisory members to the Authority. However, this provision will stand automatically repealed on December 31, 2009.

House Bill 214 also creates a Jekyll Island State Park Authority Oversight Committee to advise the General Assembly regarding the Authority's compliance with the provisions of this legislation.

This bill prohibits the Authority from selling any residential lots or commercial property unless obligated to do so under the terms of a valid lease agreement entered into prior to the effective date of this legislation. On and after such date, the Authority is prohibited from entering into, extending, or renewing any agreement providing for the sale of any residential lot on Jekyll Island. This legislation also requires the southern portion of the Island to always be included within the 65 percent of the land area that the Authority is prohibited from developing. Those properties used for the Jekyll Island 4-H center and soccer complex may continue to be used and improved for the same or similar purposes under an extension or renewal of an existing lease or under a new lease. Furthermore, this legislation does not prohibit the construction and use of any public bicycle trails, public nature trails, or public picnic areas on the southern portion of the Island.

House Bill 214 also revises certain procedures relating to the adoption of amendments to the Jekyll Island Master Plan. Most importantly, any proposed amendment to the Master Plan will stay any action or development under such Plan. Under current law, the Authority must create a master plan for the management, preservation, protection, and development of Jekyll Island. The master plan delineates the present and permitted future uses of the land, as well as the boundaries of the areas delineated in the plan as the 65 percent of the land area which the Authority has no power to improve, lease, or sell. Finally, this legislation clarifies that the Authority is exempt from all sales and use taxes.

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PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY

SENATE BILL 5

REAL ID ACT AND SAVE PROGRAM

On May 11, 2005, Congress passed the REAL ID Act, creating national standards for the issuance of state driver's licenses and identification cards. The Act establishes certain standards, procedures, and requirements that must be met by May 11, 2008 if state-issued licenses and IDs are to be accepted as valid identification by the federal government. REAL IDs must include, at a minimum: name, birth date, sex, ID number, a digital photograph, address, and a "common machine-readable technology" that will be selected by the Department of Homeland Security. The card must also contain "physical security features designed to prevent tampering, counterfeiting, or duplication of the document for fraudulent purposes." The Department of Homeland Security is permitted to add additional requirements, such as a fingerprint or a retinal scan.

These standards are likely to alter long-standing state laws, regulations and practices governing the qualifications for and the production and issuance of such IDs in every state. They also will require substantial investments by states and the federal government to meet the objectives of the Act. Aside from the unrealistic and quickly approaching deadline of May 2008, the Georgia Department of Driver Services estimates that the cost to implement the REAL ID program in Georgia will range from $10-$20 million. However, no money has been appropriated by Congress. Even with full funding and an aggressive state implementation plan, however, the difficulties of complying with unpublished regulations by the statutory deadline of May 2008 are insurmountable.

Delayed Implementation of the REAL ID Act in Georgia This bill authorizes the Governor to delay compliance with certain provisions of the federal REAL ID Act until the Department of Homeland Security expressly guarantees that implementation of the Act will not compromise the economic and biological privacy of Georgia's citizens. This provision does not limit the Governor's discretion or authority to delay compliance with the REAL ID Act for any other reason.

SAVE Confirmation This bill also prohibits the Department of Driver Services from issuing an identification card, license, permit, or other official documents to noncitizen applicants unless such applicants have been confirmed through the SAVE program to be lawfully present in the U.S. This provision will become effective upon the department's full implementation of the SAVE Program by no later than January 1, 2008. However, this provision does not apply to instances when a federal law mandates acceptance of a document.

SENATE BILL 38

VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND VALID IDENTIFICATION

This bill requires all applicants for the initial issuance of a vehicle registration, on or after July 1, 2007, to present a valid Georgia driver's license or Georgia identification card, unless such applicants are exempt under current law.

SENATE BILL 77

INTERNATIONAL REGISTRATION PLAN

This bill directs the Department of Revenue to establish an electronic filing system for registering vehicles under the International Registration Plan (IRP) by January 1, 2008. Such system may also issue temporary operating permits valid for any length of time; provided, however, that in no event will the total number of days of all temporary operating permits issued for a vehicle exceed 60 days from the registration application filing date.

HOUSE BILL 314

DNA ANALYSIS FOR PROBATIONERS OF CERTAIN CRIMES

This bill requires any person who is placed on probation from a felony conviction for any of the following crimes to submit to DNA analysis: 1. Chapter 5 of Title 16, relating to crimes against persons; 2. Code Section 16-6-1, rape; 3. Code Section 16-6-2, sodomy or aggravated sodomy; 4. Code Section 16-6-3, statutory rape;
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5. Code Section 16-6-4, child molestation or aggravated child molestation; 6. Code Section 16-6-5, enticing a child for indecent purposes; 7. Code Section 16-6-5.1, sexual assault against persons in custody, sexual assault
against a person detained or a patient in a hospital or other institution, or sexual assault by a practitioner of psychotherapy against a patient; 8. Code Section 16-6-6, bestiality; 9. Code Section 16-6-7, necrophilia; 10. Code Section 16-6-22, incest; 11. Code Section 16-7-1, burglary; 12. Code Section 16-8-40, robbery; 13. Code Section 16-8-41, armed robbery; 14. Code Section 16-10-23, impersonating an officer; 15. Code Section 16-10-24, obstruction of an officer; 16. Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16, relating to dangerous instrumentalities and practices; and 17. Chapter 13 of Title 16, controlled substances.

HOUSE BILL 313

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS ADDITIONAL AUTHORITY

Prohibiting Convicted Criminals from having Photographs of Victims This bill prohibits any person who is imprisoned in a penal institution or other facility under the jurisdiction of the Board of Corrections, and who was convicted under the statutes governing either crimes against persons (Chapter 5 of Title 16) or sexual offenses (Chapter 6 of Title 16), from possessing or maintaining any photograph, picture, or depiction of a victim of the crime for which he/she has been convicted. Violation of this statute will result in a misdemeanor charge. This statute does not apply where a photograph or other depiction of a victim is necessary for a civil or criminal proceeding, and where the inmate receives permission from the presiding court. This statute does not limit the placement of other restrictions on the possession of photographs by inmates as deemed appropriate by the Board of Corrections.

This bill also authorizes the Corrections Commissioner to issue warrants for the arrest of escaped convicts.

Georgia Correctional Industries Administration The remainder of this bill authorizes the Board of Corrections to issue and promulgate rules and regulations for programs of voluntary labor by inmates for privately owned employers to produce goods or services for sale to public and private purchasers under the administration and management of the Department of Corrections and the Georgia Correctional Industries Administration programs.

REGULATED INDUSTRIES AND UTILITIES

SENATE BILL 115

STATE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LICENSING BOARD

This bill redefines a Contractor to include persons installing industrialized buildings. An industrialized building is defined by the Code as any structure which is wholly or in substantial part made, fabricated, formed, or assembled in manufacturing facilities for installation on a building site.

The State Construction Industry Licensing Board will establish these categories of general contractor licensure based on financial criteria and will further provide interpretation and guidance for any established policies which regulate residential and general contractors.

Eligibility of residential basic and light commercial contractors regarding examination will be changed to exclude persons acting as an agent who has maintained licensure as an individual, doing business as an individual in a trade name as sole proprietor or qualifying agent for another business.

The Board may determine criteria for exemption for specialty contractors which applies to work performed for an owner that would require a license if such work does not exceed $10,000 or 25 percent of work performed. This new language does not apply to
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registered interior design or engineering, nor will it apply to the construction of manufactured homes. The effective date is July 1, 2008.

SENATE BILL 146

PUBLIC BIDDING

This bill relates to the bidding process for public works. The amended language inserts definitions for "alternative bid" and "base bid" and keeps previous definitions. The alternate bid is a secondary amount of the bid if the scope of the project changes.

Additionally, this bill provides for internet advertising for contract opportunities and such advertising must occur at least four weeks before opening of the sealed bid. The notice for public works will include whether the project will be awarded by base bid or alternative bid, and a listing of all anticipated permits required and whether they have been obtained in addition to necessary easements or rights-of-way.

A qualified pre-bidder cannot be disqualified without cause.

SENATE BILL 237

ARCHITECTURE LICENSING

This bill mandates that applicants for the practice of architecture must have a bachelor's degree in architecture, architecture engineering, or a related concentration, and at least four years of experience if seeking licensure in Georgia and already registered in another jurisdiction. All rules, regulations, and standards of conduct must be posted on the board's website.

HOUSE BILL 227

CONSUMER CHOICE FOR TELEVISION ACT

This bill authorizes that video service providers may obtain a franchise to provide the service by the Secretary of State (SOS) or by the local government. The statewide franchise fee is 5 percent of gross revenues, and the fee will apply to local governments who provide written notice to the SOS showing that their jurisdiction is within the provider's designated service area. The franchise fee is paid directly to the local government; moreover, no other fees are permitted. The SOS may charge up to $500 for a statewide franchise and up to $250 for a franchise amendment.

Statewide franchise holders will be prohibited from discriminating on the basis of income by denying service to a specific area. There are no build-out requirements on statewide franchise holders.

RETIREMENT

SENATE BILL 156

MINIMUM FUNDING STANDARDS PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEMS

This bill authorizes political subdivisions to establish plans to provide for the payment of post employment benefits. Other than certain exceptions, the plan and assets of any trust or fund will be under the governance and investment authority of a retirement system maintained by the political subdivision, or other board of trustees established for such purpose. All employer contributions, plan participant contributions, appropriations, earnings, and reserves for the payment of obligations under the plan will be credited to such trust or fund.

SENATE BILL 162

DISABILITY BENEFITS - ERS

This bill amends provisions relating to the disability benefits offered under the Employees' Retirement System (ERS) by revising the method for calculating disability benefits for persons who become members of ERS on or after 1 July, 2007.

HOUSE BILL 106

OPTIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS PEACE OFFICERS' ANNUITY AND BENEFIT FUND

This bill amends provisions relating to optional retirement benefits under the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund by requiring optional retirement benefits to be calculated based on the interest rate and mortality basis that is approved by the board,
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along with other factors. This legislation further authorizes the board to approve a different interest rate and mortality basis from time to time. Current law states the specific mortality tables and interest rate that must be used for calculating optional retirement benefits.

HOUSE BILL 318

PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEMS INVESTMENT AUTHORITY LAW

This bill amends provisions relating to Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority law by allowing certain foreign corporations to be organized under the laws of this state or another state. This does not apply to any corporation that is included in the terrorism sanctions issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury pursuant to Executive Order 13224. Additionally, public retirement systems may invest in certain business entities organized under the laws of the United States or Canada. Public retirement systems are only authorized to invest in such business entities that have a minimum market capitalization equivalent to $100 million and have elected to be taxed and continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust, as defined in the Federal Internal Revenue Code. Large retirement systems may invest up to 15 percent of the retirement system assets in corporations or in obligations of corporations organized in a country other than the United States or Canada. Currently, such investment is limited to 10 percent. Finally, large retirement systems may enter into contracts, agreements, and other instruments designed to manage risk exposure.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

SENATE BILL 148

NEWBORN UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD BANK

This bill creates the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid, provides for donations and information concerning donations, creates the Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure, and authorizes taxpayers to make certain contributions through the income tax payment and refund process.

SENATE BILL 280

ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR GEORGIA TECHNOLOGY AUTHORITY EMPLOYEES

This bill amends current law which prohibits the executive director and employees of the Georgia Technology Authority from having any personal business interest, directly or indirectly, in any business transactions involving the State, so that neither may have an amount greater than 1 percent ownership interest in any firm, corporation, partnership, or association that is involved with business with the State.

SPECIAL JUDICIARY

HOUSE BILL 139

INTESTATE SUCCESSION: ESTATES OF MINORS

This bill provides that a parent who willfully abandons his or her minor child would lose all rights to intestate succession to the minor child's estate and would not have the right to administer the minor child's estate.

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS

SENATE BILL 200

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

This bill authorizes the creation of Infrastructure Development Districts, which are geographic areas of development that are created for financing of projects. This legislation will only become effective on January 1, 2009 upon the ratification of Senate Resolution 309.

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SENATE RESOLUTION 309

REFERENDUM FOR INTRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT DISTRICTS

This resolution proposes an amendment to the Georgia State Constitution to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation and comprehensive regulation of infrastructure development districts (SB 200). However, infrastructure development districts may only be created when approved: by a county governing authority when the entire district is proposed to be in the unincorporated area of a county; by a municipal governing authority when the entire district is proposed to be wholly within the municipality; or by both a county governing authority and a municipal governing authority when the district is proposed to be partially in the unincorporated area of a county and partially in a municipality. Also, the governing body of the infrastructure development district will not have the power of eminent domain. Voters in Georgia will vote in a state-wide referendum to accept or reject the proposed amendment.

HOUSE BILL 2

FAIR ANNEXATION ACT

This bill provides procedures for resolving annexation disputes between municipalities and county governing authorities. The procedures of this legislation will not apply to local Acts of annexation by the General Assembly.

STATE INSTITUTIONS AND PROPERTY

SENATE BILL 235

DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OFFICERS RETAINING THEIR BADGES

This bill allows a correctional employee who leaves the Department of Corrections under honorable conditions and has 25 or more years of service as a certified peace officer or who has been killed in the line of duty, to retain his or her badge as part of such employee's compensation.

TRANSPORTATION

SENATE BILL 19

REMOVAL, RELOCATION, OR ADJUSTMENT OF UTILITY FACILITIES BY GDOT

This bill authorizes the Department of Transportation to order the removal, relocation, or adjustment of utility facilities occupying any part of the public road system. A utility that fails to remove, relocate, or adjust a facility in a timely manner will be responsible to the Department and its contractors for failure to comply.

SENATE BILL 87

"RV FRIENDLY" MARKERS ON SERVICE SIGNS

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to seek approval from the Federal Highway Administration to incorporate the use of "RV friendly" markers on specific service signs for business establishments that cater to the needs of persons driving recreational vehicles.

SENATE BILL 282

ALTERNATIVE TOURISM ROUTES

This bill provides for the creation of alternative tourism routes that are a part of the state highway system and that traverse the state and pass through or are in close proximity to historic sites or tourist attractions. Interstate highways that traverse the state will not be eligible for such designation. The initial alternative routes will be U.S. Highway 27 and U.S. Highway 441.

SENATE RESOLUTION 365

JOINT STUDY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION FUDING

This resolution creates the Joint Study Committee on Transportation Funding to be composed of eight members who will study the issues to determine alternative funding mechanisms for transportation projects and special funding sources.
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SB 101 SB 165 SB 220 SB 236
SR 326 HB 101 HB 112 HB 122 HB 240 HB 433
SB 172
HB 94 HB 95 HB 120 HB 443 HR 102
SB 70 HB 96
HB 132 HB 383
SB 9
SB 10
SB 39
SB 72
SB 123
SB 168 SB 170
SR 426 SR 483 SR 487 HB 375
SB 40 SB 194
SB 212 HB 16
SB 184
SR 482 HB 30 HB 78 HB 128
HB 169
HB 171 HB 182 HB 183 HB 186

PASSED LEGISLATION (LISTED BY COMMITTEE)
AGRICULTURAL AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Agricultural Facilities Agricultural Warehousemen Georgia Personal Identity Protection Act; state agencies; breach of security; personal information U.S. Congress; urge to reform U.S. sugar policy Public records; agricultural or food Food; license Commercial feeds; labeling Retail Installments Meats
APPROPRIATIONS
Georgia Retiree Health Benefit Fund; reports to the board of community health Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2007 - June 30, 2008 Supreme Court; Court of Appeals; certain judges; travel allowances; provide Employment security; employment; change definition; provisions Clark, Mr. Robert; compensate; provide for state income tax exclusion
BANKING AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
Financial Institutions; update banking laws to reflect changes in federal law State depositories; Federal Home Loan Banks; secure state funds
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Vessels; certain ports; numbers of pilots; change certain provisions Georgia Condominium Act; define terms; provisions
EDUCATION AND YOUTH
Grade Integrity Act; provide ethical violation reportable to Professional Standards Commission; statutory construction Georgia Special Needs Scholarship Act; provide public school students with disabilities to attend eligible private schools Charter Systems Act; establishment of charter schools; revise/add definitions; Charter Advisory Committee Quality Basic Education Act; authorize the employment of school administrative managers to conduct the financial/business affairs Local Boards of Education; require twins placed in same classroom if parent requests Deaf Child's Bill of Rights Act; communication needs of a deaf student Quality Basic Education Act; foreign language requirements; college preparatory diploma Quality of Child Care in Georgia; create Senate Study Committee Georgia's Public Schools; encouraging the effective teaching of social studies Teacher Complaint/Grievance Procedure; create Senate Study Committee Education; pages of General Assembly; provisions
ETHICS
Elections; fraudulent acts; increase penalties Election; county election superintendent; tabulation of absentee ballots; prior to the close of the polls on the day of primary, election or runoff Public Records; disclosure to the news media; public employees Public employees; fraud, waste, abuse in state operations; change definitions
FINANCE
Income Taxes; new definitions; modify the computation of deductible business expenses Senate Communications Taxes and Fees Study Committee; create Housing authorities; private enterprise agreement; redefine Bona fide conservation use property; additional acts; provisions Sales and use tax exemption; certain school supplies; energy efficient products; provide Sales and use tax; certain prepared food and beverage donations; provide exemption Motor vehicles; scrap metal or parts; certificates of title; provisions Property tax digest; positive tax allocation increments; prohibit use Motor vehicles; certificates of title; definitions; change certain provisions Sales and use tax; certain alternative fuel facilities; five year exemption
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HB 193 HB 219 HB 225 HB 264
HB 282 HB 321
HB 357 HB 380
HB 445
HB 505
SB 17
SB 60 SB 61
SB 95
SB 102
SB 204 SB 205 SB 222 SR 30 SR 66 SR 87
SR 385 SR 386
SR 517 SR 637 HB 147 HB 155
HB 286 HB 330 HB 429 HB 626 HB 655
SR 397 SR 446
HB 131 HR 322
SB 49
SB 84
SB 96 SB 131
SR 471 SR 619
HB 408 HB 424 HB 551 HB 648
SB 23

Sales and use tax; jet fuel; additional exemption Certain local sales and use tax; motor fuels; prepayments; provisions State income tax; certain college savings plans; change certain provisions Homestead option sales and use tax; disbursing proceeds; change manner and method Sales & use tax; repair of certain aircrafts; sale of parts; provide exemption Bona fide conservation use property; assessment; change certain eligibility requirements Revenue and taxation; define certain terms; provisions Tax collectors and commissioners; bill or notice mailing; change certain provisions Bona fide conservation use property; buffers adjacent to rivers; change certain provisions Human Resources, Department of; adult day centers; licensure; authorize charge fees
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Optometrists; authorize to prescribe and administer oral/topical pharmaceutical agents; eye/adnexa oculi Georgia Trauma Commission; establish Child-Placing Agency; require petitioner to submit to a criminal history records Check Cigarettes/Tobacco; minors; unlawful to attempt purchase; vending machines; change certain provisions Chiropractors; define/redefine terms; scope of practice; change criminal penalties for unlicensed practice Health; board for distribution/delivery of dead bodies; change certain provisions Prescription Medication Integrity Act Advanced Practice Registered Nurse; revise definition; licensed registered nurse Joint Study Committee on State Stroke System of Care; create Shortage of Doctors and Nurses; Senate Study Committee; create Human Resources, Dept.; urged to name district health office building at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in honor of Dr. Raymond F. Corpe Georgia Advance Directives Registry; create senate study committee Human Resources, Dept.; urged to establish a uniform format among hospital forms; mandate use in all Georgia hospitals Childhood Obesity in Georgia; create Senate Study Committee Health Care Transformation; create Senate Study Committee Woman's Right to Know Act; abortion; change certain provisions Human Resources, Department of; personal care home owners; criminal history; permit Controlled substances; Schedule II and V; change certain provisions Georgia State Board of Pharmacy; registry of pharmacy technicians; establish Georgia HIV Pregnancy Screening Act of 2007; enact Physicians; retired; continuing education hours; provisions Georgia Commission on Hearing Impaired and Deaf Persons; create
HIGHER EDUCATION
Board of Regents; urged to establish programs for intercollegiate wrestling U.S. Representative Charles Whitlow Norwood, Jr. D.D.S; honoring lifetime achievements Georgia HERO Scholarship; surviving spouses; change definitions Joint Study Committee on Continuing Education and Collegiate Sports Programs for Students with Disabilities; create
INSURANCE AND LABOR
Labor, Dept. of; transfer of Rehabilitation Services; provide delivery of certain services/techniques to deaf-blind individual Insurance; protect members of United States armed forces; unscrupulous practices; marketing/sale of insurance Drug-Free Work Programs; provide for onsite/oral testing Subsequent Injury Trust Fund; payment of assessments; change certain provisions Property and Casualty Rate Regulation; create Senate Study Committee Prescription Drugs; create Senate Study Committee
Insolvency funds exclusion; certain companies; provide exception Workers' compensation; claim filings; benefits; examinations; provisions State False Medicaid Claims Act; enact Long-term care insurance; changes to certain definitions; provide
JUDICIARY
Criminal Sentencing Procedure; probation/suspension; court may inquire/consider the legality of prisoner's presence in United States
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SB 34
SB 42
SB 79
SB 98
SB 106 SB 139 SB 182 SB 188
SB 190 SR 246 SR 280
SR 555 HB 24 HB 136 HB 153 HB 197 HB 221 HB 270 HB 274 HB 369 HB 497 HB 586
SB 116 SB 157
SB 176
SB 226
SB 263
SR 123
SR 243
HB 81 HB 100 HB 177 HB 214 HB 463 HB 471
HB 510
SB 5 SB 38
SB 62
SB 77 SB 81 SR 403 HB 79 HB 220 HB 313
HB 314 HB 394
HB 419 HB 457
HB 518 HB 527

Penal Institutions; possession of photograph of victims by certain persons confined; prohibit Child Support Recovery; authorize Dept. of Human Resources to impose fees on child support collections Criminal Attempt; increase maximum punishment for convictions; felonies punishable by death/life imprisonment Crimes/Offenses; Georgia Bureau of Investigation investigate certain offenses against minors, including subpoena power Bonds; surety for good behavior; extend the period Georgia Public Defender Standards Council; transfer from judicial branch to Torts; asbestos/silica claims; change provisions Foster Parents Bill of Rights; children who are privately placed; provide administrative hearing for aggrieved parties Pretrial Proceedings; insanity/mental incompetence; definitions; evaluation Indigent Defense; create Joint Study Committee Property Rights Relating to Reproductive/Genetic Technology; create Senate study committee Hate Crime Legislation; create Senate Study Committee Georgia Advance Directive for Health Care Act; enact Public policy; contract of insurance; indemnification; provisions Juveniles; Division of Family and Children Services; provide certain requirements Imprisonment sentence reviews; more than 12 years; three-judge panel; repeal Professional malpractice charges; affidavit; change certain provisions Juvenile proceedings; appointment of guardian ad litem; change provisions Notaries; qualifications; application; change certain provisions Domestic relations; child custody proceedings; provisions Adoption; surrender rights; provisions Alternative attorneys; capital cases; counsel appointment and fees; change matters
NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
State Forestry Commission; qualifications of the director; change provisions Gasoline Additives; provide for grants; E-85 gasoline for retail sale; define certain terms State Forestry Commission; reports to General Assembly; change certain provisions Qualified Soil Scientists; evaluations/reports shall be accepted by Dept. of Natural Resources/Dept. Human Resources Soil/Water Conservation Districts; number/boundaries; alteration of existing districts/formation of new districts; change certain provisions U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; urged to begin study of the costs/effects of raising the full pool for Lake Lanier U.S. Army Corps of Engineers/Congress; urged to begin a study of the cost/effects; storage capacities Salt water fishing; charter fishing guide and pier fishing licenses; provisions Shrimp and shrimping; revise various provisions Historic sites; initial investigation; state archeologist; notice; require Jekyll Island - State Park Authority; renewal of property lease; provisions Soil erosion and sedimentation; exemptions; change certain provisions Local government; privately constructed water systems; requiring ownership transfer; prohibit Boating safety zones; Lake Oconee; certain vessels; change certain provisions
PUBLIC SAFETY AND HOMELAND SECURITY
Secure and Verifiable Identity Document Act; drivers' licenses; provisions (PF) Motor Vehicles; registration of a vehicle; require driver's license/identification card Georgia Crime Information Center; provide certain conditions for requesting criminal history records Commercial Vehicles; local tag agents; International Registration Plan Special Licenses; 100 years of scouting; Boy Scouts of America EMS Recruitment, Retention, and Retirement; create Senate Study Committee Motor vehicles; light transmission through windows; materials; provisions Georgia Criminal Justice Improvement Council; repeal Chapter 8 Georgia Correctional Industries Administration; certain inmate work programs; clarify Persons convicted of certain sex offenses; probation; DNA analysis; provide Emergency 9-1-1 system; change provisions; Wireless Communications Security Act; enact Commercial drivers' licenses; definitions; issuance; provisions Revenue, Department of; special license plates; process all applications; provisions Motor vehicles; commercial motor vehicle; define; license plates; provisions Probation; private supervision services; minimum fee; establish

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SB 114
SB 115 SB 146 SB 203 SB 237
SB 246
HB 90 HB 107 HB 134 HB 144 HB 227 HB 391 HB 528 HB 587
SB 156
SB 162
HB 106 HB 213 HB 318 HB 448
SR 340
SR 646
SR 650
SR 653 HB 224
SB 148
SB 280
SR 247 SR 593
SB 94 SB 103 SB 104 SB 124 SB 128 SB 234
HB 53 HB 139 HB 168 HB 233
SB 177 SB 200 SR 309
HB 2 HB 109 HB 118 HB 181

REGULATED INDUSTRIES AND UTILITIES
Real Estate Brokers; criminal convictions; terms/conditions of sentence; provide that certain time periods shall pass; application for licensure Residential/General Contractors; revise the licensure provisions Public Works Bidding; provide definitions; advertisement of contract opportunities Secondary Metals Recyclers; public utilities/transportation; increased penalties Architecture; establish minimum training requirements to qualify for certification; Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers Buildings; advisory committee on industrialized buildings; appointment/vacancies; change composition Funeral establishments; adequate stock of funeral caskets; provisions Municipal government; additional requirements; certain franchise fees; provisions Local governments; bid bonds; cash; change certain provisions Motor vehicles; used; sale or advertising; change certain exceptions Consumer Choice for Television Act; enact Cemeterians State Board; members qualifications; change certain provisions Cosmetic laser practitioners; registration certificates; provisions Gas; public convenience and necessity certificates; provide for revocation
RETIREMENT
Retirement; counties, municipal corporations; post-employment benefits; define certain terms Retirement; person who becomes member; disability benefit; actual years of creditable service Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; retirement benefit options; provide Deferred compensation plans; state employees; special pay plan; repeal Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority Law; change certain provisions Retirement; term life insurance; certain eligible persons; establish two funds
RULES
Senate Study Committee; State Boards, Commissions, Authorities, Councils, and Committees; create President/U.S. Congress urged to adopt/implement federal immigration/border security plan Community Health, Dept. of; urged to develop/establish educational programs regarding diabetes Tobacco Tax Evasion; create Senate Study Committee State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors; change certain provisions
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Saving the Cure Act; create the Newborn Umbilical Cord Blood Bank for postnatal tissue and fluid; Georgia Commission for Saving the Cure Georgia Technology Authority; provide for construction/interpretation of the Code section Eugenics; express profound regret for Georgia's participation Brain Fingerprinting Technology; create Senate Study Committee
SPECIAL JUDICIARY
Dispossessory Proceedings; clarify the process for judgments by defaults O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions O.C.G.A; correct errors/omissions; Title 47 O.C.G.A.; correct errors/omissions; Title 21 Child Advocate, Office of; provide confidentiality of records Secretary of State; collect a filing fee for certificates of conversion; Georgia corporation to foreign corporation Piedmont Circuit; terms of court; change provisions Estates and wills; descent and distribution; provisions Associate juvenile court judges; appointment; change qualifications Long-term Care Facility Resident Abuse Reporting Act; change definition
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL OPERATIONS (This list does not include local legislation.)
Superior Courts; Pike County in Griffin Circuit; change certain terms of court Georgia Smart Infrastructure Growth Act; creation Infrastructure Development Districts; provide by general law the creation and comprehensive regulation-CA Fair Annexation Act; enact County and municipality; consolidation; provisions Brunswick and Cobb Judicial Circuits; additional superior courts judge; provide Public safety and judicial facilities authorities; bond indebtedness; provide limitations
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HB 222 HB 232 HB 247 HB 316 HB 317 HB 486
HB 519 HR 351
SB 210
SB 235
SR 68 SR 249
HB 245 HB 366 HR 21 HR 57 HR 369
HR 370 HR 524
SB 19
SB 87
SB 282 SR 296 SR 357 SR 365 HB 192 HB 231 HB 389 HB 536 HR 171 HR 201
SB 14
SB 15 SB 100
SB 135
SB 193
SB 224 SB 225
SB 251
SR 363 HB 48 HB 69 HB 76
HB 91 HB 105 HB 117 HB 148 HB 162 HB 202 HB 218 HB 229 HB 242 HB 327

County tax commissioners; purchasing certain property; prohibit Georgia Development Impact Fee Act; change definitions; provisions Local government; water and sewer systems; change certain provisions Public Service Commission; towing of certain vehicles; provide Public transportation; motor contract carrier; change definition County tax commissioners; compensation; additional duties; change certain provisions Counties and municipal corporations; taxicabs; provisions Joint Study Committee on Fulton County; create
STATE INSTITUTIONS AND PROPERTY
Secretary of State; authorize to designate/establish facilities; government agency as a branch depository; Division of Archives/History Corrections, Dept. Of; certified correctional employees; leave under certain conditions may retain their badges William H. "Sonny Boy" Skipper Maintenance Headquarters; dedicate Public Property; conveyance; granting of easements for facilities, utilities 6 counties Georgia State Prison warden; passenger motor vehicle; repeal certain provisions Guide or service dog; certain persons; equal public accommodations; provide Elbert Shaw, Jr. Regional Youth Detention Center; designate Elbert County; conveyance of certain state owned real property; authorize Baldwin, Charlton, Chatham, Coffee, and Columbia counties; convey property; authorize Bibb, Cobb, Dougherty, Mitchell and Troup Counties; lease property; authorize Gerald Dasher Memorial State Farmers' Market; dedicate
TRANSPORTATION
Transportation, Department of; pay costs of removal, relocation, or adjustment of utility facilities necessitated by construction of public roads Highway System; Dept. of Transportation; RV friendly markers on specific service signs for business establishments Highway System; alternative tourism routes; creation POW Julian Abel Memorial Bridge; dedicating Major Byron S. McGuire, Sr. Memorial Bridge; dedicating Transportation Funding; create joint study committee Transportation, Department of; contracts; provisions Public roads; lack of removal of vehicles; liable for gross negligence Public transportation; limousine carrier; change definition; provisions Vehicles and loads; fines for excess weight; provisions Cason and Virginia Callaway Conservation Highway; dedicate portions of SR 116 Georgia's High Tech Corridor; certain portion; remove designation
INDEX OF VETOED LEGISLATION (This list does not include local legislation.)
Superior Court Clerks; personal property filing fees; collection/remittance; change sunset dates Drivers' Licenses; suspended/revoke; change certain provisions Crime; knowingly manufacturing, selling, or distributing false identification documents; increase certain penalties Criminal Reproduction/Sale of Recorded Material; increase penalties; provide forfeiture of certain items Local Government; employment benefits for county employees; general provisions Motor Vehicles; commercial vehicle and fleet policy; change the definition Redevelopment; require training with programs; create Redevelopment Powers Training Board Motor Vehicles; require establishment by Dept. of Revenue of internet website for stolen/towed motor vehicles Mental Health Service Delivery Commission; create Georgia State Indemnification Fund; definitions; change terms Driver's records; online; Department of Driver Services; charging fee; prohibit Emergency management; nomenclature and symbols; require permission; provisions Executive branch of government; certain reports; provide to General Assembly Animals; poultry; revise certain provisions Motor vehicles; definition; exempt certain vehicles Sales and use tax; aquariums; provide exemption Sales and use tax; performing arts amphitheater facilities; provide exemption Transportation, Department of; contractors; eligibility; provisions Georgia Ports Authority; employees; power of arrest; peace officers; require Education lottery; book allowances; fee payments; impose certain limitations Insurance; certain high deductible health plans; provide exemption Setoff debt collection; public housing authorities; authorize
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HB 363 HB 374 HB 386 HB 413 HB 441 HB 430 HB 451 HB 467
HB 529 HB 549 HB 559

HOPE grants; eligibility requirements; Georgia Military College students; provide Hotel motel tax; definitions; change certain provisions Superior court fees; instrument recordings; provide additional fees Sales and use tax; joint county and municipal; change certain provisions Income tax; federal obligations; taxable income; revise provisions Property; railroads; provisions Georgia Tourism Development Act; enact University system; international baccalaureate diploma program; provide course credit General Assembly; budgetary functions; reflect changes Children with disabilities; basic therapy services; establish requirements Health insurance; charter school teachers and employees; provisions

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