2010 session report [2010]

HOUSE COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE OF COMMITTEE SERVICES GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Coverdell Legislative Office Building, Suite 609
18 Capitol Square, SW Atlanta, GA 30334 (404) 656-0305 (404) 656-5639 Fax
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Session Report 2010

2010 Session Report

Brent Cranfield Director
May 5, 2010

House of Representatives
Office of Committee Services 609-A Coverdell Legislative Office Bldg.
Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 656-0305 404.656.5639 fax brent.cranfield@house.ga.gov

TO MEMBERS OF THE GEORGIA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
This 2010 Final Session Report is intended for the informational purposes of the Members of the Georgia House of Representatives. This report details the legislation that was acted upon by the House during the 2010 Regular Session. The report is broken down into several sections, so that you may more easily find, understand, and utilize the information created and gathered by the Office of Committee Services.
Included in this Report is general legislation that is to be sent to the Governor. At the end of the report, is a listing of all Local Legislation that passed the General Assembly.
Also provided is a link to the bill at www.legis.ga.gov for additional information. If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact our office. Thank you for your service and your dedication to the Georgia House of Representatives.
Sincerely,

Brent Cranfield Director, House Committee Services

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FINAL PASSAGE
HOUSE LEGISLATION
HB 23 - Motor vehicles; cell phones; text messaging; prohibit use
- BILL SUMMARYHB 23 prohibits the use of cell phones and similar electronic devices by class D driver's license holders under the age of eighteen. Penalties for violation include a fine of not more than $100 and not less than $50 as well as 2 points on the offender's driving record. The Senate Public Safety Committee substitute to HB 23 makes violation of its provisions a flat $150 fine. It changes the point accumulation on the license to 1 point from 2. And, finally, it removes the automatic suspension of the license if the driver is involved in an accident. - Authored By: Rep. Matt Ramsey of the 72nd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb23.htm
HB 122 - Counties and municipalities; budget excess; searchable website; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires counties and municipalities with an annual budget exceeding $1 million to post on a single searchable website, accessible by the public, their annual budget and annual audit report. - Authored By: Rep. Edward Lindsey of the 54th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb122.htm
HB 128 - Disabled veterans and blind persons; eligibility certificate; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows disabled veterans and blind persons who are self employed to be exempt from occupation taxes, administration fees, and regulatory fees after providing a certificate of eligibility. Certificate of eligibility will be valid for ten years from the date of issue. Code Section revised: 43-12-3 - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Human Relations & Aging http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb128.htm
HB 168 - Telecommunications; modernize competition; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Seeks to completely eliminate the Universal Access Fund which was established in 1995 to aid telecommunication companies to bring parity between rates charged for intrastate connections with those of interstate connections. - Authored By: Rep. Clay Cox of the 102nd - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb168.htm
HB 169 - Natural Resources, Department of; proposed new or revised flood elevations; require notice
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill strengthens the notification process when property is being re-classified by the Department of Natural Resources. When the Federal Emergency Management Agency provides legal notice under the federal National Flood Insurance Program of any new or revised flood elevations proposed for a certain property, DNR is required to send notice by certified mail to the property owner. These notices must be sent in a timely manner to insure that property owners have sufficient time to appeal the re-classification status of their property. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Carter of the 159th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb169.htm

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HB 172 - Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; disability benefits; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill relates to the reexamination of persons receiving disability benefits under the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia. The bill removes provisions that medical examinations are to be made at the disability beneficiary's residence or place mutually agreed upon. The bill applies to those who first or again become members of the retirement system on or after September 1, 2010. The amount earnable beneficiary shall include any income payment received from workers' compensation; provided, however, that in the event of a lump sum payment, the monthly disability allowance shall be reduced on an actuarial basis as determined by the actuary of this retirement system. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb172.htm
HB 194 - Brand name drugs; substitute generic drugs; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 194 requires that if a generic drug is substituted for a name brand medication it must be shown on the prescription bottle label what the name brand medication was that was substituted. - Authored By: Rep. Fran Millar of the 79th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb194.htm
HB 199 - Warrants for arrest; persons who may issue warrants; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Under the current code citizens may petition a magistrate court for an arrest warrant to be issued against another for a violation of penal laws. A hearing is required for such a petition.
This bill modifies code section 17-4-40 and provides that a magistrate judge may deny a hearing of an application for warrant without notice if the application does not demonstrate a probable cause for issuing the warrant. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb199.htm
HB 203 - Local government; development authorities; clarify certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 203 clarifies legislative intent regarding House Bill 181which was approved on May 24, 2007. No public or judicial facilities authority created by a single county can issue bonds for new projects with out a majority vote by referendum from county citizens. This bill only applies to the issuance of bonds. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb203.htm
HB 207 - Off-road vehicles; operating restrictions; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 207 prohibits the operation of Off Road Vehicles (ORV) in navigable and non-navigable streams of this state, except when directly crossing the stream.
The Senate Natural Resources Committee's substitute to HB 207 changes "navigable and non-navigable" to "perennial" and defines such term. Further, it gives the Probate Court jurisdiction over violations of OCGA 40-7 (off road vehicle statutes), as well as the ability to give civil penalties for such violations. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb207.htm
HB 231 - Practice of architecture; projects within structures; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill clarifies the scope of practice of registered interior designers. It ensures that registered interior designers are able to provide services relating to nonstructural interior construction of a building but requires them to collaborate with registered architects or engineers for work that involves elements that are essential to a building's structural integrity. It further authorizes registered interior designers to have a seal separate from the seal of registered architects and requires such seal to be applied to documents prepared under the control of registered interior designers. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd

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- House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb231.htm
HB 244 - Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority; change name to Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 244 changes the name of the "Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority" to the "Georgia Environmental Finance Authority". - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb244.htm
HB 249 - Public Retirement Systems Investment Authority Law; define certain terms; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill relates to the Georgia Firefighters Pension Fund, (GFPF,) and provides a definition of "alternative investments" and provides that the Fund may make such investments, as well as private placements and other private investments. Such investments are not to exceed a certain amount. The bill shields the investment from public scrutiny and provides for a code of ethics. the bill amends Code Section 50-18-72 relating to when public disclosure of records is not required and disclosure exempting legal authority, exempting certain public records from inspection. - Authored By: Rep. Charles E. Martin of the 47th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb249.htm
HB 258 - Driver's license; minor of disabled guardian; restricted learner's permit; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 258 provides that any person holding a valid Class C instructional driver's license to drive a Class C motor vehicle when accompanied by a disabled parent or guardian who has been issued an identification card containing the international handicapped symbol.
The conference committee report on HB 258 added a section 3. The new section allows for the issuing of a limited driving permit when a person is 18 or over and his or her license was suspended for exceeding the speed limit by 24 miles per hour or more but less than 34 miles per hour. This is within the discretion of the sentencing judge. - Authored By: Rep. Austin Scott of the 153rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb258.htm
HB 277 The "Transportation Investment Act of 2010"; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: To enact the "Transportation Investment Act of 2010"; - Section 3 Removes the restrictions on MARTA proceeds from local sales and use taxes for three years. No funds newly unrestricted shall be used for pay raises or bonuses. This section also changes the make up of the MARTA board from 18 members to 11 voting members and one nonvoting member. Each member shall be appointed for terms of four years. - Section 4 - Creates a coordinating council between six Georgia Agencies, at no additional cost to the state, to use our federal transportation dollars more efficiently and end the duplication of services for our rural transit services. Six agencies are: Department of Transportation, Department of Human Services, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Community Health, Department of Labor, Department of Community Affairs. - Section 6 Creates 12 special districts with the same geographical boundaries as the regional commissions in Georgia. Each district may, upon approval by the voters within the region, levy 1 percent sales and use tax for a period of ten years. Each region's local governments will be represented on the regional transportation roundtable and the executive committee. These persons will work as a group with the Director of Planning in establishing the criteria and the investment list. If and when a list is approved it will be submitted to the Director who will then submit the list to the commissioner of transportation, the executive director of GRTA, the local governments, MPOs and members of the General Assembly whose districts lie within each special district on or before October 15, 2011. If no list is approved by that date, the director will declare a special district gridlock and no election shall be held and will

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not be held for 24 months following said gridlock. The first election upon the delivery of an approved investment list shall be held on the date of the general state-wide primary in 2012. - Section 7 Creates the Transit Governance Study Commission to examine the current transportation system and to develop legislative proposals for a regional transit governing authority in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Vance Smith of the 129th - House Committee: Transportation
HB 303 - Child abuse reports; access to records; solicitors-general; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 303 corrects an oversight in the code by amending O.C.G.A. 49-5-41. Currently, District Attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys are included in a specific list of agents and officials who can request access to records concerning child abuse. The bill adds Solicitor Generals and Assistant Solicitor Generals to that list, facilitating communication between prosecutors and agencies when there are accusations of child abuse or family violence. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb303.htm
HB 320 - Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority; change name to Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes the name of the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority to the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb320.htm
HB 321 - Insurance Delivery Enhancement Act of 2009; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 321 modifies the definitions of "group accident and sickness insurance" and "true association" in Title 33. The conference committee report for HB 321 includes the language from HB 342 and is present in sections 4,5,and 6 of the report. The new language requires third party administrators of self funded health plans to make prompt payment. They are required to make payment within 15 business days if the claim is e-filed and 30 business days if the claim is a traditional paper claim. Sections 4, 5, and 6 of this Act shall become effective January 1, 2011. Authored By: Rep. Steve Davis of the 109th House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb321.htm
HB 323 - Death penalty cases; Supreme Court; pretrial proceedings; extend review period
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 323 alters O.C.G.A. 17-10-35.1 which provides that a judge presiding over a case where the death penalty is sought may request the Supreme Court to review pretrial proceedings. The issues the Court reviews include venue, whether recusal of the trial judge is appropriate, challenge to the jury array, any motion to suppress evidence, motion for psychiatric and medical evaluation and any other matter deemed appropriate by the Court.
Currently, the Supreme Court must issue an order granting or denying review within 20 days of receipt of the request. The only change in the bill is that the Court would have 45 days rather than 20 days. Senate Changes: - Code section 17-10-37 was modified in two locations. In subsection (a) language about the duties of the assistant to the Supreme Court was removed and replaced with the following "The assistant shall assist the Supreme Court in the review of all death sentences." The other modification deleted subsection (c), which stated that the assistant, for administrative puposes, was attached to the office of the clerk of the Supreme Court of Georigia. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb323.htm

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HB 329 - Probated or suspended sentences; maximum period of revocation; change
provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 329 amends O.C.G.A. 42-8-34.1 by providing that if a probationer commits an offense in another state which is a misdemeanor in that state, but would be a felony in Georgia, the judge is authorized to consider the offense according to Georgia's code and revoke probation. Different penalties are available when a probationer commits a misdemeanor or violates a general provision of his probation than if he commits a felony; the maximum of which is two years confinement. O.C.G.A. 42-8-34.1(c). When a probationer commits a felony, the court may revoke the balance of probation. O.C.G.A. 42-8-34.1(d). This bill clarifies that judges will be able to treat an act that would be a felony in Georgia according to the same revocation rules as though the act was committed in Georgia. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb329.htm

HB 333 - Georgia Building Authority; exempt from certain sales and use tax; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides a tax exemption for the Georgia Building Authority, exempting the authority from all sales and use tax on property purchased, leased or used by GBA. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb333.htm

HB 361 - Safe Medications Practice Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows for pharmacists based in hospitals to collaborate with members of the medical staff on specific drug therapies for patients. This would include the ordering of clinical test and the interpretation of such tests. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb361.htm

HB 396 - Drivers' licenses; driving record; uniform traffic citations; provisions
Bill Summary: HB 396 is a "housekeeping" bill for the Department of Driver's Services. Its purpose is to prepare Georgia to be compliant with the requirements of the federal REAL Id Act.
The conference committee report on HB 396 added several more provisions to this omnibus bill. Chief among these were:
It removes all of the originally proposed license fee increases. It changes the 10 year driver's license period to 8 years in order to comply with federal rules. Requires the use of full legal name on license/Id. Requires DDS to perform fingerprint based background checks for owners, operators, and instructors in
driving schools, chauffeurs, ADAP Instructors, and interlock providers and installers.
Allows DDS to locate various symbols on the ID card for handicapped, special transportation needs, and priority seating eligibility for those with disabilities to the back of the card.
Allows law enforcement to take citation signature electronically- like UPS. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Graves of the 12th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb396.htm

HB 400 - Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia's Economy Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 400 relates to the "Quality Basic Education Act" and the ability to enact the "Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia's Economy Act". This bill is intended to develop programs to improve graduation rates, improve preparedness of students for postsecondary education and careers, provide students with individual graduation plans and reform grant program to help low performing high schools in the state. HB 400 is meant to help better prepare the students of Georgia in the future choices of postsecondary education or career placement as well as give them a more supportive role from the school and hopefully parents. Beginning in the 2010-2011 school year students in the 6th, 7th and 8th grade will be provided with counseling,

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advisement, career awareness, career interest inventories and information to assist them in evaluating their academic skills and career interests. By the of the 8th grade year each student will have an individualized gradation plan that will be approved by the student, parent or guardian with advisement from the counselor. This will help them with the transition to postsecondary education and with yearly guidance make any necessary changes in the plan to help them reach their goal. The State Board of Education shall establish a competitive grant program for local school systems to implement school reform in selected high schools. These grant programs will help with identifying the at-risk students and help in improving the low performance of the high schools. Some areas in which the grant money is meant to be focused on: identifying the at-risk students, strengthen retention of 9th grade and reducing failure rates, improve standards in reading and mathematics by 9th grade, assist students and parents in setting career goals and a plan to get there, and teach study skills. - Authored By: Rep. Fran Millar of the 79th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb400.htm
HB 406 - Service delivery strategies; certain drinking water projects; funding limitation; provide exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 406 amends the Service Delivery law to make it possible for an applicant who is ready to go forward with a new water supply reservoir, to do so. The applicant will be able to receive a state loan, grant, or permit for the reservoir, even if it is not consistent with an existing service delivery agreement. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Coan of the 101st - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb406.htm
HB 417 - Insurance; dispute; material not in English; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 417 provides that in the event of a dispute or complaint wherein an insurer provided any material in a language other than English, the English language version of the policy as defined in paragraph (1) of Code Section 33-24-1 shall control the resolution of the dispute or complaint. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb417.htm
HB 451 - Commercial code; Uniform Commercial Code; conforming amendments; adopt
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill updates and clarifies Uniform Commercial Code Article 7, in Title 11 of the Georgia Code so that it conforms with other parts of the UCC. It eliminates outdated references to tariffs and regulations that no longer exist, and provides for electronic documents of title. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb451.htm
HB 486 - Superior Court Clerks' Retirement Fund of Georgia; not entitled credit for service after July 1, 2010; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill relates to benefits, disability benefits and spouses' benefits under the Superior Court Clerks' Retirement Fund of Georgia. Persons who become members on or after July 1, 2010 will no longer be entitled to credit for service as a deputy clerk. A death benefit in the amount of $5,000 shall be paid to the designated beneficiary of any member who dies in service. - Authored By: Rep. John Meadows of the 5th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb486.htm

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HB 493 - Georgia Youth Conservation Corps; creation and purposes of the corps; change
certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 493 enables the Georgia Youth Conservation Corps to take advantage of federal funds in order to assist in the weatherizing of residential homes. - Authored By: Rep. Tyrone Brooks of the 63rd - House Committee: Children & Youth http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb493.htm

HB 516 - Industrialized buildings; comply with local ordinances and resolutions; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 516 seeks to invalidate any ordinance or regulation currently in effect or enacted by a local government that treats residential industrialized buildings, commonly known as "modular homes", any differently from buildings constructed on site. This bill also prohibits those areas of authority belonging to local governments shall not adopt any ordinance or resolution that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of prohibiting or discriminating against industrialized buildings in any area or zone where conventional site built buildings of the same use group are permitted. This bill further provides that the Safety Fire Commissioner shall promulgate safety standards, to provide for an inspection process and fees and to prohibit conflicting legislation by local jurisdictions for pre-owned manufactured homes and their inhabitants. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb516.htm

HB 540 - Elections; remove references to ballot cards; provisions
- Bill Summary: HB 540 is the annual "housekeeping" bill for the Elections Division of the Secretary of States Office. Included in this bill are numerous changes to improve the conduct of our elections. The vast majority of the changes presented in the bill include removing antiquated language, correcting conflicting language, and adding clarity to some of the more ambiguous parts of the statute. Some of the more significant items contained in the bill includes: Expands pool of eligible poll officers and allows the use of volunteer poll officers Requires the chief registrar and absentee ballot clerk to be certified by the State Implements staggered terms for the county Board of Registrars Clarifies the rules for campaigning near a polling location Maintains the privacy of those who cast a challenged ballot Extends deadline for provisional ballots to three days (currently two days)

This bill deals with the actual mechanics of how elections are run by the counties and municipalities. It has the full support of the Secretary of State, the Elections Division, and from the local election official community.

The conference committee report added the following new sections and renumbered accordingly: Section 8- fixes a cross referencing issue by removing language requiring a process that is no longer done Section 24 aligns the runoff election dates in the situation when a special election is scheduled on a primary
election date to avert the problem of runoffs for those two races occurring in back to back weeks Section 37 Allows the Governor (at his discretion) to seek federal preclearance of changes affecting voting rather
than going through the process of directing the AG to do the same - Authored By: Rep. Austin Scott of the 153rd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb540.htm

HB 567 - Crime Victims' Bill of Rights; rights of crime victims; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill enhances and strengthens Georgia's laws as they relate to crime victims. Many of the changes relate to what is known as the "Crime Victims' Bill of Rights."
Sections 1 through 3 clarify the rights of victims when the juvenile courts have jurisdiction over the action (i.e. the perpetrator is a juvenile). Section 4 specifies that when persons are convicted of certain offenses the court has the duty to inquire as to whether the victims have been notified as to the presentence hearing, to ensure reasonable attempts have been made to contact victims, and to recess to ensure the opportunity for the victim to be heard.

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Section 5 provides that if restitution is due a victim the amount will be determined at sentencing. Section 6 enumerates the rights contained within the "Crime Victims' Bill of Rights." Section 7 provides definitions and cleans up language. Section 8 clarifies the circumstances under which a victim shall be entitled to notification of certain events pertaining to the accused. Section 9 provides that if the accused is committed to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the victim will be given notice upon his or her release, discharge, escape, readmission, and other such events. Section 10 provides a duty to give notice to victims regarding restitution and, if restitution is sought, how the process should play out. Section 11 specifies the circumstances and procedures by which a victim may be interviewed by the accused. Section 12 provides that the victim may be present at all proceedings where the accused has a right to be present. Section 13 clarifies what communications will be considered attorney work product. Section 14 relates to notification to victims of an accused's motion for new trial or appeal, release on bail or recognizance, appellate proceedings, and outcome of the appeal. Section 15 provides the method for a victim to request mail from an inmate be blocked. Section 16 entitles the victim of a criminal offense to be present in any court exercising jurisdiction over such offense. Senate Changes: SB 508, which deals with the assignment of convicted persons to correctional institutions and also removes the provision whereby an attorney can request a convicted person remain in the local jail or lockup during the appeals process, was attached to HB 567 as Section 17. - Authored By: Rep. Don Parsons of the 42nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb567.htm

HB 571 - Sexual offenders; classification; change and enact provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill updates the code sections dealing with classification of sexual offenders, sexual offender registration requirements, and restrictions on sexual offenders' residences, workplaces, and activities. Also, a narrow and defined appeals process has been added that allows registration requirements to be altered at the discretion of a superior court judge in very limited circumstances.
Major topics covered in this bill include: Appeals, Electronic monitoring devices, Homeless provisions, Language Consistency/Terminology, Misdemeanor offenders, E-mail information, Out of State Offenders, Removal provisions, Penalties, Sexual Offender Registration Review Board, Restrictions on those required to register, Volunteers, Property Interests. Senate Changes: - Tacked on HB 897 This bill cleans up the current code section relating to sexual assault against persons in custody and sexual assault when such person has supervisory or disciplinary authority over another person.
It also addresses the GA Sup. Ct. decision in Chase v. State, which held that the code section as written does not preclude consent as a defense to sexual assault. The Court stated that only the Legislature could address the consent issue. This bill explicitly states that "Consent of the victim shall not be a defense to a prosecution under this code section." - Tacked on SB 439 This bill removes gender specific language from the statute involving incest. It makes the statute gender neutral so that same-sex sexual intercourse or sodomy between family members falls under the incest statute. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb571.htm
HB 579 - Contractors; eligibility for licensure; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation seeks to broaden those contractors who would be able to obtain a contractor's license without having to take the exam. Someone who has worked for a business for 10 years and that business has been incorporated in Georgia for 20 years would be eligible. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Special Rules http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb579.htm

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HB 651 - Sexual offenders; information to schools on accessing registry; revise certain
provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Under the current provision, the Department of Education obtains a complete list of names and addresses of registered sex offenders and then sends that list to each school within the state. This currently costs the State over $7,000 to burn the CDs and mail them. This does not include time spent by employees to prepare the information.
With this bill, the Department of Education will provide access to that information when requested by schools. An example would be through a website or by other electronic means. - Authored By: Rep. Amy Carter of the 175th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb651.htm

HB 656 - Religious organizations; qualify as a self-insurer; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 656 allows certain qualified religious organizations to self-insure for motor vehicle liability insurance for all motor vehicles registered in this state that are owned or leased by members of such religious organization that obtains a certificate from the Commissioner of Insurance. Requirements to obtain a certificate are as follows: The religious organizations has been established since December 31, 1950, and its members hold a common belief in mutual financial assistance in time of need; The religious organization shall be a recognized sect or division of a religious group which has been a recognized religious group for purposes of exemption from federal social security and Medicare taxes since December 31, 1970; The religious organization has filed with the Commissioner the required minimum security. - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb656.htm

HB 665 - Elections; 2010 pilot program; electronic transmission of absentee ballots;
provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 665 provides for a pilot program for the 2012 general primary and general election for the electronic transmission of absentee ballots by military and overseas citizens. Implementation of its provisions is subject to the availability of funding. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb665.htm

HB 703 - County property; granted first right to purchase condemned property; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 703 requires that county's contact original owners before selling previously condemned property or their next of kin if the original owner is deceased. This will allow for either the original owner or next of kin to be the first to purchase property that is being disposed of. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Smith of the 168th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb703.htm

HB 788 - Animal protection; methods of euthanasia; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Prohibits animal shelters from utilizing gas chambers to euthanize cats and dogs, instead requiring lethal injection to be used as the method of euthanasia (the latter method currently already widely in use). - Authored By: Rep. Tom Knox of the 24th - House Committee: Science and Technology http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb788.htm

HB 827 - Highway employees; death or disability; indemnification; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would revise indemnification provisions of the Georgia State Indemnification Fund by increasing death or disability coverage amounts for state highway employees in the line of duty to match those of other public safety individuals.
This bill has a fiscal note. The impact is projected to be $83,000 per year assuming one death and one partial

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permanent liability claim. Currently, the Georgia State Indemnification Fund has a balance of approximately $3.4 million. Senate Changes: - The Senate added dependent parents (if no unremarried spouse or dependents) and surviving dependent siblings (if no surviving parents) to the list of those eligible for payment in the case of death or organic brain damage suffered in the line of duty. - Authored By: Rep. Chuck Sims of the 169th - House Committee: Judiciary - A motion to agree represents final passage of this bill. http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb827.htm
HB 858 - County law libraries; payment of certain funds into county general fund; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill increases the county population (from 700,000 to 950,000) below which those counties are allowed to retain certain funds in the county law library fund for the purposes of supporting a law library rather than placing them in the general treasury. Senate Changes: - Added a section that gives gives discretion to the board of trustees to pay for purchases made by a county's superior court, state court, probate court, magistrate court, or juvenile court. The section also allows a probate judge, chief magistrate, presiding juvenile court judge, or any chief judge of any county court to make a request for the establishment of a county law library. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb858.htm
HB 859 - Probationer duties; tolling of probated sentences; clarify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows for the tolling of probated sentences for probationers who are not able to be found or are not responsive to the orders of the court. Existing tolling statutes require that abscondment be proven as a prerequisite of a tolling order. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb859.htm
HB 863 - Charitable solicitations; accounting; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires the paid solicitors for charitable organizations to file additional information with the Secretary of State with respect to contributions other than monetary donations and securities. It also defines the term "collection receptacle" as an unattended container that is used for the purpose of collecting donations of clothing, books, personal or household items or other goods with the exception of monetary donations. It further requires the collection receptacle to display certain information about the owner and the operator of that receptacle as well as a statement, which specifies whether the receptacles are operated by for-profit or nonprofit organizations and whether the donations are made for charitable, partially charitable or not for charitable purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb863.htm
HB 866 - Physicians for Rural Areas Assistance Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would allow rural hospitals, other health care entities, local governments, and civic organizations to receive matching grants from the State Medical Education Board for the purpose of enticing physicians to rural settings. The grant money can be used for salary supplements, office support, and medical education loan repayment for the physician. - Authored By: Rep. Stephen Allison of the 8th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb866.htm

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HB 867 - Commission on Regional Planning; create; provide for membership and duties
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill creates a Commission on Regional Planning, which will be responsible for coordinating state contracts and planning of resource allocation as well as state service delivery. This Commission will also be responsible for identifying appropriate funding for commissions pursuing shared service delivery goals as well as issues requiring state, regional or local action. This bill further establishes the Commission's governing board composition with the Governor serving as a chairperson. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb867.htm
HB 883 - Sanitary Activity for Food-Processing Enterprises (SAFE) Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: Requires that food-processors maintain sanitization plans on-premises. Would require that such plans meet minimum standards and provide penalties for violations of the requirement, and would punish foodprocessors who knowingly introduce tainted product into the stream of commerce. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb883.htm
HB 889 - Recognizance bonds; persons charged with certain crimes; limit
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill limits recognizance bonds for persons charged with certain crimes, defined as a `bail restricted offense,' (including, by way of example, a serious violent felony as defined in 17-10-6.1, aggravated assault, felony pimping, felony DUI) and entering a pretrial release program, a pretrial release or diversion program, or a pretrial intervention and diversion program.
A judge, in his or her sound discretion and in appropriate cases, may still release a person on their own recognizance for one of the enumerated bail restricted offenses so long as it is not into one of the pretrial programs covered in the code section. Senate Changes: - Added language allowing elected magistrate, state, or superior court judges to enter a written order specifying the reasons why such person should be released upon his or her own recognizance. - Authored By: Rep. Len Walker of the 107th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb889.htm
HB 898 - Driving under the influence; notice of conviction publication; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Currently, if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent DUI within 5 years, then the notice of conviction is published in the local paper. The publication includes, among other information, the photograph, name, and address of that person.
The bill strikes the provision that the convicted person's address will be published. House Floor Amendment: - Added language requiring the person's city, county, and zip code to be published. The residential street address will NOT be published - Authored By: Rep. Doug Collins of the 27th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb898.htm
HB 901 - Repeat offenders; fourth felony offense punishment; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill would remove an exception for capital felons and require them to serve the maximum sentence upon conviction of a fourth or subsequent felony. Currently, the code includes the phrase "other than a capital felony". This bill removes that language. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb901.htm

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HB 903 - County and municipal tax levies; fund domed stadium; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for an extension of Atlanta's hotel motel tax past the current expiration date of December 31 2020, through 2050, to allow for discussions to begin between the Georgia World Congress Center and the Atlanta Falcons to determine if the Falcons will continue to pay on the World Congress Center property. The bill provides that the tax will be extended through 2050 if the same portion of the tax that is currently being used for funding of the Georgia Dome is used to fund a successor facility located on property owned by the World Congress Center and if a contract has been entered into between the Congress Center and a nation football league team for use of the facility through the end of the new extended period of the tax. In addition, during the extension of the tax, the same portion of the tax that is currently being used to fund other tourism initiatives in Georgia will continue to be used for that purpose. House Bill 903 also will allow Macon and Bibb County to increase their hotel motel tax from 6% to 7%. An amount equal to the 6% levy will continue to be spent for the same purposes as they are being used for now, and the additional 1% will be used to fund the local halls of fame and Douglass Theatre. Both Macon and Bibb County have passed resolutions approving this change, so after passage of this bill and a local Act ratifying such resolutions, then the county and city may increase the rate to 7%. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Burkhalter of the 50th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb903.htm
HB 905 - Quality Basic Education Act; capital outlay funds; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 905 is a bill relating to the "Quality Basic Education Act" and to extend a sunset date of June 30th 2015 for the advance funding, exceptional growth and low wealth capital outlay grants. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb905.htm
HB 906 - Elementary and secondary education; annual contracts; temporarily extend deadlines
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill is meant to temporarily extend the deadlines for schools to issue contract or letters of intent for certified personnel in elementary and secondary education for renewing their annual contracts. For the years 2010-2011, 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 the local governing board shall have till May 15th of the current school year. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb906.htm
HB 907 - Quality Basic Education Act; organization of schools, programs, and scheduling; revise certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 907 is a bill relating to the "Quality Basic Education Act" and revising certain provisions of the middle school program. This bill will make it possible for middle school systems to receive money with any combination of grade levels for the housing of students. In current law, the school could only receive funds if it housed the middle school grades six, seven and eight together. Now it is up to the local system to decide how to organize the housing of the students. This bill takes a look at the education schedule for the students. The local school board is still required to provide a minimum of 5 hours instructional classes but does not have to include remedial courses for those students who are not performing on grade level. House Bill 907 also amends the code section relating to scholarship programs for special needs students. It requires for specific notification of the program to parents or guardians of students who qualify for the scholarship by mail, electronic means or automated telephone calls. There are also application deadlines for this scholarship program the parents need to be away of. They must be given the opportunity to apply on August 1, October 1, and March 1 of each school year for a student to transfer. - Authored By: Rep. David Casas of the 103rd - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb907.htm

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HB 908 - Quality Basic Education Act; expenditures, class size, additional days, salary; temporarily suspend
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill gives local systems total flexibility through waivers that: Eliminate Expenditure Controls media center, direct instruction, and staff development costs Eliminate Funding for Additional Instruction Days With this bill, waivers will be available for request by school systems through July 1, 2013. - Previous provisions regarding maximum class sizes and salary schedules were struck out from the original bill with this committee substitute. - Authored By: Rep. Brooks Coleman of the 97th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb908.htm
HB 910 - Gender discrimination; Department of Education; annual gender equality reporting; remove requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill removes the requirements from the Department of Education to provide a report on the annual gender equality in school systems to the Georgia General Assembly each year. They will be provided electronically, saving on printing and mailing costs. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb910.htm
HB 916 - Retirement ages; nullify application for retirement; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation clarifies requirements for members returning to service after retirement. Specifically, a member that has not reached normal retirement age (60 with at least 10 years of service) on the effective date of their retirement is required to wait two consecutive calendar months prior to returning to employment. The employer of the member is also required to certify that no agreement exists to allow such employee to return to service, including service as an independent contractor.
Members that have reached normal retirement age and return to service as a independent contractor are required to have their employing agency provide the Board of Trustees with certification that: The contracting entity has multiple employees; The contracting entity has multiple contracts, and the contracts are not limited to employers; and The contractual relationship with the employer was not created to allow a retired employee to continue employment after retirement in a position similar to the one held before retirement. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb916.htm
HB 923 - Quality Basic Education Act; salary schedules for certificated personnel; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 923 is relating to the salary schedule for certified personnel under the "Quality Basic Education Act." It revises a provision regarding educators who have a leadership degree but not in a leadership position to say that they may be placed on the state salary schedule based on the leadership degree. This provision limits the educators to ones who posses: A leadership degree prior to July 1, 2012 Master's level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2012 Education specialists level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2013 Doctoral level leadership degree prior to July 1, 2014 As long as he or she was enrolled in such leadership preparation program on or before April 1, 2009. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb923.htm

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HB 926 - Obligations of a bank; certain renewals or restructuring of loans; exempt
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill adds language that will allow the Department of Banking and Finance to renew performing loans from state chartered banks. - Authored By: Rep. James Mills of the 25th - House Committee: Banks & Banking http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb926.htm
HB 936 - Student transportation; allowance to refurbish existing school buses; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: Section one of House Bill 936 relates to the funds used on refurbishing school buses. In past code they were not allowed to use the money for school buses to refurbish them, the money could only be used to buy new ones or replace old ones. This bill will make it possible for the State Board of Education to use these funds to refurbish buses in need of work. All buses that are refurbished will still be subject to all safety and maintenance inspections, the refurbishment must be completed by the a school bus manufacturer of by a dealer of such manufacturer. Section two relates the creation of the Georgia Education Authority (Schools), its members, officers, staff and procedural rules and regulations. This authority is a public corporation that consists of 5 members: three appointees of the Governor, one appointee of the Lieutenant Governor, and one appointee of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. They may have staff from the within the Department of education of the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission for carrying out the authority's duties. The authority will be assigned to the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission. Section thee gives the authority the power to purchase, lease, sell, hold or dispose of real and personal property of every kind for its corporate purpose. They can enter into agreements with contractors for the construction of projects for the local school systems to use. The ability to construct, remodel, repair maintain, add to and manage projects on areas located on property owned or leased by the authority. Authority can accept loans or grants form United States, borrow money of its corporate purpose and issue negotiable revenue bonds. They can also issue various types of bonds with various federal tax consequences and to apply for and participate in any federal program which provides financial or other benefits for the authority. With the authorities ability to issue revenue bonds, section four strikes that the interest on such bonds must be paid not semiannually but on a date or dates certain. The remainder of House Bill 936 discusses the forms of bonds, payments, sale and price, use, validating, investment and depositing and refunding of the bonds. - Authored By: Rep. Paul Battles of the 15th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb936.htm
HB 947 - Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2009 - June 30, 2010
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill makes certain changes to the General Appropriations Act that was approved on May 11, 2009. It will provide appropriated sums of money for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2009, and ending June 30, 2010. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Appropriations - Yeas: 123 ; Nays: 29 http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb947.htm
HB 948 - General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011
- Bill Summary: This bill provides appropriated sums of money for the State Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2010, and ending June 30, 2011. The funding will be used for the operation of the State government, its departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, institutions, and other agencies. Further, it provides funding for the university system, common schools, counties, municipalities, political subdivisions and for all other governmental activities, projects and undertakings authorized by law. - Authored By: Rep. David Ralston of the 7th - House Committee: Appropriations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb948.htm

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HB 958 - Georgia Ports Authority; applicability of traffic laws and enforcement by security guards; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Code section 52-2-10 by revising language to change designations of `security guards' as `peace officers'. The section is also amended to require those persons with the authority to exercise the powers of arrest to be certified peace officers according to the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council. - Authored By: Rep. Burke Day of the 163rd - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb958.htm
HB 963 - Ad valorem tax; returns of taxable real property; change certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 963 eliminates inconsistencies within the ad valorem tax code. In section 1, it eliminates the requirement that property tax returns by submitted in person or by mail. This provision conflicts with another section in the ad valorem code allowing for electronic filing of returns. This bill will allow for electronic filing of such property tax returns. Section 2 clears up an inconsistency in the code section providing a homestead exemption for those that are 62 and older with income of $10,000 or less. When an amendment to this section was passed several years ago to change the calculation of income to include only the net income of the resident and spouse rather than the gross income of everyone residing in the homestead, the statute was only changed in one of two places, and therefore is internally inconsistent. The bill makes the technical correction so that the provision uniformly provides for a calculation based on the net income of the applicant and spouse only. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb963.htm
HB 969 - Retirement and pensions; comply with federal law; amend certain provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill authorizes the payment of death benefits if a member of a retirement system dies while performing qualified military service. It clarifies provisions regarding the distribution of benefits for persons who have reached the age 70 . It specifies that earnable compensation for members of TRS will include deferral contributions as defined by Internal Revenue Code. It clarifies the definition of "plan year" for TRS. Stipulates that "pick-up" contributions paid by employers as pre-tax employee contributions must be paid as retirement contributions that are 100% vested and cannot be received by the members in cash. Requires the employer to certify the retirement date for a member of the TRS and to certify no agreement exists to allow the employee to return to service. It also amends other provisions within TRS, requiring members who wish to purchase additional creditable service to file their application and make their payment at the same time that they file their application for retirement. The bill makes technical corrections to ensure that 60 is the age reported as the normal retirement age in all sections that refer to TRS. It lastly amends provisions relating to the return to service of retired members under the Public School Employees Retirement System. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb969.htm
HB 974 - Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund; credible service for absence; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes the vesting in Peace Officers Annuity and Benefit fund from 10 years to 15 years and requires individuals taking a Leave of Absence to return to work for the number of months they took the Leave of Absence. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb974.htm

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HB 977 - Quality Basic Education Act; state funds for salary increase; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 977 relates to employment under the "Quality Basic Education Act" and to prohibit the use of state funds to provide salary increases for local school superintendents or administrators during a school year that the local board of education has furloughed teachers, paraprofessionals, cafeteria workers, bus drivers, custodians, support staff or other non-administrative positions. If the local school board intends to do so they must provide notice of a public hearing for full discussion and public input. However, this does not apply to any step increases on the state salary schedule for superintendents or administrators. - Authored By: Rep. Ed Rynders of the 152nd - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb977.htm
HB 980 - Public officers and employees; school board members in bail bond business; modify provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This Bill would allow elected officials to the local school board to be involved in the bail bond business. These members will be able to participate in the business within the jurisdiction of the office he or she is elected. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb980.htm
HB 981 - Law enforcement vehicles; painted solid color; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Code Section 40-8-91 to allow the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety to have State Patrol cars painted a solid color instead of a two toned scheme. The current regulations regarding two toned color schemes remain unchanged. HB 981 just offers another option when considering painting of patrol cars. Senate amendment adopted: Section 1 - Subsection (2) : lines 28 and 29 Strike underlined language "which extends a minimum of eight inches above the top outside of the roof of the car and" This amendment was offered by Senator Douglas on the grounds that there are no law enforcement vehicles with light bars over 8 inches above the roof of the car. Senate added language from HB 1165 that revises the section of the code dealing with motorcycle enforcement units and repeals the sunset provision that was contained in the bill when the motorcycle enforcement unit was created. The House agreed to this addition to the bill - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb981.htm
HB 984 - Income taxes; levy or collection of local income taxes; prohibit
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill repeals provisions in the Code that allow counties and cities to initiate a local income tax. Current law allows counties and cities, subject to referendum, to adopt a local income tax at the rate of 1% upon the portion of taxable net income of every resident individual of the county or city, and on the net income of every corporation and fiduciary that is "reasonably attributable" to property owned and business done within the county or city. This tax would not be imposed on individuals with a gross income of less than $7,500. This bill provides that on or after the effective date of this Code section, there shall be no local income taxes levied or collected by any political subdivision of the state, and no local income tax returns shall be required. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb984.htm

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HB 990 - Motor carriers; financial responsibility compatible with federal regulations; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 990 is a housekeeping bill to bring Georgia in line with federal motor carrier laws. - Authored By: Rep. Alan Powell of the 29th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb990.htm
HB 991 - Sales and use tax; county and municipal; distribution of proceeds; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes provisions applicable to the renegotiations of distribution of joint county and municipal sales tax collections. Currently, should an agreement not be reached by the second year following a decennial census, the distribution certificate expires and the local governing authorities do not receive the tax proceeds until the distribution certificate is renegotiated. It provides for judicial proceedings should the parties involved not be able to reach an agreement after sixty days of non-binding arbitration or mediation. After sixty days, any party may file a petition in superior court of the county seeking resolution of the dispute. The petition will be assigned to a judge who is not a judge in the circuit in which the county is located. The judge's decision as to the allocation of tax proceeds shall adopt the best and final offer of one of the parties and shall also include findings of fact. The judge enters a final order which contains a new distribution certificate, and appeals will be allowed only for the judge's disregard of the law, for partiality of the judges, or for corruption, fraud, or misconduct by the judge or a party. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb991.htm
HB 994 - Community Health, Department of; regulatory authority; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would allow the Board of Community Health to set fees for licensure fees of the health care facilities that they regulate. - Authored By: Rep. Penny Houston of the 170th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb994.htm
HB 997 - Social Security Coverage Group; State Personnel Administration jurisdiction; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation updates Chapter 18 of Title 47 relating to Social Security and moves the responsibilities to the State Personnel Administration. - Authored By: Rep. Howard Maxwell of the 17th - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb997.htm
HB 1002 - Crimes and offenses; crimes against judges and court personnel; increase punishment
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for enhanced penalties against those who commit aggravated assault against judges, attorneys, clerks of court, deputy clerks of court, court reporters, and probation officers while they are performing their official duties. Senate Changes: - Adds court interpreters to the list of persons against whom aggravated assault will mean enhanced penalties. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1002.htm

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HB 1005 - Special license plates; Zoo Atlanta; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation authorizes special license plates to benefit Zoo Atlanta and to allow a decal for "In God We Trust" where the county would be displayed.
The definitions for limousines and taxicabs are updated to be distinguishable; registration is $25 and a distinctive plate will be issued.
New language is added to provide for temporary permits for drivers who lose coverage of insurance, but requires such termination to be electronically provided quarterly by the insurer to the Department of Insurance. This does not apply to fleet policies. Fees for lapsed coverage are $25, and a $60 restoration fee when registration is suspended due to failure to pay lapse fee. Two suspensions within five years will rise to registration suspension; three suspensions in five years will result in registration revocation. Waivers are available for active duty personnel. (Updated CCR summary courtesy of the Senate Research Office) - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1005.htm

HB 1007 - Property; sales to political subdivisions; maximum amount exempt; increase
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1007 increases the amount of money that can be spent by a local officer or employee to a political subdivision from $200.00 to $800.00. This bill also states that due to these transactions, no employee, elected or appointed officer will be subject to civil liability. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1007.htm

HB 1012 - Special license plates; service members killed in action; expand definition
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1012 expands the provisions of the Gold Star specialty license plate. Currently, only the spouse, mother, or father of a fallen service member may apply for the Gold Star plate. Under HB 1012, siblings and step-parents will also be able to obtain this plate. However, the plates will not be free for siblings or step-parents.Authored By: Rep. Billy Horne of the 71st - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1012.htm

HB 1013 - Sales tax; educational purposes; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1013 requires school boards to publish an annual summary of their sales tax for education (ESPLOST) program finances in a newspaper of general circulation within the local government boundaries. The publication must show, for each project, the original estimated cost, the current estimated cost, amounts expended in prior year, and amounts expended in the current year. This is the same requirement imposed on counties and cities that have a special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST). This is intended to provide transparency in the use of taxpayer money and ensures school systems are held to the same standards as counties and cities. This bill also provides that the local school board must send this information to the Department of Audits and Accounts for posting on the Open Georgia website. - Authored By: Rep. Doug Holt of the 112th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1013.htm

HB 1015 - Street gang terrorism and prevention; expand and change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill strengthens and clarifies the Georgia Street Gang and Terrorism Prevention Act. Some of the changes are a result of the Georgia Supreme Court decision Rodriguez v. State. Others are to clean up the language to make it consistent, to conform to the definitions, and to remove unclear provisions that could be subject to challenge. It also adds new offenses for, among other things, initiation, encouragement, and retaliation against those who perform acts to gain membership, attempt to recruit new members, or who threaten with retaliation those who refuse to join a gang or testify against a gang. It will also, should funding become available, authorize the GBI to create and manage a Georgia Criminal Street Gang Database. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1015.htm

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HB 1016 - Identity fraud; include businesses as potential identity theft victims; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: his bill clarifies that corporate and other business entities that are targets of identity fraud are protected in the same manner as individuals. Further, it ensures that law enforcement personnel and prosecutors are able to investigate and prosecute identity theft against these entities. - Authored By: Rep. Rich Golick of the 34th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1016.htm

HB 1019 - State government; replacement permits, licenses, and identification cards;
provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1019 defines "natural disaster" for the ensuing code section and requires each state agency that issues permits, licenses, certificates, or identification cards to citizens of this state to issue replacement permits, licenses, certificates or identification cards without charge to citizens who demonstrate that their original documents were lost or destroyed as the direct result of a natural disaster. - Authored By: Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan of the 39th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1019.htm

HB 1021 - Dangerous drugs; Salvia divinorum A; include
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation makes the used of Salvia divinorum A illegal, but provides an exemption the possession for landscaping purposes. - Authored By: Rep. John Lunsford of the 110th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1021.htm

HB 1023 - Jobs, Opportunity, and Business Success Act of 2010; enact

- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1023 makes several changes in our code to provide tax relief and encourage

employment opportunities and business stimulation. The bill makes the following changes:

Provides employers with the "Georgia Works Tax Credit" for hiring people that have been receiving

unemployment compensation

o

Quarterly credit against their required unemployment contributions in an amount between $25 and $125

per employee per calendar quarter, to be determined by the Commissioner of the Department of Labor based on

conditions in the labor market, the state of the economy, and the state-wide reserve ratio. This provision will only

become effective upon the United States Secretary of Labor determining that it is in conformity with federal law.

Provides corporations and individuals with an income tax exclusion for long-term capital gains

o

In the year following the year in which the revenue shortfall reserve is funded at $1 billion or more, the

exclusion amount is 25% of the total net long-term capital gains.

o

For all tax years after that, the exclusion amount is 50%

Creates the "Angel Investor Income Tax Credit" to encourage third party investment in early stage businesses

o

Provides an income tax credit to investors that make investments in "qualified businesses" in 2011, 2012,

or 2013 to be taken in the second year following the year of the investment.

o

Credit is equal to the lesser of $30,000 or 20% of the aggregate amount of an individual's investments.

o

The aggregate cap of all tax credits shall not exceed $3 million per year.

o

"Qualified businesses" include businesses domiciled in Georgia that employ 20 or fewer people, have

gross annual sales of less than $500,000, have not obtained more than $1 million in cash proceeds from the issuance

of equity or debt, and have a business net worth of less than $3 million. Also, business must not engage substantially

in:

Retail sales; real estate or construction; professional services; gambling; natural resource

extraction; financial, brokerage, or investment activities or insurance; or entertainment, amusement, recreation, or

athletic or fitness activity for which admission or membership is charged.

Eliminates the corporate net worth tax beginning in 2012

- Authored By: Rep. Tom Graves of the 12th

- House Committee: Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation

http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1023.htm

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HB 1028 - Ad valorem tax; forest land conservation use property; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The Forest Land Protection Act passed in 2008 provided that when breach of a forest land covenant occurs following the transfer of a portion of the tract to another owner, that the penalty and interest shall be paid by either the acquiring owner or the transferor, whichever breached the covenant. However, Dept. of Revenue rules and regulations promulgated on this act provide that if the penalty and interest is not satisfied by the breaching party then the local governments may seek recovery from the non-breaching party's property interest, and may file a lien against that property. This bill would clarify that only the portion on which the breach occurred will be subject to penalty and interest, and only that portion of the land may be subject to a lien. The bill also provides that if a single tract of forest land property is required to be placed into separate covenants because it lies in more than one county, then the total acreage of that tract shall be utilized for purposes of determining the 200 acre requirement. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1028.htm

HB 1040 - Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; certain health activities not
require license; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows individuals to have certain health maintenance activities performed by a friend, caregiver, etc. (who is not a family member) that would otherwise have to be provided by an RN or LPN because the individual cannot provide the activities to themselves due to disability. It seeks to give the consumer more choice and control over their own affairs.
This bill also provides that the proxy caregiver will be liable for his or her actions. The medical professional who authorized or trained that caregiver would be liable for failing to meet the applicable standard of care in assessing the proxy caregiver's qualifications or capability, in assessing whether the health maintenance activities could be performed by a proxy caregiver, and in assessing whether the health maintenance activities could be performed outside a hospital or nursing home. A medical professional would also be liable for negligently training the proxy caregiver if the training deviated from the applicable standard of care and was a proximate cause of injury to the disabled person. Senate Committee Changes: Language was added to clarify that Medicaid is the payor of last resort and that other funding sources for the health maintenance activities should be utilized if they are available. - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1040.htm

HB 1050 - Real estate appraisers; appraisal management companies; add regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires the Real Estate Appraisal Management Companies to register with the Georgia Real Estate Appraisers Board. It further establishes certain standards and requirements for the registration and operation of such appraisal management companies and authorizes the Board to regulate such companies. This bill also outlines prohibited activities and authorizes the Board to take disciplinary actions against companies that violate such provisions. - Authored By: Rep. Tommy Benton of the 31st - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1050.htm

HB 1055 - Drivers' licenses; fees for temporary licenses or identification cards; change
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1055 updates fees throughout the Georgia code to ensure that they accurately reflect the cost of providing the service they are charged for. The bill also provides for the Provider Payment Agreement Act, which imposes a provider payment agreement on hospitals in the amount of 1.45% of their net patient revenue, for the purpose of obtaining federal Medicaid dollars. Provider payments will be paid quarterly to the Department of Revenue, the first payment due by September 30, 2010, and will sunset on June 30, 2013. This bill also provides for a 5 year phase out of the state quarter mill of property tax starting in 2012. For tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016, there will be no property tax quarter mill levied by the state. The tax bills must contain a statement providing that the reduction of the quarter mill tax rate is the result of property tax relief passed by the Governor and House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate. Lastly, the legislation provides for a gradual increase in the amount of retirement income excludable from state

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income tax for taxpayers age 65 and older beginning in 2012. Currently, taxpayers 62 and older may exclude $35,000 of retirement income. In the amendment, in 2012, taxpayers that are 65 and older may exclude up to $65,000. In 2013, this cap increases to $100,000, in 2014 it increases to $150,000, and in 2015 it increases to $200,000. In 2016, the cap is eliminated, so that for taxpayers age 65 and older, all retirement income will be excluded from state income tax. The cap on excludable income for taxpayers age 62 to 64, and for permanently and totally disabled taxpayers that cannot perform gainful occupation, will remain at the current $35,000 this year and going forward. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1055.htm

HB 1059 - Solid waste management; permits for handling, disposal, or treatment; change
provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1059 will allow for a minor permit modification for existing municipal solid waste disposal facilities for materials consisting of concrete, asphalt, cardboard, or yard trimmings or similar wood wastes diverted from the waste stream for the recycling or other beneficial reuse of such materials. A 30 day notice to the chief elected official of the jurisdiction is required before starting any recycling operation for materials consisting of concrete, asphalt, cardboard, or yard trimmings or similar wood wastes. - Authored By: Rep. Randy Nix of the 69th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1059.htm

HB 1060 - Georgia Ports Authority; comprehensive revisions; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1060 allows the Georgia Ports Authority to obtain its own credit rating instead of using a bank credit facility (such as a letter of credit). Last May, a large portion of GPA's revenue bonds failed to remarket due to a major bank credit rating downgrade. Under the bill, GPA must get approval from the Georgia State Financing and Investment Commission prior to issuing any bonds and financial plans are reviewed by the GSFIC staff, the state's financial advisor. Under current law, GPA's revenue bonds are not State debt and are not a pledge of the State's faith and credit, and no GPA bondholder can enforce payment against the State. GPA can use bond proceeds only for capital projects no operating expenses are paid from bond funds. Also in the bill the definition of "project" is clarified to include cranes, cargo handling equipment, and other equipment currently used by the Authority. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1060.htm

HB 1069 - Income tax; credits for equipment that reduces energy or water usage; provide
- Bill Summary: Section 1 of HB 1069 provides for an income tax credit for taxpayers that purchase certain energy or water efficient equipment as part of new construction or for retrofit in the year the equipment is placed in service. The amount of the credit is 25% of the cost of the equipment or $2,500, whichever is less. Eligible equipment includes energy and water efficient equipment certified by the commissioner of natural resources as effective in reducing business or domestic energy or water usage. Tax credits allowed shall not exceed a taxpayers' income tax liability, and unused credits may be carried forward for five years. The aggregate amount of the tax credits that shall be allowed is limited to the amount of federal funds granted to Georgia for this purpose, and these credits will only be granted in years such federal funds are granted. After purchase of the equipment, the taxpayer must submit an application to the Dept. of Revenue for approval of the credit, and the credits will be allowed on a first come, first served basis. Section 2 of the bill provides for the "Angel Investor Income Tax Credit" to encourage individuals to invest in early stage, innovative businesses. It provides an income tax credit for investments made in a qualified business in the 2011, 2012, or 2013 calendar year of 35% of the investment amount. The credit may be taken in the second year following the year the investment is made. The aggregate amount of the credit allowed an individual in a single year shall not exceed $50,000, and any unused credit may be carried forward for five years. The aggregate amount of all tax credits allowed shall not exceed $10 million per year. Qualified businesses include businesses headquartered in Georgia that were organized no more than three years before the investment, employ 20 or fewer people, have gross annual revenues of less than $500,000, and have not obtained more than $1 million in cash proceeds from the

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issuance of equity or debt. Also, such business must not engage primarily in retail, real estate or construction, professional services, gambling, natural resource extraction, financial brokerage or investment or insurance activities, or entertainment, amusement, recreation, or athletic or fitness activity. Section 3 of the bill provides that taxpayers that are denied a tax credit for the purchase of clean energy property because the aggregate annual credits have already been authorized to other taxpayers in that year may reapply the following taxable year and have priority over other taxpayers for credit allocation in that next year. Sections 4 and 5 of the bill provide for an elimination of the refundability of the credit provided to low income residents. Currently there is a credit in law provided to low income residents with a federal adjusted gross income of $19,999 or less. This credit is currently available to those with no income tax liability in which case the state will issue a refund check to those taxpayers. This bill provides that the tax credit may not exceed the taxpayer's tax liability, so the credit may not be refunded. Section 6 of the bill allows for an additional referendum to re-impose the City of Atlanta's municipal option sales tax for water and sewer projects. Currently, re-imposition of this tax is only allowed twice. This bill changes this to allow for renewal of the four year tax three times. - Authored By: Rep. Joe Wilkinson of the 52nd - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1069.htm
HB 1072 - Motor vehicle franchise practices; voluntary releases; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1072 seeks to clarify provisions relating to voluntary releases entered into by a automobile dealer; to prohibit a franchisor from assessing a surcharge against a dealer for warranty repairs; to require a franchisor to pay a dealer terminated as a result of a bankruptcy or industry reorganization the fair market value of the terminated franchise as of the notice of termination or 12 months prior, whichever is greater. It becomes effective upon signature of the Governor. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1072.htm
HB 1073 - Elections; absentee ballots to uniformed and overseas voters; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1073 brings Georgia into compliance with the federal MOVE Act. It provides for the provision of absentee ballots to uniformed and overseas voters and the use of special write-in ballots. Further, it provides that absentee ballots may be requested by electronic transmission. It requires that the State Election Board shall establish by rule or regulation procedures for the transmission of blank absentee ballots to uniformed and overseas voters. - Authored By: Rep. John Meadows of the 5th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1073.htm
HB 1074 - Public Safety, Department of; Capitol Police Division; create; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Modifies the designation of capitol square to match existing street and geographical boundaries 2) transfers the gba police and their law enforcement duties relating to capitol hill from the gba. To the dept of public safety, 3) creates the dept of public safety a division known as the capitol police - Authored By: Rep. John Meadows of the 5th - House Committee: Appropriations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1074.htm
HB 1079 - Teacher certification; additional payment methods; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1079 amends the code section relating to the payment methods for teachers to pay certifications fees to the Professional Standards Commission. In the past, teachers were only allowed to pay with check or money order but now will be allowed to use credit card, debit card or other methods as approved by the Professional Standards Commission. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1079.htm

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HB 1082 - Ad valorem tax exemptions; freeport exemptions; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1082 expands the current Freeport inventory exemption. It allows local governments to hold a local referendum to exempt inventory of finished goods. Currently the Freeport exemption only applies to inventory for final destination outside Georgia or inventory in the process of manufacture of production. This bill creates a "Level Two" Freeport exemption that would include all inventory of a business not otherwise qualified for the current, or "level 1" Freeport exemption. The county or city may exempt 20, 40, 60, 80, or 100% of such inventory, subject to local referendum. This level two Freeport may be granted either in lieu of or in addition to the current "level one" Freeport exemption. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Powell of the 171st - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1082.htm
HB 1085 - Reunification of family; additional case plan and permanency plan requirements; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would requires that when children are placed into foster care siblings are kept together when possible, that the child stays in the same educational setting when possible and require that transition planning take place with youths who are about to exit the program. - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Children & Youth http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1085.htm
HB 1086 - Public records; teacher and school employee information; exempt from disclosure
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1086 deals with exemptions to the disclosure of public records for teachers and employees of public and nonpublic schools. Information regarding the teachers or employees: home address, home telephone number, e-mail address, social security number or insurance/medical information is not subject to public disclosure. Previous code section only covered public school teachers and employees; HB 1086 adds nonpublic teachers and employees. - Authored By: Rep. Rick Austin of the 10th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1086.htm

HB 1090 - Parks; Georgia Agrirama Development Authority; abolish; provide successor
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1090 abolishes the Georgia Agrirama Development Authority and provides that Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) shall be the successor to such authority and shall continue all functions of the authority without interruption. Further, it provides for an assumption of assets and liabilities by ABAC. - Authored By: Rep. Austin Scott of the 153rd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1090.htm

HB 1093 - Occupation taxes; county provide electronic information to Department of
Revenue; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation is designed to improve collection of state and local sales and use taxes. It provides that, if a county or city chooses to participate in this program, that they will send certain pieces of information to the Georgia Department of Revenue about the businesses that are paying local occupation taxes in that jurisdiction. This will allow the Dept. of Revenue to match those businesses with the Department's list of businesses that have registered to collect and remit sales taxes to the Department. This will allow them to identify those businesses should be collecting sales taxes but are not doing so. The provisions in this bill will only apply to those counties and cities that adopt a resolution consenting to participate in this program.
Under this bill, participating counties and cities will request the business legal name and any trade names, mailing address and physical location addresses, and the sales and use tax identification number assigned to the business by the Department if they are required to have such number. In addition, the county or city will submit a North American Industry Classification System Code number or numbers of the business. The county or city must also provide written notice to the business that this information, or refusal to provide this information, will be provided to the Department. After collecting this information the county or city will enter this information into a website or

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electronic portal maintained by the department. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1093.htm
HB 1095 - Death investigations; coroners cooperate with forensic laboratory; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill removes the requirement that a medical examiner or coroner file a report of their investigation with the GBI, which was a duplicative effort since the medical examiner or coroner also kept a copy of the report. - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1095.htm
HB 1101 - Workers' compensation; Self-insurers Guaranty Trust Fund; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1101 provides for the publication of decisions of the board as well as providing for the entry and execution of judgment upon final orders and decisions regarding the Self-insurers Guaranty Trust Fund. Further, it modifies the notification period for revocation of a certificate of self-insurance and revises provisions relative to the Self-insurers Guaranty Trust Fund. Finally, it provides immunity from liability for members of the board of trustees of the Self-insurers Guaranty Trust Fund. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Coan of the 101st - House Committee: Industrial Relations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1101.htm
HB 1104 - Juvenile proceedings; graduated sanctions and secure detention for probation violators; provisions
- Bill Summary: This bill extends the sunset relating to the maximum number of days a child may serve in a youth detention center to July 1, 2013. After that date a court may sentence a child to serve in a youth detention center for a maximum of 60 days. The current maximum is 30 days. Senate Changes: - Attached HB 1144, which would allow juveniles to receive credit for time served in juvenile detention prior to disposition or sentencing (currently, juveniles are explicitly excluded from this mandate). - Attached SB 423, which provides for the new offense of smash and grab burglary. - Added language regarding graduated sanctions for juveniles back into the bill (this language had been removed by the House). - Authored By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett of the 144th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1104.htm
HB 1105 - Watercraft held in inventory; exempt from taxation; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1105 extends the property tax exemption for watercraft owned by a dealer and held as inventory for sale or resale. Currently, the exemption is set to expire on December 31, 2010, and this bill extends the expiration date to December 31, 2013. - Authored By: Rep. Mickey Channell of the 116th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1105.htm
HB 1106 - Animal protection; shelters scan for microchips prior to euthanasia; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1106 requires that all animals brought into a shelter be scanned universal microchip reader within 24 hours, or as soon as possible, prior to euthanizing any dog, cat, or other large animal traditionally kept as household pets. - Authored By: Rep. Gene Maddox of the 172nd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1106.htm

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HB 1118 - Child Support Recovery Act; IV-D agency support orders; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Article 1 of Chapter 11 of Title 19 to align state law with federal law with respect to child support orders and access to medical insurance coverage for children.
The revisions to the code are necessary to ensure that federal funds continue to be received by the state. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Weldon of the 3rd - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1118.htm
HB 1119 - Georgia Arthritis Prevention and Control Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would create the Arthritis Prevention and Control Program, within the Department of Community Health. The membership of the program would include people with Arthritis, medical experts, representatives from the Arthritis foundation, providers, and other epidemiological experts. The program will focus on ways to reduce the prevalence of Arthritis and ways to better control the occurrence. The program would be allowed to accept grants and apply for federal waivers for funding of the program. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 118th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1119.htm
HB 1128 - Public property; writing off small amounts due to state; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1128 extends the sunset provision put in place to allow state agencies and departments including the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia, to consider administratively discharging obligations that have been determined uncollectable to July 1st 2013. The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia or the Technical College System of Georgia may discharge amounts of $3,000.00 or less. In order for these obligations to be considered uncollectable, the agency must provide documentation of the efforts made to collect the debt to the commissioner of the agency. At that time the commissioner will then determine if the cost of further collection efforts is in the public's financial interest. A certificate will be issued deeming the efforts of collection to be costly and the obligation can then be removed for accounting purposes.
This bill also allows the Technical College System of Georgia to collect revenue from tuition. However the amount collected may not exceed 15 percent of the tuition collected. This section is also extended until July 1st 2013. - Authored By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart of the 36th - House Committee: Higher Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1128.htm
HB 1138 - Revenue and tax; define Internal Revenue Code; incorporate federal law
- BILL SUMMARY: Adopts the Internal Revenue Code as of January 1, 2010 so as to include federal tax law changes signed into law during 2009. If Georgia does not adopt these provisions, taxpayers will be required to make a number of state-level adjustments to federal AGI to compute their Georgia tax liability which will increase complexity and make compliance with our income tax system much more difficult and expensive.
The federal legislation includes the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009; the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009; the Military Spouses Residency Relief Act; the Department of Defense Appropriations Act; and the Haiti Relief Public Law 111-126. New items Georgia will adopt includes: Section 179 Small business expense limitation increased from $125,000 to $250,000. Allows taxpayers to claim charitable contributions for Haitian relief efforts on 2009 tax returns Expansion of Section 529 (qualified tuition program) qualified education expenses to include the purchase of computer technology or equipment and Internet access for students Non-taxability of economic recovery payments made to recipients of social security, railroad retirement, and veterans' disability compensation benefits Non-taxability of COBRA premium subsidies received from IRS - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1138.htm

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HB 1140 - Alcovy, Atlanta, and Brunswick judicial circuits; dates of terms; change
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill moves the date of appointment for additional judges for the superior courts of the Alcovy, Atlanta, and Brunswick judicial circuits to July 1, 2010. - Authored By: Rep. Roger B. Lane of the 167th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1140.htm
HB 1147 - Special liens on personalty; eliminate aircraft liens; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill deals with aviation liens. There was preemption at the federal level (with respect to recordation of the interest in the aircraft or aircraft engines) and the current Georgia Code does not align with federal law. This bill is to modify the language in the Georgia Code to recognize the federal preemption and to clear up any confusion that may be present with regard to how aviation liens should be perfected. Senate Changes: - Removed those providing fuel from the lists of persons covered under the Code section. - Authored By: Rep. David Knight of the 126th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1147.htm
HB 1150 - Retirement and pensions; Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund; define terms
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill increases the penalty for making false statement or falsifying documents for the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund from a misdemeanor to a felony. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Weldon of the 3rd - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1150.htm
HB 1154 - Influenza vaccine; revise definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows the nasal spray flu vaccine to be administered to patients in the range of 13-49 years of age without needing a prescription from a physician. Additionally patients who opt for the nasal spray vaccine rather than the injection must sign a form stating that they do not have any medical conditions that would make them high risk for influenza, such form must include the possible reactions to the vaccine. - Authored By: Rep. Sean Jerguson of the 22nd - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1154.htm

HB 1170 - Medical assistance; health organizations providing service under Medicaid; repeal
tax exemption
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation repeals the tax exemption for health maintenance organizations which provide health care services under the Medicaid program. - Authored By: Rep. Jim Cole of the 125th - House Committee: Appropriations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1170.htm

HB 1174 - Public roads; regulate oversize and overweight loads; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Code section 32-6-24 relating to the regulation of maintenance and use of public roads so as to provide for regulation of oversize and overweight loads on streets or highways. Any vehicle utilizing idle reduction technology shall have the penalty assessed with the weight of the idle reduction technology taken into account up to 400 pounds. The operator of the vehicle must have written certification from the manufacturer specifying the weight of the technology and demonstrates that it is fully functional. If the citation is being issued for a weight or axle spacing violation on a superload plus permit issued by DOT, the citation shall be issued based on all excess weight over 150,000 pounds, not 80,000 pounds. Code section32-6-28 is amended to say that permission to transport two modular housing units is only granted when minimum requirements and specifications are met. The same section is also amended to provide that DOT will issue the rules for driver certification of those driving an escort vehicle for oversize loads. Those rules may provide for reciprocity with other states. Certification credentials must be kept in the escort vehicle at all times. Driver training shall be implemented on

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or before July 1, 2010 and requirements shall be enforced beginning January 1, 2011. This bill also amends Title 40 by allowing for pedestrian hybrid beacons which remain dark until a pedestrian activates the signal by pressing a button. Having these signals in place would allow drivers to keep moving at a mid block crosswalk unless the signal is activated by pedestrians. Code section 40-14-9 is amended by allowing for variable speed limits. - Authored By: Rep. Jon G. Burns of the 157th - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1174.htm
HB 1179 - Influenza vaccinations; hospitals offer annually to employees; require
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires that hospitals offer flu vaccines to their employees who have contact with patients, at no cost for the employee. These vaccines are not mandatory for the employee to accept. - Authored By: Rep. Katie M. Dempsey of the 13th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1179.htm
HB 1186 - Ad valorem tax exemption; certain public-private transportation projects; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1186 further defines what constitutes "public property" for purposes of the ad valorem tax exemption for public property. It provides that property qualifying as a public private transportation project which is owned or leased by the state, state agency, or other governmental entity and which is developed, operated, or held by a private partner shall constitute "public property" and shall be exempt from ad valorem tax. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Roberts of the 154th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1186.htm
HB 1191 - Encumbered property; recording, payment, and distribution of tax; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1191 relates to the intangible recording tax when the encumbered property lies in more than one county. Currently, the entire tax is paid to the first county in which the filer presents the instrument for recording. The clerk of the first county has no way of determining the appropriate amount of tax to forward to the other counties. Taxpayers must wait to file in the other counties after they receive their first filing back from the clerk. This process results in a delay of several weeks or months as the filing party waits for the instrument to be recorded in each county affected. Under this bill, the filer will pay the tax to the clerk of each county. For purposes of determining the proportional value, the filer may use the county tax assessment. This bill also provides for filing of duplicate original instruments in each county where the secured property being encumbered is located. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1191.htm
HB 1192 - Real estate transfer tax; property in more than one county; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1192 relates to the real estate transfer tax when the encumbered property lies in more than one county. Currently, the entire tax is paid to the first county in which the filer presents the instrument for recording. The clerk of the first county has no way of determining the appropriate amount of tax to forward to the other counties. Taxpayers must wait to file in the other counties after they receive their first filing back from the clerk. This process results in a delay of several weeks or months as the filing party waits for the instrument to be recorded in each county affected. Under this bill, the filer will pay the tax to the clerk of each county. For purposes of determining the proportional value, the filer may use the county tax assessment. This bill also provides for filing of duplicate original instruments in each county where the secured property being encumbered is located. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1192.htm

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HB 1195 - Labor and industrial relations; Georgia Workforce Investment Board; create
- Bill Summary: HB 1195 codifies the Georgia Workforce Investment Board that was created by a 2206 Executive Order, as well as providing for the membership of said board, its powers, functions and funding. Further, it establishes the Governor's Office of Workforce Development and Georgia Work Ready. This bill shall become effective upon its approval by the Governor or upon its becoming law without such approval. All funding is federal. No state dollars will be spent. The conference committee report on HB 1195 is the as passed house version of the bill. - Authored By: Rep. Terry England of the 108th - House Committee: Industrial Relations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1195.htm
HB 1196 - Buildings; no building code require fire sprinklers in single-family dwelling; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1196 states that neither the state building code nor any building code adopted by a political subdivision of the state shall include a requirement that fire sprinklers be installed in a single-family dwelling or a residential building that contains no more than two dwelling units. - Authored By: Rep. Terry England of the 108th - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1196.htm
HB 1198 - Income tax; taxable nonresident; change definition
- Bill Summary: HB 1198 changes the definition of "taxable nonresident" to provide for income taxation of certain types of deferred income received by individuals that are not residents of Georgia in the taxable year. It provides that nonresident individuals that engaged in a prior year in activity for gain or profit in Georgia and in the taxable year receives deferred compensation or income from the exercise of stock options from such activity will be subject to Georgia income tax on such income, if such income exceeds the lesser of $5,000 or 5% of the income received by the person in all places. This will not apply when the state is prohibited from taxing such income pursuant to federal law. This bill will become effective beginning on January 1, 2011. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1198.htm
HB 1199 - Natural Resources, Department of; authority to arrange volunteer services; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources [DNR] to incorporate a nonprofit 501[c][3] corporation to provide grants to DNR for additional financial support, to assist the agency in advancing various activities and purposes under its purview, such as environmental protection, coastal resource conservation, outdoor recreation and conservation measures and development. This nonprofit corporation may not conduct any governmental functions or regulatory powers, and no member of the Board of Natural Resources may be an officer or director of the nonprofit corporation. No donations to this nonprofit corporation from private sources may be used for direct employee costs of DNR Furthermore, the nonprofit corporation will be subject to all laws relating to open meetings and inspection of public records and must make public and provide an annual report showing donors, amounts donated and all expenditures or other disposal of money or property donated, with the report provided to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, chairman of the House and Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committees and chairman of the House Game, Fish and Parks Committee.
The bill also expands the purposes for which the DNR commissioner can accept volunteers for assistance with DNR activities to include historic preservation, wildlife management, recreation and public education on conservation, and adds activities for which DNR may participate with groups, organizations and businesses in joint advertising and promotional projects to include promotion of wildlife management, recreation and public education on conservation. - Authored By: Rep. Lynn Ratigan Smith of the 70th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1199.htm

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HB 1200 - Local boards of education; solicit and accept donations for field trips; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1200 related to the local school boards and giving them the authorization to solicit and accept donations for the purpose of field trips and other education purposes. - Authored By: Rep. Mike Glanton of the 76th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1200.htm
HB 1206 - Water well standards; require contractor license under geologist or engineer direction; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: The bill adds a definition of "geothermal borehole" to the Georgia Code and provides that anyone drilling a geothermal borehole have a water well contractor's license or be supervised per the current Code. The legislation also requires these boreholes to be set back a certain distance from contamination sources (as some examples, at least ten feet from sewer lines and a minimum of 25 feet from septic tanks) - Authored By: Mr.. Billy Maddox of the 127th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1206.htm
HB 1221 - Sales and use tax; change certain definitions
- Bill Summary: HB 1221 is legislation that brings Georgia's sales tax code in compliance with the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement. This will allow us to participate in a program whereby remote vendors voluntarily collect use tax on purchases by Georgia residents and remit such taxes to Georgia. This legislation provides ease in administration and compliance for businesses that wish to participate by creating uniform definitions in the sales tax law. Collection of use taxes by these remote vendors will provide Georgia businesses that must collect sales tax a more level playing field. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1221.htm
HB 1224 - Drivers' licenses; defense for drivers; no vision condition restriction; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1224 provides that a person charged with driving in violation of a restriction requiring that he or she wear eyeglasses or contact lenses, such person shall not be guilty of such offense if he or she presents the trial court with admissible medical or other evidence sufficient to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the trial court that he or she no longer suffers from the vision condition that resulted in the imposition of such restriction. - Authored By: Rep. Mark Hamilton of the 23rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1224.htm
HB 1231 - Uniform rules of the road; proper execution of a left turn; clarify
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1231 addresses vagueness within the "Uniform Rules of the Road" dealing with left hand turns. Specifically, it requires when turning left and exiting an intersection you must maintain your lane position as you enter the new road. *The Senate Public Safety Committee added two amendments. Both amend Code Section 40-6-395. The first change comes from SB 2 and changes from 30 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour, the speed above the speed limit a driver can exceed while attempting to elude an officer and it be a felony. The second change creates a separate felony charge for those attempting to elude an officer and being found to be DUI. - Authored By: Rep. Bobby C Reese of the 98th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1231.htm

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HB 1233 - Georgia Public Service Commission; certain costs charged to involved utility; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1233 changes how expert witnesses are funded in public utility rate cases held before the Georgia Public Service Commission. Currently, these witnesses are funded from the state treasury. Under HB 1233, witnesses would be paid by the utility bringing the rate case. They would then recoup their cost from their rate payers. - Authored By: Rep. John Lunsford of the 110th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1233.htm
HB 1236 - Court reports; reduce number of reports to distribute; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill reduces the number of court reports that the reporter is required to distribute in hard copy to various departments, courts, etc. throughout the state. Senate Changes: - The Senate offered an amendment that stripped the language from the House Version of the bill and replaced it with language that adds a new Code section requiring that municipal court judges be licensed to practice law in the State of Georgia and a member in good standing of the State Bar of Georgia. The legislation allows any judge serving on June 30, 2010, who does not meet the qualifications required by this Code section to retain his or her judgeship for so long as such judge continuously holds such judgeship in that particular municipality. The legislation further provides that the provisions of this Code section shall expressly supersede any conflicting local law of this state. Note: The House language was amended to SB 388. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1236.htm
HB 1251 - Revenue Bond Law; undertakings include economic tourism development; define
- BILL SUMMARY: The purpose of HB 1251 is the promotion and development of new large tourism attractions in Georgia. The bill provides that companies seeking to undertake a tourism attraction project may be granted a 10 year sales and use tax refund on state and local taxes generated by and arising at the tourism attraction of up to one fourth of their original investment. "Tourism attractions" may include cultural or historic sites, recreation or entertainment facilities, areas of natural phenomenon or beauty, convention hotels and conference centers, race tracks, and golf facilities, marinas and water parks, or entertainment destinations designed to attract tourists to Georgia. The bill provides for approval of these projects by the commissioner of economic development and by the governing authority of the municipality or county. The tourism project must have approved costs in excess of $100 million, must provide sufficient revenues and public demand to be operating and open to the public for a minimum of 200 days per year. - Authored By: Rep. Cecily Hill of the 180th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1251.htm
HB 1258 - State Financing and Investment Commission; powers to meet requirements; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation allows unclaimed recovery zone bonds to be pooled together, allowing Georgia to take advantage of time sensitive borrowing and investment opportunities made available through the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The deadline for said funds expires December 31, 2010. - Authored By: Rep. James Mills of the 25th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1258.htm

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HB 1260 - Service delivery regions; applicability of regions; revise a provision
- BILL SUMMARY: The Georgia Department of Human Services Divisions of Aging Services is the State Agency on Aging for Georgia. The State Agency on Aging must designate planning and services areas, also known as regional areas, for the state based on requirements set by the federal Older Americans Act in order to receive federal dollars. With that, aging boundaries do not follow state law in determining state service boundaries.
House Bill 1260 clarifies state law that aging program planning and service boundaries are excluded from the state law in this area. - Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens of the 164th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1260.htm
HB 1268 - Insurance; time periods and eligibility for continuation coverage; revise
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1268 extends the time period for continuation coverage (COBRA) under certain group accident and sickness insurance plans for 15 months. This is done in conjunction with a federal act whereby a subsidy of 65% of the premium cost will be paid by the federal government.
This will allow Georgians involuntarily terminated from a small business employer access to federal stimulus dollars to help pay their families health insurance. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Knox of the 24th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1268.htm
HB 1272 - Income tax returns; make contributions for lupus and kidney disease; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1272 provides a mechanism for taxpayers to contribute to a Lupus and Kidney Disease Research Program Fund and to a Multiple Sclerosis Research Program Fund on individual income tax returns by reducing all or a part of their tax refund due. The Department of Revenue will transmit the funds contributed to the Department of Community Health for deposit into the funds, and may withhold a reasonable amount for administration costs, up to $50,000. All balances in these funds must be deposited into an interest-bearing account, and such funds shall be expended by DCH through contracts for lupus and kidney disease and multiple sclerosis research. DCH must annually prepare by February 1, an accounting of funds received and expended and a review and evaluation of all expended funds. This report will be made available to the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker, the members of the Board of Human Services, and if requested, to members of the public. The bill also allows for contributions to a General Welfare Contribution Fund on individual tax returns. Money contributed to this fund will periodically be deposited by the commissioner into the general treasury of the state. - Authored By: Rep. Toney Collins of the 95th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1272.htm
HB 1284 - Planning and Budget, Office of; record of user fees collected; provide for publication
- Bill Summary: HB 1284 requires individual budget units of the state that collect user fees, as defined in the bill, to compile a report about those fees and submit it to the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). OPB shall maintain a record of all these reports and publish them on the Open Georgia website. - Authored By: Rep. Richard H. Smith of the 131st - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1284.htm
HB 1307 - Teacher certification; learning requirements for renewal; temporarily suspend
- BILL SUMMARY: House Bill 1307 amends Code Section 20-2-200 of the O.C.G.A which relates to teacher certification. This bill will temporarily suspending the professional learning requirements for a certification renewal for teachers and paraprofessionals for five years- from July 1, 2010 through July 1, 2015. - Authored By: Rep. Tom Dickson of the 6th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1307.htm

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HB 1309 - Controlled substances; add synthetic cannabinoids to Schedule I list; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that a substance known as K2, or synthetic marijuana, will be added as a Schedule One controlled substance. The language in the bill has been drafted (by identifying the chemicals used in the manufacture of synthetic marijuana) to capture substances which could be developed in an effort to circumvent this provision. This substance has no known medical uses. - Authored By: Rep. Jay Neal of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1309.htm
HB 1310 - Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Commission; may solicit funds; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends 15-21-147 so as to allow the Brain and Spinal Injury Trust Commission to solicit monetary donations. - Authored By: . E. Culver "Rusty" Kidd of the 141st - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1310.htm
HB 1321 - Emergency Telephone System Fund; additional use for moneys; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill authorizes a county that has a fully enhanced 911 system and has fully funded its 911 operations from the $1.50, 911 fee to use any remaining fee revenue to upgrade their public radio system as long as the charges in their Emergency Telephone System Fund at the end of any fiscal year are projected to exceed the cost of providing these enhanced services. They must also maintain a reserve amount of 10% of the previous year's expenditures. The term fully enhanced relates to systems that are able to identify the exact location of all wireless and landline carriers. - Authored By: Rep. Ben Harbin of the 118th - House Committee: Appropriations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1321.htm
HB 1322 - Public disclosure exemption; certain graphic image photographs; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1322 provides that certain photographs fewer than five years old which are in the custody of a law enforcement agency which show graphic images of the sexual organs or the dismemberment of the dead body of a crime victim whose identity is known shall not be subject to public disclosure. - Authored By: Rep. Jill Chambers of the 81st - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1322.htm
HB 1338 - Disability parking laws; appointed law enforcer have disability; remove requirement
- BILL SUMMARY: Removes the requirement that a person appointed to enforce these laws have a disability - Authored By: Rep. Joe Wilkinson of the 52nd - House Committee: Pubic Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1338.htm
HB 1345 - Georgia Kosher Food Consumer Protection Act; enact
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill repeals the current kosher statutes which essentially say "thou shalt not call non-Kosher food Kosher" and then define "Kosher food" as meeting Orthodox Jewish standards. This bill replaces them with a disclosure scheme contained in a single code section in the Fair Business Practices Act. The Agriculture Department, Law Department, Governor's Office, and Governor's Office of Consumer Affairs have all signed off on HB 1345. Senate Changes: - Removed the requirement that persons or places of business identify the name of the rabbi, agency, or other person who supervises or otherwise certifies the food or place of business as kosher or kosher for Passover - Clarified the requirements of the disclosure statement - Authored By: Rep. Mike Jacobs of the 80th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1345.htm

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HB 1359 - Best management practices; required buffer along state waters; provide exception
- BILL SUMMARY: Provides an exemption from the state's 25-foot water buffer requirement for construction of bulkheads and sea walls to the extent necessary to prevent erosion of the shoreline into a lake operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or by a utility regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The exemption would be limited to the duration of construction of those erosion-control devices. - Authored By: Rep. Mickey Channell of the 116th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1359.htm
HB 1364 - Insurance; Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool liable in emergency; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1364 provides that the Georgia Insurers Insolvency Pool shall be liable to claimants and electing insureds in emergency circumstances. For electing insureds whose net worth is less than $25 million, they must pay $5,000 to participate. For those whose net worth is greater than $25 million they must pay $20,000.
For the purpose of this bill "Electing Insureds" is defined as, "any insured under a workers' compensation insurance policy that is impacted by an emergency circumstance. Such term shall include but not be limited to governmental insureds and other insureds under a workers' compensation insurance policy impacted by an emergency circumstance whose net worth exceeds $25 million as of December 31 of the year preceding the filing of a claim". "Emergency circumstances" is defined as, "a circumstance in which an association or industrial insured captive insurance company, which subsequently converted from a captive insurance company, has been declared insolvent prior to the effective date of this Code section". - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - House Committee: Industrial Relations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1364.htm
HB 1387 - Official Code of Georgia Annotated; correct errors and omissions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends the Official Code of Georgia Annotated to correct typographical, stylistic, capitalization, punctuation, and other errors and omissions in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated and in Acts of the General Assembly amending the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. - Authored By: Rep. Wendell Willard of the 49th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1387.htm
HB 1388 - Development authorities; change a certain definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation expands the definition of a development authority project to include conservation projects that reduce energy or water consumption or produce renewable energy. It also gives the option to local development authorities to obtain private bonds to offer low interest loans to individuals. - Authored By: Rep. Timothy Bearden of the 68th - House Committee: Special Committee on Small Business Development and Job Creation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1388.htm
HB 1393 - Sales and use tax; cap exemption; metropolitan public transportation purposes; provide
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1393 excludes 1% local sales taxes levied in counties for MARTA after January 1, 2010 from the 2% cap on local sales taxes. This will allow Clayton County to hold a local referendum to decide whether to levy this local sales tax. Excluded from the new levy will be sales of motor vehicles and sales of jet fuel to qualifying airlines at the Atlanta airport. This bill also provides for an extension of the expiration date for the exemption from motor fuel taxes for public mass transit and public campus transportation systems. The current exemption is set to expire on June 30, 2010, and this bill extends this date to June 30, 2012. - Authored By: Rep. Roberta Abdul-Salaam of the 74th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1393.htm

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HB 1405 - 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians; Special Joint Committee on Georgia Revenue Structure; create
- BILL SUMMARY: HB 1405 provides for the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians which will consist of eleven members four economists, Governor Perdue, the chairperson of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia National Federation of Independent Business, and two members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor and two appointed by the Speaker. The Council will conduct a study of Georgia's revenue structure and make a report of its findings and recommendations for legislation to the Speaker and the Lieutenant Governor not later than January 10, 2011. The bill also creates the legislative Special Joint Committee on Georgia Revenue Structure composed of six House members and six Senate members the Speaker, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the majority and minority leaders of the House and Senate, the chairs of the House Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees, and two members appointed by the President and two by the speaker one of each in the majority party and one in the minority party. The Committee must have legislation introduced that incorporates the recommendations of the Council without significant changes. The legislation will be referred to the Committee and if the Committee recommends that such legislation pass, then the legislation will be voted on by the House of Representatives without amendment. If passed by the House, the Senate will vote on the legislation as it passed the House without amendment. - Authored By: Rep. Larry O`Neal of the 146th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1405.htm
HB 1407 - Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids; single administrator for dental services; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation would require the Department of Community Health to competitively bid out dental services a single administrator, changing the current standard that place medical and dental coverage into the care management organization for the state's Medicaid and Peachcare populations. - Authored By: Rep. Carl Rogers of the 26th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1407.htm

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HOUSE RESOLUTIONS
HR 136 - Owners of real property; industrial areas; remove property - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This Resolution is an amendment to the Constitution to allow owners of real property located in the industrial area in Chatham County (near Garden City) to remove the property from the industrial area. This will then allow the property to be annexed by the local municipality so that city services can continue to be provided. This restriction from annexation can only be removed by general amendment to the Constitution. Senate Changes: - Added language that the annexation will be to the city providing water service, or if no city provides water service, to the city providing fire service. - Authored By: Rep. Bob Bryant of the 160th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr136.htm
HR 178 - Enforcement of contracts; restrict competition; provisions - CA
- BILL SUMMARY: Modifies Article III, Section VI, Paragraph V, Subparagraph (c) of the Constitution to allow for contracts which restrict competition after a term of employment or commercial relationship. The amendment gives courts the authority to modify restrictive covenants to effectuate the intent of the parties where the original covenant would be unlawful. HR 178 is necessary for HB 173, passed by the General Assembly in 2009, to become effective and to sustain Constitutional challenge. Conference Committee Changes: - The language of the proposed constitutional amendment in Section 2 was modified. - Authored By: Rep. Kevin Levitas of the 82nd - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr178.htm
HR 1513 - Little's Ferry/George F. Green Memorial Bridge; Hancock and Putnam Counties; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution dedicates the bridge over the Oconee River on Georgia Highway 16 connecting Hancock and Putnam Counties as the Little's Ferry/George F. Green Memorial Bridge. Other resolutions included in this package name roads and bridges around the state. - Authored By: Rep. Sistie Hudson of the 124th - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr1513.htm
HR 1588 - State of Georgia property; certain counties; nonexclusive easements; authorize
- BILL SUMMARY: Authorizes the granting of easements over state owned properties in 23 counties - Authored By: Rep. Terry Barnard of the 166th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr1588.htm
HR 1686 - LCPC Seth Sharp Memorial Intersection; Bartow County; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution dedicates an intersection in honor of LCPL Seth Sharp. There are three other dedications included in this substitute that honor fallen soldiers from Georgia. Sub includes HR 1295, HR 1687, and 1712. - Authored By: Rep. Barry Loudermilk of the 14th - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr1686.htm

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SENATE BILLS
SB 1 - Zero-Base Budgeting Act; provide for the application
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends part of the Georgia Code related to the "Budget Act," by eliminating provisions concerning the annual continuation budget report, and providing the application of zero based budgeting to the budgeting process. It also provides analysis of department and program objectives, considers alternative funding levels, and develops priority lists for departments. The presentation of alternative funding levels does not, however, relieve the obligation of the Governor to present a recommended budget that is balanced. These changes will apply to the budget presented to the General Assembly in January 2011 and each year after, and affect no more than one-third but no less than one-quarter of all programs in the most recently passed General Appropriations Act. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb1.htm
SB 6 - Driver's Licenses; restricted; change the penalty for violation
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that when a person is required to wear prescription glasses but is not wearing them at the time of a traffic offense the court may order the Department of Driver Services to suspend the license for a period not to exceed six months, but is not required to do so. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Jackson of the 24th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb6.htm
SB 7 - Truth in Testimony Act; require an oath for purposes of presenting certain evidence to committee/subcommittee of General Assembly
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Code Section 15-10-105 to provide that the General Assembly may at any time specify by local law who shall serve as clerk of magistrate court.
This bill also includes a provision whereby the clerk of superior court and the clerk of state court shall be given notice at least on week prior to a successor being appointed.
Finally, this bill raises the limit for claims in magistrate court to $25,000. The current limit is $15,000. Floor Amendment: AM 29 0960 - amends the bill by taking out previous language and inserting language from HB 1057 - Authored By: Sen. Ed Tarver of the 22nd - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb7.htm
SB 17 - Election; increase filing fees/fines for campaign, financial, and lobbyist disclosure reports that are filed late
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill renames the State Ethics Commissions the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission. It would have the authority to investigate all public officials in the state. The General Assembly's Joint Legislative Ethics Committee would be abolished. Anyone would be allowed to file a complaint against an elected official, but if the commission ruled the case was frivolous, the person bringing the suit would have to pay the official's legal fees. It requires lobbyists to disclose spending every 15 days instead of 30 days during the legislative session and 30 days instead of three months when not in session. Lobbyists would be required to pay a $300 annual registration fee and fines for violating rules would be increased. Financial disclosure requirements for legislators would be increased. Fines for officials and candidates who did not file would be increased. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Ethics http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb17.htm

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SB 78 - Georgia Voluntary Remediation Program Act; define certain terms; provide for power/duties of Environmental Protection Div. director
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill makes changes to the Voluntary Remedication Act (passed under H.B. 248 last year), a privatized program in which property owners can utilize professional engineers or qualified geologists to more quickly and cost effectively investigate and remedicate contaminated sites. This bill authorizes the director of EPD (Environmental Protection Division) to assess, receive, administer and disperse funds obtained from application and reimbursement fees for the purpose of carrying out the duties and powers under these provisions, and to enter into agreements and contracts as required to accomplish these purposes. A Voluntary Remediation Escrow Account is established, consisting of application and reimbursement fees collected by the director pursuant to these provisions. The director may expend the principal balance of the escrow account for costs incurred in administering the voluntary remedication program, including reimbursement of state contractors used in the administration of such program. The director also is authorized to expend interest earned on the account for administration of this program, with interest funds collected to be expended within the same fiscal year when the interest was earned and any such interest not expended to be deposited in the state treasury. Any unused funds remaining following conclusion of a project are to be deposited in the general treasury.
The bill was amended on the floor of the House to include provisions of H.B. 1298, which amends Georgia's hazardous waste management and hazardous site response laws to conform with updated federal provisions. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb78.htm
SB 84 - Local Boards of Education; election; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 84, School Board Governance Act, creates specific standards and regulations for local school board members. Under this legislation, the State Board of Education will create a code of ethics and a training program for all school board members. A new standardized ethics policy by state school boards will be included in the ethics policy adopted by local boards as a minimum, laws relating to board and superintendent roles and responsibilities will be clarified, and qualifications for candidates will be put into force. If a school board is in danger of losing accreditation, the Governor can suspend school board members and replace them. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb84.htm
SB 99 - Boating Safety Zones; prohibit operation of certain vessels on Lake Sinclair
- BILL SUMMARY: Current law prohibits the operation of certain vessels on Lake Burton, Seed Lake, Lake Rabun, Lake Tugalo, Tallulah Falls Lake, and Lake Yonah. This legislation seeks to prohibit the operation of such vessels on Lake Sinclair as well.
However, this prohibition will not apply to any vessel that was lawfully operated on Lake Sinclair immediately prior to the effective date of this legislation and was, as of such date, included on the tax roll of any county within which any part of such lake lies.
For the purposes of this legislation, a "vessel" shall be defined as any motorized vessel greater than 30 feet six inches in length; except for law enforcement, scientific research, or dam operation and maintenance craft; or any vessel equipped with any type of baffler system. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb99.htm
SB 131 - The Revised Georgia Trust Code of 2009; comprehensively revise provisions relating to trusts
- BILL SUMMARY: - Title 53, Chapters 12 - 15, relating to trusts, charitable trusts, trustees, and trust instruments are repealed and replaced with the language contained in the bill. - The revisions to the Georgia Trust Code contained in this bill use the National Conference on Commissioners on Uniform State Laws 2005 Uniform Trust Code (UTC) revisions as the basis for the modifications. The UTC has been modified to avoid conflicts with existing and remaining OCGA sections relating to wills, trusts, and estates. - The bill was drafted in cooperation with the Fiduciary Law Section of the State Bar of Georgia and extensive

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discussions were held before the final version of the bill was produced. - Code Section 7-1-242 of OCGA, relating to restrictions on corporate fiduciaries, is amended to add nonprofit corporations to the list of entities that may lawfully act as a fiduciary. Senate Changes: - Added language relating to cemetery trusts. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb131.htm

SB 136 - Penal Institutions; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer; participate
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for renewal and codification of agreements between the state and the federal government regarding implementation of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Rapid Removal of Eligible Parolees Accepted for Transfer (REPAT) Program.
Georgia signed a similar agreement on October 3, 2008 which allowed the state to participate in a trial version of this program. This bill codifies that agreement and brings the language in the statute in line with the current federal guidelines for the program. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb136.htm

SB 138 - Transparency in Lawsuits Protection Act; provide legislative enactments do not
create a private right of action unless expressly stated
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 138 is the "Transparency in Lawsuits Protection Act" and provides that legislative enactments do not create a private right of action unless such right is expressly provided therein. The bill codifies more than 30 years of Georgia case law and the modern trend in federal cases. - Authored By: Sen. John J. Wiles of the 37th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb136.htm

SB 148 - Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Law; review of existing regulatory entities
to determine the need for change to current reg.
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill authorizes the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council to conduct periodic reviews of each existing regulatory entity to determine applicability and necessity of such entity's authority. It also requires the Council to follow such review with a report to the Georgia General Assembly recommending the changes it deems necessary. Upon evaluation of the Council's report and consideration of governmental and societal costs and benefits, the Georgia General Assembly will make the choice to keep, amend or repeal the regulation of a regulatory agency in question. In addition, this bill establishes a Georgia Government Accountability Act which provides a method that can be used to review and evaluate the efficiency and productivity of state agencies. It further requires the Legislative Sunset Committee, comprised of the Senate and House appropriations committees, to conduct such reviews and recommend keeping, reorganizing or abolishing such agencies to the General Assembly. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb148.htm

SB 149 - Uniform Athlete Agents Act; regulation of athlete agents; terminate Georgia Athlete
Agent Regulatory Commission; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Chapter 1A of Title 43 by providing for review of existing regulatory entities, which regulate certain professions and businesses, to determine the need for change to their current regulations. The review shall evaluate how or whether a profession or business should be regulated and consider whether there are means other than state regulation to protect the interests of the state. The General Assembly, after such review, may do nothing, amend the enabling legislation of a regulatory agency, or terminate the agency by repealing the enabling legislation. The bill further amends Chapter 4A of Title 43 by terminating the Georgia Athlete Agent Regulatory Commission and

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placing the regulation of athlete agents under the purview of the Secretary of State. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb149.htm

SB 162 - Private Detective Businesses; authorize security guards/detectives to obtain
individual licensure for employment
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill authorizes security guards and detectives to obtain individual licensure for employment and requires them to complete board mandated training prior to applying for a license. This bill also removes the requirement for a $1000 surety bond relative to firearms dealers. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb162.htm

SB 173 - Criminal Justice Coordination Council; councilmembers'
compensation/reimbursement of expenses; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation brings the Council into compliance with recommendations by the Attorney General's office.
Section 1 of this bill modifies the compensation structure for members of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council by changing the daily expense allowance to the amount specified in 45-7-21(b) (currently $105 per day) plus reimbursement for transportation costs via public carrier or the legal mileage rate.
Section 2 revises the functions and authority of the council by adding the ability to administer gifts, grants, and donations for the purpose of carrying out this chapter. It also clarifies that the purpose for the interaction, communication, and coordination of all components of the criminal justice system of this state is to improve the state's response to crime and its effects.
Section 3 clarifies language related to the acceptance of gifts, grants, donations, and property by the Council for the purpose of carrying this chapter. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb173.htm

SB 194 - State Purchasing; benefits based funding projects; revise provisions; change membership of an oversight committee
- Bill Summary: - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb194.htm

SB 195 - Professions/Businesses; clarify applications submitted in prescribed form not
necessarily written document; provisions
- Bill Summary: SB 195 is a housekeeping bill brought by the Secretary of State to address problematic areas and modernize the code sections governing the State's professional licensing boards.
One of the major changes is simply eliminating the word "written" from "written application." This would allow the office to receive applications electronically, making the application process easier for the applicant, and more cost effective, efficient and accurate for the State.
Another problematic area in Title 43 is with exams. Current law requires some examinations to be administered only in writing or the law might require the Board to actually administer the examination themselves. SB 195 gives the state boards more flexibility to provide the most cost effective, convenient, and accurate examinations possible, for both the State and the applicant. This would allow the board to use electronic exams, or even outsource them, if they feel it would be in the best interest of the applicant, profession and state. (for example, they could work with our technical colleges to provide the exams across the state rather than only at the testing facility in Macon)
The remaining sections are a combination of cost savings (allowing regular mail or e-mail to be used instead of certified mail), and a few housekeeping measures identified by the SOS (removing antiquated language) or the State Board (the Board of Barbers would like to set the number of apprenticeships by rule).

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- Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb195.htm
SB 206 - Governor; require tax expenditure reviews as part of budget report; provide for definition
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill requires that the Department of Audits and Accounts prepare a tax expenditure review for the state, and provide such to the Office of Planning and Budget to be included as part of the budget report. The report must detail for each tax expenditure item the amount of tax revenue foregone for a three-year period, including the period covered in the Governor's budget submitted in the preceding January, the current budget, and an estimate of the following year. It will also include the citation of the statutory or other legal authority and the year it was enacted or became effective. The Department of Revenue will be responsible for tracking, compiling, and transferring of said expenditure information to the Department of Audits and Accounts. In the event that required tax expenditure information cannot be accurately determined, the Department of Revenue is authorized to provide estimations. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - House Committee: Appropriations http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb206.htm
SB 237 - Commerce/Trade; prohibit pricing practices during an abnormal market disruption; petroleum products; define terms
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 237 will require the Governor to specify what goods and services cannot increase their prices during a state of emergency. Currently, all previously listed goods and services are automatically frozen, even if they are not directly affected by the state of emergency. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Agriculture & Consumer Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb237.htm
SB 238 - Board of Regents Scholarship; authorize additional types of student financial assistance for medical/dental students; Medical College of Ga.
- Bill Summary: Senate Bill 238 allows the Governor or any former Governor to perform marriage ceremonies. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Higher Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb238.htm
SB 239 - Education; mandatory attendance; provisions; require new residents in a local school system to enroll a child within 30 days
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 239 relates to attendance and enrollment policies within schools systems for youth between the ages of six and sixteen. Parents or guardians are allotted a 15 day grace period to enroll students into a school once they have moved into a new district. Any parent or guardian that fails to enroll a student shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction imprisonment portion of sentence shall not exceed 30 days. Once a child has accumulated 5 or more days of unexcused absences, the school will notify the parent's and after two or more reasonable attempts to notify the parent or guardian a notice will be sent that they are in violation of this code section. If a parent or guardian causes a child to accumulate 30 days of unexcused absences they will be held responsible. Such parents or guardians could be guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to monetary fines, imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, community service or any combination of. Senate Bill 239 also states that any elementary, secondary, college or university system that receives any manner of funds from the state will hold an educational program on the governing principles of the United State Constitution on or around September 17th of each year. - Authored By: Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. of the 43rd - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb239.htm

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SB 244 - Ga. Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; performance of health maintenance
act. by a designated caregiver shall not be prohibited
- Bill Summary: This legislation makes technical changes to the creation of the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities that was established by HB 228. - Authored By: Sen. Renee S Unterman of the 45th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb244.htm

SB 250 - Education; unlawful disruption of/interference; operation of public schools or public school buses; revise provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: Currently it is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature to disrupt or interfere with the operation of any public school, public school bus or bus stop. A recent decision by the Georgia Supreme Court indicated that the statute would be at risk for a constitutional challenge due to the lack of a clear intent requirement. The bill seeks to address this issue by adding that a person will only be guilty of the offense if he 'knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly' does any of the things prohibited by the statute.
The following was added to SB 250 by amendment on the floor of the House: This bill also expands and clarifies the definition of `bullying,' and allows remedial action to be taken in any grade level (not just six through 12). The DOE would be required to develop a model bullying policy which requires a process to notify parents of incidents of bullying, a duty for school employees to report bullying, and to prohibit retaliation for reporting bullying. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb250.htm
SB 252 - Polysomnography Practice Act; provide for the certification of polysomnographic technologists
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation enables the Georgia Composite Medical Board to establish a monitoring and rehabilitation program for impaired physicians. Additionally the legislation allows the Medical Board to contract with entities to conduct such programs. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb252.htm

SB 291 - Firearms; laws concerning carrying of concealed weapons; revise comprehensively
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 291 streamlines the renewal process for permit holders and clarifies the ability for permit holders to carry in the non-secure areas of the airport. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb291.htm

SB 296 - State Government; rename Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services to Office of the
State Treasurer
- BILL SUMMARY: A Bill to amend OCGA Title 50 relating to state government and other code sections in order to conform, so as to rename the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services as the Office of the State Treasurer and to rename the director of the Office of Treasury and Fiscal Services as the state treasurer. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: Intragovernmental Coordination http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb296.htm

SB 299 - Juvenile Proceedings; zero tolerance policy on weapons in schools; change provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill changes provisions regarding the zero tolerance policy on weapons in schools, but only for cases involving children. Currently, school administrators are not given the opportunity to use any discretion in applying the policy. This bill will provide needed flexibility.

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- Authored By: Sen. Emanuel Jones of the 10th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb299.htm
SB 305 - Transportation Department; design-build method; increase the percentage of projects contracted
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends Georgia Code so that in contracting for design-build contracts, the Department of Transportation is limited to contracting for no more than 30% of the total amount of construction projects awarded in the previous fiscal year. Current law provides for no more than 15%. The bill allows DOT the 30% maximum until July 1, 2014 when the maximum goes back to 15%. An amendment to this bill also provides for the creation of an Intermodal Division at the Department to be supervised by an appointee serving at the pleasure of the Commissioner. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb305.htm
SB 308 - Firearms; carrying and possession; change provisions; definitions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill clarifies Georgia law regarding where a person who has a license to carry a weapon may or may not do so.
Section 1-1 provides definitions for the following terms as used in Code section 16-11-127: handgun, knife, license holder, long gun, weapon, and weapons carry license.
The bill maintains current law regarding persons having weapons on their own property, the manner of carrying openly, and reciprocity with other states.
The bill removes current language which prohibits persons from carrying weapons to "public gatherings" and provides that persons may not carry in: houses of worship, courthouses, jails or prisons, government buildings, state mental health facilities, bars, unless specifically permitted by the owner, or within 150 feet of a polling place. The bill also provides that it is not prohibited for a licensed person to have a weapon locked in a vehicle at those aforementioned location's parking facilities.
The bill provides that private property owners have the authority to determine whether persons shall have the right to carry on his or her property.
The bill maintains current provisions prohibiting weapons in schools, including colleges and universities, but removes the 1,000 foot "gun free school zone" provision.
Persons prohibited from receiving or retaining a license include those who are less than 21 years old, are prohibited under federal law, have a felony conviction, or have been convicted of specific misdemeanors.
Probate courts have five rather than three days to take certain administrative steps in the application process. The state will have the authority to require licenses have covert and overt security features, such as holographic imaging and photographs of licensees, effective January 1, 2012. The fee for a license is increased to $30.00. It will be an offense to possess a counterfeit license with intent to represent the information.
If a person takes legal action to challenge a rejected application, the applicant may sue for reasonable attorney fees. The new language provides the fees are only available upon showing the denial lacked substantial justification. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb308.htm
SB 310 - Insurance; pharmacy benefits managers; regulation and licensure
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 310 provides that Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM's) shall be regulated and licensed by the Insurance Commissioner's Office. Further, this bill provides for regulation and licensure of multiple employer selfinsured health plans by the Commissioner of Insurance. - Authored By: Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb310.htm

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SB 313 - Grand Juries; oath shall be given to all witnesses; to provide that an unsworn testimony shall be disallowed
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill clarifies that `all' witnesses before the grand jury shall be administered an oath before testifying. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb313.htm
SB 316 - Medicare Supplemental; make available to persons under age 65 who qualify for Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 316 extends Medigap insurance policies to everyone that qualifies for Medicare. Currently, these policies are only available to individuals over 65 years of age. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb316.htm
SB 319 - Education; definition of "textbook" include computer hardware/technical equipment to support use of nonprint or digital content
- BILL SUMMARY: Allows the State Board of Education to broaden the definition of "textbook" (as pertains to elementary and secondary education) to include textbooks in a digital format, including any computer hardware, software and technical equipment necessary to support such material. Also provides that these provisions are not to be construed to exempt computer hardware or related equipment acquired by the state from competitive bidding. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Science and Technology http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb319.htm

SB 324 - Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council; clarify the authority of the council to impose administrative fees
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends 35-8-7 to add the imposition of administrative fees for services provided pursuant to Code to the duties and powers of the Georgia Peace Officers Standards and Training Council. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb324.htm
SB 339 - Contractors; allow utility contractors to bid upon/perform work on any utility system in this state
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows GA licensed utility contractors to bid for and perform work on utility systems in this state without obtaining a license under Chapter 41 of Title 43 relating to licensing of residential and general contractors. This bill also prohibits refusing such a licensed utility contractor's bid on the grounds of lacking a license under Chapter 41. - Authored By: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh of the 28th - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb339.htm

SB 340 - Education; require school systems to adopt a reporting system for the purpose of
determining potential HOPE eligibility
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 340 would require each school system, private and public, to send an electronic transcript to the Georgia Student Finance Commission for each student (9th-11th grade). In order to give school counselors, parents and students the ability to determine whether their academic standing will render them eligible for HOPE before 12th grade, the Georgia Student Finance Commission will evaluate grades as well as the schools grading scale to give an accurate record through out a students academic career. Each school system will be required to begin sending electronic transcripts of all students to GSFC in 2011. This measure will also insure that each school will be required to send the student current HOPE GPA to the parent.

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While currently, this type of reporting is required for 12th grade students, Senate Bill 340 would initiate the tracking process when students enter high school. This tool will insure that students are fully aware of their eligibility status for the HOPE scholarship before applying or entering a postsecondary institution. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Higher Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb340.htm
SB 341 - HOPE; provide person shall be legal Georgia resident to be eligible for a HOPE GED voucher
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 341 states that in order to be eligible for the HOPE GED voucher of $500.00, students must adhere to the eligibility requirements established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission. These requirements are the used in determining eligibility for the HOPE scholarship already. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Higher Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb341.htm
SB 344 - 'Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act"; provide sovereign immunity protection for physician assistants in safety net clinics
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 344 amends the "Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act", 31-8-195.1 O.C.G.A., to include physicians assistants in the group of medical professionals who may be considered an employee of the state in relation to immunity for work performed according to the Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act. - Authored By: Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb344.htm
SB 346 - Ad Valorem Taxes; revise comprehensive provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 346 provides for comprehensive changes to the property tax code. It provides that notices of property value assessments will be sent out by the board of assessors annually, rather than only in years when the value is changed. This will ensure every property owner has a right to appeal their valuation every year. It also provides for a state-wide uniform assessment notice to be established by the commissioner of the Department of Revenue. This notice must contain an estimate of current year's taxes which will use the current assessment and the previous year's millage rate.
The bill also provides for a new appeal process for non-homestead properties valued at $1 million or more. Appeals on these properties may be made to a hearing officer (rather than to a board of equalization). Hearing officers will be certified appraisers. Just as with appeals to the board of equalization, decisions of the hearing officers may be appealed to the superior court. The bill provides for oversight of the boards of equalization and the hearing officers by the clerk of the superior court.
The bill also merges the current non-binding and binding arbitration provisions into one binding arbitration appeal process. The taxpayer must submit a certified appraisal and the arbitrator must choose between the value submitted by the board of tax assessors and the appraisal value submitted by the taxpayer. Regarding valuations of properties, the bill provides that the transaction amount of an arms length, bona fide sale shall be the maximum fair market value for tax purposes in the next taxable year following the sale. "Arms length, bona fide sale" is defined in the bill as a transaction between unaffiliated parties. The bill also prohibits use of any intangible assets in valuing real property. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Rogers of the 21st - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb346.htm

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SB 353 - Controlled Substances; Schedule I, II, IV, and V; definition of "dangerous drug"; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 353 amends 16-13 to classify new drugs into their respective schedules, as well reclassify certain drugs to different schedules. The bill adds Chlorophenylpiperazine (CPP) to the list of schedule I drugs, Tapentadol to the list of schedule II drugs, Fospropofol to the list of schedule IV, and Lacosamide to the list of schedule V drugs. Additionally numerous drugs are added to the "dangerous drug list", which means that a prescription is required for a patient to receive the drug but is not covered in any of the schedules of controlled drugs. Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V are determined by the DEA and the FDA based upon potential for abuse, currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and international treaties. This is the annual drug list update bill. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb353.htm
SB 354 - Public Roads; further declare authority of counties/municipalities to remove roads from their systems when removal is in best public interest
- BILL SUMMARY: Allows county or municipal governments to abandon roads from the respective local road system if it is deemed in the best interest of the public. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb354.htm
SB 355 - Health; provide that priority list of persons authorized to control the disposition of the remains of a deceased person
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill clarifies that if a deceased person dies while serving in any branch of the United States Armed Forces then whoever the deceased person designated on their United States Department of Defense Record of Emergency Data, DD Form 93, shall have second priority, after only a health care agent designated in an advance directive for health care, to direct disposition of the remains. - Authored By: Sen. Ed Harbison of the 15th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb355.htm
SB 360 - Motor Vehicles; prohibit persons 18 years of age or younger from using wireless telecommunications devices; text messages
- Bill Summary: The Committee of Conference on SB 360 is the "Caleb Sorohan Act for Saving Lives by Preventing Texting While Driving". Section 2 of the bill amends Code Section 40-5-57 relating to the point system by adding a 1 point penalty for operating a vehicle while text messaging. Section 3 amends Code Section 40-6-241 relating to drivers' exercise of due care and proper use of radios and mobile telephones by adding amateur ham radios to devices that would not be in violation of the Code. Section 4 amends 40-6-241 by inserting a new Code section 40-6241.1 to prohibit drivers 18 years of age or older who have a class C license from operating a vehicle while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, e-mail, or Internet data. The new Code section provides for exemptions for reporting emergencies or personnel responding to emergencies. Violations of the Code section are misdemeanors punishable by a fine of $150.00. Section 5 amends Code Section 40-6-250 to allow drivers to wear a headset or headphone for communication purposes. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb360.htm

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SB 362 - Property; liens of mechanics/materialmen; waiver and release upon payment
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill allows a claim of lien to be amended at any time to reduce the amount claimed. The amended claim of lien shall relate back to the date of filing for record of the original claim of lien. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb362.htm

SB 363 - State Employee's Health Insurance Plan; Georgia Student Finance Authority;
contract in any state health insurance plan
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 363 allows the Department of Community Health to contract with the Georgia Student Finance Authority for the purpose of participating in the State Health Benefit Plan. Because the Georgia Student Finance Authority is self funding, there is no cost to the state. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb363.htm

SB 364 - Massage Therapist; conviction for sexual offense; license suspended for certain
time periods; penalties
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides that the Board of Massage Therapy has the authority to investigate and punish businesses which provide massage therapy services when certain violations are committed and to ensure compliance with current laws regarding the profession. Section 1 defines `entity.' Section 2 authorizes the Board to investigate entities in addition to persons. Section 3 adds additional violations that may investigated by the Board. Section 4 provides the disciplinary actions that the Board may take. Section 5 clarifies that businesses where massage therapy is performed for compensation are also subject to regulation by local governing authorities. Section 6 deals with fines and punishments. A first offense is a misdemeanor. A second offense is a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. A third or subsequent offense is a felony. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb364.htm

SB 367 - Influenza; revise the definition of "influenza vaccine"
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill expands the list of persons who can consent to surgical or medical treatment for those unable to do so for themselves. It also helps persons unable to consent receive access to timely medical care should a guardian be needed.
The bill adds the ability of an `adult friend' (a newly defined term), if no other person enumerated in the code is available, to consent to surgical or medical treatment.
The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability for hospitals, health care facilities, health care providers, or other persons or entities that rely in good faith on the direction or decision of someone they reasonably believed to be authorized to consent.
The bill creates a framework for an expedited process for the appointment of guardians for adults who are unable to consent to treatment and when no other person is available to consent. - Authored By: Sen. Don Balfour of the 9th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb367.htm

SB 368 - Fair Business Practices Act of 1975; deceptive representation/designations of
geographic origins; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation seeks to prevent fraudulent or deceptive advertising in local telephone directory listings by amending provisions of the "Fair Business Practices Act of 1975." It specifically prohibits the publishing of advertisements that contain a local Georgia or toll-free phone number for a business without also clearly stating the non-local location of the business where the calls are actually being routed. These new regulations will take affect

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on January 1, 2011. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Jackson of the 24th - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb368.htm

SB 369 - Buildings/Local Gov't; modify agencies/instrumentalities in which housing
authorities/political subdivisions can invest funds
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 369 provides more options for local governments to invest reserve funds in to new investment opportunities. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Hamrick of the 30th - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb369.htm

SB 370 - Water; examine practices, programs, policies; develop programs for voluntary water
conservation; reports of measurable progress
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill seeks to create a "culture of water conservation" in Georgia through a combination of incentives and mandates. Similar legislation to HB 1094. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Rules http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb370.htm

SB 371 - Georgia Bureau of Investigation; provide with authority to investigate certain
offenses involving fraudulent real estate transactions
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1 of the bill adds language to Code section 16-8-104 (Authority of district attorneys and the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute) to indicate that other authorized law enforcement agencies may conduct investigations of offenses related to residential mortgage fraud. Section 2 of the bill adds the ability to identify and investigate residential mortgage fraud to the powers and duties of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI). Section 3 of the bill adds a new Code section that allows the GBI to issue a subpoena, with the consent of the Attorney General, to compel production of books, papers, documents, or other tangible things including records and documents contained within, or generated by, a computer or any other electronic device. It further provides that the failure to comply, upon finding by the superior court that the subpoena is valid, may be punished as contempt of court. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb371.htm

SB 373 - Peace Officers; investigation of an applicant's good moral character; applying for
appointment or certification
- BILL SUMMARY: Allows investigation of persons applying for a position as a certified peace officer by the law enforcement agency considering the application. This bill also allows the agency to gather employment related data upon the approval by the candidate. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb373.htm

SB 374 - Legislative Economic Development Council; create
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill creates the Legislative Economic Development Council to be co-chaired by the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Council will serve the purpose of evaluating the state's overall economic development strategy as well as reviewing all state funded activities and expenditures that go into implementing such strategy. This bill further outlines the composition of the Council as well as the Council's powers and duties. It also requires the Department of Economic Development to prepare a yearly report for submission to the members of the Council and the Governor, detailing the state's programs and activities related to job creation and economic development in Georgia. Hugley Amendment codifies into law, the MLK Commission which is responsible for a variety of functions serving to

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strengthen and improve race relations in Georgia. Currently, this Commission was created through an executive order of the Governor. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb374.htm
SB 380 - Ga Environmental Facilities Authority; water supply division; authority to make loans/grants to local governments; expansion of existing reservoirs
- BILL SUMMARY: Requires the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) to ensure completion of an emergency water supply and distribution plan for the public water systems in the Metro North Georgia Water Planning District by September 1, 2011. The plan must identify sufficient water supply sources and detailed steps required to modify a local water system's operations to accept or share water with adjacent water providers within the district during emergencies to supply essential water needs. The plan initially is to be based on the 2035 water demand forecast by the district in 2009, updated by a revised forecast every five years thereafter. The plan must evaluate risks and where feasible plan for a district wide interconnection reliability target for immediate implementation of about 35 percent of average annual daily demand, with a long-range district wide interconnection reliability goal of about 65 percent of average annual daily demand. The bill lists the issues that are to be addressed in completing the plan, such as evaluation of factors affecting water supply reliability, consideration of various emergency situations and a model intergovernmental agreement for sharing and pricing of water during emergency situations. The bill also establishes a technical panel which with GEFA will define the water shortage scenarios to be evaluated in the emergency plan and prepare a preliminary scope of work statement for the plan consistent with these provisions. Finally, SB 380 allows the water supply division of GEFA to make loans and grants to local governments to pay all or part of the cost of expanding and increasing the capacity of existing reservoirs, lists the criteria to be considered in evaluating requests for such assistance and provides for public notice for acceptance of applications for such loans and grants. - Authored By: Sen. Chip Pearson of the 51st - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb380.htm
SB 384 - Buildings; pre-owned manufactured homes; provide Safety Fire Commissioner shall promulgate standards
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 384 provides that the Safety Fire Commissioner (Insurance Commissioner) shall promulgate standards for pre-owned manufactured homes to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the inhabitants of preowned manufactured homes. Further, it establishes the procedure for inspection of said homes.
Under SB 384, local governments will be allowed to establish their own standards so long as they are not more stringent than the state standard and/or do not conflict with the state standard. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb384.htm
SB 387 - Education; provide for career counseling/advisement for students in grades 6 through 12
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 387 related to the Georgia Student Finance Commission and their administration of the web based resource given for students in grades 6 through 12. This website gives the students counseling advisement, information to assist them in evaluating their academic skills and career interests as well as help students in grades 8 through 12 come up with a graduation plan. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb387.htm

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SB 388 - State Printing; any state law authorizes a state officer/agency to publish any matter
such publication made in printed and electronic format
- BILL SUMMARY: Section 1: This section of the bill allows Legislative Counsel to discontinue publication of the softbound volumes of Georgia Laws and authorizes them to distribute fewer hardbound volumes of Georgia Laws. It also allows for distribution of an electronic version of Georgia Laws.

Section 2: This section of the bill further provides that those entities requesting copies of the Georgia House and Senate Journals shall pay the Secretary of State the cost of acquisition. The bill also reduces the number of copies of the Georgia House and Senate Journals the Secretary of State is required to hold in reserve.

Section 3: This section of the bill gives the Secretary of State 60 days after a local referendum is approved to provide a copy of the Act and a certificate showing it became law to the election superintendent and the governing authority of each county or municipality in which it has application.

Section 4: This section of the bill adds a new Code section that directs state agencies and state officers to publish all matters in electronic format unless the state officer or state agency determines that a printed format is necessary to achieve the purpose of publication. Other exceptions include: (1) when state law requires publication in one or more newspapers, or (2) when a state law makes specific reference to this new Code section and requires publication in a specific manner notwithstanding the provisions of this Code section.

Sections 5 through 7 deal with definitions of court reports, content and appearance of reports and number of volumes per year, and the responsibilities of the reporter.

Section 8: This section of the bill reduces the number of court reports that the reporter is required to distribute in hard copy to various departments, courts, etc. throughout the state.

Section 9: This section of the bill adds a new Code section that states the rules compilation published by the reporter shall be made available through the internet or other suitable electronic method.

Sections 10 and 11 list over 100 code sections being updated to allow publication either in print or electronically.

Amendment: AM 21-3738 by Rep. Sean Jerguson - Amendment states that the language used for printing of publications by the State must be in English. - Authored By: Sen. Jim Butterworth of the 50th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb388.htm

SB 389 - State Auditor; website of Dept. of Audits and Accounts; applicable to public
information; operation, maintenance; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation amends sections of the Georgia Code known as the Transparency in Government Act. It changes reporting requirements of the Department of Audits and Accounts by mandating the creation of a public information website that will display: the State of Georgia Comprehensive Annual Financial Report; the annual Budgetary Compliance Report; the annual State of Georgia Single Audit Report; salaries and expenses of all employees and board members; a list of consultant and professional services expenses; State Budget in brief, indexed by reporting agency; all performance audits conducted by the department for the preceeding five years; and an indexed listing of all agencies and end users receiving federal funding and their expenditures. At the close of each fiscal year, information will be added to the website that shows grant and contract payments made or due to vendors by agencies, including all payments made through economic and incentive programs operated by the Department of Economic Development, the Department of Labor, the Department of Community Affairs, the

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Department of Agriculture, and the Georgia Lottery Corporation for state fiscal year 2009 and each year after. Available information will include a list of all obligations entered into by the agency in excess of $50,000, as well as the names of individuals or corporations receiving more than $20,000 in the preceding fiscal year. - Authored By: Sen. Jim Butterworth of the 50th - House Committee: Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb389.htm
SB 390 - Local Government; municipal corporation may determine when to establish a conservation easement
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill makes it easier for counties and municipal corporations (cities) to permanently conserve lands they own as parks or greenspace. This bill would allow counties and cities to place conservation easments on land that they own without having to go through the bidding procedure required under current law.
The bill further provides that cities may lease out real or personal property of the city. The requirements of the lease for personal and real property are also included. - Authored By: Sen. Earl "Buddy" Carter of the 1st - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb390.htm
SB 392 - Education; require educational institutions to verify motor common/contract carriers properly certified; transportation of students
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 392 requires educational institutions that receive state money to verify that motor common or contract carriers (charter buses) are properly certified prior to entering into an agreement for the transportation of students. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Murphy of the 27th - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb392.htm
SB 397 - "Blue Alert"; create state-wide system to speed the apprehension of violent criminals; local, state, and federal law enforcement officers
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 397 establishes a state-wide alert system known as "Blue Alert" for when a law enforcement officer is injured by a perpetrator who has not been apprehended. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb397.htm
SB 402 - Land Conservation; redefine certain terms
- BILL SUMMARY: Redefines terms relating to land conservation to make it possible for the Georgia Land Conservation Program to loan existing federal funds to non-governmental conservation organizations in a "bridge" capacity for the purpose of completing permanent land conservation transactions. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb402.htm
SB 409 - Taxes; provide statement of intent of General Assembly; granting a tax break; raw forest products
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 409 expresses the intent of the General Assembly to offer any non-statutory economic incentives granted on or after July 1, 2010 to any entity engaged in the use of raw forest products equitably to all users in this state. The bill attempts to prevent direct price subsidies being granted by the state to any specific entity which uses raw forest products without providing it to all users. - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb409.htm

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SB 410 - Motor Vehicles; designate ambulances as emergency vehicles; exclude certain ambulance providers from certain permit requirements
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 410 eliminates the permitting and fee requirement for emergency lights on licensed ambulances. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - House Committee: Public Safety and Homeland Security http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb410.htm
SB 411 - "Healthy Georgians Act of 2010"; provide exemptions from certain unfair trade practices for certain wellness and health promotion programs
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 411 is the "Healthy Georgians Act of 2010". It will allow health insurers to offer incentives to their policy holders to improve their overall health. Under current law, such incentive programs are considered unfair trade practices. - Authored By: Sen. Ralph T Hudgens of the 47th - House Committee: Insurance http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb411.htm
SB 414 - "Jared Little Act"; Georgia State Indemnification Fund; payment shall be made to parents/siblings
- BILL SUMMARY This act is known as the "Jared Little Act." The bill provides that, in the case of death or organic brain damage suffered in the line of duty by a law enforcement officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician, emergency management specialist, or prison guard, if such person does not have an unremarried spouse or dependents, the indemnification payment shall be made to the parents or siblings of such person. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb414.htm
SB 415 - Public Utilities; provide regulation of private emergency warning point to multipoint systems by Public Service Commission
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill adds a definition for "Emergency warning point to multipoint system" and requires the Public Service Commission to ensure that a management audit of each such system provider is performed at least once every five years in order to determine whether it is being managed in an efficient and effective manner. It further establishes the procedure for the selection of a management auditor and requires the audited EWPTM system provider to pay for such audit. Additionally, it waives the liability of political subdivisions and state departments for failure to deliver information over an EWPTM system, with the exception of some circumstances. This bill also places such systems under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission and allows the commission to determine reasonable rates for the services. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Regulated Industries http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb415.htm
SB 419 - Drivers' License; provide for notation; post traumatic stress disorder; members of armed services/veterans
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 419 provides that members of the armed services and veterans who have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder may request to have a notation of such diagnosis placed on his or her driver's license. Such applicant shall present the department with a sworn statement from a person licensed to practice medicine or psychology in this state verifying such diagnosis.
Finally, it provides that any person convicted of a felony offense shall have such conviction demarcated on his or her driver's license for the length of his or her sentence. - Authored By: Sen. Ronald B. Ramsey, Sr. of the 43rd - House Committee: Motor Vehicles http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb419.htm

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SB 421 - Budget/Financial Affairs; Revenue Shortfall Reserve; not exceed 15 percent of
previous year's net revenue for any fiscal year
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill prohibits the Revenue Shortfall Reserve from exceeding 15 percent of the previous fiscal year's net revenue for any given fiscal year. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb421.htm

SB 427 - Georgia Foundation for Public Education; establish; provide for membership,
powers, duties, purpose
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 427 establishes a Georgia Foundation for Public Education for the purposes of soliciting and accepting money contributions, services or property for the purpose of supporting education excellence in Georgia. Georgia Academy for the Blind, Georgia School for the Deaf and Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, are specifically helped with this bill. However, the bill is not limited to only these institutions. The foundation will be governed by a board of directors composed between 5 to 15 members appointed by either State School Superintendent or State Board of Education. At least two members of the board shall represent the interests of the students who are blind or deaf. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb427.htm

SB 432 - "Advanced Broadband Collocation Act"; provide procedures;
modification/collocation of wireless communication facilities
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation provides procedural guidelines for the process in which local governments review applications for the modification or collocation of wireless communication facilities. The term collocation is defined as the process of placing or installing new wireless facilities on previously existing wireless support structures, negating the need for entirely new construction. Proposed collocations may not alter the existing structure by increasing the overall height or width, exceeding applicable weight limits, or increasing the dimensions previously approved by the local governing authority. Local governing authorities will have 90 days to determine approval on each collocation or modification application. The technical, business, or service characteristics of a proposed wireless facility are not subject to review in the approval process. - Authored By: Sen. Lee Hawkins of the 49th - House Committee: Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb432.htm

SB 435 - "Diabetes and Health Improvement Act of 2010"; enact; establish Georgia Diabetes
Control Office; board of trustees
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation creates the office of Georgia Diabetes Control Office within Division of Public Health of the Department of Community Health, whose purpose is to develop, implement, and promote a statewide effort to combat the proliferation of Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and pre-diabetes. A seven member advisory group is to give direction to the office, membership will include: A physician licensed in this state; A registered nurse licensed in this state; A dietician licensed in this state; A diabetes educator; A pharmacist licensed in this state; A representative of the business community; and a consumer who suffers from diabetes. Subject to appropriations, the board will have the power to issue two separate types of grants for increasing diabetes education and understanding within the state. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb435.htm

SB 436 - Retirement; repeal certain obsolete and inoperative provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill repeals certain obsolete and inoperative provisions from Title 47. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Heath of the 31st - House Committee: Retirement http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb436.htm
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SB 447 - State; preference to in-state materialmen, contractors, builders, when preference does not impair quality and cost considerations
- BILL SUMMARY: The provisions of SB 447 seek to discourage other states from adopting laws that give preference to in-state contractors, contracting with their state agencies, to the competitive disadvantage of Georgia contractors and vendors. To this end, SB 447 has three main provisions.
The first provision establishes a new definition for a Georgia resident business to be any business that regularly maintains a place from which business is physically conducted in Georgia for at least one year prior to any bid or proposal submitted pursuant to this Code section or a new business that is domiciled in Georgia which regularly maintains a place from which business is physically conducted in Georgia.
Secondly, SB 447 creates a reciprocity arrangement with other states that adopt laws preferential to their in-state resident businesses.
Finally, this bill requires all entities of state government to adhere to the policies and procedures contained in the State Construction Manual. - Authored By: Sen. John Bulloch of the 11th - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb447.htm
SB 449 - Georgia Golf Hall of Fame; abolish; disposition of property
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill abolishes the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Authority and transfers certain assets, contracts and other obligations of the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame Authority and the Board to the Georgia Department of Economic Development. This bill also authorizes the state to sell by competitive bid all real property owned or controlled by the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame for an amount not less than its outstanding bond indebtedness and not less than the fair market value. It further requires the Department of Economic Development to transfer the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame statues to Augusta for public use by the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. - Authored By: Sen. Hardie Davis of the 22nd - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb449.htm
SB 454 - Bingo; define certain terms; provide certain veterans organizations may sell certain pull tab games of chance
- Bill Summary: SB 454 provides for clarity in the regulations regarding coin operated amusement machines. It clarifies the definition of what constitutes a legal "bona fide coin operated amusement machine" and creates a distinction between machines that provide no reward or a reward of free play or additional time to play (Class A Machines) and machines that reward with merchandise or vouchers as set out in subparagraphs (d)(1)(B) and (d)(1)(C) of Code Section 16-12-35 (Class B Machines). It further provides for an updated fee schedule to obtain annual master licenses for those owning these machines and for the annual permit for each machine. It creates a new annual location permit fee for business owners and operators that have these machines at their locations. - Authored By: Sen. John Douglas of the 17th - House Committee: Judiciary Non-Civil http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb454.htm
SB 455 - State Properties Code; modifying certain provisions; acquiring real property through commission
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Title 50, Chapter 16 relating to the acquisition of real property through the State Properties Commission. The bill clarifies current language of code section 50-16-38, clarifying the amount of real property acquisitions requiring SPC approval, and increases the efficiency with which the SPC can provide executed deeds to local governments who need them to clear titles. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb455.htm

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SB 456 - Redevelopment; directors of downtown development authority designated as urban redevelopment agency; serve as commissioners
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 456 would allow directors and elected officials to serve as commissioners of urban redevelopment agencies. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: State Planning & Community Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb456.htm
SB 457 - Education; provide local board of education may act on petition for a conversion charter school for a high school cluster; referendum
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Bill 457 relates to the approval or denial of charter petitions for conversion charter schools for a high school cluster. The high school cluster petition must receive at least 60% approval from the combined vote of the faculty and instructional staff of the high school cluster and parents or guardians of students to be approved for submitting to the local board. - Authored By: Sen. Dan Weber of the 40th - House Committee: Education http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb457.htm
SB 458 - Safety Belts; eliminate certain exceptions to the required use of safety belts
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation requires that passengers and drivers in pick up trucks wear seat belts. An exception is provided for agriculture use, as far as it is not required that farm personnel is not required to wear seat belt while in the course of normal and usual actions relating to agriculture. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Health & Human Services http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb458.htm
SB 461 - Wills, Trusts, Estate; provide for construction of wills/trust instruments referring to federal estate; provide for judicial construction of such wills
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill is a stopgap to ensure that changes to federal estate and generation-skipping transfer tax law do not invalidate wills or trusts executed in Georgia. The bill provides that will or trust provisions relating to federal estate taxes should be construed in accordance with the law as it applied to decedents who died on December 1, 2009. - Authored By: Sen. Seth Harp of the 29th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb461.htm
SB 470 - Computer Security; illegal to prevent reasonable efforts to block installation or execution of a covered file-sharing program
- BILL SUMMARY: Makes it illegal for an unauthorized user of a computer in Georgia to prevent reasonable efforts to block the installation, execution or disabling of a covered file-sharing program on the computer, or to install, offer to install or make available for installation, reinstallation or update a covered file-sharing program on the computer without first doing certain things (such as providing clear and conspicuous notice to the authorized user of the computer which files on that computer will be made available to the public). The bill defines "covered file-sharing program" as a computer program, application or software that enables the computer on which that program, application or software is installed to designate files as available for searching by and copying to one or more computers, to transmit such designated files directly to one or more other computers, and to request the transmission of such designated files directly from one or more other computers. - Authored By: Sen. Cecil Staton of the 18th - House Committee: Science and Technology http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb470.htm

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SB 474 - Wildlife; possession of native wild animal killed by motor vehicle; provide exceptions and conditions
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 474 requires those who accidentally kill a bear with their vehicle to report the accident to the Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement within 48 hours. It shall not authorize any person to take possession of any animal of a species designated as a protected species. It shall be unlawful to run bears with dogs except in counties with an open season for hunting bears with dogs. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Game, Fish, & Parks http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb474.htm
SB 480 - State Council of Economic Advisors; creation; provide composition, duties, and responsibilities
- BILL SUMMARY: This legislation calls for the creation of the State Council of Economic Advisors. The Council will consist of five members, three of which will be appointed by the Governor, one by the Speaker of the House and one by the President of the Senate. One of the Governor's appointees will be the Governor's Economic Advisor, who will serve as chair or the council. Each member must either be an economist or have expertise in Georgia state revenues. The council will be charged making recommendations to the Governor on the estimated range of the amount of unappropriated surplus expected to have accrued in the state treasury at the beginning of the next fiscal year and the total treasury receipts from existing revenue sources anticipated in the next fiscal year, less anticipated refunds. This information will be used to assist in the Governor's revenue estimate for the next fiscal year, and will be submitted to the Governor, Speaker of the House, Lieutenant Governor and the chairs of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees. - Authored By: Sen. Jack Hill of the 4th - House Committee: Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb480.htm
SB 490 - Hazardous Waste; amend certain definitions; update provisions to make consistent with federal regulations
- BILL SUMMARY: Revises and updates certain provisions concerning Georgia's hazardous waste laws to make the state's provisions consistent with federal provisions in effect as of February 1, 2010, as previously opposed to February 1, 1996. - Authored By: Sen. Ross Tolleson of the 20th - House Committee: Natural Resources & Environment http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb490.htm
SB 491 - Civil Practice; grounds of exercise; personal jurisdiction over nonresidents involved in domestic relation cases; provisions
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill amends Georgia's long-arm statute to provide that the State may exercise personal jurisdiction over nonresidents involved in certain types of domestic relation cases. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Judiciary http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb491.htm
SB 493 - Vital Records; provide for execution of death certificates for burn victims
- BILL SUMMARY: SB 493 provides that whenever the death of a nonresident burn victim occurs in a treatment facility following the transportation of such victim from an incident occurring in another state, only the attending physician shall be required to complete and sign the death certificate. - Authored By: Sen. Hardie Davis of the 22nd - House Committee: Governmental Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb493.htm

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SB 518 - Education; require study of the pledge of allegiance to the flag of United States and Georgia flag; American institutions and ideals
- BILL SUMMARY: The legislation adds a requirement that the pledge of allegiance and the history of the pledge be taught in Georgia Schools. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Defense & Veterans Affairs http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb518.htm
SB 519 - Motor Vehicles; motorized cart; modify definition; change hours of operation; provide local governments decide operators be licensed
- BILL SUMMARY: Amends Georgia code (40-1-1) relating to motorized carts. This bill states that carts may be operated on streets a half hour before sunrise and a half hour after sunset unless the local government or commissioner of public safety says the carts may be operated during the hours between sunset and sunrise. If the carts are allowed to operate during said hours they must have two headlights, two tail lamps, two brake lights, four turn signal lamps (two in front, two in rear), a center high mount stop lamp (CHMSL), and a windsheild.
AM 34-0445 - This amendment amends Code section 40-6-184 to provide a minimum fine for drivers who impede the flow of traffic by driving too slow except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation. The fine for a conviction of violating this Code section will be at least $75.00 in addition to any other punishment authorized by law.
Senate AM 34-0463 - This amendment revised the definition of "low speed vehicle" to include golf carts and landscape type vehicles. Either could have cargo platforms or bins or a hitch to tow a trailer. These vehicles would not be required to have a VIN. This amendment also revised the language relating to when motorized carts could be operated on streets. The new language states that carts may be operated on streets only during daylight hours unless the local government says that the cart may be driven at night if it complies with equipment regulations set by that local government. At a minimum, the cart must have operable headlights and tail lamps. Carts that may be operated at night that were manufactured after January 1, 2011 must also be equipped with a horn and side reflectors. The amendment goes on to say that seasonal delivery personnel may use golf carts and landscape type vehicles solely for the purpose of delivering express envelopes and packages that are no more than 130 inches for combined length and girth and weigh no more than 150 pounds; golf carts and landscape type vehicles may travel on public roads within residential areas with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less and operators must have a valid driver's license; seasonal delivery personnel are also allowed to pull a trailer from a golf cart or landscape type vehicle provided that those vehicles are marked in a conspicuous manner with the name of the delivery service and equipped with minimum equipment required under this code section. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb519.htm
SB 520 - Transportation Dept.; provide for an Intermodal Division within the department
- BILL SUMMARY: Code Section 32-2-41 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated is revised by revising paragraph (5) subsection (b) by adding an Intermodal Division to be supervised by an appointee serving at the pleasure of the commissioner to the Department of Transportation. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb520.htm

SB 523 - Georgia Sports Hall Of Fame Authority; reconstitute the governance; provide for new
governing body for authority and its members
- BILL SUMMARY: This bill provides for a new composition of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame Authority and allows the authority to appoint appropriate staff and to enter into cooperative agreements with a nonprofit corporation to assist with certain functions of the authority. This bill also requires the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame authorities to work jointly in order to realize efficiencies and economies in the operation of their adjacent facilities. This bill additionally requires both such authorities to conduct a review of proposals of new locations or alternative ownership in order to evaluate possible cost savings. It further places both authorities under

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the oversight of the Georgia Halls of Fame Authority Overview Committee. - Authored By: Sen. Bill Cowsert of the 46th - House Committee: Economic Development & Tourism http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb523.htm
SENATE RESOLUTIONS
SR 274 - Liberty Tree of Georgia; designate tulip poplar adjacent to Dalton City Hall
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution would designate a tulip poplar tree in Dalton, GA as the Liberty Tree of Georgia. This tree was a sapling taken from the last original Liberty Tree that was planted at the time of the American Revolution. - Authored By: Sen. Don Thomas of the 54th - House Committee: Special Rules http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr274.htm
SR 277 - Georgia Trauma Trust Fund; impose a charge on certain motor vehicle registrations; transferred to state treasury for purpose of funding-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: Senate Resolution 277 proposes to amend the constitution to provide a dedicated source of revenue for trauma funding. It provides for an annual $10 fee on all passenger vehicles (motor vehicles designed to carry 10 or fewer passengers) registered in this state. This fee will be collected at the same time and in the same manner as other license tag and registration fees required by law and shall be collected prior to the issuance of a license plate or revalidation decal. This trauma charge will not apply to vehicles owned by the state or its departments, agencies, or authorities or by any political subdivision of the state. Proceeds of this fee will be deposited monthly into the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund. - Authored By: Sen. Greg Goggans of the 7th - House Committee: Ways & Means http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr277.htm
SR 821 - Transportation Department; multiyear construction agreements-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: Calls for a referendum for a constitutional amendment to give the Governor and the General Assembly to allow funds for multiyear projects to be obligated in the year that the money is spent instead of obligating all funds at once. - Authored By: Sen. David Shafer of the 48th - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr821.htm
SR 822 - Transportation, Dept. of; urged to seek waiver from Federal Highway Administration to allow retail developments along interstate highway
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution urges the Georgia Department of Transportation to seek a waiver from the Federal Highway Administration in order allow retail developments in rest areas along the interstate highway system. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr822.htm
SR 1075 - CSA Army of Tennessee Highway; dedicate
- BILL SUMMARY: SR 1075 is a package of road/bridge dedications throughout the state of Georgia. - Authored By: Sen. Jeff Mullis of the 53rd - House Committee: Transportation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr1075.htm

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SR 1083 - Public Property; conveyance; 11 counties
- BILL SUMMARY: This Resolution authorizes the State of Georgia, acting through its State Properties Commission to convey certain State owned properties. - Authored By: Sen. Johnny Grant of the 25th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr1083.htm
SR 1231 - Governmental Energy Efficiency; authorize obligations of the state; vendors guarantee realization of specified savings to improvements-CA
- BILL SUMMARY: This resolution proposes an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize state multiyear contracts for governmental energy efficiency or conservation improvement projects in which vendors guarantee realization of specified savings or revenue gains attributable solely to the improvements. - Authored By: Sen. Ronnie Chance of the 16th - House Committee: State Institutions & Property http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sr1231.htm

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LOCAL LEGISLATION
HB 164 by Representative Butler of the 18th Bremen, City of; new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb164.htm
HB 705 by Representative Fludd of the 66th College Park, City of; levy an excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb705.htm
HB 790 by Representative Chambers of the 81st Doraville, City of; municipal elections; provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb790.htm
HB 959 by Representative Benton of the 31st Arcade, Town of; city council members; staggered terms of office; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb959.htm
HB 961 by Representative Benton of the 31st Maysville, City of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb961.htm
HB 964 by Representative Lane of the 167th McIntosh County; vehicle registration period; repeal http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb964.htm
HB 1010 by Representative Greene of the 149th South Georgia Regional Information Technology Authority; change certain provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1010.htm
HB 1025 by Representative Keown of the 173rd Thomas County; board of elections and registration; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1025.htm
HB 1026 by Representative Weldon of the 3rd Ringgold, City of; corporate city limits; extend http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1026.htm
HB 1042 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Dahlonega, City of, in the County of Lumpkin; special elections; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1042.htm
HB 1045 by Representative Houston of the 170th Berrien County; office of elected county surveyor; abolish http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1045.htm
HB 1075 by Representative Fludd of the 66th Fayetteville, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1075.htm
HB 1080 by Representative Weldon of the 3rd Catoosa County; board of utilities commissioners election; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1080.htm
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HB 1089 by Representative Powell of the 171st Funston, City of; election and terms of mayor and councilmembers; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1089.htm
HB 1122 by Representative Millar of the 79th Chamblee, City of; corporate city limits; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1122.htm
HB 1123 by Representative Williams of the 178th Wayne County; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1123.htm
HB 1142 by Representative Channell of the 116th Putnam County; board of elections and registration; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1142.htm
HB 1156 by Representative Bearden of the 68th Temple, City of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1156.htm
HB 1157 by Representative Sims of the 169th Broxton, City of; city attorney and municipal court judge qualifications; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1157.htm
HB 1169 by Representative Porter of the 143rd Cadwell, Town of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1169.htm
HB 1176 by Representative Ralston of the 7th Fannin County Water Authority Act; enact http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1176.htm
HB 1197 by Representative Glanton of the 76th Morrow, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1197.htm
HB 1210 by Representative Stephens of the 164th Bryan County; Board of Commissioners prescribe time, place, and dates for meetings; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1210.htm
HB 1211 by Representative Nix of the 69th Troup County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1211.htm
HB 1212 by Representative Nix of the 69th LaGrange, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1212.htm
HB 1213 by Representative Von Epps of the 128th LaGrange, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1213.htm
HB 1214 by Representative Von Epps of the 128th Troup County; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1214.htm
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HB 1225 by Representative Horne of the 71st Western Area Regional Radio System Authority; Coweta County; government of authority http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1225.htm
HB 1254 by Representative Purcell of the 159th Pooler, City of; mayor and councilmembers; four-year terms; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1254.htm
HB 1255 by Representative Rogers of the 26th Gainesville, City of; ad valorem taxes; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1255.htm
HB 1261 by Representative Von Epps of the 128th Hogansville, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1261.htm
HB 1262 by Representative Von Epps of the 128th Hogansville, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1262.htm
HB 1275 by Representative Williams of the 178th Wayne County Industrial Development Authority; number of board directors; increase http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1275.htm
HB 1281 by Representative Maddox of the 172nd Decatur County; board of commissioners; voting and removal from office; change provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1281.htm
HB 1282 by Representative Greene of the 149th Leary, City of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1282.htm
HB 1285 by Representative Lucas of the 139th Bibb County; levy excise tax; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1285.htm
HB 1286 by Representative Lucas of the 139th Macon, City of; levy excise tax; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1286.htm
HB 1288 by Representative Glanton of the 76th Jonesboro, City of; levy excise tax; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1288.htm
HB 1292 by Representative Powell of the 171st Colquitt County Family Connection Collaborative on Children and Families; change membership http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1292.htm
HB 1295 by Representative Horne of the 71st Haralson, City of; mayor and councilmembers; stagger terms http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1295.htm
HB 1299 by Representative Geisinger of the 48th Roswell, City of; office of mayor not held more than three terms; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1299.htm
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HB 1319 by Representative Millar of the 79th Dunwoody, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1319.htm
HB 1326 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Dawson County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1326.htm
HB 1327 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Dawson County; ad valorem tax; educational purposes; provide homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1327.htm
HB 1330 by Representative of the Greene 149th Lower Chattahoochee Regional Airport Authority; remove Calhoun County http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1330.htm
HB 1331 by Representative Hill of the 180th Kingsland, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize\ http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1331.htm
HB 1333 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Dawson County; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1333.htm
HB 1337 by Representative Jerguson of the 22nd Holly Springs, City of; councilmembers elected from designated posts; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1337.htm
HB 1341 by Representative Graves of the 12th Pickens County Board of Commissioners; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1341.htm
HB 1346 by Representative Lunsford of the 110th Henry County; require board member to resign if stand for other election; repeal provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1346.htm
HB 1347 by Representative Mayo of the 91st Henry County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1347.htm
HB 1349 by Representative Geisinger of the 48th Roswell, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1349.htm
HB 1353 by Representative Collins of the 27th White County Building Authority Act; enact http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1353.htm
HB 1355 by Representative Heckstall of the 62nd East Point, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1355.htm
HB 1362 by Representative Smith of the 168th Alma, City of; change certain charter provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1362.htm
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HB 1378 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Lumpkin County, Magistrate Court of; appoint clerk; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1378.htm
HB 1391 by Representative Smyre of the 132nd Columbus, Municipal Court; change clerk and marshal compensation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1391.htm
HB 1400 by Representative Hanner of the 148th Sasser, Town of; Terrell County; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1400.htm
HB 1403 by Representative Jones of the 46th Mountain Park, City of; number of councilmen; change provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1403.htm
HB 1422 by Representative Morris of the 155th Montgomery County; Board of Commissioners; terms of office; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1422.htm
HB 1427 by Representative Marin of the 96th Norcross, City of; mayor and city councilmembers; change terms http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1427.htm
HB 1429 by Representative Battles of the 15th Cartersville, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1429.htm
HB 1430 by Representative Battles of the 15th Bartow County; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1430.htm
HB 1434 by Representative Marin of the 96th Norcross, City of; mayor and councilmembers elected by plurality; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1434.htm
HB 1446 by Representative Abdul-Salaam of the 74th Clayton County; become participant in MARTA; hold nonbinding referendum http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1446.htm
HB 1447 by Representative Williams of the 4th Dalton, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1447.htm
HB 1448 by Representative Williams of the 4th Whitfield County; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1448.htm
HB 1450 by Representative Oliver of the 83rd State Court of DeKalb County; certain fees; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1450.htm
HB 1451 by Representative Dickson of the 8th Varnell, City of; change charter provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1451.htm
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HB 1452 by Representative Allison of the 8th Towns County; educational purposes; ad valorem tax; homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1452.htm
HB 1453 by Representative Allison of the 8th Hiawassee, City of; municipal purposes; ad valorem tax; homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1453.htm
HB 1455 by Representative Manning of the 32nd Marietta, City of; city council meetings; modify provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1455.htm
HB 1458 by Representative Austin of the 10th Habersham County, State Court; judge and solicitor be full-time; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1458.htm
HB 1461 by Representative Jackson of the 142nd Tennille, City of; mayor's vote; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1461.htm
HB 1462 by Representative Keown of the 173rd Coolidge, City of; create new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1462.htm
HB 1463 by Representative Hanner of the 148th Lee County, Magistrate Court; increase law library fee; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1463.htm
HB 1465 by Representative Fludd of the 66th College Park, City of; Water and Sewer Authority; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1465.htm
HB 1467 by Representative Austin of the 10th Cornelia, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1467.htm
HB 1468 by Representative Martin of the 2nd Dade County Water and Sewer Authority; composition; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1468.htm
HB 1469 by Representative Buckner of the 130th Talbot County; elections; composition and appointment of board; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1469.htm
HB 1470 by Representative Lunsford of the 110th Henry County; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1470.htm
HB 1472 by Representative Coles of the 125th Gray, Town of; powers of mayor; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1472.htm
HB 1476 by Representative Williams of the 165th Liberty County Industrial Authority; members vote by phone; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1476.htm
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HB 1478 by Representative Porter of the 143rd Dexter, town of; municipal corporate limits; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1478.htm
HB 1480 by Representative of the Shaw of the 176th Clinch County; composition and election of governing authority; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1480.htm
HB 1484 by Representative Sellier of the 136th Byron, City of; corporate city limits; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1484.htm
HB 1485 by Representative of the Hill of the 180th Kingsland, City of; corporate city limits; change http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1485.htm
HB 1489 by Representative Carter of the 175th Remerton, City of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1489.htm
HB 1490 by Representative Crawford of the 16th Cedartown, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1490.htm
HB 1491 by Representative Amerson of the 9th Dawson County; Redevelopment Powers Law; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1491.htm
HB 1492 by Representative Smith of the 168th Bacon County; advisory referendum election; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1492.htm
HB 1493 by Representative Roberts of the 154th Public Facilities Authority of Telfair County Act; enact http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1493.htm
HB 1494 by Representative Williams of the 178th Pierce County Board of Commissioners; office of county manager; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1494.htm
HB 1496 by Representative Knight of the 126th Spalding County; homestead exemption; qualifying income level; increase http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1496.htm
HB 1497 by Representative Powell of the 29th Lavonia, City of; corporate city limits; change and extend http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1497.htm
HB 1498 by Representative Powell of the 29th Royston, City of; ad valorem tax; municipal purposes; homestead exemption http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1498.htm
HB 1500 by Representative Austin of the 10th Cleveland, City of; levy excise tax; authorize http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1500.htm
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HB 1503 by Representative Glanton of the 76th Clayton County Civil Service Act; review and appeal decisions; change provisions http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1503.htm
HB 1505 by Representative Butler of the 18th Waco, City of; provide new charter http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1505.htm
HB 1506 by Representative Scott of the 153rd Turner County; board of elections and registration; create http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1506.htm
HB 1507 by Representative Drenner of the 86th Clarkston, City of; election and powers of the mayor; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1507.htm
HB 1508 by Representative Benfield of the 85th DeKalb County; district services; change definition http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1508.htm
HB 1509 by Representative Stephens of the 161st Savannah, City of; Chatham County; board of education members; add qualifications http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1509.htm
HB 1511 by Representative Hembree of the 67th Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority; board of directors; amend http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1511.htm
HB 1513 by Representative Ralston of the 7th Fannin County; Magistrate Court clerk; appointed by chief magistrate; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1513.htm
HB 1514 by Representative Ralston of the 7th Gilmer County; Magistrate Court clerk; appointed by chief magistrate; provide http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1514.htm
HR 1890 by Representative Howard of the 121st Augusta-Richmond County; form youth advisory council; encourage http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb1890.htm
HR 2039 by Representative Jerguson of the 22nd Joint Cherokee County Transportation Study and Planning Commission; create (Adopted by House only) http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hr2039.htm
SB 277 by Senator Harp of the 29th Troup County; chief magistrate judge; make full time http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb277.htm
SB 279 by Senator Adelman of the 17th City of Decatur; exercise redevelopment powers http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb279.htm
SB 376 by Senator Douglas of the 17th Covington Municipal Airport Authority Act; powers, duties, membership http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb376.htm
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SB 422 by Senator Douglas of the 17th Porterdale, City Of; provide homestead exemption; municipal purposes http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb422.htm
SB 487 by Senator James of the 35th Chattahoochee Hills Country, City of; mayor and council; change the terms; provide for elections http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb487.htm
SB 533 by Senator Henson of the 41st Lilburn, City of; change the corporate limits of the city http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb533.htm
SB 536 by Senator James of the 35th Chattahoochee Hills, City of; increase the homestead exemption ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes; residents 65 years of age or older http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb536.htm
SB 539 by Senator Fort of the 39th McPherson Implementing Local Redevelopment Authority; modify certain provisions; membership; community representation http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb539.htm
SB 542 by Senator Chance of the 16th Griffin Judicial Circuit; not decrease the county supplements for the superior court judges of that circuit http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb542.htm
SB 543 by Senator Grant of the 25th Baldwin County; ad valorem taxes for county purposes; reduce the age for qualifying for such homestead exemption from 65 to 60 years http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb543.htm
SB 544 by Senator Weber of the 40th DeKalb County Ad Valorem Taxes; extend exemption for another five-year period http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb544.htm
SB 545 by Senator Crosby of the 13th Turner County; create a board of elections and registration; provide for powers and duties; definitions; composition http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb545.htm
SB 547 by Senator Chapman of the 3rd St. Marys, City of; ad valorem taxes; provide for homestead exemption; municipal purposes http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb547.htm
SB 548 by Senator Crosby of the 13th Lee County; provide the chief magistrate shall appoint the clerk of the magistrate court http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb548.htm
SB 549 by Senator Butterworth of the 50th Rabun County; authorized to lease or sell lands and buildings to the Authority http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb549.htm
SB 550 by Senator Butterworth of the 50th Rabun County; Mountain City; change the terms of the city council and provide election dates http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb550.htm

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SB 551 by Senator Butterworth of the 50th Rabun County; Mountain City; annex certain territory to the city and change corporate limits of city http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/sb551.htm

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