Georgia House of Representatives
SESSION REPORT

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

2017 Session Report

HB 1

Georgia Space Flight Act; enact
By: Rep. Jason Spencer (180th) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This legislation adds new chapters to Title 51, related to torts, to provide a limited waiver of liability for persons who agree to participate in space flight activities and space flight operations provided the participant signs a written waiver agreeing to those limitations. The bill provides the warning and written agreement that the flight participant shall sign, and it provides a list of what makes the warning and written agreement effective and enforceable. This limit on liability does not cover injuries caused by gross negligence for the safety of the participant or intentional injury. Liability is also not limited for: any other person who is not a participant of a space flight who has not signed the waiver; for breach of contract for the use of real property by a space flight entity; or for an action by the federal government, the State of Georgia, or any state agency to enforce a valid statute, rule or regulation. All space flight lawsuits that occur in Georgia shall be brought in Georgia.

HB 5

Courts; compensation of juvenile court judges; change provisions

By: Rep. Johnnie Caldwell (131st)

Through the Juvenile Justice Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 5 increases the grants to counties for full-time and part-time juvenile court judges to $100,000.

HB 14

Courts; sheriff to collect and deposit certain fees; provide

By: Rep. J. B. Jones (167th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 14 specifies that all fees collected by Georgia sheriffs who are paid on a salary basis are to be remitted within 30 days to the county treasurer or fiscal officer.

HB 31

Jefferson County; Board of Commissioners; levy additional ad valorem tax; provide nonbinding advisory referendum
By: Rep. Brian Prince (127th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 31 provides for a non-binding advisory referendum to determine if the electors in Jefferson County desire the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to levy an additional ad valorem tax to provide funds for the Jefferson County Hospital Authority's services and facilities and to retire hospital debt.

HB 37

Education; private postsecondary institutions in Georgia shall not adopt sanctuary policies; provide
By: Rep. Earl Ehrhart (36th) Through the Higher Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 37 prohibits any private postsecondary institution eligible for tuition equalization grants from implementing a sanctuary policy. Sanctuary policies include policies that prohibit or restrict employees of postsecondary institutions from working with federal and state officials or law enforcement officers on reporting immigration status information. Any private postsecondary institution that violates this Code section is subject to the withholding of state funding or state administered federal funding. Withholding of state funds includes funding for scholarships, loans and grants for students.

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HB 39

Real estate professionals; disciplinary actions and sanctions; change certain provisions

By: Rep. Alan Powell (32nd)

Through the Regulated Industries Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 39 allows for a 10-day grace period for real estate appraisers, brokers, and salespersons to notify their respective board or commission, in writing, when such person is convicted of a crime. Moreover, such board or commission has the authority to revoke the license of that person after 60 days from the date of conviction if no notice has been provided to the appropriate board or commission.

HB 41

Architects; allow certain students to take examination; change qualifications
By: Rep. Brett Harrell (106th) Through the Regulated Industries Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 41 allows for an education pilot program for students to enroll in an accredited professional Integrated Path to Architectural Licensure degree program and permits the student to take the professional examination needed for licensure while enrolled in that program.

HB 42

Elections; election superintendents to correct mistakes and omissions on ballots for a primary or election; authorize
By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Through the Governmental Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 42 allows election superintendents to make corrections to primary election ballots if they discover a mistake or omission on printed ballots or on the display screens of electronic voting machines. It allows municipalities, if they deem it practical, to hold a special election or run-off election in conjunction with a federal special or run-off election.

HB 43

Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 - June 30, 2017
By: Rep. David Ralston (7th) Through the Appropriations Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 43, the Amended Fiscal Year 2017 budget, recognizes $606.2 million in additional revenue or 2.5 percent over the original Fiscal Year 2017 budget. This brings the total appropriation for Amended FY 2017 to $24.3 billion. The bill, tracking sheet and highlights may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget.

HB 44

General appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018
By: Rep. David Ralston (7th) Through the Appropriations Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 44, the Fiscal Year 2018 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $24.9 billion. This represents an increase of $1.25 billion, or 5.3 percent, over the FY 2017 original budget. The bill, tracking sheet and highlights may be found on the House Budget and Research Office website: http://www.house.ga.gov/budget.

HB 50

Livestock; liability protection for certain activities; provide

By: Rep. Clay Pirkle (155th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 50 amends Title 4, relating to inherent risks associated with equine and llama activities,

by expanding such liability protections to include activities involving livestock. "Livestock" is defined as swine,

cattle, sheep, and goats. Currently, a "livestock activity sponsor," any entity that sponsors, organizes, or provides

facilities for a "livestock activity," which is any event in which participants engage in the care or maintenance of

livestock such as grazing, herding, and feeding; is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant resulting

from the inherent risks of such animal activities, so long as the participants are not charged a fee for their

participation, unless the fees charged are used exclusively for educational, scholarship, or training purposes for

participants who are 23 years of age or younger; the care and maintenance of the equipment, tack, or livestock in

use during such participation; or for facility overhead costs.

In order to invoke such immunity, the livestock activity entity must provide a warning statement notifying the participant that the entity is not liable for such injuries or death resulting from the inherent risks of the activity in the form of a sign placed on the premises, as well as placing such a warning in every contract between the entity and participant. The limits on liability for livestock, equine, and llama activities do not apply to liability under product liability law. Nothing in this Code section or any other state law recognizing the inherent risks of these animal activities may serve as the basis for liability on any person who encourages, promotes, or instructs others in animal activities.

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HB 58

Motor vehicles; reference date to federal regulations regarding the safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and carriers; update
By: Rep. Terry Rogers (10th) Through the Motor Vehicles Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 58 updates the reference date in Georgia Code to the federal regulations regarding the safe operation of motor carriers and commercial motor vehicles from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2017.

HB 73

Income tax credit; incentives to promote the revitalization of rural Georgia downtowns; provide
By: Rep. Penny Houston (170th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 73 creates tax credit incentives to promote the revitalization of vacant rural downtowns. The commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development are provided with the authority to designate an area as a revitalization zone. The commission may designate up to 10 revitalization zones in any given year with no more than 50 revitalization zones in existence at any time.

To be eligible, local governments with a population of fewer than 15,000 must: prove economic distress; vacancy of the downtown area or blight; have a concentration of historic commercial structures at least 50 years old in the downtown area; conduct a feasibility study or market analysis identifying businesses which can be supported in the area; and have a master plan designed to assist private and public investment.

The bill provides a $2,000 per full-time equivalent employee tax credit to business owners within a revitalization zone who hire two or more new employees. This credit is capped at $40,000 per year for each business owner.

A property development tax credit is also included. This credit is for investors who acquire and develop property within a revitalization zone, so long as an eligible business is located in the property and qualifies to receive the employee tax credit provided in this Code section or an eligible business is located in the property and maintains at least two full-time equivalent jobs. The property development tax credit is for 25 percent of the purchase price, up to $125,000, and is prorated over five tax years.

The bill also allows for a rehabilitation tax credit. The rehabilitation project must meet minimum historic preservation standards, which are to be identified with assistance of the Department of Natural Resources' Historic Preservation Division. This credit is for 30 percent of rehabilitation expenditures, cannot exceed $150,000, and is prorated over three tax years. A rehabilitation project taking this credit is not eligible to receive any additional state tax credits.

The three credits provided for in this section are non-transferable and may be carried forward for up to 10 years.

HB 74

Insurance; life risk-based capital trend test to comply with accreditation standards; change
By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 74 amends the Insurance Code relating to company action level events and preparation and submission of risk-based capital level plans to change the life risk-based capital trend test from 2.5 to 3.0.

HB 75

Social services; certain records from disclosure; exclude
By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Code sections relating access to open records. Currently, any record of law enforcement or prosecution agencies in any pending investigation or prosecution of criminal activity contained within the child abuse, neglect, or dependency records may be partially or entirely redacted. This bill allows the same redactions of any record of the Department of Human Services or governmental child protective agency that includes information provided by law enforcement or prosecution agencies in any pending investigation or prosecution of criminal activity contained within the child abuse, neglect, or dependency records.

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HB 76

Superior courts; change certain requirements and certifications for certain maps, plats, and plans for filing with clerk; provisions
By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 76 amends requirements and certifications for certain maps, plats, and plans to be filed in superior court with the clerk of the court. Each map or plat page image shall have certain required information that complies with the minimum standards and specifications adopted in the rules and regulations of the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. The submission shall also include the county where the property lies; the name of the property owner or owners as stated on the most current or applicable title instrument; type of plat; the subdivision where it lies or is being created; the contact information for the land surveyor; a certificate from the land surveyor that the plan meets the current specifications for filing with the clerk of the court, and other relevant information. The image attached in the filing information box must be no less than a three-inch square. Further, the bill provides that all the images shall be an electronic image, which is certified and presented to the clerk in conformance with all specifications set forth in any rules and regulations promulgated by the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority. The clerk shall electronically note information, such as the filing date, book, and page numbers on the image, as well as transmit a copy of the map, plat, or plan with the filing information to the e-mail address of the person filing. The bill also provides a form for surveyor certification.

HB 83

Firefighters' Pension Fund; invest up to 10 percent in real estate; provide

By: Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th)

Through the Retirement Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 83 allows the Georgia Firefighters' Pension Fund to invest up to 10 percent of the fund's assets in real estate. If the fund's assets decrease in value, the fund may retain the real estate investments as long as they were owned prior to the decrease in the fund's assets. The only other system that can invest in real estate is the Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System. HB 83 also increases the percent of assets the fund can invest in alternative investments from five percent to 10 percent. This bill has been certified as a non-fiscal retirement bill by the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts.

HB 86

Domestic relations; definition of sexual abuse; expand

By: Rep. Mary Oliver (82nd)

Through the Juvenile Justice Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 86 increases the scope of offenses for mandatory reporters of child abuse to include

suspicion of a child being involved in sex trafficking for the purpose of sexual servitude.

HB 87

Corporations, partnerships, and associations; multiple-year registrations for certain types of business organizations; provide

By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th)

Through the Small Business Development Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for multiple-year registrations with the Secretary of State for certain types of business organizations, such as corporations and limited-liability companies. The bill also allows for the adoption of rules and regulations by the Secretary of State as necessary to implement the multiple-year registration process. The annual registration requirement found in the mentioned Code sections are valid for up to and including three years. The bill also allows for non-profit corporations organized in a foreign jurisdiction to change jurisdiction of organization to this state. It also allows for a non-profit corporation organized in this state to change its jurisdiction of organization to a foreign jurisdiction.

HB 88

Superior courts; qualifications for judges; revise
By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This legislation amends general provisions regarding superior and state court judges, specifically qualifications and the consequences of disbarment or suspension. A superior and state court judge must still be at least 30-years old at the time of his or her election, be a citizen of the State of Georgia for three years, have seven years of law practice, and be a member of good standing with the State Bar of Georgia; however, the bill adds that a superior and state court judge must also remain in such good standing while serving as a judge. When a superior or state court judge is disbarred or suspended from the practice of law by the Supreme Court, voluntarily or involuntarily, the office shall be vacated immediately, regardless of bar status at time of election.

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HB 92

Insurance; automobile or motorcycle policies; expand definition of policy By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 92 modifies the definition of policy as it relates to the cancellation or nonrenewal of automobile or motorcycle polices to include policies issued by the same insurer.

HB 117 Sales and use tax; certain voluntary contributions; exclude from definition of retail sales By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 117 amends 48-8-2 by removing voluntary contributions to places of amusement, sports, or entertainment from being subject to sales and use tax.

HB 125 Sales and use tax; certain tangible personal property sold or used to maintain a boat; create exemption
By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 125 amends 48-8-3, relating to exemptions from state sales and use taxes, by capping the amount of sales tax due on the repair, refit, or maintenance of a boat to $35,000 per event. The bill sunsets on June 30, 2025.

HB 126 Courts; Judicial Qualifications Commission; change provisions By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 126 amends provisions relating to the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC), which oversees investigations and disciplinary actions related to judges for ethical complaints. It provides for the JQC's duties and responsibilities, enumerates a membership selection process, and provides for membership accountability.
From January 1, 2017, until June 30, 2017, the JQC shall consist of seven members, who shall be selected as follows: the Supreme Court of Georgia shall select two members who are judges of any court of record; the president of the Senate shall select two members, with one member selected from a list of at least 10 nominees submitted by the board of governors of the State Bar of Georgia who are active status members of the Georgia Bar for at least 10 years and registered voters of this state, and if a nominee is not selected from the list, the board of governors shall submit another slate of 10 nominees for the president of the Senate's consideration and the other member shall be not be a member of the Georgia Bar but will be a registered voter of this state. The speaker of the House of Representatives shall select two members in the same manner as the president of the Senate. The governor shall select one member to chair the JQC, who is a member of the Georgia Bar with at least 10 years active status and is a registered voter of this state.
Effective July 1, 2017, the JQC shall be reconstituted. The members serving on the commission immediately prior to July 1, 2017 shall cease to serve on that date, but are eligible for reappointment or to fill another position on the JQC. The JQC is expanded from seven to 10 total members who serve on one of two separate and distinct panels: an Investigative Panel and a Hearing Panel. The seven members of the Investigative Panel are appointed as follows: the Supreme Court of Georgia shall appoint two judges of any court of record; the governor, president of the Senate, and speaker of the House shall each appoint one attorney, who has been a member of the Georgia Bar for at least 10 years; and the president of the Senate and speaker of the House shall each appoint two citizens. The Georgia Bar may provide attorney appointment recommendations to the requisite appointing authorities. The three members of the Hearing Panel shall be appointed as follows: the Supreme Court of Georgia shall appoint one judge of any court of record to serve as the panels' presiding officer and one attorney, who has been a member of the Georgia Bar for at least 10 years, and the governor shall appoint one citizen member.
The appointment of all members shall be confirmed by the Senate. The names shall be submitted to Senate no later than the third Monday in January. If an appointee is not confirmed, the appointing authority shall promptly submit another appointee's name. If the Senate is not in session at the time an appointee's term begins or a vacancy is created, an appointment shall be effective until a successor is appointed and confirmed at the next regular session.
The Investigative Panel shall be responsible for the investigation, prosecution, and administrative functions of the commission, as well as select one person to serve as the director, who is not already a member of the commission but is an active status member of the Georgia Bar who shall not serve in a judicial capacity or otherwise engage in the practice of law, other than to represent the commission. The members will annually elect a chair and vicechair and promulgate rules. The Hearing Panel shall be responsible for adjudicating formal charges filed by the
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Investigative Panel and make disciplinary and incapacity order recommendations to the Georgia Supreme Court, as well as initiate and issue formal advisory opinions regarding the Code of Judicial Conduct or forward recommendations of the Investigative Panel. These formal advisory opinions shall be subject to review by the Supreme Court of Georgia.
The initial terms are staggered with all subsequent full terms being four years. Members shall be eligible for reappointment to a second full term. A member appointed to an initial term or to fill an unexpired term may be reappointed to two full terms. Vacancies shall be filled by the appointing authority, unless the appointing authority does not fill the vacancy within 60 days from the date on which the commission notified the appointing authority of the vacancy, at which time the governor shall appoint a replacement member who is of the same category to serve the unexpired term. A member may be removed for cause by unanimous decision of the appointing authorities.
Members and staff of the Hearing Panel shall not have ex parte communications regarding a disciplinary or incapacity matter. Such members and staff are still immune from civil liability for conduct in the course of their official duties. Communications to the JQC, its members, and staff relating to judicial misconduct or incapacity are absolutely privileged, except as otherwise exempt from confidentiality as provided in the bill.
The quorum for an Investigative Panel meeting is four members, with at least one judge, one attorney, and one citizen member present. The quorum for a Hearing Panel meeting requires that all members be present.
All powers, functions, duties, agreements, etc. of the former commission are transferred to the commission created July 1, 2017.
The bill contains the following confidentiality parameters: Before formal charges are made, all information regarding a disciplinary or incapacity matter shall be kept confidential, unless an exception applies. After formal charges are filed and served, all information regarding a disciplinary matter shall be open and available to the public. All staff and commission work products, deliberations and records addressing the investigation of a judge shall be kept confidential until submission of the case to the Hearing Panel. All administrative matters shall be open to the public, except to the extent that: they would disclose disciplinary matters in which formal charges have not been filed and served; they would disclose incapacity matters; an executive session would be proper; or public disclosure of records would not be required under the 'Open Records Act' if the commission were an agency subject to those Code sections. Notwithstanding the foregoing, information regarding disciplinary or incapacity matters may be disclosed when: the privilege of confidentiality has been waived by the individual who is the subject of the investigation; the commission's rules provide for disclosure under certain circumstances, such as to protect the public, an emergency situation; or when a judge is under consideration for another state or federal position.
A judge known to be under investigation by the JQC is disqualified from presiding over a case in which a member of the JQC is representing one of the parties.
Additionally, this bill amends the Code section relating to the practice of law of associate judges of the probate court to allow full and part-time associate judges of the probate court to serve as an advocate general or in any other military role in a reserve position of the United States armed forces; however, all other practice of law outside of his/her role as an associate judge shall still be illegal.

HB 127 Insurance; nonprofit medical and hospital service corporations; revise provisions By: Rep. Richard Smith (134th) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 127 repeals antiquated language throughout Title 33 relating to non-profit medical service corporations and non-profit hospital service corporations.

HB 130 Emanuel County Development Authority; members; change
By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Constitutional amendment creating the Emanuel County Development Authority. The bill changes the number of members serving on the Authority from five to seven and changes the qualifications necessary to serve on the Authority. Additionally, the bill increases the number of years the Authority may issue bonds or obligate itself contractually to not exceed 40 years.

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HB 131 South Fulton, City of; change corporate boundaries

By: Rep. Roger Bruce (61st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate boundaries of the City of South Fulton.

HB 132 Fulton County Industrial District; repeal amendment

By: Rep. Roger Bruce (61st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals an amendment to the Constitution of Georgia creating within Fulton

County the Fulton County Industrial District and prohibiting the governing authority of Fulton County from

levying any tax for education purposes within the boundaries of an independent school system. The bill also

creates a referendum asking if the state should repeal the amendment.

HB 134 Sales and use tax; special district mass transportation; provisions
By: Rep. James Epps (144th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 134 provides for single county T-SPLOST reforms. The bill removes the definition of "mass transportation regional system participant" that allowed the use of single county T-SPLOSTs to fund state transportation projects. Section 2 of the bill, relating to special districts and imposition of the tax, is amended by removing the start dates of July 1, 2016 and July 1, 2017 for when a referendum can be called and allows for more than one single county T-SPLOST to be levied at the same time, as long as the total amount doesn't exceed one percent. After January 1, 2018 a regional T-SPLOST and a single county T-SPLOST may not be on the ballot at the same time. Qualified municipalities are allowed to issue general obligation debts relating to a T-SPLOST.

HB 136 Drivers' licenses; demarcation of a valid driver's license, permit, or identification card; provide

By: Rep. Amy Carter (175th)

Through the Motor Vehicles Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 136 allows persons seeking to obtain or renew a driver's license, learner's permit, or state-issued identification to keep their old card. They must surrender it to Driver's Services (DDS) when making application; DDS will note on the old card that it is no longer valid, and it will be returned to the customer. This is necessary because Homeland Security will no longer accept temporary identification cards at their security check points.

It further provides that blind parents no longer have to show proof they have previously held a driver's license in order for their child to be issued a blind parent permit.

It raises the fee for an eight-year commercial driver's license from $20 to $32 to put it in parity with a standard driver's license.

It authorizes the commissioner of DDS to contract with a debt collection agency or an attorney to assist in the collection of delinquent fees owed the state.

Finally, it clarifies the law as it relates to the class of driver's license required for three-wheel motor vehicles. It provides that operators of three-wheel motor vehicles, which are controlled by a steering wheel rather than handlebars, are required to obtain a standard Class C license and not a Class M (motorcycle) license.

HB 138 Superior courts; fifth judge of the Northeastern Judicial Circuit; provide
By: Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Code Section 15-6-2(26) to add a fifth superior court judge to the Northeastern Circuit. The additional judge will be appointed by the governor for a term continuing through December 31, 2020 and until his or her successor is elected. The judge has the same powers, duties, dignity, jurisdiction, privileges, and immunities as other superior court judges, and is authorized to employ court personnel as his or her counterparts in the Northeastern Circuit. The election will be in 2020 and the term, starting January 1, 2021, will be for four years.

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HB 139 Education; provide transparency of financial information of local school systems and schools; provisions By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 139 requires the Department of Education to post certain school-level budget and expenditure information, excluding information made confidential by law, on its website.
The purpose of this legislation is to promote transparency within public schools. The type of information required includes, but is not limited to the cost of: materials; salary and benefit expenditures; professional development; facility maintenance and small capital projects; new construction or major renovations on a cost-per-square-foot; the annual budget of the local board; annual audits; per student expenditures, and findings of irregularities or budget deficits by the Department of Audits.
This legislation also authorizes the Department of Education to create a unique identifier for students whose parent or guardian is an active-duty military service member or reserve member of the National Guard. The federal government already uses a unique identifier to monitor the educational needs of these military students and this legislation mirrors the federal identifier. A unique identifier can ensure the student's teachers, counselors, and other relevant school employees are able to take note that this student may require additional services since this student has likely spent most, if not all, of their educational career in multiple locations.

HB 143 Financial institutions; provide for definitions; provisions

By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th)

Through the Banks & Banking Committee

Final Bill Summary: This legislation allows the Department of Banking and Finance to investigate a person or corporation performing financial services for a financial institution as if the financial institution performed the services itself. The department may prescribe fees for the examination and may furnish a copy of the report to the financial institution. The Department of Banking and Finance has the authority to issue a subpoena, and if the subpoena is ignored, it may apply for a court order to hold the person in contempt for refusal to obey. The department may no longer issue a written order directing a corporation to restore deficiency when the financial institution's net assets are less than the amount of its capital stock. The department may approve articles for a trust company that is not also a bank or an affiliated trust company. The department may conduct an on-site examination without prior notice, and the registrant will pay the reasonably incurred costs of such examination.

A bank shall not at any time have credit exposure as a counterparty in derivative transactions, and the limitations applied now also apply to obligations arising from the purchase or discount of drafts, the bona fide purchase of commercial or business paper, and bona fide loans upon the security of agricultural, manufactured, industrial products or livestock. Financial institutions may now conduct business on Sunday. If a trust company goes into receivership it is to provide an irrevocable letter of credit or pledge securities of no less than $500,000 to the department, and the department may reduce the securities or letter of credit to cash and use the cash to pay costs associated with receivership. Trust companies must maintain a minimum amount of capital of no less than $3 million, as determined by the department by considering factors involving the type of business and management experience. Trust companies shall not create a lien on any of its assets except to secure the repayment of money borrowed or trust accounts administered by the company. Banks may receive deposits or open a safe-deposit box from a minor who is at least 16-years old. A bank or trust company may issue subordinated securities, so long as the company furnishes disclosures to the investor before investment. The disclosure must include the risks associated with the subordinated securities and be accompanied by notice that if the company becomes subject to a regulatory action, then the company may be prohibited from paying or retiring the securities. The board of directors may remove a director from office if the director: fails to attend regular board meetings for six successive monthly meetings or two successive quarterly meetings; has been indicted for any crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust; or fails to make payments on a loan or other credit obligation which causes a loss to a financial institution. The "common bond" relationship for a credit union has been amended to include employment within a well-defined community. A credit union shall have to power to receive savings deposits from non-members as long as the deposits are: insured by a federal public body; made in an expressly authorized manner; not deposited in a share draft account; and not bearing a greater rate of interest than granted to members for the same class of deposit. The bill allows societies, associations, partnerships, and corporations headquartered within the field of membership to be admitted to membership of a credit union. The timing of the audit of a credit union may be modified pursuant to the rules and regulations of the department. Based upon assets, complexity and other factors, the department may authorize certain credit unions to obtain their audit from an entity which is not a licensed, independent, certified public accountant, so long as the entity is otherwise qualified. Mortgage lenders and financial institutions may charge convenience fees for accepting an electronic payment; the department now accepts notice of cancellation of bonds electronically through the Nationwide Multi-state Licensing System and Registry.

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HB 146 Fire departments; purchase and maintain certain insurance coverage for firefighters; require By: Rep. Micah Gravley (67th) Through the Insurance Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 146 requires legally organized fire departments to maintain insurance coverage beginning January 1, 2018 for all firefighters in the department to pay claims for cancer diagnosed after a firefighter has served at the department for 12 consecutive months. The term "cancer" means bladder, blood, brain, breast, cervical, esophageal, intestinal, kidney, lymphatic, lung, prostate, rectal, respiratory tract, skin, testicular, thyroid, and cervical cancer; leukemia; multiple myeloma; or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The minimum benefit includes a lump sum benefit of $25,000 made payable to the firefighter upon submission of proof of their diagnosis to the fire department. This benefit is subordinate to any government health insurance benefit paid on behalf of, or as a reimbursement to, the member for such cancer, and shall be limited to the difference between the amount of such other paid benefit and the amount specified under this provision. If, as a result of such cancerous condition or treatment, the member is unable to perform his or her duties as a firefighter, then a monthly benefit equal to 60 percent of the member's monthly salary at the time of diagnosis or a monthly benefit of $5,000, whichever is less, will begin six months after submission of acceptable proof of diagnosis and will continue for a total of 36 consecutive months. If a member is a volunteer, as defined in Code Section 25-4-2, then a monthly benefit of $1,500 shall begin six months after submission of acceptable proof and continue for a total of 36 consecutive months. These benefits shall be subordinate to any other benefit actually paid to the firefighter for such disability from any other source, not including private insurance. They shall be limited to the difference between the amount of such other paid benefit and the amount specified in this bill.
Any person who was a member of more than one fire department at the same time shall not be entitled to receive benefits under this paragraph from or on behalf of more than one fire department. Any member who receives benefits may be required to have their condition reevaluated. In the event that the reevaluation reveals that the firefighter is able to perform duties as a firefighter, then his or her benefits shall cease. Benefits shall also cease upon the death of such person. A member who departs or retires after at least one year as a firefighter shall be entitled to continue his or her coverage through a continuation or conversion to individual coverage. At that point, the departing member is responsible for paying all premiums.
County and municipal governing authorities may use proceeds from county and municipal taxes to purchase insurance for the firefighters intended to be covered by this bill. Funds received as premiums for this coverage shall not be subject to premium taxes. The computation of premium amounts by an insurer for this coverage shall be subject to generally accepted adjustments from insurance underwriting.
The Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council shall be authorized to adopt rules and regulations that are reasonable and necessary to implement the provisions of this Code section.
A fund authorized by this chapter may be established by an agency only if the agency has enrolled members which, for each fund which includes accident or disability coverage, shall generate an annual gross premium of not less than $500,000.
Language is also added in Code Section 48-7-27 to provide that payments received by firefighters pursuant to this bill are included in the taxpayer's federal adjusted gross income and are not otherwise exempt under any other provision of this Code section.
HB 153 Council on American Indian Concerns; attach to Department of Natural Resources By: Rep. Terry Rogers (10th) Through the Natural Resources & Environment Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 153 moves the Council of American Indian Concerns from the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget to the Department of Natural Resources.
HB 154 Dental hygienists; perform certain functions under general supervision; authorize By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Through the Health & Human Services Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 154 authorizes licensed dental hygienists to perform application of sealants, oral prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene education, processing of radiographs, and any protocols regarding urgent dental issues that arise under the general supervision of the authorizing licensed dentist.
Licensed dental hygienists shall perform their duties only if a licensed dentist is in the dental office or treatment facility, personally diagnoses the condition to be treated, personally authorizes the procedure and remains in the
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dental office or treatment facility while the procedure is being performed by the dental hygienist, and before dismissal of the patient.
No licensed dental hygienist shall diagnose, prescribe, determine the initial dosage, or increase the initial dosage of nitrous oxide, practice dentistry, or do any kind of dental work other than to remove calcareous deposits, secretions, and stains from the surfaces of the teeth and practices that are prescribed by rule or regulation.
The requirement of direct supervision shall not apply to the educational training of dental hygiene students at an institution approved by the board and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, or its successor agency, when such instruction is carried out under such degree of supervision by a licensed dentist. Direct supervision shall not apply to the performance of dental hygiene duties at approved dental facilities or offsite locations of the Department of Public Health, county boards of health, or the Department of Corrections or the performance of dental hygiene duties by personnel of the Department of Public Health or county boards of health.
Dental screenings in schools, volunteer community health settings, senior centers, family violence shelters hospitals, clinics, state, county, local and federal public health programs will not require direct supervision.

HB 155 Georgia Musical Investment Act; enact

By: Rep. Amy Carter (175th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 155 adds 48-7-40.32, the 'Georgia Musical Investment Act.' The act provides for an income tax credit of 15 percent of qualified production expenditures for: musical or theatrical performances exceeding $500,000; a recorded musical performance, which is incorporated into or synchronized with a movie, television, or interactive entertainment production exceeding $250,000; and for other recorded musical performances exceeding $100,000. An additional 5 percent credit is allowed for expenses incurred in Tier 1 and Tier 2 counties. The Department of Economic Development is tasked with developing an annual report detailing the marketing opportunities it has approved as qualified Georgia promotions. If the amount of the credit exceeds the production company's income tax liability, the production company may utilize the tax credits against payroll taxes. Any unused credits are allowed to be carried forward for up to five years and the credits are not refundable, transferrable, or saleable. For 2018, the credit is capped at $5 million, for 2019 the credit is capped at $10 million, and for 2020 through 2024 the credit is capped at $15 million. The credit sunsets on January 1, 2023.

HB 157 Medical advertising; certain certifying organizations; revise certain criteria

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals Code section 43-34-22.1, relating to requirements for advertising or publicizing of medical specialty certification.

HB 165 Medical practice; maintenance of certification shall not be required; provide

By: Rep. Betty Price (48th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill defines "maintenance of certification" as a continuous professional development program through which certified physicians maintain a certification by a board that specializes in one particular area of medicine in addition to those the Georgia Composite Medical Board requires to practice medicine.

HB 168 Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority; abolish Upper Oconee Resource Management Commission
By: Rep. Regina Quick (117th) Through the Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 168 amends the Oconee Basin Water Authority (HB 1514, 1994) by eliminating the Upper Oconee Resource Management Commission. The bill also alters the composition of the Upper Oconee Basin Water Authority by lowering the number of members from nine to eight, with one additional member appointed by the members as a mechanism to select alternate board members. It establishes one-year terms and affects four counties.

HB 169 Charlton County; probate judge; provide nonpartisan elections By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill states that future elections for the office of probate judge of Charlton County, who also serves as the chief magistrate of the Charlton County Magistrate Court, shall be non-partisan.
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HB 171 Meriwether County Water and Sewerage Authority; members and chairperson; change

designation

By: Rep. Robert Trammell (132nd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the designation of members of the Meriwether County Water and

Sewerage Authority from serving on posts to serving for districts. It also changes the method for designating the

chairperson of the authority.

HB 172 Dahlonega, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the City of Dahlonega to levy an excise tax.

HB 174 Insurance; insurer's medium of payment of policy or contractual obligations; expand
By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 174 updates and clarifies the method of payment an insurance company may use to pay a claim. These methods include: wire transfer, cashier's check, bank check or draft, electronic funds transfer, gift card, or any other method approved by the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.

HB 176 Agriculture, Department of; enter into agreements with the federal government to enforce

provisions of certain federal laws; authorize

By: Rep. Tom McCall (33rd)

Through the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides an additional article for the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to standards, labeling, and contamination of food and allows for the Department of Agriculture to enter into agreements with the federal government to enforce certain federal laws.

HB 183 Community Affairs, Department of; Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council; recreate
By: Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Through the State Planning & Community Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill recreates the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council under the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). All data, reports, and other documents of the former Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council that existed under the Department of Natural Resources prior to June 30, 2017, shall be transferred to DCA for use by the newly created council. The commissioner, or his or her designee, shall coordinate with state executive branch departments and agencies to appoint members of the council, which may consist of representatives from state departments and agencies, local governments, universities, regional commissions, or any other entity the department determines to be active in the development or consumption of reliable geospatial resources. The council may closely coordinate its efforts with the Georgia Technology Authority to ensure compliance with all state and federal standards, contracts, and procedures.

HB 187 Monroe County; Board of Commissioners; provide nonbinding advisory referendum
By: Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates a non-binding advisory referendum to learn if the electors of Monroe County want the board of commissioners to levy an annual ad valorem tax and issue further appropriate debt instruments to support the continued availability of health care services at the Monroe County Hospital.

HB 191 Ben Hill County; abolish office of elected county surveyor; provide appointment

By: Rep. Clay Pirkle (155th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill abolishes the office of elected county surveyor of Ben Hill County and provides for the appointment of a county surveyor by the governing authority of the county. The person serving as the elected county surveyor shall serve out the remainder of his or her term.

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HB 192 Banks, trust companies, and corporations; responsibilities and standard of care of directors and

officers; change provisions

By: Rep. Beth Beskin (54th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 192 amends Code sections relating to management of bank and trust companies and

directors and officers of corporations, specifically shielding directors and officers from personal liability brought

about by ordinary negligence in carrying out their duties as directors and officers often referred to as the

"business judgment rule." The bill defines "gross negligence" as a gross deviation of the standard of care of a

director or officer in a like position under similar circumstances.

Directors and officers are still required to discharge their duties in good faith and with the degree of diligence, care, and skill which an ordinarily prudent person would exercise, and there is a presumption that the process is done in good faith and that such directors and officers have exercised ordinary care; however, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence that such process constitutes gross negligence by being a gross deviation of the standard of care of a director or officer in a like position under similar circumstances.

A director or an officer shall not be liable to the corporation, its shareholders or certain other parties, for any action or failure to take action if the director's action or failure to act does not constitute gross negligence. A director or officer is entitled to rely upon properly delegated individuals whom the director or officer reasonably believes to be reliable and competent in performing the delegated responsibilities and producing information or data. This bill does not alter the burden of: proving the fact or lack of fairness otherwise applicable; the liability of a director involved in an unlawful distribution or a conflicting interest transaction; nor deprive a director of the protection of the business judgment rule.

HB 196

Income tax; exemption for royalties paid to musical artists; provide

By: Rep. Matt Dollar (45th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 196 amends definitions concerning ad valorem taxation of property by mandating

that the income approach be used to determine fair market value of income-producing property if data is

available and the property owner provides actual income and expense data, which is information that must be

considered in the determination. The bill revises the criteria used to determine the fair market value of

property and states that federal low-income housing properties may only be compared to other federal low-

income housing properties for the purpose of determining fair market value. When using the sales comparison

approach to value property subject to rent restrictions, any income tax credits attributed to the property may be

considered in determining the fair market value if comparable sales of property used for valuation had, at the

time of sale, unused tax credits that were sold. When using the income approach to valuing property, any

credits attributable to the property may be considered if those credits generate actual income to the owner.

Additionally, the bill expands the property tax exemption on homes for the mentally disabled to allow for homes which are indirectly owned by limited-liability companies (LLCs), if the LLC's parent organization is a qualified 501(c)(3)organization under Internal Revenue Code, to be included.

The bill also amends 48-5-48, relating to homestead exemption by qualified disabled veterans, by allowing disabled veterans who receive a final determination of disability from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs containing a retroactive period of eligibility, or their surviving spouse or minor children, to receive a refund of up to three years of ad valorem taxes paid during the retroactive period.

HB 197

Fair Business Practices Act; requirements for solicitations of services for obtaining a copy of an

instrument conveying real estate; provide

By: Rep. Sam Teasley (37th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 197 requires third party property deed solicitors who mail a solicitation for services to obtain a copy of an instrument conveying real estate to disclose at the top of their solicitation in all caps with at least 16-point Helvetica font that: "This is not a bill or official government document. This is a solicitation."

HB 198 Elementary and secondary education; influenza vaccine; provide information By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Through the Education Committee Final Bill Summary: House Bill 198 amends Code Section 20-2-778, known as the 'Cory Joseph Wilson Act', by requiring school systems to include information relating to influenza and its respective vaccines if, and only if, the school system already provides information on immunizations, infectious diseases, medications, or other
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school health issues. The information shall include a description of causes, symptoms, and means of transmission, a list of sources for additional information, and related recommendations issued by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
House Bill 198 also amends the 'Student Health and Physical Education Act,' known as the 'SHAPE Act', by eliminating the sunset provision of June 30, 2019. The 'SHAPE Act' is a statewide initiative which began in the 2011-2012 school year to address childhood obesity in Georgia and requires all local school systems to comply with state physical fitness instruction and to perform a physical assessment on students once a year during their physical fitness class.
In addition, this legislation amends Code Section 50-12-80 to transfer the Georgia Commission on Women to the Department of Public Health for administrative purposes.

HB 199 Income tax credit; interactive entertainment companies; change certain provisions
By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 199 amends the 'Georgia Entertainment Industry Investment Act' by reducing the annual total aggregate payroll for employees working within Georgia for a qualified interactive entertainment production company to qualify for tax credits from $500,000 to $250,000 if the company has a base investment of at least $250,000. The bill also adds pre-released interactive games to the list of projects considered to be qualified production activities.
Section Two of the bill creates the 'Georgia Entertainment Industry Post-production Investment Act' which allows for a 20 percent tax credit for post-production companies which have at least $250,000 in total payroll within Georgia and at least $500,000 in qualified expenditures during the taxable year. The credit increases to 30 percent if the production was created exclusively in Georgia and to 35 percent if production was completed exclusively in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 county. Post-production companies with qualified expenditures of at least $100,000 but less than $500,000 and a payroll of at least $100,000 but less than $500,000 are qualified for a 20 percent tax credit for qualified expenditures. Tax credits for the smaller post-production companies are capped at $1 million per tax year. Overall, the credit is capped at $10 million for 2018 through 2022. If the cap is not met in any year, the remaining amount will roll forward to be applied the next year. No single company may claim more than 20 percent of the total aggregate tax credit for any year. The post-production companies must submit a report to the Department of Revenue detailing the qualifications of the tax credits received. The tax credits are transferable and may be carried forward for five years. The credit has a sunset of January 1, 2023.

HB 202 Public officers and employees; annual salary for the Governor; change provisions

By: Rep. Jay Powell (171st)

Through the Appropriations Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 202 increases the governor's annual salary from $60,000 to $175,000, effective January 1, 2019.

Effective on or before July 1, 2017, the bill revises the State Commission on Compensation from 12 to seven members, who may not be employed by the state nor an immediate family member of an officer or employee of the state. The governor has three appointments and the speaker of the House and the lieutenant governor each have two appointments, respectively. Members will vote to elect a chair and are entitled to the state per diem and transportation costs. Recommendations of the committee will be filed as a report with the governor, lieutenant governor, speaker of the House, clerk of the House, secretary of the Senate and legislative counsel at least 90 days before a regular legislative session with compensation recommendations or no recommendation.

HB 206 The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights; certain audits conducted by the Department of Community

Health; remove exception; provisions

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill amends 'The Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights' and removes an exception relating to

faults in certain audits conducted by the Department of Community Health. Any clerical or unintentional error in

billing, coding, or required documentation shall not constitute fraud for the medical assistance provided. No such

claim shall be subject to criminal penalties without proof of intent to commit fraud. A provider of medical

assistance shall be allowed 30 days after being notified of an error or incomplete documentation identified in an

audit or review to correct the miscalculation. A provider of medical assistance shall be given the right to a hearing

for any attempted withholding of reimbursement or earning by the department or its agents if it correlates to an

error, omission, or incomplete documentation relating to the provision of medical assistance.

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HB 208 Game and fish; boat registration fees and additional methods for reporting the sale of boats; revise By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Through the Game, Fish, & Parks Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 208 revises the license fees and requirements associated with all hunting and fishing licenses. Changes include increases to fees for most hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, as well as converting all three-day hunting and fishing licenses to one-day licenses that allow for the purchase of additional days at a reduced rate.
HB 208 makes further changes to fees and requirements for commercial fishing boat licenses, including the addition of language for trawlers.

HB 210 Health; certain specimen collection stations and blood banks are not considered clinical

laboratories; provide

By: Rep. Jodi Lott (122nd)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill qualifies that specimen collection stations and blood banks are not "clinical laboratories" for the purpose of regulation. "Clinical laboratory" is defined as a facility for the examination of materials derived from the human body for the diagnosis or treatment of any disease. The term "clinical laboratory" shall include specimen collection stations and blood banks which provide a system for the collection, processing, or storage of human blood and include tissue banks which procure, store, or process human or animal tissues designed to be used for medical purposes in human beings.

The term "clinical laboratory" shall not include laboratories which are non-diagnostic only and regulated pursuant to the federal Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) to perform examination of human blood or blood components intended as source material for the manufacture of biological products.

HB 219 Coweta County; board of elections and registration; create

By: Rep. Lynn Smith (70th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates a board of elections and registration which has jurisdiction over the conduct of primaries and elections in Coweta County, as well as the registration of electors in the county. The board is composed of five members, who are appointed by the county commission. This bill abolishes the Coweta County Board of Registrars and the Coweta County Board of Elections on July 1, 2017.

HB 221 Commerce and trade; powers of attorney to a uniform Act; update and conform provisions

By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 221 provides definitions and enumerates authorization provisions and use of powers of attorney and financial powers of attorney.

The bill codifies agency law as it relates to powers of attorney and financial powers of attorney, including methods of acceptance or acknowledgment of power of attorney, and provides provisions relating to the effectiveness of powers of attorney executed in other states. Powers of attorney are durable unless expressly provided that it terminates at incapacity. To be in effect, the powers of attorney must be signed, witnessed and notarized; however, this new chapter does not affect the validity of pre-existing powers of attorney executed under previous Georgia law, powers of attorney validly created under the law of another jurisdiction, or military powers of attorney. The meaning and effect of a power of attorney is to be determined by the jurisdiction under which it was created.

HB 221 allows a principal to nominate a conservator or guardian for consideration by the court assuming the protective proceedings occur after execution of the power of attorney. Unless there is good cause or disqualification, the court shall appoint in accordance with the principal's most recent nomination. Unless the power of attorney specifically states or the court otherwise orders, the appointment of a guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary shall terminate all or part of the power of attorney that relates to matters within the scope of the guardianship or agency. The bill establishes a default rule that a power of attorney is effective upon execution. If the principal creates a springing power of attorney, meaning it arises later after execution of the power of attorney, the principal may authorize one or more persons to authorize whether or not the contingency or event giving rise to the power of attorney relationship)occurred. When a principal has not authorized the contingency, the determination can be made by: a licensed physician or psychologist, an attorney or judge, or a person who

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acts as the principal's representative pursuant to the 'Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996' (HIPAA).
The bill also provides for when these power of attorney agency relationships end, to include: stipulated end date, purpose completed, principal's actions, or agent's actions; however, the principal must provide the agent with notice of the revocation by certified mail and file such notice with the clerk of superior court in the county of domicile of the principal. The bill allows for the designation of co-agents as well as successor agents, and enumerates duties of agents of behalf of the principal, as well as grounds for termination of such agency relationship. The principal creating a power of attorney may designate two or more co-agents, who may exercise their power independently unless otherwise provided. Successor agents may be assigned if an agent becomes incapacitated for any reason. The successor agent will have the power of the original agent and the ability to serve as the agent until all of the predecessor agents have left the job for any reason. The bill provides for the responsibilities for notification and action if an agent has actual knowledge of a breach or imminent breach of a fiduciary duty.
The bill establishes a default provision that an agent shall be entitled to reimbursement of expenses, but not compensation, unless otherwise stated in the power of attorney. The bill mandates an agent's duties, to include acting in the best interest, in good faith, and within the scope of the power of attorney. Default duties of an agent include: acting for the principal's benefit; acting with care, competence and diligence; keeping a record of receipts, disbursements and transactions; cooperating with healthcare decision makers; attempting to preserve an estate plan, and more. The bill has liability protections for an agent acting in accordance with these duties.
The following persons are also authorized to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to construe a power of attorney or financial power of attorney agreement: the principal or agent; a guardian, conservator, or other fiduciary acting for the principal; a person authorized to make health care decisions for the principal; the principal's spouse, parent, or descendant; an individual who would qualify as a presumptive heir of the principal; a person named as a beneficiary to receive any property, benefit, or contractual right on the principal's death or as a beneficiary of a trust created by or for the principal who has a financial interest in the principal's estate; a governmental agency having regulatory authority to protect the welfare of the principal; the principal's caregiver or another person who demonstrates sufficient interest in the principal's welfare; and a person asked to accept the power of attorney.
HB 221 provides that an agent's liability for violating the chapter includes the amount to restore the value of the property, as well as the reimbursement for attorney's fees. The bill provides requirements and standards of care for agents, who are liable for foreseeable damages for breach of fiduciary duties when the agent has actual knowledge of a breach or imminent breach and fails to act.
This legislation allows a person asked to accept an acknowledged power of attorney to request: an agent's certification under penalty of perjury; an English translation; and the opinion of an attorney at the request of the principal. The bill provides a process and timeline for acceptance of a power of attorney, as well as reasons the power of attorney would not be required to be accepted, which include: the request for certification, translation and/or opinion is refused; the person is not required to transact business with the principal in the same circumstances; the person believes in good faith that the agent does not have the authority to perform the act requested; the person makes or has actual knowledge that another person has made a report to adult protective services that they believe the principal may be subject to abuse. If a person refuses to accept a power of attorney, the person shall be subject to a court order mandating acceptance, liability for attorney's fees and costs incurred in any action.
Article 2 describes the full range of general authorities, as well as those actions that require the specific granting of authority for: real property; tangible personal property stocks and bonds; commodities; banking; business operations; insurance and annuities; estates and trusts; claims and litigation; personal and family maintenance, etc. Article 3 provides the statutory forms for a power of attorney which must be used or substantially similar forms for banks or other institutions to comply with those forms.
Lastly, the bill clarifies that the mere furnishing of a power of attorney does not, in and of itself, absolve a person from criminal prosecution regarding theft, and other forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

HB 224 Quality Basic Education Act; military student may attend any school in local system; provide By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Education Committee Final Bill Summary: House Bill 224 amends the 'Quality Basic Education Act' to allow military students to attend any school within their school system, provided space is available, beginning in the 2017-2018 school
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year. This legislation defines a "military student" as any student whose parent is a military service member who lives on or off a military base. Local boards of education shall develop a streamlined process to allow for smooth transitions between schools for military students.
HB 231 Controlled substances; Schedules I, II, IV and V; change certain provisions By: Rep. Bruce Broadrick (4th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 231 is the annual narcotics update regarding Schedules I, II, IV, and V controlled substances to capture new synthetic opiates and synthetic marijuana, commonly known as bath salts.
HB 237 Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation; receive private donations for grants to public schools; provisions By: Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 237 allows the Office of Student Achievement to incorporate non-profit corporations as public foundations by establishing the Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation. The foundation may receive donations to provide grants to public schools for the implementation of academic and organizational innovations to improve student achievement. Funds will be awarded through a competitive grant process. The foundation must submit a report to the Department of Revenue by January 12th each year which includes the total number and dollar value of approved individual and corporate donations and tax credits, the total number and dollar amount of grants awarded, and a list of donors and the amount donated by each donor. Individual taxpayers are allowed a credit of up to $1,000 per year for single individuals or a head of household, up to $2,500 per year for a married couple filing a joint return, and up to $10,000 per year for an individual who is a member of a limited-liability company, a shareholder of a Subchapter 'S' corporation, or a partner in a partnership. A corporation is allowed a credit in an amount not to exceed the amount donated or 75 percent of the corporation's income tax liability, whichever is less. The aggregate amount of credits, which are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, is capped at $5 million per year and the bill has sunset of December 31, 2020.

HB 238 Ad valorem tax; use of property for solar power generation; provide exception to a breach of covenants
By: Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 238 amends The 'Forest Land Protection Act' to allow an entity created by the merger of two or more entities which individually qualify as a family, farm-owned entity to be eligible to participate in the conservation use valuation assessment and by allowing portions of the property in a covenant to be carved out of the covenant and used for solar generation of electricity or heat and farm labor housing. The portion of the property which is removed from the covenant and used for solar electricity or heat generation is subject to a penalty in the amount equal to the reduction in taxes paid for the year of the breach and is subject to ad valorem tax at the fair market value. The portion of the property which is removed from the covenant and used for farm labor housing is subject to ad valorem tax at the fair market value.

HB 241 Cove's Law; enact
By: Rep. Lee Hawkins (27th) Through the Health & Human Services Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 241 adds Krabbe disease to the list of metabolic and genetic conditions for which newborn screening may be conducted by the Department of Public Health. The department is responsible for the screening of all newborns for disorders determined by rules and regulations. The bill allows for Krabbe disease to be conducted separately at the option of the parent or parents. The fee for screening will be paid directly by the parents to the department's laboratory; however, the screening may be conducted by a laboratory located outside of Georgia if approved by the board.

HB 243 Minimum wage; require additional pay to employees based on schedule changes; preempt local

government mandates

By: Rep. William Werkheiser (157th)

Through the Industry and Labor Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 243 prevents local governments from adopting ordinances that require an employer to pay an employee for work they have not performed due to a last minute change in schedule.

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HB 245 Professional Standards Commission; establish process by which military spouses may qualify for temporary certificates; provide
By: Rep. Al Williams (168th) Through the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill requires the Georgia Professional Standards Commission to implement a process allowing military spouses to qualify for temporary certificates, certificates by endorsement, or expedited certificates when moving to Georgia.

HB 247 Sales and use tax; machinery used to mix or transport concrete; exempt

By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 247 amends 48-8-3.2, related to a sales tax exemption for certain machinery and

equipment used in manufacturing, by adding maintenance and repair of transit concrete mixer trucks. Motor fuel

used in concrete mixer trucks is not exempted from sales and use tax.

HB 249 Controlled substances; collect more information regarding dispensing and use; provisions

By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 249 requires those who have a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) permit

number to enroll in a prescription monitoring database and update that database when that individual writes a

prescription for controlled substances or is a dispenser of controlled substances. Violation of this requirement is

to be handled administratively by the state regulatory governing board for the prescriber. Moreover, dispensers of

such prescriptions must submit information to the prescription monitoring database every 24 hours. Patient

information in the prescription monitoring database must be in compliance with the rules of the federal 'Health

Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) of 1996'. Both prescribers and dispensers of controlled

substances may delegate not more than two individuals of their staff to have access and update the prescription

monitoring database, so long as those individuals are properly licensed or have a proper criminal record

background check.

HB 249 provides for exceptions for the prescribers' requirement to update the database when the prescription for those controlled substances for: no more than a three-day supply (26 pills); the prescriptions are to be administered and used by a patient on the premises of a hospital or healthcare facility; the patient has had outpatient surgery and the supply is for no more than 10 days (40 pills); the patient is in an outpatient hospice program; or the patient is receiving treatment for cancer. In addition, overdose rescue kits have been removed from the list of dangerous drugs and can be supplied over the counter and are required to be a certain minimum strength.

HB 250 Foster homes; employee with satisfactory fingerprint records check in past 24 months exempt from additional background check; provide
By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Through the Juvenile Justice Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 250 allows an adult who is providing short term foster care a child to submit evidence that he/she has received a satisfactory background and finger print records check within 12 months in lieu of completing the standard application process.

HB 251 Emergency management; personnel go on private property as necessary to perform duties during a state of emergency; authorize
By: Rep. Darrel Ealum (153rd) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 251 allows Department of Corrections' personnel and individuals in their custody to enter upon private property during a declared state of emergency or disaster to the extent necessary for property protection, debris removal, restoration of services, and infrastructure repair and relocation. These persons must avoid interfering with the rights of property owners and must vacate the property upon request of the owner.

HB 254 Emanuel County; Board of Education; provide nonpartisan elections for members By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for nonpartisan elections for members of the Emanuel County Board of Education.
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HB 255 Emanuel County; Board of Education; change description of districts By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the description of the Emanuel County Board of Education districts.

HB 260 Special license plates; Georgia Electric Membership Corporation; establish

By: Rep. Alan Powell (32nd)

Through the Motor Vehicles Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 260 provides for a special license plate honoring Georgia's electric utility linemen. The funds raised by the sale of this special license plate shall be disbursed to the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.

HB 261 Penal institutions; certain individuals sentenced between March 18, 1968 and October 31, 1982;

allow to petition court for first offender status

By: Rep. William Werkheiser (157th)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 261 corrects the Code regarding individuals sentenced prior to 1982 who can petition the court, with the consent of the prosecuting attorney, to have their criminal record exonerated and discharged so long as that individual would have otherwise been eligible for first offender status at the time of sentencing.

HB 262 Insurance; standalone dental plans; exempt from requirement of printed directories for certain entities
By: Rep. Eddie Lumsden (12th) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 262 exempts stand-alone dental insurance plans from the requirement of publishing printed provider directories.

HB 264 Georgia World Congress Center Authority; revenue bond capacity; increase

By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 264 increases the amount of bond debt the Georgia World Congress Center Authority may incur from $200 million to $400 million.

HB 265 Income tax; credit for establishing or relocating quality jobs; revise provisions

By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 265 amends the income tax credit for establishing or relocating quality jobs, by allowing for qualified projects having at least a $2.5 million investment to receive a subsequent quality jobs tax credit. A taxpayer creating a qualified project is eligible to begin a subsequent seven-year job creation period for quality jobs developed through the project, if the taxpayer creates 50 or more new quality jobs above its single previous high yearly average. New quality jobs generated under a previous seven-year job creation period continue to be eligible. A taxpayer may create more than one subsequent seven-year job creation period.

The bill also amends 48-8-3, relating to exemptions from state sales and use taxes, by adding two new paragraphs. The first paragraph allows for a state and local sales tax exemption on the tangible personal property used for the renovation or expansion of a theater located within a 501(c)(3) facility that contains an art museum, symphonic hall, and theater. This exemption applies from July 1, 2017 through January 1, 2019 and until the aggregate state sales tax exempted exceeds $750,000. The second allows for an exemption for the sales of tickets, fees, or charges for admission to a fine arts performance or exhibition conducted within a 501(c)(3) organization or a museum of cultural significance if the organization's primary mission is to advance the arts in this state.

HB 268 Elections; time period for certification of election officials; provide By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) Through the Governmental Affairs Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 268 is a "housekeeping" bill for the Secretary of State's Office. It reflects the Georgia Elections Advisory Council's recommendations and removes antiquated terms and unnecessary Code sections.
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HB 268 provides that counties may not change precincts within a period of 90 days prior to an election and clarifies that poll managers shall have control of the flow of traffic inside a voting precinct.
The bill allows tribal identification cards issued to members of Indian tribes to be used for voter identification purposes. It also extends the 90-day period of time an elector has to correct discrepancies between the name that appears on their voter registration application and the name that is supplied by the Department of Driver's Services and the Social Security Administration to 26 months. It further allows election superintendents to make corrections to primary election ballots if they discover a mistake or omission on printed ballots or on the display screens of electronic voting machines.
Finally, it allows municipalities, if they deem it practical, to hold a special election or run-off election in conjunction with a federal special or run-off election.

HB 272 Villa Rica, City of; ad valorem tax; provide homestead exemption of $8000 for residents 65 and

older

By: Rep. J. Collins (68th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the City of Villa Rica's ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in the amount of $8,000 of the assessed value of the homestead for city residents who are 65 years or older. There will be a referendum asking if the citizens of Villa Rica want the homestead exemption in March 2017, and the bill will take effect on January 1, 2018, if the referendum passes.

HB 276 The Pharmacy Patient Fair Practices Act; enact By: Rep. David Knight (130th) Through the Insurance Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 276 restricts certain actions by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). PBM's are prohibited from penalizing a pharmacist for disclosing to a patient a cheaper generic option to a prescribed medication and from prohibiting pharmacies to offer store direct delivery services. It forbids PBMs from charging more in co-pays than the actual cost of the drug, as well as charging fees to pharmacies for adjudicating claims. The Department of Insurance is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for enforcing this act.
HB 279 Domestic relations; name change requested by victim of family violence; provide separate process
By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 279 provides a separate process for a name change when it is requested by an individual alleging to be the victim of "family violence", which is defined as any felony or violent crime against a blood or legal relative living within the same household. When the name change is requested by an individual or for the individual's child who alleges to be the victim of family violence, the individual may ask the court to place the petition under seal, and if the court determines the allegations are true, then the court may waive the publication requirements; however, the court may unseal the petition or order the individual to file a redacted version of the petition for public record. If the court determines the individual is not a victim of family violence, the court may not hear the petition for name change until all current notice requirements are met and no objection has been filed. If an order to seal the name change petition has not been issued within seven days of filing, the petitioner shall publish a notice once a week for four consecutive weeks in the legal newspaper of the county in which the petition has been filed. If the name change petition is filed on behalf of a child, written consent of a parent shall not be required if an order to seal the petition was issued under these circumstances within seven days of filing.
HB 280 Firearms; license holders; carrying and possession of certain weapons in certain buildings or real property owned or leased to public institutions of postsecondary education; authorize By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 280, regarding carrying weapons within a school safety zone, allows licensed holders to keep their weapon on their person while in or on any building or real property owned by or leased to any technical school, vocational school, college, university, or other institution of postsecondary education. This exception does not apply to buildings or property used for athletic events or student housing, which includes sorority and fraternity houses, disciplinary hearings, faculty and staff offices, as well as special spaces where high school students take classes. The exception also excludes preschool or childcare space within such property or buildings which is separated from other spaces by an electronic mechanism or human-staffed point of controlled access. This provision only applies to the concealed carrying of handguns so as not to actively get the attention of others.

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HB 282 Grady County; board of commissioners; change compensation
By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the Grady County Board of Commissioners and removes the board's authority to fix the salary of the chairperson. The bill also states the board of commissioners has the authority to define and limit the duties of the chairperson of the board. The board chair shall make 17 percent of the base salary of the Grady County Superior Court Clerk. All other commissioners shall make 12 percent of the base salary of the Grady County Superior Court Clerk; however, a certified county commissioner shall receive an additional $100 per month.

HB 283 Revenue and taxation; Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Code of 1986; revise definitions
By: Rep. David Knight (130th) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 283 amends the Revenue Code to incorporate and conform to the legislative changes at the federal level which affect the Georgia Revenue Code.

HB 284 Crisp County; Board of Education; change compensation of members
By: Rep. Buddy Harden (148th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill increases the compensation to the members of the Crisp County Board of Education from $125 to $250 for every day of attendance at meetings of the board, training sessions and conferences approved by the board.

HB 290 Ad valorem tax; definitions related to exemption of certain agricultural equipment; revise
By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Through the Ways & Means Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 290 amends 48-5-41.1, relating to exemption of qualified farm products and harvested agricultural products from taxation, by adding an exemption for agricultural equipment owned or held under a lease-purchase agreement by a family owned farm products producer.

HB 292 Firearms; laws relating to the carrying of weapons and safety; revise and clarify
By: Rep. Rick Jasperse (11th) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 292 is the 'Georgia Firearms Industry Nondiscrimination Act', which prohibits any person, unless otherwise precluded by law or regulation, to refuse to provide, continue to provide, terminate or discriminate in the provision of financial services of any kind against a person or trade association because the person or association is engaged in the lawful commerce of firearms or ammunition products.
The bill includes several "housekeeping" provisions in the statute relating to weapons or firearms and the carry and possession of firearms. The definition of "knife" is amended from having a length of five inches to a blade longer than 12 inches. The bill provides for new Georgia residents, who have a carry license issued by a state which recognizes Georgia licenses, to have 90 days to secure a valid Georgia license. The bill states that persons who have a valid hunting or fishing license are not required to have a weapon carry license on their person when they are engaged in legal hunting, fishing, or sport shooting on recreational or wildlife management areas owned by the state. The bill allows probate judges receiving applications for permits to issue printed information on firearms safety courses. The bill requires the Department of Natural Resources to provide on their principal website information on state hunter education classes that render gun safety instruction. Another provision of the bill expands the exemption for retired law enforcement carry privileges to include those officers who: are citizens of this state and have an aggregate of 10 years in law enforcement with arrest powers; are separated from service in good standing, and have an identification card for retired law enforcement. This legislation allows law enforcement personnel to create a comprehensive plan in the courthouse when ingress and egress are actively restricted or screened by law enforcement. They can require that people who carry a weapon to leave the weapon with law enforcement personnel while inside a restricted area. The legislation allows active law enforcement persons, in uniform and official badge, to carry their service weapon into the courthouse. The bill clarifies the definitions for "commercial service airport" and "major airline carrier" as they apply to those who carry a weapon into a commercial airport. Finally, the legislation provides immunity from civil liability for injuries caused by the failure of a person to use a firearm properly or lawfully to those instructors who provide safety training.

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HB 294 Coffee County; board of education; change compensation of members

By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the members of the Coffee County Board of Education. The bill states each member shall receive $750 per month. Current law states each board member shall make $500 per month.

HB 295 Douglas, City of; office of mayor; revise provisions for filling vacancies

By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill revises the provisions for filling vacancies in the offices of mayor and city commissioner in the City of Douglas. If there are six months or less remaining in the mayor's term of office, the city commission shall appoint someone to fill the balance of the unexpired term. If there are more than six months left in the term, a special election will be held. Additionally, if a city commissioner's seat becomes vacant and the time left in the term is one year or less, the city commission will appoint a person to fill the term. If the term is more than a year, a special election will be held.

HB 296 Douglas, City of; Redevelopment Powers Law; provide for referendum

By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the City of Douglas to exercise all redevelopment powers found under

the Redevelopment Powers Law found in the Constitution. The bill allows the city to carry out community

redevelopment projects, create tax allocation districts, and issue tax allocation bonds. A referendum will be held

no later than the November 2017 General Election and is effective immediately upon passage.

HB 303 State Commission on Family Violence; terms and qualifications of members; change provisions
By: Rep. Mandi Ballinger (23rd) Through the Governmental Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 303 increases the term of office for members of the State Commission on Family Violence from two to three years. It changes references in the Code from "battered women" to "victims of family violence".

HB 306 Cherokee County; Board of Education; change compensation of members

By: Rep. Scot Turner (21st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill modifies the compensation for members of the Cherokee County Board of Education. The chairman of the board shall be compensated in an amount determined by the board, but not to exceed $1,200 per month. The other members' compensation will also be determined by the board, but not to exceed $1,000 per month. Current law states board members shall be compensated $600 per month.

HB 312 Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; Board of Trustees; include a qualified Roth

contribution program in compensation plans

By: Rep. Howard Maxwell (17th)

Through the Retirement Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 312 authorizes the Board of Trustees of the Employees' Retirement System to allow eligible members the option of participating in a qualified Roth contribution program. The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts has certified this bill as a non-fiscal retirement bill.

HB 319 Habeas corpus; maximum amount counties may be reimbursed for certain costs; increase

By: Rep. William Werkheiser (157th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 319 increases the maximum yearly amount that counties may be reimbursed by state funds for court costs at the trial and appellate level from $10,000 to $30,000 for each writ of habeas corpus sought in the superior court by indigent petitioners when either the writ is denied or when the court costs are cast upon the respondent.

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HB 320 Motor vehicles; installation or reinstallation of object in lieu of air bag; change provisions
By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 320 amends Title 16 relating to motor vehicle sales and transfers as it relates to the installation or reinstallation of an object in lieu of or other than an air bag. The bill defines "air bag", "counterfeit supplemental restraint system component", and "supplemental restraint system". The law prohibits a person knowingly and intentionally importing, manufacturing, selling, offering for sale, installing, or reinstalling a counterfeit system or air bag that has previously been deployed, damaged, has an electric fault detected by the vehicle's diagnostic system, includes a part that appears to indicate proper functioning when it is not properly functioning, or that violates Unites States Code regarding these practices. The bill further prohibits a person from knowingly and intentionally selling or trading a vehicle if: they know that an object has been installed which doesn't meet federal standards for that make, model and year; any device causes the vehicle's diagnostic system to inaccurately indicate that the air bag is properly functioning; or the vehicle has a counterfeit supplemental restraint system installed that has previously been deployed, damaged, has an electric fault detected by the vehicle's diagnostic system, includes a part that appears to indicate proper functioning when it is not properly functioning, or that violates Unites States Code regarding these practices.

HB 322 Military; war veterans; change definition
By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Through the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill expands the service period for veterans who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or on active duty in a reserve component. The current service period is from January 31, 1955 to May 7, 1975; HB 322 extends it from January 31, 1955 to August 1, 1990.

HB 323 Code Revision Commission; revise, modernize, correct errors or omissions of said Code

By: Rep. Johnnie Caldwell (131st)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 323 is the annual legislation prepared by the Code Revision Commission to make language and grammatical adjustments, as well as correct omissions and other errors in statute.

HB 328 Highways; uniform rules of the road; provisions
By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Through the Transportation Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 328 is a Department of Transportation (GDOT) "housekeeping" bill. The legislation amends several Code sections. In regards to vehicle loads and length limitations, the current four-foot overhang is extended to six feet. In the section relating to calculating weight violations, the weight of idle reducing technology is increased from 400 pounds up to 550 pounds for what may be taken from the gross weight on a vehicle load. In the section regulating Flex Auto Lanes, language allowing for a maximum of eight-hour operations by GDOT is removed so that the department may regulate hours of these lanes completely. Finally, in the uniform rules of the road, two sections are updated. Flashing yellow and red lights are amended to include the word "circular" so that Code now refers to them as flashing circular red and flashing circular yellow signals, and in the section relating to approaching and entering an intersection, "inoperative traffic signal" is changed to "unactivated or in dark mode".

HB 337 State Tax Execution Modernization Act; enact

By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 337, the 'State Tax Execution Modernization Act', is an overhaul of the Code sections relating to tax liens. The bill provides a uniform state-wide system for filing notices of state tax executions and allows for a taxpayer to appeal directly to the Georgia Tax Tribunal.

HB 338 Education; system of supports and assistance for low-performing schools in the greatest need;

provisions

By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Through the Education Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 338 creates an alternative system of supports and assistance for the lowestperforming schools that fall under the State Board of Education's (SBOE) intervention power in the form of a turnaround school. Schools which currently fall under the State Board of Education's intervention power are

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schools which receive below a 60 on the statewide accountability system for three consecutive years. Turnaround eligible schools are schools that have performed in the lowest five percent of schools in the state, according to the statewide accountability system. This alternative intervention includes a Chief Turnaround Officer (CTO), turnaround coaches, and a Turnaround Advisory Committee. The Fiscal Year 2018 budget includes $1,000,000 for the implementation of HB 338.
Turnaround School Identification - Schools that have performed in the lowest five percent of schools according to the statewide accountability system are eligible for turnaround school selection. The CTO will annually identify the lowest-performing schools which are in the greatest need of assistance. Once a school has been identified by the CTO, the school can enter into a contract amendment or an intervention contract for the school to become a turnaround school; this contract removes the school from the SBOE intervention process provided in O.C.G.A. 20-14-41. School systems which refuse assistance from the CTO will remain under the intervention process.
Initial Assessment - Within 30 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract, the local board of education shall select a third-party specialist from an approved vendor list to conduct a comprehensive on-site diagnostic review to determine the causes for low performance. Within 90 days of entering into a contract amendment or intervention contract, a turnaround coach, in partnership with the regional educational service agency (RESA), will ensure the local school system and third-party specialist have completed the comprehensive evaluation. Based on the comprehensive evaluation, the turnaround coach will recommend action in conjunction with the RESA.
School Developed Plan - The school shall develop an intensive school improvement plan, based on the evaluation and recommendations of the CTO, to specifically address the issues which caused the school's low performance. The school will implement this plan and continue to collaborate and receive assistance from the CTO and turnaround coach.
After Three Years of Implementation - If the school has not improved and is not cooperating or complying with the state after three years of implementing the intensive school improvement plan, the CTO shall require one or more of the following interventions: 1) continued implementation of school improvement plan; 2) removal of school personnel; 3) implementation of a state charter school or a special school; 4) complete reconstitution of the school, removing all personnel, appointing a new principal, and hiring new staff (existing staff may reapply); 5) operation of the school by a private, non-profit third-party operator; 6) mandatory parental option to relocate the student to another public school within the school system which has an acceptable rating; 7) restructure of the school's governance arrangement; 8) operation of the school by a successful school system; or 9) any other interventions or requirements deemed appropriate by the CTO and the SBOE in accordance with the amended contract, amended charter, or intervention contract, except that operation by a for-profit entity is prohibited.
HB 338 further amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-54.1 relating to the removal process of local school board members upon potential loss of accreditation.
This legislation also includes the creation of two study committees; the Joint Study Committee on the Establishment of a State Accreditation Process and the Joint Study Committee on the Establishment of a Leadership Academy.

HB 340 Alternative ad valorem tax; motor vehicles; change manner of distribution of proceeds

By: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 340 amends 48-5C-1, relating to alternative ad valorem tax on motor vehicles,

by stating that the taxable value of vehicles leased is the total of the base payments pursuant to the lease

agreement.

HB 341 Crimes and offenses; mandatory terms for trafficking individuals for sexual servitude; provisions By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 341 adds those who patronize or solicit a person who is the victim of sexual servitude to the offense of sex trafficking. Moreover, sex trafficking a person for sexual servitude is added to the list of dangerous sexual offenses where the violator must register as a sex offender. HB 341 clarifies and corrects the Code regarding probation for consecutive sentences for sexual offenses where probation can only be imposed upon the final consecutive sentence. In addition, the bill adds pimping and pandering to a list of offenses where the offender must serve at least 24 hours of incarceration. HB 341 also removes the sunset provision on the requirement for posting the human trafficking hotline in certain locations.
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HB 342 Enterprise zones; certain urban redevelopment zones; provide designation

By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 342 amends Chapter 88 of Title 36, relating to enterprise zones, by allowing for a sales and use tax exemption for an urban redevelopment area that has been chronically underdeveloped for 20 years or more and contains a redevelopment project having a minimum $400 million projected capital investment. Within the enterprise zone, an amount equal to the sales and use taxes exempted may be collected and pledged for securing revenue bonds for development or infrastructure projects within the zone.

HB 343 Criminal procedure; certain outdated terminology; replace

By: Rep. Scott Hilton (95th)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 343 replaces the outdated term "mental retardation" in the Code with "developmental

disability" where developmental disability has the exact same meaning.

HB 348 Waycross, City of; change corporate limits
By: Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the City of Waycross. It states that the corporate limits of the City of Waycross shall not include any territory within the boundaries of Pierce County except the lots mentioned specifically in the bill.

HB 349 Grantville, City of; election and terms of office for mayor and councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2;

provide

By: Rep. Robert Trammell (132nd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for elections in odd-numbered years, instead of even-numbered years, for the mayor and the councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2 in the City of Grantville. It also lengthens the terms of office of the mayor and councilmembers from Posts 1 and 2, so that all three elected officials' terms will end on

December 31, 2019, instead of December 31, 2018. Following that change, terms will last four years.

Additionally, it also provides for a referendum asking if the residents of Grantville want to lengthen the above

mentioned terms.

HB 355 Cobb County; Probate Court; change compensation of chief deputy, assistant chief deputy and executive assistant
By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the chief deputy, the assistant chief deputy, and the executive assistant to the Cobb County sheriff. The chief deputy shall make $138,839.13 a year, the assistant chief deputy shall make $125,976.83 a year, and the executive assistant shall make $75,692.46 a year.

HB 356 Cobb County; Board of Commissioners; compensation of chairperson and other commissioners; change provisions
By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the provisions relating to the compensation of the chairperson and other commissioners of the Cobb County Board of Commissioners. It states the commissioners representing Districts 1, 3, and 4 are eligible to earn $46,531.14 per year, while the commissioner representing District 2 is eligible to earn $44,095.93 per year. The chairperson of the board is eligible to earn $135,123.87 per year. Additionally, the bill states that the chairperson will be compensated on a full-time employment basis, but shall only be allowed to devote no more than 15 hours per week to a business or employment interest not related to the board of commissioners. The commissioners and chair may also be reimbursed for miles driven, secretarial services above the services normally provided by the county and travel and lodging expenses.

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HB 359 Supporting and Strengthening Families Act; enact By: Rep. Barry Fleming (121st) Through the Judiciary Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to the power of attorney between a parent and an agent for temporary authority over the parent's child by adding the 'Supporting and Strengthening Families Act'. A parent of a child may delegate caregiving authority for their child, not to exceed one year, by executing a power of attorney to an adult individual who meets certain qualifications. To be a qualified adult, the individual must reside in Georgia and be the great-grandparent, grandparent, step-parent, former step-parent, step-grandparent, aunt, uncle, great aunt, great uncle, cousin, sibling or be approved as an agent by an organization licensed as a child placing agency or non-profit focused on child or family services in good standing with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). For individuals approved as an agent by an organization licensed as a child-placing agency or a non-profit entity in good standing with the IRS shall not be exempt from the licensing and inspection of requirements of child welfare agencies.
The powers granted are that of a parent, except those of marriage or adoption of the child, matters relating to abortion, or the termination of parental rights. The power of attorney may be done without a court order, and must not limit existing child support (specifics are outlined). Specifics of the agent are outlined, such as acceptance in writing for the care of the child, and not ever being on a child abuse or child sexual offender registry in this state or any state, and the possibility of necessitating a criminal background check.
Responsibility of the agent is to act in the best interest of the child. Specific requirements of the agent and public schools for matters related to school enrollment are outlined. Requirement of notice by the person who has custody of the child to the non-custodial parent, and the non-custodial parent's right to object are addressed.
Parents and agents shall not be precluded by this article to seek emergency medical treatment for the child while he/she is in the custody of a supervisor at the request of the parent/agent. A section is added to address the illegality for either executing a power of attorney to enroll the child in school for athletic purposes, or for avoiding investigation of the child's welfare by the Division of Family and Children Services.
The power of attorney shall be signed under oath and acknowledged before a notary public, and the person executing it and the agent must be present to such notary. A copy of the power of attorney must be filed by either the parent or agent with the probate court of the county in which the parent resides.
The agent shall have the authority to act on behalf of the child for the duration of the power of attorney without compensation, as long as it does not exceed a year or is revoked or terminated by the individual who executed the power of attorney, the parent, or a court of competent jurisdiction. Steps and requirements for revocation of the power are addressed, including letting schools and health providers know of the temporary change in custody as well as returning the child to the parent who executed the power of attorney as soon as reasonably possible.
The execution of a power of attorney under this article shall not delegate caregiving authority for more than one child unless such power of attorney delegates caregiving authority for children who are siblings or stepsiblings. The power of attorney shall not constitute abandonment, child abuse, or neglect, unless the person executing the power fails to take custody back at the end of its duration. The child shall not be considered placed in foster care, and it shall not entail any foster care licensing requirements on the agent. If the grandparent is the one who receives power, the duration of the power may be unlimited. If the parent granted caregiving authority is a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or Reserves, the year-long caregiving period may be extended if the parent is deployed. The term of delegation shall not exceed the term of deployment plus 30 days.
A form is provided that if properly completed, signed, and notarized, is sufficient to grant the temporary delegation of caregiving authority to an agent.

HB 361 Fulton County; Board of Education; contributions made into the pension and retirement plan by employees shall be considered employer contributions for tax purposes; provide
By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill states that contributions made into the Fulton County Board of Education pension and retirement plan by employees shall be considered employer contributions for tax purposes. Any employee contributions made on or after July 1, 1990 shall be treated as employer contributions for purposes of determining the tax treatment under Section 414(h) of the Code. These contributions are not considered as gross income of the employee until they are distributed or made available. The bill also provides that the Fulton County Board of Education shall administer the pension and retirement plan and that a pension board will be created through a committee of the board of education to administer the plan. The board will consist of seven voting members and one non-voting member.
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HB 369 Peachtree Corners, City of; Public Facilities Authority; create

By: Rep. Scott Hilton (95th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the City of Peachtree Corners Public Facilities Authority, which shall be deemed a public corporation. The goal of the authority is to promote the public good and general welfare of the citizens of the city and assist the city in providing facilities, equipment, and services in the most efficient means possible.

HB 370 Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia; create and administer savings and deferred

compensation plans for members; authorize

By: Rep. Scott Hilton (95th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to the Council of Municipal Court Judges of Georgia by adding a new section which authorizes the council to create and oversee optional savings and deferred compensation plans for its members in good standing. The plans are funded solely by the individual contributions of the members who participate in the plan. No money or other funds collected through a municipal court shall be used. The creation of the plan shall not create a debt or other financial obligation for the State of Georgia or any of its political subdivisions nor create any fiduciary liability on the council.

HB 375 Revenue and taxation; tax executions; modify certain provisions

By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 375 repeals 48-5-163 which allowed tax collectors to collect a fee of 50 cents for issuing a tax execution.

HB 377 Fulton County; Board of Commissioners; provide for position of chairperson

By: Rep. Beth Beskin (54th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for the position and election of the chairperson for the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. The chairperson is elected at-large by a majority of the vote. The other six commissioners are elected in districts.

HB 378 Kennesaw, City of; corporate limits; change provisions By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Kennesaw to include the tracts of land mentioned in the bill.

HB 380 Echols County; board of education; revise districts for election of members By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill revises the districts for the election of members of the Echols County Board of Education. The board consists of five members, who are elected from five districts described in the bill.

HB 383 Telfair County; Board of Education; compensation of members; change provisions By: Rep. Jimmy Pruett (149th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill allows the Telfair County Board of Education to increase its compensation after a notice has been published in the legal organ for at least once a week for three consecutive weeks.

HB 384 Cobb County; tax commissioner's office; change compensation of certain employees By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: The tax commissioner of Cobb County shall receive the minimum annual salary found in Code Section 48-5-183 plus a supplement in the amount of $18,001.39. The chief clerk to the tax commissioner will make $112,983.32 a year. The bill also states the commissioner's executive secretary and administrative specialist shall make $62,159.19 a year.
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HB 385 South Fulton, City of; provide when mayor may vote and be included in determination of quorum
By: Rep. Debra Bazemore (63rd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill states that the South Fulton City Council's quorum shall consist of four councilmembers. The mayor shall be counted as one of the councilmembers for voting and quorum purposes, but the mayor shall only vote in the case of a tie. Additionally, it states that the voting on adoption of ordinances shall be by voice vote. It also states that no councilmember shall abstain from voting except if absent when a motion was made or in the case of a conflict of interest.

HB 391 Safe Place for Newborns Act of 2002; revise provisions

By: Rep. David Clark (98th)

Through the Juvenile Justice Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 391 expands the locations where a mother may drop off her newborn child into safe physical custody to include fire stations and police stations. The age of such child to be accepted is increased from one week to 30 days, and the mother has the option to provide proof of her identity, name and address.

HB 393 Covington, City of; change corporate limits By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Covington.

HB 394 Oxford, City of; change corporate limits By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Oxford.

HB 395 Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority Act; enact By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Moultrie-Colquitt County Parks and Recreation Authority and authorizes the authority to provide recreational services throughout Colquitt County.

HB 404 Rockdale Judicial Circuit; court reporters; make certain provisions
By: Rep. Vernon Jones (91st) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill makes provisions for the court reporter(s) for the Rockdale Judicial Circuit and provides that the reporter(s) shall receive a stated salary in lieu of per diem compensation. The bill states the superior court judges of the circuit have the authority to appoint court reporters, and each court reporter appointed to the circuit shall be compensated in part by a salary of $19,161.92 a year. The salary shall be in lieu of per diem compensation.

HB 405 Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency; establish state-wide system to facilitate the transport and distribution of essentials in commerce during a state of emergency; require
By: Rep. Bill Hitchens (161st) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 405 requires that the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security (GEMA) establish a state-wide system for the transport and distribution of essentials during a declared state of emergency by the governor. In accordance with this, the system will provide for the certification of organizations and businesses that facilitate or are likely to facilitate transport and distribution of such essentials. The bill also establishes how GEMA may go about the certification of organizations and the information they may require to do so. Additional provisions included allow designated employees or agents of certified organizations or businesses to enter or remain within the curfew area for their limited purpose of facilitating transport or distribution. Finally, the certification may be revoked or suspended by GEMA if it is found that there has been a violation or an abuse of this certification.

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HB 406 Weapons; reciprocity of recognizing and giving effect to licenses to carry from other states; revise

requirements

By: Rep. Alan Powell (32nd)

Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 406 specifies that no other state with which Georgia has a reciprocity agreement

is required to recognize or give effect to any license to carry given to a person under 21 years old.

HB 407 Cobb County; Probate Court; change salary of superior court clerk, deputy clerk, executive assistant and executive secretary
By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the salaries of the clerk of superior court, the deputy clerk, the executive assistant, and the executive secretary or Cobb County.

HB 412 Motor vehicles; certain documents relating to registration and certificate of title of certain vehicles; provide for electronic submission By: Rep. Timothy Barr (103rd) Through the Motor Vehicles Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 412 requires the state revenue commissioner to conduct an analysis on the possible elimination of the revalidation decal requirement for motor vehicle tag renewals. They will report their findings to the chairs of the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, the House Motor Vehicles Committee and the Senate Public Safety Committee no later than January 1, 2018.
Further, it requires that on and after January 1, 2018, applicants for a commercial vehicle registration under the International Registration Plan or certificates of title by a motor vehicle dealer must submit the application electronically.

HB 413 Public utilities; regulation of certain matters pertaining to rural telephone cooperatives; provisions By: Rep. Don Parsons (44th) Through the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Titles 12 and 22 of the Code to provide for the regulation and permitting of petroleum pipelines. It also provides for the issuance of certain permits by the director of the Environmental Protection Division (EPD). Additionally, it provides for the creation of rules and regulations by both the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Transportation. Conditions on the use of eminent domain for new construction and extension of petroleum pipelines are also in the bill.
On or after July 1, 2017, any construction of a new petroleum pipeline or extension in this state shall require a permit from the director of the EPD, regardless of whether the company will use eminent domain. The bill states what the application requirements are for a permit. Within 10 days of applying for a permit, the applicant must provide public notice in the legal organ of each county through which the proposed route/extension will go and a written notice to all landowners whose property is within 1,000 feet of the route/extension. The bill delineates what the EPD director must consider before granting a permit.
Any person who has been aggrieved or adversely affected by an action or decision made by the director shall have right to a hearing before an administrative law judge appointed by the Board of Natural Resources. That hearing is only available if the person affected filed a petition within 30 days after the director's order or action.
The Board of Natural Resources shall announce rules and regulations to enforce the above-mentioned information no later than July 1, 2018. Some of those rules include the submission and review process of a permit application which shall not exceed 150 days. Additionally, provisions for a non-refundable application fee shall be sufficient to defray EPD's associated administrative costs.
The bill allows petroleum pipeline companies to acquire property through eminent domain for expansion, extension, maintenance, or construction of a new petroleum pipeline; however, a company shall not exercise the power of eminent domain for new pipelines or extensions unless a certificate of public convenience and necessity is issued by the commissioner of the Department of Transportation and a permit is issued by the director of EPD. No certificate is needed if the company is exercising eminent domain for the purpose of maintenance or expansion. The bill also describes what an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity needs to contain. Within 10 days of applying for a certificate, public notice and written notice to property owners located within the proposed route of the new pipeline or extension is required; before threatening or proceeding to use eminent domain, the petroleum pipeline company shall deliver a written notice to each landowner whose property may be condemned.
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The bill also states what the transportation commissioner will consider before granting a certificate of public convenience and necessity. By July 1, 2018, the Department of Transportation will announce rules and regulations to enforce this Code section.

HB 420 Cobb County; Probate Court; change compensation of judge and clerk
By: Rep. Stacey Evans (42nd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the judge and clerk of the probate court of Cobb County. The judge shall receive an annual salary equal to the sum of 85 percent of the annual salary of a Cobb County Superior Court judge plus the annual amount of any supplement paid by the governing authority of Cobb County to a superior court judge. This supplement excludes any supplements for accountability courts. The clerk shall make $93,872.78 per year, plus any cost-of-living increase or merit increase approved by the governing authority of the county for county employees.

HB 424 Cobb County; State Court; change compensation of judges
By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of judges of the state court of Cobb County. The chief judge of the state court shall receive as additional compensation $9,216.67 per year. The salary of judges of Division 1 of the state court shall be $181,950.72 a year.

HB 425 Elementary and secondary education; administration of standardized assessments in paper-andpencil format upon parental request; provide
By: Rep. Joyce Chandler (105th) Through the Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 425 allows the State Board of Education or local school system to administer assessments in paper-and-pencil format if the parent or guardian requests such a format. This legislation requires the state school superintendent to develop guidelines which identify policies for local school systems to consider when determining how a student not participating in a state-wide assessment will be supervised. House Bill 425 also prohibits schools from taking punitive action against a student who does not participate in an assessment.

HB 427 Physicians and Health Care Practitioners for Rural Areas Assistance Act; enact By: Rep. Mark Newton (123rd) Through the Health & Human Services Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 427 expands the service cancelable loan program for physicians in underserved areas to other health care practitioners to increase the number of practitioners in underserved rural areas of Georgia. The bill allows loans to physicians, dentists, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses who have completed their medical or health care education and allows the loans to be repaid by agreeing to practice medicine in such rural areas.
By making grants to hospitals and other health care entities, local governments and civic organizations in underserved rural areas agree to provide matching funds with the intent to enhance recruitment efforts in bringing physicians and health care practitioners to rural areas. It is the intent of the General Assembly that if funds are available to the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce, priority shall be given to make loans, grants, or scholarships.

HB 428 Downtown development authorities; authorize assessments
By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Through the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Code Section 36-42-17 to authorize assessments relating to downtown development authorities. An assessment shall be levied and collected when a written contract regarding the assessment is executed by the property owner, the authority, and the project administrator. Additionally, the contract must be administratively acknowledged by the relevant local jurisdiction under the taxing authority and a notice of the assessment be recorded in the property records of the relevant local jurisdiction.

HB 430 Governor's Education Reform Commission; charter schools; implement recommendations By: Rep. Buzz Brockway (102nd) Through the Education Committee Final Bill Summary: House Bill 430 amends Title 20 by requiring the State Board of Education and the State Charter Schools Commission to jointly establish principles and standards of charter school authorization to guide
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local boards of education. Any charter school which fails to meet the principles and standards set by the local board of education for two consecutive years may petition to transfer its charter to the State Charter Schools Commission.
The Department of Education shall make sure each local charter school receives its proportionate share of federal funds from its local school system.
This legislation also defines "unused educational facilities" and allows the state board to disburse an annual facilities grant to eligible charter school applicants in the amount of $100,000.

HB 434 Eminent domain; requirement that condemnations not be converted to any use other than public use for 20 years; provide exception
By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to eminent domain. The right of eminent domain is the right of the State of Georgia to assert dominion, either temporarily or permanently, over any portion of soil of this state for public need and public good for public use. House Bill 434 adds "remedying blighted property" under public use.
The condemnor shall first petition the superior court for a judgment to see if the property meets the definition of "blighted", and the specifics for the petition are listed. After the petition is presented, the court shall issue an order requiring all parties to appear at a time and place to make their objections known of whether the property is to be deemed blighted. Requirements for the notice to people entitled to the notice, as well as the possibility of additional notice, are outlined. After the court has heard all parties on the date specified, it shall make an order whether the property is or is not blighted. For property deemed blighted, a statement shall be contained in the order that explains the current, or if vacant the past, land use of the property which will be restricted to the same land use stated in the order for a period of five years. Within 60 days, a condemnor with an order declaring a property blighted shall file an action with a copy of the order to condemn the property.

HB 435 City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority; create

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill, called the 'City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority Act', creates the City of Dunwoody Public Facilities Authority and authorizes the issuance of revenue bonds by the authority. The authority consists of seven members, who are the mayor and the council of the City of Dunwoody. There is no additional compensation for members of the authority, but they will be reimbursed for expenses incurred while performing their duties. The authority has the power to purchase, lease, and dispose of property. The authority can also appoint, select, and employ people, such as engineering experts and attorneys.

HB 437 Agricultural Education Advisory Commission; recreate By: Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Through the Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 437 re-establishes the Agricultural Education Advisory Commission without a sunset provision and the commission members will serve two-year terms coinciding with legislative terms.

HB 439 Atlanta, City of; change corporate limits

By: Rep. Beth Beskin (54th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Atlanta and is partner legislation to HB 440, which states the City of Sandy Springs will annex the territory that Atlanta is de-annexing.

HB 440 Sandy Springs, City of; Fulton County; change corporate boundaries

By: Rep. Beth Beskin (54th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate boundaries of the city of Sandy Springs pending the 2017 Session passage of HB 439: a bill to de-annex the territory that Sandy Springs will annex.

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HB 443 Hiram, City of; ad valorem tax; $40,000 of assessed value for residents; provide homestead

exemption

By: Rep. Paulette Rakestraw (19th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for a homestead exemption from the City of Hiram's municipal tax in the amount of $40,000 of the assessed homestead value. It also provides for a referendum for the homestead exemption to be on the November 2017 ballot.

HB 444 Hiram, City of; ad valorem tax; residents 70 years of age or older; provide homestead exemption

By: Rep. Paulette Rakestraw (19th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a full homestead exemption from the City of Hiram's municipal tax for residents 70 and older.

HB 445 Hiram, City of; ad valorem tax; residents 65 years of age or older; provide homestead exemption

By: Rep. Paulette Rakestraw (19th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the City of Hiram's municipal tax in the amount of $55,000 for residents 65 and older.

HB 449 DeKalb County; taxes, fees, and assessments; change certain provisions

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes provisions relating to taxes, fees, and assessments related to community improvement districts within DeKalb County.

HB 452 Georgia Bureau of Investigation; publicly post certain information to extent permitted by federal law; require
By: Rep. Jesse Petrea (166th) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 452 requires the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to post information on its website about criminal aliens being released into the state from federal custody. The information is received from the Law Enforcement Notification System (LENS) within the United States Department of Homeland Security, and within 12 hours of receiving information, the bureau shall post the information and electronically send a copy to the Georgia Sheriffs' Association.
The bill also creates the offense of domestic terrorism. "Domestic terrorism" is any felony offense or attempt to commit a felony intended to cause serious bodily harm, kill, or disable or destroy critical infrastructure, which is intended to intimidate the civilian population or coerce the policy of the government. The punishment for domestic terrorism where a death occurs is death or imprisonment for life. The punishment for domestic terrorism where a kidnapping occurs is imprisonment for no less than 15 nor more than 35 years or imprisonment for life. The punishment for domestic terrorism where serious bodily harm occurs is imprisonment for no less than 15 nor more than 35 years. The punishment for domestic terrorism where critical infrastructure is disabled or destroyed is imprisonment for no less than 5 nor more than 35 years. Furthermore, any punishment for domestic terrorism shall not be suspended, stayed, probated or differed unless, in the court's discretion and with agreement of the prosecution and the defense, the sentence is suspended, stayed, probated or differed. This legislation also updates the definition of bacteriological weapon and biological weapon. HB 452 directs the Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council and the Georgia Public Safety Training Center to establish guidelines and procedures for the purpose of identifying and combating domestic terrorism.

HB 453 County law library; board of trustees; add chief judge of magistrate court By: Rep. David Dreyer (59th) Through the Judiciary Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill adds the chief judge of the magistrate court as a member of the board of trustees of the county law library. Currently, the other members include the: chief judge of the superior court of the circuit in which the county is located; judge of the probate court; senior judge of the state court, if one exists; district attorney of the circuit in which the county is located; solicitor-general of the state court, if one exists; clerk of the superior court; and two practicing attorneys of the county selected by the other members.
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HB 457 Brooks County; Magistrate Court chief judge; provide nonpartisan elections

By: Rep. Amy Carter (175th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill states future elections of the chief judge of the Magistrate Court of Brooks County shall be nonpartisan. It also states that the current chief judge shall serve out his or her term of office.

HB 460 Swainsboro, City of; levy an excise tax
By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the governing authority of the City of Swainsboro to levy an excise tax. The governing authority can levy an excise tax at a rate not to exceed eight percent of the charge for furnishing any room, lodging, or accommodation that is furnished by any person or entity required by the city to pay taxes for operating a hotel, motel, etc.

HB 461 Heard County; board of elections and registration; create

By: Rep. Randy Nix (69th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates a board of elections and registration for Heard County.

HB 463 Early Care and Learning, Department of; establish nonprofit corporation to qualify as a public foundation; authorize
By: Rep. Katie Dempsey (13th) Through the Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 463 enables the Department of Early Care and Learning to incorporate a nonprofit corporation to aid the department in promoting public-private partnerships between businesses, non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, local school systems, public schools, and early care and education programs.

HB 469 Motor vehicle franchise practices; provide for definitions; provisions By: Rep. Jason Shaw (176th) Through the Motor Vehicles Committee Final Bill Summary: House Bill 469 amends the 'Georgia Motor Vehicle Franchise Practices Act' to clarify parts and labor reimbursement for warranty and re-call work; current franchise law requires that manufacturers compensate dealers for warranty and recall parts and labor at retail rate, but it does not provide a procedure by which retail rate is calculated.
This provision details a procedure for the calculation of retail rates for warranty and recall parts and labor based on a sampling of non-warranty customer-pay repair orders. A manufacturer can contest the retail rate declared by a dealer and suggest a rate adjustment. If the dealer and manufacturer cannot agree on a retail rate, the provision requires that the manufacturer's internal dispute resolution procedure, if any, be used in an effort to resolve the disagreement. If unsuccessful, a petition can be filed with the commissioner of Revenue.
This section also requires manufacturers to compensate dealers for used vehicles in a dealer's inventory that cannot be sold due to a "stop sale" directive issued by the manufacturer.
Finally, the bill allows manufacturers to exercise contractual right of first refusal under certain conditions.

HB 470 Economic Development, Department of; grants to certain organizations supporting military

communities; create program

By: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th)

Through the Economic Development & Tourism Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill allows the Department of Economic Development (the "department") to administer a grant program to provide assistance to "military communities", defined as a county or municipality that has a military facility within its jurisdiction. The amount of the grant shall be determined by the department on a case-by-case basis with consideration of the grant goal being proposed and to the extent that it: 1) furthers the relationship between the military community and military installation/facilities; 2) furthers the military installation's economic development investment into the military community; or 3) assists in efforts to defend the success of a military installation from a federal review. The department shall also develop a set of criteria to

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ensure the credibility of the "community entity", a non-profit organization that works to benefit the military value of the military installations, which submits a grant application, and the potential success of the grant goal. This includes: 1) the length of time the community entity has been active; 2) the types of projects the community entity has been engaged in; and 3) the status the community entity has developed over time with the military installation. The department shall submit any pending grant award to the Defense Community Economic Development Fund for final review. If the Georgia Defense Initiative ceases to exist, the requirements applied in this legislation shall not be applicable. The department shall make public the regulations necessary to implement this article and is authorized to charge and collect fees necessary for costs associated with the processing of applications submitted for the grant.
This bill also provides that funds awarded by the Department of Economic Development shall not be utilized to contract, compensate, or reimburse a registered lobbyist, but may be utilized to reimburse or make payment for actual and reasonable expenses of a public official acting in such his or her official capacity for transportation, lodging, travel, food, beverages, or registration fees which are directly related to an approved grant goal. Additionally, the department shall submit any pending grant award to the Governor's Defense Initiative for final review, unless the Governor's Defense Initiative ceases to exist. The department shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the purposes of these provisions.

HB 472 Motor vehicles and traffic; following requirements for vehicles in a procession when speed is coordinated automatically; provide exception
By: Rep. James Epps (144th) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Bill 472 exempts the driver of a non-leading vehicle when traveling as a coordinated platoon. A "coordinated platoon" means a group of vehicles traveling in the same lane and utilizing vehicle-tovehicle communications technology to automatically coordinate the movement of such vehicles.

HB 476 Dougherty County; coroner and deputy coroners; provide compensation
By: Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill details the compensation for the coroner and deputy coroners of Dougherty County. The coroner's salary is set at $65,000 a year and deputy coroners will be compensated by fees for the performance of no more than 25 investigations performed during a calendar year.

HB 477 Appling County; board of elections and registration; create
By: Rep. Chad Nimmer (178th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates a board of elections and registration for Appling County. The board has the powers, duties, and responsibilities currently being exercised by the Board of Elections of Appling County and the Board of Registrars of Appling County.

HB 480 Chatham County Urban Development Authority Act; enact

By: Rep. J. Craig Gordon (163rd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Chatham County Urban Development Authority to promote economic

revitalization and community development. The bill creates a board of trustees made up of five members for the

authority. Additionally, the authority is authorized to issue revenue bonds and collect payments for the bonds.

HB 481 Aviation; unmanned aircraft systems; provide for preemption

By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Through the Transportation Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 481 preempts unmanned aircraft systems from local ordinance, resolution,

regulation, or policy that is adopted on or after April 1, 2017. The county, municipality, or other political

subdivision may: enforce those ordinances passed before April 1, 2017; adopt an ordinance which enforces

Federal Aviation Administration restrictions; or adopt an ordinance that provides for or prohibits the launch,

recovery, or intentional landing of an unmanned aircraft system from or on its property. The legislation allows the

state, through agency or departmental rules and regulations, to provide for or prohibit takeoff, recovery, or use of

an unmanned aircraft system from or on its public property.

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HB 485 Distilled spirits; referendum election be held prior to issuance of licenses to manufacture; remove requirement
By: Rep. Mike Glanton (75th) Through the Regulated Industries Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 485 clarifies and edits the Code regarding local referendums to allow for the sale of alcohol within a county. In addition, HB 485 allows for the unincorporated locations within a county to produce and ship distilled spirits with a referendum or through actions by the local governing authority.

HB 486 Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act; training of proxy caregivers; provisions
By: Rep. Tommy Benton (31st) Through the Human Relations & Aging Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 486 allows for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Department of Community Health to select the training curricula for medication administration by proxy caregivers employed or contracted to providers of home and community-based services, community residential alternative services, or community living services.

HB 503 Randolph County; board of elections and registration; create By: Rep. Gerald Greene (151st) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: The bill creates a joint county-municipal board of elections and registration for Randolph County and the cities of Cuthbert and Shellman.

HB 504 Waycross Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority Act; enact By: Rep. Jason Spencer (180th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Waycross Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority to promote tourism, trade, and conventions in the City of Waycross.

HB 506 Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965; award certain contracts involving concessions; provide for vote by Board

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Transportation Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Bill 506 allows MARTA to issue request for proposals for contracts for concessions rather than being held to the current requirement of accepting only the highest bid.

HB 510 Alcoholic beverages; population and measurement of certain distances; repeal certain provisions By: Rep. Calvin Smyre (135th) Through the Regulated Industries Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 510 removes a population-based statute from the Code.

HB 511 Warm Springs, City of; change corporate limits

By: Rep. Debbie Buckner (137th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the corporate limits of the city of Warm Springs.

HB 514 Chatham-Savannah Youth Futures Authority; repeal Act

By: Rep. Mickey Stephens (165th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals an act creating the Chatham-Savannah Youth Futures Authority.

HB 532 Fayette County; Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues; provide for qualifications of members By: Rep. Josh Bonner (72nd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill provides the qualifications for members of the Fayette County Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues. It states any person seeking election as a member of the board must satisfy the requirements of state law governing qualifications to hold civil office. It also states any person seeking
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election must reside in the road district from which he or she is running for at least 12 months preceding the election.

HB 534 Roswell, City of; councilmember; provide that no one person hold office more than three

consecutive terms

By: Rep. Betty Price (48th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 534 states no person shall serve as a councilmember in the city of Roswell for more than three consecutive four-year terms of office. No terms of office served prior to January 1, 2018, shall be considered when determining how many terms a councilmember has served.

HB 537 Villa Rica, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. J. Collins (68th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the City of Villa Rica to levy an excise tax.

HB 539 Hampton, City of; Henry County; mayor pro tem or members selected to serve in absence of mayor and mayor pro tem to vote on matters before council while serving in absence of mayor; provide ability
By: Rep. Karen Mathiak (73rd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill allows the mayor pro tem or members selected to serve in the absence of the mayor and mayor pro tem to vote on matters before the council.

HB 540 Cobb County; State Court; change salaries of certain staff of solicitor-general By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the salaries of certain staff of the solicitor-general of Cobb County.

HB 544 Richmond Hill Public Facilities Authority Act; enact By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Richmond Hill Public Facilities Authority.

HB 546 Sugar Hill Building Authority Act; enact
By: Rep. Brooks Coleman (97th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Sugar Hill Building Authority, which has the power to own property and acquire, construct, purchase, operate, improve, lease and sell any project. The authority is composed of seven members of the city who shall be appointed by the city council. Councilmembers are eligible to be appointed to the authority.

HB 547 Villa Rica, City of; ad valorem tax; residents 65 years or older; provide homestead exemption

By: Rep. J. Collins (68th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Act No. 6, approved on February 20, 2017, which provided for a homestead exemption from the City of Villa Rica's ad valorem taxes. The bill changes the date of the referendum from March 2017 to the first Monday in November 2017.

HB 548 Riverdale, City of; provide for a governing authority By: Rep. Valencia Stovall (74th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates wards for the election of members to the governing authority of the city of Riverdale.

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HB 551 Candler County; Act to create a board of elections and registration; repeal By: Rep. Butch Parrish (158th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals an act that created a board of elections and registration for Candler County.
HB 553 Cobb County; State Court; change salary of chief deputy clerk and clerk; provisions By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the salary of the chief deputy clerk in Cobb County to $107,419.30 and the salary of the clerk of the State Court of Cobb County to $119,354.43. It also creates the position of executive assistant to the clerk of the State Court of Cobb County and sets the salary for that position to $62,159.19.

HB 555 Carrollton, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. Kevin Cooke (18th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Carrollton to levy an excise tax.

HB 556 Athens, City of; Clarke County; superintendent to make certain purchases; provide authority
By: Rep. Spencer Frye (118th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill provides the superintendent of the merged Athens/Clarke County School System with the authority to make certain purchases. It also provides for performance bonds related to certain construction projects and provides for approval of certain purchases by the board of education. It also allows the board of education to modify maximum expenditure amounts.

HB 559 Lamar County Public Facilities Authority Act; enact By: Rep. David Knight (130th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Lamar County Public Facilities Authority.

HB 560 Coweta County Community Improvement District Act; enact

By: Rep. Lynn Smith (70th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill allows for the creation of community improvement districts in Coweta County.

HB 561 Springfield, City of; provide for corporate boundaries; provisions

By: Rep. Jon Burns (159th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for corporate boundaries of the city of Springfield and provides for

ordinances, as well as ordinances of urgent nature. It also states the municipal court is vested with all the

jurisdiction and powers granted by law to municipal courts. Additionally, all orders, verdicts, judgments, and

sentences of the municipal court shall be subject to appellate review in accordance with state level.

HB 562 City of Eton Public Facilities Authority Act; enact

By: Rep. Jason Ridley (6th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the city of Eton Public Facilities Authority.

HB 563 Clarkston Development Authority Act; create By: Rep. Karla Drenner (85th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Clarkston Development Authority.

HB 564 Dunwoody, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Dunwoody to levy an excise tax.

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HB 566 Decatur County; Magistrate Court; impose and collect county law library fees By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the Decatur County Magistrate Court to impose and collect county law library fees as part of the court costs in the magistrate court.

HB 567 Euharlee, City of; ad valorem tax; residents 65 years of age or older; provide homestead

exemption

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the city of Euharlee's municipal taxes in the amount of $40,000 of the assessed value for residents who are 65 and older.

HB 568 Euharlee, City of; ad valorem tax; $10,000 of assessed value for residents; provide homestead

exemption

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the city of Euharlee's municipal taxes in the amount of $10,000 of the assessed value.

HB 569 Euharlee, City of; ad valorem tax; disabled residents whose household income does not exceed

$20,000; provide homestead exemption

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the city of Euharlee's municipal taxes in the amount of $28,000 of the assessed value for those homeowners who are disabled and whose household income doesn't exceed $20,000.

HB 570 Euharlee, City of; ad valorem tax; certain residents 62 years of age or older; provide homestead

exemption

By: Rep. Trey Kelley (16th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides a homestead exemption from the city of Euharlee's municipal taxes in the amount of $10,000 of the assessed value for residents who are 62 and over and whose income, excluding certain retirement income, does not exceed $10,000.

HB 572 Chatham County; Recorder's Court; revise responsibilities of chief judge; provisions
By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill revises the responsibilities of the chief judge, revises the method of selecting the chief judge, and provides for a court administrator. The chief judge will consult with the court administrator in preparation of an annual budget, which shall be submitted to both the city and county managers. He or she will be elected by a majority vote of all seated judges of the recorder's court. The chief judge will also advise and consult with the city manager and county manager on the hiring and firing of a court administrator, who will be responsible for hiring and supervising all employees of the court and overseeing the day-to-day operations of the court.

HB 573 Cook County; Probate Court; judge shall have jurisdiction to try misdemeanor cases where defendant waives jury trial and pleads guilty; provide
By: Rep. Penny Houston (170th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill states the judge of the Probate Court of Cook County shall have jurisdiction to try misdemeanor cases arising in the county when the defendant waives a jury trial and pleads guilty to the misdemeanor.

HB 574 Johns Creek, City of; Fulton County; provide for vacancies on the governing authority

By: Rep. Brad Raffensperger (50th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for filling vacancies to the governing authority of Johns Creek and also

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provides for a city manager and mayor pro tempore. It states the city council shall order a special election to fill the balance of an unexpired term of the mayor or councilmember; however, if the vacancy occurs within six months of expiration, the council will appoint a successor. Additionally, the mayor is responsible for appointing a city manager, but the city council must ratify the appointment.

HB 575 Brookhaven, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. Mary Oliver (82nd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Brookhaven to levy an excise tax.

HB 576 Habersham County; reconstitute board of elections and registration; provisions
By: Rep. Terry Rogers (10th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill reconstitutes the board of elections and registration of Habersham County and provides for the composition, powers, duties, and responsibilities of that board. Additionally, it repeals an act creating a board of elections and registration for the county.

HB 577 Marietta, City of; mayor pro tem, presiding officer, organizational meetings, and board of lights and waterworks; revise provisions
By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill revises the provisions for the mayor pro tem and presiding officer of the city of Marietta. The mayor pro tem, who will be paid an additional $125 a month, does not have the power of veto while serving as mayor. Additionally, a presiding officer shall be appointed and approved by a majority of the council. The presiding officer will serve in the absence of the mayor and pro tem, but will not receive an additional salary. The bill also states that the organizational meeting of the city council will be held in January, during which time annual appointments will be made. Additionally, the bill describes the membership of the Board of Lights and Waterworks for the city.

HB 580 Putnam County; abolish office of elected county surveyor; provide for appointment By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill abolishes the office of elected county surveyor of Putnam County and provides for the appointment of the county surveyor by the governing authority.

HB 581 Taliaferro County; Board of Education; change compensation of members
By: Rep. Trey Rhodes (120th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the monthly compensation of the members of the Taliaferro County Board of Education to $300 for members and $325 for the chair. Additionally, actual expenses will be reimbursed to members while meeting or traveling outside the county as a member of the board.

HB 582 Monroe County; Joint Board of Elections and Registration; create By: Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Joint Board of Elections and Registration of Monroe County, which shall conduct the primary and general elections for Monroe County, the city of Culloden, and the city of Forsyth.

HB 585 Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Development Authority; provide for members, terms, vacancies and a quorum

By: Rep. Clay Pirkle (155th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for the members of the Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Development Authority. It states the authority shall consist of six members, who shall serve one-year terms and are eligible for reappointment. The chairperson of the Irwin County Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues shall appoint himself, one member of the board, and one at-large, unelected person to the authority. The mayor of the city of Ocilla will do the same. A majority of the directors constitutes a quorum.

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HB 587 Jonesboro, City of; provide nonbinding advisory referendum to lower homestead exemption
By: Rep. Mike Glanton (75th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for a nonbinding advisory referendum to ascertain whether the people of Jonesboro want the governing authority of the city to lower the homestead exemption from city ad valorem taxes over a period of five years to $10,000 of the assessed value of the homestead.

HB 589 Walton County; change compensation of coroner

By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the compensation of the coroner of Walton County.

HB 590 Downtown Athens Development Authority; Downtown Athens Area; define and create By: Rep. Regina Quick (117th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 590 defines and creates the Downtown Athens Area.

HB 591 Warren County; Board of Education; provide for compensation of members
By: Rep. Mack Jackson (128th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: HB 591 states the members of the Warren County Board of Education shall receive $100 per month for their services, in addition to a $100 per diem expense allowance while they are traveling or meeting outside the county as a member of the board.

HB 594 Lawrenceville, City of; provide a new charter; provisions

By: Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 594 provides for a new charter for the city of Lawrenceville.

HB 595 Doraville, City of; DeKalb County; change certain provisions relating to tax levies

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 595 changes provisions relating to tax levies in the city of Doraville. It states that the

ad valorem tax, except those which are levied for bonded indebtedness, shall not exceed 10 mills; however, an ad

valorem tax within a special district created by city ordinance may be levied without a rate limitation.

HB 596 Tucker, City of; levy an excise tax By: Rep. Michelle Henson (86th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: HB 596 authorizes the governing authority of the city of Tucker to levy an excise tax.

HB 597 Trenton, City of; Dade County; change position of city clerk from elective to appointive;

provisions

By: Rep. John Deffenbaugh (1st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 597 changes the city clerk for the city of Trenton to an appointed office.

HB 598 Trenton, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. John Deffenbaugh (1st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Trenton to levy an excise tax.

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HB 601 City of Holly Springs Community Improvement Districts Act; enact

By: Rep. Scot Turner (21st)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: HB 601 allows community improvement districts in the city of Holly Springs.

HB 603 Fulton County; State Court; modify compensation of judges By: Rep. Wendell Willard (51st) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill modifies the compensation of the judges of the State Court of Fulton County.

HB 608 Alpharetta, City of; members of governing authority; implement term limits
By: Rep. Chuck Martin (49th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill implements term limits for the city of Alpharetta's governing authority. It states no councilmember elected and qualified for three consecutive terms shall be eligible for the succeeding term. It also states no mayor elected and qualified for two consecutive terms shall be eligible for the succeeding term.

HB 609 Acworth, City of; adopt by reference a certain map

By: Rep. Ed Setzler (35th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill adopts the "Official Map of the Corporate Limits of the City of Acworth, Georgia" as the official map of the corporate limits of the city. The map is prepared by and retained by the city clerk.

HB 611 Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority Act; enact By: Rep. Winfred Dukes (154th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for definitions and membership to the Albany-Dougherty Inner City Authority. It also provides for the powers of the authority.

HB 612 Newton County; board of education; provide manner of changing compensation for members
By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill states the Newton County Board of Education can fix the salary, compensation, and expenses of its members; however, any salary, compensation, expenses, or expenses in the nature of compensation for the members shall not be effective until the first day of January of the year following the next general election. Additionally, the board may not take any action to increase any of the above mentioned items until a notice of intent, along with the fiscal impact, is published in the legal organ at least once a week for three consecutive weeks before the meeting.

HB 614 Powder Springs, City of; provide for annexation of certain property By: Rep. David Wilkerson (38th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for annexation of certain property into the city of Powder Springs.

HB 615 Walker County; Board of Commissioners; create

By: Rep. Steve Tarvin (2nd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Walker County Board of Commissioners.

HB 621 Chamblee, City of; levy an excise tax

By: Rep. Tom Taylor (79th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the City of Chamblee to levy an excise tax.

HR 25 Senior Airman Tre Francesco Porfirio Memorial Intersection; Camden County; dedicate By: Rep. Jason Spencer (180th) Through the Transportation Committee Final Bill Summary: House Resolution 25 is the annual road facility dedication package, to include:

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HR 25 dedicates the interchange on I-95 at Laurel Island Parkway in Camden County as the senior Airman Tre Francesco Porfirio Memorial Intersection.
HR 148 dedicates the bridge on SR 11/US 129 over Bluff Creek in Pulaski County as the Emmett R. "Whitey" Lollis Memorial Bridge.
HR 171 dedicates the intersection of Beechwood Blvd., NW and SR 53/Dawsonville Highway in Hall County as the Officer Henry Tilman Davis Memorial Intersection. HR 228 dedicates the interchange at I-16 and Exit 42 (SR 338) in Laurens County as the Deputy Kyle W. Dinkheller, LCSO 37, Memorial Interchange.
HR 255 dedicates the portion of State Route 212 from Bragg Road to the Putnam County line in Jasper County as the Henry Grady Layson, Sr., Memorial Highway.
HR 286 dedicates the bridge structures on the Gray Bypass over SR 11 in Jones County as the Otis Redding Memorial Bridge.
HR 287 dedicates the relocated portions of State Routes 11/22/US 129 in Jones County as the Veterans Memorial Parkway.
HR 337 dedicates the I-16 overpass bridge on SR 30/US 80/280 in Bryan County as the Corporal Rick Hall Memorial Bridge.
HR 387 dedicates the bridge on Highway 441 at the Oconee/Clarke County line near White Oak Intersection as the First Sergeant Luke J. Mercardante Memorial Bridge.
SR 134 dedicates the portion of the 1702 North Expressway (US 19/41) from Lucky Street to Leprade Road in Spalding County as the Officer Kevin Jordan Memorial Highway.
SR 274 dedicates the portion of Georgia Highway 47 in Lincoln County from the intersection of GA 43 and GA 47 in the city limits of Lincolnton to the intersection of GA 47 and GA 220 in Cliatt Crossing as the Ben Barron Ross Memorial Highway.
SR 276 dedicates the bridge on Highway 17 across the Hiawassee River in Towns County as the Brown-Mauldin Bridge.
SR 313 dedicates the intersection of Highway 193 and Highway 136 in Cooper Heights as the PFC Roland E. Rush Memorial Intersection.
SR 314 dedicates the portion of State Route 11/US 41 from the State Route 247 Connector North to State Route 49 in Peach County as the Cooley-Conlon Highway.
SR 331 dedicates the portion of Highway 136 in Walker County as the CPL Dennis "Denny" R. Wallin, USMC Memorial Highway.
SR 355 dedicates the portion of Northside Drive from Bankhead Highway to Ralph Abernathy Boulevard in Fulton County as the Claude Edgar and Bertha Catlin Johnson Drive.
SR 383 dedicates the portion of Milton Parkway from GA 400 to Highway 9 in Fulton County as the John Smoltz Highway.
SR 390 dedicates the portion of State Route 120 in Cobb County from Barrett Parkway to the Paulding County line as the Charles Kastner Memorial Highway.
SR 426 dedicates the portion of State Route 103 from the Harris/Troup County line to State Route 219 in Harris County as the Jeff Foxworthy Highway.
SR 450 dedicates the portion of State Route 31 from the intersection of I-75/SR 401 to the intersection of State Route 7/US 41 in Lowndes County as the Deputy John Hall Rowe, Jr., Memorial Highway.
This language dedicates the portion of Georgia Highway 120 in Haralson County between Corinth Church and Rose's Store as the Veterans' Memorial Highway.

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HR 659 dedicates the portion of Highway 25 between Lumpkin Road and I-520 in Richmond County as the Bernard F. Miles Memorial Highway.

HR 57

Joint Elementary and Secondary School Nutrition Programs Study Committee; create
By: Rep. Amy Carter (175th) Through the Special Rules Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates a House Elementary and Secondary School Nutrition Programs Study Committee to study and collect information on the overall condition of school nutrition programs in Georgia and to discuss opportunities for improvements to the state administration of these programs.

The committee is authorized to meet for five days and includes the following members: three House members; the state school superintendent or his or her designee; the commissioner of the Department of Public Health or his or her designee; the commissioner of the Agriculture Department or his or her designee; the commissioner of the Department of Early Care and Learning or his or her designee; two members appointed by the chairperson, who are school nutrition directors currently employed by a school system in this state; two members to be appointed by the chairperson, who are finance directors for a local board of education; two members to be appointed by the chairperson, who are producers or distributors of agricultural products; one member to be appointed by the chairperson, who is a parent of a child or children attending elementary or secondary school in this state; one member to be appointed by the chairperson, who is a registered dietician in this state.

HR 170 State agencies; work toward increasing research, clinical care, and medical education for myalgic encephalomyelitis; urge
By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Through the Health & Human Services Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution urges state agencies, medical service providers, health care agencies, research facilities, medical schools, and all interested parties to work toward increasing research, clinical care, and medical education for myalgic encephalomyelitis. Myalgic encephalomyelitis is an incurable disease that causes a cellular disorder characterized by profound fatigue, sleep abnormalities, pain, and other symptoms that are made worse by exertion.

HR 240 Joint Study Committee on Reforming HIV Related Criminal Laws; create
By: Rep. Sharon Cooper (43rd) Through the Special Rules Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates a House study committee to identify barriers to access for adequate health care, particularly related to asthma, HIV, adult obesity, and low immunization rates. It allows for five members to meet up to five days.

HR 281 Water trails in Georgia; proliferation and use; recognize and encourage By: Rep. Spencer Frye (118th) Through the Natural Resources & Environment Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Resolution 281 recognizes and encourages the use of Georgia's water trails, as well as the efforts of the Georgia River Network.

HR 282 House Study Committee on Distracted Driving; create
By: Rep. John Carson (46th) Through the Special Rules Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Distracted Driving to determine if legislative changes are warranted to Georgia's rules of the road to restrict the use of technologies while driving. It allows for 10 members to meet up to five days.

HR 284 House Study Committee on State and Local Construction Management; create

By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th)

Through the Special Rules Committee

Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on State and Local Construction Management to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the construction management at-risk model versus the design, bid, and build model and whether other processes could save the state money. It allows for seven members to meet up to five days.

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HR 340 United States Congress; legislation on policies for hemp and marijuana; consider By: Rep. Heath Clark (147th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: HR 340 is an urging resolution for the federal government to reschedule marijuana for the purpose of making it legal to scientifically research.

HR 361 United States Congress; enactment of a Regulation Freedom Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; encourage By: Rep. Don Parsons (44th) Through the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution encourages the enactment of a "Regulation Freedom Amendment" to the Constitution of the United States by the United States Congress. The resolution states the U.S. has more than 300 independent and executive agencies that are staffed by unelected officials. These agencies issue thousands of rules and regulations each year that frequently involve everyday lives of people. While federal rules and regulations can benefit the public, many are concerned the increasing amount of rules and regulations have slowed economic growth by increasing consumer and compliance costs and limiting job creation.
Although the U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act' to address the issue in 2011, 2013, and 2015, it has not come up for a vote in the U.S. Senate.

HR 389 House Rural Development Council; create
By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) Through the Economic Development & Tourism Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Rural Development Council to be composed of 15 members of the House of Representatives appointed by the speaker of the House, who will designate two members as co-chairs and other officers at his discretion. Beginning April 1, 2017, the council shall strive to expand the economic success of Georgia's rural areas by examining the components of economic development and related policy areas as it deems appropriate, such as: education, infrastructure, access to health care, and economic growth incentives. At the council's request, Georgia's departments and agencies shall provide services, information and other support. The co-chairs shall call all meetings to be held on a regular basis at different locations of Georgia, particularly rural areas, to meet with local officials and leaders. The funding for the resolution shall come from funds appropriated to the House of Representatives. An initial report of findings and recommendations, including suggestions for proposed legislation, shall be filed no later than December 31, 2017; a second report shall be filed prior to the council's sunset of December 31, 2018. Filed reports require a majority vote of a quorum of the council.

HR 462 House of Representatives; commitment to strengthening military installations located within state; reaffirm
By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Through the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: House Resolution 462 reaffirms the Georgia House of Representatives' commitment to strengthening the military installations located within the state. In an effort to maximize the military value of those installations, the House is rededicating itself to supporting our troops and their families by taking all prudent actions to improve their quality of life and empower them to contribute to our nation's defenses.

HR 482 Georgia Congressional Delegation; enact legislation with sole purpose of reestablishing a Nuclear Waste Program per the Nuclear Waste Policy Act; encourage
By: Rep. Don Parsons (44th) Through the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution encourages the Georgia Congressional Delegation to immediately enact legislation with the sole purpose of reestablishing a nuclear waste program pursuant to the 'Nuclear Waste Policy Act' because Georgia's citizens, along with the rest of the country's citizens, have paid over $39 billion into the Nuclear Waste Fund.

HR 560 House Study Committee on Public Utility Payment Options for Customers in Need of Assistance; create By: Rep. Karla Drenner (85th) Through the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Local Government Utility Payment Options for Customers in Need of Assistance. The committee shall be composed of five members of the House
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who will be appointed by the speaker; one of those members will be designated to chair the committee. The committee is authorized to receive allowances for five meeting days and stands abolished on December 1, 2017.

HR 629 House Study Committee on the Utilization and Modernization of the State Capitol and Other Buildings; create
By: Rep. Matt Hatchett (150th) Through the Special Rules Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on the Utilization and Modernization of the State Capitol and Other Buildings to examine whether the Georgia State Capitol, Coverdell Legislative Office Building, parking facilities and surrounding grounds, and the Governor's Mansion are being used efficiently in a manner that best serves the public and the employees who work in those buildings. The committee is composed of five members authorized to meet up to five days.

HR 634 House Study Committee on Civics Education in Georgia; create

By: Rep. Christian Coomer (14th)

Through the Special Rules Committee

Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Civics Education in Georgia to evaluate whether a recommendation should be made to further strengthen Georgia's standards in civics education. It allows three members to meet up to five days.

HR 642 NOAA Fisheries; rescind closure of federal waters of offshore Georgia for the period from April 15, 2017 through May 31, 2017; recommend
By: Rep. David Knight (130th) Through the Game, Fish, & Parks Committee
Final Bill Summary: HR 642 urges the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries to rescind the closure of federal waters of offshore Georgia during from April 15, 2017 through May 31, 2017 to keep with the intent of the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

HR 686 House Study Committee on Equitable Local Education Funding; create

By: Rep. Kevin Tanner (9th)

Through the Education Committee

Final Bill Summary: House Resolution 686 creates the House Study Committee on Equitable Local Education Funding to ensure an adequately and equitably funded education system in Georgia. The study committee will have three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the House. The committee will stand abolished on December 1, 2017.

HR 798 House Study Committee on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; create
By: Rep. Dale Rutledge (109th) Through the Rules Committee
Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the House Study Committee on Low-Income Housing Tax Credits in order to determine the effectiveness of the current low-income housing tax credits program. The committee will have five members and is authorized to meet for up to 3 days.

SB 13

Jefferson County Hospital Authority; ad valorem tax; provide for a nonbinding advisory

referendum

By: Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for a non-binding advisory referendum to determine if the electors of Jefferson County want the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners to levy an ad valorem tax to pay for the Jefferson County Hospital Authority's services and facilities and to retire hospital debt.

SB 14

State Income Taxes; rural hospitals income tax credit; clarify the amount of an exemption for

certain entities under the contributions

By: Sen. Dean Burke (11th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 14 amends 31-7-94, relating to grants to hospital authorities, by including rural hospital organizations as an authorized recipient of these grants. "Rural hospital organization" is defined in the same manner as in 31-8-9.1, relating to tax credits for donations to certain rural hospitals.

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SB 15

Crimes and Offenses; weapons carry license; add to the category of former law enforcement officers
By: Sen. Michael Rhett (33rd) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 15 grants a free weapon carry license to former law enforcement officers with 10 years of service who left that position as the result of a disability arising in the line of duty.

SB 16

Low THC Oil; definition; provisions relating to conditions eligible for use; change

By: Sen. Ben Watson (1st)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 16 increases the list of conditions that are eligible for treatment with medical cannabis. The new conditions are: Tourette's syndrome when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe; autism spectrum disorder when the patient is 18 or older and for severe autism when the patient is under 18 years old; epidermolysis bullosa; Alzheimer's disease when severe or end-stage; AIDS when such syndrome is diagnosed as severe or end-stage; and peripheral neuropathy when such symptoms are considered severe or end-stage. In addition, the bill allows for reciprocity of medical cannabis registration cards from other states, so long as the medical cannabis in the person's possession comports with the laws of Georgia and has not been present in the state for more than 45 days. Also, the reporting requirement for doctors has been reduced from quarterly to semiannually and must include the THC levels used in treatment.

SB 18

Georgia Public Safety Training Center; any member of security police force; retain his/her

weapon and badge under certain conditions

By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th)

Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 18 allows retired law enforcement officers with an aggregate of 10 years of

service, separated in good standing, and possessing a law enforcement identification card from the Georgia Peace

Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) to carry anywhere in this state. The bill also allows retirees who

left under honorable conditions to retain their badge and weapon upon retirement as part of their compensation.

This provision applies to all retired law enforcement personnel who are POST-certified and served in Georgia or

another state's entity.

SB 41

Pharmacists and Pharmacies; durable medical equipment suppliers; provide for the licensure; definition; requirements; discipline and revocation
By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Through the Health & Human Services Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 41 relates to pharmacies and pharmacists to provide for the licensure of durable medical equipment suppliers. "Durable medical equipment" is defined as equipment for which a prescription is required, including repair and replacement parts, and which can withstand repeated use; has an expected life of at least three years; is primarily and customarily used to serve a medical purpose; generally is not useful to a person in the absence of illness or injury; and is appropriate for use in the home.

Any person who supplies durable medical equipment to a consumer and submits a claim for reimbursement by a third party shall possess a durable medical equipment supplier license issued by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy. Licenses shall be effective for 36 months from the date of issuance and shall not be transferable or assignable. The board reserves the right to initially and periodically inspect the applicant's or licensee's office or place of business within the state. A required fee will be established by the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy.

The board may issue a license to a Medicare-enrolled, out-of-state manufacturer or wholesale distributor that provides durable medical equipment directly to consumers if the manufacturer or wholesale distributor possesses a valid license from another state. Those manufacturers or wholesale distributors are exempt from the requirements.

SB 46

Torts; space flight activities; provide facilitation; definitions; exceptions

By: Sen. William Ligon, Jr. (3rd)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to limitations of actions to breach of covenants restricting land use. A right of action shall accrue immediately where a permanent fixture is erected that violates the restrictive covenant and is not just limited to violating a set-back provision. Additionally, when the allegation is based on a continuous act or omission, the right of action will accrue each time the act or omission occurs.

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The bill allows condominium associations to vote to expand the association by a two-thirds majority, or higher if the association stipulates a higher number. Requirements for the expansion are outlined.
SB 46 adds a requirement to look at provisions against the right to control in any condominium instrument, association's articles of incorporation, and the association's by-laws. Right to control may pass to the unit owners if the declarant fails to pay property taxes on common property of the condominium for two or more years provided there is no provision to the contrary. Additionally, when an owner gives notice to a declarant that the declarant is failing to meet an obligation and the declarant does not subsequently correct the failure, the owner has individual standing to institute an action in the superior court to obtain a declaratory judgment without having to file a derivative action. Discovery is not necessary unless ordered by the court for good cause, and the superior court can issue a summary ruling for the transfer of any common areas/property to the association or other appropriate entity. The bill expands these provisions to be controlling where the condominium instrument, association's articles of incorporation, or association's by-laws are silent on these matters.
Lastly, the Code is amended to include requirements for the right of control to pass to subdivision plot owners in the same manner.

SB 47

Physicians; visiting sports teams' physicians; provide for licensure exemption; requirements;

limitations; agreements with other states

By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 47 provides a licensure exemption for visiting sports teams' physicians, physician assistants, and athletic trainers who are licensed and in good standing to practice in another state if there is a written or oral agreement with a sports team to provide care to the team members and coaching staff traveling with the team for a specific sporting event.

If a physician, physician's assistant, or athletic trainer has been invited by a national sport governing body to provide care to team members and coaching staff at a national sport training center in this state, the provider's practice is limited to that required by the national sport governing body. There shall not be any provided care or consultation to any person residing in this state by a team physician or athletic trainer licensed outside the state. They may not practice at a health care clinic or health facility unless the provider is traveling with the sports team and may not remain longer than 10 days in duration per sporting event. A maximum of 20 additional days per sporting event may be granted upon prior request to the board by the provider but permission shall not exceed 30 days total.

SB 52

Mental Health; authorizing licensed professional counselor; sunset provision; repeal

By: Sen. P. K. Martin (9th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals the sunset provision on the authorization for a licensed professional counselor to deliver a person who is mentally ill or alcohol or drug dependent to the nearest available emergency receiving facility serving the county in which the patient is found for an examination.

SB 69

Packaging, Labeling and Registration of Organic Products and Certifying Entities; registration requirement; eliminate
By: Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) Through the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends Code Section 2-21-4, relating to packaging, labeling and registration of organic products and certifying entities, by eliminating a registration requirement. Specifically, it removes a part of the section that states no person shall produce, process, distribute or handle in this state any advertised or identified organic food or product unless that person has first registered with the Department of Agriculture. It also strikes language that licensed retail food sales establishments that do not process or repackage certified organic commodities shall be exempt from the registration provisions in the chapter.

SB 70

Hospital Medicaid Financing Program; sunset provision; extend

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Appropriations Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 70 amends the Hospital Medicaid Financing Program, also known as the hospital provider fee, by extending the sunset date to June 30, 2020.

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SB 78

Adulteration and Misbranding of Food; Commissioner of Agriculture to issue a variance to certain rules and regulations; authorize
By: Sen. Lee Anderson (24th) Through the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to issue a variance or waiver of certain rules and regulations of the department. These waivers or variances can be given authorized if the rule would create a substantial hardship to a person. Additionally, the variances or waivers shall not be sought or authorized if granting a waiver or variance would be harmful to the public.

SB 85

Malt Beverages; provide for limited sale at retail by manufacturers
By: Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) Through the Regulated Industries Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 85 removes the tour requirement for distilleries and breweries to provide their products to the public. The bill provides a limited exception to the three-tier system for the distribution and sale of distilled spirits and malt beverages for consumption on and off premises. SB 85 allows distilleries to sell up to 500 barrels of distilled spirits per year with a limitation of 2,250 milliliters per consumer per day for consumption off premises. Moreover, brewers of malt beverages are allowed to sell up to 3,000 barrels per year with a limitation of 288 ounces per consumer per day for consumption off premises.

SB 87

Bankruptcy; judgments against exempt property; provide for the discharge

By: Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 87 amends Code sections relating to exemptions for purposes of bankruptcy and intestate insolvent estates by providing for the procedure, effect of a court order and discharge of judgments against exempt property in such cases.

Currently, a non-corporate debtor may choose to forgo exemptions for levy or sale of $5,000 or $21,500 for real or personal property that is the debtor's primary residence in favor of exempting the debtor's aggregate interest, up to a certain amount, or the debtor's right to receive certain moneys or other benefits. The bill adds within those certain moneys or other benefits the funds, assets and income of a health savings account or medical savings account authorized under the Georgia Code or Internal Revenue Service.

Additionally, any time after a debtor has been discharged from his or her debts pursuant to an act of Congress relating to bankruptcy, the debtor, his or her receiver or trustee, or any interested party may file a civil motion with the court that rendered the bankruptcy judgment for an order to cancel and discharge that judgment to all the debtor's exempt property. A certified copy of the discharge or a certified copy of the order of confirmation of a plan filed by the debtor must be filed with the motion and served upon the judgment creditor in the same manner as any other motion in a civil action, accompanied by the required attachments including proposed consent order.

If it appears during the hearing on the motion that the bankrupt or debtor has been discharged or exempted from the payment, the court shall enter an order specifying the effective date and canceling and discharging judgment regarding the property and any other property acquired by the debtor after the filing of the bankruptcy petition, which shall have the same effect and recorded in the same manner as a satisfaction of judgment.

SB 88

'Narcotic Treatment Programs Enforcement Act'

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 88 provides for the regulation of narcotic treatment programs. The 'Narcotic Treatment Programs Enforcement Act' applies to any system of treatment provided for chronic heroin or opiatelike drug-dependent individuals that administers narcotic drugs under physicians' orders either for detoxification purposes or for maintenance treatment in a rehabilitative context offered by any county board of health, partnership, corporation, association, or person or groups of persons engaged in such administration.

The Department of Community Health (DCH) is authorized and directed to create all rules and regulations necessary for narcotic treatment programs. The department shall establish an information forum for potential applicants no less than 14 days prior to the start of an open enrollment period, which shall be held December 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017, to accept applications for narcotic treatment. It is mandatory for a representative of the applicant to attend the information forum. Failure to attend and comply with this record of attendance requirement shall disqualify any applicant from consideration during open enrollment. The Department of Community Health will also establish an application review process committee that consists of staff and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD).

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The DCH shall issue up to four licenses per region to a governing body for any narcotic treatment program which meets all the rules and regulations; however, the department shall establish a review process to determine if a waiver should be granted to allow any additional licensed narcotic treatment programs in a region. The department shall have full authority to determine the requirements for a waiver to be considered for review.
Narcotic treatment programs shall not provide a bounty, free services, free medication, or other rewards for patient referral to such program. Narcotic treatment programs shall not provide temporary discounted financial incentives to potential patients that do not conform to the schedule of fees established by the department's rules and regulations. To prevent simultaneous enrollment of a patient in more than one program, all programs shall comply with the policies and participate in the central registry operated by the DBHDD.

SB 95

Selection of Jurors; state-wide master jury list; change provisions; Georgia Crime Information

Center; pardons and paroles; provide conforming cross-references

By: Sen. Jesse Stone (23rd)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code sections relating to jury selection, state-wide master jury list, driver's license information, list of registered voters, and "random list of persons to comprise the jury" for purposes of generating a new secure unique identifier number per person to comprise the state-wide master jury list. The Council of Superior Court Clerks of Georgia is currently required to facilitate updating all information relative to jurors on the state-wide and county master jury lists. Effective July 1, 2017, the council requires the Department of Driver Services, the Secretary of State, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Corrections, and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to provide the council with data showing the person's full name, address to include the county of residence zip code, date of birth, gender and when available, the person's race. This information will be used by each agency to generate a secure unique identifier, comprised of the last four digits of the person's Social Security number, to be submitted to the council as well. The data and secure, unique identifier shall be provided to the council in electronic format as required by the council. The Supreme Court may establish by rule the reasonable standards for the preparation, dissemination, and technological improvements of the state-wide and county master jury lists. The bill removes the requirements to: provide the information to the Administrative Office of the Courts; note whether the license of identification card is valid or expired; and disclose ethnicity.

SB 96

Health; pronouncement of death by registered professional nurses; nursing homes and hospice

care; authorize; county medical examiner's duties after notice of suspicious death; make a

conforming change

By: Sen. Ben Watson (1st)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the determination and pronouncement of death by registered professional nurses, nurse practitioners, or physician assistants of patients employed in facilities classified as a nursing home; however, if the patient is a registered organ donor, only a physician may make the determination or pronouncement of death when it appears that a patient died from other than natural causes.

SB 102 Emergency Medical Services; emergency cardiac care centers; designation; Office of Cardiac Care

within Department of Public Health; establishment

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill establishes the Office of Cardiac Care within the Department of Public Health and the criteria for a three-level designation system of emergency cardiac care centers. The office shall administer the designation process including data collection, analysis, reporting and site visits.

Level I shall have: 1) cardiac catheterization and angioplasty facilities available at all times; 2) on-site cardiothoracic surgery capability available at all times; 3) established protocols for therapeutic hypothermia for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients; 4) the ability to implant percutaneous left ventricular assist devices for support of hemodynamically unstable patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest or heart attack; 5) neurologic protocols to measure functional status at hospital discharge; and 6) the ability to implant automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillators.

Level II shall have: 1) cardiac catheterization and angioplasty facilities available at all times; 2) established protocols for therapeutic hypothermia for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients; 3) neurologic protocols to measure functional status at hospital discharge; and 4) a written transfer plan with one or more Level I emergency cardiac care centers for patients who need left ventricular assist devices or cardiothoracic surgery.

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Level III shall have: 1) established protocols for therapeutic hypothermia for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients; 2) one or more additional levels of cardiac care centers as necessary based upon advancements in medicine and patient care; and 3) a transfer agreement for the transport and acceptance of cardiac patients.
A hospital can apply to the office for designation as an emergency cardiac care center as long as the hospital demonstrates the satisfaction of the applicable criteria. A hospital seeking designation as an emergency cardiac care center may apply for a grant and provide information as the office deems necessary to determine if the hospital is eligible for such grant.
The Office of Cardiac Care will establish a data reporting system on all out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients and all heart attack patients. Existing databases can be modified to include additional reporting regionally, nationally or any combination thereof. The office will have an ongoing analysis of state-wide data collected for out-ofhospital cardiac arrest patients and heart attack patients, with the goal of improving survival rates over the initial three years of the program, and shall improve any processes or adjust any protocols as necessary to implement best practices to improve the cardiac care of patients through emergency cardiac care centers.
The office is required to annually prepare and submit a report for distribution to the governor, the president of the Senate, the speaker of the House of Representatives, and the chairpersons of the House Committee on Health and Human Services and the Senate Health and Human Services Committee indicating: the total number of hospitals that have applied for grants; the number of applicants that have been determined by the office to be eligible for the grants; the total number of grants to be awarded; the name of each grantee and the awarded amount.
Beginning June 1, 2018, and each year thereafter, the office shall: provide a list of designated emergency cardiac care centers to the medical director of each licensed emergency medical services provider in this state; maintain a copy of that list in the office; and post the list on the office's website. The office will develop a sample emergency cardiac care triage assessment tool and post this sample assessment tool on its website. The copy of the sample will be distributed to each licensed emergency medical services provider no later than December 31, 2017.

SB 103 'The Pharmacy Patient Fair Practices Act'; pharmacy benefits managers; Commissioner of

Insurance to promulgate certain rules and regulations; authorize

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Insurance Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 103 is 'The Pharmacy Patient Fair Practices Act' and restricts certain actions by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs).

PBMs are prohibited from: requiring the use of mail-order pharmacies; penalizing a pharmacist for disclosing a cheaper generic option to a prescribed medication to a patient; disallowing pharmacies to offer store direct delivery services; charging more in co-pays than the actual cost of the drug, as well as charging fees to pharmacies for adjudicating claims. The commissioner of the Department of Insurance is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations for enforcement.

This Code section shall not apply to a care management organization, the Department of Community Health, the State Health Benefit Plan, or any licensed, group-model health maintenance organization with an exclusive medical group contract and which operates its own pharmacies.

SB 104 Kidnapping, False Imprisonment and Related Offenses; human trafficking hotline model notice in government buildings; require posting By: Sen. Donzella James (35th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee Final Bill Summary: SB 104 requires government buildings to post signage with the human trafficking hotline model notice and requires government entities to have a hyperlink located on their websites to the same model notice. In addition, the bill removes the sunset provision for the posting the model notice.
SB 104 also brings into alignment violations of the law regarding false insurance documents within the criminal and insurance sections of the Georgia Code by making the punishment identical felonies.
SB 104 adds fentanyl and fentanyl derivatives to the list of prohibited substances contained within the drug trafficking Code.
SB 104 adds a new tier relating to the theft of a motor vehicle by adding hijacking a motor vehicle in the second degree. A person commits the offense of hijacking a motor vehicle in the second degree when the offender steals a motor vehicle in the presence of the victim without using force. The punishment is in line with burglary, where
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the punishment for the first offense of hijacking in the second degree is imprisonment of not less than one and no more than 20 years with a fine not to exceed $5,000. For the second offense, the punishment is imprisonment of not less than three and no more than 20 years with a fine not to exceed $5,000. For the third or subsequent offenses, the punishment is imprisonment for not less than five and no more than 20 years with a fine not to exceed $5,000.
SB 104 also criminalizes the conduct, when knowingly and without consent of the person observed, of using any device or apparatus to observe, photograph, videotape, film, or record underneath such person's clothing for the purpose of viewing intimate body parts or undergarments commonly known as "up skirting" or "down blousing." Moreover, it is unlawful to disseminate any such image or recording. Conduct in violation of SB 104 is punished as a felony.

SB 106 Pain Management Clinics; health care professionals who must be on-site; revise a provision

By: Sen. Greg Kirk (13th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill relates to licensure requirements for pain management clinics and states that no controlled substance shall be prescribed or dispensed in a pain management clinic. Furthermore, no controlled substance prescription can be distributed nor medical services or treatment provided to a patient from a pain management clinic unless a physician, an authorized physician assistant or an authorized advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority is on-site.

This bill does not apply to a practicing certified registered nurse anesthetist, as longs as: 1) the patient has previously been examined by a physician, who has issued a written order for the patient to receive medical treatment or services; and 2) the pain management clinic has obtained written consent of the patient prior to any medical treatment or services being provided by the certified registered nurse anesthetist regarding the medical treatment or services to be performed, the risks of the medical treatment or services to be performed, and that a physician may or may not be on-site.

SB 108 Veterans Service; maintenance of a women veterans' office by the commissioner of veteran services; require
By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Through the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill instructs the Department of Veterans Service to maintain a Women Veterans' Office. This office will conduct outreach to female veterans for the purpose of improving awareness of eligibility for federal and state veterans' benefits and services and to conduct assessments of the specific needs of women veterans with respect to benefits and services. The Women Veterans' Office will also work to assist with recruiting and training women veterans to serve as mentors for veterans participating in the veterans' court divisions.

SB 109 "Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact"

("REPLICA"); provide for the enactment

By: Sen. Michael Williams (27th)

Through the Health & Human Services Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 109 enacts the "Recognition of Emergency Medical Services Personnel

Licensure Interstate Compact" (REPLICA) to facilitate the day-to-day movement of emergency management

services (EMS) personnel across state boundaries. The compact recognizes that states have a vested interest in

protecting the public's health and safety through the shared licensing and regulation of EMS personnel. To have

the privilege to practice under the terms and provisions of this compact, a member must be at least 18 years old, possess a current unrestricted license in a member state, and practice under the supervision of a medical director.

The compact is designed to: 1) increase public access to EMS personnel; 2) enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety, especially patient safety; 3) encourage the cooperation of member states in the areas of EMS personnel licensure and regulation; 4) support licensing of military members who are separating from an active duty tour and their spouses; 5) facilitate the exchange of information between member states regarding EMS personnel licensure, adverse action, and significant investigatory information; 6) promote compliance with the laws governing EMS personnel practice in each member state; and 7) invest all member states with the authority to hold EMS personnel accountable through the mutual recognition of member state licenses.

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Any member state may require an individual to obtain and retain a license to practice in a member state. A home state's license authorizes an individual to practice in a remote state only if the home state: 1) currently requires the use of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) examination as a condition of issuing initial licenses at the EMT and paramedic levels; 2) has a mechanism in place for receiving and investigating complaints about individuals; 3) notifies the commission, in compliance with the terms of the compact, of any adverse action or significant investigatory information regarding an individual; and 4) requires a criminal background check of all applicants for initial licensure within five years of activation of the compact. This bill also establishes an interstate compact known as the "Nurse Licensure Compact" which facilitates the exchange of information between party states in the areas of nurse regulation, investigation and adverse actions; promotes compliance with the laws governing the practice of nursing in each jurisdiction; invests all party states with the authority to hold a nurse accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the patient is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of party state licenses; decreases redundancies in the consideration and issuance of nurse licenses; and provides opportunities for interstate practice by nurses who meet uniform licensure requirements.
A state must implement procedures for considering the criminal history records of applicants for initial multistate license or licensure by endorsement. The procedures shall include the submission of fingerprints or other biometric-based information by applicants for the purpose of obtaining an applicant's criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the agency responsible for retaining that state's criminal records.
All compact states are authorized to take adverse action against a nurse's multi-state licensure privilege such as revocation, suspension, probation or any other action that affects a nurse's authorization to practice under a multistate licensure privilege. If a compact state takes such action, it shall promptly notify the administrator of the coordinated licensure information system. The administrator of the coordinated licensure information system shall promptly notify the home state of any actions by other compact states.
A nurse may hold a multi-state license, issued by the home state, in only one compact state at a time. If a nurse changes his/her primary state of residence by moving, they must apply for licensure in the new home state, and the prior home state license will be deactivated in accordance with applicable rules adopted by the commission.
Each compact state shall enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The commission shall be entitled to receive service of process in any proceeding that may affect the powers, responsibilities or actions of the commission, and shall have standing to intervene in such a proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process in such proceeding to the commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the commission, the compact or promulgated rules.

SB 117 Georgia Technology Authority; definition of the term "agency"; change; establishment of certain

policies and standards used by all agencies; provide

By: Sen. P. K. Martin (9th)

Through the Governmental Affairs Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 117 clarifies the code as it relates to the Georgia Technology Authority (GTA) in order for the state to purchase cyber insurance. It requires the GTA to establish technology policies and standards for all agencies they serve. These policies shall include, but not be limited to, the role and responsibilities of chief information officers and chief information security officers within such agencies. It reflects current practices by adding the General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Defense, and elected constitutional officers to the list of government entities not supported by GTA.

SB 121 "Jeffrey Dallas Gay, Jr., Act"

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 121 is the 'Jeffery Dallas Gay Jr. Act' which allows for the opioid antagonist Naloxone, with a minimum strength, to be sold over the counter without a prescription. The state health officer may issue a standing order to prescribe opioid antagonists on a statewide basis and every pharmacist in the state is required to retain a copy of said order.

SB 124 "City of Decatur Public Facilities Authority Act" By: Sen. Elena Parent (42nd) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the City of Decatur Public Facilities Authority and provides for the appointment its members. It also confers powers to the authority and authorizes it to issue bonds.

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SB 125 Physician Assistants; authority to prescribe hydrocodone compound products; authorize a physician to delegate to a physician assistant
By: Sen. Rick Jeffares (17th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 125 allows a physician to delegate to a physician assistant the ability to issue a single non-refillable prescription for hydrocodone for a maximum 5-day supply consisting of not more than 30 tablets for adults (300 milligrams) and not more than 30 tablets (100 milligrams) for individuals under the age of 18. In addition, a physician assistant who has been delegated this authority is required to complete three hours of continuing education biennially in the appropriate ordering and use of Schedule 2 controlled substances.

SB 126 State Tort Claims; venue of actions; provisions; change
By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill amends the Code section relating to venue of actions by adding certain specifications. Currently, tort action against the state must be brought in the state or superior court of the county where the loss occurred; SB 126 requires tort action against the state to be brought in the state or superior court of the county where the tort that gave rise to the loss occurred. Wrongful death actions may be brought in the county where the tort giving rise to the loss occurred or the county where the decedent died. The bill affects causes of action filed on or after July 1, 2017.

SB 128 Drivers' Licenses; Department of Natural Resources; limited purposes; allow for the sharing of personal data
By: Sen. John Wilkinson (50th) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee
Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 128 allows for the sharing of driver's license information with the Department of Natural Resources for use in detecting and preventing fraud in applications for licenses, permits, registrations, and to confirm residency. This information is only be used by the department in connection with detection and prevention of fraud and in its fulfillment of obligations under the 'Child Support Recovery Act'.

SB 132 Civil Practice; statutory civil case filing and disposition forms; allow Judicial Council of Georgia to promulgate forms; child custody proceedings; provide

By: Sen. Blake Tillery (19th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 132 removes the statutory forms for civil case filing and disposition and authorizes the Judicial Council of Georgia, with the approval of the Supreme Court, to publish the forms to be used. This bill further amends the Code section relating to entry of judgment and filing of a civil case disposition form.

The form requirements used to exempt actions related to proceedings depriving owners of land or property will only exempt disclosure of ownership. The duties of the Administrative Office of the Courts is amended by requiring that data to be analyzed in civil cases shall be provided on or before October of each year to agencies of the executive branch, and the chairpersons of the standing committees of the General Assembly that are assigned issues related to courts, instead of being pursuant to the Code sections relating to commencement of action (commencing a court proceeding for a civil case) and entry judgment.

The authority of the Georgia Courts Automation Commission is amended to remove the commission's authorization to receive electronic data from the civil case filing and disposition forms, and reassigns the compilation of civil filings and dispositions data to the Administrative Office of the Courts. Civil case filings and disposition forms will be transmitted to the Administrative Office of the Courts, in addition to the Georgia Superior Court Clerk's Cooperative Authority. A requirement to transmit the filings to the Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority within 30 days of filing and the section relating to the superior court civil case information system are removed.

SB 133 Corporate Net Worth Tax; less than a certain amount; make such tax inapplicable to corporations By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Through the Ways & Means Committee Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 133 provides a credit against an entity's state tax liability for a rural investor who makes a capital investment in a rural fund. A "rural fund" is an entity certified by the Department of Community Affairs that seeks to have an investment that can be reinvested in eligible businesses. The credit is not refundable or able to be sold in the open market. Credits that are allocated to a partnership, corporation, LLC, or S-corporation can be allocated to the individual partners for their direct use.
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The department shall grant or deny applications for the program within 30 days of receipt of the completed application. The department shall certify up to $100 million in capital investments in the order in which they are received. If received on the same day, the applications shall be considered as received simultaneously, and will be ordered based on the percentage derived from the ratio of the amount of capital investments requested in the given application to the total amount of capital investments requested in all applications.
The rural fund shall issue the capital investment within 60 days of the applicant receiving notice of the certification. At least 10 percent of the rural investor's capital investment must be composed of proceeds of equity investments contributed to the rural investor by its affiliates (officers, directors, members, and employees). Evidence of the receipt of the cash investment is to be provided to the department by the rural fund within 65 days of the applicant receiving the certification.
The department may recapture the claimed credit from the rural fund if: 1) 100 percent of its capital investment is not invested in eligible investments within two years, and at least 10 percent of the investment was not invested in agribusiness; 2) the rural fund fails to maintain 100 percent eligible investments of its capital investment for the next five years after the credit allowance date (eligible investments can be sold or repaid, but other funds must be reinvested to cover the difference); 3) the rural fund makes a distribution or payment that makes it not have 100 percent of the necessary investments; or 4) the rural fund makes an investment in a business that either owns interest in the rural fund or loans or invests in the rural fund. The recaptured credits and the related capital investment authority revert to the department and shall be reissued pro rata to the other applicants based on the previously stated ratio. Recapture shall not occur until the rural fund has been given notice of its non-compliance and six months from the date of notice to correct the non-compliance.
After the second year of the original credit allowance, the rural fund must submit a report to the department which documents the investment of 100 percent of its capital investment in eligible investments. In subsequent years, the rural fund must submit an annual report to the department within 45 days of the beginning of the year.
The bill also exempts corporations with a net worth of less than $100,000 from the corporate net worth tax.

SB 137 Child Support Recovery Act; federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005; require the obligor to pay the

full fee

By: Sen. Greg Kirk (13th)

Through the Judiciary Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 137 amends the fees payable to the Department of Human Services for the collection of child support payments.

Currently, the Code authorizes the Department of Human Services to charge a federal 'Deficit Reduction Act of 2005' fee of $25 as the annual maintenance fee for the collection of child support when the total collection amount exceeds $500; the fee is divided between the custodial parent paying $12 and the non-custodial parent paying $13 for each case. SB 137 assigns payment of the full $25 annual maintenance fee for each case to the non-custodial parent. The fee only applies to a non-custodial parent when the custodial parent has never received adoption assistance payments or medical assistance payments under the 'Social Security Act'. The Department of Human Services collects the fee through income withholding or any other method available to the department and it retains it to operate the program.

SB 137 also amends Title 19 relating to domestic relations, specifically enacting provisions recommended by the Georgia Child Support Commission relating to child support and enforcement of child support orders. This bill updates the language of the statutes by replacing "IV-D agency", which refers to a child support enforcement agency established under Title IV-D of the 'Social Security Act', with "child support enforcement agency" wherever the term appears in relation to child support enforcement. Further, provisions have been updated to provide for the filing of one child support form per child for whom support is being determined. Currently the Code does not provide for multiple filings. Income deduction orders have been updated to state when the withholding will commence and how to contest the withholding. The bill also removes antiquated provisions that relate to dates that are no longer applicable. Additionally, the total amount of work-related costs related to child support is included in the final child support order instead of the written order of the court. If work-related child care costs are variable, the court/jury may remove them from the calculation of support costs and divide the work costs pro rata to be paid in the time specified in the child support order. If a parent/custodian fails to comply with the final child support order: the other parent/custodian may enforce payment of the work related child care costs by any means permitted by law; or child support services shall pursue enforcement when the unpaid costs have been reduced to that stated in a contract.

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SB 141 Carnival Ride Safety; engineering evaluation with a carnival ride permit application; require
By: Sen. Bruce Thompson (14th) Through the Regulated Industries Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 141 requires carnivals operating in the state of Georgia in 2018 to submit a one-time engineering evaluation from a licensed engineer regarding the condition of critical components when applying for a permit to operate in this state.

SB 143 DeKalb County Ad Valorem Taxes; homestead exemption; county purposes; tolling provision regarding exemption; remove
By: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill modifies the homestead exemption from certain DeKalb County taxes to taxable years 2007 to 2021.

SB 147 Cemetery and Funeral Services; unitrust distribution method provisions; permit a cemetery to

request a trustee

By: Sen. Michael Williams (27th)

Through the Regulated Industries Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 147 expands the type of distribution that a cemetery can make from the required irrevocable trust fund to include the unitrust distribution payment method. The bill also gives authority to the secretary of state to limit or prohibit any unitrust distributions where the investment practices have not resulted in sufficient protection of the perpetual care trust fund.

SB 149 School Resource Officers; training requirements; provide By: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th) Through the Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 149 requires that the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (POST) maintain a 40-hour training course for school resource officers. Minimum training will include: assignment to an elementary or secondary school; search and seizure procedures in schools; criminal offenses; gang and drug awareness; interviews and interrogations; emergency preparedness; and interpersonal interactions with adolescents, including encountering mental health issues.
This legislation also requires POST-certification for municipal probation officers who wish to have arrest powers over those persons they supervise.
Finally, this bill includes language prohibiting persons from providing tobacco products to an inmate without the knowledge and consent of the jailer inside or outside of the jail. It also prohibits the procurement and possession of stored value cards for and by inmates.

SB 153 Hearing Aid Dealers and Dispensers; exempt certain activities

By: Sen. Matt Brass (28th)

Through the Regulated Industries Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 153 increases the scope of practice for optometrists by allowing for pharmaceutical agents to be administered through injections.

SB 156 Sales and Use Taxes; equalized homestead option sales and use taxes; provide certain restrictions

By: Sen. Fran Millar (40th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 156 allows for an exemption of local sales and use tax on food purchased for off-premise consumption in counties which have a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and an Equalized Homestead Option Sales Tax (EHOST). The bill also expands the allowable uses for SPLOST funds in connection with an EHOST to include: transportation purposes; public safety facilities and related capital equipment; repair of capital outlay projects; and debt service purposes for which a municipality used proceeds from the Homestead Option Sales Tax.

The bill also amends 48-8-109.5, relating to administration, collection, and disbursement of equalized homestead option sales tax, by allowing municipalities incorporated after May 4, 2015 to receive the municipality's per capita share of the proceeds of the SPLOST.

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SB 160 "Back the Badge Act of 2017"

By: Sen. Tyler Harper (7th)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 160 is the 'Back the Badge Act of 2017'. The bill defines "public safety officer" to include peace officers, correctional officers, emergency health workers, firefighters, highway emergency response operators, and certain officers of the court. The legislation broadens the offenses of aggravated assault on a public safety officer and aggravated battery on a peace officer. The punishment for assault on a public safety officer where there is a discharge of a firearm is a felony punishable with incarceration from 10 to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of 10 years that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced. When such assault does not involve the discharge of a firearm, the punishment is a felony with a term of incarceration from five to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of five years that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced. When a person commits the offense of aggravated battery on a public safety officer while that officer is engaged in his or her official duties, the punishment is a felony with a term of imprisonment from 10 to 20 years with a mandatory minimum of three years to be imposed that cannot be suspended, probated, differed or otherwise reduced; however, the court may depart from such mandatory minimum sentence when the prosecuting attorney and defendant have agreed to a sentence that is below the mandatory minimum in each case.

The bill creates a felony obstruction crime where a person knowingly and willfully obstructs by throwing, tossing, projecting, or expelling human or animal urine, feces, vomitus, or seminal fluid on a law enforcement officer, prison guard, jailer, and others when an officer is in the discharge of his or her official duties. The punishment is a felony with a term of imprisonment of not less than one nor more than five years. The bill also places juveniles between the ages of 13 to 17 who commit one of the aforementioned crimes into the Superior Court to be tried as adults.

Moreover, the bill increases the state payment to the decedents of fallen officers to $150,000.

SB 168 Child Abuse; permitted to access child abuse records by department, or county, or other state or

local agency; extend; Central Child Abuse Registry; permit access

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Juvenile Justice Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 168 expands the persons and agencies with permitted access to child abuse records, when those entities are providing supervision or services to individuals or families, to include: licensed adoption agencies of Georgia and any other state which are placing a child for adoption; local and state law enforcement agencies; the Department of Corrections; and the Department of Juvenile Justice. The bill allows the local and state agencies to access such records electronically. Moreover, SB 168 expands those with access to the child abuse registry to include any federal, state, tribal or local governmental agency which is investigating a case of possible child abuse. SB 168 also permits licensed foster care child placing agencies in Georgia, and an entity licensed by any other state which places children for adoption, to have access to the child abuse registry solely for the purpose of conducting background checks on foster and adoptive parents.

SB 169 Specialty License Plate; honoring law enforcement; establish

By: Sen. Greg Kirk (13th)

Through the Motor Vehicles Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 169 creates a special license plate honoring Georgia law enforcement officers, with the phrase "back the badge" to be displayed across the bottom. The funds raised by the sale of this special license plate shall be disbursed to the Peace Officers' Annuity and Benefit Fund.

SB 173 Captive Insurance Companies; provisions; extensively revise

By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Through the Insurance Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 173 extensively revises provisions relating to captive insurance companies (CICs) and updates several definitions within this Code section.

"Affiliate" means any person in the same corporate system as a parent, an industrial insured, or a member organization by virtue of common ownership, control, operation, or management. "Agency captive insurance company" means any domestic insurance company granted a certificate of authority pursuant to this chapter. "Controlled unaffiliated business" is defined as any person who: is not in the corporate system of a parent and its affiliated companies; has an existing contractual relationship with a parent or one of its affiliated companies; or any person whose risks are managed by a pure captive insurance company in accordance with this chapter. "Formation documents" are articles of incorporation, if the CIC is a stock insurer or a mutual insurer, or articles of organization, if the CIC is a limited-liability company. "Mutual insurer" means an incorporated insurer without
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capital stock or shares that is governed by its policyholders. The definition for "parent" is redefined as an entity which directory or indirectly owns, controls, or holds with power to vote more than 50 percent of the total outstanding voting securities of a pure CIC organized as a stock corporation or as a limited-liability company. Finally, "stock insurer" means an incorporated insurer with capital divided into shares and owned by its shareholders.
An agency CIC may only reinsure the risk of insurance or annuity contracts placed by or through the agency, brokerage, managing general agent, or reinsurance intermediary by which it is owned or controlled, or the contractual liability arising out of service contracts or warranties sold through a marketer, producer, administrator, issuer, or provider of service contracts or warranties by which it is owned or controlled. They may do this with prior written approval from the commissioner of the Department of Insurance.
A pure CIC may be organized as a manager-managed, limited-liability company (LLC). It may be incorporated as a stock insurer or a mutual insurer. CICs formed as corporations pursuant to this chapter are subject to the provisions of Chapter 2 of Title 13. The commissioner also has the authority to establish regulations regarding the formation, organization, operations, merger, and dissolution of CICs. In the event of any conflict between statutes and regulations, the provisions of this chapter or regulations prevail. CICs are exempt from publishing, and probate court certification requirements set forth in Title 14 or within this title. The provisions of Chapter 14 of this title shall not apply to CICs except as specifically set forth within this title or by the commissioner.
The articles of incorporation of a CIC must be signed by the incorporator and must have the name, the number of shares the CIC is authorized to issue, contact information for the initial registered office and the initial registered agent, as well as contact information for directors; the same requirement applies for the articles of organization of a CIC. In addition to formation documents, the company must submit a $100 fee.
All corporate powers and privileges of CICs shall be issued by the Secretary of State (SOS) and are subject to the laws and Constitution of Georgia. In the event that the SOS is unable to grant powers, the duties shall be performed by the commissioner. When formation documents have been received by the SOS, the CIC shall be issued a certificate of incorporation or organization; however, it shall not transact business as an insurer until the receipt of such certificate.
CICs may amend their formation documents, if they are an LLC, for a fee of $50. The commissioner shall examine the proposed amendments and determine if they are in compliance with applicable insurance laws and will transmit the documents to the SOS. A CIC may merge with one or more business entities if it is a corporation or an LLC, but it shall submit all required merger documents to the commissioner, who shall examine and transmit those documents to the SOS. A CIC may convert to a manager-managed, LLC for a fee of $100. A CIC may dissolve if it is an LLC.
A CIC shall not use a name that is similar, misleading, or confusing with respect to any other name that is in use by another CIC. The commissioner shall not approve formation documents of a CIC with such a name.
Risk retention group CICs shall only be subject to relevant taxes on direct premiums collected for coverage within the State of Georgia.

SB 174 Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform; reform for individuals supervised under accountability courts; provide
By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 174 is a part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform package. This bill provides that the Council of Accountability Court Judges shall create and manage a certification of peer review process to ensure that veteran court divisions are adhering to the standards and practices of the council and to the same policies, procedures, and standards of other accountability courts. Moreover, SB 174 allows the Board of Community Supervision to provide educational programs for probationers and that it must create a Program and Treatment Completion Certificate that may be given to those probationers who successfully complete the program. The bill also grants the ability for judges to require payments of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of probation, which can be waived if the court finds significant hardship. Finally, judges are granted the ability to provide that conditions of probation be imposed when a defendant is serving a split sentence.

SB 175 Juvenile Code; juvenile court proceedings; enact reforms By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Juvenile Justice Committee Final Bill Summary: SB 175 is part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform Package and empowers juvenile
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court judges to issue an order restraining or otherwise controlling the conduct of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian in any proceeding involving a delinquent child or a child in need of services. When issuing such an order, the court shall consider many factors, such as: the best interest of the child; the risk to public safety the child poses; evidence of a repeated pattern of conduct; the extent to which enhanced involvement and supervision of the child decreases the risk to public safety; and any other action the court finds reasonably related to the child's treatment, rehabilitation, or the safety of the public. Civil contempt of court is the manner in which the court compels the actions of said parent, guardian, or legal custodian. Moreover, SB 175 broadens and clarifies the Code regarding what options the court has to place a child who has been found incompetent but has committed a crime, in the least restrictive setting while balancing public safety concerns. When a child has been found to be un-restoratively incompetent, the length of detention cannot exceed the period of time than is allowed if the case had been disposed of in court.

SB 176 Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform; driving privileges; enact reforms
By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 176 is a part of the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform package. When an individual is apprehended by an officer for non-serious traffic violations, in lieu of being incarcerated, ordered to post a bond, or ordered for an appearance for trial, the individual may display his or her license and be issued a traffic citation. Upon the display of the license, the apprehending officer shall release the individual for further appearance before the proper judicial officer. When a uniform traffic citation is issued and the accused fails to appear before the court, before a bench warrant is issued, the clerk of court shall notify the individual with a post card allowing for 30 days to clear the matter. If the accused again fails to dispose of the matter, the clerk of court will forward the accused's license number to the Department of Driver Services to suspend the license.

SB 180 Hospital Care for the Indigent; additional reporting requirement for rural hospitals; provide

By: Sen. Dean Burke (11th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 180 amends 31-8-9.1, relating to tax credits for donations to rural hospitals, by requiring the report submitted by the rural hospital organization to the Department of Revenue to show all contributions received from individual and corporate donors and the manner in which those funds were utilized, as well as any payments made to a third party to solicit, administer, or manage the donations, which the bill limits to no more than three percent of the amount donated. Also, the definition of "rural county" is revised by raising the population limit from 35,000 to 50,000. The bill increases the amount of the tax credit from 70 to 90 percent of the donation or $5,000 per year for individuals, $10,000 per year for married couples, and 75 percent of a corporation's income tax liability, whichever is less. This bill flattens the tax credit cap at $60 million for 2017, 2018, and 2019. Upon the rural hospital organization's confirmation of receipt of donations, a taxpayer who has been pre-approved to receive the income tax credit will receive the credit even if the rural hospital organization does not file the appropriate reports with the Department of Revenue.

SB 183 State Road and Tollway Authority; definition; powers of the authority; provide
By: Sen. Brandon Beach (21st) Through the Transportation Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 183 allows the State Road and Tollway Authority (SRTA) to enter into public-private partnerships and issue bonds to private developers who contract to work on a state-owned project. The bill also aligns the procurement method to mirror that of the Georgia Department of Transportation.

SB 186 Education; HOPE; students who earned high school diploma through dual coursework are eligible; associate degree; clarify By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Through the Higher Education Committee Final Bill Summary: SB 186 allows students who received a high school diploma through completion of a technical college diploma program or at least two technical college certificates of credit programs in one specific career pathway to be eligible for up to 30 degree hours of the HOPE Grant, if the student meets residency requirements. Currently, a student who receives a high school diploma through completion of a technical college diploma program or at least two technical college certificates of credit programs in one specific career pathway may not meet the prerequisite course requirements for an associate or bachelor degree. The HOPE Scholarship does not pay for prerequisite courses; therefore, SB 186 would allow students to use a HOPE Grant for those prerequisite courses.
This bill also includes 'The Caregiver Educational Consent Act', which authorizes a kinship caregiver to give legal consent for educational services, medical services relating to academic enrollment, and curricular and
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extracurricular participation. The bill provides the "Kinship Caregiver's Affidavit" form, as well as protects any person acting in good faith on executing a kinship caregiver's affidavit from civil liability, criminal prosecution, or professional disciplinary procedure.

SB 193 Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program; program mission and practice; revise By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Through the Health & Human Services Committee Final Bill Summary: This bill relates to the Positive Alternatives for Pregnancy and Parenting Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to develop a state-wide effort that promotes healthy pregnancies and childbirth by awarding grants to non-profit organizations that provide pregnancy support services. Nothing shall prohibit any direct client service provider from promoting or expending non-grant funds for a political or religious purpose when a grant agreement has been established with the Department of Public Health.
Also, this bill relates to prescription drug orders and control of venereal disease, respectively, to provide for an expedited partner therapy for patients with chlamydia or gonorrhea. "Expedited partner therapy" means the practice of prescribing or dispensing antibiotic drugs to the sexual partner or partners of a patient clinicallydiagnosed with chlamydia or gonorrhea without physical examination of such partner or partners.
Any licensed practitioner who, reasonably and in good faith, prescribes antibiotic drugs for expedited partner therapy shall not be subject to civil or criminal liability and shall not be deemed to have engaged in unprofessional conduct by such practitioner's licensing board.

SB 200 Insurance; synchronizing patients' chronic medications; provide

By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd)

Through the Insurance Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 200 allows pharmacists to synchronize prescriptions for patients to minimize consumer trips to the pharmacy.

SB 201 Labor and Industrial Relations; employees to use sick leave for the care of immediate family

members; allow

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Industry and Labor Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 201 provides that an employer with at least 25 employees that provides sick

leave shall allow an employee to use that leave for the care of an immediate family member. The provisions of

this bill expire on July 1, 2020.

SB 205 Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority; requirements for appointment of members of authority; change
By: Sen. Larry Walker III (20th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the requirements for appointment to the Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Authority.

SB 206 'Hearing Aid Coverage for Children Act'

By: Sen. P. K. Martin (9th)

Through the Insurance Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 206 mandates health insurance coverage for hearing aids for children. Businesses with 10 or less employees are exempt from this measure.

SB 211 Student Assessments; consideration of local reading programs; research based formative assessments; summative component; provide By: Sen. Lindsey Tippins (37th) Through the Education Committee
Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 211 amends Code Section 20-2-281 relating to research-based formative assessments for the first and second grades in mathematics and English-language arts/reading. This legislation amends the current Code by requiring such research-based assessments to provide real-time data; allow flexible grouping of students based on skills level; and measure study progress. This legislation also requires the State Board of Education to conduct a study comparing state content standards in grades nine through 12 to nationally
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recognized academic assessments such as SAT, ACT, and ACCUPLACER.
The legislation also amends the 'Move on When Ready Act' to ensure dual-enrollment students are not penalized by local school systems for taking on the challenge of collegiate coursework while still in high school. This legislation provides that no school system can exclude a dual-enrolled student from eligibility for class valedictorian or salutatorian; however, students who move into the school system after their sophomore year must take at least one course on site at their high school to be eligible for valedictorian or salutatorian.

SB 219 Motor Vehicles; definitions; operation of motor vehicles with automated driving systems on

certain public roads; provide

By: Sen. Steve Gooch (51st)

Through the Transportation Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 219 allows for autonomous vehicles to operate on the roads of this state without a human driver present. The vehicle is required to have the ability to obey all traffic laws and to be covered under liability coverage at the same limits as commercial indemnity and limousine carriers set in Georgia Code. The bill preempts any laws prohibiting automated driving systems and declares that automated motor vehicles, automated driving systems and any commercial use or operations are governed exclusively by this Code section.

SB 222 'Local Government 9-1-1 Authority Act'; Local Government 9-1-1 Authority; create By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Judiciary Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 222 establishes the "Local Government 9-1-1 Authority" and provides the Department of Revenue (DOR) with fee collection powers for a monthly "9-1-1 charge" to customers. This 9-1-1 charge is for costs associated with 9-1-1 services including operating the system. Unless exempt, telephone companies will collect 9-1-1 charges from customers and remit the monthly charges to DOR no later than the 20th day of the month following the month in which they are collected, along with a report identifying the amount of charges being collected from their customers attributable to the local government based on the customer's zip code.
The telephone company (service supplier) may retain, as an administrative fee, three percent of the 9-1-1 charge collected and remit the remaining 97 percent to the authority. The authority shall contract with DOR for the collection and disbursement of the 9-1-1 charges to each local government. DOR is entitled to retain an administrative fee equal to one percent of the gross 9-1-1 charges and shall remit another one percent to the authority for administrative operations and auditing. The remaining 95 percent shall be remitted to each local government on a pro rata basis based on the amounts attributable to each local government as reported by the service supplier. This shall occur no later than 20 days following the month in which such charges were collected. Each local government shall deposit and account for these funds in a separate restricted revenue fund known as the "Emergency Telephone System Fund".
The monthly 9-1-1 charge shall be a $1.50 per telephone service provided to the customer. The requirement that the 9-1-1 charges be listed as a separate line item on a customer's bill is removed, but the service supplier must keep the data in a format that is accessible by auditors. Telephone services include new and old forms of telephone services available such as postpaid wireless services, land lines, Voice Over Internet Provider accounts (VOIP), and prepaid services. The bill eliminates the service supplier's ability to charge local governments a cost recovery fee but allows the service suppliers to bill customers a cost recovery fee up to $0.45 per line.
All telephone service suppliers must register with the authority or face penalties. The authority shall coordinate the development and implementation of a state-wide emergency 9-1-1 system; contract with DOR or others to audit business records of any telephone service provider required to remit 9-1-1 charges to DOR; ensure proper collection and remittance of such charges; and impose penalties on violators. The authority shall also have the duties and responsibilities to: 1) apply for, receive, and use federal grants, state grants, or both; 2) study, evaluate, and recommend technology standards for state-wide services; 3) identify any changes necessary to accomplish more effective and efficient service across this state; 4) provide an enforcement mechanism for providers who do not collect and remit the 9-1-1 fees to the authority as required; 5) coordinate all planning and training for the 91-1 centers; and 6) provide an annual report which shall include proposed legislation, if any, to the governor and the General Assembly by December 1st of each year. The authority shall also promulgate by-laws and may adopt procedures. The authority may develop a 9-1-1 emblem to be utilized by public safety vehicles participating in a 9-1-1 system.
Control and management of the authority is vested in a board of directors, which shall consist of 17 members all from jurisdictions which operate a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAPs) and are appointed as follows: two by the speaker, two by the lieutenant governor, and the remainder by the governor. A "PSAP" is a public safety agency which receives incoming 9-1-1 telephone calls and dispatches appropriate public safety agencies to
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respond to such calls. Additionally, local governments shall become members of the authority upon their adoption of a resolution or ordinance to impose the monthly 9-1-1 charge. As of July 1, 2017, all local governments which operate or contract for the operation of a PSAP are required to be members of the authority.
The authority shall have the power and authority to: 1) have a seal; 2) make and execute agreements; 3) acquire real or personal property in furtherance of the public purpose of the authority, if the authority is not be required to pay taxes or assessments upon any real or personal property acquired or under its jurisdiction, control, possession, or supervision; 4) apply for and to accept any gifts, grants, loan guarantees, loans of funds, property, or financial or other aid in any form from the federal or state government, agency or instrumentality and the money received shall be deemed to be trust funds to be held and applied as approved by the board; 5) fix and collect fees and charges for data, media, and incidental services furnished by it to any individual or private entity; 6) deposit or otherwise invest funds held by it in any state depository or in any investment that is authorized for the investment of proceeds of state general obligation; 7) do all things necessary or convenient to carry out the powers, duties, and activities conferred; 8) bring and defend actions; 9) provide for the collection of funds; and other similar powers. The authority shall have no jurisdiction over the setting rates, terms, and conditions for telecommunications services. The board shall appoint an executive director to be head of the authority and establish the director's salary. The executive director, with the approval of the board, shall hire officers, agents, and employees, as well as prescribe their duties, responsibilities, qualifications, salaries, and perform such other duties as the authority prescribes.
Furthermore, the board is allowed to develop its own auditing service supplier schedule, which cannot allow for auditing more than once every three years. A service supplier may seek, by written request, approval from the authority as to a billing practice and the authority shall issue a written decision within 90 days of the receipt of the request. If the authority fails to issue its decision within the time period, then the billing practice shall be deemed approved.
All information submitted by a service supplier to the DOR or the authority shall be presumed to be confidential; however, members of the DOR or the authority may have access to this information for the purpose of determining the accuracy of collections and remittances related to the member's jurisdiction. General information may be released or published by the DOR or the authority if they do not identify or allow identification of numbers of subscribers or revenues attributable to an individual service supplier. These prohibitions shall not prohibit compliance with a court order, taxing or regulatory authority, law enforcement agency, or prosecuting attorney in conjunction with an investigation.
As of January 1, 2019, the authority will approve the creation of new PSAPs and ensure they conform to guidelines and procedures. SB 222 also requires public agencies to assist the authority in carrying out the authority's duties.
The authority is exempt from liability in the operation of a 9-1-1 system. Lastly, SB 222 preserves any pending legal action or for any action against a service supplier prior January 1, 2019.

SB 226 Alcoholic Beverages; regulations; provisions; annual production requirements for Georgia farm

wineries; change

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Regulated Industries Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 266 increases the amount of wine that a winery can receive in bulk from out of state from 20 to 40 percent of the winery's annual production.

SB 242 Advanced Practice Registered Nurses; delegating physician can enter into a protocol agreement at any one time for nurses; provide
By: Sen. Renee Unterman (45th) Through the Health & Human Services Committee
Final Bill Summary: SB 242 relates to advanced practice registered nurses. A delegating physician may not enter into a nurse protocol agreement with more than 10 advanced practice registered nurses at any one time, nor supervise more than four advanced practice registered nurses at any one time pursuant to nurse protocol agreements. The physician shall not be required to conduct any meetings, observations, or review of medical records if the advanced practice registered nurse practices at a location that: 1) maintains evidence-based clinical practice guidelines; 2) is accredited by an accrediting body, approved by the board, such as the Joint Commission or a nationally recognized accrediting organization with comparable standards; 3) requires the delegating physician to document and maintain a record of review of at least 10 percent of the advanced practice registered nurses' medical records to monitor quality of care being provided to patients, which may be conducted electronically or onsite; 4) requires the delegating physician and advanced practice registered nurse to participate
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in and maintain documentation of quarterly clinical collaboration meetings, either by telephone, in person, or onsite, for purposes of monitoring care being provided to patients; and 5) requires the delegating physician's name, contact information, and record of the visit to be provided to the patient's primary care provider of choice with the patient's consent within 24 hours of the visit.

SB 250 State Sexual Offender Registry; individual is convicted in another country; require registration

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

Final Bill Summary: SB 250 expands the group of individuals who are prohibited from loitering at any child care facility, school or where minors congregate to include those individuals who are registered, or have been convicted and failed to register, on another state's sexual offender registry.

SB 258 Eligibility and Qualifications for Office; ineligibility for office for holders of public money of

municipalities who refuse; pay over such funds to proper office; provide

By: Sen. Blake Tillery (19th)

Through the Governmental Affairs Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Bill 258 disqualifies municipal and school board officers from holding public funds

if they have refused or failed when called upon to pay to the proper officer.

SB 265 Forsyth County; compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner; provide

By: Sen. Michael Williams (27th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill provides for compensation of the coroner and deputy coroner of Forsyth County. It also provides an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and a salary supplement for the coroner. The coroner shall make $53,000 a year, while the deputy coroners shall only be compensated with investigation fees found in Code Section 45-16-27. The COLA shall be authorized by the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. That board may also authorize a salary supplement.

SB 267 Hapeville Water and Sewer Authority; repeal an Act creating

By: Sen. Nan Orrock (36th)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill repeals an act creating the Hapeville Water and Sewer Authority.

SB 271 City of Trenton; governing authority to levy an excise tax pursuant to subsection (b) of Code

Section 48-13-51 of the O.C.G.A; authorize

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill authorizes the city of Trenton to levy an excise tax.

SB 281 "Macon Water Authority Act"; power of the authority to contract with Macon-Bibb County and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority; extend
By: Sen. John Kennedy (18th) Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee
Final Bill Summary: This bill extends the power of the Macon Water Authority to contract with Macon-Bibb County and the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority to acquire, construct, and develop industrial sites and facilities.

SB 284 City of Trenton in Dade County; position of city clerk from an elective to an appointive position;

change

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill changes the position of city clerk to an appointed position.

SB 292 Board of Commissioners of Walker County; create

By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (53rd)

Through the Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

Final Bill Summary: This bill creates the Walker County Board of Commissioners.

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SR 95

Sales and Use Tax; net proceeds; educational purposes; county school system; independent school

systems; provide for distribution-CA

By: Sen. Ellis Black (8th)

Through the Ways & Means Committee

Final Bill Summary: SR 95 amends the constitution to allow for a special education sales and use tax

referendum to be called by a county school district or independent school district or districts having a majority of

the students enrolled within the county. The proceeds of the tax are to be split between the districts based either

on an agreement made between the districts or on a ratio of enrollment.

SR 130 Joint Transparency and Open Access in Government Study Committee; create

By: Sen. Chuck Hufstetler (52nd)

Through the Special Rules Committee

Final Bill Summary: This resolution creates the Joint Transparency and Open Access in Government Study Committee to examine ways to appropriately, efficiently, and securely share data between and within state agencies to allow for quicker, more impactful cross-agency analysis that allows policymakers to expedite informed decisions.

The committee shall be composed of 15 members. The president of the Senate shall appoint four members of the Senate and designate one of the members as co-chair. In addition, the president of the Senate shall appoint three persons from private industry as follows: one member with expertise in health information technology; one member with expertise in data security or a related technology field; and one member from a stakeholder's group with expertise in the delivery of healthcare or other service provider utilizing public data in Georgia. The speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint four members using the same parameters. The governor shall appoint an additional member of the committee.

SR 152 Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers in Georgia; create

By: Sen. Frank Ginn (47th)

Through the Natural Resources & Environment Committee

Final Bill Summary: HR 362 creates the Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers for the purpose of reviewing the existing data and current practices relating to stream buffers.

The committee is composed of 17 members: five members of the House, with the chairperson of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee serving as co-chair; five members of the Senate, with the chairperson of the Senate Natural Resources and the Environment Committee serving as the co-chair; the director of the Environmental Protection Division; three members of the private sector with experience in water resources appointed by the speaker of the House, and three members appointed by the president of the Senate. The committee is authorized to meet up to five days.

SR 204 Kyle Gilbert Memorial Highway; Gwinnett County; dedicate

By: Sen. Butch Miller (49th)

Through the Transportation Committee

Final Bill Summary: Senate Resolution 204 contains the following road dedications: SR 204 dedicates the portion of State Route 20 from I-985 to State Route 13 in Gwinnett County as the Kyle Gilbert Memorial Highway.

SR 299 dedicates the portion of State Route 129 from Cascade Road to State Route 14 (Whitehall Street) in Fulton County as the Julian Bond Memorial Highway.

SR 298 dedicates the portion of the State Route 3 Connector from State Route 3/Northside/Metropolitan to State Route 14/154 Peters Street in Fulton County as the Samuel L. and LaTanya Jackson Highway.

SR 240 dedicates the bridge on SR 2/US 76 located near Clayton Mountain Road running from Rabun County into Towns County as the Berrong Bridge.

SR 243 dedicates the portion of Lee Street from the West End Mall to the entrance of Fort McPherson in Fulton County as the Tyler Perry Highway.

HR 236 dedicates the bypass in the City of Royston (SR 17/BU/Hart to SR 17/BU/Franklin) in Franklin and Hart Counties as the Tyrus Raymond "Ty" Cobb Parkway.

HR 237 dedicates the portion of State Highway 17 from the southern city limit of Canon to the northern city limit
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of Canon in Franklin County as the Deputy Cruz Thomas Memorial Highway.
HR 465 dedicates the intersection of State Route 4/US 1 South at South Point Mall and the Waycross Market Place entrances in Ware County as the Lynn Taylor Crossing. HR 466 dedicates the portion of State Route Spur (E. 10th Street) from SR 25/US 17 to Cypress Drive in Camden County as the Annie Lou Glover Boulevard.
HR 467 dedicates the bridge over Whitewater Creek, southwest of the City of Butler on SR 137 in Taylor County, as the E. A. Welch, Jr., Memorial Bridge.
HR 485 dedicates the portion of US Highway 84 Bypass from Thomas County Central High School to Thomas County Middle School in Thomas County as the Frank "Poppa D." Delaney, Jr., Parkway.
HR 512 dedicates the portion of Highway 15 from the Hancock County line to the Appling County line through Washington, Johnson, Treutlen, Montgomery, and Toombs counties as the Traditions Highway.
HR 526 dedicates the portion of Highway 272 from Highway 24 (Fall Line Freeway) to Highway 68 in Washington County as the Gordy Memorial Highway.
HR 609 dedicates the bridge on Highway 72 over the Broad River at the Elbert/Madison County line as the William A. Kelly Memorial Bridge.
HR 628 dedicates the intersection of the U.S. 441 Bypass and Claxton Dairy Road in Laurens County as the Dr. O.B. Johnson, Jr., Major, U.S. Army Memorial Intersection.
HR 635 dedicates the portion of U.S. Highway 1 beginning at the Georgia and South Carolina state line in Richmond County through Jefferson, Emanuel, Toombs, Appling, Bacon, and Ware counties to the Florida state line in Charlton County as the Georgia Grown Trail: 1 (U.S. Highway 1).
HR 685 dedicates the portion of Georgia Highway 19/41 from Montpelier Road to Shi Road in Monroe County as the James "Jim" V. Ham Memorial Highway.
HR 463 dedicates the intersection of Highway 15A and Highway 335 in Jackson County as the Annie Mae Maddox Memorial Intersection.
HR 659 dedicates the portion of Highway 25 between Lumpkin Road and I-520 in Richmond County as the Bernard F. Miles Memorial Highway.

SR 224 Joint Study Committee on Storm-Water Management Fees; create

By: Sen. Frank Ginn (47th)

Through the Natural Resources & Environment Committee

Final Bill Summary: SR 224 creates the Joint Study Committee on Storm-Water Management Fees for the purpose of reviewing existing data and current practices relating to the imposition of storm-water collection and disposal fees onto private property owners.

The committee is comprised of 12 members: two members of the Senate, including the chairperson of the Natural Resources and the Environment Committee, who shall serve as co-chair; two members of the House, including the chairperson of the Natural Resources and Environment Committee, who shall serve as co-chair; two members with experience in local government appointed by the president of the Senate; two members with experience in local government appointed by the speaker of the House; two members from the private sector who own property subject to storm-water management fees appointed by the president of the Senate; and two members from the private sector who own property subject to storm-water management fees appointed by the speaker of the House.

SR 228 Property Conveyance; authorize 18 counties

By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Through the State Properties Committee

Final Bill Summary: SR 228 is a conveyance resolution for properties located in 18 counties, conveying property owned by the State of Georgia or amending those conveyances, as follows:

Article 1 conveys approximately 1,966 acres in Baldwin County at the Central State Hospital campus, which is under the custodies of the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and the Georgia Department of Corrections, to the Central State Hospital Local Redevelopment Authority for a

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consideration of $10 in accordance with that valuation of buildings and real property conducted by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities and State Properties Commission staff.
Article 2 conveys approximately 10.6 acres in Baldwin County (known as the Oconee District Office) under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or State entity for fair market value; or to a local government or State entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 3, to settle all disputes of ownership, conveys approximately 174 diked-acres of marsh island in Camden County (known as Raccoon Key) to Mapache, LLC in exchange for a quitclaim deed from Mapache of approximately 1,546 acres of marshlands. Mapache will seek a mitigation bank permit on the 174 acres and 15 percent of each credit release will go the state (1/3 of those credits available after 10 years). The state will also receive immediate use stipulations on approximately 105 acres and conveyance back to the state of 69 acres if a mitigation bank is not approved.
Article 4, to settle all disputes of ownership of the property in Chatham County and all present and former littoral, wharfing, and other rights, interests, and privileges in and to the property and adjoining tidally-influenced water bottoms and tidal waters, conveys to MMA/PSP Savannah River, LLC 57.76 acres of marshlands and tidallyinfluenced water bottoms for the consideration of fair market value or exchange of real property or a combination thereof including a strip of land measuring not less than three feet in width adjoining the sheetpile bulkhead.
Article 5 conveys approximately 16.14 acres in Clinch County, previously known as the Homerville State Prison (under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections) by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 6 conveys approximately 16.14 acres in Coffee County (previously known as the Homerville State Prison) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Corrections, by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 7 conveys approximately 20.72 acres in Crawford County (described as the former Crawford County Center of the Central Georgia Technical College) under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government of state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use with terms of a lease back to TCSG of 3,200 square feet of the 20,000 sq. ft. building for $10 per year to continue operating at the location.
Article 8 conveys approximately 5.03 surplus acres in Dougherty County (formerly the Department of Juvenile Justice's Albany Regional Youth Detention Center) to the Board of Regents of the University System for $10 with reversion to the state if the board discontinues its use; or by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 for public purpose use.
Article 9 conveys and releases the public purpose use restriction and reversionary interest over approximately 3.56 acres in Fannin County (of the former Blue Ridge State Farmer's Market) conveyed to the City of Blue Ridge on November 29, 2007, for the consideration of $14,000.
Article 10 conveys approximately two acres (an office and warehouse) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, to Gordon County for $10 so long as the property is used for public use, or by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government of state entity for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 11 conveys to the Georgia Department of Transportation approximately 0.253 of an acre in Hall County (a portion of the 3.07 acres State Patrol Post 6) for $22,072 fee simple, $15,000 for site improvements, and $103,345 for cost-to-cure to replace the septic system and water vault; or by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 for public purpose use.
Article 12 conveys approximately 84.74 acres in Houston County (known as the Robins Air Force Base Buffer Project) to the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority as a buffer and to protect it from any Base Realignment and Closure Commission citations for Robins Air Force Base for fair market value or exchange of real property or a combination thereof.
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Article 13 conveys approximately 0.453 of an acre in Lincoln County (commonly known as the Lincoln County Unit) under the custody of the Georgia Forestry Commission by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 14 conveys approximately 14.7 acres in Muscogee County (formerly known as the Columbus Farmers Market) under the custody of the Georgia Department of Agriculture by competitive bid for fair market value; or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public purpose; or to a local government or state entity for the payment of fair market value or exchange of real property, or a combination thereof.
Article 15, after the reversion of approximately 4.67 acres (formerly known as the Donalsonville Farmers Market) from Seminole County to the custody of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, conveys the property to the City of Donalsonville for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use, or by competitive bid for fair market value, or to a local government of state entity for fair market value, or to a local government or state entity for a consideration of $10 so long as the property is used for public use.
Article 16 conveys approximately 4.6 acres in Tattnall County (commonly known as the former Tattnall Institute Building and the Allied Health Building and parking area at Southeastern Technical College-Glennville Campus) under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia to the Tattnall County Industrial Development Authority for a consideration of $10 and the economic benefit to the state as defined by the Department of Economic Development.
Article 17 leases to Washington County approximately 3,000 square feet under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia as a 9-1-1 call center for $10 per year for 20 years and payment of its prorated share of expenses for utilities and maintenance of the approximately 16,875 square foot building located on approximately 45.6 acres, which was recently conveyed by the county to the state as the Oconee Fall Line Technical College in Sandersville.
Article 18 conveys by quitclaim deed approximately 15 acres in Worth County to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for $10 for title clearing purposes, as the same property was transferred for use to the board by an Executive Order on December 12, 1966 from the custody of the Department of Natural Resources.
Article 19 leases the approximately 137.33 miles and accompanying rail corridor (of approximately 66 feet in width and 23 feet in height as improved with railroad tracks, with appurtenances, depots, sheds, buildings, bridges, sidings and spurs) known as the Western and Atlantic Railroad found in Bartow, Catoosa, Cobb, Fulton, Gordon, and Whitfield Counties in Georgia and Hamilton County in Tennessee, as described in the amended lease dated January 1, 1986 and as inventoried in the State Properties Commission records as Real Property Record 07352. A new lease to CSXT, Inc. will commence January 1, 2020 for a term of 50 years for a consideration of fair market value base rent of $12,100,000 at commencement and escalating at 2.5 percent compounded annually, provided that the base rent may be adjusted during the first year of the lease in order to account for expenses of the State Properties Commission related to lease negotiations, and 50 percent of the revenue generated from existing or new CSXT agreements, sub-leases, easements, of licenses on the leased property. The lease may not preclude the state from an authorized usage of the rail.

SR 229 Public Property; granting of non-exclusive easements for the construction, operation, and

maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads; authorize 10 counties

By: Sen. Burt Jones (25th)

Through the State Properties Committee

Final Bill Summary: SR 229 authorizes the granting of non-exclusive easements for the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities, utilities, roads, and ingress and egress in, on, over, under, upon, across, or through property owned by the State of Georgia in the counties of Baldwin, Bleckley, Chatham, Cherokee, Douglas, Effingham, Evans, Fulton, Glynn, Hall, Henry, Laurens, Madison, Rockdale, Upson, Walton, and White, as follows:

Article 1 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.10 of an acre at the Baldwin State Prison in Baldwin County under the custody of the Department of Corrections for the construction, operation and maintenance of a transmission line and associated equipment in Land Lots 243 and 244, 5th Land District, 318th G.M. District, for fair market value, but not less than $650.

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Article 2 grants an easement to Bleckley County or its successors and assigns over approximately 1.86 acres under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources to widen, pave and maintain County Road 128 (Roy Bryant Road) in Land Lot 57, 1811th G.M. District, for $10. Article 3 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.02 of an acre at the Coastal State Prison in Chatham County under the custody of the Department of Corrections for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a power line and associated equipment to serve a new welding shop at Coastal State Prison in the 8th G.M. District for $10.
Article 4 grants an easement to the Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.001 of an acre in Cherokee County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of a gas regulator station and associated equipment to serve the Woodstock campus of Chattahoochee Technical College in Land Lot 10022, 15th District, 2nd Section, for $10.
Article 5 grants an easement to the Greystone Power Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.05 of an acre in Douglas County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the park manager's residence at Sweetwater Creek State Park in Land Lot 886, 18th Land District, 2nd Section for $10.
Article 6 grants an easement to Georgia Pacific Consumer Products, LP or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.52 of an acre of marshlands in Effingham County (commonly known as the Georgia Pacific Savannah River Mill Maintenance dredging area) under the regulation by the Department of Natural Resources pursuant to the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act, O.C.G.A. 12-5-280, et seq., and the governor's powers to regulate public property, O.C.G.A. 50-16-61, for the purpose of expanding the dredging area by 0.52 of an acre for $650.
Article 7 grants an easement to the Canoochee Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.05 of an acre in Evans County in the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical lines and associated equipment to serve a new picnic pavilion at the Evans County Public Fishing Area in the 401st G.M. District for $10.
Article 8 grants an easement to the City of Atlanta or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.0671 of an acre of a portion of the Western and Atlantic Railroad in Fulton County under the custody of the State Properties Commission for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of a sub-surface deep drinking water tunnel and associated equipment in Land Lot 189 of the 17th District for fair market value in the amount of $1,403.
Article 9 grants an easement to the Atlanta Gas Light Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.226 of an acre at the Coastal Pines Technical College in Glynn County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of underground gas distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Golden Isles campus for construction project TCSG-247 in the 26th GM District, for $10.
Article 10 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately one acre at the Coastal Pines Technical College in Glynn County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Golden Isles campus for construction project TCSG-247 in the 26th GM District, for $10.
Article 11 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 6.73 acres at the Lanier Technical College in Hall County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Hall County campus for construction project TCSG-327 in the 411th GM District, for $10.
Article 12 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 6.73 acres at the Lanier Technical College in Hall County under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of electrical distribution lines and associated equipment to serve the Hall County campus for construction project TCSG-327 in the 411th GM District, for $10.
Article 13 grants an easement to the Snapping Shoals Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 3.14 acres at the Henry County Campus of Southern Crescent Technical College under the custody of the Technical College System of Georgia for the installation, operation and maintenance of
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electrical transmission lines and associated equipment to serve the Industrial Training and Technology Building at the Henry County campus of Southern Crescent Technical College for construction project TCSG-317 in Land Lot 136, 7th District, for $10.
Article 14 grants an easement to the City of Dublin or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.16 of an acre of temporary easement and 0.010 of an acre of permanent easement in Laurens County under the custody of the Georgia Department of Defense for the replacement, operation and maintenance of sewer lines and associated equipment to serve the Dublin Readiness Center in Land Lot 233 of the 1st Land District for $10.
Article 15 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 2.0 acres at the Watson Mill Bridge State Park and surrounding areas in Madison County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of electrical distribution lines power line and associated equipment to serve the Watson Mill Bridge State Park and surrounding areas in the 203rd G.M. District for $10 and the conveyance of any interest that Georgia Power may have in their existing 8.0 acre easement.
Article 16 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.0007 of an acre at the Conyers Region 10, Investigative Office in Rockdale County under the custody of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new office modular unit in the 237 Land Lot of the 16th GM District, for $10.
Article 17 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately one acre in Upson County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of overhead and underground power lines and associated equipment at Sprewell Bluff Wildlife Management Area in Land Lot 206 of the 15th Land District for fair market value, but not less than $650.
Article 18 grants an easement to the Walton Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.08 of an acre in Walton County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground electrical transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new Wildlife Resources Division's maintenance building at the Walton Fish Hatchery in Land Lot 74, 1st District for $10.
Article 19 grants an easement to Habersham Electrical Membership Corporation or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.3 of an acre at the Hardman Farm Historic Site in White County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground distribution lines and associated equipment to serve a new entrance sign at the Hardman Farm Historic Site in Land Lots 56 and 73, 3rd Land District for $10.
Article 20 grants an easement to the Georgia Power Company or its successors and assigns over approximately 0.25 of an acre at Unicoi State Park in White County under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources for the construction, installation, operation and maintenance of underground transmission lines and associated equipment to serve a new archery range restroom building at Unicoi State Park in Land Lot 6, of the 3rd Land District for $10.

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