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GEORGIA HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
ROOM 505, LOB 30334
404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
Daily Report Number 06
January 26, 2004
Day six of the 2004 session moved quickly as House lawmakers dispensed with three items in short order. First on today's docket was HB 363 which passed by a vote of 171-0. The measure tightened-up language in previously passed legislation requiring textbook publishing companies to provide electronic versions of their products in Georgia. The new version would require textbook makers to provide complete and accurate electronic versions of all textbooks recommended by the State Board of Education after July 1, 2004. These electronic textbooks would then be made available to local school boards, who in turn could pass them on to local schools and students. The bill explicitly states that local and state school boards should not violate any of the copyright or intellectual property rights of the textbook's authors. Finally, HB 363 would give local school boards the decision on whether to bear the cost for the electronic text, or pass it along to the parent or student.
The second item on today's calendar dealt with solicitors who contract to raise money for charitable organizations. HB 472 amends the Georgia Charitable Solicitations Act of 1988 by changing requirements for persons wishing to operate as solicitor agents for organizations. These solicitor agents would be required to submit fingerprints for criminal background checks. Also, the Secretary of State's office would be given the authority to deny a solicitor's application based on a "bad business reputation."
Any agency providing contract solicitor services to raise funds would be required to submit scripts used by its solicitor agents under HB 472. Furthermore, companies who provide solicitor agent services would be held responsible for the actions of the agents they use.
Enforcement of these standards would be entrusted to the Secretary of State's office, and HB 472 provides a number of enhanced enforcement provisions. The measure sets out uniform investigative procedures which track with protocol for securities investigations. It also includes language intended to enhance multi-state investigation procedures, and makes the records of charitable organizations accessible to state investigators.
Finally, the bill stiffens penalties for violations of the new law. False or misleading statements or omissions in applications for solicitor agencies are prohibited by penalty. HB 472 also eliminates the cap on civil penalties assessed for violating the law.
House lawmakers realize the valuable public service provided by many of these companies, which can be skilled in raising large amounts of money for important charities. They also acknowledge the unfortunate reality that a few unscrupulous companies exist which would prey on the good nature of Georgia's citizens, while leaving charitable organizations with a very small percentage of the funds collected. Members voted 162-8 to pass HB 472. It now goes to the Senate.
The third and final bill brought before House legislators was HB 987 dealing with the Macon Water Authority's retirement pension plan. The bill, which was mainly a local matter, adjusted the benefits multiplier scale for retirees, allowed persons with five years of service to be vested in the system, and implemented a cost of living increase for Macon Water Authority retirees. The bill did not require any state funding, and had the necessary support of the local legislative delegation. It therefore passed by a vote of 172-0.
Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office
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