 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||||||
HOUSE INFORMATION
OFFICE
ROOM 505, LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30334
404-656-5082 1-800-282-5800
Weekly Wrap-up #9
Back to PIO
The House reconvened Monday, March 15th at 10:00 am for the 32nd day of the 2004 Session. Tuesday, March 16th and Thursday, March 18th the House was in recess to work on the 2004 amended budget and allow the Senate to begin work on the 2005 budget that begins July 1st. The House will reconvene Monday, March 22nd at 10:00 am for the 35th day of the session.
33rd Day - Wednesday, March 17th was the 33rd day of the 40 day regular session of the General Assembly. Bills must have passed at least one chamber by this day or they are effectively dead for the year. The only exception is if they are amended to a bill with the same subject matter. The House worked past 11:00 pm and passed over 60 bills and resolutions on Wednesday.
Redistricting - Three federal judges issued new district lines Monday
after a March 1st deadline set by the court was not met by the General
Assembly to draw an acceptable map. The new plan places several House
members in districts with another current House member.
State Budget - HB 1181 was adopted on Monday 106-65. This is the state's $16.2 billion spending plan that will begin July 1st of this year and run through June 30th of 2005. The document mostly restores cuts the Governor had proposed. Some big ticket items include $278 million that was restored to the K-12 school-funding formula and $116.4 million for books and student fees in the HOPE Scholarship program.
The budget also contains: $4.9 million in to DCH (Department of Community Health) to restore Medicaid coverage for those with incomes over 185 percent of the federal poverty level up to 200 percent which will cover an additional 15,000 women and children; $9.5 million to DCH for ambulatory surgical services; $5.8 million to the Department of Education for vocational lab supervisors; $5.6 million to DCH to continue adult dental coverage in Medicaid; $4 million to the Department of Transportation for operational funding of the Atlanta-Lovejoy passenger rail line; $3.2 million to DCH for Medicaid coverage of orthotics and prosthetics; $1.5 million to DCH for the Katie Beckett waiver program; $793,005 to the parole board to maintain special pay supplements to parole officers in the metro Atlanta area; $700,000 to the Secretary of State for voter education training; $654,105 for additional slots in the "Unlock the Waiting List" developmental disability program; $575,000 for the GBI's Cleveland regional crime lab; and $215,000 to the University of Georgia for the Georgia Rural Water Association.
To go to the House Appropriations Committee click here
To go to the Legislative Budget Office click here
Hope Scholarship - HB 1325, which was adopted on Monday 168-1, tweaks the HOPE Scholarship Program to make sure it remains solvent well into the future. These changes in HOPE are being considered because projections indicate that the program, which is funded by the lottery, will begin dipping into reserves in a few years. The number of HOPE scholars and the cost of tuition, fees and books are expected to rise faster than lottery revenues. Enter HB 1325, which in 2007, would make a minimum 3.0 grade-point average a requirement for the scholarship, a tougher standard for highschool seniors than what is currently allowed to determine a qualifying B average or better. It also says the Student Finance Commission would check the grades of HOPE college students earlier, to make sure they kept the necessary grade point average. HB 1325 would also would cap book and fee payments at current levels starting this year but allow the state to use a trigger system to trim book payments to HOPE scholars if there is a decline in the program's year-end balance. However, those students from lower-income families who receive the federal Pell Grant would continue to receive $300 book allowance, regardless of the year-end balance.
K-12 Education - HB 1190, which passed on Wednesday 175-2, provides for more flexibility and accountability in K-12 education. The measure was amended several times and contains portions of the Governor's legislative agenda. Under the bill, a requirement that third-graders pass the state's reading test to get promoted to the fourth grade would be delayed for one year so students can receive the proper support and preparation to succeed. Georgia's third graders were scheduled to take the gateway exam but there was a glitch in the development that led the Department of Education to scrap the tests last year. If the bill is adopted, local school districts would see more control over state funding and be able to delay costly class-size reductions in grades four through 12. Another provision of the measure does away with the letter grades used to grade schools based on their test scores. Among the approved amendments to HB 1190 was a provision to authorize a 10 percent pay bump for nationally certified school psychologists, and an exemption for successful charter schools from state regulations and reporting requirements.
Child Endangerment - SB 467, which is a part of the Governor's legislative package and a major initiative championed by Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, passed on Friday 161-1. The legislation would make parents criminally accountable for negligent behavior that endangers their children. If convicted, they would face a felony crime of child endangerment with a prison sentence of one to 20 years. An example of negligent behavior would be if a child died from heat exhaustion after being left in a parked car, or if they were seriously hurt after being left at home for a weekend unattended. Another provision makes it a felony for someone to manufacture or possess methamphetamine in the presence of children, subject to up to a 15 year prison term for each act. There already is a felony charge of child cruelty, but many cases get dropped because that crime requires prosecutors to prove malice or intent. Georgia is the only state in the nation without a law on child endangerment.
Indigent Defense Funding - HB 869, which will help the state fund a new indigent defense system, was adopted on Monday 160-4. The measure increases the filing fees charged for lawsuits by $15 and raises the fines paid by criminal defendants by 7.5 percent. It also calls for an additional 10 percent on the bonds issued to those charged so they can remain free until their trial. Another provision requires defendants to pay $50 application fee to be represented by an attorney without additional charge, however the court can make exceptions for financial hardships. The new system is expected to cost $44 million. HB 770, which was passed during the 2003 session, set up the new indigent defense system. When it becomes operational next year, there will be public defender offices in each of the state's 49 judicial circuits. The Supreme Court Commission on Indigent Defense ruled last year that the current system of representing the poor does not provide equal representation under the law. More than 80 percent of the state's indigent defense system is now funded by the counties.
Georgia Public Defender Standards Council - HB 1318 passed on Monday 161-3 and creates a legislative oversight mechanism for the Indigent Defense Standards Council and prohibits prosecutors from being on the committee that chooses the head of the circuit public defender's offices.
Deer-dog hunting - HB 1558 passed Wednesday 112-47 and will allow hunting deer with dogs on at least 320 acres of land a few times per year. A bill approved during the 2003 session limited the sport to properties of at least 1,000 acres. HB 1558 allows property owners who own at least 320 contiguous acres, which is around a half-square mile, to purchase four permits a year for two-day deer-dog hunts. A permit would cost $10. Another provision of the says that hunting clubs that lease land for deer-dog hunts must have at least 1,000 acres under their control under the proposed legislation.
Medicaid - HB 1704 was approved Wednesday 161-10 prohibits the Department of Community Health from mandating medicaid recipients to join HMO and stalls any attempts DCH has to convert Medicaid to a managed care or HMO type plan.
Sales Tax Holiday - HB 1184 was approved Wednesday 160-5. School supplies, computers, clothing and other items would be exempt on July 29-August 1 of this year, under the bill. It is estimated to cost the $10 million in estimated lost revenue. The first sales tax holiday in Georgia began in 2002.
Living Wage Laws - On Wednesday HB 1258 was passed 111-57. The bill
prohibits living wage ordinances which are ordinances that require all
companies doing business with city or county governments to pay their
employees a specific salary and provide them certain benefits.
Curbing Domestic Violence - The House approved HB 1259 on Wednesday 132-0.
Under the measure, repeat offenders convicted of domestic violence would
get their pictures in the newspaper after their third conviction. Paying
for the publication would fall to convicted offenders.
Child Safety - HB 1035 was adopted on Wednesday 130-39 and gives authorities the rights to impose a fine of $15 on parents and care givers who leave children 6 or younger unattended in a car.
Marriage Counseling - Monday saw the passage of HB 1451, 149-17. Under the legislation, couples would get a $40 discount on their marriage license if they have pre-marital counseling from a licensed therapist, psychologist or clergy member. It currently cost $50 to get a marriage license in Georgia.
Curriculum - HB 1406 passed on Monday 97-67 and requires that future changes of the core curriculum of elementary and secondary education closely conform to generally accepted teaching guidelines.
Annoying e-mails - HB 1424 was approved on Wednesday 162-0 and makes it illegal to send unsolicited bulk e-mails.
Outsourcing - HB 1281 passed on Wednesday 135-22 and would prohibit state agencies from outsourcing call centers overseas.
Film Industry Tax Credits - HB 1775 passed on Wednesday 172-2 and will give the film and music video industry a 15 percent tax credit on filming expenses.
High School Sports - HB 1626 was approved 168-0 on Wednesday and will require high school athletes to fill out a health questionnaire before playing sports for their school.
To view legislation click here
Other Legislation Passed this Week
Monday, March 15th - 32nd Day of the Session
HB 539, A bill to amend Code Section 33-28-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to standard nonforfeiture provisions for individual deferred annuities, so as to provide for a minimum nonforfeiture rate of 1 1/2 percent on individual deferred annuities; to provide for a sunset to such provision; passed 162-0.
HB 560, A bill to amend Code Section 40-3-20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to applications for certificates of title for motor vehicles, so as to require proof of the payment of the sales and use tax as a precondition to titling certain motor vehicles; to provide for the collection of the tax; to provide for compensation for tag agents; passed 139-20.
HB 607, A bill to amend Code Section 47-2-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, so as to define a certain term; passed 160-1.
HB 810, A bill to amend Code Section 15-6-77 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to fees of superior court clerks, so as to provide for certain fees and to extend the sunset date of such fees; to amend Code Section 15-6-97 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state-wide uniform automated information system for property records, so as to extend the sunset date of said Code section; to amend Code Section 15-6-98 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to collection and remittance of certain fees to the Georgia Superior Court Clerks' Cooperative Authority, so as to extend the sunset date of said Code section; passed 160-1.
HB 918, A bill to amend Code Section 17-6-12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the discretion of the court to release a person charged with a crime on his or her own recognizance and the effect of the person charged to appear for trial, so as to remove such discretion for a person who has failed to appear for trial on two or more occasions; passed 154-6.
HB 935, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 6 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions related to services for the aging, so as to provide for legislative findings and intent; to establish an advisory committee on seniors and prescription drug costs and to provide for its selection, compensation, powers, qualifications, and duties; passed 161-1.
HB 1003, A bill to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to create the State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors; passed 138-4.
HB 1011, A bill to amend Code Section 20-3-519 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to HOPE scholarships and grants, so as to add public and private schools accredited by the Southern Association of Independent Schools to the definition of eligible high schools for the purposes of the HOPE program; passed 160-0.
HB 1022, A bill to amend Article 6 of Chapter 8 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to operation of trains generally, so as to remove certain provisions relating to employees engaged in the operation of trains and relating to signal whistles and lights on trains; passed 152-0.
HB 1048, A bill to amend Code Section 20-2-142 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to prescribed courses, so as to allow the State Board of Education to prescribe the manner and grade level for certain required courses in history and government; to authorize alternative methods for certain transfer students; passed 164-0.
HB 1182, A bill to amend Code Section 17-10-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to fixing of sentence in criminal cases, so as to provide for provisions relating to work release programs in felony sentences; to provide for revocation of work release status; passed 162-1.
HB 1215, A bill to amend Code Section 5-6-35 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to cases requiring application for appeal, contents, filing, and service of application, exhibits, response by opposing party, issuance of appellate court order regarding appeal, procedure, supersedeas, and jurisdiction of appeal, so as to provide that the provisions of such Code section shall not apply to appeals of cases involving zoning or land use issues; passed 156-1.
HB 1274, A bill to amend Code Section 40-5-61 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to surrender and return of license, so as to provide that if a court or the department has not secured a driver's license within 30 days following the date of final conviction giving rise to the suspension, then the revocation or suspension shall begin upon the expiration of the 30 day period; passed 162-0.
HB 1499, A bill to amend Code Section 33-34-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to requirements for the issuance of motor vehicle liability insurance, so as to reduce the amount of advance payment for coverage from the first 60 days of coverage to the first 30 days of coverage; passed 157-0.
HB 1520, A bill to amend Chapter 4 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to tax sales, so as to change certain provisions relating to the notice period required prior to sale under a tax execution; to change certain provisions relating to amount payable for redemption; passed 146-13.
HB 1547, A bill to amend Code Section 20-3-312 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions relative to the Georgia Student Finance Authority, so as to make editorial changes to certain definitions; passed 167-0.
HB 1608, A bill to amend Code Section 27-2-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to honorary hunting and fishing licenses, so as to provide that the Department of Veterans Service may certify to a disability; passed 162-2.
HB 1714, A bill to amend Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to revenue and taxation, and Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to local government, so as to provide for comprehensive provisions to provide funding to local governments for service delivery costs through certain sales and use taxation; to provide for comprehensive provisions to address changes in land use classification which increase service delivery and infrastructure costs to local government; to provide for the creation of special districts; to provide a special district sales and use tax; passed 141-22.
HB 1720, A bill to amend Article 6 of Chapter 8 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Indigent Care Trust Fund, so as to provide for reimbursement for ambulance services for Medicaid recipients as an authorized expenditure from the Indigent Care Trust Fund; to amend Article 7 of Chapter 4 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Georgia Medical Assistance Act of 1977," so as to provide for definitions; to provide for certain payments for ambulance services for recipients of medical assistance; passed 161-0.
HR 1343, A resolution rescinding, repealing, canceling, voiding, nullifying, and superseding any and all prior applications by the General Assembly heretofore made during any session thereof to the Congress of the United States of America to call a convention pursuant to the terms of Article V of the United States Constitution for proposing one or more amendments to that Constitution and urging the legislatures of other states to do the same; passed 158-0.
Wednesday, March 17th - 33rd day of the Session
HB 484, A bill to amend Code Section 17-5-54 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to disposition of personal property in custody of a law enforcement agency, so as to change the provisions relating to the disposition of personal property in custody of a law enforcement agency; passed 116-0.
HB 557, A bill to amend Article 3 of Chapter 23 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to membership in the Georgia Judicial Retirement System, so as to provide that any person who was serving as a juvenile court judge on July 1, 2004, and who was not a member of any state or local retirement system or pension fund may become a member of the Georgia Judicial Retirement System; to provide that any such person may obtain up to five years of creditable service upon payment of the employer's and employee's contribution with interest; passed 125-0.
HB 609, A bill to amend Chapter 2 of Title 47 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia, so as to provide that a member with at least five years of membership service shall be vested for a benefit; passed 155-2.
HB 611, A bill to amend Code Section 40-2-71 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to disabled veteran license plates, so as to authorize the issuance of a license plate to a veteran for a vehicle which is owned by a trust if the veteran is the sole beneficiary, the trustee, and the donor of such trust; passed 165-0.
HB 653, A bill to amend Code Section 16-12-171 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to prohibited acts related to sale or distribution to or purchase by minors of cigarettes and tobacco related objects, so as to prohibit possession of cigarettes of tobacco related objects by minors; passed 106-44.
HB 712, A bill to amend Chapters 3 and 4 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating respectively to postsecondary education and vocational, technical, and adult education, so as to provide that each publisher of a textbook shall provide an electronic format of such textbook as is available; passed 164-0.
HB 762, A bill to amend Chapter 7 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to landlord and tenant, so as to change certain provisions relating to removal of trade fixtures during term and when property is abandoned; to change certain provisions relating to judgment, writ of possession, landlord's liability for wrongful conduct, and distribution of funds paid into court; passed 165-0.
HB 1028, A bill to amend Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to health, so as to provide for legislative findings; to create the Georgia Hospital Insurance Authority; to provide a short title; to provide for definitions; to provide for the members of the authority and their selection, service, and terms of office; passed 167-1.
HB 1047, A bill to amend Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to professions and businesses, so as to regulate the practice of soil science; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative purpose; to define certain terms; to provide for inapplicability; to provide for the State Board of Registration for Professional Soil Scientists; passed 157-6.
HB 1093, A bill to amend Code Section 16-6-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to child molestation and aggravated child molestation, so as to provide that no person convicted of child molestation shall be sentenced as a first offender pursuant to Article 3 of Chapter 8 of Title 42, relating to probation of first offenders; passed 161-0.
HB 1105, A bill to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to the sale or use of wax or dies used directly in the manufacture of parts for military aircraft, watercraft, or vehicles; passed 145-5.
HB 1136, A bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 32 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the State Road and Tollway Authority, so as to enact the "Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank Act"; to create the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank as an instrumentality of the state within the State Road and Tollway Authority; passed 142-16.
HB 1150, A bill to amend Code Section 44-1-13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to removal of improperly parked cars or trespassing personal property, so as to provide that the governing authority of a county may license towing and storage firms in the unincorporated areas of a county; passed 159-5.
HB 1167, A bill to amend Code Section 43-4-11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the qualifications of applicants for examination or certificate of registration to practice architecture, so as to extend certain deadlines for the use of certain educational and training requirements to qualify for examination by the Georgia State Board of Architects and Interior Designers; passed 153-0.
HB 1168, A bill to amend Chapter 5 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicle drivers' licenses, so as to change certain provisions relating to examination of applicants; to provide that licensed driver training schools may conduct road tests for applicants for drivers' licenses; to provide for approval by the department of driver training schools; to provide that it shall be a misdemeanor to a licensed driving instructor to falsely certify that an applicant has passed a road test; passed 155-0.
HB 1227, A bill to amend Code Section 15-12-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from jury duty, so as to provide exemption for a primary caregiver of a child who is four years of age or younger; to provide an exemption for a primary teacher of children in a home study program; passed 147-17.
HB 1322, A bill to amend Code Section 15-11-103 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the placement of a child following a termination order, custodial authority, and review of placement, so as to change the time limit requirements for the review of an adoption petition; passed 168-0.
HB 1384, A bill to amend Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the imposition, rate, and computation of income tax, so as to provide for income exclusions and tax credits with respect to individual development accounts; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; to amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Department of Community Affairs, so as to provide for the comprehensive regulation of individual development accounts and programs; passed 167-1.
HB 1414, A bill to amend Code Section 48-8-121 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the use of proceeds from the special purpose 1 percent sales and use tax, so as to require annual publication of certain audit information; passed 165-0.
HB 1418, A bill to amend Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to juvenile proceedings, parental rights, and mental incompetency and dependency for juveniles, so as to change the jurisdiction of the juvenile court to include certain children under 18 years of age; to change definitions; to provide for jurisdiction as a court of inquiry regarding certain persons over 18 years of age; passed 129-29.
HB 1428, A bill to amend Code Section 20-2-690 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to requirements for private schools and home study programs, so as to change certain qualifications of tutors in home study programs; passed 157-2.
HB 1456, A bill to amend Code Section 15-21-2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to payment into the county treasury of fines and forfeitures, so as to change the distribution of fines in certain cases; to amend Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to crimes and offenses, so as to change certain provisions relating to aggravated assault; to change certain provisions relating to penalties for various theft offenses under Code Sections 16-8-2 through 16-8-9; passed 166-0.
HB 1489, A bill to amend Code Section 17-6-1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to where offenses are bailable, procedure, schedule of bails, and appeal bonds, so as to clarify bond conditions for family violence offenses; passed 159-10.
HB 1510, A bill to amend Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Redevelopment Powers Law," so as to change certain provisions regarding the creation of tax allocation districts; to change certain provisions regarding the allocation of certain tax allocation increments; to change certain provisions regarding the use of local general fund moneys with respect to tax allocation bonds; passed 162-5.
HB 1526, A bill to amend Chapter 12 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to control of hazardous conditions, so as to expand the childhood vaccination registry to include vaccination on all persons from birth through death; passed 130-25.
HB 1539, A bill to amend Part 4 of Article 6 of Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to financing with respect to quality basic education, so as to change the manner and method of calculating certain local share funds and equalization grants; to change certain provisions regarding the determination of enrollment by institutional programs; to change certain provisions relating to local five mill share funds; passed 160-2.
HB 1561, A bill to amend Article 8 of Chapter 21 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to funding for local victim assistance programs, so as to provide for collection of incremental payment of fines; to provide for the payment of moneys collected to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council and to the governing authority of the county in which the moneys are collected; to provide for the promulgation of rules by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council; passed 152-8.
HB 1565, A bill to amend Code Section 36-37-6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the disposition of municipal property generally, so as to provide that the General Assembly may by local Act authorize a municipal corporation to lease municipal property for up to five years with options to renew for three additional five-year periods to a nonprofit corporation for certain purposes related to recreation; passed 164-0.
HB 1567, A bill to amend Chapter 8 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to probation, so as to provide for probation services by private entities and local governments; to change certain provisions relating to applicability of the state-wide probation system to counties establishing probation systems or entering into agreements for private probation services pursuant to Code Section 42-8-100; passed 141-16.
HB 1568, A bill to amend Code Section 37-2-6.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to program director, staff, budget, facilities, powers and duties, and exemption from taxation of community service boards, so as to provide that no community service board shall employ any person who is receiving a retirement benefit from the Employees' Retirement System of Georgia except in compliance with the provisions of Code Section 47-2-110; passed 163-2.
HB 1579, A bill to amend Article 9 of Chapter 9 of Title 34 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund, so as to provide that the Subsequent Injury Trust Fund shall not reimburse a self-insured employer or an insurer for a subsequent injury for which a claim is made after June 30, 2004; to provide that the fund shall continue to reimburse self-insured employers and insurers for claims made prior to July 1, 2004; to provide for dissolution of the fund; passed 138-22.
HB 1580, A bill to amend Chapter 5 of Title 49 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to programs and protection for children and youth, so as to enact the "Foster Parents Bill of Rights"; to provide for a short title; to set out a list of rights for foster parents; to provide that such rights be taken into consideration in policies of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Resources; passed 165-1.
HB 1617, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 17 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to notaries public, so as to provide for additional qualifications of a notary; to change certain provisions relating to the notary's application; to change certain provisions relating to fees of notaries; to change certain provisions relating to a notary's obligation to advise the clerk of superior court of certain changes in personal information; to amend Code Section 15-6-77 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to superior court fees, so as to change the fee for issuing certificates of appointment and reappointment to notaries public; passed 167-0.
HB 1620, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 16 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to public property, so as to provide standards for the number of women's and men's toilets in certain state, county, or city owned buildings and facilities; passed 99-49.
HB 1632, A bill to amend Chapter 11 of Title 15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to juvenile proceedings, so as to provide for certain matters relating to a child under circumstances where one parent has been convicted of the murder of the child's other parent; to amend certain provisions relating to reunification; to amend certain provisions relating to grounds for termination of parental rights; passed 149-3.
HB 1653, A bill to amend Chapter 5 of Title 30 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions relative to handicapped persons, so as to change certain provisions relating to a definition of hearing impaired person and the Georgia Center for Hearing Impaired Persons; to create the Georgia Commission on the Hard of Hearing and provide for its members, powers, and duties; passed 115-1.
HB 1656, A bill to amend Part 2 of Article 10 of Chapter 5 of Title 48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to ad valorem taxation of motor vehicles, so as to exempt certain motor vehicles owned by persons who have been awarded the Medal of Honor from ad valorem taxation; passed 169-0.
HB 1702, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 9 of Title 42 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions for pardons and paroles, so as to provide for the State Board of Pardons and Paroles to confer police powers on their employees under certain circumstances; to allow certain employees to assist law enforcement or correctional officers under certain circumstances; passed 155-0.
HB 1708, A bill to amend Chapter 1 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to public officers and employees, so as to express certain legislative findings with respect to state reduction in force programs and furlough programs; to generally prohibit agencies from hiring new employees during or shortly after the use of any such program; passed 164-3.
HB 1709, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of hospitals and related institutions, so as to provide that nursing homes annually offer an influenza virus vaccine to all medicare and Medicaid eligible patients and private pay patients in their facilities; passed 167-1.
HB 1743, A bill to amend Code Section 40-2-37 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration and licensing of vehicles of state and political subdivisions, so as to provide for permanent license places for motor vehicles owned by a municipality or political subdivision; passed 160-0.
HB 1744, A bill to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to exemptions from state sales and use tax, so as to provide for an exemption with respect to certain sales to or by nonprofit organizations engaged primarily in providing child services; passed 164-1.
HB 1746, A bill to amend Part 4 of Article 2 of Chapter 5 of Title 46 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to emergency telephone number "911" systems, so as to provide for the imposition and collection of monthly "911" charges for additional periods in those jurisdictions in which the local governing bodies have created a joint authority or which have executed an intergovernmental contract for emergency "911" services; passed 158-2.
HB 1751, A bill to amend Article 1 of Chapter 18 of Title 45 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state employees' health insurance plan, so as to provide for the circumstances under which the Board of Community Health may contract for the coverage of employees of governmental entities; passed 162-0.
HB 1766, A bill to create the Aquaculture Division within the Department of Agriculture and provide for its powers and duties; to create the Aquaculture Development Advisory Council and provide for its powers and duties; to amend reserved Chapter 15 of Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, so as to strike the reserved designation; to amend Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; to amend Chapter 4 of Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; to amend Title 2 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; to amend Article 10 of Chapter 2 of Title 26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; to amend Title 27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated; passed 145-14.
HB 1793, A bill to amend Chapter 1 of Title 51 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions for torts, so as to provide for limiting liability of free health clinics; to provide for definitions; to provide for applicability; passed 162-0.
HR 1420, A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to provide that the General Assembly may by general law provide a trust fund for the purpose of paying hospitals for uncompensated trauma care to victims of severe injury or trauma and make all provisions relating to such fund; to provide that the General Assembly may provide for a source of funding specifically designated for such fund, and that such fund shall not be subject to the lapsing provisions of the Constitution; passed 163-6.
HR 1425, A resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution so as to require the General Assembly to provide by general law for the creation of a Georgia Solid Waste and Hazardous Waste Response Trust Fund from which funds shall be disbursed as provided by general law to protect the public health and safety and the environment from the release of contaminants and hazardous substances; passed 160-2.
Uncontested Resolution Calendar: HR 1440, A resolution designating the Bill Conn Parkway; HR 1454, A resolution designating the "Max R. Davey Bridge"; HR 1455, A resolution honoring the memory of Mr. C. L. Mapp and designating the "C. L. Mapp Bridge"; HR 1456, A resolution honoring the memory of Chief J. A. Fountain and designating the "Chief J. A. Fountain Bridge"; HR 1460, A resolution designating the Bob Fulton Memorial Highway; HR 1469, A resolution designating a section of Highway 81 from the Covington city limit (Washington Street) north to Monticello Street as the Forest ''Preacher" Sawyer Memorial Parkway; HR 1472, A resolution designating the first bridge south of Willacoochee between Willacoochee and Lakeland on SR 135 South as the Johnny Wayne Spivey Bridge; HR 1473, A resolution designating the bridge between Broxton and Douglas on US 441 as the Ricky L. Crockett Bridge; HR 1530, A resolution recognizing Honorable Aaron Cohn and designating the Aaron Cohn Regional Youth Detention Center; passed 133-0.
Friday, March 19th - 34th day of the Session
SB 421, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 45 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to municipal training, so as to eliminate the board of the Harold F. Holtz Municipal Training Institute; to clarify the training of municipal clerks; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 147-0.
SB 501, A bill to be entitled an Act to amend Article 3 of Chapter 17 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state depositories, so as to change certain provisions regarding authorized investments of the State Depository Board; to repeal conflicting laws; passed 147-0.
To view legislation click here
Georgia House of Representatives
Public Information Office
-----------------------------------------------------------