sb49.html

05 LC 34 0133

Senate Bill 49
By: Senators Kemp of the 46th, Thompson of the 33rd, Grant of the 25th and Zamarripa of the 36th

AS PASSED

AN ACT

To amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, so as to provide for notification to the members of the General Assembly of the availability of annual reports, budgets, and audits; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.

Code Section 8_5_8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual report relative to art in state buildings, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"8_5_8.

In consultation with the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, the council shall prepare an annual report relative to the art in state buildings program pursuant to this chapter. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. Such report may be submitted as part of a report on the activities and programs of the council."

SECTION 2.

Code Section 10_4_58 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual report of the state warehouse commissioner, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"10_4_58.

(a) The state warehouse commissioner shall make an annual report to the General Assembly, setting forth:

(1) Number and location of each warehouse where cotton has been received for storage by the state;

(2) Cotton on storage and that delivered on presentation of receipts; and

(3) Such further information as the commissioner may think would be of benefit to the public.

(b) The state warehouse commissioner shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 3.

Code Section 10_10_7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to publishing of an annual report by the Advanced Technology Development Center, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"10_10_7.

The center, on behalf of the board, shall publish an annual report which shall be made available to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Department of Economic Development or any successor agency, the chairperson of the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, the chairperson of the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee, and the board setting forth in detail the operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this chapter. The annual report shall specifically account for the ways in which the needs, mission, and programs of the center described in this chapter have been carried out. The center shall distribute its annual report by such means that will make it widely available to those innovative enterprises of special importance to the Georgia economy. The center shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 4.

Code Section 12_3_1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duties and powers of the Department of Natural Resources as to recreational policies and programs, is amended by striking paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(7) To submit an annual report of activities and recommendations to the Governor and to notify the General Assembly of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient;".

SECTION 5.

Code Section 12_5_212 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual report relative to coastal waters, beaches, and sand dunes, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"12_5_212.

The department shall make an annual report to the General Assembly which shall include a report on all funds and properties received or disbursed under this part. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 6.

Code Section 12_5_287 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to leasing of state owned marshland or water bottoms, is amended by striking subsection (i) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(i) The department shall make an annual report of its activities each calendar year to the General Assembly. The report shall include a summary of all applications received and leases granted, including length of terms, rentals, and locations. Copies of the annual report shall be provided to the director of the State Properties Commission, the chairperson of the House Natural Resources and Environment Committee, the chairperson of the House Committee on State Institutions and Property, the chairperson of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, and the chairperson of the Senate Committee on State and Local Governmental Operations. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 7.

Code Section 12_5_402 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources with regard to the development of the Chattahoochee River Basin, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(2) To submit an annual report of its activities under this part and recommendations to the Governor and to notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the annual report and recommendations in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 8.

Code Section 12_5_422 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and duties of the Department of Natural Resources with regard to the development of the Altamaha River Basin, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

SECTION 9.

Code Section 12_6_139 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audit of accounts of the Herty Foundation, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"12_6_139.

It shall be the duty of the state auditor to audit the books and accounts of the foundation and to submit such audit to the Governor, who shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 10.

Code Section 12_8_31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state solid waste management plan, is amended by striking the introductory language of subsection (d) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(d) In monitoring and reporting on the implementation success of the state solid waste management plan required under this Code section, the Department of Community Affairs, with the cooperation of the division and the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority, shall report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on the status of solid waste management in Georgia. The Department of Community Affairs shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. The annual report shall include but not be limited to:".

SECTION 11.

Code Section 12_8_33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Recycling Market Development Council, is amended by striking subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(b) The council shall meet as necessary and shall determine what actions, if any, are needed to facilitate the development and expansion of markets for recovered materials in Georgia and shall prepare an annual report with recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 12.

Code Section 15_9_101 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers of the Probate Judges Training Council, bond of personnel employed by council and empowered to handle funds, and audits, is amended by striking subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(c) The training council shall establish such auditing procedures as may be required in connection with the handling of public funds. The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and doings of the training council and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the training council and all expenditures made by the training council, including administrative expense. He or she shall also make an audit of the affairs of the training council at any time required by a majority of the training council or the Governor of the state."

SECTION 13.

Code Section 15_18_44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and duties of the Prosecuting Attorneys´ Council, employees´ bonds, audits, and that certain retired personnel are not to be compensated, is amended by striking subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(c) The council shall establish such auditing procedures as may be required in connection with the handling of public funds. The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the transactions of the council and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the council and all expenditures made by the council, including administrative expense. The state auditor shall also make an audit of the affairs of the council at any time when requested to do so by a majority of the council or by the Governor."

SECTION 14.

Code Section 20_2_740 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual report by local boards of education regarding disciplinary and placement actions and annual study by Department of Education, is amended by striking subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(c) The Department of Education shall conduct a study for each school year based upon the statistical data filed by local boards pursuant to this Code section for the purpose of determining trends in discipline. The department shall also utilize existing demographic data on school personnel as needed to establish trends in discipline. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to authorize the public release of personally identifiable information regarding students or school personnel. The department shall prepare a report for the General Assembly on the study annually and notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 15.

Code Section 20_3_239 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual audits and distribution of audit reports of the Georgia Student Finance Commission, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"20_3_239.

The state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and records of the commission. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the commission, to members of the board of commissioners, and to the Governor and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 16.

Code Section 20_3_268 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual audits of the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and distribution of audit reports, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"20_3_268.

The state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and records of the corporation. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the corporation, to members of the board of directors of the corporation, and to the Governor and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 17.

Code Section 20_3_320 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audits of the Georgia Student Finance Authority and distribution of audit reports, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"20_3_320.

The state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and records of the authority. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the authority, to members of the board of directors of the authority, to the Governor, and to such other persons as may be required pursuant to Subpart 2 of this part and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The authority is further authorized to have independent audits made of such books, accounts, and records of the authority as may be required pursuant to Subpart 2 of this part."

SECTION 18.

Code Section 20_12_8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual reports by the board of regents regarding marine resources and oceanographic studies, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"20_12_8.

The board of regents shall make an annual report to the General Assembly which shall include a report on all funds and properties received or disbursed under this chapter. The board of regents shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 19.

Code Section 20_14_27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to required reports and publication format for the Office of Education Accountability, is amended by striking subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(b) Each report provided for in this Code section shall be published in a format that can be easily understood by parents and other members of the community who are not professional educators. Such reports shall be distributed to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chairpersons of the Education and Higher Education committees of the Senate and House of Representatives, members of the state education governing boards or commissions, and members of the council. The office shall not be required to distribute copies of such reports to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the reports in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. In addition, such reports shall be posted on the website of the office."

SECTION 20.

Code Section 20_14_28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to reporting on effect of nationally certified teachers on student performance, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"20_14_28.

When the state_wide comprehensive educational information system provided for in Code Section 20_2_320 becomes functional, the office shall conduct a longitudinal study of the effect of nationally certified teachers on student performance in Georgia. Thereafter, the office shall prepare an annual report addressing the question of whether nationally certified and Teacher Alternative Preparation Program teachers have improved student performance in Georgia. The office shall submit such report to the State Board of Education and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of such report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 21.

Code Section 25_4_6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the meetings, quorum, and annual report of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(2) The council shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to the General Assembly and shall include in the report its recommendations for appropriate legislation. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 22.

Code Section 28_5_5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Budgetary Responsibility Oversight Committee, and members, duties, entities to cooperate with the committee, annual report, allowances, and performance audits, is amended by striking subsection (f) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(f) The committee shall make an annual report of its activities and findings to the membership of the General Assembly and the Governor within one week of the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly. The chairperson of the committee shall prepare written executive summaries of such report prior to the adoption of the General Appropriations Act each year. The committee shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report or the executive summaries to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the materials in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 23.

Code Section 28_5_24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual reports of the fiscal affairs subcommittees, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"28_5_24.

The fiscal affairs subcommittees of the Senate and the House jointly shall make an annual report to the General Assembly of matters coming to their attention, together with such

recommendations to improve the efficiency in the operation and management of the various departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, institutions, and other agencies of state government as they see fit. The subcommittees shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 24.

Code Section 31_6_20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Health Strategies Council, is amended by striking subsection (h) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(h) The council shall prepare an annual report to the board and the General Assembly which presents information and updates on the functions outlined in subsection (g) of this Code section. The annual report shall include information for Georgia´s congressional delegation which highlights issues regarding federal laws and regulations influencing Medicaid and medicare, insurance and related tax laws, and long_term health care. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 25.

Code Section 33_2_8.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the preparation by the Commissioner of Insurance of a supplemental report on property and casualty insurance, contents of the report, and request for information, is amended by striking subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(b) On July 1 of each year, the Commissioner, as a supplemental report to the annual report provided in Code Section 33_2_8, shall compile a report containing the information specified in this Code section. The Commissioner shall not be required to distribute copies of the supplemental report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the supplemental report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 26.

Code Section 33_46_14 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual report to be issued by the Commissioner of Insurance regarding utilization review programs, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"33_46_14.

The Commissioner shall issue an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning the conduct of utilization review in this state. Such report shall include a description of utilization review programs and the services they provide, an analysis of complaints filed against private review agents by patients or providers, and an evaluation of the impact of utilization review programs on patient access to care. The Commissioner shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 27.

Code Section 37_2_33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duties of the state ombudsman for mental health, mental retardation, and substance abuse, is amended by striking paragraph (6) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(6) Make an annual written report, documenting the types of complaints and problems reported by service recipients and others on their behalf and include recommendations concerning needed policy, regulatory, and legislative changes. The annual report shall be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly and other appropriate agencies and organizations and made available to the public. The state ombudsman shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 28.

Code Section 38_4_11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the commissioner of veterans service, annual reports, content, and recipients, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"38_4_11.

The commissioner of veterans service shall furnish to the Governor, the members of the General Assembly, the Veterans Service Board, veterans´ organizations, and the public generally an annual report with reference to claims presented on behalf of veterans of this state, concerning veterans aided under federal, state, or local legislation, and otherwise to report the activities and accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Service. The

commissioner of veterans service shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 29.

Code Section 45_6_4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mailing of annual reports to General Assembly members, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"45_6_4.

(a) Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official directed by law to file or electing to file an annual report shall notify each member of the General Assembly in the manner which the reporting entity deems to be most effective and efficient that such report is available upon request on or before June 1 of each year, unless another date is provided for by law.

(b) Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official directed by law to provide or electing to provide the members of the General Assembly with any annual report, budget, or audit other than those referred to in subsection (a) of this Code section shall not be required to distribute copies of such materials to the members but shall notify the members of the availability of such materials in the manner which the reporting entity deems to be most effective and efficient.

(c) Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official shall be required to furnish to any member of the General Assembly any such annual report, budget, or audit referred to in this Code section upon request of any member of the General Assembly."

SECTION 30.

Code Section 45_12_75.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual continuation budget report, is amended by striking subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(c) The committee shall prepare a list of all programs included in the continuation budget report for each department examined as well as actions recommended, if any, by the committee. Within one week of the convening of each regular session of the General Assembly, the committee shall notify the members of the availability of the list in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 31.

Code Section 45_20_1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to purposes and principles of the state merit system, is amended by striking paragraph (9) of subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(9) Audit agencies´ processes as referred to in paragraph (8) of this subsection and report findings annually to the Governor and the General Assembly in conjunction with an annual report on the overall status of the state work force. The state merit system shall not be required to distribute copies of the findings or annual report referred to in this paragraph to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the materials in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient;".

SECTION 32.

Code Section 45_20_11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audits of the state merit system and reports of audit findings, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"45_20_11.

The state auditor shall perform periodic operational audits of the state merit system. Such audits shall also be performed at the request of the Governor, the commissioner, or the General Assembly. Reports of audit findings shall be filed with the board, the commissioner, and the Governor. The state auditor shall not be required to file copies of the audit findings with the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of audit findings in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 33.

Code Section 47_11_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual audit of the Board of Commissioners of the Judges of the Probate Courts Retirement Fund of Georgia and power of state auditor to conduct audit when he or she sees fit or at the request of the Governor, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"47_11_26.

The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and doings of the board and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly in such detail as he or she may see fit. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The state auditor shall also have the right to audit the affairs of the board and any of its employees at any time that he or she may see fit or at any time that he or she may be requested to do so by the board or by the Governor."

SECTION 34.

Code Section 47_14_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duty of the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the Board of Commissioners of the Superior Court Clerks´ Retirement Fund of Georgia, audit upon request of the board or the Governor, and contents of the annual report, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"47_14_26.

The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and doings of the board and to make a complete report of that audit to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the board and all its expenditures, including administrative expenses and payments made as annuities and benefits. The state auditor shall also make an audit of the affairs of the board at any time when requested by a majority of the board or the Governor."

SECTION 35.

Code Section 47_16_28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to duty of the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the operations of the Board of Commissioners of the Sheriffs´ Retirement Fund of Georgia, right of the state auditor to audit the affairs of the board, and contents of the annual report, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"47_16_28.

The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the operations of the board and to make a complete report of that audit to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the board and all expenditures made by it, including administrative expenses and payments of benefits. The state auditor shall also have the right, in his or her discretion, to audit the affairs of the board at any time, and he or she may also audit the affairs of the board at any time, upon request of a majority of the members of the board."

SECTION 36.

Code Section 47_17_25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duty of the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the Board of Commissioners of the Peace Officers´ Annuity and Benefit Fund, audit upon request of the board, and contents of annual report, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"47_17_25.

The state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and doings of the board and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the board and all its expenditures including administrative expenses and payments made as annuities and benefits. The state auditor shall also make an audit of affairs of the board at any time he or she is requested to do so by a majority of the board."

SECTION 37.

Code Section 48_2_7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and duties of the state revenue commissioner, is amended by striking paragraph (5) of subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(5) Submit to the Governor and to each regular session of the General Assembly an annual report of the conduct of his or her office. The commissioner shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. As the chief revenue official of the state, he or she shall advise the Governor and the General Assembly on all matters relating to revenue."

SECTION 38.

Code Section 49_3_3.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual report from the county director of the department of family and children services and appearance before legislative delegation, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"49_3_3.1.

(a) The county director of the department of family and children services of each county shall provide an annual report no later than December 31 of each year, beginning in the year 2000, to the county board, county commission, and the director of the Division of Family and Children Services. The county director of the department of family and children services of each county shall notify each member of the General Assembly whose legislative district includes any part of that county of the availability of the annual report but shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members. The report shall include the following information for the 12 month period ending June 30 of that year:

(1) The number of children for whom the county department has received a complaint of child abuse pursuant to Code Section 19_7_5;

(2) General demographic data such as gender, race, and age regarding children specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection;

(3) The number of children taken into county department custody;

(4) The number of placements of children in county department custody by the type of placement;

(5) The length of time in county department custody by the number of children; and

(6) Any other information required by the director of the Division of Family and Children Services.

(b) A majority of the legislative delegation whose members are required to receive notification pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be authorized to require the director of the department of family and children services of the county which provided that report to appear before that delegation and to answer questions regarding that report and other matters relating to issues of child abuse and child protective services."

SECTION 39.

Code Section 49_4_183 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to administration of assistance program by department, promulgation of rules and regulations by board, and duties of the department, is amended by striking the introductory language of paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(3) Publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary. The annual report and such interim reports shall be provided to the Governor and members of the General Assembly. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report or the interim reports to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the reports in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. The annual report and interim reports shall contain the following:".

SECTION 40.

Code Section 49_5_153 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual report of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"49_5_153.

The council shall prepare an annual report on the progress of the community based programs of this state which shall include the most current institutional and out_of_home placement populations of children being served by the various departments of state government and which shall include comparative costs of all children_serving agencies. Such report shall be submitted to the Governor and the various state departments providing services to children. The council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 41.

Code Section 49_5_273 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to creation of PeachCare, availability, eligibility, payment of premiums, and enrollment, is amended by striking subsection (j) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(j) The department shall publish an annual report, a copy of which shall be provided to the Governor setting forth the number of participants in the program, the health services provided, the amount of money paid to providers, and other pertinent information with respect to the administration of the program. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 42.

Code Section 49_6_6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual report by the Department of Human Resources with regard to services for the aging, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"49_6_6.

It shall be the duty of the department to submit an annual report to the Governor and to notify the General Assembly of such report on or before January 1 of each year, setting forth the results of its studies, accomplishments, and recommendations, if any, for legislation. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 43.

Code Section 50_5_136 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and authority of the State Use Council, is amended by striking paragraph (6) of subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(6) To make an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning its activities under this part and the activities and contracts provided by the central nonprofit agency. The State Use Council shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 44.

Code Section 50_5_196 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the membership and powers and duties of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Network Governing Board, is amended by striking subsection (f) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(f) The governing board shall prepare and submit annually to the Governor and the General Assembly a report detailing its activities and operations for the prior year, to include but not be limited to information as to the number of applications received, the identities of the applicants, the identities of those applicants awarded funding, and the respective award amounts. The governing board shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 45.

Code Section 50_12_48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual report of the Georgia State Games Commission, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"50_12_48.

The commission shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to the General Assembly, with any recommendations which it may wish to make. The commission shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 46.

Code Section 50_17_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to evidence of indebtedness, accrual of interest, paying agent, executory contracts, audits, and legal services, is amended by striking subsection (g) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(g) The commission, together with all funds established in connection with public debt, shall be audited no less frequently than annually by an independent certified public accountant to be selected by a majority of the commission. Copies of such audit shall be given to both houses of the General Assembly and shall be available upon request to interested parties, including, specifically but without limitation, the holders of evidences of indebtedness. The commission shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the audit in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 47.

Code Section 50_25_7.10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to reports of the Georgia Technology Authority to be submitted to the director of the Office of Planning and Budget and the state auditor, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"50_25_7.10.

The executive director shall submit to the director of the Office of Planning and Budget and the state auditor on an annual basis a report of all activity regarding technology and technology resources for each agency and the authority. The report shall accurately represent all financial details including current cash balances, line item detail on expenditures including systems development, personal services, and equipment from the previous fiscal year and anticipated expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, projected year_end balance, depreciated value of capital equipment, and balances of reserve funds established for capital equipment, as well as a status report on personnel position changes including new technology related positions created and existing technology related positions eliminated. The authority spending reports shall comply with the state accounting system object codes."

SECTION 48.

Code Section 50_25_7.12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Georgia Technology Authority and development of a budgeting and accounting system, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"50_25_7.12.

The authority, the Office of Planning and Budget, and the state auditor shall jointly develop a system for budgeting and accounting of expenditures for technology resources. This system must integrate seamlessly with the technology portfolio management system. Annual reports regarding technology shall be coordinated by the authority with the Office of Planning and Budget and the state auditor and submitted to the Governor, General Assembly, and the board on or before October 1 of each year. The authority may adopt an accrual method of accounting. The authority shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 49.

Code Section 50_26_15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual and periodic audits and reports of the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, is amended by striking subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(a) The state auditor shall make an annual audit of the books, accounts, and records of the authority with respect to its receipts, disbursements, contracts, mortgages, leases, assignments, loans, and all other matters relating to its financial operations. The state auditor shall place the audit report on file in his or her office, make the report available for inspection by the general public, and shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 50.

Code Section 50_34_13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual and biannual audits and reports of the OneGeorgia Authority, is amended by striking subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:

"(a) The state auditor or an independent public accountant retained by the authority shall make an annual audit of the books, accounts, and records of the authority with respect to its receipts, disbursements, contracts, leases, assignments, loans, and all other matters relating to its financial operations. The state auditor shall place the audit report on file in his or her office, make the report available for inspection by the general public, and submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient."

SECTION 51.

All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.