Signed / Vetoed Legislation

2008 Legislative Session

May 14, 2008

 

The Georgia Constitution gives the governor 40-days from the General Assembly’s adjournment sine die to sign or veto all bills and all resolutions which have been passed or they become law without any action on his part.

The deadline for Governor Perdue to take action was today, May 14^th, which resulted in dozens and dozens of bills being signed, including the $21.1 billion FY 2009 state budget. Perdue vetoed 17 bills, and he vetoed 18 individual line-items from the FY 2009 spending plan. The appropriations vetoes totaled about $14.2 million in cash and debt service on $22 million in bond projects. While it’s a lengthy list, it is much shorter than last year when he vetoed a total of $141 million in budget items, triggering a war with House Speaker Richardson that ultimately resulted in the House voting to override 12 of the governor’s vetoes.

And don’t think the fight between Gov. Perdue and Speaker Richardson is over yet. In his line-item budget vetoes Wednesday, Perdue clearly targeted Richardson by eliminating a $4 million state grant to the Paulding County airport in his home district.
It was to build a flight building in memory of three of Richardson’s friends who died in a plane crash this year. The same veto got a $500,000 appropriation for airport improvements in Glynn County, represented by House Majority Leader Jerry Keen.

On a cautionary note, we urge you to proceed with extreme caution when traveling across the border into Tennessee. Governor Perdue also signed SR 822 the resolution asserting that Georgia’s northern border is the 35th parallel and directing the commencement of negotiations between the two states’ governors to see that the border is correctly marked. To put it more succinctly – “the war is on.”

Should the negotiations fail, the resolution directs the governor to take legal action - and any such lawsuit would go straight to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Marking the border at the 35th parallel would give Georgia access to the water of the Tennessee River, which is 15 times larger than the Chattahoochee River and draws over 6% of its water from Georgia rivers, creeks and streams.

The resolution was sponsored by Sen. David Shafer, R-Duluth. According to the resolution, the boundary was erroneously surveyed in 1818 and that Georgia never accepted the erroneous boundary line and repeatedly sought to correct it. Said Shafer: "Georgia has not only a legal and historical claim to the Tennessee River, but an ecological one as well. It is time that we resolve the issue of the border, once and for all."

Bills tracked during 2008 Session. Action by Governor Perdue noted in Red.

All bills that died on “cross-over day” have been deleted from the report. You may reference them by going back to Report # 9, Week Ending March 14, 2008.

Campaigns and Elections

Revisions to State Ethics Act. SB 243 (Sen. Renee Unterman-R)

Revisions to State Ethics Commission, campaign contributions, campaign finance disclosure and lobbying regulations. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House.

 

Certificate of Need (CON)

 

Exempt Correctional Institutions from CON. HB 967 (Rep. Chuck Martin-R)

Exempts correctional institutions from the certificate of need program. Author agreed to amend bill with language that limits the scope to clinics serving only prisoners. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, sent to the Governor. SIGNED

 

CON Reform and Cancer Treatment Center Exemption. SB 433 (Sen. Tommie Williams-R)

Allows certain destination cancer treatment centers to bypass current requirements to obtain a Certificate of Need by establishing less onerous rules and includes CON Reform. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House as Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Allows Nursing Homes to Relocate. SB 490 (Sen. Joe Carter-R)

Allows nursing homes to divide and/or re-locate within the same county under an existing CON. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Special CON Cmte.

 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities. SB 549 (Sen. Don Thomas-R)

Exempts continuing care retirement communities from certificate of need requirements. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Economic Development, Education and Regional Planning

 

Marketing of In-State Wineries. HB 393 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Allow in-state wineries to market their product to consumers by offering free samples in tasting rooms on the wineries premises and at five additional locations in the state. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Building Resourceful Individuals to Develop Georgia’s Economy.  HB 905 (Rep. Fran Millar-R)

To implement programs to improve graduation rates and to improve the preparedness of students for postsecondary education and careers; to provide for the development of focused programs of study in high schools; to provide for model programs for students at risk of dropping out of high school and to train guidance counselors and graduation coaches. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Rules Cmte.

 

Internet Purchase of Wine. HB 1061 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

To allow consumers to order up to 12 cases of wine a year directly from the winery via the internet. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Ports Activity Job Tax Credits. HB 1079 (Rep. Larry O’Neal-R)

Relates to alternative tax credits for base year port traffic as to change definitions and provide a different method of calculating port traffic. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Finance Cmte.

 

Agriculture Tourist Attractions. HB 1088 (Rep. Butch Parrish-R)

Provides for directional signage, etc. in connection with designation of agricultural tourist attractions. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to the Governor.  SIGNED

 

Income Tax Credit for Film, Video, Digital Productions. HB 1100 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Revises the income tax credit with respect to qualified film video and digital productions. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Tax Refunds for Tourism Attractions. HB 1129 (Rep. Jeff Lewis-R)

Provides for a program of tax refunds for companies creating and expanding tourism attractions. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate as Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. VETOED

 

Seed Capital Fund. HB 1196 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Relates to the imposition, rate, and computation of income tax to provide for tax credits relating to the Seed-Capital Fund, so as to provide that funds invested by the state from the Seed-Capital Fund, with certain restrictions, may include funds from sources other than the investment entity. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Regional Development Centers Boundaries and Responsibilities. HB 1216 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Relates to changing regional development centers to regional commissions; to provide for new boundaries; to provide for duties and powers; and to provide for certain procedures regarding dues structure and funding. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Income Tax Credits. HB 1273 (Rep. Barry Fleming-R)

Relates to income tax credits for businesses creating new jobs in less developed areas, so as to change the criteria for determination of what constitutes a less developed area and to change provisions relating to the number of new jobs created as a criterion for eligibility for credit. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

“Merlot To Go.” SB 55 (Sen. Renee Unterman-R)

Allows persons who consume part of a bottle of wine when dining out to take the unconsumed portion home with them, so long as the bottle is re-corked. Status: Passed Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Cmte., Passed House Regulated Industries Cmte., Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Made In Georgia Program. SB 359 (Sen. Tim Golden-D) 

Creates a program for the promotion of products manufactured in Georgia. (Department of Economic Development is pushing this bill instead of SB 343). Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Local Government Franchising Authority. SB 408 (Sen. David Shafer-R)

Changes provisions in current law relating to telephone and telegraph service and local government franchising fees. Status: Passed Senate, Defeated in House.

 

Redevelopment Funds. SR 996 (Sen. Dan Weber-R)

To propose an amendment to the Constitution to authorize community redevelopment and authorize counties, municipalities, and local boards of education to use tax funds for redevelopment purposes. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House. SIGNED

 

Education

 

Charter Schools. HB 881 (Rep. Jan Jones-R)

Sets up an alternative way for creating charter schools. A special commission would be empowered to review and approve charter applications that had been rejected by local school systems. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to the Governor. SIGNED

 

Tax Credits for Nonprofit Scholarships. HB 1133 (Rep. David Casas-R)

Would give private citizens and corporations income tax credits for donating money to nonprofit scholarship organizations that would provide scholarships to parents who want to pull their children out of public schools and send them to private one. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to the Governor. SIGNED

 

Environmental

Water Supply Division of DNR. HB 1226 (Rep. Mike Coan-R)

Creates a new Water Supply Division within DNR, with a director reporting to the DNR board.  Requires EPD to transfer necessary staff. New department would be the primary liaison with US Corps of Engineers and would be responsible for creating reservoirs, including land acquisition by eminent domain if necessary. Provides income tax credits for water conservation equipment in new construction or retrofits. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate.

 

Statewide Water Management Plan. HR 1022 (Rep. Lynn Smith-R)

Ratifies the Georgia Water Council’s Statewide Water Management Plan that was presented to the General Assembly for consideration. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, SIGNED

 

Water Conservation and Drought Relief Act. SB 342 (Sen. Chip Pearson - R)

Empowers the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission to assist cities and counties by tapping into federal funding to cover 20 percent of the cost of obtaining permits for improving existing Soil Conservation Service dams for reservoir purposes, and up to 40 percent of the cost of obtaining a Section 404 permit for the construction of new public water supply reservoirs. To streamline the permitting process, it requires the EPD to provide a single collection of permit forms required to construct water supply reservoirs and speed their review process. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

State-wide Water Planning Oversight Committee. SB 351 (Sen. Bill Cowsert – R)

Creates a joint State-Wide Water Planning Oversight Committee, with members appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor and Speaker of the House. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Natural Resources Cmte.

 

Legislative Water Plan and DNR/EPD Oversight. SB 352 (Sen. Bill Cowsert -R)

Amends the Administrative Procedures Act to allow for legislative oversight (via the Senate and House Natural Resources Committees) of any rule or regulation promulgated by the Department of Natural Resources. DNR rules and regulations that are required for compliance with federal statutes or regulations will not be subject to this oversight. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Signed by the Governor.

 

Remove Sunset Date- Georgia Coastal Management Act. SB 367 (Sen. Ross Tolleson - R)

Removes the sunset date, July 1, 2009, of the Georgia Coastal Management Act, allowing the coastal management program to continue indefinitely. Status: Passed Senate, Died House Rules Cmte.

 

Tire Disposal Fee Extended. SB 399  (Sen. Ross Tolleson-R)

Collection of the tire disposal fee, which funds the solid waste trust fund, is extended three years until June 30, 2011. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Sent to the Governor. SIGNED

 

Soil Erosion and Sedimentation. SB 420 (Sen. Chip Pearson-R)

Exempts the Department of Transportation and its contractors from civil penalties levied for violations of soil erosion and sedimentation rules and regulations. Status: Passed Senate, Died House Transportation Cmte.

General Business

Concealed Weapon/Guns in the Parking Lot. HB 89 (Rep. Tim Bearden-R)

This bill has morphed through the process and combines other bills and new material. It now provides some language about where guns can be carried and it addresses guns being brought to the parking lot at work. It allows any property owner to have a policy against bringing guns on their property. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate with Amendments, Conference Cmte. Report Passed by House and Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

State Agencies Annual Report to Legislature. HB 91 (Rep. Jill Chambers-R)

Requires state agencies to deliver an annual report to legislative leaders showing what they raised and spent during the preceding fiscal year. Status: Passed House, passed Senate, sent to Governor. Vetoed by the Governor. Status: Veto Override by the House. Now in Senate Rules.

 

Charitable Solicitations. HB 1104 (Rep. Katie Dempsey-R)

Revises certain definitions and provisions relating to registration and other actions of paid solicitors, solicitor agents and charitable organizations. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Solid Waste Collection Contracts. SB 154 (Sen. Jack Murphy-R)

Relates to general provisions applicable only to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to provide that certain waste managements contracts shall be honored by municipalities or other government entities; to provide for certain restrictions on certain actions taken by local governments; and to place certain requirements on solid waste collection firms. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Mechanics and Materialmen Liens. SB 374 (Sen. Dan Weber – R)

Relates to mechanics and materialmen liens to set filing fees, define terms and time periods for all related matters. Status: Passed Senate. Passed House by Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Comprehensive Firearms Law Study Cmte. SR 819 (Sen. Mitch Seabaugh-R)

Creates the Senate Comprehensive Firearms Law Study Committee. Status: Passed Senate.

 

Healthcare – General

 

Mental Health Advocate. HB 535 (Rep. Mark Butler-R)

Creates a patient advocacy board and the position of Patient Advocate General to investigate fatalities, allegations of abuse, neglect, or improper treatment occurring in facilities operated by, subjection to certification by, or under contract with the Division of Mental Health. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Sales Tax Exemptions for Health Centers. HB 957 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

To provide for an exemption from state sales and use tax only for a limited period of time regarding the sale or use of tangible personal property to certain nonprofit health centers; to provide for an exemption for a limited period of time regarding sales to certain nonprofit volunteer health clinics; and to extend the sunset or termination date of the exemption for certain qualified nonprofit job training organizations. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Nurse Fingerprint Check. HB 1041 (Rep. Sharon Cooper-R)

Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act requires fingerprint record checks for all registered professional nurse licensure applicants. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate with Senate Amendment, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Vaccinations to Hospital Patients 65 and Older. HB 1105 (Rep. Donna Sheldon-R)

Requires hospitals to offer certain vaccinations to inpatients aged 65 or older. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Health Share' Volunteers in Medicine Act. HB 1222 (Rep. Mickey Channell-R)

To revise certain provisions relating to the "Georgia Volunteers in Health Care Specialties Act"; to require that health care licensing boards issue special licenses if certain conditions are met and that a health care practitioner that is under sanctions or restrictions shall not receive a special license. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Senate Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Medicaid Care Management Organizations Act. HB 1234 (Rep. Mickey Channell-R)

Relates to quality assessment fees on care management organizations, for purposes of conformity so as to provide that an administrative law judge can consolidate complaints or claims against a care management organization. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Council on Aging. SB 341 (Sen. Lee Hawkins-R)

Assigns additional duties and powers to the council on aging and requires that the council produce reports on aging issues. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Council for Rural & Human Services Transportation. SB 402 (Sen. Tommie Williams-R)

Establishes the Georgia Coordinating Council for Rural and Human Services Transportation to encourage efficient transportation service delivery in the rural areas of the state and to coordinate human service transportation services in both rural and urban areas of the state. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Health Cmte.

 

Georgia Health Marketplace. SB 404 (Sen. Tommie Williams-R)

Establishes the Georgia Health Marketplace to provide access to health care products for Georgia consumers; to establish the Georgia Health Marketplace Authority; to provide for health care products and programs in the Georgia Health Marketplace, to create a marketing trust fund, to provide for catastrophic coverage products, etc. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House.

 

Uniform Anatomical Gift Act. SB 405 (Sen. Don Balfour)

Revises current Anatomical Gift Act; who may make anatomical gifts and other regulations. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

 

 

 

Health Savings Account High Deductible Plans SB 383 (Sen. Judson Hill-R)

Would allow the Commissioner of Insurance to adopt policies to encourage health savings account eligible high-deductible plans in Georgia. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Safety-Net Clinics. SB 395 (Sen. Greg Goggans)

Provides grant program designed to effect a shift in non-emergency medical services for indigent and elderly patients from hospital ER’s to primary-care clinics. (Initiative of Lt. Gov. Cagle.) Status: Passed Senate, Died House Appropriations Cmte.

 

Student Health and Physical Education Act. SB 506 (Sen. Joe Carter-R)

 To require local school systems to conduct physical fitness testing of students and to comply with state physical education instruction requirements; to provide for aggregate reporting of data; to provide for public inspection of such data; to establish a position within the Department of Education to coordinate activities relating to physical education. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Health Cmte.

 

Coverdell-Murphy Act. SB 549 (Sen. Don Thomas-R)

Establishes a system of state-certified stroke centers (primary stroke centers and remote –treatment stroke centers). Status: Passed Senate, Passed House, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Healthcare – Pharmaceuticals

 

Prohibit Anti-epileptic Drug Substitution. HB 127 (Rep. Charlice Byrd-R)

Prohibit the substitution of anti-epileptic drugs except under certain conditions. Status: Passed the House, Died in Senate Rules Cmte.

 

Prescription Drugs Sold by GA Companies Not Subject to Restrictions. HB 180 (Rep. Carl Rogers-R)

To provide that certain prescription drugs and other health care products sold by Georgia biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, or pharmaceutical companies shall not be subject to certain access restrictions or supplemental rebates for purposes of coverage under the state health benefit plan, medical assistance program, PeachCare or other State Health Plan. Status: Passed the House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Drug Prior Authorization. HB 367 (Rep. Buddy Carter-R)

Provide for 10-day supply until prior authorization issues can be resolved; insurance company must pay for the 10-day supply while seeking resolution. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate as Amended, Died in House.

 

Prescription Monitoring. HB 455 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

To enact the Georgia Prescription Monitoring Program for prescribing and dispensing Schedule II, III or IV controlled substances. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Judiciary Cmte.

 

 

Georgia Pharmacy Practice Act. HB 798. (Rep. Austin Scott-R)

To provide for registration as a pharmacy benefits manager; to provide for the review of contracts; and to provide that a pharmacy benefits manager shall not intervene in the delivery of prescriptions. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Rules Cmte.

 

Prohibits Drug Substitution. HB 1042 (Rep. Sharon Cooper – R)

A pharmacist shall not engage in drug product selection or substitution as part of immunosuppressive therapy without first obtaining the consent of patient and of physician. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Rules Cmte.

 

Controlled Substances Bill. HB 1090 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Legislation updating lists of controlled substances and changing definitions and provisions relating to “dangerous drugs.” Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Brain Injury Study Cmte. SR 788 (Sen. Don Thomas-R). Creates the Senate Study Committee on Brain Injury Related Neurobehavioral Issues in Georgia. Status: Passed Senate.

Healthcare – Trauma

 

 

Trauma Care Funding Sources. HB 1158 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Authorize the imposition of a $10 charge on motor vehicle registrations and the transfer of the moneys into the state treasury for the purpose of funding the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund. Also provides new priorities to the Georgia Trauma Network Commission on how they must distribute trauma funding. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, Died in Conference Cmte.

 

Super Speeder Fines to Fund Trauma Care. SB 125 (Sen. Ronnie Chance-R)

Adds to fines for various serious traffic offenses for the ultimate purpose of helping to fund trauma care in the state. (Monies go to the general fund and must rely on the legislature to appropriate them to trauma care purposes.) Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Rules Cmte.

                                                                        

Taxes

 

Integrated Plant Theory. HB 237 (Rep. Chuck Martin-R)

Exempts sales tax on all machinery and equipment that is necessary and integral to the manufacturing process. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Sales Tax Exemption on Energy for Manufacturing. HB 272 (Rep. Jeff Lewis-R)

Originally, this bill removed the state sales tax on energy used in the manufacturing process. The Sales Tax Subcmte. passed a substitute containing language capping the sales tax rate on energy used in the manufacturing process. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Cmte. Substitute, House Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Affordable Housing Tax Credits. HB 405 (Rep. Chuck Martin-R)

Allows for Affordable Housing Tax Credits to become transferable. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Finance Cmte.

 

Municipal Option Sales Tax. HB 410 (Rep. Bob Hanner-D)

Provides for funding of projects and services through the levy and collection of a municipal option sales and use tax. Status: Passed House, Died Senate Rules Cmte.

 

Georgia Tourism Development Act.  HB 451 (Rep. Jeff Lewis-R)

Provides for a program of tax refunds for companies creating certain tourism attractions; to provide for a short title; to define terms; to state legislative findings; to provide for conditions of eligibility and approval by the Department of Economic Development and a local government; to provide for agreements between that department and companies; to provide for regulations; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. Status: Vetoed in 2007. House voted to override veto on 1/14/08.  Override died in Senate Rules Committee.

 

Tax Credits for Historic Structures. HB 851 (Rep. Allen Peake-R)

Relates to income tax credits for the certified rehabilitation of historic structures; to authorize the transfer or assignment of the tax credits; and to provide that proceeds received by the taxpayer for the assignment or sale of tax credits shall be exempt from taxation as income. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Tax Exemption on Nonprofit Job Training. HB 957 (Rep. Ron Stephens-R)

Extends the sunset date on sales and use tax exemption for certain qualified nonprofit job training organizations to July 1, 2010. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Extend Motor Fuel Tax Exemption for Transit. HB 1035 (Rep. Vance Smith, R-129)

Extends the current exemption from motor fuel tax for transit vehicles in Georgia. The benefit to rural and urban transit and campus systems amounts to $2 million per year, which translates into lower operating costs for them. The exemption originally passed in 2005 with a three year sunset. This bill extends that sunset an additional three years. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate Amended with Transportation Funding Language, House Disagreed, Conference Cmte. Report passed by House and Senate. However, legislation effective upon passage of Transportation Funding Constitutional Amendment. The CA Passed the House, but Defeated in Senate.

 

Teleworking Tax Credit Plus 10% Income Tax Break. HB 1244 (Rep. Chuck Martin-R)

Originally a teleworking tax credit bill from the House, it was amended in the Senate with Lt. Gov. Cagle’s 10% cut in income taxes over a five-year period. Status: Passed House and Senate in different versions. Died in Conference Cmte.

 

 

New GREAT Plan. (Restructured by Senate) HR 1246 (Rep. Glenn Richardson-R)

This was the Speaker’s bill which originally removed school ad valorem tax for homeowners and on personal automobiles. However, it was radically changed in the Senate. It now removes only the one-quarter mill state ad valorem tax. It also limits property re-assessments at 2008 levels and prohibits the General Assembly from increasing state spending by a percentage greater than the annual growth in population and inflation. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate as Cmte. Substitute, Died in Conference Cmte.

 

Constitutional Amendment to Impose Spending Limits. SR 20 (Sen. Chip Rogers-R)

Proposed amendment to the Constitution to provide for limitations on state government taxation and expenditures. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Rules Cmte.

 

Freeze Values of Real Property. SR 686 (Sen. Eric Johnson-R)

Constitutional Amendment in relation to ad valorem taxation, freezes values of existing residential real property. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Ways and Means Cmte.

 

Transportation

 

Weight of Vehicles and Loads. HB 981 (Rep. Mark Butler-R)

Relates to weight of vehicles and loads so as to provide that concrete haulers are entitled to the same weight variance granted to other haulers. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate, Pending with Governor. SIGNED

 

Create State Infrastructure Bank for Transportation Projects. HB 1019 (Rep. John Lunsford - R)

Creates a revolving loan fund for local government transportation projects. The legislation is modeled on similar banks in 33 other states. Counties can apply for loans or other financial assistance to accelerate needed transportation projects. Projects can include roads, bridges, transit, rail, airports and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. The Governor is recommending $50 million to initially capitalize the bank. Status: Passed House, Passed Senate by Substitute, House Agree to Substitute, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Design Build Procedure. HB 1124 (Rep. James Mills-R)

Provides that GDoT attempt to award contracts to qualified Georgia contractors and require GDoT to report to the General Assembly on its progress in utilizing the design-build procedure. Status: Passed House, Died in Senate Transportation Cmte.

 

GDoT Strategic Plan. HB 1189 (Rep. Donna Sheldon-R)

Requires GDoT Commissioner to submit a statewide strategic transportation plan to the Governor, Lt. Governor and the Speaker and other key legislators by January 1. Status: Passed House Transportation Cmte., Passed Senate Transportation Cmte, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Seat Belt Regulations. SB 86 (Sen. Don Thomas-R)

Requires the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks. Status: Passed the Senate, Died in House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Cmte.

 

State Congestion Relief Fund. SB 410 (Sen. Doug Stoner-D)

Authorizes the creation of a state congestion relief fund to be used for projects initiated by community improvement districts. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Rules Cmte.

Eliminate Cap on Design-build Contracts. SB 411 (Sen. Tommie Williams-R)

Eliminates the Cap for awarding contracts under the design-build procedure. Status: Passed Senate, Died in House Transportation Cmte.

 

DOT Must Develop Benchmarks, Issue Progress Reports. SB 417 (Sen. Jeff Mullis-R)

Requires the DOT Commissioner to develop and publish benchmarks, issue reports on the progress of construction projects, perform value engineering studies, and other matters. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Senate Agreed, Sent to Governor. SIGNED

 

Joint Human Services Transportation Study Comm. SR 154 (Sen. Jeff Mullis-R)

Creates a commission to study the conditions, needs, issues, and problems of Human Services Transportation and recommend any action or legislation which the commission deems necessary or appropriate. Status: Passed Senate, Died House Rules Cmte.

 

Transportation Funding – 1 Percent Local Option Sales Tax. SR 845 (Sen. Jeff Mullis-R)

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution to provide for a one-percent local option sales and use tax to fund transportation projects and mass transit networks; to authorize the tax on a joint county and municipal basis or on a regional basis including multiple counties and cities. Status: Passed Senate, Passed House by Cmte. Substitute, Conference Cmte. Report passed House, Defeated in Senate.

  

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