Vol # 4, Issue 6 - February 22, 2013

Committee Work Picks Up as General Assembly Passes the Halfway Point

 

ACCG spent much of the week keeping a watchful eye on legislation and working with House and Senate members as bills moved through legislative committees and subcommittees.The Georgia General Assembly passed the halfway point of the 40-day legislative session on Wednesday and has a full two weeks ahead leading up to Day 29 on March 5. Legislators are working hard to get their bills through the House and Senate committees and onto their respective chamber’s floor in advance of crossover day on Day 30. Legislation that has not passed in either the House or the Senate by that time may no longer be considered in its current form during this legislative session.  As a result, many bills are on a fast track and are expected to move quickly in the next several days. 

 

County priority initiatives are doing well, but ACCG continues to monitor several issues of concern. As the legislative session progresses, please watch for ACCG action alerts if county input is needed on specific bills. Make sure that you know how to get in touch with your legislators quickly as there is often a very narrow window of time to get in contact with them when legislation is heading to the House or Senate floor.

 

Title Ad Valorem Legislation Stalls in the Senate

 

The legislation (HB 80) that sets forth changes to the title ad valorem tax (TAVT) system has stalled in the Senate Finance Committee. At the same time, counties are working hard to prepare for the implementation of this new system which is set for March 1, 2013. With each passing day, it will become more and more difficult to get changes put into place for this new statewide system prior to its rollout. It is important for county tax commissioners to monitor this legislation and watch for guidance from the Department of Revenue on any changes that may need to be enacted quickly if it passes the Senate and is signed by the Governor prior to March 1. For more information on the title advalorem tax system, click here. 

 

Ethics Legislation Heads to the House Floor on Monday

 

ACCG has closely monitored the ethics legislation (HB 142 and HB 143) as it has progressed through the House.  This week, these bills were discussed and passed out of the House Rules Committee and are scheduled to be considered on the House floor on Monday, February 25. 

 

More to Come on Juvenile Justice Reform Next Week

 

The juvenile justice reform legislation (HB 242) cleared the House Judiciary Committee this week. This legislation is a combination of some of the provisions from the Juvenile Code Rewrite and the recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Council in regards to juvenile justice. The bill restructures the juvenile code to improve the process for practitioners and judges. For a section by section summary, please click here. 

 

Get More of "The County Scoop"

Besure to watch the County Scoop videos which provide additional details about legislation that is working its way through the Capitol. To view the videos, click on the arrows in the boxes above. For a link to all of this week's videos, click here.

Policy
    Clint Mueller
   Todd Edwards
   Debra Nesbit
   Shaun Adams   

Legal
    Jim Grubiak
   Kelly Pridgen
   Joe Scheuer

Research
   Michele NeSmith

Communications
   Beth Brown


HB 0101
Neutral
 Food Sales and Service Establishment Standards - Local Festivals, etc.
Under current law, festivals, fairs and events held by nonprofit organizations are not considered "food service establishments" subject to regulation by the department of health when the county issues a temporary permit to the nonprofit for food sales and service. This legislation allows the county to delegate the authority to issue such permits to the county board of health.

Sponsor: Epps, Bubber 144th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0141
Neutral
 Requirement to Post Notice Regarding Human Trafficking - Mandated Notices
This legislation requires bars, massage parlors, truck stops, rest areas, airports, hotels, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, job recruitment centers, farm labor contractors and day haulers to post notices on a form developed by the Department of Safety regarding a hot line for victims of kidnapping, slavery and human trafficking. Law enforcement is required to notify any of the businesses who fail to post the required sign in writing that failure to correct the deficiency within 30 days is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500. The legislation purports to exempt the costs of prosecution from taxes and additional penalties, fees or surcharges.

Sponsor: Lindsey, Edward 54th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0142
Neutral
 Expand Lobbyist Definition
This legislation provides for changes relating to the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission (formerly known as the Ethics Commission) as well as the definition of a lobbyist and expenditures.
 
A more detailed summary can be found here.

Sponsor: Ralston, David 7th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0143
Negotiating
 Changes and Eliminates Certain Filing Requirements for County Offices
This legislation changes the manner in which candidates for local office file their campaign and finance disclosure statements.  
 
For a detailed summary of the changes, click here. 
 
For a comparison of HB 143 to the filing requirements prior to 2011, click here.

Sponsor: Ralston, David 7th
Bill Status: 4/24/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0146
Support
 Issuance of Arrest and Search Warrants by Video Conference
This legislation allows a judge to participate in a hearing for an arrest or search warrant by video conference, regardless of the judge's location at the time of the conference.

Sponsor: Weldon, Tom 3rd
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0176
Oppose
 Cell Towers/Equipment - Preemptions and Conditions on Local Government Approval Process
This legislation significantly preempts local governments' authority in reviewing and approving both the modification of existing cell towers and structures (collocation) and the construction of new cell towers/structures in several key areas.  Provisions include: expanded prohibitions on local review of applications for collocation; set time periods (shot clocks) on local review/action on collocation and new towers/equipment applications; automatic approval of applications if shot clocks are not met; preemptions on local actions and practices in reviewing applications; conditions on what locals can charge in lease/rent for equipment on public property; and set limits/conditions on local consulting and application fees. 
 
For additional information, please see ACCG's summary of the bill here.       

Sponsor: Parsons, Don 44th
Bill Status: 3/28/2013 - House Withdrawn, Recommitted
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0182
Support
 Eliminate Rehearing on Decision of Associate Juvenile Court Judge by Juvenile Judge
This legislation allows an associate juvenile court judge to be appointed as judge pro tempore of the juvenile court in cases where the juvenile court judge cannot sit. Additionally, it removes the provision where orders of the associate juvenile court can be re-heard by the juvenile court judge when one of the parties appeals.

Sponsor: Weldon, Tom 3rd
Bill Status: 4/24/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0199
Neutral
 Expand GEFA's Reservoir Fund for Leak Detection and Conservation
This legislation expands the uses of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority's Reservoir Fund to cover leak-detection, conservation-type and other water supply system assets. The Reservoir Fund will be renamed the "Georgia Reservoir and Water Supply Fund." While ACCG certainly recognizes the importance of leak detection and conservation, GEFA currently has about $318 in loaning capacity available for these purposes via its Georgia Fund, Clean Water and Drinking Water loan programs; whereas the Reservoir Fund only has $41 million in loaning capacity.     

Sponsor: Lindsey, Edward 54th
Bill Status: 3/26/2013 - Senate Tabled
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0226
Neutral
 Revising Used/Scrap Tire Transportation Storage and Disposal Laws
This legislation adds several definitions to aid in EPD's enforcement of organics management and the hauling and storage of scrap tires. The bill defines compost and composting as an aerobic process and defines and limits who can transport used and scrap tires, not new tires. It authorizes, but does not require, local law and code enforcement agencies to enforce Georgia's used/scrap tire laws and limits the amount of scrap tires that can be stored by tire retailers, tire retreaders, salvage yards and the general public. Local governments would be exempted from the tire hauling registration and quantity restrictions.   

Sponsor: Nix, Randy 69th
Bill Status: 4/30/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0242
Support
 Juvenile Justice Reform/Juvenile Code Rewrite
This legislation is a combination of some of the provisions from the Juvenile Code Rewrite and the recommendations from the Criminal Justice Reform Council in regards to juvenile justice. The bill restructures the juvenile code to improve the process for practitioners and judges. For a section by section summary please click here.

Sponsor: Willard, Wendell 51st
Bill Status: 5/2/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0283
Support
 School Superintendent Office in County Courthouse
Among many other revisions that are not related to county governance, HB 283 eliminates the antiquated requirement that the board of commissioners provide office space in the courthouse to the school superintendent.  ACCG supports this section of the bill.   

Sponsor: Coleman, Brooks 97th
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0318
Support
 Georgia Tourism Development Act
This legislation changes the procedures of the Georgia Tourism Development Act and the necessary agreements that provide sales tax exemptions for certain projects. This legislation was amended to now include the option for local governments to offer the tourism tax exemption by resolution in the jurisdiction where a tourism project exists.
 

Sponsor: Stephens, Ron 164th
Bill Status: 4/29/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0320
Support
 Inert Landfills - Exempt from DNR Rule
In January of 2013, the Board of Natural Resources adopted rules taking inert landfills out of the "permit-by-rule" category and requiring facility owners to instead obtain a solid waste handling permit which entails additional, substantive regulations and costs. This bill exempts from that new rule any inert landfill, public or private, which as of January 1, 2014 is certified by a professional engineer as being in full compliance with all permit-by-rule requirements as they previously existed before the DNR rule change. 

Sponsor: Harden, Buddy 148th
Bill Status: 4/24/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0349
Neutral
 Adult Criminal Justice Reform Clean Up Bill
This legislation creates the Council on Criminal Justice Reform to continue to assess the impact of the Criminal Justice Reform Act. This legislation also provides for judges to deviate from mandatory minimums by following a procedure as outlined in the legislation, and revises the process for removal of arrest records.

Sponsor: Golick, Rich 40th
Bill Status: 4/25/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


SB 0011
Support
 Reauthorize the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council
This legislation reauthorizes the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council to audit Georgia's geospatial capabilities at the county, regional and state level. 

Sponsor: Carter, Buddy 1st
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SB 0072
Neutral
 Reduce Interest on Tax Refunds and Past Due Taxes
This legislation reduces from 1 percent per month to 7 percent per annum the rate of interest owed by the government to a taxpayer on refunds and the rate of interest owed by the taxpayer to the government on past due taxes.

Sponsor: Stone, Jesse 23rd
Bill Status: 2/27/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Clint Mueller


SB 0083
Support
 Authorizes the Use of Cremation for County Funded Burials of Paupers
Under current law, counties are required to provide for the decent interment of indigents who pass away within their jurisdiction, as is the Department of Corrections for inmates in their care. This legislation simply clarifies that decent interment allows for cremation. 

Sponsor: Gooch, Steve 51st
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SB 0099
Neutral
 Authorize Fractional SPLOST
This legislation allows for one or more fractional SPLOSTs at any rate less than 1 percent as long as the combined total does not exceed 1 percent.  The governing authorities of the county and the cities must agree to the fractional SPLOST through an intergovernmental agreement before placing it on the local referendum.

Sponsor: Hill, Judson 32nd
Bill Status: 3/11/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Clint Mueller


SB 0104
Support
 Comprehensive Planning Revisions - Streamlining Requirements
This legislation results from a two-year stakeholder process whereby ACCG, GMA and others partnered on the Department of Community Affairs' Planning Rules Task force to revise Georgia's comprehensive planning requirements on local governments. While, to the credit of DCA, most of the task force's recommendations have been achieved via its rulemaking process, three changes in statute were necessary. This legislation covers these necessary changes by:
 
- making housing, human services, natural resources, vital areas, historic and cultural resources, infrastructure, recreation and other components of a comprehensive plan optional to the local government;
 
- not requiring Regional Commissions (RC) to issue a public finding on whether a development of regional impact is in the best interest of the region or state; and
 
-changing deadlines on when a local government must adopt a comprehensive plan and submit it to their RC. 
 
For a detailed summary of all the Comprehensive Planning changes promulgated by DCA, click here.
 
For a PowerPoint presentation of the changes, click here.          

Sponsor: Ginn, Frank 47th
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SB 0117
Neutral
 Call Before You Dig Revisions
This legislation results from a two-year stakeholder process whereby several changes are made to Georgia's Utility Facility Protection Act (GUFPA, or Call Before You Dig Law).  Revisions to current dig law include revising the definition of large projects and procedures for addressing unlocatable utilities; reinforcing that sewer laterals are not owned by local governments; clarifying what routine road maintenance does not qualify as "excavating"; and altering the makeup of the GUFPA advisory committee, among others.  ACCG participated in this stakeholder process and, counter to earlier concerns, this bill does not expand penalties for local governments found in violation of the law, nor does it expand the Public Service Commission's regulatory reach over local governments or their water authorities. 
 
For a summary of HB 117 and proposed GUFPA provisions, please click here.       

Sponsor: Jeffares, Rick 17th
Bill Status: 2/21/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SB 0120
Support
 Creation of Prosecutor Position for Probate Court Upon Approval of BOC
This legislation is a permissive bill that will allow counties to create a prosecutor position for probate courts which handle traffic. 
 
A more detailed summary can be found here.

Sponsor: Crosby, John 13th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


SB 0137
Neutral
 Authorizes Commissioner of Economic Development to Designate Opportunity Zones
This legislation authorizes the Commissioner of Economic Development to designate areas as opportunity zones except for areas where one or more census tracts adjacent to a federal military installation where pervasive poverty is evidenced by a 15% poverty rate or greater as reflected in the most recent decennial census.
 
 

Sponsor: Jeffares, Rick 17th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0357
Neutral
 Hazardous Sites - Revisions to Voluntary Remediation Program
This legislation is identical to SB 176.  In 2009, Georgia passed the Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) as a public/private partnership program to clean up hazardous sites.  This legislation makes significant revisions to the VRP, allowing it to be used for HSRA, Brownfields and RCRA sites as well.  It also changes cost recovery mechanisms for contaminated ground water clean up; strengthens credential requirements of those implementing a VRP corrective action; streamlines/reduces the VRP application and reporting provisions; alters how restrictive covenants are used by the EPD Director; limits liability for some property owners; allows the option of basing groundwater cleanup on current and reasonably foreseeable future use; alters liability for land purchasers who apply within 30 days after closing; and allows Georgia citizens the right of appeal under HSRA, among other provisions.  Please let ACCG know of any concerns you may have with this bill.     

Sponsor: McCall, Tom 33rd
Bill Status: 2/20/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0361
Neutral
 Federal Labor Laws - Cannot Require Folks to Waive Them
This legislation prohibits the state, cities and counties from passing ordinances or requirements in contracts, permits, licenses or zoning, that would require an employer or employee to waive rights provided by the National Labor Relations Act.  For instance, a county could not require a potential contractor or vendor to accept terms to a collective bargaining agreement with its employees in order to enter into a contract with the county.

Sponsor: Lindsey, Edward 54th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0362
Neutral
 Unions - Counties Cannot Prohibit or Require in Public Works Contracts
This legislation prohibits counties from requiring or prohibiting contractors on public works construction projects over $100,000 to enter into pre-hire agreements, project labor agreements, collective bargaining agreements or any other agreements with labor unions.  Additionally, counties may not discriminate against bidders, contractors, or material suppliers for refusing to adhere to agreements with unions.  When an imminent threat to public health or safety occurs, the chair may require contractors, bidders, and material suppliers to adhere to such agreements if the board of commissioners holds a public hearing that special circumstances exist requiring the adherence to the union agreements.  However, the possibility of a labor dispute because of the presence of non-union contractors or subcontractors may not be considered by the board.

Sponsor: Lindsey, Edward 54th
Bill Status: 3/5/2013 - Senate Read and Referred
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0367
Evaluating
 Reduce Distance for Outdoor Advertising Near Public Park
Under current law, billboards may not usually be located within 500 feet of a public park, playground, recreation area, forest, or scenic area of cemetery. This legislation reduces this buffer to 200 feet.

Sponsor: Sharper, Dexter 177th
Bill Status: 2/20/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0370
Neutral
 State Income Tax; Elimination of Tier Classification
This legislation eliminates the tier classification of counties, which considers factors such as unemployment rates, per capita income and percentage of residents below the poverty level, to determine tax credits for businesses that add jobs.
 

Sponsor: Braddock, Paulette 19th
Bill Status: 2/20/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0382
Neutral
 Schools Facilities - Counties Must Enter Into Joint Use Agreement
This legislation requires schools to enter into a recreational joint-use agreement whenever they allow their facilities to be used by the county or a private or public entity for recreation. The recreational joint-use agreement must include the terms and conditions of the use of the school property, include a provision to hold the school harmless, allow the school to terminate at any time, and require the county (or other party using the property) to maintain and provide proof of liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million.  Please let ACCG know of any concerns you may have with this bill. 

Sponsor: Powell, Jay 171st
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0384
Neutral
 Motorized Cart Signage Clarification
This legislation requires counties that allow the use of motorized carts on public streets to post signs that are at least 24 inches by 30 inches on every state highway that intersects with the county's and cities' boundaries to warn other drivers that motorized carts are permitted on public roads. Any ordinance by the county regulating motorized carts will not be effective until the signs are posted.

Sponsor: Roberts, Jay 155th
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0388
Support
 Increase County Tag Fee
This legislation increases the tag fee that may be retained by the county tag agent from $.50 to $5.00.

Sponsor: Talton, Willie 147th
Bill Status: 2/21/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Clint Mueller


HB 0392
Support
 Release of Unclaimed Cash Bonds To Local Governing Authority After One Year
This legislation changes the time period that a cash bond must be held before being forfeited to the local governing authority from seven years to one year once the surety has been released.

Sponsor: Allison, Stephen 8th
Bill Status: 2/21/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0393
Neutral
 Georgia Workforce Investment Board
This legislation sets the procedure for establishing local workforce investment boards. It also makes counties, cities and regional commissions the fiscal agent/grant recipient for certain funds.

Sponsor: Hamilton, Mark 24th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0395
Neutral
 Georgia New Markets Jobs Act; enact
This legislation enacts the Georgia New Markets Jobs Act.

Sponsor: Shaw, Jason 176th
Bill Status: 3/28/2013 - House Withdrawn, Recommitted
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


HB 0402
Neutral
 Shore Protection and Coastal Marshlands Protection Acts - Revisions
This legislation provides a variance procedure under the Coastal Marshlands Protection Act to allow for temporary activities within protected areas (i.e., television and movie sets/filming).   

Sponsor: Stephens, Ron 164th
Bill Status: 5/7/2013 - House Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0408
Oppose
 State Regulation of Local Water Rates

This legislation mandates that a local jurisdiction's water rate charged to a multi-family dwelling served by a master meter be no more than the water rate charged to a single family dwelling. ACCG is working with the Georgia Association of Water Professionals to understand the impact of this bill, any rate differentials, and will be commenting to the General Assembly.          

Sponsor: Jacobs, Mike 80th
Bill Status: 2/22/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0409
Oppose
 Animal Control - No Local Requirement to Spay or Neuter

This preemption legislation prohibits local governments from requiring dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered, even in the cases of dangerous or vicious dogs and rescue/adoption.  Furthermore, counties and cities could not require a higher registration or ownership fee or tax on animals that are not spayed or neutered.  It also prohibits counties from enacting ordinances that require the tethering of dogs that are used for field trials, hunting, shows or disability services. Breed specific bans on dogs and cats is also prohibited.

Sponsor: Knight, David 130th
Bill Status: 3/28/2013 - House Withdrawn, Recommitted
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


HB 0411
Oppose
 Creation of Detention Facility Commissary Fee - Requirements for Use

 This legislation requires inmates to pay an annual $25 user fee to make purchases at the commissary. The detention facility may keep $5 to be placed in its operating account to fund inmate services.  The other $20 must go to the governing authority to be placed in a separate account and used for sexual assault centers, rape crisis centers, or human trafficking shelters.  If the governing authority fails to use the money for such purposes, the money will escheat to the state.

Sponsor: Welch, Andrew 110th
Bill Status: 2/22/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


HB 0449
Support
 Non Disclosure Of Victim Calls To 9-1-1

This legislation provides an exception to the open records law for certain 9-1-1 call recordings.

Sponsor: Gravley, Micah 67th
Bill Status: 2/25/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


SB 0135
Negotiating
 Required DNA Collection on Every Person Arrested For A Felony
This legislation requires law enforcement officers to collect a DNA sample for every person arrested for a felony offense if a magistrate or grand jury has determined that there is probable cause for arrest.

Sponsor: McKoon, Joshua 29th
Bill Status: 2/28/2013 - House Second Readers
ACCG Staff Contact: Debra Nesbit


SB 0177
Neutral
 Georgia Tourism Foundation; change the membership
This legislation changes the composition of the Georgia Tourism Foundation to allow the Governor to appoint members from the Board of Economic Development and others. The hope is to reactivate the Foundation for its original intended purpose which is to solicit and accept money and in kind contributions for the Statewide Tourism Marketing Program which will help attract industry to Georgia. This is another tool in the Economic Development toolbox for Georgia. 

Sponsor: Ginn, Frank 47th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


SB 0179
Neutral
 Public Bids - Penalties, Incentives and Bid Bonds
This legislation allows counties to include provisions in construction contracts over $100,000 to require the contractor to pay a penalty if the project is delayed. It also allows the contract to include an incentive for contractors to complete the contract early when the project needs to be completed as soon as possible. 
 
When a county issues a request for proposal for a construction project over $100,000 and price is not one of the evaluation factors, this legislation allows the county to choose whether to have a bid bond or not. If the county requires a bid bond, the request for proposal must specify the dollar amount of the bid bond. This legislation also corrects a technical error in the law regarding notice of commencement required to be filed by the contractor.
 
Local governments cannot require or prohibit bidders to enter into union or collective bargaining agreements.   

Sponsor: Hill, Hunter 6th
Bill Status: 5/6/2013 - Senate Date Signed by Governor
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SB 0184
Evaluating
 Provides for Partisan Elections
This legislation makes all congressional, state and county elections on a partisan basis. Consolidated governments, school boards and county judicial offices must hold a referendum in order to be elected on a non-partisan basis.

Sponsor: McKoon, Joshua 29th
Bill Status: 2/20/2013 - Senate Read and Referred
ACCG Staff Contact: Shaun Adams


SB 0188
Negotiating
 Guns - Carry in Local Government Buildings Unless Government Prohibits
This legislation allows those with a concealed carry permit to carry firearms in county and city government buildings unless the local governing authority prohibits said carry via a resolution or ordinance.   

Sponsor: Loudermilk, Barry 14th
Bill Status: 2/21/2013 - Senate Read and Referred
ACCG Staff Contact: Todd Edwards


SR 0277
Evaluating
 Local Option Sales Tax Distribution Reform

This legislation, if passed in a statewide referendum, would amend the constitution to end city/county negotiations on Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) and require all LOST revenues to be applied to reducing the property tax bill. LOST would be split between counties and cities based upon population and the county would use its share to reduce property taxes in the unincorporated area. The property tax dollar savings from LOST would have to be shown on each property tax bill.

Sponsor: Mullis, Jeff 53rd
Bill Status: 2/21/2013 - Senate Read and Referred
ACCG Staff Contact: Clint Mueller


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