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Tension Builds Leading Up to Crossover Day
Legislators were extremely busy in committee meetings this week, working to move bills through the process as the Day 30 crossover deadline - now set for March 7 - nears. Legislation that has not passed in either the House or the Senate by this deadline may not move forward in its current form this year. Now is the time to pay close attention to information coming from ACCG regarding legislation that is on the move. While ACCG is monitoring legislation closely, it can move from a committee to the House or Senate floor very quickly, leaving very little time for comment.
Update on Title Ad Valorem Tax Legislation
Earlier today, ACCG issued Action Alerts for the Senate and later, the House on HB 266. This legislation contains provisions to “clean-up” problems identified with the new Title Ad Valorem Tax (TAVT) law that goes into effect today. While ACCG agrees that most of the provisions in HB 266 are very important and need to pass, changes for “Buy Here Pay Here” dealers and the way the value of used cars will be determined concern ACCG because of their potential impact on county revenues. After an hour of debate, the Senate passed this legislation with none of the changes recommended by ACCG. The House was supposed to take up the legislation today, but has now adjourned until Monday. Please read the Action Alerts and the bill summary and contact your House members about this legislation over the weekend.
Juvenile Justice Reform Bill Clears House and Heads to Senate
The Juvenile Justice Bill passed the House on Thursday 173 -0 and will now move on to Senate. ACCG continues to assess the bill and will suggest improvements as it moves through the Senate. In order to help ACCG better assess the potential impact of this legislation, a questionnaire has been sent to county finance directors and county legislative coordinators seeking very important information on current staffing levels and juvenile courts operations. Please be sure that the appropriate staff in your county completes the information and returns it to ACCG as soon as possible. For a detailed summary of the bill, click here.
Legislation to Address Immigration Reform Concerns Moving Forward
Two bills passed out of committee this week that will assist counties in complying with Georgia's illegal immigration laws. Both bills seek to reduce the burden on U.S. citizens, businesses and government by streamlining many of the mandated requirements. For more information on the details of this legislation, please review HB 125 and SB 160. ACCG commends Representative Hightower for sponsoring this legislation which addresses many county concerns.
Cell Tower Legislation Expected to Head to the House Floor Next Week
Now is the time for county officials to talk to House members regarding concerns about HB 176, which significantly preempts local governments in reviewing and approving applications for both the modification of existing cell towers and structures (collocation) and the construction of new cell towers and structures. Representatives from ACCG, Cobb County, Gwinnett County, GMA and several cities have continued to express concerns in committee meetings and through the media on the impact this legislation will have on local cell tower siting ordinances. This legislation has very strong support from the wireless industry and the Georgia Chamber of COmmerce and is expected to be on the House floor next week. To view ACCG's summary of HB 176, click here. If this legislation impacts your county's cell tower siting ordinances, please let your House members know at your earliest convenience.
Get More of "The County Scoop"
Be sure 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.
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