Vol # 6, Issue 4 - February 6, 2015

Transportation Funding Bill Continues as Major Focus this Week

The Transportation Funding Act of 2015, HB 170, has generated much attention since it was introduced last week. While the transportation legislation continues to stay in the spotlight, other legislative issues are also moving forward. The amended FY15 budget passed in the House and is working its way through the Senate committee process. This week HB 202 was introduced. This legislation addresses several changes recommended by ACCG to the property tax laws. It is also one of ACCG's priorities for the legislative session. For additional details, please click herePlease make sure your tax assessors and tax commissioners are aware of this legislation. Continue to watch your email and the ACCG website for the latest legislative news.

ACCG to Testify on Transportation Legislation Next Week
Legislators have continued to seek ACCG’s input into local government concerns on the transportation funding bill. Currently, HB 170 is in a House Transportation Subcommittee. On Thursday, Georgia Department of Transportation Commissioner Russell McMurry gave a presentation that estimated the current need just to take care of the existing infrastructure is $800 million for items such as pavement resurfacing, bridge repair and routine maintenance. The subcommittee will hold another meeting on Monday, February 9th at 2:00p.m. During this meeting, ACCG will address the issues from a county perspective.

Please continue to watch for updates on this bill. ACCG  will keep you informed and alert you to any changes as they become available. If you are responding to legislators or the media on this legislation, please make sure that you have the latest information. A new version of the bill is expected to be released next week, so estimations based on the first version of the bill may no longer be accurate. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Clint Mueller or Shaun Adams.

Criminal Justice Reform Council Releases 2015 Report
The 2015 Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform is expected to release its report early next week and will be posted on ACCG's website. ACCG expects that the criminal justice reform legislative package will be introduced next week and will mirror many of the recommendations from the Council.
 
Bill Clarifying County Pension Asset Investments Introduced 
This week, legislators also introduced HB 217, which authorizes local governments to invest pension assets in mutual funds. While ACCG and counties have been doing this for many years, a recent letter by the Georgia Attorney General to the State Auditor casted doubt on whether this is a statutorily-authorized practice. For detailed background and talking points on the legislation, please click here. This issue is one of ACCG’s legislative priorities.

Following is a summary of other bills of interest to counties:


Display/Hide Additional Information - Check to Display