Vol # 6, Issue 8 - March 6, 2015

Critical Transportation Infrastructure Funding Bill Passes House Days before Crossover 
 
After weeks of deliberations HB 170, the Transportation Funding Bill, passed the House on Thursday, March 5. The version of the bill that passed is the Rules Committee Substitute that could have an impact on local sales tax on jet fuel. The data, a summary including local and state provisions, and the current version of the bill can be found here.
 
There were two proposed floor amendments to HB 170 that failed. The failed amendments would have:  1.) Changed the excise tax from 29.2 cents per gallon to 24 cents per gallon and on diesel from 33 cents per gallon to 28 cents per gallon and 2.) Required a referendum for the counties that are currently without transit but wish to have it. 
 
This significant piece of legislation is now on its way to the Senate. Please remember that it is still subject to many changes once it is in the other chamber. As always, continue to monitor for information from ACCG regarding this bill as we near the end of the 2015 legislative session.
 
Legislature is One Step Closer to the Finish Line- Crossover Day is Friday, March 13
The March 13 date for Crossover Day at the 2015 General Assembly is quickly approaching. Crossover Day is the 30th day of the legislative session and presents the final opportunity for each chamber to vote on their respective bills and to decide whether it will pass and move to the other chamber to potentially become Georgia law. Next week will be very critical in regard to what legislation will have an opportunity to progress. ACCG asks that all county officials and their staff closely monitor the “Progressing” section of this week’s Legislative Update as well as watch for any Action Alerts.
 
Immediate Action Needed:
Truck Weight Limit Increase (HB 411) Passes Out of Committee, Contact Your House Representative(s) to Express Opposition 
HB 411 passed out of the House Transportation Committee on Thursday, March 5th. The bill passed as amended by substitute and would increase weights from 80,000 to 84,000 pounds with a 5 percent variance. The bill is now headed to the House Rules Committee. Please contact your House Representative(s) and express your opposition to HB 411 as increased weights will further damage our roads and we should work to close the funding gap before we pass laws to widen it.
 
Legal Notices Bill (SB 186) Passes Out of Committee 
SB 186 passed out of the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee on Wednesday, March 4. One of ACCG’s priorities, this legislation provides county governments the option to post some of their legal notices online in lieu of, or addition to, the legal organ. Click here to access the bill summary. Please contact your Senators and let them know that you support having the option to post electronically.


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