SUMMARY:  This bill would amend Title 28 of the O.C.G.A. to create the 2010 Special Council on Tax Reform and Fairness for Georgians and the Special Joint Committee on Georgia Revenue Structure.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The Special Council would conduct a thorough study of the state’s current revenue structure and made a report of its findings and recommendations for legislation by January 10, 2011.
• The Special Joint Committee would be required to introduce legislation recommended by the Special Council without significant changes with the bill(s) going directly to the special joint committee.
• If a “do-pass” results, the bill(s) or resolution(s) would be considered only by the House as reported directly from the floor with no amendments.
• If passed by the House, the bill(s) or resolution(s) would go through the same process in the Senate.
• The bill(s) or resolution(s) would be read 3 times on 3 separate days and meet all other requirements of the Constitution.
• The Special Council would have 11 members, listed by name: Dr. Jeffery Humphreys of UGA (economist), Dr. Roger Tutterow of Mercer University (economist), Dr. Christine Ries of GA Tech (economist), Governor Sonny Perdue, Zell Miller, the 2010 chair of the GA Chamber, the 2010 GA state director for the National Federation of Independent Business, 5 members appointed by the Lt. Gov. and 2 members appointed by the Speaker.  All would serve without compensation.
• The Special Joint Committee would have 12 members: President Pro Tem of the Senate, Speaker Pro Tem of the House, the majority leaders of the House and Senate, the chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee, and 2 members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate (one of each party).  The committee would be led by chairs of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee.