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House Bill 389
Chair's Name: Jeff Lewis
Committee: Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications
House Sponsor: Jeff Lewis
HB 389 Amends code section relating to public utilities and public transportation. This bill will change the definition of "motor common carrier" to include every person owning, controlling, operating, or managing any motor propelled vehicle, and the lessees, receivers, or trustees of such person, used in the business of transporting for hire of persons or property, or both, on the public highways of Georgia as a common carrier. This term also includes, but is not limited to limousine carriers. New code sections added include:
- All advertisements have to include an authorization number from the Public Service Commission.
- Each limousine carrier must have insurance with a company authorized to do business in Georgia. The policy will provide for the protection of passengers and property against injury caused by the carrier's negligence. The PSC determines and fixes the amounts, provisions, and limitations of the insurance for the carriers.
- The PSC is authorized to enforce the new code sections. The commission can hear petitions from third parties asserting carrier violations and may impose penalties.
This bill received a Do Pass recommendation from the Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee and comes to the House Floor under the Open Rule.
Chairman Lewis's opinion of this legislation:
WHAT PROBLEM/OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS LEGISLATION ADDRESS?
Does away with price caps and allows competitive market place to set prices
WHAT IS THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND THIS LEGISLATION?
To remove burdensome resolutions
THIS LEGISLATION:
- Reduces the Size of Government:
Yes, removes some resolutions
- Reduces the Tax Burden on our Citizens:
Yes, no artificial prices will be set
- Increases Personal Responsibility:
Yes, allows customers to shop around for service
Senate Changes:
The Senate changed the maximum number of passengers from 15 to 10. Representative Lewis will likely move to agree.
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