2017/01/27-Report (28)
Use the drop down to the left to select the next 25 bills to display.

Date of Last Recorded Action: 5/7/2024

HB 0004 SupportConservation Use Valuation Assessments (CUVA) - Effect of Delinquent Taxes Jason Spencer
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Ways and Means --
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/10 - Report Larry Ramsey Property Tax
This bill amends OCGA 48-5-7.4 and provides for 2 new requirements for Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) of property: 1) property owners cannot apply for or renew a CUVA covenant if delinquent on any taxes owed in the county where the property lies, until those taxes are paid; and 2) if an owner becomes delinquent on county taxes while a CUVA covenant is in effect, that delinquency constitutes a breach of the covenant.
HB 0005 SupportChange in Grants to Counties Formula for Juvenile Judge Salaries Johnnie Caldwell
7/1/2017 Effective Date Juvenile Justice Judiciary -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/17-Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/24 - Report Compensation
Debra Nesbit General County Government Juveniles Public Safety and Courts
This legislation changes the current amount for juvenile court judgeship grants-to-counties funding.  The grant increases from $85,000 to $100,000 per circuit, with an additional funding for circuits with four or more superior court judgeships, the grant will include $25,000 per superior court judgeship over four. For example a circuit with nine superior court judgeships would receive $225,000 per year for that circuit.
HB 0015 NegotiatingMandatory Electronic Filing for Civil Cases in Superior and State Courts Wendell Willard
3/30/2017 Senate Conference Committee Appointed 46th, 30th, 19th Judiciary Judiciary -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/17 - Report Civil Procedure Clerk of Court
Debra Nesbit Public Safety and Courts
This legislation mandates all clerks of superior court accept electronically filed cases by January 1, 2018.  The cost of such filing shall not exceed $7.00.  The bill includes a hardship clause that extends that deadline for six months for counties who need additional time.  An amendment was added to the bill that prohibits the Council of the Superior Court Clerks, any state entity, or governing authority of any local government from keeping any portion of the fee.  NOTE:  This bill has been added to SB 407, the Governor's Criminal Justice Reform Bill.
HB 0022 NeutralElections - Authorize Voters to Cast Ballot in any Local Precinct Roger Bruce
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Governmental Affairs --
2017/01/27-Report Elections General County Government Todd Edwards
This legislation allows the election superintendent to authorize voters to vote in any precinct in the county.  The election superintendent must ensure that there are safeguards to protect against voters voting in more than once, there are enough ballots of each style available at each precinct to accommodate voters using a different precinct, there is sufficient DRE voting equipment at each precinct, and there are sufficient poll workers available at each precinct.
HB 0059 NeutralIncome Tax Credits for Certified Historic Structures Ron Stephens
3/29/2018 House Disagreed Senate Amend or Sub Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2018/03/16 Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development General County Government
Land Use/Zoning Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This legislation changes the income tax credit for rehabilitation of historic structures. As amended in the Senate, this bill would increase the maximum the tax credit to $40 million in any year for a certified historic structure. The bill would prohibit the sale or transfer to other parties.
HB 0068 NegotiatingConstruction Zones - Required Emergency Pull Off Andrew Welch
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Transportation --
2017/01/27-Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Kathleen Bowen Mandate Roads
This legislation requires counties to provide an emergency pull off shoulder for the entire distance of a road expansion project that is wide enough for a vehicle to safely exit the road or to bypass traffic in a construction zone. ACCG is working with the author to address concerns.
HB 0069 Support"Less Developed Area" Tax Credits - Reporting Requirements Paulette Braddock
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Ways & Means --
2017/01/27-Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill requires the state revenue commissioner to prepare a report regarding the income tax credit for business enterprises in counties designated as less developed areas. That existing program allows higher income tax credits for the least developed counties. The reports called for in this bill are to be made for 2019-2024 and are to specify items such as the number of employers claiming the credit, the number and value of credits, and estimated economic impact.
HB 0070 Support"Less Developed Area" Tax Credits - Classification Change for Counties with High Levels of Commuters Paulette Braddock
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Ways & Means --
2017/01/27-Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill redesignates any county to a lower economic development tier when at least 70 percent of the county's workforce commutes outside the county for work. The effect of this change is that businesses creating jobs within a county meeting this percentage would be entitled to higher income tax credits that would otherwise apply.
HB 0073 SupportRevitalization Zone Income Tax Credits Penny Houston
5/8/2017 Effective Date Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill provides an income tax credit to businesses that establish new locations within revitalization zones designated by the Commissioners of the Department of Community Affairs and Department of Economic Development.  To be eligible for revitalization zone status, counties and/or cities must have a population of less than 15,000 and must show economic distress based upon poverty rate, downtown area vacancies or blight.  Additionally, the county and/or city must identify a concentration of historic commercial structures, a feasibility study or market analysis identifying business activities to be supported, and a master or strategic plan to assist private and public investment. 
HB 0076 InactiveClerks of Court - Revisions to Recording Maps, Plats and Plans Rick Jasperse
5/8/2017 Effective Date Judiciary Judiciary -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/02/10 - Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/17 - Report
Clerk of Court General County Government Land Use/Zoning Todd Edwards

This is clean up legislation for HB 1004 from the 2016 legislative session.  All maps, plats, plans and condominium plans must now be submitted electronically to the clerk of superior court.  The remainder of the bill was worked out over the interim between counties, cities, surveyors, engineers, architects and the clerks, specifying the format for the submittal of plats and plans, required data for plats, which plats must be certified by land surveyors, and other certification required for plats.  Attempts to add language stating that maps not creating new roads or utilities do not need local approval prior to submittal to the clerk were unsuccessful. 

For the guidance document, click here. 
HB 0081 SupportHospital Authorities and Contractors Intercept Income Tax Returns to Pay Medical Bills Tom McCall
3/1/2018 Senate Read and Referred Ways and Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2018/02/23 Report 2018/03/2 Report Clerk of Court Debra Nesbit
Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons Health and Human Services Hospital Authority Indigent Health Care Juveniles
Magistrate Court Probate Court Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance State Court
Superior Court
This legislation allows health care facilties created, formed or operated on behalf of a hospital authority to intercept tax refunds to pay outstanding medical bills. 
HB 0082 NeutralPersonal Information - Notification of Unauthorized Release Sheri Gilligan
1/25/2017 House Second Readers Judiciary --
2017/01/27-Report General County Government Mandate Todd Edwards
This legislation expands the notification requirements when personal information (i.e., name plus social security number, driver's license number, state identification card number, account number, credit card number, debit card number, account password, personal identification number, or access code) is released to unauthorized persons.  Under current law, counties must notify individuals if the security of the system containing the information is breached.  Now they must also do so if the information is released to an unauthorized person intentionally, inadvertently or accidentally.
HB 0085 NeutralForest Land Conservation Valuation - Appraisal Methodology Jay Powell
1/1/2019 Effective Date Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/02/24 - Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2018/02/23 Report
2018/03/23 Report Larry Ramsey Property Tax Revenue & Finance
The substitute version of this bill changes the method of valuation of forest land conservation property by uncoupling that valuation from 2008 values as existing law provides. Instead, the valuation would first change to 2016 values and then reset every 3 years thereafter. In addition, this bill creates a new appraisal methodology for valuation of non-covenant timberland property (defined as property with the primary purpose of commercial timber production).The Department of Revenue (DOR) will develop a methodology each year for valuing such property via actual income data for such properties. However, the resulting values could not be less than 175% of the corresponding FLPA value for that property. DOR is allowed to withhold 3 percent administrative fee from FLPA assistance grants to counties, cities, or school districts. The bill is contingent upon ratification of an enabling constitutional amendment, HR 51. Local assessors and taxpayers would have the right to appeal DOR's appraisal methodology.
HB 0090 NegotiatingLand Purchase - Illegal for Board Member to Discuss if Conflict of Interest Robert Gasaway
3/30/2017 House Withdrawn, Recommitted Judiciary Non-Civil --
2017/01/27-Report Criminal Procedure Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Eminent Domain/Condemnation
Ethics General County Government Procurement Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation makes it a misdemeanor for members of the board of commissioners, city council, school board or local board or authority to knowingly and intentionally vote, attempt to influence a vote, or be present in executive or closed session when their respective body is considering or discussion the acquisition of property if the member has direct or indirect ownership interest in the property, or any business in which the member serves in a fiduciary capacity has an ownership interest in the property.      
HB 0093 NeutralSale and Use Tax Refunds - No Interest Payable John Corbett
3/29/2018 Senate Conference Committee Appointed 56th, 52nd, 30th Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/24 - Report 2018/03/16 Report
2018/03/23 Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill changes refund procedures for purchasers with a certificate or exemption letter from the state revenue commissioner. If the certificate has been obtained but not used prior to a purchase, any refund of sales tax is made without interest. Under present law, no interest is due on refunds only if a certificate had not been obtained and used prior to a purchase. As amended, this bill adds requirements for certain large purchasers who may directly pay sales tax rather than pay sales tax to their vendors. The Senate added the text of SB 378 (Measuring Success Act) and SB 432 (repeal of certain tax exemptions). 
HB 0115 EvaluatingTaxi and Limousine Services - Vehicle Decals Alan Powell
1/26/2017 House Second Readers Ways & Means --
2017/01/27-Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill redefines the term 'for hire vehicle' to include limousine carriers and tax services and to exclude ride share networks and ride share network drivers. Beginning July 1, 2017, 'for hire vehicles' will pay an annual $300.00 decal fee, in lieu of the current master license fees for such services. This bill would maintain the current state (57%) and local (43%) split of such fees. Fares generated from passengers in 'for hire vehicles' displaying the decal will not be subject to state or local sales tax.
HB 0117 InactiveSales and Use Taxes - Voluntary Contributions for Admission to Events not Taxable Sam Watson
5/1/2017 Effective Date Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill changes the definition of 'retail sale' for purposes of sales and use taxation by excluding from the definition a voluntary contribution for admission to places of amusement, sports, or entertainment.
HB 0125 OpposeSales and Use Taxes - Exemption for Equipment for Boat Repairs/Maintenance Exceeding $500,000 Ron Stephens
7/1/2017 Effective Date Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/03/17 - Report 2017/03/24 - Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
Sales Tax-Local
As amended in the Senate Finance Committee, this bill caps the maximum sales tax on equipment, etc. for boat repairs at $35,000. Annual reporting would be required on the economic impacts of businesses qualifying for sales tax exemptions over this amount. This legislation would sunset in 2020.
HB 0144 NegotiatingRetail Pet Stores - Preempt Local Ordinances Earl Ehrhart
3/30/2017 House Withdrawn, Recommitted Agriculture & Consumer Affairs --
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report Animal Control General County Government Preemption
Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation preempts counties and cities from adopting or enforcing ordinances that directly or indirectly prohibit the sale, delivery or transfer of a dog or cat from a properly licensed retail pet store or from imposing restrictions in addition to the requirements of state law. Many attempts were made to add this preemptive language to other bills late in the session.  All attempts failed. 
HB 0145 NeutralSales and Use Taxes - Jet Fuel Sales at Qualifying Airport John Carson
3/30/2017 House Withdrawn, Recommitted Ways & Means --
2017/01/27-Report Airports Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill provides an exemption from sales tax of jet fuel sales at a "qualifying airport" (defined so as to only include Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport) to the extent such fuel is consumed outside of Georgia. The bill establishes that, for purposes of this exemption, all fuel for intrastate flights is consumed in Georgia, and 55% of fuel for interstate flights is consumed in Georgia. This limited exemption applies only to state sales and use taxes, and not to local sales and use taxes.
HB 0146 NeutralRequirement for Local Governments to Provide Cancer Benefit to All Firefighters Micah Gravley
1/1/2018 Effective Date Insurance State and Local Governmental Operations -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/02/10 - Report 2017/02/17-Report 2017/03/06 - Report
2017/03/10 - Report 2017/03/17 - Report Debra Nesbit Fire Services General County Government
Insurance Insurance Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance
This legislation requires fire departments to purchase insurance coverage on each firefighter to pay claims for cancer diagnosed after serving at least 12 consecutive months as a firefighter in the department if the cancer or treatment makes them unable to perform their firefighter duties.
HB 0152 NegotiatingWorker's Compensation For Firefighters Diagnosed with Cancer Micah Gravley
3/30/2017 House Withdrawn, Recommitted Industry and Labor --
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report Debra Nesbit Fire Services Insurance
Insurance Mandate Personnel/Employment Public Safety and Courts
 This legislation allows worker's compensation benefits for firefighters who are diagnosed with cancer that, upon a preponderance of competent and credible evidence, can prove the cancer was directly related to their duties as a firefighter.
HB 0160 SupportGeorgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding Kevin Tanner
1/8/2018 Senate Recommitted Transportation Transportation -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/10 - Report 2017/02/17-Report 2017/03/06 - Report Econ. Dev. & Transportation
Kathleen Bowen Transit
This legislation creates the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding. The commission will study and assess the needs and funding methods for mass transportation for any one or more metropolitan areas in Georgia.
HR 0051 NeutralForest Land Conservation Valuation - Constitutional Amendment Jay Powell
5/2/2018 Effective Date Ways & Means Finance -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/02/24 - Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2018/03/23 Report
Larry Ramsey Property Tax Revenue & Finance
 This enabling constitutional amendment removes from the constitution the existing method of valuation of forest land conservation use (also known as FLPA property), which is tied to 2008 fair market valuation. Instead, such valuations would be updated every three years. Additional FLPA grants over a four-year period would be available to offset local government funding losses as a result of this valuation change. Additionally, this constitutional amendment also would create commercial timberland property as a separate class of property, which in turn would allow for different assessment of such property. It also allows DOR to withhold an administrative fee from FLPA grants for purposes of administering this new assessment process.The constitutional amendment, if ratified by the voters, will be implemented by HB 85.
SB 0006 SupportGeorgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding Steve Gooch
3/30/2017 House Withdrawn, Recommitted Transportation Transportation -
2017/01/27-Report 2017/02/03-Report 2017/02/24 - Report 2017/03/06 - Report 2017/03/17 - Report
Econ. Dev. & Transportation Kathleen Bowen Transit
This legislation creates the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding which will study and assess the needs for efficiencies, coordination and funding methods for mass transportation for any one or more metropolitan areas in Georgia. Composition of the commission includes representation from cities and counties who provide mass transportation and the directors of all metropolitan planning organizations serve as an ex officio member. 
Green background on status indicates a bill has been acted on the last recorded legislative day.



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