2019/03/15 Report (37)
Use the drop down to the left to select the next 25 bills to display.

Date of Last Recorded Action: 5/7/2024

HB 0031 SupportState Fiscal Year 2020 Budget David Ralston
5/10/2019 Effective Date Appropriations Appropriations -
2019/01/25 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Debra Nesbit
House Bill 31, the Fiscal Year 2020 budget, is set by a revenue estimate of $27.5 billion, an increase of $1 billion or 3.95% over the FY 2019 original budget. All education agencies receive 55% of available funds, followed by 22% budgeted for health and human services agencies, 8% for public safety activities and the remaining 15% for economic development and general government agencies.  Please click here for an overview of the 2020 Budget.
HB 0035 NeutralSales Tax Exemption on Poultry Diagnostic and Disease Monitoring Services Sam Watson
7/1/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/01/31 Report 2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/15 Report Larry Ramsey
This legislation exempts state and local sales tax on poultry diagnostic and disease monitoring services provided by a nonprofit 501(c)(5) organization.
HB 0085 SupportOrgan Procurement Organizations Sales Tax Exemption Penny Houston
4/2/2019 House Disagreed Senate Amend or Sub Ways and Means Finance -
2019/01/31 Report 2019/02/15 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report Larry Ramsey
Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill would grant a sales tax exemption to nonprofit organ procurement organizations, similar to the existing to the sales tax exemption for blood banks. The text of this bill was added to SB 104.
HB 0168 NeutralSales Tax Exemptions - Nonprofit Health Centers Darlene Taylor
7/1/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/08 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report Larry Ramsey
Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill would extend the sales tax exemption for certain nonprofit health centers for an additional five years, through 2024.
HB 0182 SupportSales Tax on Out of State Vendors Brett Harrell
4/28/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/08 Report 2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report
2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
Under present law, out-of-state vendors that sell $250,000 or more of goods (or 200 or more transactions) into Georgia must either collect all sales taxes or send the purchaser and the Department of Revenue (DOR) annual notice of those purchases. This bill would lower that threshold to $100,000 or more and would eliminate the notice option, with the result that all such vendors will be required and remit to DOR all sales taxes.
HB 0184 SupportSmall Cell (5G) Legislation - ACCG Compromise Language Brett Harrell
1/13/2020 Senate Recommitted Economic Development and Tourism Regulated Industries and Utilities -
2019/02/08 Report 2019/02/15 Report 2019/03/15 Report General County Government Todd Edwards

Mirroring SB 66, this is the compromise Small Cell (5G) legislation.  By way of background, over the past two years, ACCG has opposed legislation which would have greatly preempted local government of the public's rights of way for the placement of small cell (5G) poles, antennas and equipment.  At the urging of the General Assembly, ACCG, GMA, Verizon and AT&T negotiated this reasonable compromise over the 2018 interim that has incorporated many safeguards which ACCG had called for in previous legislation.  

Key points of this ACCG compromise include: incentives for collocation in order to limit new poles; protections for historic districts and residential areas; the requirement that telcoms share build-out plans prior to deploying new facilities; a safe-harbor in case the current FCC order preempting state and local regulation of 5G deployment is overturned; the prohibition of speculative permit requests by third parties; and safeguards for local aesthetic and decorative pole conditions, among many others.  For a summary of the bill's key provisions, please click here. 

For a detailed, section-by-section summary of the bill, please click here.  

HB 0220 SupportReauthorize Hazardous and Solid Waste Trust Funds Terry Rogers
6/30/2019 Effective Date Natural Resources and Environment Finance -
2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Kathleen Bowen Nat. Res. & the Environment Solid Waste
This legislation renews the fees that make up the Hazardous Waste Trust Fund (HWTF) and the Solid Waste Trust Fund (SWTF) for three years, from July 1, 2019 to July 1, 2022. 

Effective from July 1, 2020, until June 30, 2022, the  75¢ per ton of solid waste disposal fee would be reduced to 51¢ per ton. Effective from July 1, 2020, until June 30, 2022, the $1 fee imposed upon the retail sale of all new replacement tires would be reduced to 38¢ per tire sold. In effect, the fees are reduced by the percentages that were not appropriated for their intended purposes in the last completed fiscal year, 2018.

The HWTF and SWTF support efforts including clean-up of abandoned contaminated sites, leaking landfills, scrap tires and illegal dumps; in addition, funds go towards waste reduction and recycling programs. 

ACCG supports the reauthorization of both trust funds but is advocating for the successful passage of HR 164, a constitutional amendment that authorizes the Georgia General Assembly to establish, by statute, true and dedicated trust funds.
HB 0242 NeutralFramework for the Regulation of Massage Therapy Lee Hawkins
5/6/2019 Effective Date Regulated Industries Regulated Industries and Utilities -
2019/02/15 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Debra Nesbit Health and Human Services

HB 242 establishes board certification of massage therapy educational programs, within and outside the state, which meet the standards for training and curriculum set by the rules of the Georgia Board of Massage Therapy. The bill allows the board to request on-site inspections of massage therapy businesses and requires these businesses to continuously maintain liability insurance coverage for bodily injuries and property damages. Further, massage therapy businesses must comply with appropriate advertising. The bill increases fines for non-compliance and unlawful acts.  A provision was added that allows local governments to run criminal background checks on owners and employees.  The massage therapists themselves will undergo a criminal background check through the secretary of state.

HB 0264 OpposeEMSC Transparency Bill William Werkheiser
6/25/2020 House - House Conference Committee Appointed #2 116th, 157th, 16th Health and Human Services Ethics -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Debra Nesbit EMS/Ambulance Health and Human Services Public Safety and Courts
This legislation sets forth requirements for lobbying disclosures when promoting or opposing any matter before one or more local coordinating entities.  The bill also requires that all meetings be conducted in accordance with the open meetings statute and requires that each member of the local coordinating entity to comply with conflict of interest policies.  The legislation also prohibits any employee, operator, contractor, or owner of an ambulance provider currently providing service for a territorial zone or of an ambulance provider that has submitted a proposal for a new ambulance service in such territorial zone from serving on any committee, subcommittee, or ad hoc committee that is involved in the seletion of ambulance provider for the zone or from voting on any proposals from ambulance providers for new service within the zone.  The bill also sets forth procedures for appealing decisions and provides the final decision under the Georgia Administrative Procedure Act. Finally the legislation requires the Department of Public Health to make recommendations to each local coordinating entity on benchmarks for accountability standards for each territorial zone.  On and after October 1, 2020 each ambulance provider shall submit quarterly reports outlining the number of 911 calls received; the number of 911 call answered; the response times; and a copy of quarterly reports submitted to the local entity.
HB 0314 SupportBoat Titles Ron Stephens
7/1/2020 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/15 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report
Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill would require the issuance of ownership titles for all watercraft used in state waters. Title applications would be processed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. An amendment in House committee eliminated the proposed sales tax cap in boat sales as was proposed in the original version.
HB 0315 NeutralLocal Bids - Consultants Who Help Draft Must Disclose any Conflict of Interest Mark Newton
7/1/2019 Effective Date Governmental Affairs Government Oversight -
2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report
2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report General County Government Procurement Todd Edwards
This legislation requires consultants who help draft local governments' bid, proposal, procurement or purchasing specifications to disclose and detail whether they or their family have any possible conflicts of interest or financial interest with a firm who may respond to the bid/proposal.  There are exceptions for confidential economic development activities and economic development authorities, and while attorneys must disclose the existence of a conflict, they do not have to provide details.          
HB 0316 SupportElections - Voting Machine Replacement and Elections Bill of 2019 Barry Fleming
4/2/2019 Effective Date Governmental Affairs Ethics -
2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report
Elections General County Government Todd Edwards

This omnibus elections legislation provides that the state will provide new, uniform voting machines for every county in Georgia "as soon as possible".  Voting equipment would consist of ballot marking devices (electronic devices, similar to the DRE interface currently used) which produce a paper ballot that is then scanned into a recording device that tabulates votes.  Among other election revisions, the bill provides additional notice before a voter's registration is rejected, before a felon is removed from the rolls, and to those appearing to have moved to another state; changes from 3 to 5 years the period of inactivity before a voter is removed from the rolls, also requiring notification prior to removal; requires counties to provide additional notice of any precinct changes; provides a cure period if a voter's signature on an absentee ballot does not mirror that used in registration; and lifts the 10-voter limit on persons assisting disabled or other individuals complete absentee ballots.  Lastly, the bill enrolls Georgia in a 25-state collaboration - the Electronic Registration Information Center - to share voting information in order to track and cancel voters who move out of state.  For a more thorough summary of HB 316, please click here.

     

HB 0344 NeutralAd Valorem Tax Exemption - Habitat for Humanity Matthew Gambill
5/2/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
This bill would exempt from property tax properties held by a 501(c)(3) corporation for building/repairing single-family homes that are then financed by that corporation to individuals via no-interest loans. In the event any property is not ultimately financed in that manner, all back taxes will be due. This bill is tailored specifically for Habitat for Humanity. It is subject to referendum approval in November 2020.
HB 0345 NeutralProhibition of Shackling Female Inmates in Labor or Postpartum Sharon Cooper
10/1/2019 Effective Date Health and Human Services Health and Human Services -
2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report Debra Nesbit Public Safety and Courts
This legislation prohibits the shackling of female inmates who are in labor, or in the immediate postpartum period unless they are a threat to themselves or others.  If the inmate is a threat to themselves or others they can only be handcuffed at the wrist in the front of their body, not behind the back.
HB 0365 NegotiatingTaxation of Ride-Sharing Shaw Blackmon
6/26/2020 Senate - Senate Disagreed House Amend or Sub Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report
2019/03/29 Report Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill originally addressed several changes to the title ad valorem tax (TAVT), including the TAVT rate and valuation of used cars sold by dealers. The Senate version of this bill completely replaced the above topic, and instead would exempt ride-shares (Uber, Lyft, etc.) from sales taxes and instead impose a 50-cent per ride fee on such rides.
HB 0379 SupportSpecial Purpose Local Option Sales Tax - Revise Reporting Requirement Beth Moore
5/7/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Government Oversight -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report Larry Ramsey
Revenue & Finance Sales Tax-Local
Under current law, local governments receiving SPLOST funds must publish each year by December 31st a report on SPLOST collections/expenditures. This bill would allow that annual report to be published no later than six months following the end of the local government's fiscal year.
HB 0382 SupportGA Outdoor Stewardship Act - Clean Up Bill Jon Burns
7/1/2019 Effective Date Natural Resources and Environment Natural Resources and the Environment -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Kathleen Bowen Nat. Res. & the Environment
This legislation is a clean-up bill to last year's Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Act (HB 332). Language is included that expands the definition of who is eligible to receive grant and loan funds from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund to now include "constituted recreation authorities". Local governments were already included as an eligible recipient. 
HB 0405 NeutralLevel 1 Freeport Exemption - Remanufacture of Goods David Knight
7/1/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report
Larry Ramsey Revenue & Finance
This bill amends the Level 1 Freeport Exemption to include goods held for remanufacture and repair. The bill would also allow such goods to be held by the taxpayer's affiliates without losing the exemption.
HB 0406 NeutralJoint Development Authorities - Annual Reporting for Tax Digest Purposes Hugh Williamson
5/7/2019 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report Larry Ramsey
Property Tax Revenue & Finance
This bill would require joint development authorities to prepare annual reports of their activities, including all agreements that impact the taxability of authority-related properties. Such information is to be used by counties in the development of the annual equalized tax digest.
HB 0507 SupportAd Valorem Taxes - Criteria for Determination of Value Michael Wilensky
1/1/2020 Effective Date Ways and Means Finance -
2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2019/03/29 Report
Larry Ramsey Property Tax Revenue & Finance
 This bill changes certain terminology regarding the use of income data by tax assessors in the valuation of real property.
HB 0514 SupportCreation of the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission Kevin Tanner
7/1/2019 Effective Date Health and Human Services Health and Human Services -
2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report Debra Nesbit
Health and Human Services
House Bill 514 creates the Georgia Behavioral Health Reform and Innovation Commission. The purpose of this commission is to conduct a comprehensive review of the behavioral health system in Georgia. The commission will review the behavioral health services and facilities available in Georgia, the identification of behavioral health issues in children, adolescents, and adults, as well as the role the education system has in the identification and treatment of behavioral health issues. Additionally, the commission will review the impact behavioral health issues have on the criminal justice system, the state's homeless population, delivery of care, access to care, the role of payers in such access, and the impact untreated behavioral illness has on children transitioning into adulthood. The commission will conclude on June 30, 2023.  
HB 0545 NeutralLimitations On Nuisance Claims Against Agriculture Facilities and Operations Tom McCall
6/18/2020 Senate - Senate Passed/Adopted By Substitute Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Agriculture and Consumer Affairs -
2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report 2020/02/07
2020/06/19 Report Agriculture General County Government Kathleen Bowen Nat. Res. & the Environment

This legislation prohibits a property owner, whether residential or commercial, from bringing a nuisance action against any kind of agricultural facility or operation unless they are within 5 miles of the source of the alleged nuisance activity. The lawsuit is allowed to be filed within two years after the nuisance occurs. 

This legislation keeps in place the ability to file a nuisance action when a nuisance results from the negligent, improper, or illegal operation of any agricultural facility or operation.

HB 0551 SupportProhibit Access to Kratom by Persons Under the Age 18 Dewayne Hill
4/26/2019 Effective Date Judiciary - Non-Civil Health and Human Services -
2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/29 Report Debra Nesbit Public Safety and Courts
HB 551 regulates "kratom," a tropical evergreen known as mitragyna speciosa that contains the alkaloid mitragynine. It is a misdemeanor to transfer possession to those under the age of 18, or for those under 18-years old to possess or buy it. Moreover, to sell kratom, the packaging must: clearly label ingredients; provide notice that the sale or transfer of possession to those under the age of 18 is prohibited; state the amount of mitragynine in the product; state the name and principal mailing address of the manufacturer; provide clear directions for safe use of the product; and note any precautionary statements to the safety and effectiveness of the product. 
SB 0017 SupportAuthorization for Telephone Coops to Provide Broadband Service Steve Gooch
4/26/2019 Effective Date Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Regulated Industries and Utilities -
2019/01/18 Report 2019/02/15 Report 2019/02/22 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report
2019/03/29 Report Broadband Econ. Dev. & Transportation Economic Development Land Use/Zoning
Policy Council Todd Edwards
Mirroring HB 22, this legislation authorizes Georgia's Telephone Cooperatives to provide broadband services, either directly or indirectly through a contractual arrangement or through an affiliate.  Coops will also be eligible to apply for federal or state loans and grants to provide this service. 
SB 0029 SupportClarification of Waiver of Immunity for Sheriff's Deputies and Employees in Motor Vehicle Claims Harold Jones
7/1/2019 Effective Date Judiciary Special Judiciary -
2019/01/25 Report 2019/03/01 Report 2019/03/08 Report 2019/03/15 Report 2019/03/22 Report
Debra Nesbit
Senate Bill 29 revises the definition of "officer", as it relates to waiving sovereign immunity for local government entities, to expressly include sheriff, deputy sheriff, or other agent, servant, or employee of a sheriff's office, so that these individuals are protected from liability for official acts particularly in torts involving use of a covered motor vehicle in performance of his or her official duties. 
Green background on status indicates a bill has been acted on the last recorded legislative day.








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