This bill reduces the fine for state agencies and their contractors that violate the Georgia Water Quality Control Act.  It also gives them 30 days to cure any violations before being subject to the fine.  Further, the bill expands the authority of the Erosion and Sediment Control Overview Council to include the mediation of disputes over the issuance of orders or levying of fines by EPD.

This bill makes it a crime to threaten or intimidate a public official for actions taken in his or her official capacity.  Violation is a felony and punished by a fine between $5,000 and $20,000 and/or ten years imprisonment.