This legislation, similar to HB 504, allows the failure to wear a seatbelt to be admissable as evidence in civil actions for the purpose of mitigating damages. Georgia counties are often defendants in cases involving motor vehicle accidents and where plaintiffs argue that an accident was caused by a defect in a county road. This bill simply allows counties, as defendants, to introduce evidence that if a passenger had been wearing a seatbelt, as required by law, he or she may have suffered less extensive injuries. If a jury finds that the failure to wear a seat belt contributed to the occupant's injuries, the jury could reduce the occupant's recovery to the extent that the injuries were caused by the failure to wear the seatbelt.

 This legislation creates the Senate Entrepreneur in Residence Study Committee to examine impediments to entrepreneurs. The program would have two objectives:  (1) to identify within government inefficient and overlapping programs that negatively impact entrepreneurs trying to start or expand a business, and to recommend solutions; and, (2) to serve as a visible advocate and mentor for entrepreneurs within the government, a point of contact who knows and understands their needs, concerns, and frustrations with regard to dealing with government.

The entrepreneur in residence would:

1. Assist in providing outreach to entrepreneurs and small businesses;

2. Provide recommendations on ways to streamline and improve government procedures impacting entrepreneurs;

3. Recommend ways to improve programs available to entrepreneurs;

4. Facilitate meetings and forums to educate entrepreneurs on programs and requirements;

5. Provide technical assistance or guidance to entreprenuers in navigating government programs and requirements;

6. Participate in informal working groups of entrepreneurs in residence from various agencies established to discuss best practices, experiences, obstacles, opportunities, and recommendations.