HB 0033 |
Support | Code Enforcement - Crime to Obstruct Officers |
Taylor, Tom 79th |
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1/26/2015 |
House Second Readers |
JudyNC |
- | - |
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| This legislation makes it a crime to interfere or obstruct a code enforcement officer performing his or her duties. |
HB 0049 |
Support | Option to Send Tax Notices Electronically |
Harrell, Brett 106th |
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1/11/2016 |
Senate Recommitted |
W&M |
FIN |
- |
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| This legislation authorizes, but does not require, the tax commissioner to implement electronic service of notices to taxpayers regarding ad valorem tax payments, overdue taxes, and delinquencies. The taxpayer would also have to agree to receive their notices electronically. |
HB 0051 |
Support | Redemption Costs for Property Sold at a Tax Sale |
Benton, Tommy 31st |
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7/1/2016 |
Effective Date |
Judy |
JUDY |
- |
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| This legislation makes several changes regarding the redemption of property on or after July 1, 2016, which has been sold under a tax execution. In the event that a tax sale purchaser has paid any sums to property owners', condominium, or owners' associations, then any person who subsequently redeems the property must repay such amounts to the tax sale purchaser in addition to the current statutory redemption amounts. This change would help the tax commissioner sell these properties at a tax sale. |
HB 0057 |
Support | Solar Power Free-Market Financing Act |
Dudgeon, Mike 25th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
EU&T |
RI&Util |
- |
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| This legislation authorizes residential and commercial electric customers, including local governments, to install solar technology on their property and utilize such financing mechanisms as leases, private solar energy procurement agreements (whereby payments are based on the output of the system), and authorization for electric companies to finance projects for their customers. Providing solar financing services does not make an entity an electric service provider and the power must be used on site or fed back to the electric utility. The bill does not limit or usurp current local regulatory or land use authority.
For addtional information, please click here.
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HB 0081 |
Support | Closing Super Lien Loophole |
Turner, Scot 21st |
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4/2/2015 |
House Withdrawn, Recommitted |
W&M |
- | - |
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| The current House Ways and Means substitute to this bill (LC 34 4582ERS) makes several changes to procedures for redemptions of property including: 1) adding record owners of property at the time of sale as well as mortgage or security deed holders to the list of persons who can redeem; 2) judgment creditors or tax lien holders can redeem after 300 days upon payment of the required redemption amounts; 3) following redemption, the title may vest back in the record owner at the time of sale subject to all valid liens that exited at that time; and 4) lien enforecement cannot commence sooner than one year from the date of the tax sale. |
HB 0085 |
Support | Beer and Wine Package Sales - Counties May Authorize within 100 Yards of School Buildings |
Harrell, Brett 106th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
RegI |
RI&Util |
- |
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| Respecting Home Rule, this legislation allows local governments to authorize the sale of package beer and wine from grocery stores within 100 yards of a school or school administrative building (which is currently prohibited by law). Grocery stores must have at least 10,000 square feet of floor space and reserve at least 85 percent of their sales to food or other nonalcoholic items. To authorize said beer and wine package sales, counties must pass a resolution or ordinance. |
HB 0106 |
Support | Clean Up Legislation for HB 170, The Transportation Funding Act |
Roberts, Jay 155th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
Trans |
TRANS |
- |
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| This legislation was amended to correct errors found in HB 170, The Transportation Funding Act, after it was passed on March 31st. The changes made by this legislation along with the county impact analysis have been incorporated into the summary of HB 170. Please click here for a link to the floor amendment that included the clean up language. |
HB 0110 |
Support | Fireworks - Legalizing Those Not Prohibited by Federal Law |
Roberts, Jay 155th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
RegI |
PUB SAF |
- |
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| This legislation authorizes the sale of fireworks in Georgia which are not prohibited by federal law to anyone age 18 or older. Fireworks are subject to a 5 percent excise tax (in addition to other state and local sales taxes) which goes to the state. Fireworks may be used between 10 a.m. and 12 Midnight, with hours extended to 2:00 a.m. on Jan. 1, July 3-4, and Dec. 31. Local governments may authorize extended times on other dates via special use permits (the fee for which may not exceed $100). While there is no "opt-out" provision for counties wishing to prohibit fireworks sales or usage, counties may regulate the sale of fireworks from temporary locations as well as require a permit or license for these sales. Permanent retail locations are licensed by the state. Local fire departments will license "temporary" sale locations for a $500 fee which goes to the local governing authority, but must be spent on public safety purposes. The state fire marshal enforces this law, with local fire departments referring cases for enforcement. County zoning or other land use practices are not impacted by this law. Local sales taxes will apply to firework sales. |
HB 0127 |
Support | Authorize Local Governments to Assist GDOT With Right of Way Maintenance |
Stover, David 71st |
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1/29/2015 |
House Second Readers |
Trans |
- | - |
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| This legislation allows counties to provide vegetation maintenance of state highways within the county. Counties are required to provide at least 24 hours advance notice of any intended vegetation maintenance. |
HB 0143 |
Support | Tax Accountability Act |
Wilkerson, David 38th |
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2/2/2015 |
House Second Readers |
W&M |
- | - |
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| This bill makes significant changes to the legislative procedural process for adopting bills that propose a tax exemption having a fiscal impact. The term 'tax exemption' is defined as an exemption, exclusion, or deduction from the tax base or a tax credit, deferral, or preferential rate. The bill does not differentiate between state and local taxes so presumably it will apply to local taxes. The term 'fiscal impact' is not defined. Consequently, it would appear that any financial impact is sufficient to trigger the new review process. |
HB 0154 |
Support | Increase Fine for Contempt in Magistrate Court |
Weldon, Tom 3rd |
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3/11/2015 |
House Third Reading Lost |
Judy |
- | - |
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| This legislation increases the fine for contempt in magistrate court from $200 to $500. |
HB 0170 |
Support | Transportation Funding Act 2015 |
Roberts, Jay 155th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
Trans |
TRANS |
- |
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| This bill makes significant changes to taxation of motor fuel and creates a new single county local option TSPLOST. Click here for a detailed summary and here for additional information including county impact analysis. |
HB 0202 |
Support | Property Tax Appeals and Administration Reform |
Battles, Paul 15th |
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5/6/2015 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
W&M |
FIN |
- |
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| This legislation is a comprehensive revision of processes and procedures regarding ad valorem taxation, assessment, and appeal. Major highlights include a revamping of appraisal staff procedures to allow for joint staffs and contracting for advice and assistance and a total overhaul of the appeal process and county boards of equalization. This legislation will have an administrative impact on the county tax assessor's office, office of the superior court clerk, tax commissioner's office and boards of equalization. For a summary of HB 202 as passed please click here. |
HB 0217 |
Support | Mutual Funds - Counties Authorized to Invest Pension Assets |
Maxwell, Howard 17th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
Ret |
RET |
- |
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| This legislation authorizes local governments to invest pension assets in mutual funds. While ACCG and counties have been doing this for many years, a recent letter by the Georgia Attorney General to the State Auditor casted doubt on whether this is a statutorily-authorized practice. |
HB 0228 |
Support | Clean Up Legislation Regarding Sheriff's Fees, General Fund |
Jones, Jeff 167th |
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3/11/2016 |
Senate Read Second Time |
Judy |
PUB SAF |
- |
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| The current substitute to this bill (LC 29 6844S) provides that when the sheriff is paid only on a salary basis, all fees collected by the sheriff must be paid to the treasurer or fiscal officer of the county within 30 days. |
HB 0233 |
Support | Georgia Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act |
Atwood, Alex 179th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
Judy |
JUDYNC |
- |
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| This legislation relocates and rewrites the civil procedure by which law enforcement seize and dispose of property or assets involved with illegal activity by state and local law enforcement. For a general summary click here. This legislation was amended to include the language from H.B. 418 which changes the qualifications for persons serving on the grand jury. This legislation will require the sheriff to report on a standardized form, the assets and cash seized and forfeited, and submit to the county commission, as well as the Carl Vinson Institute. Counties should continue to include this form with the budget submission to the Carl Vinson Institute. If the Sheriff fails to comply with reporting requirements their ability to seize assets and forfeitures will be suspended. |
HB 0263 |
Support | Expansion of Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) to Include an Advisory Board on Juvenile Justice Issues and Planning and Transfer of Licensing of Domestic Violence Shelters to CJCC |
Coomer, Christian 14th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
JuvJ |
JUDYNC |
- |
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| This legislation transfers certain responsibilities for juvenile issues from the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC). It also creates an advisory board to the CJCC for juvenile justice issues to consist of 33 members appointed by the Governor, that is responsible for creating a three year plan and provide annual reports of progress annually. This legislation was amended to include the transfer of the licensing of domestic violence shelters from DHS to CJCC. This bill will have no fiscal impact on counties, but could create mandates in the future. |
HB 0289 |
Support | Sales Tax Exemption for Mass Transit |
Parsons, Don 44th |
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4/2/2015 |
House Withdrawn, Recommitted |
W&M |
- | - |
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| The current House substitute to this bill (LC 34 4579S) extends the existing motor fuel tax exemption for public mass transit vehicles and for public campus transportation systems for an additional year (through June 30, 2016). It has been withdrawn and recommitted. |
HB 0291 |
Support | Motor Vehicles- Provide for an Allocation Benchmark for IRP Revenues to Counties |
Powell, Alan 32nd |
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2/12/2015 |
House Second Readers |
W&M |
- | - |
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| This legislation changes the distribution of the alternative ad valorem tax of apportionable vehicles. Qualified tax jurisdictions, defined as those which levied an ad valorem tax, will receive an amount of alternative ad valorem tax equal to a benchmark amount based upon the 2013 tax year. After distribution of the benchmark amount, the remaining proceeds are distributed based upon the existing formula. |
HB 0310 |
Support | Consolidation of all Parole, Probation and Misdemeanor Probation Supervision Into the Department of Community Supervision |
Powell, Alan 32nd |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
JudyNC |
PUB SAF |
- |
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| This legislation creates the Board of Community Supervision to oversee the newly created Department of Community Supervision (DCS) and the Governor's Office of Transition, Support, and Reentry. All offender supervision activities will transfer from the Board of Pardons and Parole and the Department of Corrections to the new DCS. This legislation also transfers the County and Municipal Probation Advisory Council, the agency tasked with registration and oversight of private misdemeanor probation providers and governmental misdemeanor probation providers to DCS. The bill also includes requirements for increased transparency and financial reporting by the misdemeanor probation providers to the counties of fine collections, which was an ACCG priority. A county commissioner or manager is included as a mandatory board member for the new department. The Board will adopt rules and regulations governing the management and treatment of probationers and parolees, and the operation of misdemeanor probation supervision. Probation and Parole Offices will combine, some counties currently provide space to these entities, and these offices collect fine revenue from probationers to be processed and sent back to local governments. Misdemeanor probation providers (county and private) will be required to submit an annual report to the county commission that contains the amount of fines and fees collected and the nature of such fees, including probation supervision fees, rehabilitation programming fees, electronic monitoring fees, drug and alcohol detection device fees, substance abuse or mental health evaluation or treatment fees, and drug testing fees; the number of community service hours performed by probationer under supervision; and, a listing of any other service for which a probationer is required to pay to attend. |
HB 0322 |
Support | Foreclosure - Late Filing of Deed will Incur $500 Penalty |
Strickland, Brian 111th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
Judy |
JUDY |
- |
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| This legislation requires all deeds under power to be recorded within 90 days of a foreclosure sale or the holder is required to pay a late filing penalty of $500 to the superior court clerk. The clerk remits these fees to counties for properties in the unincorporated areas and to cities for properties therein. All monies collected must be used for code enforcement, public safety, and community development purposes. Cities must pay the county a 5 percent administrative fee for the clerk collecting and remitting this money. |
HB 0328 |
Support | Criminal Justice Reform Council Recommendations Regarding Re-entry and Indigent Defense Services and Provides Authority for Counties to Contract with Companies to Collect Expired Fines |
Efstration, Chuck 104th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
JudyNC |
JUDYNC |
- |
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| This legislation makes changes to the parole eligibility. Provides for employment assistance and public assistance eligibility for prisoners released back into the community. A committee substitute was adopted that makes changes to the Public Defender Standards Council which would remove the word "standards" from the name of the agency as well as the statute. This bill also proposes to remove the approval of the council procedures under which indigent defense services are provided, but the council remains the fiscal officers for all CPD offices. This legislation was amended to include the language from H.B. 377 which clarifies that local governments may contract with a vendor to provide collection of expired fines. As passed this legislation will have no statewide fiscal impact to counties, but for those who contract to collect expired fines, could generate revenue. |
HB 0340 |
Support | St. Patrick's Day - Alcohol Sales on Sunday |
Petrea, Jesse 166th |
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3/3/2015 |
Senate Read and Referred |
RegI |
RI&Util |
- |
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| This legislation, mirroring SB 103, allows counties to authorize, through ordinance or resolution, the sale of alcoholic beverages for on site consumption from 12:30 p.m. until midnight on Sunday that falls within four days of St. Patrick's Day. Current law allows said sale from March 16-18. |
HB 0361 |
Support | Criminal Justice Reform Council Recommended Changes to Juvenile Code |
Welch, Andrew 110th |
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5/5/2015 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
JuvJ |
JUDYNC |
- |
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| This legislation changes the juvenile code to include recommendations made by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice. The juvenile code rewrite inadvertently assigned all juvenile traffic cases to juvenile court, which caused a major increase in caseload and the juvenile courts do not have the administrative capability to handle traffic cases. This legislation corrects the statute to transfer jurisdiction for those traffic cases back to other local courts that handle traffic offenses. Additionally this bill authorizes the district attorney to file petitions and prosecute CHINS cases in juvenile courts. County Impact: District Attorney's can now prosecute juvenile cases. |
HB 0370 |
Support | Authorize Ethics Commission to Waive Certain Penalties of Local Officials |
Fleming, Barry 121st |
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5/3/2016 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
GAff |
ETHICS |
- |
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| This legislation, while covering multiple issues last session, now just authorizes the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission to waive penalties improperly assessed against local elected officials who did not file, filed late, or filed an incomplete contribution disclosure report or personal financial disclosure statement from Jan. 1, 2010 to Jan. 10, 2014. Said reports may again be filed in paper format for a fee of $40. Up until December 31, 2016, there is a grace period for those who did not file, filed late, or filed an incomplete report in that four-year period whereby the public official will be deemed in compliance.
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