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 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 0311 |
Neutral | Veterans - Free Access to State Parks |
Spencer, Jason 180th |
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2/17/2015 |
House Second Readers |
GF&P |
- | - |
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| This legislation provides free admission to veterans to any state park, historic site or recreational area operated by or under the authority of the Department of Natural Resources. It also provides a 25% discount to use or occupy any such state park, historic site or recreational area. |
HB 0338 |
Neutral | Technology Fee on Traffic Fines |
Lumsden, Eddie 12th |
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3/11/2015 |
House Third Reading Lost |
PS&HS |
- | - |
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| This legislation allows the board of commissioners to adopt a resolution to impose an additional $5.00 to be put on any fine for a motor vehicle offense when the fine includes costs. The $5.00 would be placed into the Electronic Citation Fund to be used to implement, operate and maintain an electronic citation system that could be used by law enforcement agencies, clerks, judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, court officers and the public. The legislation includes a private right of action for any voter to file an injunction against the superior court clerk to ensure that the fee is being collected and an injunction against the board of commissioners to ensure that the Electronic Citation Fund is properly used. |
HB 0377 |
Support | Clarification of Counties Contracting Ability for Collection of Delinquent Fines |
Fleming, Barry 121st |
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4/2/2015 |
House Withdrawn, Recommitted |
Judy |
- | - |
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| This legislation allows the board of commissioners to contract with another party to collect delinquent fines, fees, and surcharges imposed by a court after the 12 months. |
HB 0580 |
Neutral | Columbus, City of; Recorder's Court; increase amount of technology fee |
Smyre, Calvin 135th |
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5/12/2015 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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HB 0677 |
Neutral | Legalize Casino Gaming in Georgia |
Stephens, Ron 164th |
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3/2/2016 |
House Withdrawn, Recommitted |
RegI |
- | - |
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| This legislation authorizes up to four casino gaming establishments in Georgia: two in Metro Atlanta and two in other parts of the state. The state would levy a 20 percent tax on casino revenues; require substantial investment and licensing fees in order for a casino to operate; set aside at least 90 percent of state revenues for the HOPE scholarship program; designate 1-2 percent of revenues for problem gambling organizations; and distribute 1-3 percent of revenues to the local government hosting the casino for infrastructure and public safety purposes. HR 807 is a Constitutional amendment that must be passed by Georgia voters in order for HB 677 to take effect. |
HB 0732 |
Watch | Commerical Drivers Going 10 Miles over Speed Limit Classified as Super Speeder |
Stephens, Ron 164th |
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1/14/2016 |
House Second Readers |
MotV |
- | - |
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| This legislation makes commercial motor vehicle drivers subject to a super speeder fee of $200 when convicted of driving ten or more miles per hour above the posted speed limit. |
HB 0738 |
Support | Revisions to County Law Library Fund |
Caldwell, Jr., Johnnie 131st |
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3/22/2016 |
Senate Tabled |
GAff |
S JUDY |
- |
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| This legislation adds the district attorney to the board of trustees of the county law library for each county in his or her judicial circuit. The current version of the bill would allow the county law library board of trustees (i.e., the chief judge of the superior court, the probate judge, the superior court clerk, two attorneys and, if applicable, the senior state court judge and solicitor) to change the disbursement of excess funds for the county law library. The county law library is funded by a $5 fee charged in all court actions. The board of trustees uses the money to purchase books, supplies, equipment, technology and staff for the county law library, law libraries for the judges and the codification of county ordinances. Currently, the trustees must give any excess county law library money to a charitable tax exempt organization that provides civil legal representation to low income individuals. Any additional excess funds must be given to the county board of commissioners to be used to purchase fixtures and furnishings for the courthouse. HB 738 would give the trustees the option to continue to give excess money to the representation of low income individuals or to purchase software, equipment, fixtures or furnishings for the district attorney, solicitor, and county judicial offices. Upon the determination by trustees of excess funds, such funds shall be turned over to the county board of commissioners to be used on the courthouse. This bill also clarifies in statute that the law library fee is an "add-on" and not deducted from the base filing fee that is retained by the county general fund. |
HB 0748 |
Neutral | Thomas County Magistrate Court; impose and collect county law library fees as part of court costs; provide |
Taylor, Darlene 173rd |
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5/1/2016 |
Effective Date |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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HB 0795 |
Neutral | Extends Sunset for Add-On to Traffic Fines to fund Driver's Education (Joshua's Law) |
Epps, Bubber 144th |
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3/15/2016 |
Senate Read Second Time |
MotV |
GvtO |
- |
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| This legislation extends the sunset for the Joshua's Law additional penalty for traffic offenses until June 30, 2019. |
HB 0832 |
Oppose | Delay of Civil Forfeiture Proceedings until Conclusion of Criminal Proceedings |
Turner, Scot 21st |
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1/27/2016 |
House Second Readers |
Judy |
- | - |
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| This legislation requires a court to pause civil forfeiture proceedings on property involved in criminal proceedings until the criminal proceedings are over. Current law only stays the civil forfeiture proceedings if good cause is shown to the court by either the state or the property owner. If the criminal proceeding ends in an acquittal or dismissal, then the there can be no civil forfeiture. Under current law, civil forfeiture may continue even if the criminal proceeding ends in an acquittal or dismissal. |
HB 0947 |
Neutral | Echols County; assessment and collection of a technology fee by the Probate Court; authorize |
Corbett, John 174th |
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4/27/2016 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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HB 0968 |
Neutral | Pike County Magistrate Court; impose and collect county law library fees as part of court cost |
Caldwell, Jr., Johnnie 131st |
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4/27/2016 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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HB 1019 |
Neutral | Upson County Magistrate Court; collect and impose county law library fees as part of court cost; provide |
Caldwell, Jr., Johnnie 131st |
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4/28/2016 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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HB 1025 |
Support | Service of Citation for Violations of Ordinance Violations |
Taylor, Tom 79th |
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7/1/2016 |
Effective Date |
Judy |
JUDY |
- |
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| This legislation allows local legislation permitting county ordinance violations that deal with the condition of real property to be served by leaving a copy of the citation at the property, mailing a copy to the property owner shown in the records of the tax commissioner or tax assessor, and filing a copy with the magistrate court clerk. If the owner of the property fails to attend the trial, a fine against the property (i.e., "in rem") is the only penalty permitted. |
HB 1026 |
Evaluating | Property Owner Fines for Code Violations |
Carter, Doreen 92nd |
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2/18/2016 |
House Second Readers |
Judy |
- | - |
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| This legislation allows a $100 fine per day to be levied against the owner of property (other than a property owner who has filed for homestead exemption) who fails to correct a code violation within 48 days of a notice to correct being sent. In the case of foreclosed properties, the code violation must be sent to the address contained on the postforeclosure registry maintained by the superior court clerk's office. The fine constitutes a lien that can be created and foreclosed in the same manner as a tax lien. This bill also requires the superior court clerk to establish and maintain a postforeclosure registry to maintain information about the purchases of real property at a foreclosure sale. Within ten business days after a property is purchased at a foreclosure sale, the buyer must provide the superior court clerk with his or her contact information. The new owner must notify the superior court clerk's office of any change in address within five business days of a change in contact information. Purchasers of foreclosed property that do not comply with this legislation or with ordinances related to the property may be required to pay treble damages plus attorneys' fees if they are sued and lose.
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HB 1059 |
Support | Creation of Local Government 9-1-1 Authority |
Hitchens, Bill 161st |
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2/23/2016 |
House Second Readers |
EU&T |
- | - |
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| This legislation was developed over several years and incorporates many of the recommendations from the Governor’s Commission on 9-1-1 Modernization and Balanced Funding as well as recommendations from the Senate Study Committee. It is estimated the 9-1-1 centers could see as much as a 20 to 25 percent increase in revenues and double the prepaid fees that are collected at the point of sale and remitted to the Department of Revenue.
The Authority is made up of local officials, representatives from the telecommunications industry, and a GEMA representative, for a total of 15 members.
The Authority will provide statewide coordination of 9-1-1 activities in the state; provide planning; oversee compliance by carriers and service providers; audit service providers to ensure all fees are paid; and collect and distribute 9-1-1 fees through a centralized location. ALL 9-1-1 FEES COLLECTED IN A JURISDICTION WILL BE DISBURSED BACK TO THE JURISDICTION FROM WHICH IT CAME.
The Authority may retain UP TO 3% for administration, for activities such as financial services, auditing and legal services.
The legislation eliminates the cost recovery charges that are billed back to jurisdictions by the wireless providers. It does allow the providers to bill their subscribers for cost recovery, but it will not come out of the 9-1-1fees received for the operation of the 9-1-1 center.
It also sets the 9-1-1 fees for landlines, wireless and prepaid, to $1.50 across the board.
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HB 1080 |
Neutral | Fayette County; Magistrate Court; impose and collect county law library fees as part of court cost |
Ramsey, Matt 72nd |
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5/3/2016 |
House Date Signed by Governor |
IGC |
SLGO |
- |
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SB 0008 |
Neutral | Creation of Safe Harbor For Sexually Exploited Children Fund and Rachel's Law |
Unterman, Renee 45th |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
JuvJ |
JUDYNC |
- |
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| This legislation creates a $2,500 additional penalty assessed against those found guilty of sex crimes against children. This additional assessment is collected and remitted to the state in the same manner as other court fees and surcharges by the clerk of the superior court. The penalty will be remitted to the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund, to provide rehabilitation and treatment of sexually exploited children. See SR 7. This bill also includes language from H.B. 244 which requires all adult entertainment establishments to pay to the Department of Revenue a state operation fee equal to the greater of 1 percent of the previous year's gross revenue or $5,000. This fee is in addition to any other fees required by the county. The fees collected will be remitted to the Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children Fund Commission. Additionally, the legislation provides for forfeiture of property used directly or indirectly for the purposes of prostitution and/or pimping. This legislation will not require additional administrative duties from the counties, but local law enforcement can seize property used for the purposes of prostitution or pimping. |
SB 0134 |
Neutral | Change in Reporting Requirements for Law Enforcement Agencies Using Radar |
Stone, Jesse 23rd |
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7/1/2015 |
Effective Date |
JudyNC |
PUB SAF |
- |
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| This legislation requires law enforcement agencies to include the fine revenue received from speeding tickets over 20 miles per hour above the speed limit when calculating total speeding fine revenue for the department. Currently the total revenue from speeding fines under 17 miles per hour cannot be more than 40 percent of the overall budget, this legislation changes that ratio to 35 percent. This bill requires counties and municipalities to include in a separate section all speeding fine revenue in the annual report submitted to the Department of Community Affairs |
SB 0267 |
Negotiating | Guns - Reduce Local Licensing Fee by Half |
Williams, Michael 27th |
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1/13/2016 |
Senate Read and Referred |
- | JUDYNC |
- |
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| Under this legislation, the weapons carry license fee going to the county probate court is cut in half, from $30 to $15, for applicants age 65 and over. ACCG commends the state for proposing a reduced licensed fee for this age group; however, this $30 fee is the cost to counties to process and create the license. Otherwise local taxpayers would be subsidizing this cost. If the state wishes to reduce the license charge it should instead step up and either reduce/eliminate its (GBI) state and federal background charge from the current $44 or simply not require the probate judges to process licenses all together. |
SB 0272 |
Oppose | Townships - Create with Zoning, Land Use and Building Code Powers |
Ligon, Jr., William 3rd |
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1/21/2016 |
Senate Read and Referred |
- | SLGO |
- |
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| This legislation, similar to HB 785, would allow for the creation of townships via local legislation with land use, zoning, subdivision, building permit and code enforcement powers, if Georgia voters first approve a statewide referendum approving a constitutional amendment. Companion resolutions, SR 724 and HR 1051, if passed, will call for the statewide referendum to amend the constitution allowing townships to have zoning powers. Townships could levy up to a .5 mill property tax, annex and transition to cityhood. Though counties would have no say in the above decisions, counties must continue to provide all services and infrastructure to the area as they would any unincorporated area. Counties would have an opportunity to comment on township decisions, but nothing is binding or mediated. |
SB 0276 |
Evaluating | Georgia Personal Data Security Act |
Albers, John 56th |
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1/21/2016 |
Senate Read and Referred |
- | S&T |
- |
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| This legislation requires local governments to comply with the Georgia Personal Data Security Act. Because counties maintain electronic and physical copies of personal information, they must provide individuals with notice of any breach of security of the system that houses the personal information as soon as possible after the breach is discovered, but in no case later than 45 days. If the county uses a third party to store the personal information, the third party must notify the county within 72 hours of any data breach, so that the county can meet its notification requirements. If law enforcement determines that notification would impair an ongoing criminal investigation, notification can be delayed. If the county, after investigation and consultation with relevant federal, state or local law enforcement, determines that the breach was not likely to result in identify theft or financial harm to an individual, notification will not be necessary. The county will be required to provide a written certification within 30 days to the attorney general and to maintain a copy of the written certification for at least five years. |