Todd Edwards (122)
Use the drop down to the left to select the next 25 bills to display.

Date of Last Recorded Action: 3/29/2024

HB 0022 EvaluatingCreating New Cities - Stipulations Oliver, Mary Margaret 82nd
1/16/2013 House - House Second Readers GAff --
Annexation/Municipalization Form of Government General County Government Land Use/Zoning Service Delivery
Todd Edwards
This legislation stipulates methods by which the General Assembly can create new cities. 
 
In counties where more than 25% of the population lives in cities, in order to create a new city, the remainder of the unincorporated area would have to be placed in the new city or annexed into existing cities. 
 
In any type of county, a bill to create the new city would have to be introduced in the first year of a two year legislative session, studied in between sessions and adopted in the second year of the session. In the time between sessions, a study of the proposed city would be conducted to include: the economic viability of the proposed city, the plan for the remaining unincorporated area of the county, the amount of taxes necessary for the proposed city to provide services to its residents, the financial impact of the new city on the county and adjacent cities in the county, a comparison of the estimated police, fire and sanitation services in the new city, the county and the adjacent cities before and after the creation of the city, the financial impact of the plan on the remaining unincorporated area of the county, and the county as a whole and the existing cities.
 
The legislative committees considering the creation of the new city would be required to hear testimony to determine if there are less disruptive or less costly alternatives than creation of a new city.  For instance, they would hear testimony about whether overlay zoning districts, special land use districts, and special tax districts would better meet the needs of the residents of the proposed city. 
 
If a proposed city is within a certain distance of existing cities, the existing cities must adopt a resolution consenting to the creation of the new city. 
HB 0035 NeutralSchool Personnel to Carry Concealed Weapons Battles, Paul 15th
3/28/2013 House - House Withdrawn, Recommitted PS&HS --
Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation allows any school board to designate one or more qualified persons to carry a concealed firearm within a school safety zone or school building, at a school function, on school property or on a bus.  Said qualified person would have to obtain a weapons carry license, complete sufficient training, cannot be mentally or emotionally instable and have a criminal background check run annually. Firearms must either be locked up or carried concealed on the person at all times. Any person serving in this capacity would have to do so on a voluntary basis and the local school board is responsible for any costs associated with this process.       
HB 0041 NeutralWater Rates to Outside Customers Willard, Wendell 51st
3/28/2013 House - House Withdrawn, Recommitted GAff --
General County Government Nat. Res. & the Environment Service Delivery Sewer/Septage Todd Edwards
Utilities
This legislation changes the Service Delivery Strategies Act to prohibit a water service provider from charging higher water or sewer fees to customers outside their political jurisdiction - unless otherwise provided by a contract.  It applies only to cities created since January 1, 2000, and others that may be created in the future.  The water service provider shall have no obligation to serve the outside customers/entity if an agreement is not reached, and that service could be cut off with a 6-month written notice.       
HB 0044 SupportPassport Application Fees as Clerks' Personal Compensation Ehrhart, Earl 36th
1/16/2013 House - House Second Readers Judy --
Clerk of Court Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
Currently, Superior Court Clerks keep, as personal compensation, the $25 fee charged for processing U.S. passport applications.  This bill requires the Clerks to turn over these fees to the county governing authority.  Note that counties would remain free to provide this revenue back to the Clerk's office in whole or in part. 
HB 0060 OpposeOmnibus Gun Bill of 2014 Holt, Doug 112th
7/1/2014 Effective Date PS&HS JUDYNC -
Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Leg Update Draft Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This was the omnibus gun bill of this year's session. ACCG opposed three of its numerous provisions: weapons being allowed in local government buildings unless security and screening are in place; law enforcement not being able to detain persons carrying weapons to determine whether they are legally licensed to do so; and individuals being empowered to sue a county, an elected official or a county employee for any perceived violation of state firearms regulations.    
 
For a summary of HB 60, please click here.
 
To view how House members voted on the bill: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/vote.aspx?VoteID=12129
 
To view how Senate members voted on the bill: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/vote.aspx?VoteID=11927  
HB 0076 NeutralUsing Eminent Domain to Construct Electric Lines I Holt, Doug 112th
1/28/2013 House - House Second Readers EU&T --
Eminent Domain/Condemnation General County Government Todd Edwards Utilities
This legislation requires electrical utilities (using eminent domain to construct or expand electric transmission lines) to consider the existing land uses, existing environmental conditions, engineering practices related to the construction and operation of the line and costs related to the construction, operation and maintenance of a line when determining where to locate an electrical line. Land uses and environmental conditions are to be given priority in this consideration process. 
HB 0077 NeutralUsing Eminent Domain to Construct Power Lines II Holt, Doug 112th
1/28/2013 House - House Second Readers EU&T --
Eminent Domain/Condemnation General County Government Todd Edwards Utilities
This bill requires electrical utilities (using eminent domain to construct or expand electric transmission lines) to bear the burden of proof that they considered existing land use, corridors, environmental conditions, engineering practices related to the construction and operation of the line, as well as the costs related to the construction, operation and maintenance of the line when selecting the location of the electrical line. 
 
HB 0089 NeutralFirearms Made in GA Not Subject to Federal Laws Benton, Tommy 31st
1/29/2013 House - House Second Readers PS&HS --
Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This bill states that guns, accessories, and ammunition that are made in Georgia and remain in Georgia are not subject to federal laws relating to firearms.
HB 0090 NeutralGuns - State Exempt from following Federal Gun Laws Allison, Stephen 8th
1/29/2013 House - House Second Readers Judy --
Firearms/Carry Laws Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation prohibits law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, jurors, witnesses, consultants, and any other county official or employee from enforcing federal laws regulating personal firearms that are owned or manufactured and remain in Georgia.  Violation of this proposed law is a felony.  Furthermore, the bill voids, in Georgia, any federal law or rule that bans or restrict ownership of a semiautomatic firearm or any magazine of a firearm, or require any firearm, magazine, or other firearm accessory to be registered in any manner.   
HB 0091 NegotiatingLocal Governments Restricted in Moving Monuments Benton, Tommy 31st
2/19/2014 House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute SProp --
General County Government Todd Edwards
This legislation protects "monuments", which include plaques, statues, markers, flags, banners, displays and memorials, dedicated to a historical entity, event, nation or government and that honors military service to the United States, Confederacy or several states therein.  No publicly-owned  monument, meant to be perminent, located on county property may be relocated, removed, concealed, obscured in any way by the county other than as necessary to preserve or protect the monument.  Counties may relocate such a monument when necessary to build or expand edifices, buildings, roads and other transportation construction projects; however, the monument must be relocated to a site of similar prominence, honor, visibility, availability and access within the county.  The monument may not be relocated to a museum, cemetery or mausoleum unless it was originally placed there.
HB 0099 NeutralHome Beer Makers Allowed to Brew More Spencer, Jason 180th
7/1/2013 House - Effective Date RegI RI&Util -
Alcohol/Tobacco General County Government Land Use/Zoning Nat. Res. & the Environment Todd Edwards
Under current law, an individual may produce 50 gallons of malt beverages in a year in their home without having to be licensed or pay excise taxes so long as the malt beverages are not sold or offered for sale.  This legislation allows the home brewer to make as much as 200 gallons per year and up to 25 gallons may be transported out of the home for special events regulated by the State Revenue Commissioner.  Local Governments (in which the sale of malt beverages is lawful) may issue home-brew special event permits, to include contests, tastings and judgings, but cannot charge more than $50 for said permits.    
HB 0100 NeutralGuns - No Changing Laws During States of Emergency Dutton, Delvis 157th
3/28/2013 House - House Withdrawn, Recommitted Judy --
Emergency Management/Preparedness Firearms/Carry Laws General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation prohibits county officials and employees from changing the requirements regarding guns during a state of emergency. Those found guilty of violating this law will have to pay the prevailing party's reasonable attorney fees.    
HB 0120 NeutralGuns - Must Get Training Before Concealed Permit Issuance Marin, Pedro "Pete" 96th
1/30/2013 House - House Second Readers PS&HS --
Firearms/Carry Laws Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation requires those applying for a license to carry a hand gun to complete a firearm safety training course within the last three years.
HB 0124 NeutralSunday Sales Enhancements Harrell, Brett 106th
7/1/2013 House - Effective Date RegI RI&Util -
Alcohol/Tobacco Elections General County Government Todd Edwards
Under this legislation, if the voters do not approve a ballot measure for Sunday sales of beer, wine and liquor by the package, it will not impact a previous vote to approve a ballot measure for Sunday sales of beer and wine only.
HB 0125 SupportImmigration Reform Enhancements to Create Regulatory Efficiencies Hightower, Dustin 68th
1/13/2014 Senate Recommitted JudyNC JUDYNC -
Alcohol/Tobacco Business and Occupation Tax General County Government Immigration Personnel/Employment
Todd Edwards
The underlying language for this bill was stripped in the Senate Non-Civil Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and was substituted with the language in SB 160. Both bills address one of ACCG's top priorities this session, which is to reduce paperwork and bureaucratic morass in complying with Georgia's illegal immigration reform mandates. 
 
HB 0126 SupportCrime to Interfere with a Park Ranger Executing their Duties Hamilton, Mark 24th
7/1/2013 House - Effective Date JudyNC NR&E -
Code Enforcement General County Government Nat. Res. & the Environment Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation makes it a misdemeanor to interfere with a federal, state or county employee (other than law enforcement officers) enforcing ordinances and regulations regarding the use of a park. If said interference takes the form of a threat or aciton of violence, then it is a felony. 
HB 0127 SupportRedirected Fees - Having Fees Appropriated for Designated Purposes Powell, Jay 171st
3/5/2013 Senate - Senate Read and Referred App APPROP -
Appropriations Clerk of Court District Attorneys Forfeitures, Fees, and Fine Add Ons General County Government
Indigent Defense Law Enforcement Nat. Res. & the Environment Public Safety and Courts Revenue & Finance
Solicitors Solid Waste Todd Edwards Training
This legislation, one of ACCG's top priorities, seeks to halt the now-common state practice of redirecting fees from their designated purposes to the state's general fund for other uses.  If fees for the Solid Waste Trust Fund, Hazardous Waste Trust Fund, Indigent Defense, Peace Officers and Prosecutors Training Fund and teen driver's education are not appropriated for their intended use, the fees will be reduced or eliminated, proportionate to the amount that is redirected. 
 
While the Senate once again halted this legislation, HB 276 did pass both chambers, applying the above fee-reduction mechanism to the Hazardous and Solid Waste Trust Funds.    
 
Click here for ACCG's HB 127 Press Release
 
Click here for ACCG's sectional summary of HB 127
 
Click here for ACCG's implementation timeline for HB 127        
HB 0133 NeutralBurial Disturbance Permit Required for Livestock Grazing Tommy Benton
3/3/2014 House Third Reading Lost Judy --
General County Government Todd Edwards
Under current law, individuals who own property in the unincorporated area of the county containing a cemetery or burial site must obtain a burial disturbance permit from the board of commissioners to have the cemetery or burial site moved in order to develop the property.  This legislation would also require a burial disturbance permit for property owners to allow livestock to graze on the portion of the property containing a cemetery or burial site.
HB 0152 SupportIllegal Immigration Reform - Renewals for Public Benefits Bentley, Patty 139th
2/1/2013 House - House Second Readers JudyNC --
Alcohol/Tobacco Business and Occupation Tax General County Government Immigration Personnel/Employment
Procurement Todd Edwards
This legislation specifies that individuals applying to the county for "public benefits" (e.g., health benefits, retirement benefits, occupation tax registration, as well as licenses for alcoholic beverages, taxi cabs, auctioneers, massage therapist, billiard rooms, flea markets, precious metals and gems dealers, peddlers, transient businesses, fortune tellers, etc.) who have previously filed a SAVE ("Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements) affidavit with the county do not have to file additional affidavits for each public benefit. 
HB 0168 Oppose"Buy Georgia" Mandate on County Purchasing Fullerton, Carol 153rd
2/4/2013 House - House Second Readers Ed --
General County Government Procurement Todd Edwards
Under current state law, counties are only required to give preference to Georgia service providers as is reasonable and practical.  Additionally, for purchases over $100,000, counties must consider the economic multiplier information supplied by the bidder of the impact that the Georgia produced goods provide.  This legislation requires counties to obtain to give preference to Georgia products and services, regardless of whether it is reasonable and practical. Counties must give preference to service providers that employee Georgia workers. All invitations to bid must include a notice that the county will consider the impact of the bid on employment in the state.  In order to be considered by the county, all bids must contain an employment impact statement that includes the number of jobs expected to be created in Georgia if the bidder receives the contract, the number of jobs expected to be retained in Georgia that might otherwise be lost if the bid is awarded to a different bidder, the number of subcontractor jobs expected if the bidder is awarded the contract, the number of subcontractor jobs expected to retained that might otherwise be lost if another bidder is awarded the contract, and a guarantee that the jobs created or retained in Georgia will not be moved out of state during the contract.  The county must require any information needed to substantiate claims by a bidder that jobs will created or retained.
HB 0176 NeutralCell Towers/Equipment - Conditions on Local Government Approval Process Parsons, Don 44th
7/1/2014 Effective Date EU&T RI&Util -
General County Government Land Use/Zoning Leg Update Draft Telecommunications Todd Edwards
This substitute bill is significantly scaled back from last year's cell tower bill, resulting from a compromise between ACCG, GMA and wireless providers. Addressed among its provisions are a shot clock on new tower permit application and conditions on the forced removal of an existing tower, wireless equipment on public property and local government application fees.  It does not affect a county's current ability to deny an application for a new tower, manage wireless infrastructure on its right of way, or contain an "automatically approved" provision if an application shot clock expires.
 
For a summary of this compromise bill, please click here.
HB 0178 NeutralGeorgia Pain Management Act Weldon, Tom 3rd
7/1/2013 House - Effective Date H&HS H&HS -
General County Government Health and Human Services Law Enforcement Open Records/Meetings Act Public Safety and Courts
Todd Edwards
Among other things, this legislation allows law enforcement to obtain records regarding the deaths of individuals that may have been caused by the medication obtained through a pain management clinic.  Such records are not subject to the open records law.

 

HB 0183 SupportImmigration Reform Enhancements to Create Regulatory Efficiencies Jasperse, Rick 11th
2/5/2013 House - House Second Readers I&L --
Alcohol/Tobacco Auditing/Budget General County Government Immigration Insurance
Personnel/Employment Procurement Public Works Retirement Revenue & Finance
Todd Edwards
This legislation addresses one of ACCG's top priorities this session. To reduce paperwork and bureaucratic morass in complying with Georgia's illegal immigration reform laws, HB 183 consolidates three local government immigration reporting mandates to one report, due once a year, to one agency; no longer mandates that businesses seeking business licenses, occupation tax certificiates  or other documents required to operate a business submit E-Verify information to local governments annually, but just once; eliminates "contracts" as a public benefit; allows those submitting documents to local governments to prove immigration status to do so by mail; and allows legal U.S. citizens to only have to prove their citizenship by affidavit once, rather than annually, to receive public benefits from the same agency. 
 
For ACCG's Sectional Summary of HB 183, please click here.   
 
For ACCG's one-stop Web shop on all things immigration for Georgia's county governments, please click here.      
HB 0185 NeutralSelling Distilled Spirits Directly from Distillery Kidd, E. Culver "Rusty" 145th
2/5/2013 House - House Second Readers RegI --
Alcohol/Tobacco General County Government Land Use/Zoning Revenue & Finance Todd Edwards
This legislation allows the Georgia Department of Revenue to permit distilleries to sell package liquor in limited quantity.
HB 0188 NeutralHonoring Military Professional Licenses Coomer, Christian 14th
7/1/2013 House - Effective Date D&VA RI&Util -
Code Enforcement General County Government Public Safety and Courts Todd Edwards
This legislation allow certain electrical, plumbing, HVAC and utility contractors who are or have been in the military (or are married to someone in the military stationed in Georgia) to practice their profession in Georgia while living here.
Green background on status indicates a bill has been acted on the last recorded legislative day.








Copyright @1996-2015 Association County Commissioners of Georgia