GEDA Legislative Updates: February 2017

Monday, February 27, 2017

2017 Legislative Report 6

Bills of interest to GEDA members that were introduced during the week of Tuesday, February 21 (Day 21 of the legislative calendar) through Friday, February 24 (Day 24) are included in this report. The House and Senate will be in recess on Thursday, March 2, 2017. The General Assembly is fast approaching Thursday, March 9 which is crossover day on the legislative calendar. Most bills have to pass in one chamber or the other by the 9th to be eligible for consideration and passage by the other chamber and the signature of the Governor.

Budget

HB 44, the FY-2018 budget as amended by the House is continuing to be reviewed by various Appropriations subcommittees in the Senate.

House Bills

HB 470 Representatives Blackmon of the 146th, Belton of the 112th, Smyre of the 135th, Coomer of the 14th, and Williams of the 168th

Amends Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Department of Economic Development, so as to create a program for making grants to certain organizations supporting military communities; to provide for legislative findings; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Favorable Report 2/24

House Resolutions

HR 389 Representatives Watson of the 172nd, Ralston of the 7th, England of the 116th, Hatchett of the 150th, and Powell of the 171st

Creates the House Rural Development Council; and for other purposes. The Council will, through intensive and systematic study of existing issues in Georgia’s rural areas, identify policies and ideas to enhance economic opportunity across the entire state, particularly in rural areas.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Read 1st time 2/24

Senate Bills

SB 207 Senators Jackson of the 2nd, Jones of the 10th, Anderson of the 43rd, Fort of the 39th, and Henson of the 41st

Amends Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Department of Economic Development, so as to define certain terms; to create the Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development, to provide for appointment of a director; to provide for powers and duties of the director; to create the position of minority and women owned business enterprise state-wide advocate, to provide for appointment, to provide for duties; to provide for provisions for state contracts; to provide a for state-wide disparity study; to provide for contents; to provide for the structure of procurement contracts; to provide for rules and regulations; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
Read 1st time 2/21

SB 210 Senators Thompson of the 14th, Shafer of the 48th, Heath of the 31st, Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd and Cowsert of the 46th

Amends Chapter of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the organization of the executive branch generally, so as to establish the “Georgia Government Accountability Act”; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative intent; to create the Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee; to authorize the committee to review and evaluate state agencies’ productivity, efficiency, and responsiveness; to provide for the automatic abolition of certain state agencies contingent upon adoption of a resolution by the General Assembly declaring that the state laws applicable to such agency have been repealed, revised, or reassigned; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations
Read 1st time 2/21

SB 224 Senators Butler of the 55th, Beach of the 21st, Henson of the 41st, Davenport of the 44th, and Jones of the 10th

Amends an Act known at the “Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority Act of 1965,” approved March 10, 1965, as amended, so as to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations for the imposition of an additional retail sales and use tax in DeKalb County; to provide for the selection and submission of rapid transit projects to be funded by the revenue of such tax; to provide for a limitation on the collection of a tax for transportation purposes in certain instances and the imposition of an additional retail sales and use tax in certain instances, to provide for a referendum; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Senate Local Government Operations
Read 1st time 2/22

SB 232 Senators Gooch of the 51st, Wilkinson of the 50th, Harper of the 7th, Lucas of the 26th, and Burke of the 11th

Enacts the “Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act; to amend Titles 36, 46, 48, and 50 of the OCGA, relating to local government, public utilities and public transportation, revenue and taxation, and state government, respectively; so as to provide for broadband service planning, deployment, and incentives; to limit the ability of local governing authorities to prohibit, regulate, or charge for the collocation of small wireless facilities in public rights of way under certain circumstances; to require a local governing authority to receive and process applications for and issue permits subject to specified requirements; to provide requirements for rates, fees, and other terms related to utility poles of the local governing authority; to prohibit certain regulation by governments, including imposition of charges on certain facilities and services; to provide the Public Service Commission with the jurisdiction to determine disputes; to establish certification of certain counties and municipal corporations as gigabit ready communities; to provide for duties and responsibilities of the Department of Community Affairs; to provide a methodology for local governments to apply to the department for certification as a gigabit ready community; to provide for the promulgation of certain rules and regulations; to require that the development of any service delivery strategy by a local government include the promotion of the availability and delivery of broadband services; to provide that the Universal Access Fund may be used for the provision of broadband services and that all telecommunications companies within this state shall contribute to the fund; specifically authorize electric membership corporations and their affiliates and subsidiaries to provide emerging communications technologies; to create a tax exemption for certain equipment used in the deployment of broadband technology in certain counties; to provide for the annual designation of certain eligible counties and for a list of all eligible counties to be published on the website of the Department of Community Affairs; to authorize funds collected by a county special purpose local option sales tax to be expended on broadband infrastructure; to provide for the creation and administration of the Georgia Gigabit Ready Community Site designation program by the Department of Economic Development; to change the definitions relative to the “OneGeorgia Authority Act” to include broadband services in the terms ‘cost of project” and “project, and for related purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities
Read 1st time 2/22

SB 233 Senators Harbin of the 16th, Stone of the 23rd, Payne of the 54th, Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd, and Gooch of the 51st

Amends Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to state government, so as to provide for the preservation of religious freedom; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Rules
Read 1st time 2/22

SB 240 Senators Watson of the 1st, Miller of the 49th, Shafer of the 48th, Albers of the 56th, and Burke of the 11th

Amends Article 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority. This bill is identical to HB 354.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Read 1st time 2/23

Senate Resolutions

SR 249 Senator Beach of the 21st

Proposes an amendment to the Constitution so as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by law for the local authorization of a limited number of licensed destination resort facilities casino resorts within the state; to authorize the operation and regulation of limited casino gaming within the state; to provide for related matters; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Industry and Labor
Read 1st time 2/23

Monday, February 20, 2017

2017 Legislative Report 5

Budget

HB 44, the FY-2018 Budget as amended was passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate for passage. The FY-2018 proposed budget includes $49,318,514,965 in total funds and $24,997,351,235 in state funds. The Georgia Department of Economic Development Tourism Division will utilize $600,000 in existing funds for marketing the Year of Film in Georgia. Global Commerce’s budget includes $400,000 for an economic outreach initiative in China, and $180,000 for one trade representative position and 1 project manager position. The Department of Community Affairs budget includes $20,000,000 for the OneGeorgia Authority.

Bills of interest to GEDA members that were introduced during the week of February 14; Day 17 through Friday, February 17; Day 20 are included in this report. The General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, February 21; Day 21 of the legislative calendar and will recess on Friday, February 24; Day 24.

House Bills

HB 336 Representatives Parsons of the 44th, Shaw of the 176th, Tankersley of the 160th, Morris of the 156th, and Dunahoo of the 30th

Amends Titles 36, 48, and 50 of the OCGA, relating to local government, revenue and taxation, and state government, respectively so as to provide for broadband deployment incentives; to provide for definitions; to establish certification of certain counties and municipal corporations as broadband ready communities; to provide for duties and responsibilities of the Department of Economic Development; to provide methodology for local governments to apply to the department for certification as a broadband ready community; to provide for the promulgation of rules and regulations and a model ordinance by the department; to create an exemption for certain equipment used in the deployment of broadband technology; to provide for the commissioner of community affairs to make certain annual designations; to provide for the publication of certain information on the website of the Department of Community Affairs; to provide for the Georgia Technology Authority to develop an annual “Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia” report providing guidance for achieving enhanced broadband deployment throughout this state; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Read 2d time 2/15/17

HB 342 Representatives Efstration of the 104th, Powell of the 171st, Rhodes of the 120th, and Rogers of the 10th

Amends Chapter 88 of Title 36 of the OCGA, relating to enterprise zones, so as to provide that certain urban redevelopment zones may be designated as enterprise zones; to provide for a sales tax exemption in such enterprise zones; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read 2d time 2/15/17

HB 354 Representatives Stephens of the 164th, Petrea of the 166th, and Gilliard of the 162nd

Amends Article 4 of Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center, so as to reconstitute the Georgia International and Maritime Trade Center Authority; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for definitions; to provide for its membership, manner of appointment, terms of office, and powers and duties; to provide for exemption from taxation; to provide for venue; to provide for disposition of property; to exempt its property from levy and sale; to transfer certain assets and liabilities; to authorize the Department of Economic Development to contract with the authority for certain projects; to repeal certain laws; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Read 2d time 2/16/17

HB 364 Representatives Gurtler of the 8th, Pezold of the 133rd, Cooke of the 18th, Caldwell of the 20th, and Ridley of the 6th

Amends Article 3 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to the excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations, so as to repeal a certain tax on innkeepers; to provide for related matters; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation
Read 2d time 2/16/17

HB 372 Representatives Parsons of the 44th, Shaw of the 176th, Battles of the 15th, Werkheiser of the 157th, and Burns of the 159th

Amends Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to the state sales and use tax, so as to create an exemption for certain equipment used in the deployment of broadband technology; to provide for definitions; to provide for the commissioner of community affairs to make certain annual designations; to provide for the publication of certain information on the website of the Department of Community Affairs; to provide for related matters; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read 2d time 2/17/17

House Resolutions

HR 239 Representatives Nix of the 69th, Greene of the 151st, Smyre of the 135th, Deffenbaugh of the 1st, and Pezold of the 133rd

Creates the Joint Georgia-Alabama Study Committee; and for other purposes. To provide a formal means for members of the Georgia House of Representatives, members of the Georgia Senate, and their counterparts from the State of Alabama to discuss and review issues that are common to both states and to seek common solutions to common problems.

Referred to the Committee on Special Rules
Read 2d time 2/15/17

HR 284 Representatives LaRiccia of the 169th, Nimmer of the 178th, England of the 116th, Burns of the 159th, and Powell of the 171st

Creating the House Study Committee on State and Local Construction Management; and for other purposes. To determine the strengths and weaknesses of the construction management at risk model versus the design, bid, and build model, so that they may be shared with our state and local governments to promote quality construction management in this state.

Referred to the Committee on Special Rules
Read 2d time 2/17

Senate Bills

SB 183 Senators Beach of the 21st, Walker III of the 20th, Martin of the 9th, and Miller of the 49th

Amends Part 1 of Article 2 of Chapter 10 of Title 32 of the OCGA, relating to general provisions relative to the State Road and Tollway Authority, so as to provide for a definition; to provide for powers of the authority; to allow for the indefinite collection of tolls in certain instances; to provide for letting of contracts by competitive bids; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Transportation
Read 1st time 2/16/17

SB 191 Senators Jeffares of the 17th, Hill of the 4th, Stone of the 23rd, Watson of the 1st, and Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd

Amends Titles 12, 22, and 50 of the OCGA, relating to conservation and natural resources, eminent domain, and state government, respectively, so as to provide for the regulation and permitting of petroleum pipelines in this state; to provide for definitions; to provide for the issuance of certain permits by the director of the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources; to provide for appeals of the decision of the director; to require certain notices; to provide for the Board of Natural Resources to promulgate certain rules and regulations; to place conditions on the use of eminent domain for construction, expansion, and extension of petroleum pipelines, to provide for the issuance of certificates of need by the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; to provide for appeals of the decision of the executive director; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment
Read 1st time 2/17/17

SB 195 Senators Albers of the 56th, Williams of the 27th, Tillery of the 19th, Heath of the 31st, and Millar of the 40th

Amends Chapter 7 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Department of Economic Development, so as to provide for notice from employers that receive benefits from the state and move facilities or operations from the state; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Read 1st time 2/17/17

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

2017 Legislative Report 4

Budget

HB 43, the 2017 Supplemental Budget as amended was passed by the Senate and submitted to the Governor for signature.

Bills introduced during the week of February 7, 2017; Day 13 through Friday, February 10, 2017; Day 16 of the legislative calendar. The General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, February 14, 2017; Day 17 and adjourn on Friday, February 17; Day 20.

House Bills

HB 205 Representatives Meadows of the 5th, Dempsey of the 13th, Jasperse of the 11th, Ridley of the 6th, and Lumsden of the 12th

Amends Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the OCGA, relating to mining and drilling, so as to regulate the exploration and extraction of gas and oil in this state; to provide for a definition; to provide for authority to create an Oil and Gas Board under certain circumstances; to require the promulgation of rules and regulations related to drilling and extraction; to amend provisions relating to drilling permits; to increase the amount of bond security for drilling operations; to provide for authority of local governments; to impose a severance tax on the extraction of oil and gas; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications
Read 2d time 2/7/17

HB 215 Representatives Hanson of the 80th, Powell of the 171st, Tanner of the 9th, Coomer of the 14th, and Blackmon of the 146th

Amends Part 1 of Article 5A of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to the special district mass transportation sales and use tax, so as to clarify the ability of counties and qualified municipalities to issue general obligation bonds as necessary; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read 2dtime 2/7/17

HB 225 Representatives Powell of the 171st, Kelley of the 16th, England of the 116th, Harrell of the 106th, and Powell of the 32nd

Amends Article 7 of Chapter 2 of Title 40 of the OCGA, relating to motor vehicle license fees and classes, so as to repeal inoperable provisions related to licensing of ride share networks; to amend Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to state sales and use tax, so as to repeal an inoperable sales tax exemption related to ride share networks; to impose collection and remittance of a tax upon ride share network services; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/7/17

HB 237 Representatives Coleman of the 97th, England of the 116th, Casas of the 107th, Chandler of the 105th, and Nix of the 69th

Amends Title 20 and Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to education and to revenue and taxation, respectively, so as to authorize the Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation to receive private donations to be used for grants to public schools; to provide for grant criteria; to provide for an income tax credit for qualified education donations; to provide for conditions and limitations; to provide for powers, duties, and authority of the state revenue commissioner with respect to such donations; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/2/17

HB 247 Representatives LaRiccia of the 169th, Kelley of the 16th, Carter of the 175th, Reeves of the 34th, and Corbett of the 174th

Amends Part 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to general provisions regarding state sales and use tax, so as to exempt machinery used to mix or transport concrete from such tax; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/8/17

HB 257 Representatives Tankersley of 160th, Smith of the 70th, Powell of the 171st, Epps of the 144th, and Hatchett of the 150th

Amends Title 36 of the OCGA, relating to local government, so as to require local government authorities to register with the Department of Community Affairs in order to be eligible for state funds; to change the deadline for local government authorities to register with said department; to prohibit authorities from incurring debt or credit obligations prior to submitting a report to said department; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs
Read for 2d time 2/9/17

HB 265 Representatives Efstration of the 104th, Rogers of the 10th, Rhodes of the 120th, Kelley of the 16th, and Stephens of the 164th

Amends Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to imposition, rate, computation, and exemptions from state income tax, so as to revise the provisions relating to the credit for establishing or relocating quality jobs; to amend Code Section 48-8-3 of the OCGA, relating to exemptions from state sales and use taxes, so as to provide a state sales tax exemption for sales of tickets, fees, or charges of admission to certain facilities that provide certain arts and education programming; to provide a state and local sales tax exemption for sales of tangible personal property used for or in the renovation or expansion of certain theaters; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/9/17

HB 277 Representatives Frye of the 118th, Dollar of the 45th, Quick of the 117th, Hawkins of the 27th, and Bentley of the 139th

Amends Code Section 48-7-40.1 of the OCGA, relating to tax credits for business enterprises in less developed areas, so as to provide that sound recording is an industry eligible for a tax credit in less developed areas; to revise definitions; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/9/17

House Resoluations

HR 158 Representatives Powell of the 171st, Abrams of the 89th, Welch of the 110th, Harrell of the 106th, and Meadows of the 5th

Proposes an amendment to the Constitution as to authorize the General Assembly to provide by general law for the dedication of revenues derived from fees or taxes to the public purpose for which such fees or taxes were imposed, to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for the redesignation of a current subparagraph of the Constitution; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
Read for 2d time 2/7/17

Senate Bills

SB 115 Senators Ginn of the 47th, Jones of the 25th, Shafer of the 48th, Unterman of the 45th, and Jeffares of the 17th

Amends Article 8 of Chapter 1 of Title 10 of the OCGA, relating to petroleum products, brake fluid, and antifreeze, so as to prohibit the sale of ethanol gasoline within the state, to amend Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to revenue and taxation, so as to provide for conformity; to amend Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Department of Community Affairs; so as to repeal a program providing grants for the promotion of E-85 gasoline; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for an effective date; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs
Read for 1st time 2/7/17

SB 116 Senators Ginn of the 47th, Jones of the 25th, Williams of the 27th, Shafer of the 48th and Jeffares of the 17th

To amend Chapter 60 of the OCGA, relating to provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations, so as to prohibit the assessment of storm-water utility fees on water-neutral properties; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Regulated Industry and Utilities
Read for 1st time 2/7/17

SB 117 Senators Martin of the 9th, Miller of the 49th, Walker III of the 20th, Thompson of the 14th, and Dugan of the 30th

Amends Chapter 25 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Georgia Technology Authority, so as to change the definition of the ‘agency’; to provide for the establishment of certain policies and standards to be used by all agencies; to provide for waivers under certain circumstances; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Science and Technology
Read for 1st time 2/7/17

SB 133 Senators Walker III of the 20th, Shafer of the 48th, Hill of the 6th, Heath of the 31st, and Wilkinson of the 50th

Amends Article 4 of Chapter 13 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to the corporate net worth tax, so as to make such tax inapplicable to corporations worth less than a certain amount; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date and applicability; and or other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Finance
Read for 1st time 2/8/17

Senate Resolutions

SR 152 Senators Ginn of the 47th, Jeffares of the 17th, Gooch of the 51st, Ligon, Jr. of the 3rd and Miller of the 49th

Creates the Joint Study Committee on Stream Buffers in Georgia; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environment
Read for 1st time 2/7/17

Friday, February 3, 2017

2017 Legislative Report 3

The General Assembly reconvened on Monday, January 30; Day 9 of the legislative calendar and recessed at the end of business on Thursday, February 2, 2017; Day 12. The General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, February 7, 2017; Day 13.

SR 132 was adopted by the Senate and House setting the calendar for the remainder of the 2017 legislative session. The General Assembly will be in session 2/7/17 through 2/10/2017; 2/14/2017 through 2/17/2017; 2/21/2017 through 2/24/2017; 2/27/2017 through 3/1/2017; 3/3/2017 and 3/6/2017; 3/9/2017 through 3/10/2017; 3/13/2017 through 3/16/2017; 3/20/2017, 3/22/2017, 3/24/2017, 3/28/2017; and 3/30/2017. Day 30, the day a bill must pass one chamber of the legislature to be eligible for passage by both chambers, will be Thursday, March 9, 2017.

Day 40, Sine Die, will be Thursday, March 30, 2017.

Budget

HB 43, the FY-2017 Supplemental Budget, was passed by the Senate and forwarded to the Governor for signature.

HB 44, the FY-2018 Budget, is being finalized.House Appropriations subcommittees conducted 2018 budget hearings for all state agencies. The Economic Development Subcommittee conducted hearings for the Department of Economic Development and the Department of Community Affairs on Wednesday, February 1.

Bills introduced during week three that may be of interest to GEDA members are listed below.

HB 156 Representatives Gurtler of the 8th, Gravely of the 67th, Caldwell of the 20th, Pezold of the 133rd and Ridley of the 6th

Amends Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 12 of the OCGA, relating to general provisions regarding parks, historic areas, memorials, and recreation, so as to revise provisions of law regarding the use or possession of any handgun in a park, historic site, or recreational area; to amend Part 3 of Article 4 of Chapter 11 of Title 16 of the OCGA, relating to carrying and possession of firearms, so as to provide a definition; to revise the provisions of law regarding the carrying of firearms; so as to provide a definition; to revise the provisions of law regarding the carrying of firearms; to amend Part 2 of Article 4 of Chapter 12 of Title 16 of the OCGA, relating to transportation passenger safety, so as to revise the provisions of law regarding the carrying of firearms; to amend Title 27 of the OCGA, relating to game and fish, so as to revise certain laws regarding the carrying of firearms; to amend Part 2 of Article 10 of Chapter 6 of Title 40 of the OCGA, relating to parking for persons with disabilities, so as to revise certain laws regarding the carrying of firearms; to provide for a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security Read for 2nd time 1/31/17

HB 183 Representatives Dickey of the 140th, Epps of the 144th, Brockway of the 102nd, and Gilligan of the 24th

Amends Chapter 8 of Title 50 of the OCGA, relating to the Department of Community Affairs, so as to recreate the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council under the Department of Community Affairs; to provide for definitions; to provide that all documents and data of the current Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council that is under the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources shall be transferred to the new council; to provide for appointment of members to the council, selection of a chairperson, and payment of certain expenses; to provide for availability of reports generated by the council; to provide for promulgation of certain rules and regulations; to provide for an effective date; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on State Planning and Community Affairs Read for the 2nd time 2/1/17

HB 189 Representatives Nelson of the 125th and Prince of the 127th

Amends Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the OCGA, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to provide that any service contract such enter into shall contain a termination clause; to provide that poor performance or cost overrun shall constitute cause for termination of the contract; to provide a short title; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs Read for the 2nd time 2/2/17

HB 193 Representatives Turner of the 21st, Kelley of the 16th, Teasley of the 37th, Watson of the 172nd, and Cantrell of the 22nd

Amends Article 2 of Chapter 7 of Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to the imposition, rate, and computation of state income taxes, so as to adjust the amounts of the standard deductions based on the Consumer Price Index; to provide for related matters; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means Read for the 2nd time 2/2/17

HB 194 Representatives Jones of the 25th, Fleming of the 121st, Gilligan of the 24th, Cantrell of the 22nd, and Glanton of the 75th

Amends Code Section 36-66-5 of the OCGA, relating to adoption of hearing policies and procedures and standards for exercise of zoning power, so as to require counties and municipalities to consider the effect of a proposed zoning action on local school systems and potential overcrowding of schools within such local school systems; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Governmental Affairs Read for the 2nd time 2/2/17

HB 199 Representatives Rhodes of the 120th, Efstration of the 104th, Rogers of the 10th, and Powell of the 171st

Amends Article 2 of Chapter 7 of the Title 48 of the OCGA, relating to imposition rate, computation, and exemptions from state income taxes, so as to change certain provisions regarding the income tax credit for interactive entertainment companies; to remove the sunset on such exemptions; to add an exemption for certain prereleased products; to provide for a new state income tax credit for qualified postproduction expenditures of postproduction companies; to provide for procedures, conditions, and limitations; to provide for definitions; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means Read for the 2nd time 2/2/17

SR 104 Senators Heath of the 31st, Shafer of the 48th, Cowsert of the 46th, Kennedy of the 18th, and Mullis of the 53rd

Proposing and amendment to the Constitution so as to prohibit the levy of state ad valorem taxes; to provide for applicability; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

Referred to the Committee on Finance Read for the 1st time 1/31/17

SR 105 Senators Heath of the 31st, Shafer of the 48th, Cowsert of the 46th, Kennedy of the 18th, and Mullis of the 53rd

Proposing an amendment to the Constitution, in a manner consistent with the United States Constitution, so as to prevent discrimination in the public funding of social services by allowing religious or faith based organizations to receive public aid, directly or indirectly, for the provision of such services; to provide for the submission of this amendment for ratification or rejection; and for other purposes.

Referred to Committee on Government Oversight Read for the 1st time 1/31/17