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GEDA Weekly Policy Update:
Week 3
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Prepared by: 
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Legislative
Update
The
General Assembly tackled legislative days 7,8,9 and 10 this week. Work
continued on the budget, as both Commissioner Nunn (Department of
Community Affairs) and Commissioner Wilson (Department of Economic
Development) presented on their budgets to the House Economic Development
subcommittee.
Adjournment
Calendar
The
House and Senate agreed on the adjournment calendar for the rest of the
2018 legislative session with Sine Die falling on March 29.
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Mon, Jan 29
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Legislative Day 11
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Tue, Jan 30
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Legislative Day 12
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Wed, Jan 31
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Legislative Day 13
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Thu, Feb 1
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Legislative Day 14
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Mon, Feb 5
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Legislative Day 15
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Tue, Feb 6
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Legislative Day 16
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Wed, Feb 7
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Legislative Day 17
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Thu, Feb 8
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Legislative Day 18
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Mon, Feb 12
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Legislative Day 19
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Tue, Feb 13
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Legislative Day 20
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Wed, Feb 14
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Legislative Day 21
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Thu, Feb 15
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Legislative Day 22
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Tue, Feb 20
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Legislative Day 23
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Wed, Feb 21
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Legislative Day 24
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Thu, Feb 22
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Legislative Day 25
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Fri, Feb 23
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Legislative Day 26
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Mon, Feb 26
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Legislative Day 27
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Wed, Feb 28
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Legislative Day 28 (Crossover Day)
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Thu, Mar 1
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Legislative Day 29
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Mon, Mar 5
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Legislative Day 30
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Tue, Mar 6
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*Committee Work Day
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Wed, Mar 7
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Legislative Day 31
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Thu, Mar 8
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*Committee Work Day
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Fri, Mar 9
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Legislative Day 32
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Mon, Mar 12
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Legislative Day 33
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Tue, Mar 13
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*Committee Work Day
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Wed, Mar 14
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Legislative Day 34
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Thu, Mar 15
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Legislative Day 35
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Mon, Mar 19
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Legislative Day 36
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Tue, Mar 20
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*Committee Work Day
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Wed, Mar 21
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Legislative Day 37
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Thu, Mar 22
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*Committee Work Day
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Fri, Mar 23
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Legislative Day 38
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Tue, Mar 27
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Legislative Day 39
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Thu, Mar 29
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Legislative Day 40
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GEDA
Day at the Capitol
Tuesday,
January 23, was a big day at the Capitol as GEDA Day was recognized. GEDA
leadership was able to host a dinner the evening before the day at the
Capitol to thank key legislators for their support for Georgia’s economic
development efforts and to discuss upcoming issues. Attendees included:
- Senator Butch Miller, President pro tem of the
Senate
- Senator Steve Gooch, Majority Whip of the Senate
- Senator Jeff Mullis, Chairman of the Senate Rules
Committee
- Senator Mike Dugan, Chairman of the Senate
Economic Development & Tourism Committee
- Senator Frank Ginn, Chairman of the Regulated
Industries & Utilities Committee
- Senator Brandon Beach, Chairman of the Senate
Transportation Committee
- Representative Terry Rogers, Floor Leader or
Governor Deal and Vice-Chair of the House Economic Development &
Tourism Committee
- Representative Ron Stephens, Chairman of the
House Economic Development & Tourism Committee
- Commissioner Christopher Nunn, Department of
Community Affairs
On
Tuesday, GEDA was well-represented by local economic development
professionals, utility partners, and others to show the many faces of
economic development across our state. In addition to having a photograph
with Governor Deal, the group was able to hear from:
- Lt. Governor Casey Cagle
- Attorney General Chris Carr
- Speaker David Ralston
- Senator Butch Miller
GEDA Day
is a valuable annual event. Please make plans to join us next year if you
were not able to make it this year!
Tuesday,
January 23 was also the annual Tourism, Hospitality, & Arts Day at
the Capitol. GEDA knows that for many communities in our state, tourism
is a major economic development driver. Governor Deal recognized the
$60.8 billion impact of tourism on Georgia’s Economy as well as the more
than 450,000 job opportunities for Georgians provided through the tourism
industry.
Misc.
The
Department of Revenue held a hearing on January 24 to revise their job
tax credit regulations. The proposed revisions would change filing
deadlines to take advantage of the tax credits (to give more time than
under current regulations). You can see the proposed changes here: https://dor.georgia.gov/documents/proposed-rule-560-7-8-36-job-tax-credit-description-and-definitions
The
Department of Community Affairs will hold a telephonic board meeting on
Monday, January 29 regarding rules for the Rural Zone Program and the
Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act program. Those interested in
listening to the board meeting can call (404) 679-3154 to get call-in
information.
Bill Tracking:
HB59
– Historic Tax Credits
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah)
Bill Status: Senate Recommitted on 1/8/18
Summary: The bill provides tax credits against state income taxes
for the rehabilitation of historic structures, and provides re-approval
of additional tax credits for current recipients of credits. The taxpayer
will be allowed a tax credit against the tax imposed at such time as the
certified rehabilitation is completed. An applicant seeking to claim a
tax credit will submit an application to the GA Dept. of Community
Affairs for pre-approval.
HB69
– Tier Tax Credit Claims
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Paulette Rakestraw (R-Hiram)
Bill Status: House Second Reader
Summary: Beginning on Sept. 1, 2019 and annually for 5 years, the
DCA Commissioner will issue a report to the Governor, President of the
Senate, and Speaker of the House, including a list of all counties and
their tier tax credit classifications, as well as the following
information: (A) The total number of employers that claimed a credit
under O.C.G.A. 48-7-40; (B) The number of all credits earned and all
credits applied during such tax year; and (C) An estimate of the number
of jobs and overall economic impact produced by this code section.
HB70
– Tier Tax Credit System
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Paulette Rakestraw (R-Hiram)
Bill Status: House Second Reader
Summary: Amend O.C.G.A. 48-7-40 to provide that a county
classified as a Tier 4 county will be reclassified as a Tier 3 if at
least 70% of the county’s workforce commutes outside the county for work.
Additionally, if 70% of a county’s workforce commutes outside the county
for work, Tier 3 counties will be reclassified as Tier 2 counties, and
Tier 2 counties shall be reclassified as Tier 1 counties.
HB118
– Fantasy Contests Act
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown)
Bill Status: Senate Recommitted on 1/8/18
Summary: Provides for the licensing, registration, regulation, and
taxation of fantasy contest operators. The bill creates the Registered
Fantasy Contest Operators Act. Fantasy contest operators must register
with the Commissioner of the Dept. of Revenue. A fantasy contest operator
must pay an annual registration renewal fee and 6% of the fantasy contest
operator’s gross fantasy contest revenues for the preceding 12 months.
The registration application is exempt from public disclosure unless
challenged in the courts.
HB158
– Georgia Gaming Commission & Destination Resorts
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah)
Bill Status: House Second Readers
Summary: To provide for the creation, membership, appointment, and
duties of the Georgia Gaming Commission and to authorize the licensing of
up to 2 destination resorts in this state.
HB205
– Regulation of Exploration & Extraction of Oil and Gas
Bill Sponsor: Rep. John Meadows (R-Calhoun)
Bill Status: Passed House & Senate; went to conference
committee
Summary: Provides for regulation of the exploration and extraction
of gas and oil; provides the authority to create an Oil and Gas Board;
requires development of rules and regulations related to drilling and
extraction; amends provisions relating to drilling permits; increases the
amount of bond security for drilling operations; provides for the
authority of local governments; and to impose a severance tax on the
extraction of oil and gas. The bill also defines ‘hydraulic fracturing.’
HB225
– Licensing & Sales Tax Exemption for Ride Share Networks
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla)
Bill Status: Senate Recommitted 1/8/18
Summary: Repeals an inoperable sales tax exemption related to ride
share networks and imposes collection and remittance of sales taxes on
certain persons that facilitate or broker and accept or process payment
for certain sales. Individuals that utilize ride sharing networks would
be required to pay a 4% sales tax for each trip.
HB329
– Personal Income Tax
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Jay Powell (R-Camilla)
Bill Status: Passed House & Senate; went to conference
committee
Summary: Modifies the rate of tax imposed on the Georgia taxable
net income of individuals; provides for an inflationary index rate;
adjusts the amounts of the personal exemptions and standard deductions
based on the inflationary index rate; and provides for a non-refundable
earned income tax credit. The current Georgia taxable net income rate of
one to 6% of taxable income would be removed from GA Code and replaced
with one rate of 5.4%. *Note: This is a potential vehicle for any
additional tax policy this session.
HB650
– State Symbols & Monuments
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur)
Bill Status: pre-filed for 2018 session
Summary: To allow local governments to relocate, remove, conceal,
obscure, or alter certain monuments.
HB658
– Excise Tax on Rooms, Lodging, & Accommodations
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs)
Bill Status: referred to Ways and Means; 1/24 committee
hearing
Summary: To remove the sunset date on the collection of excise tax
on rooms, lodging, & accommodations.
SB2
– The Fairness, Accountability, Simplification, and Transparency –
Empowering Our Small Businesses to Succeed (FAST) Act
Bill
Sponsor:
Sen. Mike Dugan
Bill Status: House withdrawn; Recommitted
Summary: The bill would require state and local government
agencies that issue licenses or permits to establish turnaround times
they would have to meet. If they fail to process a license or fee by the
deadline, they would have to reduce the processing fee. The bill would
also require Georgia’s professional licensing boards to issue provisional
licenses for businesses either renewing their licenses or moving to
Georgia from out of state. Finally, the bill would establish a system for
ranking and comparing state and local agencies’ permitting processes
based in part on fees they charge and how long they take to issue
licenses or permits. Additionally, the bill makes it easier for the
legislature to override state agency rules by requiring simple majorities
of the Georgia House of Representatives and Senate rather than 2/3 votes
required in current law.
SB3
– Creating Opportunities Needed Now to Expand Credentialed Training
(CONNECT) Act
Bill
Sponsor:
Sen. Lindsey Tippins
Bill Status: Passed House & Senate; went to conference
committee
Summary: Requires the State Board of Education to prescribe a
minimum course of study in career education for students in grades 6-12.
The course of study should include career exploration and career-oriented
learning experiences that include participation in work-based learning
programs like internships, apprenticeships, cooperative education, or
employability skill development; and rigorous industry credentialing.
SB
6 – Georgia Regional Transit Council
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Steve Gooch
Bill Status: House withdrawn; recommitted
Summary: Creates the Georgia Regional Transit Council that will be
attached to the Dept. of Transportation for administrative purposes. The
Council is created to develop a state-wide strategic transit plan with
the guidance of a recognized industry leader in delivering transit
strategy for multijurisdictional entities that emphasizes first-mile and
last-mile services, the development of a seamless transportation network
with dependable trip times for commuters, the enhancement of limited
access highways, road congestion relief, safety enhancements, and plans
for a future of transportation innovations.
SB79
– Georgia Gaming Commission & Destination Resorts
Bill
Sponsor: Sen.
Brandon Beach
Bill Status: Referred to Senate Regulated Industries Committee
Summary: To provide for the creation, membership, appointment, and
duties of the Georgia Gaming Commission and to authorize the licensing of
up to 2 destination resorts in this state.
SB191
– Petroleum Pipelines
Bill
Sponsor:
Sen. Rick Jeffares
Bill Status: House withdrawn; Recommitted to Natural Resources
Committee
Summary: Requires that on or after July 1, 2017, any construction
of a new petroleum pipeline or an extension in this state requires a
permit from the Director of EPD regardless of whether the petroleum
pipeline company intends to exercise any power of eminent domain. The
Director will conduct hearings to determine whether the location and
construction of the portion of the petroleum pipeline for which the
permit is sought are consistent with, and not an undue hazard, to the
environment and natural resources of this state.
SB302
– Public Monuments
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Elena Parent
Bill Status: Referred to Government Oversight Committee
Bill Summary: To allow local governments to relocate, remove,
conceal, obscure, or alter certain monuments.
SB328
– Repealing Tax Credits
Bill Sponsor: Sen. John Albers
Bill Status: 1/24/2018 Passed Senate Finance
Bill Summary: This legislation is a result of Sen. Albers’ study
committee examining the current tax credits in Georgia. This study
committee met numerous times in 2017 and issued its final report in
December ’17. The report suggested that the General Assembly repeal three
tax credits for Federal Qualified Transportation Fringe benefits, private
driver education, and diesel particulate emission reduction technology
equipment. SB328 aims to repeal all three of these credits. Revenue
related bills have to originate in the House but we anticipate the Senate
attaching the repeal of these tax credits to another tax bill.
SR502
– High Speed Rural Broadband
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Steve Gooch
Bill Status: referred to Rules Committee
Bill Summary: A resolution encouraging Congress and federal
agencies to develop policies and funding sources to help bring high-speed
broadband access to Rural America.
SR613
– English as Official Language
Bill
Sponsor:
Sen. David Shafer
Bill Status: Senate Hopper
Bill Summary: A resolution proposing an amendment to the
Constitution so as to declare English as the official language of the
State of Georgia.
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Glossary
of Terms:
Effective
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The bill has been signed into law by the Governor and will go into effect
the date stated.
Recommitted
- A
parliamentary motion to reassign a bill which has been in one committee
to the same or a different committee.
Second
Read
- In the House, second reading occurs automatically on the
legislative day following the bill's introduction. In the Senate, second
reading occurs on the legislative day after a bill is reported from
standing committee, except that after the 35th day of the session, second
reading occurs on the day a bill is reported from committee.
Conference
Committee
- A special committee consisting of three members from each
house appointed by the presiding officers to seek a compromise when the
two houses have passed different versions of the same bill and insist on
their respective positions.
Pre-filed - A bill that is
filed before the beginning of the legislative session
Withdrawn - A bill is
removed from consideration
Referred - Placed into
committee
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To view
the GEDA Public Policy Agenda for 2018 click
here.
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