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REMINDER: GEDA Legislative Day is
Tuesday, January 23rd, 2018 at the Capitol, South-wing, 2nd
floor, CAP 230. Please invite your legislators to attend! We
will host a brunch from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Days 1-4
of 40 Day Session
Calendar:
- The Georgia Legislature convened the 2018
Legislative Session on Monday, January 8.
- The proposed calendar for January is:
·
Tues, Jan.
9
convene for legislative day 2
·
Weds,
Jan. 10
convene for legislative day 3
·
Thurs, Jan
11
convene for legislative day 4
·
Thurs, Jan
18
convene for legislative day 5
·
Fri, Jan
19
convene for legislative day 6
·
Mon, Jan
22
convene for legislative day 7
·
Tues, Jan
23
convene for legislative day 8
·
Weds, Jan
24
convene for legislative day 9
·
Thurs, Jan
25
convene for legislative day 10
·
Mon, Jan
29
convene for legislative day 11
- Budget Week is scheduled for the week of January
15. That week will be devoted to budget hearings for the FY2017
continuation budget and the FY2018 General Appropriations Act.
House/Senate
Leadership & Committee Changes:
This
session brings new changes in leadership in the Senate and new chairman
positions in both chambers.
Senate:
- President Pro Tempore …............
Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville)
- Majority Caucus Vice Chair ……… Sen. Lindsey
Tippins (R-Marietta)
- Senate Natural Resources & Environment
Committee … Sen. Tyler Harper (R-Ocilla)
- Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities
Committee … Sen. Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville)
- Senate Public Safety Committee…....
Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell)
- Senate State & Local Gov. Operations
Committee… Sen. Greg Kirk (R-Americus)
- Senate Reapportionment & Redistricting
Committee… Sen. Matt Brass (R-Newnan)
House:
- House Code Revision Committee... Rep.
Timothy Barr (R-Lawrenceville)
- House Appropriations & Subcommittee on
General Govt… Rep. Chad Nimmer (R-Blackshear)
- House Industry & Labor Committee… Rep. Bill
Werkheiser (R-Glennville)
- House Small Business Development Committee… Rep.
Sam Watson (R-Moultrie)
State
of the State
On
January 11, 2018, Governor Deal presented his final State of the State
address. He looked back on his time as Governor, called this a “year of
transition,” and recalled an Israeli parable: an older man went out and
planted a tree in his yard. A neighbor passed by and saw what he was
doing, stopped and shook his head, saying, “What are you doing planting a
tree now? You are old and won’t be able to enjoy its shade or its fruit.”
The old man responded, “I’m not planting this tree for myself, I’m
planting it for those who come after me, just as I enjoyed the shade and
fruit from trees planted by those who came before me.” Deal went on to
discuss the various “orchards of opportunity” he has planted during the
past 7 years:
- Lowering unemployment rate to 4.3% from 10.7% in
2011. Creating around 675,000 jobs. Named #1 state in which to do
business 5 consecutive years.
- Film production industry. From $241 million in
economic impact 10 years ago to $9.5 billion in economic impact in
2017, as well as 92,000 jobs in GA.
- Increased education spending by $3.6 billion over
the last 7 years, including his final budget proposal, making the
total education expenditure during his time as governor roughly $14
billion.
- Saving the HOPE Scholarship during economic
crisis, and creating the HOPE Career Grant, which covers 100% of
tuition for technical school students who enroll in one of GA’s
high-demand fields.
·
Announced
moving the Division of Workforce Development and the state’s customized
recruitment office to TCSG.
·
Announced inclusion
of $1 million in his proposed budget for a TCSG marketing campaign to
encourage some of the 30% of Georgia high school graduates who don’t
pursue any further education or training.
·
Announced
inclusion in proposed budget of $1 million for 2 mobile welding labs for
TCSG.
- Passing the Transportation Funding Act, providing
a 10-year $11 billion transportation investment.
- Enacting criminal justice reform, including
increasing the number of state-funded accountability courts from 12
to 149, and ensuring that every one of the state’s 49 judicial
circuits has at least one type of accountability court in operation.
- Creating a Commission on Children’s Mental
Health, charged with providing recommendations on improving state
mental health services for children.
·
Proposed
budget includes $22.9 million based on their recommendations.
Bill Tracking:
Since this is the second term of
the legislative session, this report will cover all the bills that GEDA
tracked for the 2017 session, and note those that were signed by the
Governor and are now effective. We will continue to monitor bills that
did not pass last session but are still “alive.” We will add to this list
as relevant legislation is introduced in the 2018 session. We encourage
GEDA members to send bills they would like to be tracked to info@geda.org
Note:
- We include in this first report, those bills GEDA
tracked in the 2017 session that were signed by the Governor and are
now effective. We will not include these (denoted with yellow
highlights) in future legislative reports for this session.
- Any bill italicized is new to this report –
either it was recently introduced this 2018 session, or it was a
bill that GEDA did not track last legislative session.
HB1–
Georgia Space Flight Act
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine)
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: The bill removes operators’ liability for death or injury
to passengers travelling in Georgia-launched space vehicles, provided the
passenger has given written informed consent.
HB44
– 2018 Budget
Bill
Sponsor:
Speaker Ralston (R -Blue Ridge)
Bill Status: Effective 5/1/17
Summary: Appropriations for July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018.
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 wil 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.
HB134
– Special District Mass Transportation
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Bubber Epps (R-Dry Branch)
Bill Status: Effective 5/1/17
Summary: Authorizes imposition of a special district
transportation special purpose local option sales and use tax within a
special district for a limited period of time; the proceeds of which must
be used only for transportation purposes. The bill adds “roads” to the
definition of ‘transportation purposes.’ More than one tax will be
authorized to be imposed concurrently within a special district as long
as the combined rate of the taxes does not exceed 1%.
HB155
– Georgia Musical Investment Act
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Amy Carter (R-Valdosta)
Bill Status: Effective 1/1/18
Summary: Creates an income tax credit for certain expenditures by
a production company related to certain state-certified musical or
theatrical productions or recorded musical performances that originate in
this state, or that prepares and rehearses within this state and has its
U.S. debut within this state. To qualify, a musical or theatrical
performance must invest at least $500,000 during a taxable year. A
recorded musical performance that is incorporated into or synchronized
with a movie, television, or interactive entertainment production must
invest $250,000 during a taxable year, and any other recorded musical
performances must invest $100,000 during a taxable year. The GA Dept. of
Economic Development must approve ‘state certified productions.’ A
production company will be allowed a tax credit equal to 15% of a
production company’s qualified production expenditures; and a production
company will be allowed an additional tax credit equal to 10% for the
production company’s qualified production expenditures incurred in a
county designated as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 by the Commissioner of DCA.
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.
HB183
– Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Robert Dickey (R-Musella)
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Moves the Georgia Geospatial Advisory Council from the
Department of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division, to
the Dept. of Community Affairs. The Council will identify, develop, and
prioritize areas whereby data can be used far more effectively to promote
efficient decision-making by governments in Georgia.
HB199
– Interactive Entertainment Companies Tax Credit
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro)
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Enhances GA’s film and video game tax credits,
particularly for post-production. Must invest at least $250,000 in the
state to qualify.
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.
HB237
– Public Education Innovation Fund Foundation
Bill
Sponsor:
Rep. Brooks Coleman (R-Duluth)
Bill Status: Effective 4/27/17
Summary: Authorizes the creation of the Public Education
Innovation Fund Foundation to receive private donations to be used for
grants to public schools, and to provide for an income tax credit for
qualified education donations. The Foundation is authorized to receive
donations from taxpayers for the purpose of awarding grants to public schools
for the implementation of academic and organizational innovations to
improve student achievement, with preference given to schools earning
unacceptable ratings.
HB265
– Quality Jobs Tax Credit
Bill
Sponsor:
Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula)
Bill Status: Effective 4/25/17
Summary: Extends to 2 years the period for mandatory job creation
to receive the jobs tax credit for relocating quality jobs. Also allows
the tax credit to be used by businesses already receiving the credit for
expansions or for the creation of new quality jobs in the state. It
also exempts sales of tickets, fees, or charges of admission to
facilities containing an art museum, symphonic hall, and theater from
state sales tax. Additionally, it allows for a sales tax exemption on the
construction materials for renovation of facilities (Alliance Theater,
Woodruff Arts Center).
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.
HB342
– Enterprise Zones
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula)
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Provides that certain urban redevelopment zones may be
designated as enterprise zones, provided there is a minimum $400 million
capital investment for redevelopment, and the Commissioner of DCA
certifies that the area has been chronically underdeveloped for a period
of 20 years or more. Any redevelopment project used to qualify an area
for designation as an enterprise zone shall, upon approval of the
designation, qualify for an exemption of any sales and use tax levied
within the boundaries of the project. (The Gulch)
HB428
– Downtown Development Authorities
Bill Sponsor: Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta)
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Authorizes assessments and liens for downtown development
authorities.
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: pre-filed for 2018 session
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.
SB14
– Rural Hospital Income Tax Credit
Bill
Sponsor:
Sen. Dean Burke
Bill Status: Effective 5/8/17
Summary: Doubles the cap on tax credits that individuals and
businesses can receive for donations made to rural hospitals. Also
increases the amount of the tax credit for donations from rural hospitals
to 90% of the donation amount.
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.
SB85
– Malt Beverages
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Rick Jeffares
Bill Status: Effective 5/8/17
Summary: Allows breweries to sell up to 3,000 barrels of beer they
manufacture to consumers visiting the brewery. Consumers could purchase
beer by the glass or up to one case to-go, as well as purchase food
without the tour package. Also reinforces local control on issues of to-go
sales from brewpubs.
SB117
– Georgia Technology Authority
Bill Sponsor: Sen. P.K. Martin
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Empowers the Georgia Technology Authority to set cyber
policies for all state agencies.
SB133
– Corporate Net Worth Tax
Bill Sponsor: Sen. Larry Walker III
Bill Status: Effective 7/1/17
Summary: Exempts corporations having a net worth, including
capital stock, paid-in surplus, and earned surplus, of no more than
$100,000 from the corporate net worth tax.
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.
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