Thursday 23rd February 25, Legislative 2021 DAILY REPORT Day

House Budget & Research Office (404) 656-5050

 The House will reconvene for its 24th Legislative Day on Friday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m.  The Rules Committee will meet at 9:00 a.m.  17 bills / resolutions are expected to be debated on the floor.

Today on the Floor

Rules Calendar HB 34 Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact Act; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 34 enters Georgia into the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, pending passage of required legislation in 10 states. Provisions of the compact will be administered by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. The compact allows for practitioners, including active-duty military personnel and their spouses, who are licensed in a member state to more easily practice in the other member states, so long as the licensee remains active and in good standing, among other requirements. The bill requires the board to conduct national background checks of applicants through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Regulated Industries Committee 02-18-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute Floor Vote: Yeas: 165 Nays: 1 Amendments:

HB 43 Motor vehicles; require registration application forms to include optional information regarding certain conditions which may interfere with a registrant's ability to communicate Bill Summary: House Bill 43 requires motor vehicle registration application forms to include a section that allows the applicant to disclose a physical, mental, or neurological condition that impedes the applicant's ability to communicate.

Authored By: Rep. Wesley Cantrell (22nd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Motor Vehicles Committee 02-02-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute Floor Vote: Yeas: 169 Nays: 0 Amendments:

HB 63 Alternative ad valorem tax; motor vehicles; revise definition of fair market value Bill Summary: House Bill 63 amends O.C.G.A. 48-5C-1, relating to alternative ad valorem tax on motor vehicles, by revising the definition of "fair market value of the motor vehicle," as it relates to a leased motor vehicle, by calculating the value as the total of the depreciation plus any amortized amounts pursuant to the lease agreement plus any down payments.

Authored By: Rep. (146th) Rule Applied: Structured House Ways & Means Committee 02-18-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute Floor Vote: Yeas: 166 Nays: 0 Amendments:

House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Today on the Floor

HB 141 Criminal procedure; requirements for awards made from Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund to medical service providers; provide Bill Summary: This bill makes it a requirement that payments made by the Georgia Crime Victims Emergency Fund to medical service providers be in accordance with the list of reasonable charges published by the State Board of Workers' Compensation, unless an investigation by the Georgia Crime Victims Compensation Board shows that there is a reasonable justification for the deviation. Payments made to, and accepted by, a medical provider are considered to be payment in full.

Authored By: Rep. (117th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee 02-17-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action: Floor Vote: Yeas: 167 Nays: 0 Amendments:

HB 218 Crimes and offenses; weapons carry license reciprocity in this state; expand Bill Summary: House Bill 218 allows reciprocity for any state's weapons carry license as long as the holder carries according to Georgia's laws. The bill also requires the attorney general to enter into a reciprocity agreement with any state that requires one in order to recognize and give effect to a Georgia-issued license in their state.

The legislation also prohibits, during a declared state of emergency, any action on behalf of the state or under the color of state law to seize or prohibit the possession of ammunition reloading equipment and supplies, or a weapon that was not prohibited by law before the state of emergency. Additionally, the state cannot prohibit the sale or transfer of firearms, ammunition, ammunition reloading equipment and supplies, or weapons. Suspension or revocation of a weapons carry license and the refusal to accept an application for a license that is properly submitted is also prohibited under House Bill 218. The bill allows operational hours of businesses engaged in the lawful sale or repair of firearms and ammunition to remain in place unless all businesses are restricted or closed. Any person who is a United States citizen may lawfully carry a firearm in this state and is subject of a violation of this Code section has a right to assert civil action in the superior court of the county in which the violation occurred.

Authored By: Rep. (23rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee 02-17-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute Floor Vote: Yeas: 103 Nays: 69 Amendments:

HB 442 Domestic relations; management of social media in parenting plans; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 442 requires social media management to be included in a parenting plan when child custody is at issue.

Authored By: Rep. J. Collins (68th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Juvenile Justice Committee 02-18-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action: Floor Vote: Yeas: 154 Nays: 0 Amendments:

HR 119 Senator Johnny Isakson Bridge; Chatham County; dedicate Bill Summary: House Resolution 119 dedicates the bridge on State Route 307 over the Georgia Ports Authority Mega Rail Site in Chatham County as the Senator Johnny Isakson Bridge.

Authored By: Rep. (7th) Rule Applied: Structured House Transportation Committee 02-18-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action: Floor Vote: Yeas: 169 Nays: 0 Amendments: Floor Action: Adopted (Resolution)

Page 2 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Today on the Floor

Postponed Until Next Legislative Day HB 86 Georgia Lottery Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Act; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 86 allows the Georgia Lottery Corporation to offer and regulate the lottery game of sports wagering. The bill also establishes the 'Georgia Lottery Mobile Sports Wagering Integrity Act.' The Act allows individuals 21 years of age and older, who are physically present Georgia, to place bets on certain sporting events through an interactive sports wagering platform that is licensed by the Georgia Lottery Corporation to accept sports bets in this state. Bets may be placed on professional sporting events, Olympic sporting events, or any other event authorized by the Georgia Lottery Corporation, but may not include collegiate sporting events, horse racing, or fantasy or simulated contests.

The bill provides the Georgia Lottery Corporation with all powers and duties necessary to regulate and supervise the lottery game of sports betting. Those powers include the authority to issue no fewer than six licenses to qualified applicants. The bill also provides requirements for the application for a license, which includes a non-refundable application fee of $50,000 and an annual licensing fee of $900,000. Certain individuals who are involved in the sports wagering industry and sport team, league, or associations are not eligible to apply for or obtain a license.

The Georgia Lottery Corporation shall establish rules and regulations related to the business requirements of the licensees. Those rules and regulations must include, but are not limited to, designating an amount of a bond in escrow and an amount of cash to be kept on hand to ensure adequate reserves, insurance requirements, controls over internal fiscal affairs, requirements for internal and independent audits of licensees, the financial information to be provided to the Georgia Lottery Corporation, and policies designed to mitigate the risk of cheating and money laundering.

Licensees must utilize geolocation or geofencing technology to ensure that wagering is only available to bettors who are physically in this state and must allow bettors to restrict themselves from placing wagers.

All bettors must register with the licensee remotely prior to placing any bets. The registration process must verify the name, age, and email address of the bettor; verify that the bettor is allowed to bet in this state; and obtain a physical address, date of birth, and a unique username. Bettors are only allowed to register one account with a licensee and may fund the account using an electronic bank transfer of funds, a debit card, or other online payment systems that support money transfers.

The bill provides a list of individuals not allowed to wager on sporting events. The Georgia Lottery Corporation must maintain a confidential registry of all persons and categories of persons who are not eligible to place a wager on a sporting event and must provide that list to each licensee.

Licensees are not allowed to offer, accept, or extend credit to a bettor; target minors in advertising or promotions; offer or accept a wager on any event, outcome, or occurrence other than a sporting event; accept a wager from an individual not eligible to wager; or allow a minor to place a wager. Licensees are also not allowed to offer bets on injuries, penalties, or other forms of wagering that are contrary to public policy or unfair to bettors.

A sport's governing body headquartered in the United States may notify the Georgia Lottery Corporation that it desires licensees to use official league data for determining the results of live betting. Sixty days following notification from the Georgia Lottery Corporation, the licensees must utilize the official league data for determining the outcome of bets. If a licensee is able to demonstrate that the sport's governing body will not provide official league data on commercially reasonable terms, then the licensees would not be required to utilize the official league data.

A tax of 20 percent shall be imposed on the adjusted gross income of each licensee. Adjusted gross income is the total of all money paid to the licensee as a bet minus the total amount paid out as winnings. The tax revenue and the revenue generated from application and annual fees shall be deposited into the Lottery for Education Account. The bill also exempts wagers authorized by the Georgia Lottery Corporation from sales and use tax.

Page 3 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Today on the Floor

Annual reports from each licensee are due to the Georgia Lottery Corporation by January 15 of each year. The annual reports must include the total amount of wagers from the prior year, the adjusted gross income for the prior year, and any additional information required by the Georgia Lottery Corporation.

Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) Rule Applied: Structured

Page 4 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Next on the Floor

Next on the Floor from the Committee on Rules The Committee on Rules has fixed the calendar for the 24th Legislative Day, Friday, February 26, and bills may be called at the pleasure of the Speaker. The Rules Committee will next meet on Friday, February 26, at 9:00 a.m., to set the Rules Calendar for the 25th Legislative Day.

HB 152 Postsecondary education; exemption applicable to certain institutions operating on military installations or bases; revise provisions Bill Summary: House Bill 152 amends O.C.G.A. 20-3-250.3 to allow the Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission to use alternative methods to review renewal applications to operate submitted by institutions in good standing with an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Alternative methods are those deemed appropriate by the commission's executive director.

HB 152 changes surety bond requirements to add that when an institution changes ownership, the commission will require the institution to file a surety bond. The bill further adds that if a bond is in force at the time of a closure, the surety shall be required to remit the full face value of the bond. House Bill 152 modifies the minimum bond requirements based off gross tuition by adding gross tuition categories for a minimum bond. An institution with a gross tuition above $1,000,001 that has an existing surety bond issued prior to July 1, 2021 is not required to increase the value of the bond.

Authored By: Rep. (119th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Higher Education Committee 02-17-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 271 Community Health, Department of; assess one or more provider matching payments on ambulance services; authorize Bill Summary: House Bill 271 authorizes the Department of Community Health (DCH) to assess one or more provider matching payments on a sub-class of ambulance services, as defined by the Board of Community Health. The board is authorized to discontinue any provider matching payment assessed and will cease to impose any such matching payments if: the provider matching payments are not eligible for federal matching funds under Title XIX of the 'Social Security Act'; the department reduces or supplants Medicaid payment rates to ambulance providers as such rates are in effect on June 30, 2021; or reduces or supplants the provider matching payment rate adjustment factors utilized in developing the State Fiscal Year 2021 capitated rates for Medicaid managed care organizations.

Any provider matching payments assessed will be deposited into a segregated account within the Indigent Care Trust Fund, used solely for the purpose of obtaining federal financial participation for medical assistance payments to providers on behalf of Medicaid recipients, and be subject to appropriation by the General Assembly.

Additionally, DCH is authorized to impose a penalty of up to six percent on the amount of any owed provider matching payments for any ambulance service that fails to pay a provider matching payment within the time required by DCH for each month, or fraction thereof, that such provider matching payment is overdue. Furthermore, DCH is authorized to inspect and copy the records of an ambulance service for purposes of auditing the calculation of the provider matching payment.

Authored By: Rep. Albert Reeves (34th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Health & Human Services Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 275 Fire protection and safety; random drug tests for certain firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, paramedics, and cardiac technicians; require

Bill Summary: House Bill 275 requires firefighters to submit to random drug testing at least biannually for the first two years of being licensed or certified. The Georgia Firefighter Standards and

Page 5 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Next on the Floor

Training Council is responsible for establishing rules and regulations for the collection and testing of firefighters. Should a test reveal the presence of drugs, the sample must be tested by a different method to confirm that positive test.

The legislation also amends Code relating to the certification of emergency medical services personnel, paramedics, and cardiac technicians by not disqualifying applicants who have been convicted of a felony more than five years prior, but less than 10 years prior, as long as they have completed required training approved by the Department of Public Health and sponsored by the Department of Corrections, as well as met all other requirements set forth in statute. Applicants certified must submit to the random drug testing established for firefighters.

Authored By: Rep. Lauren McDonald (26th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Public Safety & Homeland Security Committee 02-22-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 289 Motor vehicles; issuance of Class C drivers' licenses; provide for requirements Bill Summary: House Bill 289 allows for specified exemptions, such as military service, to the requisite qualifications for receiving a Class D or Class C driver's license.

Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Motor Vehicles Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 336 Agriculture; hemp farming; compliance with federal laws and regulations; provide Bill Summary: HB 336 makes changes to Chapter 23 of Title 2, which addresses hemp farming, to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulations. Upon receipt of an application, prospective growers and processors must submit one set of classifiable fingerprints for the purpose of conducting a search of records; the Department of Agriculture must provide the fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Among other changes to meet compliance, the bill removes the term "background check" and replaces it with "history report", removes language regarding a grower- processor affidavit requirement, and swaps the term "destroy" with "dispose of".

The bill eliminates language that would raise the processor permit fee to $50,000, keeping the fee set at $25,000. The amount required for a processor's surety bond is increased from $100,000 to $300,000.

Authored By: Rep. John Corbett (174th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee 02-24-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 338 Motor vehicles; issuance of veterans' driver's licenses; revise qualifications

Bill Summary: House Bill 338 clarifies the qualifications for receiving a veteran's driver's license.

Authored By: Rep. Buddy DeLoach (167th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Motor Vehicles Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 370 Health; term limits for members of joint hospital authorities; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 370 provides term limits for members of joint hospital authorities of 12 years or three consecutive terms, including any partial term, whichever is longer. This provision only applies to joint hospital authorities that operate or lease a hospital containing more than 900 licensed beds. Additionally, this bill restricts hospital authorities from utilizing revenues to perform any power or duty delegated in a lease.

Authored By: Rep. Jan Jones (47th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Health & Human Services Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Page 6 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Next on the Floor

HB 384 Motor vehicles; issuance of traffic citation to vehicle owner in lieu of individual operating motor vehicle in certain instances; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 384 authorizes law enforcement to issue a citation to the vehicle owner, rather than the vehicle operator, in specified instances and when the vehicle owner is present at the time of the citation issuance.

Authored By: Rep. (45th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Motor Vehicles Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 395 The Professional Counselors Licensure Compact Act; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 395 enters Georgia into the Professional Counselors Licensure Compact, pending passage of required legislation in 10 total U.S. states. Provisions of the compact will be administered by the Georgia Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, and Marriage and Family Therapists. The compact allows for practitioners, including active-duty military personnel and their spouses, who are licensed in a member state to more easily practice in the other member states, so long as the licensee remains active and in good standing, among other requirements. The bill allows the board to conduct national background checks of applicants through the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Regulated Industries Committee 02-18-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 409 Judicial Legal Defense Fund Commission; establish Bill Summary: House Bill 409 establishes the Judicial Legal Defense Fund Commission to facilitate the provision of state-funded legal representation to justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, the Georgia State-wide Business Court, and superior courts when these judges are sued for actions taken pursuant to their official duties.

The commission shall be governed by five members who are active judges and appointed by the chief justice of the Supreme Court, the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the House, and the Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. The bill provides for the terms, occurrence of vacancies, officers, and voting of the membership.

In the event that a suit is filed against a judge and the attorney general does not provide representation and the costs of litigation are not covered by an insurance policy maintained by the Department of Administrative Services, it shall be the purpose of the commission to evaluate requests for representation and determine if the suit seeks relief from actions taken pursuant to the judge's official duties. With the assistance of the State Bar of Georgia, the commission shall maintain a list of attorneys to provide representation to the judges subject to the governor's approval.

If the commission endorses a judge's request to receive representation funded by the Judicial Legal Defense Fund, which is also established in the bill and funded by the Governor's Emergency Fund, the judge shall select an attorney from the list maintained by the commission and the attorney shall prepare an estimated budget for the representation. The judge's request, commission's endorsement, selected attorney, and attorney's budget shall be sent to the governor for approval. In the event that the attorney exceeds his or her budget, the attorney must submit an amended budget for approval.

Authored By: Rep. (8th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Judiciary Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 437 Local government; attendants at self-service motor fuel establishments to dispense motor fuel to individuals with special disabilities; require Bill Summary: House Bill 437 requires attendants employed by a gasoline station to dispense motor fuel to any motor vehicle properly displaying a special disability permit when the individual to whom a permit is issued is the operator of the vehicle and is not accompanied by another person 16-years of

Page 7 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Next on the Floor

age or older who is not mobility-impaired or blind. The gasoline station is required to have a telephone number that is operational and answered by an attendant during the hours of operation in order to request assistance. If a request is made when a second attendant is not present, the gasoline station is not required to provide assistance, but is encouraged to do so, where feasible.

Additionally, this bill requires the Department of Agriculture to affix a decal or sticker to each pump that clearly displays the international symbol of accessibility, a blank for the gasoline station to fill in the telephone number to reach an attendant, and the wording such as 'For Help Call', 'Call for Assistance', or 'Assistance Available Upon Request.'

Authored By: Rep. Henry "Wayne" Howard Rule Applied: Modified-Open (124th) House Health & Human Services Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 449 Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act; revise Bill Summary: House Bill 449 revises the 'Georgia Utility Facility Protection Act' in order to enhance the processes for locate requests of underground utility facilities or infrastructure and to require that 9-1-1 be contacted if an excavator damages a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline.

The bill also sets a limitation on the recovery of costs of damages and establishes a statute of limitations on enforcement. An investigation of any damages will be initiated by the completion of the next business day following the repair of the reported damage, and all repair invoices must be sent to the excavator within 90 days. The person held liable will be responsible for all costs incurred by the facility owner or operator in repairing or replacing the damaged facilities, excluding betterments, which means an upgrade of the facility made for the benefit of the facility and not attributable to the damage. A facility owner or operator who received proper notice of blasting or excavating will be prohibited from seeking claims for damages if no designation of utility facilities or sewer laterals was made prior to the damage being incurred and if the person blasting or excavating complied with O.C.G.A. 25-9-8. Enforcement action must commence within three years of the date that the probable violation was reported to the Public Service Commission.

Authored By: Rep. (133rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Energy, Utilities & Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass Committee: Telecommunications Action:

HB 458 Georgia Composite Medical Board; require certain training relating to sexual misconduct for members Bill Summary: HB 458 requires all newly appointed board members of the Georgia Composite Medical Board to participate in training and education to support greater understanding of sexual misconduct, sexual boundaries, and impacts of trauma and implicit bias within three months of such appointment. All board members in office as of January 1, 2022, are required to participate in this training by March 30, 2022.

On or after January 1, 2022, continuing education requirements for dentists will include legal ethics and professionalism in the practice of dentistry. These new requirements will include: education and training regarding professional boundaries; and unprofessional conduct relating to the commission of acts of sexual intimacy, abuse, misconduct, or exploitation.

Additionally, this bill authorizes the board to refuse a license, certificate, or permit and issue discipline for members who have pleaded guilty or were found guilty by a court of law of committing a sexual assault on a patient. If the board finds that the public health, safety, or welfare imperatively requires emergency action pursuant to an alleged sexual assault on a patient by a licensee, the board may suspend a license, pending proceedings for revocation or other action.

On or after January 1, 2022, all physicians will be required to receive one-time education and training, for a minimum of three hours, regarding professional boundaries and physician sexual misconduct. This education and training will include subject matter on how to proceed with basic as well as sensitive or intimate examinations and the effective communication techniques with patients.

Page 8 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Next on the Floor

No later than January 1, 2022, the board will develop and identify education resources and materials for physicians, board members, and board staff to support greater understanding of sexual misconduct, sexual boundaries, and impacts of trauma and implicit bias. On or after June 30, 2022, this same type of education and training applies to each medical or osteopathic school in good standing with the board.

Furthermore, House Bill 458 requires physicians, registered professional nurses, licensed practical nurses, and physician assistants to report the name of a physician to the board if such provider has reasonable cause to believe that the physician committed a sexual assault. No provider required to report a physician to the board, who in good faith either reports or fails to report, will be subject to civil or criminal liability or discipline for unprofessional conduct.

Any provider required to report a physician to the board who knowingly and willfully fails to do so will be subject to a fine of no less than $1,000, or greater than $5,000, as determined by such provider's licensing board. Law enforcement officers investigating cases of alleged sexual assaults by a physician are authorized to send pertinent and confidential records on such cases to the board.

The board will compile a report to the governor and General Assembly on January 1 of each year on the number of physicians the board has conducted sexual assault investigations on and the outcome of such investigations. In no event will any identifying information be included in this report for investigations that exonerated the physician, or did not result in the refusal, revocation, or suspension of a license, or a private or public disciplinary order.

Authored By: Rep. (43rd) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Health & Human Services Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 488 Courts; increase minimum compensation for chief magistrates and others; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 488 raises the minimum salary and compensation of chief magistrates and clerks of magistrate court. For chief magistrates, the new minimum salary is equal to the previous minimum salary, plus previously-enacted cost-of-living adjustments, plus an additional five percent raise. Monthly minimums for magistrate court clerks are increased by the same percentage.

Authored By: Rep. (14th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Judiciary Committee 02-23-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 509 Insurance; require certain insurers to make at least one reasonably priced comprehensive major medical health insurance policy available Bill Summary: House Bill 509 requires every insurer delivering or issuing for delivery comprehensive individual major medical health insurance policies in Georgia to make at least one reasonably priced comprehensive major medical health insurance policy available to residents in the insurer's approved services areas of Georgia. Insurers will not exclude, limit, or deny coverage under such policy due to one or more pre-existing medical conditions. This bill is contingent on a federal law or U.S. Supreme Court decision that repeals the 'Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act'.

Authored By: Rep. Houston Gaines (117th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Insurance Committee 02-24-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HR 77 State veterans cemetery; Augusta-Richmond County; support creation Bill Summary: HR 77 states that the House supports the creation of a state cemetery for veterans in Augusta-Richmond County.

Authored By: Rep. (127th) Rule Applied: Modified-Structured House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee 02-24-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Page 9 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

Committee Actions Bills passing committees are reported to the Clerk's Office and are placed on the General Calendar.

Economic Development & Tourism Committee

HR 185 House Rural Development Council; reauthorize Bill Summary: House Resolution 185 reauthorizes the House Rural Development Council. The council will have 15 members from the House of Representatives, and the speaker of the House will designate two members to serve as co-chairpersons. The council will dissolve on December 31, 2022.

Authored By: Rep. David Ralston (7th) House Economic Development & Tourism Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Education Committee

HB 60 Georgia Educational Scholarship Act; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 60 amends Title 20 by adding the 'Georgia Personalized Educational Plan Act' to establish a funding program to be used for tuition and other eligible expenses incurred for an eligible student. The program is capped at one fourth of one percent of all statewide total public school enrollment during the first year, and the cap increases by one fourth of one percent each year up to a maximum of two and a half percent.

To be eligible, the student must be one of the following: a member of a family with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty level and currently enrolled in a public school in Georgia; adopted from foster care; the child of a parent who is an active duty military service member; disabled with an Individualized Education Program; or spent the previous school year enrolled in a public school not offering an option for students to receive 100 percent of instruction in person for at least one semester. A participating student will continue to be eligible until the student returns to public school, graduates from high school, or reaches the age of 20-years old or 21-years old for special education students.

The amount of funds the student receives will equal the cost of the educational program that would have been provided to the student at the resident school system reduced by the local five mil share. Funds deposited into an account may only be used for qualified educational expenses for the participating student. Unused funds, up to 50 percent of the total funds deposited in the current school year, roll over to the following year and, upon high school graduation of the participant, any unused funds roll over and may be used for postsecondary education. If a participant's account is inactive for two consecutive years, the account shall be closed and the funds returned to the state general fund.

The bill establishes the parent review committee, which is tasked with determining whether certain expenses meet the requirements of a qualified expenses.

Authored By: Rep. Wesley Cantrell (22nd) House Education Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

Intragovernmental Coordination - Local Committee

HB 253 Jones County Public Facilities Authority Act; enact

Bill Summary: House Bill 253 creates the Jones County Public Facilities Authority.

Authored By: Rep. Susan Holmes (129th) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Local Action: Substitute

Page 10 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

HB 445 South Fulton, City of; change corporate boundaries

Bill Summary: House Bill 445 changes the corporate boundaries of the city of South Fulton.

Authored By: Rep. (61st) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 535 Sylvester, City of; provide extraterritorial utility services; authorize

Bill Summary: HB 535 authorizes the city of Sylvester to provide extraterritorial utility services.

Authored By: Rep. Bill Yearta (152nd) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 546 Richmond Hill, City of; provide new charter

Bill Summary: House Bill 546 provides a new charter for the city of Richmond Hill.

Authored By: Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 560 Thomas County; Board of Commissioners; modify compensation Bill Summary: House Bill 560 modifies the compensation of the Thomas County Board of Commissioners. The chair will receive $700 per month, and the remaining members of the board will receive $600 per month.

Authored By: Rep. Darlene Taylor (173rd) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 595 Clay County; Board of Education; change compensation of members Bill Summary: House Bill 595 modifies the compensation of the members of the Clay County Board of Education. Members of the board will receive $300 per month.

Authored By: Rep. (151st) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 600 Hapeville, City of; quorums of mayor and council; revise provisions Bill Summary: House Bill 600 revises provisions related to quorums of the mayor and city council of Hapeville, procedures for filling vacancies on the city council, and provisions related to the city attorney. A quorum constitutes a majority of the members of the mayor and the council, as long as one citywide elected official is present for the transaction of business. If the mayor is not present, then the alderman-at-large shall preside over the council meeting. If the alderman-at-large is not present, the councilman-at-large shall preside over the meeting.

Authored By: Rep. (59th) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 603 Brantley County; Board of Commissioners; authorize chairperson to make and second motions and vote on all matters Bill Summary: House Bill 603 authorizes the chairperson of the Brantley County Board of Commissioners to make and second motions and vote on all matters that come before the board.

Authored By: Rep. (178th)

Page 11 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 610 Macon, City of; City of Payne; Bibb County; eligibility for office of mayor; revise provisions Bill Summary: House Bill 610 revises provisions regarding eligibility for the office of mayor in Macon-Bibb County. No person will be eligible to serve as mayor unless he or she has been a resident of Macon-Bibb County for one year immediately prior to the date of election; continues to reside within the county during the term of office; is a registered and qualified elector of the county; and is at least 27 years of age, a citizen of the country, and a citizen of the state for at least two years at the time of the election.

Authored By: Rep. Robert Dickey (140th) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 613 Perry, City of; levy an excise tax Bill Summary: House Bill 613 authorizes the governing authority of the city of Perry to levy an excise tax.

Authored By: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

HB 614 Griffin Judicial Circuit; assignment of cases; revise method Bill Summary: House Bill 614 revises provisions governing the Griffin Judicial Circuit. The bill revises the method for assigning cases, for selecting qualified persons for judge of the juvenile courts, for selecting the chief judge, and for filling vacancies in the office of chief magistrate of Fayette County.

Authored By: Rep. (73rd) House Intragovernmental Coordination - Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Local Action:

Judiciary Committee

HB 334 Superior courts; clerks; notaries public; provisions Bill Summary: House Bill 334 provides for the creation and allowance of remote online notaries public and remote online notarizations (RON). Electronic seals and digital signatures must be used when performing any electronic in-person notarization or RON. The bill establishes the process to become, and the performance requirements of, a remote online notary public. The maintenance and retention requirements of RON related documentation and digital recordings are provided. The Georgia Superior Courts Clerk's Cooperative Authority shall have the authority to adopt standards for RON.

Notary publics located in the state of Georgia may perform an electronic in-person notarization for an individual in the notary's physical presence. Remote online public notaries physically located in Georgia may perform RON for individuals located within the United States and internationally if certain requirements are met. Notarial acts required for wills, codicils, or testamentary trusts may not be performed by or through RON.

The bill establishes fees that may be charged by a remote online notary public. Upon the termination of a remote online notary public's commission, such notary public must disable certain technologies related to the performance of their duties. Electronic journals, which keep a record of notarial acts, must be created and maintained by remote online notaries public and such journals must be retained for 10 years after the date of the last notarial act. Audiovisual recordings notarial acts must be submitted to secure repositories and maintained for a minimum of 10 years.

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The 'Fair Businesses Practice Act' is amended to specifically include that presenting a residential real document for recording, that the presenter knew was created through actions constituting the unauthorized practice of law, is an unfair or deceptive practice.

Clerks of the superior court are specifically relieved of any further duty to examine the circumstances of the witnessing of any instrument submitted to them if the apparent signatures of both witness and any required seals are present. Witnessing requirements for real estate documents are further specified.

Authored By: Rep. Joseph Gullett (19th) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 468 Governor; continued operation of businesses during a public health state of emergency if they comply with certain health and safety measures; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 468 provides that organizations may continue to operate during a declared public health state of emergency if the organization complies with all applicable health and safety measures contained in any order, rule, or regulation issued pursuant to the governor's emergency powers. 'Organization' is specifically defined in the bill to mean any business, establishment, corporation, nonprofit corporation, organization, or other entity.

Authored By: Rep. (4th) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 470 Property; no plans are required when units are not designated by physical structures; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 470 exempts condominium units, where the boundaries of the unit are not designated by walls, floors, ceilings, or other physical structures, from the requirement of submitting plans for each individual unit as long as the boundaries of the unit are depicted on a plat of survey. This subsection does not apply to units that are individual homes intended for single-family occupancy. Subcondominiums are also exempted from the requirement of providing a separate plat of survey for each unit.

Authored By: Rep. (141st) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 480 Property; creation, declaration and priority of liens for labor, services, or materials performed or furnished by registered interior designers; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 480 amends Part 3 of Article 8 of Chapter 14 of Title 44 of the Code, relating to mechanics and materialmen liens, to establish liens for labor, services, or materials performed or furnished by registered interior decorators.

Authored By: Rep. Dale Washburn (141st) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 536 Emergency management; limitation on Governor's power to control the practice of any religion during an emergency; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 536 clarifies that the governor may not specifically limit the practice of any religion when exercising emergency powers.

Authored By: Rep. Dominic LaRiccia (169th) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Page 13 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

HB 553 State government; participation in hearings by electronic communications; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 553 amends the 'Georgia Administrative Procedure Act' to allow for administrative law hearings, which were previously permitted to be conducted by telephonic communication, to be conducted using broader electronic communication means. The bill also allows the Office of State Administrative Hearings to require the electronic filing of documents and to serve any party electronically unless law requires alternative means of service. Records of hearings may be made available and transferred by electronic means.

Authored By: Rep. Stan Gunter (8th) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 554 Property; revise when an action may operate as a lis pendens Bill Summary: House Bill 554 provides that no action involving an interest in real property shall operate as a lis pendens until a lis pendens, the official, public notice that a property has a pending lawsuit or claim attached to it, is issued by a court. Requirements for the issuance and effectiveness of a court-issued lis pendens are provided. The clerks of superior courts must keep a lis pendens docket in which they record all notices of lis pendens on real property filed with them. The dismissal of any action by a plaintiff, the plaintiff's withdrawal, or the settlement or final judgement shall be indicated on the face of the lis pendens record by the clerk. Actions involving claims against real property related to domestic relations are excepted from these new provisions.

Authored By: Rep. Stan Gunter (8th) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 635 Courts; each judge of the superior court, state court, and probate court and each magistrate shall have authority to perform any lawful judicial act; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 635 allows superior, state, probate, and magistrate court judges to perform any lawful, judicial act from any location. Previously, the Code required such judges to be physically located in Georgia to perform such acts. A judge's ability to conduct courts of inquiry by audio-visual communication is expanded.

The bill also authorizes superior and state courts to hold any court session in an alternative facility that is deemed to be in the best interest of the public by county governing authorities; with considerations of travel burden being paramount. Such alternative facilities must be within the same county or an adjoining county and be open and accessible to the public. Criminal jury trials may only be conducted in an alternative location if the governing authority owns the facility or has a contractual relationship with the alternative location.

Superior courts of counties with a state court that utilizes courtrooms outside of the county site may only hold court sessions outside of the county site if the chief judge enters a written order to hold the session outside the county site. The order must include a finding as to why it is impracticable to hold the session at the county site and a judge of the state court enters a written order consenting for the session to be held in the courtroom of the state court. Such off-site sessions shall not affect the place of filing for superior court documents. Any state court making courtroom space available to the superior court is authorized to hold sessions of state court in the superior court facilities.

In counties where the county site is located in an unincorporated area and the governing authority determines that building a courthouse annex or satellite courthouse outside of the county site is in the best interest of the public, the state and superior courts of such counties are authorized to conduct any court sessions, grand juries, or other related business of the courts at such sites.

Authored By: Rep. (33rd) House Judiciary Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

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Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

HB 94 Crimes and offenses; provide for the crime of theft by possession of stolen mail Bill Summary: House Bill 94 designates a new felony crime of "theft by possession of stolen mail," with resulting punishment of between one to five years in prison. A person is guilty of the crime if he or she possesses stolen mail addressed to three or more different addresses, and possesses a minimum of 10 separate pieces of stolen mail. Each set of t10 separate pieces of stolen mail, addressed to three or more different addresses, constitutes a separate crime.

The bill also designates a new felony crime of "porch piracy," with resulting punishment of between one to five years in prison. A person is guilty of the crime if he or she takes or removes any envelope, bag, package, or other sealed item of another person from that person's porch, steps, or entranceway without that person's permission.

Authored By: Rep. (97th) House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 194 Criminal procedure; term of probation shall follow mandatory term of imprisonment for persons convicted of a sexual offense; clarify Bill Summary: House Bill 194 changes the name of the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board to the Sexual Offender Risk Review Board.

Section 2-1 adds additional punishment for those convicted of a sexual felony or an aggravated assault with the intent to rape by requiring those individuals to be sentenced for imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment to be followed by probation for life.

Section 2-2 adds additional punishment for those convicted of a kidnapping that involves a victim under the age of 14, except by a parent, if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-3 adds additional punishment for those convicted of trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude if the convicted individual has also been convicted of that same offense previously. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-4 adds additional punishment for those convicted of rape if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-5 adds additional punishment for those convicted of aggravated sodomy if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-6 adds additional punishment to those convicted of statutory rape if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony when the individual convicted was 21- years old or older. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-7 adds additional punishment for those convicted of child molestation, or aggravated child molestation, if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony, with limited exceptions. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Page 15 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

Section 2-8 adds additional punishment for those convicted of the felony offense of enticing a child for indecent purposes if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-9 adds additional punishment for those convicted of the felony offense of improper sexual contact by employee, agent, or foster parent in the first degree if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-10 adds additional punishment for those convicted of incest if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-11 adds additional punishment for those convicted of aggravated sexual battery if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring.

Section 2-12 defines the term "sexual felony" as a felony conviction of various, listed crimes.

Section 2-14 adds additional punishment for those convicted of sexual exploitation of children if that person being convicted also was previously convicted of a sexual felony. The added punishment is imprisonment for life or a split sentence that is a term of imprisonment followed by probation for life. A condition of probation is electronic monitoring. Further, this section clarifies that each visual image, or depiction, constitutes a separate offense.

Section 3-1 changes the time that a defendant receiving a probated sentence has to report to the Risk Review Board to within 60 days of being sentenced.

Section 5-2 moves specific investigators from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation to the Sexual Offender Registration Review Board.

Section 5-3 clarifies the procedure for when a sexual offender moves from another state or territory to Georgia; the risk assessment process for sexually dangerous predators; and the timelines when risk assessment evaluations need to be made by the Board. A person receiving a Level II risk classification, or as a sexually dangerous predator, may request re-evaluation after 10 years from the initial classification and then once every five years thereafter.

Section 5-4 allows for a person on probation for life for a sexual felony to file a petition to terminate the probation after serving 10 years and if all restitution has been paid; probation has not been revoked; the probationer has not been arrested for anything other than a non-serious traffic offense; and the probationer has not been classified as a sexually dangerous predator by the Board. Upon issuing an order terminating an offender's probation, the court shall provide written notice to the local district attorney and the State Board of Pardons and Paroles regarding the court's intention, and the prosecuting attorney will be given an opportunity to be heard during the 30 days prior to the issuance of the termination order by the court. The provisions changed by this portion of the bill are retroactive to any probationer under the supervision of the Department of Community Supervision.

Authored By: Rep. (180th) House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 371 Evidence; certain proceedings may be conducted by video conference; provide

Bill Summary: House Bill 371 allows judges to conduct hearings in civil cases via telephone or video conference. This bill does not authorize video conferencing in criminal trials, unless otherwise

Page 16 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

authorized by statute or by a court rule. The effective date of the bill is July 1, 2021.

Authored By: Rep. Stan Gunter (8th) House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

Juvenile Justice Committee

HB 322 Juvenile Code; revise definition of sexual exploitation Bill Summary: House Bill 322 removes references to prostitution from the definition of "sexual exploitation" for Code sections relating to the juvenile code, child abuse reporting requirements, and child abuse records.

Authored By: Rep. Marcus Wiedower (119th) House Juvenile Justice Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 464 Guardian and ward; petition for appointment of temporary guardian of minor filed in probate court may be transferred to juvenile court; provide Bill Summary: This bill clarifies that a probate court can transfer proceedings involving the appointment of a temporary guardian for a minor to a juvenile court. Further, the bill clarifies that conduct of the parties can be considered in certain proceedings and expands the definition of "abuse, neglect, or exploitation" to include various crimes committed against a minor, proposed ward, or ward, including trafficking of persons for labor or sexual servitude; abuse, child abuse, and coercion; serious violent felonies; and sexual exploitation.

Authored By: Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (14th) House Juvenile Justice Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 548 Social services; reasonable access to records concerning reports of child abuse to the Administrative Office of the Courts; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 548 provides access to records of child abuse reports for the Administrative Office of the Courts for the purpose of providing more information in cases involving children who have been the subject of dependency actions and actions to terminate parental rights. This information will be protected by agreements with the Division of Family and Children Services to provide appropriate confidentiality.

Authored By: Rep. (13th) House Juvenile Justice Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Natural Resources & Environment Committee

HB 355 Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry; inclusion of building products in construction; provisions Bill Summary: HB 355 requires the director of the Georgia Forestry Commission to establish the Sustainable Building Material Technical Advisory Committee. The committee's members consist of the following: one member with expertise in engineering and architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology; one member with expertise related to the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes; one member that is a real estate developer or builder; one member with expertise related to carbon offset protocol development; one member with whole building life cycle assessment expertise; and up to three at-large members. The director of the Georgia Forestry Commission determines the chairperson of the committee. The committee advises the director on interoperability and compatibility of state credits derived from carbon sequestration of building materials with global carbon credit and offset markets as well as on guidelines related to the establishment of a carbon

Page 17 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

baseline, validation, verification, and co-benefits. The advisory committee shall be abolished no later than one year after the committee's first meeting, but can be reconvened at the discretion of the director.

Developers must register with the Georgia Carbon Sequestration Registry to be eligible to receive credits for the use of carbon-capturing building materials. Participants must provide certified carbon sequestration results to provide a baseline. An approved third-party organization may provide testing of building materials that sequester carbon dioxide. Only projects completed after July 1, 2019, may be considered.

To ensure integrity of the program, the Georgia Forestry Commission must conduct random evaluations of the results provided by participants and report the findings in the biennial report to the governor and General Assembly.

Authored By: Rep. Marcus Wiedower (119th) House Natural Resources & Environment Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Regulated Industries Committee

HB 544 State government; composition of the board of directors of the lottery; change Bill Summary: House Bill 544 amends Chapter 27 of Title 50 of the O.C.G.A, relating to lottery for education.

The bill provides for two additional individuals to the Georgia Lottery Board of Directors who have experience with the coin-operated amusement machines (COAM) industry, one being the chairperson of the COAM board and the other appointed by the governor.

The maximum redemption award on a per play basis for a Class A machine is increased to the wholesale value of $50. The bill provides for on-site inspection of new location license holders by Georgia Lottery Corporation's COAM division within six months of operation for a compliance review of COAM locations, and states that a license is not to be denied based upon it being a new business or based upon the number of other licenses in the area. Late fees for renewal applications are established at $125 for Class A licenses and $1,000 for Class B licenses and allows for manufacturer, distributor, or master licenses or location licenses that are over 90 days expired to be renewed with a late fee of $2,000. Sales of master licenses, location licenses, master license contracts, and coin- operated amusement machines are only allowed by public auction and not by private sale.

The bill establishes a hearing officer procedure for license appeals. The COAM Board shall identify 10 to 14 persons from whom the governor selects five to seven to serve as hearing officers. Cases are assigned to hearing officers as the cases arise, and hearing officers will not be selected for specific cases. In all hearings, the Georgia Lottery Corporation shall have the burden of proof by a preponderance of the evidence. If it facilitates the resolution of a dispute, the parties may agree to submit the dispute to mediation or binding arbitration.

Appeals of the actions of the Georgia Lottery Corporation shall be taken as judicial reviews of contested cases in 50-13-19 of the O.C.G.A. and shall be a de novo review of the case limited to the record before the Georgia Lottery Corporation. If the CEO of the Georgia Lottery Corporation fails to take action on a decision of a hearing officer within 30 days of a decision, the appeal may be taken directly to the Statewide Business Court of the Superior Court of Fulton County.

The bill states that gross receipts shall be calculated on a quarterly basis and the value of gift cards shall be constituted as gross income receipts at the time of sale or issuance to the customer. Any location owner or operator who has less than 50 percent of gross retail receipts from non-amusement revenue is subject to the following penalties: for the first violation in a two-year period, the difference between the gross revenues from COAMs and the gross revenue from other sources plus 10 percent of the difference; for the second violation in a two-year period, the difference between the gross revenues from COAMs and the gross revenue from other sources plus 50 percent of the difference;

Page 18 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

and for a third and subsequent violations in a two-year period, a suspension or revocation of the location license. The penalties do not apply to 501(c)(3) charitable organizations that have a bingo license or have been in existence for at least 10 years.

House Bill 544 states that no one, including master license holders, shall provide funds or anything of value to location owners or location operators for any purpose for prizes for winning players of COAMs. Master license owners shall not enroll players in a player tracking system or offer plays or replays on a COAM to a player without the express consent and knowledge of that player. The master license holders are allowed to place signage within the amusement area that promote Class B play and explain the non-cash redemption law.

By November 30, 2021, the advisory board shall consider recommendations regarding the creation and implementation of a computerized redemption system to track all player redemptions and provide players with an instrument to interact with the COAM at the location and place credits or remove them from COAMs. By July 1, 2022, the Georgia Lottery Corporation shall create and provide a lottery gift card. The lottery gift card shall be a gift card that may be awarded to winning players of Class A and Class B machines and may be redeemed for items allowed as non-cash redemption. Lottery gift cards shall be issued only by licensed location owners or location operators, and lottery retailers and the Georgia Lottery Corporation shall each receive 50 cents from the sale of each lottery gift card.

Authored By: Rep. (32nd) House Regulated Industries Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

Transportation Committee

HB 577 Highways, bridges, and ferries; proposal guaranty for bids upon certain projects; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 577 is the Georgia Department of Transportation's annual housekeeping bill. Sections One and Two require bids for capital construction or capital maintenance to be accompanied by a proposal guaranty in the form of a certified check or other acceptable security payable to the department treasurer for an amount deemed necessary by the department to ensure that the successful bidder will execute the contract on which he or she bid.

Section Three, related to airport licensing, is updated for public airports. The legislation establishes the distinction between public and private airports and removes the requirement for consultation with the Georgia Aviation Trades Association in the establishment of minimum standards and promulgation of rules relating to airport licensure. HB 577 makes it unlawful to operate an airport that is open to the public for general aviation purposes without first obtaining and then maintaining a valid license. The bill establishes the process for the department's ability to take action against violators as well as provides penalty for violating the requirement to have a license to operate.

Section Four clarifies that the maximum speed limit in any urban area is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise designated by appropriate signs. In order for a posted speed limit to be higher than 30 miles per hour in an urban district, a traffic and engineering study is required.

Authored By: Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) House Transportation Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 588 Transportation; eligible expenditures; Georgia Freight Railroad Program; provisions Bill Summary: House Bill 588 updates Georgia's Code section on projects completed as a public private partnership (P3) by defining what constitutes a public benefit. Projects that provide "public benefit" are those that result in enhanced public safety; enhanced mobility of people or goods; congestion mitigation; enhanced trade and economic development; improved air quality or land use; a reduction of public expenditures due to improved transportation efficiency or infrastructure preservation; and other public benefits identified and approved by a majority of the State Transportation Board.

Page 19 of 23 House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Actions

The legislation amends the definition of a P3 project to include intermodal rail-related and multimodal transportation solutions deemed appropriate for letting by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).

GDOT staff is required in odd-numbered years to identify and report to the board potential undertakings best suited for delivery under Georgia's letting procedures Code section related to public private partnerships that are expected to provide the greatest public benefit reflective of the new definition of "public benefit".

House Bill 588 dedicates the collection of sales and use tax on fuel used exclusively for the operation of locomotives to GDOT for use exclusively on freight and logistics projects. Each year, by February 1, GDOT submits a report to the House and Senate Transportation Committees, as well as members of the public upon request, accounting for the funds received and expended. This dedication is subject to all conditions imposed by the Constitution of Georgia and is not operational if the dedication of state revenues is equal to or exceeds one percent of the total state revenues based on the previous fiscal year's appropriations.

Authored By: Rep. (11th) House Transportation Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Ways & Means Committee

HB 32 Income tax; credit for teacher recruitment and retention program; provide Bill Summary: House Bill 32 amends O.C.G.A. 20-2-251 to create a refundable income tax credit for a teacher recruitment and retention program managed by the State Board of Education. Eligible teachers include those with a bachelor's degree in Education from a postsecondary institution in Georgia that has a teacher certification program certified by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Additionally, a teacher must accept their first school-year contract in the 2021-2022 school year in a high-need subject area in a rural school or a school that performed in the lowest five percent of schools in this state and must hold a valid five-year induction or professional certificate from the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Regional Education Service Agencies determine which three content areas are considered a high-need subject area. Eligible teachers must submit an application to the Department of Education to participate.

The department will identify no more than 100 rural and low-performing schools, and the recruitment and retention program is limited to 1,000 participating teachers. Participating teachers are eligible for a refundable tax credit of $3,000 per each school year for no more than five years.

Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, the Office of Student Achievement will evaluate the program and provide the governor, the General Assembly, and the State Board of Education with a report that includes the number of participants and the length of participation in the program.

Authored By: Rep. D. C. Belton (112th) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 302 Revenue and taxation; proceeds of local government regulatory fees be used to pay for regulatory activity; require Bill Summary: House Bill 302 amends Chapter 13 of Title 48, relating to business and occupation taxes, by requiring that the proceeds from regulatory fees be used to fund such regulatory activity, eliminating regulatory fee calculation methods specific to the construction industry, and removing taxicab and limousine operators, boxing promoters, shooting galleries and firearm ranges, and firearm dealers from the list of examples of businesses or practitioners of professions or occupations which may be subject to regulatory fees of local governments. Shooting galleries and firearm ranges and firearm dealers are added to the list of examples of businesses or practitioners of professions or

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occupations which local governments are not authorized to subject to regulatory fees.

Authored By: Rep. (17th) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 477 Income tax; applications for credit for qualified donations of real property; extend sunset date Bill Summary: House Bill 477 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-29.12, relating to the tax credit for the qualified donation of real property, by extending the sunset date from December 31, 2021, to December 31, 2026.

Authored By: Rep. (172nd) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

HB 586 Georgia Economic Recovery Act of 2021; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 586, the 'Georgia Economic Recovery Act of 2021', amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3, relating to exemptions from sales and use taxes, by extending the sunset on the exemption of sales of tangible personal property used for and in the construction of a competitive project of regional significance from June 30, 2021, to June 30, 2023, and providing a state and local sales tax exemption for the sale of tickets, fees, or charges for admission to a fine arts performance or exhibition conducted by a 501(c)(3) organization or a museum of cultural significance, provided that the organization's or museum's primary mission is to advance the arts in Georgia.

The bill also amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3.2, relating to a sales tax exemption for certain machinery and equipment used in manufacturing, by including manufacturing plants that are motor vehicles. The bill limits the exemption on those vehicles to the maintenance and replacement parts for the equipment used to mix, agitate, and transport freshly mixed concrete in a plastic and unhardened state. Motor fuel used in a motor vehicle that is a manufacturing plant is not exempt from sales and use tax.

HB 586 also amends O.C.G.A. 48-8-3.2, relating to the maximum amount of sales and use tax imposed to maintain, repair, or refit a boat, by eliminating the June 30, 2025, sunset date.

Authored By: Rep. Sam Watson (172nd) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 587 Georgia Economic Renewal Act of 2021; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 587, the 'Georgia Economic Renewal Act of 2021', makes multiple amendments throughout O.C.G.A. 48-7, relating to income tax.

The bill adds a new Code section that establishes an additional tax credit for jobs created by a medical equipment and supplies manufacturer or a pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturer. The credit of $1,250 per job is available for jobs that qualify for the current job tax credit or quality jobs tax credit to the extent that those jobs are engaged in the activity of manufacturing medical equipment or supplies or manufacturing pharmaceuticals or medicine. The credits must be claimed separate from the current job tax credit or quality jobs tax credit. When the credits exceed the taxpayer's income tax liability, the credits may be used to cover the taxpayer's quarterly or monthly employee withholding payments and the credits may be carried forward for up to 10 years. A taxpayer may not claim both the job tax credit for PPE manufacturers and this credit.

The bill also amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.15, relating to alternative tax credits for base year port traffic, by allowing the income tax credits earned to be used to offset payroll withholdings taxes.

House Bill 587 also amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.25, relating to the income tax credit for business enterprises with existing manufacturing facilities, by establishing specific requirements for high- impact aerospace defense projects. A "high-impact aerospace defense project" must be constructed by a business enterprise that is a prime aerospace defense contractor with greater than 40 percent of its

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revenues from sales to the United States government in its most recent tax year and must be certified by the commissioner of the Department of Economic Development as materially supportive of the mission of the Georgia Joint Defense Commission and the Governor's Defense Initiative. The bill allows a high-impact aerospace defense project to start claiming manufacturing facility tax credits in the tax year in which the taxpayer achieves 1,000 jobs and a $500 million investment; however, the taxpayer must certify that it will later achieve 1,800 jobs and an $800 million investment. For high- impact aerospace defense projects, the qualifying jobs must be located in Georgia, but are not required to be located at the manufacturing facility. The bill also increases the aggregate cap on credits for any individual project from $50 million to $100 million for high-impact aerospace defense projects and allows high-impact aerospace defense projects to claim either a quality jobs tax credit or mega project tax credit along with existing manufacturing tax credits.

The bill also amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-40.24, relating to conditions for taking the job tax credit, by repealing the 4,500 job cap for the job tax credit.

HB 587 also amends 33-1-25, relating to the 'Georgia Agribusiness and Rural Jobs Act,' by authorizing an additional $100 million to the 2021 allocation of funding to begin August 1, 2021. The bill also increases the application fee from $5,000 to $25,000, establishes an annual maintenance fee of $7,500, and expands the annual reporting requirements for the rural funds to include the fund's total eligible capital investments as a percentage of its total capital investments.

The bill also amends 48-7-40.34, relating to the tax credit for Class III railroads, by extending the sunset date to earn credits from December 30, 2023, to December 30, 2028, as well as extending the deadline to freely assign credits from January 1, 2024, to January 1, 2029.

Authored By: Rep. Bruce Williamson (115th) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass by Committee Committee: Action: Substitute

HB 593 Tax Relief Act of 2021; enact Bill Summary: House Bill 593 amends O.C.G.A. 48-7-27, relating the computation of state taxable net income, by increasing the standard deduction for taxpayers that are single and heads of household from $4,600 to $5,400, taxpayers that are married and filing a joint return from $6,000 to $7,100, and taxpayers that are married and filing individual returns from $3,000 to $3,550, beginning tax year 2022.

Authored By: Rep. Shaw Blackmon (146th) House Ways & Means Committee 02-25-2021 Do Pass Committee: Action:

Committee Meeting Schedule This meeting schedule is up to date at the time of this report, but meeting dates and times are subject to change. To keep up with the latest schedule, please visit www.house.ga.gov and click on Meetings Calendar.

02/26/2021 7:30 AM APPROPRIATIONS (House) 341 CAP HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

02/26/2021 8:00 AM Governmental Affairs State and Local Government Subcommittee 406 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

(House)

02/26/2021 8:00 AM Governmental Affairs General Government Subcommittee (House) 506 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO

02/26/2021 9:00 AM RULES (House) 341 CAP VIDEO Agenda

02/26/2021 10:00 AM FLOOR SESSION (LD24) (House) House Chamber VIDEO

02/26/2021 12:00 PM Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications - Telecommunications 403 CAP HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

Subcommittee (House)

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House of Representatives Daily Report for February 25, 2021 Committee Meetings

02/26/2021 1:00 PM HIGHER EDUCATION (House) 606 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

02/26/2021 1:00 PM HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES (House) 406 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

02/26/2021 2:00 PM CODE REVISION (House) 341 CAP HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 8:00 AM EDUCATION (House) 406 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 2:00 PM RETIREMENT (House) 406 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO Agenda

03/02/2021 4:00 PM Motor Vehicles Alternative Fuel Vehicles Subcommittee (House) 606 CLOB HYBRID VIDEO

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