Two forestry skidders on display outside the Coverdell Legislative Office Building for Forestry Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Tuesday.

Children and other fans of heavy machinery were delighted on Tuesday as landowners and representatives of forest industries descended on the Georgia State Capitol for Forestry Day at the Capitol. With them, they brought two massive skidders used to clear fallen timber in logging operations. While no trees were felled on Capitol Hill, lawmakers and lobbyists contemplated using the huge grapples to sift through the great piles of legislation accumulating in the House and Senate. Check out what has been added to the pile in this #GoldDomeReport.

Committees met from before dawn to dusk on Tuesday, starting with Senate Appropriations subcommittees hearing testimony on the Amended FY25 State Budget. We’ve got our eyes on these subcommittees (and meeting summaries inside) as the Senate prepares to craft their version of the “little budget” in the near future.

In this Report:

• Floor Action
• Committee Notes
• New Legislation
• What’s Next

Floor Action

The House took up the following on Legislative Day 15:

• HB 61 - Motor vehicles; issuance of separate license plates for hearses and ambulances; provide (MotV-Seabaugh-34th) - PASSED 165-0
• HR 97 - Property; conveyance of certain state-owned property; authorize (SProp-Greene-154th) - PASSED 166-0
• HR 98 - Property; granting of nonexclusive easements; authorize (SProp-Greene-154th) - PASSED 166-0
• HB 114 - Motor vehicles; federal regulations regarding safe operation of commercial motor vehicles and carriers; update reference date (MotV-McDonald III-26th) - PASSED 165-0

The Senate took up the following on Legislative Day 15:

• SB 39 - Employees' Insurance and Benefits Plans; expenses for gender-affirming care under the state health benefit plan or with any state funds; prohibit coverage (Substitute) (I&L-19th) - PASSED 33-19
• SB 84 - Special License Plates; specialty license plate honoring the Shepherd Center; establish (Substitute) (PUB SAF-56th) - PASSED 52-0

Committee Notes

Senate Judiciary Committee

After a meeting lasting more than four hours, the Senate Judiciary Committee voted late Monday to advance both of Governor Brian Kemp’s tort reform measures. SB 68, the omnibus revision to Georgia’s civil litigation regime, passed as a substitute with an 8-3 vote. SB 69, which regulates third-party litigation funding, passed by a 10-1 vote. Both move to the Senate Rules Committee.

House Health Committee

On Monday, the House Health Committee, chaired by Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), met to consider the following measures:

• HB 197, authored by Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), addresses O.C.G.A. 33-44-6(a) so as to detail the effort that “shall be made by treating healthcare provider to respond to a private review agent or utility review entity's attempt to reach such provider to discuss the patient's care.” Chairman Hawkins noted it is particularly difficult to get authorization for services.  Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) raised his support for the proposal. It received a DO PASS recommendation, moving the legislation to the House Rules Committee.
• HB 196, authored by Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown), was before the committee in the form of a new substitute (the legislation had been discussed last year as well). It amends O.C.G.A. 45-18-22 to require that drugs dispensed to a covered person for self-administration under the State Health Benefit Plan and Board of Regents Health Plan be reimbursed using a transparent, index-based price, plus a dispensing fee. The version of the legislation was LC 57 0229S. The Department of Community Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dean Burke and Chief Pharmacist Lori Garner explained the costs associated, although they did not have a new fiscal note on the version before the committee. The effort is to help independent pharmacists in the state with their costs. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation to the substitute, moving the legislation to the House Rules Committee.
• HB 218, authored by Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), seeks to change current law at O.C.G.A. 31-7-18 mandating hospitals, prior to discharge of patients ages 50 and older, to offer the vaccine for influenza. This legislation moves the age to 18 and older for those discharged to be offered the vaccine. The measure received a DO PASS recommendation, moving the legislation to the House Rules Committee.
• HB 227, authored by Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella), seeks to enact the “Putting Georgia’s Patients First Act.” It amends parts of Titles 16 and 31, renaming low THC oil as “medical cannabis.” It also removes the severe and end-stage condition requirements as too restrictive. The committee had several questions about the legislation, particularly around “advertising” and “public awareness,” as well as whether the condition of lupus could be added.  After struggling with some amendments after motions had been made to do pass, the bill was held over in order that language could be crafted to address the committee’s concerns. It will be heard again next week; thus, no action took place on the proposal.

Senate Appropriations Committee - Economic Development and Tourism Subcommittee

The early morning meeting of the Appropriations Economic Development Subcommittee, chaired by Senator Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta), convened to hear from six departments regarding their Amended FY2025 budget requests, approved by the House on Legislative Day 13, Feb. 6.

Department of Community Affairs: Commissioner Christopher Nunn presented on behalf of DCA, noting that the greatest need he hears most often across the state is for infrastructure, specifically housing. DCA has three budget items for the OneGeorgia Authority, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

• $28 million to rural workforce housing initiative. Housing is a critical challenge to workforce development. They have made 22 awards to communities over the last 18 months, where the department partners with developers to produce entry-level housing stock (to sell, not rent). One of these is completed in Columbus consisting of 31 new homes, all of which have been sold. Commissioner Nunn described it as “exactly the models that we were looking for.” Entry-level housing was defined as having a sales price of $290,000 or less, depending on where it’s located. 17 of the 22 projects are moving along according to plan.
• $20 million for rural site development initiative. DCA has invested hundreds of millions across the state in GRAD Sites (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development).
• $10 million for disaster relief. Senator Beach was concerned that there was a lack of detail on this line item. He asked if the state would be eating this cost or if there was potential to be reimbursed from FEMA. Commissioner Nunn said that DCA will seek to recoup some of this from Federal funds, similar to the model for Hurricane Michael (which impacted 20 counties, while more than 60 were impacted by Helene). Sen. Beach would like to see a game plan of how the $10 million will be spent.

Georgia Environmental Finance Authority: Exec Director Hunter Hill presented, describing GEFA as the infrastructure bank for the state to finance local government investments in water, sewer, and solid waste infrastructure. The current ask is focused primarily on the Savannah area (Effingham, Bryan, and Chatham counties) to move the area from its reliance on groundwater to surface water. $501,700,000 is requested for this project. Hill said that the state's direct investment is needed because even though these communities are benefitting directly from Hyundai being there, they didn't ask for such a thirsty client. Because the entire state benefits from Hyundai as well, it's reasonable for the state to invest in the infrastructure. He further explained that half of the amount is State direct investment, and half is a loan that will be paid back (which is then reinvested in other communities). Senator Beach commented that the last time a reservoir was built in GA was 45 years ago, and he is supportive of efforts to capture more rainwater. The budget also includes $250 million requested to be used for other projects across the state.

Department of Economic Development: Commissioner Pat Wilson quickly presented the two changes the House made to the governor’s budget recommendation.

• $250,000 moved from the Technical College System to cover funding for the GA Joint Defense Commission. The commission was moved from TCSG to Dept. of Economic Development last year, and this budget amendment moves the funds. There are nine bases in GA, which Wilson said have a huge economic impact.
• $379,092 was removed from the budget for two vacant positions.

Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA): CEO Kevin Duvall presented, noting that GWCCA is in the midst of replacing 48 acres of roofing and aging escalators. GWCCA has reinvested $170m of its own funds in the last twenty years. The line items are:

• $10 million for replacement of HVAC equipment (10 rooftop units)
• $12 million for engineering and development of International Plaza
• $833,000 to relocate the Olympic Cauldron from Georgia Tech to Centennial Olympic Park. This is one-third of the cost, and the remaining funds will be raised through the private sector.

Savannah Convention Center: Kelvin Moore, Senior VP with World Congress Center Authority and General Manager for Savannah Convention Center, presented for informational purposes only, as they do not have an active budget request. Moore highlighted the following:

• Savannah Convention Center exists to drive economic impact by hosting a wide variety of events. Opened in 2000, became affiliated with GWCCA in 2014, and began expansion in 2021 to double its size, which will open in 3 days. The $276 million expansion project doubles the size, taking the facility from 175th in size to 75th in size nationally.
• In FY24: 135 events, 198,000 attendees.
• The Convention Center is self-funded through local hotel/motel taxes.

Public Service Commission: Commissioner Jason Shaw presented information that is likely familiar to most readers by now. Georgia is experiencing continued growth in demand for power.

• Plant Vogtle (nuclear) will produce carbon-free energy for the next 80 years.
• PSC is working to fight inflation, noting that electricity is up 21% nationwide, which is higher than groceries and motor fuel.
• PSC approved a rate increase 40% lower than what GA Power requested.

Senate Appropriations Committee - Education and Higher Education Subcommittee

Chairman Billy Hickman (R-Statesboro) and his subcommittee hosted an early morning meeting today to hear more from the various agencies that address education in the state.  Below are some of the areas that the subcommittee delved into:

Department of Early Care and Learning: The subcommittee inquired about whether the teaching staff in pre-k were credentialed staff like in k-12; they are. Senator Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) asked about the pay scale funding, which was needed on a one-time basis for FY 2025 Amended; it was described as a mistake found for a group of teachers who were excluded. Chairman Hickman asked about what efforts were underway to address the 5,000 pre-k slots not being filled; according to DECAL, however, 93% of the pre-k slots are filled, and each site in a community may vary in its efforts to fill those slots. Additionally, the subcommittee asked about the work underway to lessen the student numbers in the classroom; the goal is moving the classroom from 22 to 20 children, with funding added for this reduction to be taken over four years (adding 100 new classrooms each year over that time).

Department of Education: The subcommittee delved further into the $150,000 being proposed for the Adapted Sports Program (helping handicapped students in wheelchairs participate); that contract is currently in place and would have a total of $550,000 in all. QBE enrollment is proposed to get an additional $114 million because of a .08% enrollment growth (1,308 children); most of these are in the gifted, ESOL, EIP, and special ed programs. The $50 million for school safety was also mentioned;  this is to be treated like grants made in 2023, and there were questions by Senator Freddie Powell Sims (D-Dawson) around the uses for the grants as she would like the FAQ and guidance issued by the Department on how schools were using the funds (which are to be based upon an approved submitted budget plan). Senator Larry Walker, III (R-Perry) asked about the increase in funds proposed for AP exams as there is $1.19 million for this in the base; DOE noted that there had been no adjustment in the base for this purpose since 2017, yet there was growth. Senator Walker asked about the number of students who actually go on to college after getting credit; DOE also noted that the program was for those who receive free and reduced lunch, and the funds pay for one AP STEM exam (total funding is $4.3 million). Chairman Hickman did inquire about teacher vacancies; he noted that there were 5,300 vacancies (DOE is using ESSR funds to help with teacher retention). Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) asked about retired teachers and how to get them back in the classroom; Chairman Hickman noted he had a bill to help address that situation.

Employees Retirement System: The subcommittee heard of the proposed investment of $500 million to pay down the state’s unfunded liability.  The goal is to move the system to an 80% funded ratio. The subcommittee had several questions around COLAs for retirees (which have been very modest (approximately $550 per year per retiree). The system does use alternative investments (5% but has asked for this to be increased to 10%).

Governor’s Office of Student Achievement: They have a $160,000 proposed addition to implement a program like the one commenced in Kentucky. The SREB is behind this effort to help provide training for counselors after a disaster (such as the shooting at Apalachee and the national disaster from Helene).  This funding would allow for 20 counselors, and another 20 would be matched by SREB for a total; however, SREB would deploy 650 counselors (including colleges) in the wake of a disaster. Use of these counselors by districts or colleges would not be billed to them. 

Non-Public Post-Secondary Education Commission: It was interesting to note that $45,000 has been requested to fund a third party to manage records kept when an institution closes its doors. The transcripts for shuttered schools are now being managed by the commission. Annually, between 30-40 programs close (these are all private entities generally providing training for various trades). In all, there are approximately 350 such entities in the state-regulated by the commission.

Senate Children and Families Committee

With a late start due to the Senate Rules Committee meeting ongoing, Chairman Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) and her committee heard presentations on use of cellphones in schools.

Miranda Williams, with Excel in Ed, made a presentation. Excel in Ed started in Florida and now works nationally on literacy, math, teacher policy, and other efforts. Today is focused on phone-free policies and the data around the effort. Adrianna Harrington, also with Excel in Ed, talked about “Distraction Free Schools,” and one issue in particular on cellphones in the classrooms. Any disruption on your phone takes 23 minutes away to regain your focus prior to the notice (237 notices daily is the average). An hour-plus day of phone use can be the case with students during the day (as much as six hours!). South Carolina has implemented a phone-free policy, and 83% of high school teachers say that phones cause a disruption, and 90% supported the policy. Bell-to-bell policy (not just instructional time) is better. This policy would include watches. Some are doing statewide mandates, and South Carolina allows a statewide statute (enforcement is that they must do so in order to get state dollars).  There are some states with incentive policies. Arkansas and Idaho have added more statutes to require prohibition statewide. Virginia enacted legislation through executive order to require Virginia DOE to do listening tours before enacting the legislation (adopted k-12 with no exceptions (unless medical needs or within a student’s IEP). Dangerous to have students on phones in times of emergency because they may not be paying attention to adults or flooding 9-1-1. South Carolina did a survey of teachers as noted and must use the policy to qualify for state dollars (districts can determine how students are not to use the phones). Orange County put the requirement in place and has seen a 150% decrease in “threats,” and Manchester County has seen academic shifts and a decrease in disciplinary actions as well as better attendance with schools. Students and teachers have shown that “creative” thinking is something that is emerging with lack of use of phones (allowing students more time to think and be creative). Most school districts operate independently here in Georgia; flexibility therefore should be considered. Senator Derek Mallow (D-Savannah) discussed the number of children on their phones in an emergency situation and the flood of calls by students to their parents which complicated issues for law enforcement. Pushback from parents is “how to get a hold of their student during an emergency situation.”

Grant Rivera, Superintendent of Marietta City Schools, also spoke on the issue. Superintendent Rivera talked about cellphones and social media for the 12 schools in the district. In the past year, they have seen 237 notifications on average daily (most on social media — Snapchat and Discord). Youngsters spend an average of 5.9 hours per day on their smartphones, and 1.5 hours is during the school day. 59% of teens are on their phones between midnight and 5:00 AM — therefore, sleep deprivation.  Impacts are also on brain development and emotional learning. Cell phones and screens are in front of youngsters a majority of their day. Marietta has pouches (Yondr) provided to students and phones are secured during first period and are unlocked during the last period of the day. Students keep the pouch with them all day. Dr. Rivera acknowledged that there are medical exemptions, parent communication between student and school, and safety protocols. Marietta's student survey has shown a 22% improvement in behaviors with the pouch. Discipline is down since use of the pouches. Hall passes are less frequent and they are not gone as long. Athletics and school buses appear to have more focus. Parent feedback has been that they do not feel the pressure to give a phone as a gift now with the policy. The cost of the pouches for Marietta is $25.50 per pouch. The pouches are not used in high schools for cell phones and smartwatches. What funding is used to pay for the pouches was asked; Marietta used charter funds (it could also be used from safety funds). $92,000 would pay for high schools’ pouches, the magnets, and locked boxes in classrooms. Senator Max Burns (R-Sylvania) asked about the academic impact without a cellphone. Teachers say that students are more engaged in schools and creative but he only had anecdotal information. Senator Bo Hatchett (R-Cornelia) asked about theft; most students carry in the pouch in their bookbag. Fewer thefts have occurred with the pouches.

Finally, Kevin McPherson, with Detezo app, made the final comments this afternoon. McPherson had another approach using a QR code. States are embarrassing phone-free schools. The app allows an alternative approach than the pouch. It is a free app and accessible solution for schools. An account is unnecessary after downloading the app. It will still allow the accessibility of emergency services.

House Appropriations Committee - Public Safety Subcommittee

Chairman Bill Hitchens (R-Rincon) and the subcommittee met this afternoon to learn more about the portions of the budget addressing public safety and the FY 2026 budget needs.

Attorney General Chris Carr presented the Law Department’s budget. In particular, one area accented was the new funding which would allow for gang prosecutions in the Savannah area. Funding was also mentioned for six personnel for human trafficking (Augusta and Macon areas).  There are additional funds for Lemon Law oversight. Starting salary for entry-level attorneys is $72,000.00 and this has helped with retention as well as competition with other agencies in state government. The Department of Law does have a “career ladder” for staff. Representative Al Williams (D-Midway) asked about the successes of the human trafficking effort — arrests and convictions. 200 children have been rescued and over 50 convictions since 2019. Raising awareness has helped with the human trafficking work. They are pursuing sellers, buyers, and enablers per General Carr. Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) and the Department of Law work together and the amount of attention (including trainings with private businesses) has been helpful. Almost all human trafficking is gang-related. What are competitive salaries for retention efforts — the reason is the delta in salaries with the private sector. Organized retail crime was also asked about; there will be more coming in the next few weeks as it is broader in reach.

The Department of Public Safety presented its needs. Their changes are mostly statewide changes.  Chairman asked about trooper school enrollment which decreased by 25 after starting with 64 in the class. Bonds were also asked about for capital projects. Rep. Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville) asked about the helicopters and mechanics — 15 helicopters (two are Army surplus) and now have three mechanics (previously had five but had less complex helicopters); they need to increase mechanics as now are using the private sector which is more expensive.

Office of Highway Safety accented the rent needs with their office move. Staffing issues were accented because the federal funds were eliminated and now there are needed state funds to pay for those three positions: IT, business support administration, and compliance staff. In all, there are 27 folks who work in Highway Safety. $21 million is drawn down based on population — but those dollars are used by other state agencies. Drivers Education Commission also talked about Joshua’s Law and the surcharge collections which have increased; now around $3.4 million (actual collections for last year) and permit the awarding of scholarships.

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council is much better off than it was a couple of years ago. Over the last few years, the grant awards to partners were shared with the subcommittee (victims compensation funds and sexual assault funds). $113 million plus was awarded in FY 2024 for victim services. In FY 2025, they have also awarded $113 million with nine funding sources (including ARPA dollars). In FY 2026, they are only projecting $82 million ($30 million less than current fiscal year). $400,312 was requested for the Receiving Hope Center, a human trafficking receiving center in Paulding County (ARPA dollars are expiring and this will allow maintenance of the funding for the center). It also uses VOCA, TANF, and other funds to provide services. Human Trafficking Hotline dollars were also requested — the work done in Georgia is far more advanced over the last six years. The partnership with the AG and GBI has helped with prosecution of human trafficking and provide better services to those who are victims of human trafficking. Other issues being addressed by the council — they want dollars for the hotline as Georgia Cares previously handled the hotline. DFCS has had issues with child advocacy centers when they have not reported CSECT victims. The Special Victims Unit will be handled by DFCS. Frontline Response was answering the hotline; but they could not provide adult human trafficking victims beds. They want dollars to bring the human trafficking hotline in-house at CJCC (now using one employee to answer the hotline on a 24/7 basis and has done so since August as a victim advocate). Contractors will answer the hotline over the weekend.

The Council of Accountability Court Judges outlined the entity’s needs. Judge Brenda Weaver spoke about the 188 courts, including veterans, mental health courts, family treatment courts, juvenile drug treatment courts, etc. Standards are required to be met before funding eligibility is met. Many individuals who participate and graduate from the program never enter the criminal justice system again. Chairman Hitchens is a fan of accountability courts, and he’s attended several graduations. 8,307 participants last year in the accountability courts; mental health for post-three years is a low 23% recidivism. Cost savings is effective — for every $1 invested, $6.60 was saved. $27,375 is the cost to house an inmate annually ($75 per day); it only costs $3000 plus for accountability court. $512k is requested for growth; but the council asked for $547k to meet demands for services. Last year, they received an Opioid Abatement Trust Grant to help with their work ($1.6 million) and more was awarded to eight courts. Are we diverting non-violent folks from state prisons (a question from Representative Werkheiser)? Are we limited with the current budget level? Yes, per Judge Weaver. Almost $4 million is needed (some is being funded by the opioid grants). HB 873, which created juvenile treatment courts is another area needing more funding for implementation. Another item requested for three courts (Mountain Judicial Circuit (Banks County), West Georgia Circuit, and Coweta Judicial (add mental illness) which would be a cost around $250,000. It is a tight budget year per Chairman Hitchens and you may not get all that you have asked for.

Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security presented its needs with just one adjustment and that was for statewide adjustments. Proposed legislation to implement next generation 9-1-1 capabilities and annualized expense for FY 2026 ($20.1 million — network and core services). The Amended Budget had some funds to begin implementation; this is the full year for bringing the capabilities (including training and other resources with the capabilities). Statewide schools database threat assessment is a two-part proposal — $3 million was added in the Amended budget and $37 million will be the startup of the programs including the equipment to implement in all 159 counties.

GBI pool car reservation system needs (manufacturer does not even support) would be around $19k. Statewide security needs (Decatur operation) which Georgia Department of Administrative Services negotiates but the contract has increased 18% since 2022. Crime lab instrumentation needs because of service contracts. Staffing at the crime lab for positions is one of their needs (helps with backlog — particularly chemistry). 22 current scientists are in training. The turnover rate has declined since the salary increases.

The final presentation was from the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. One unique line item, victim services program, was for two victim advocate positions for $127k to help support the Office of Victim Services.

The National Crime Insurance Bureau, represented by Tom Gehl, asked about a bill which passed in 2023 (HB 268) but has never been funded. The Advisory Board has been sworn in by Governor Kemp today (he asked for $750,000 to be put in the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council budget to address vehicle thefts with many times guns stolen). Enterprise, represented by Hunter Towns, asked for support of the seed funds to get the program commenced.  $105,000-$125,000 for the one position (salary and benefits); and the rest would be for local government grants of the $750,000.

Nancy Petri, with the Georgia Alzheimer’s Association, asked for additions to the Georgia Public Safety Training Center budget so that they can train law enforcement and first responders. It would be education who might be trafficked or missing persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s.  Later in the disease these individuals tend to wander away from home. There are also financial fraud issues reported. The age 65 and older is the fastest growing cohort so the investment is timely to help serve the at-risk adults. They asked for $500,000 for the training — alternatives to restraint, de-escalation, etc.

House Governmental Affairs - State and Local Government Subcommittee  

Chairman Brad Thomas (R-Holly Springs) presided over the hearing, which considered three pieces of legislation.

• HB 140, by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R-Dallas), is the “End Local Taxation by Citation Act.” This measure would require a number of cities in the state abusing the ticketing process. Using tickets and fines to fund their government. No municipality can raise more than 10% of their entire budget through criminal and civil fines. Won’t apply to most cities. The reason it only applies to cities is because cities can annex, they can move. Counties are stationary. Sheriffs are elected, but police chiefs are not. Revenue from citations above 10% of the city’s total revenue will go to the state. Rep. Mary Francins Williams (D-Marietta) asked how many cities this would affect, but the author did not know. He has asked the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) to compile some data. This is modeled after similar legislation in Alabama. Ray Khalfani of The Georgia Budget and Policy Institute, spoke in support, describing the bill as a critical step to eliminate excessive fines and fees, which perpetuate poverty. GMA proposed changing the cap to 25% and striking the language regarding civil forfeiture, arguing that a 10% cap will cripple the ability of some cities to fund public safety, which is where much of this revenue is directed. Proposed 25% instead of 10%. Others spoke both in favor and in opposition, and the measure received a unanimous DO PASS recommendation and will move on to the full committee.
• HB 244, by Rep. Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie), would provide for a 90-day extension for counties and cities to file annual audits, when the extension is due to no fault of their own (e.g. external auditor not being able to complete the audit in time). This is a recommendation from the Rural Development Council from 2023 and 2024, one of their top recommendations. The number of local governments who fail to timely submit is increasing each year; as of 2022 roughly 33% filed on time. Failure to timely submit an audit to the Department of Audits and Accounts results in loss of qualified local government status. An extension will allow local governments to remain eligible for State grants while they work on their audit during the extension time. ACCG and GMA are in full support. The bill received a DO PASS recommendation and will move to the full committee.
• SB 16 by Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan), was presented by Rep. Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia). The bill narrows the current prohibition of those in the bail bonds business from holding office, so that the prohibition will only apply to public offices in the jurisdiction where the bondsman operates. Senator Brass joined the meeting late and shared the impetus for this legislation, which was a woman from his district who was elected to her county commission before being made aware of the law. Her family is in the bail bonds business, but does not operate in her county. The bill received a DO PASS recommendation and will move to the full committee.

New Legislation

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the House:

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the Senate:

What’s Next

The General Assembly will reconvene for Legislative Day 16 on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 10 a.m.

The House is expected to consider the following on Legislative Day 16:

• HB 15 - Banking and finance; update terminology; provisions (B&B-Williamson-112th)
• HB 55 - Alapaha Judicial Circuit; superior court; provide for an additional judge (Substitute)(Judy-Ford-170th)
• HB 137 - Contracts; increase dollar value of certain public works contracts exempt from provisions relating to retention of contractual payments (GAff-Anderson-10th)
• HB 199 - Courts; protection of personally identifiable information of judges and their spouses; modify provisions (Substitute)(Judy-Kelley-16th)
• HB 216 - Richard H. Smith Georgia CHIPS Advancement in Research and Economic Development Act; enact (ED&T-Smith-138th)

The Senate is expected to consider the following on Legislative Day 16:

• SB 5 - Private Review Agents; health insurers to implement and maintain a program that allows for the selective application of reductions in prior authorization requirements; provide (I&L-32nd)
• SB 21 - Local Governments; violation of the prohibition on immigration sanctuary policies; waive sovereign and governmental immunities (Substitute) (PUB SAF-19th)
• SB 47 - Sales and Use Taxes; sales of firearms, ammunition, gun safes, and related accessories during an 11 day period each year; exempt (Substitute) (FIN-31st)
• SR 95 - "Sonny Perdue Legislative Center"; naming the forthcoming new legislative office complex (Substitute) (RULES-27th)