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Friday, April 4, 2008
SHAPE Act fails to pass House
The Student Health and Physical Education or SHAPE Act has failed to pass the House. The vote was 61 to 103. The legislation, sponsored by Senator Joseph Carter, would have required public schools in Georgia to report the aggregate body mass index (BMI) of their students on the Department of Education website. The act was designed to bring awareness to the problem of childhood obesity but was met with considerable opposition because of concerns over the impact of the weight and measurement on student self-esteem. The aggregate BMI publication requirement was stripped out of the bill in House Committee but the legislation retained provisions requiring a physical fitness test and calculation of BMI. The BMI information would only be available to a parent or legal guardian on request.
Again, that measure failed to pass the House and would appear to be dead for the session.
Again, that measure failed to pass the House and would appear to be dead for the session.
Credit freeze bill passes both chambers
House Bill 130 is legislation allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports. The bill aims to prevent identity theft by allowing consumers to block credit reporting agencies from giving out their information. The House and Senate came to an agreement on the main sticking point: how much the credit reporting agencies should be able to charge for this service. The compromise: a $3 charge when the freeze is instituted and $3 each time a consumer chooses to "thaw" the report to obtain credit information. The credit information about be available electronically within 15 minutes of a "thaw" request, keeping on-the-spot credit an option for shoppers. Consumer advocacy group Georgia Watch says that a credit freeze is a truly effective tool in stopping new account fraud, one of the most damaging forms of identity theft.
If Governor Perdue signs the bill into law, Georgia will become one of forty states to have passed credit freeze legislation and the 13th to adopt the 15-minute credit "thaw". The freeze would become effective August 1, 2008 and the thaw effective as of September 1, 2008.
If Governor Perdue signs the bill into law, Georgia will become one of forty states to have passed credit freeze legislation and the 13th to adopt the 15-minute credit "thaw". The freeze would become effective August 1, 2008 and the thaw effective as of September 1, 2008.
Budget Agreement Reached
Lawmakers has learned that House and Senate negotiators reached an agreement on the FY 2009 General Budget around 2 AM this morning. The Conference Committee report on House Bill 990 is expected on the floor in both chambers after 4 PM this afternoon.
Be sure and join Lawmakers tonight at 7 and 11 PM for LIVE coverage of the Georgia General Assembly's final legislative day.
Be sure and join Lawmakers tonight at 7 and 11 PM for LIVE coverage of the Georgia General Assembly's final legislative day.
Legislative Day 40 News
It’s Legislative Day 40 under the gold dome; the Georgia General Assembly is expected to adjourn Sine Die before midnight tonight, bringing the 2008 session to a close. Lawmakers will have two live broadcasts this evening at 7 and 11 PM. In our special live coverage of sine die at 11 PM, Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson and David Zelski will be joined by Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com for political analysis.
Here are some of the issues, bills and resolutions we think will be making news today:
TAX REFORM: HR 1246/HB 1244
These two pieces of legislation have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Earlier this week, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. The measures are expected to be discussed by a Conference Committee today, the House appointed conferees on Tuesday.
SCHOOL VOUCHERS: SB 458
Withdrawn and recommitted to House Rules Tuesday, we expect SB 458 to make it to the House Floor at some point before midnight. The bill is Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s school voucher bill. The legislation is designed to give vouchers for students in low-performing public schools. If a school loses accreditation or remains on the “needs improvement” list for seven years, the school system would be required to provide parents with the option of a voucher for use at a private school. The Clayton County school system has been used as an example in the debate this session because the system is in danger of losing it’s accreditation on September 1. Johnson held a press conference last week to clear up misunderstandings about Fayette County schools being forced to absorb Clayton students.
CREDIT FREEZE: HB 130
Lawmakers continue to work towards a compromise on legislation allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports. The Senate passed its version of House Bill 130 on Monday. The bill aims to prevent identity theft by allowing consumers to block credit reporting agencies from giving out their information. The House and Senate reportedly have come to an agreement on the main sticking point: how much the credit reporting agencies should be able to charge for this service. HB 130 now heads back to the House for approval of the Senate changes.
GUN RIGHTS: HB 257
This legislation, which was passed by the Senate on Wednesday night, would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It was amended to include provisions that would allow licensed gun owners to carry guns into restaurants and onto mass transit. Those Senate changes send the bill back the House.
CRIMINIAL JUSTICE/DEATH PENALTY: SB 145, HB 185 and HB 1245
Senate Bill 185, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith, would allow prosecutors to seek a sentence of life without the possibility of parole as a sentence in a murder case. The two options currently available at the outset of a case are capital punishment or life with parole. The bill was amended in the House on March 19 to include provisions from HB 185, Representative Barry Fleming’s bill that would allow death penalty verdicts in cases when one or two jurors vote against the sentence. The House amendment sent the bill into Conference Committee. A compromise could be reached at any time. In other criminal justice action, a Conference Committee has also been appointed for House Bill 1245. That legislation was drafted in response to the controversial defense spending in the case of accused Fulton County courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. That case has cost the state nearly $2 million to date. House Bill 1245 mandates that only elected judges oversee death penalty cases and sets up a cost sharing system between the State and counties for indigent defense.
SUNDAY SALES: SB 137, SB 385, SB 454 and HB 1243
Senate Bill 137 was introduced by Senator Seth Harp last year to repeal the prohibition against Sunday sales of alcohol statewide. The bill has languished in the Senate committee ever since, but the provisions of the legislation have been rumored to be attached to three different pieces of legislation this year. SB 385 is Senator Don Balfour’s legislation to allow limousine carriers to sell alcohol in their vehicles. That measure has passed the House and Senate without a general Sunday Sales amendment. HB 1243 is Representative Edward Lindsey’s legislation that would allow alcohol sales for non-profit entities. That measure was approved by both the House and Senate without a Sunday sales amendment. SB 454 would expand the sales of alcohol on Sundays for public stadiums located in counties that already allow Sunday sale of alcohol. That measure is the most likely vehicle for any amendment attempt in the House today.
VEHICLE SEIZURE: HB 978
Tabled in the Senate floor Wednesday, House Bill 978 would allow law enforcement to seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Senate changes to the bill give it a wider scope, allowing law enforcement to seize the vehicle of any unlicensed driver, with few exceptions. A motion to remove the bill from the table could start debate in the Senate again at any time.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: HB 881
Also tabled in the Senate Wednesday, this is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. This would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. A motion to remove the bill from the table could start debate in the Senate again at any time.
We'll have all the latest Capitol news tonight at 7 and 11 PM on Lawmakers, only on GPB television.
Here are some of the issues, bills and resolutions we think will be making news today:
TAX REFORM: HR 1246/HB 1244
These two pieces of legislation have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Earlier this week, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. The measures are expected to be discussed by a Conference Committee today, the House appointed conferees on Tuesday.
SCHOOL VOUCHERS: SB 458
Withdrawn and recommitted to House Rules Tuesday, we expect SB 458 to make it to the House Floor at some point before midnight. The bill is Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s school voucher bill. The legislation is designed to give vouchers for students in low-performing public schools. If a school loses accreditation or remains on the “needs improvement” list for seven years, the school system would be required to provide parents with the option of a voucher for use at a private school. The Clayton County school system has been used as an example in the debate this session because the system is in danger of losing it’s accreditation on September 1. Johnson held a press conference last week to clear up misunderstandings about Fayette County schools being forced to absorb Clayton students.
CREDIT FREEZE: HB 130
Lawmakers continue to work towards a compromise on legislation allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports. The Senate passed its version of House Bill 130 on Monday. The bill aims to prevent identity theft by allowing consumers to block credit reporting agencies from giving out their information. The House and Senate reportedly have come to an agreement on the main sticking point: how much the credit reporting agencies should be able to charge for this service. HB 130 now heads back to the House for approval of the Senate changes.
GUN RIGHTS: HB 257
This legislation, which was passed by the Senate on Wednesday night, would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It was amended to include provisions that would allow licensed gun owners to carry guns into restaurants and onto mass transit. Those Senate changes send the bill back the House.
CRIMINIAL JUSTICE/DEATH PENALTY: SB 145, HB 185 and HB 1245
Senate Bill 185, sponsored by Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith, would allow prosecutors to seek a sentence of life without the possibility of parole as a sentence in a murder case. The two options currently available at the outset of a case are capital punishment or life with parole. The bill was amended in the House on March 19 to include provisions from HB 185, Representative Barry Fleming’s bill that would allow death penalty verdicts in cases when one or two jurors vote against the sentence. The House amendment sent the bill into Conference Committee. A compromise could be reached at any time. In other criminal justice action, a Conference Committee has also been appointed for House Bill 1245. That legislation was drafted in response to the controversial defense spending in the case of accused Fulton County courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. That case has cost the state nearly $2 million to date. House Bill 1245 mandates that only elected judges oversee death penalty cases and sets up a cost sharing system between the State and counties for indigent defense.
SUNDAY SALES: SB 137, SB 385, SB 454 and HB 1243
Senate Bill 137 was introduced by Senator Seth Harp last year to repeal the prohibition against Sunday sales of alcohol statewide. The bill has languished in the Senate committee ever since, but the provisions of the legislation have been rumored to be attached to three different pieces of legislation this year. SB 385 is Senator Don Balfour’s legislation to allow limousine carriers to sell alcohol in their vehicles. That measure has passed the House and Senate without a general Sunday Sales amendment. HB 1243 is Representative Edward Lindsey’s legislation that would allow alcohol sales for non-profit entities. That measure was approved by both the House and Senate without a Sunday sales amendment. SB 454 would expand the sales of alcohol on Sundays for public stadiums located in counties that already allow Sunday sale of alcohol. That measure is the most likely vehicle for any amendment attempt in the House today.
VEHICLE SEIZURE: HB 978
Tabled in the Senate floor Wednesday, House Bill 978 would allow law enforcement to seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Senate changes to the bill give it a wider scope, allowing law enforcement to seize the vehicle of any unlicensed driver, with few exceptions. A motion to remove the bill from the table could start debate in the Senate again at any time.
CHARTER SCHOOLS: HB 881
Also tabled in the Senate Wednesday, this is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. This would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. A motion to remove the bill from the table could start debate in the Senate again at any time.
We'll have all the latest Capitol news tonight at 7 and 11 PM on Lawmakers, only on GPB television.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Final Lawmakers Programs Tomorrow!
Lawmakers will not be seen tonight because the Georgia General Assembly is not is session, but be sure and join us tomorrow night as the session draws to a close. We'll have special coverage for the 40th and Final Day of the session in both our broadcast at 7 PM and in our Sine Die Special which begins at 11 PM.
Stay up to date with all the latest news from under the gold dome with Lawmakers at 7 and 11 PM tomorrow, Friday, April 4. Only on GPB!
Stay up to date with all the latest news from under the gold dome with Lawmakers at 7 and 11 PM tomorrow, Friday, April 4. Only on GPB!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Day 39- April 2, 2008
Watch Online!
Tonight on Lawmakers, it’s Legislative Day 39 under the gold dome and the House and Senate are expected to meet long into the night. There’s more tax reform talk from both chambers, a bill is amended in the House to would allow licensed gun owners to carry weapons on public transportation and into restaurants and a bill aimed at seizing the vehicles of illegal immigrants involved in traffic incidents gains a wider scope.
HR 1246 and HB 1244 have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Yesterday, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. House Speaker Glenn Richardson called the plan a compromise. Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish reports on today’s developments.
House Bill 257 would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It was amended to include provisions that would allow licensed gun owners to carry their weapons on public transit and in restaurants. Although debate began in the Senate, the bill was tabled. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp has the details.
House Bill 978 was also tabled in the Senate today. The legislation would allow law enforcement to seize the vehicles of unlicensed drivers who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Opponents of the measure say it raises a host of Constitutional issues. The bill passed the House back on February 28 by a vote of 104-51. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has the latest.
House Bill 881 passed the Senate today by committee substitute. This is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. The measure would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has that story.
The focus of Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears’ State of the Judiciary Address earlier this session was pay raises for superior court, court of appeals and Supreme Court justices. The current salary for those positions is approximately $120,000 per year. Excepting annual cost of living adjustments, the State’s jurists haven’t had a pay raise since 1999. Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith presented House Bill 119 in the Senate today, saying this 5% raise is long overdue. The legislation passed 49 to 1 and goes to the Governor.
Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s RoboCalls bill was gutted in the House today- apparently with the Senator’s permission. Senate Bill 379 was replaced with the contents of Senate Bill 408, a telecommunications licensing bill that was defeated last week after it was deemed a Senate attempt to originate a revenue bill. The revision sends the bill back to the Senate.
Last year the Georgia State Senate established a website for citizen input called GeorgiaSpeaks.com. The first piece of legislation generated from that citizen input was Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit registered sexual offenders from taking pictures of minors. The bill was passed last year in the Senate but warnings that the bill’s scope was too far reaching as originally drafted led the House Judiciary Committee to amend the bill to apply only to those photos taken for an “indecent purpose”. The House passed the bill today but changes send the bill back to the Senate.
Jekyll Island developers are backing off a plan to build condos on a beach front parking lot on the northern end of the state–owned island. House Majority Leader Jerry Keen read a letter today that he received from the chairman of the island's Development Authority informing him that legislation blocking the commercial development is no longer necessary. It’s a victory for residents of Jekyll who have pushed to restrict development.
The House today agreed that state investments in companies doing more than $20 million in business with Iran should be identified. Representative Bob Smith asked for a listing of companies that do not do business with Iran. Senate Bill 451 passed the House without opposition. Changes made in the House Retirement Committee send the bill back to the Senate.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers.
Tonight on Lawmakers, it’s Legislative Day 39 under the gold dome and the House and Senate are expected to meet long into the night. There’s more tax reform talk from both chambers, a bill is amended in the House to would allow licensed gun owners to carry weapons on public transportation and into restaurants and a bill aimed at seizing the vehicles of illegal immigrants involved in traffic incidents gains a wider scope.
HR 1246 and HB 1244 have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Yesterday, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. House Speaker Glenn Richardson called the plan a compromise. Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish reports on today’s developments.
House Bill 257 would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It was amended to include provisions that would allow licensed gun owners to carry their weapons on public transit and in restaurants. Although debate began in the Senate, the bill was tabled. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp has the details.
House Bill 978 was also tabled in the Senate today. The legislation would allow law enforcement to seize the vehicles of unlicensed drivers who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Opponents of the measure say it raises a host of Constitutional issues. The bill passed the House back on February 28 by a vote of 104-51. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has the latest.
House Bill 881 passed the Senate today by committee substitute. This is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. The measure would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has that story.
The focus of Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears’ State of the Judiciary Address earlier this session was pay raises for superior court, court of appeals and Supreme Court justices. The current salary for those positions is approximately $120,000 per year. Excepting annual cost of living adjustments, the State’s jurists haven’t had a pay raise since 1999. Senate Judiciary Chair Preston Smith presented House Bill 119 in the Senate today, saying this 5% raise is long overdue. The legislation passed 49 to 1 and goes to the Governor.
Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s RoboCalls bill was gutted in the House today- apparently with the Senator’s permission. Senate Bill 379 was replaced with the contents of Senate Bill 408, a telecommunications licensing bill that was defeated last week after it was deemed a Senate attempt to originate a revenue bill. The revision sends the bill back to the Senate.
Last year the Georgia State Senate established a website for citizen input called GeorgiaSpeaks.com. The first piece of legislation generated from that citizen input was Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit registered sexual offenders from taking pictures of minors. The bill was passed last year in the Senate but warnings that the bill’s scope was too far reaching as originally drafted led the House Judiciary Committee to amend the bill to apply only to those photos taken for an “indecent purpose”. The House passed the bill today but changes send the bill back to the Senate.
Jekyll Island developers are backing off a plan to build condos on a beach front parking lot on the northern end of the state–owned island. House Majority Leader Jerry Keen read a letter today that he received from the chairman of the island's Development Authority informing him that legislation blocking the commercial development is no longer necessary. It’s a victory for residents of Jekyll who have pushed to restrict development.
The House today agreed that state investments in companies doing more than $20 million in business with Iran should be identified. Representative Bob Smith asked for a listing of companies that do not do business with Iran. Senate Bill 451 passed the House without opposition. Changes made in the House Retirement Committee send the bill back to the Senate.
All that and more tonight on Lawmakers.
Legislative Day 39 News
It’s Legislative Day 39 under the gold dome and here are some of the bills and resolutions we think will be making news today:
HR 1246/HB 1244
These two pieces of legislation have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Yesterday, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. House Speaker Glenn Richardson called the plan a compromise. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle released the following statement:
"With four days left, the General Assembly has a choice: the House and Senate can attack each other, or we can get serious about cutting taxes. It is my hope that the leadership of both chambers makes the choice to get serious about cutting taxes. The Senate will support a major tax cut, but we believe we should have the courage to cut state taxes instead of usurping the
role of local officials. We also believe tax cuts should be accompanied by spending reductions, as Georgia’s Constitution clearly requires. We stand ready to consider any plan presented by the House to cut state spending and lower state taxes. I believe that if we work together in good faith there is still time to achieve that goal.”
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen fired back with a statement of his own:
"The argument that eliminating the car tax is somehow an attack on local government is the biggest cop-out of the session. Local governments will receive from the state every single dollar they currently receive in car tax revenue. The House has voted twice to eliminate the car tax and now once to lower income taxes. We are serious about cutting taxes for Georgians."
Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish is following the continuing developments on this issue today.
SB 458
Withdrawn and recommitted to House Rules yesterday, we expect SB 458 to be on the House Floor this afternoon. Although it was not listed on the Rules calendar this morning, the Rules committee is expected to meet at 1:30 PM to pass a Supplemental calendar. We’ll be watching with interest to see if SB 458 is on that calendar. The bill is Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s school voucher bill. The legislation is designed to give vouchers for
students in low-performing public schools. If a school loses accreditation or remains on the “needs improvement” list for seven years, the school system would be required to provide parents with the option of a voucher for use at a private school. The Clayton County school system has been used as an example in the debate this session because the system is in danger of losing it’s accreditation on September 1. Johnson held a press conference last week to clear up misunderstandings about Fayette County schools being forced to absorb Clayton students. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp is following this story.
HB 257
This legislation, scheduled to be debated in the Senate, would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It is expected to be amended to include provisions from Representative Timothy Bearden’s House Bill 89, also known as the “carry-your-gun-to-work” bill. HB 89 was passed by the House last year and passed the Senate on January 17 but is currently in conference committee.
HB 978
Expected on the Senate floor today, House Bill 978 would allow law enforcement to
seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. In those cases, a judge could order the vehicle be sold to pay restitution. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Opponents of the measure say it raises a host of Constitutional issues. The bill passed the House back on February 28 by a vote of 104-51. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.
HB 881
Also expected on the Senate floor today, this is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. This would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has that story.
HB 948
Expected to be approved by the Senate today, House Bill 948 would establish a period of sales tax exemption for certain products from 12:01 AM on July 31 until 12:00 AM midnight on August 3, 2008. The bill is a continuation of Governor Sonny Perdue’s 2002 initiative “Shop GA”, designed to give parents a sales tax break on back-to-school items. The General Assembly has renewed the tax holiday every year since.
SB 1
Last year the Georgia State Senate established a website for citizen input called GeorgiaSpeaks.com. The first piece of legislation generated from that citizen input was Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit registered sexual offenders from taking pictures of minors. The bill was passed last year in the Senate but warnings that the bill’s scope was too far reaching as originally drafted led the House Judiciary Committee to amend the bill to apply only to those photos taken for an “indecent purpose”.
SB 379
Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s RoboCalls bill is expected on the House floor today. Senate Bill 379 would prohibit calls that robotically play a solicitation message when a telephone line is answered. Violators could face a misdemeanor with a $2,000 fine.
SB 474
Senator Cecil Staton’s bill that seeks to provide availability of parental controls over Internet access. Representative Barry Fleming will present the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee’s Substitute on the floor today.
We'll have all the latest Capitol news tonight at 7 PM on Lawmakers, only on GPB television.
HR 1246/HB 1244
These two pieces of legislation have become the primary vehicles for tax reform in the 2008 session. Yesterday, the House stripped Senate provisions out of HR 1246 and replaced it with an elimination of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles. The House also changed Senate provisions in HB 1244, moving a proposed 10% reduction in state income taxes back by three years to begin in 2011 instead of 2008. House Speaker Glenn Richardson called the plan a compromise. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle released the following statement:
"With four days left, the General Assembly has a choice: the House and Senate can attack each other, or we can get serious about cutting taxes. It is my hope that the leadership of both chambers makes the choice to get serious about cutting taxes. The Senate will support a major tax cut, but we believe we should have the courage to cut state taxes instead of usurping therole of local officials. We also believe tax cuts should be accompanied by spending reductions, as Georgia’s Constitution clearly requires. We stand ready to consider any plan presented by the House to cut state spending and lower state taxes. I believe that if we work together in good faith there is still time to achieve that goal.”
House Majority Leader Jerry Keen fired back with a statement of his own:
"The argument that eliminating the car tax is somehow an attack on local government is the biggest cop-out of the session. Local governments will receive from the state every single dollar they currently receive in car tax revenue. The House has voted twice to eliminate the car tax and now once to lower income taxes. We are serious about cutting taxes for Georgians."
Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish is following the continuing developments on this issue today.
SB 458
Withdrawn and recommitted to House Rules yesterday, we expect SB 458 to be on the House Floor this afternoon. Although it was not listed on the Rules calendar this morning, the Rules committee is expected to meet at 1:30 PM to pass a Supplemental calendar. We’ll be watching with interest to see if SB 458 is on that calendar. The bill is Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s school voucher bill. The legislation is designed to give vouchers for
students in low-performing public schools. If a school loses accreditation or remains on the “needs improvement” list for seven years, the school system would be required to provide parents with the option of a voucher for use at a private school. The Clayton County school system has been used as an example in the debate this session because the system is in danger of losing it’s accreditation on September 1. Johnson held a press conference last week to clear up misunderstandings about Fayette County schools being forced to absorb Clayton students. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp is following this story.HB 257
This legislation, scheduled to be debated in the Senate, would allow constables to carry weapons to public gatherings. It is expected to be amended to include provisions from Representative Timothy Bearden’s House Bill 89, also known as the “carry-your-gun-to-work” bill. HB 89 was passed by the House last year and passed the Senate on January 17 but is currently in conference committee.
HB 978
Expected on the Senate floor today, House Bill 978 would allow law enforcement to
seize the vehicles of illegal immigrants who are involved in an accident or pulled over for a traffic violation. In those cases, a judge could order the vehicle be sold to pay restitution. Representative James Mills says he sponsored House Bill 978 after several of his constituents complained about being hit by illegal immigrants. Opponents of the measure say it raises a host of Constitutional issues. The bill passed the House back on February 28 by a vote of 104-51. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.HB 881
Also expected on the Senate floor today, this is Representative Jan Jones’ legislation to establish the Georgia Charter Schools Commission. This would offer an alternate route for groups and companies seeking to establish charter schools. In addition to applying to local school boards or the state board of education, this bill would allow petitions to be submitted to a seven member charter commission. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has that story.HB 948
Expected to be approved by the Senate today, House Bill 948 would establish a period of sales tax exemption for certain products from 12:01 AM on July 31 until 12:00 AM midnight on August 3, 2008. The bill is a continuation of Governor Sonny Perdue’s 2002 initiative “Shop GA”, designed to give parents a sales tax break on back-to-school items. The General Assembly has renewed the tax holiday every year since.
SB 1
Last year the Georgia State Senate established a website for citizen input called GeorgiaSpeaks.com. The first piece of legislation generated from that citizen input was Senate Bill 1, which would prohibit registered sexual offenders from taking pictures of minors. The bill was passed last year in the Senate but warnings that the bill’s scope was too far reaching as originally drafted led the House Judiciary Committee to amend the bill to apply only to those photos taken for an “indecent purpose”.
SB 379
Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s RoboCalls bill is expected on the House floor today. Senate Bill 379 would prohibit calls that robotically play a solicitation message when a telephone line is answered. Violators could face a misdemeanor with a $2,000 fine.
SB 474
Senator Cecil Staton’s bill that seeks to provide availability of parental controls over Internet access. Representative Barry Fleming will present the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee’s Substitute on the floor today.
We'll have all the latest Capitol news tonight at 7 PM on Lawmakers, only on GPB television.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Day 38- April 1, 2008
Watch Online!
Tonight on Lawmakers, House Speaker Glenn Richardson leads his chamber in affecting serious changes to the Senate version of tax reform, a bill to give vouchers to students who attend under-performing schools hits a snag in the House, a measure that prevents local governments from enacting stricter water restrictions than the State passes the Senate and our Day 38 Legislative Scorecard.
House Speaker Glenn Richardson led his chamber to a revision of the Senate’s version of tax
reform today. Although it originally began as part of the Speaker’s GREAT Plan, House Resolution 1246 passed the House as legislation eliminating the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles, freezing property tax assessments and repealing the State’s portion of property taxes. The version that passed the Senate stripped out the repeal of the ad valorem tax on vehicles and placed a provision that would reduce the State income tax by 10% over the next five years. In House action today, the repeal of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles and the freeze on property valuation were resurrected. The House also changed Senate provisions added to House Bill 1244, which began the session as legislation designed to give a teleworking credit on State income taxes. The Senate added language that would reduce State income taxes by 10% over the next five years to that legislation. The House version has that reduction beginning in 2011 rather than 2008. The new House versions of House Resolution 1246 and House Bill 1244 passed and await action in the Senate. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the latest.
Legislative reaction to the recent Georgia drought continued in the Senate today.
House Bill 1281 creates certain watering exemptions for green businesses like nurseries and landscaping companies and for swimming pools. The Senate passed HB 1281 with two floor amendments, so it goes back to the House.
Senate gave final passage to legislation providing educational vouchers throu
gh non–profit student scholarship organizations today. The scholarships established by House Bill 1133 are for public school students to use at private schools. The non–profit organizations providing the scholarships would operate on tax deductible donations. President Pro Tem Eric Johnson carried the bill in the Senate. His own voucher bill for students in schools that lose accreditation was on the House calendar today, but the bill was recommitted to the Rules committee late in the afternoon. When asked whether the House was holding his bill hostage pending Senate approval of House revisions to tax reform, Senator Johnson said he hoped that wasn't the case. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.
Regional economic assistance projects in Georgia are one step closer to being licensed for alcoholic beverages. However, House Bill 1280 passed the Senate with an amendment from Senator Rene Unterman adding the Gwinnett County Braves stadium to that list. HB 1280 returns to the House for their consideration of the Senate amendment.
Legislation dealing with the sale of confiscated guns passed the Senate today. Senator Vincent Fort saw House Bill 333 as a vehicle to add his no knock warrant legislation. Fort’s Senate Bill 259 passed the Senate in March but has not yet been heard in a House Committee. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle found that amendment not germane. HB 333 passes 47 to 3 and now goes to the Governor.
The Georgia Lemon Law passed the Senate today. House Bill 470 deals with consumer protections for automobiles that don’t perform to expected standards. Senator Judson Hill amended the bill to include larger vehicles bought by business owners over the objections of bill presenter Senator Michael Meyer Von Bremen. The amendment sends the bill back the House.
The Conference Committee on Senate Resolution 845 met today. That legislation that would give voters the option of creating Transportation Special Local Option Sales Taxes, or T-SPLOSTs. No compromise was reached this afternoon but the committee continues to toward that goal.
The House Motor Vehicles Committee today voted to table Senate Bill 315, a bill that would add further penalties for traffic violations. The committee also tabled Senate Bill 412. That bill would rename seat belts to life belts, and air bags, to life bags in Georgia code. The Motor Vehicles Committee added a controversial product liability amendment to both bills, which would prevent certain class action suits. That amendment was the main source of opposition to both bills.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Tonight on Lawmakers, House Speaker Glenn Richardson leads his chamber in affecting serious changes to the Senate version of tax reform, a bill to give vouchers to students who attend under-performing schools hits a snag in the House, a measure that prevents local governments from enacting stricter water restrictions than the State passes the Senate and our Day 38 Legislative Scorecard.
House Speaker Glenn Richardson led his chamber to a revision of the Senate’s version of tax
reform today. Although it originally began as part of the Speaker’s GREAT Plan, House Resolution 1246 passed the House as legislation eliminating the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles, freezing property tax assessments and repealing the State’s portion of property taxes. The version that passed the Senate stripped out the repeal of the ad valorem tax on vehicles and placed a provision that would reduce the State income tax by 10% over the next five years. In House action today, the repeal of the ad valorem tax on personal vehicles and the freeze on property valuation were resurrected. The House also changed Senate provisions added to House Bill 1244, which began the session as legislation designed to give a teleworking credit on State income taxes. The Senate added language that would reduce State income taxes by 10% over the next five years to that legislation. The House version has that reduction beginning in 2011 rather than 2008. The new House versions of House Resolution 1246 and House Bill 1244 passed and await action in the Senate. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the latest.Legislative reaction to the recent Georgia drought continued in the Senate today.
House Bill 1281 creates certain watering exemptions for green businesses like nurseries and landscaping companies and for swimming pools. The Senate passed HB 1281 with two floor amendments, so it goes back to the House.
Senate gave final passage to legislation providing educational vouchers throu
gh non–profit student scholarship organizations today. The scholarships established by House Bill 1133 are for public school students to use at private schools. The non–profit organizations providing the scholarships would operate on tax deductible donations. President Pro Tem Eric Johnson carried the bill in the Senate. His own voucher bill for students in schools that lose accreditation was on the House calendar today, but the bill was recommitted to the Rules committee late in the afternoon. When asked whether the House was holding his bill hostage pending Senate approval of House revisions to tax reform, Senator Johnson said he hoped that wasn't the case. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.Regional economic assistance projects in Georgia are one step closer to being licensed for alcoholic beverages. However, House Bill 1280 passed the Senate with an amendment from Senator Rene Unterman adding the Gwinnett County Braves stadium to that list. HB 1280 returns to the House for their consideration of the Senate amendment.
Legislation dealing with the sale of confiscated guns passed the Senate today. Senator Vincent Fort saw House Bill 333 as a vehicle to add his no knock warrant legislation. Fort’s Senate Bill 259 passed the Senate in March but has not yet been heard in a House Committee. Lt. Governor Casey Cagle found that amendment not germane. HB 333 passes 47 to 3 and now goes to the Governor.
The Georgia Lemon Law passed the Senate today. House Bill 470 deals with consumer protections for automobiles that don’t perform to expected standards. Senator Judson Hill amended the bill to include larger vehicles bought by business owners over the objections of bill presenter Senator Michael Meyer Von Bremen. The amendment sends the bill back the House.
The Conference Committee on Senate Resolution 845 met today. That legislation that would give voters the option of creating Transportation Special Local Option Sales Taxes, or T-SPLOSTs. No compromise was reached this afternoon but the committee continues to toward that goal.
The House Motor Vehicles Committee today voted to table Senate Bill 315, a bill that would add further penalties for traffic violations. The committee also tabled Senate Bill 412. That bill would rename seat belts to life belts, and air bags, to life bags in Georgia code. The Motor Vehicles Committee added a controversial product liability amendment to both bills, which would prevent certain class action suits. That amendment was the main source of opposition to both bills.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Day 37- March 31, 2008
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Tonight on Lawmakers, the legislature passes a measure to create more funding for Georgia’s Trauma Care Network, the Senate votes to give greater control to local school systems and a bill designed to help protect consumers from identity theft draws closer to final passage.
The Senate passes a bill to provide long term funding for the State's Trauma Care Network. House Bill 1158, which was amended in committee, would allow voters to impose a $10 fee per vehicle to pay for trauma care funding. Unlike a House version which was tied to tax reform, this bill does not eliminate car ad valorem taxes. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish reports.
Lawmakers continue to work towards a compromise on legislation allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports. The Senate today passed its version of House Bill 130, which aims to prevent identity theft by allowing consumers to block credit reporting agencies from giving out their information. No new credit accounts could be opened unless the credit holder gave the credit reporting agency permission to unfreeze his or her credit report. While House and Senate members agree that consumers should be able to freeze their credit, they can't seem to agree to how much the credit reporting agencies should be able to charge for this service. HB 130 now heads back to the House for approval of the Senate changes. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp has that story.
Home school students may soon have a way to become eligible for the HOPE scholarship. House Bill 152 passed the Senate today and now goes to Governor Perdue. The Senate also passed House Bill 969, a home school program for driver's education training. That bill did receive Senate Committee changes, so it goes back to the House.
Two bills that aim to boost the Georgia winery business received final passage in the Senate today. Senator Rene Unterman explained House Bills 393 and 1061 open the door for internet and out–of–state wine sales. Both wine bills passed with only six dissenting votes and both now go to Governor Perdue.
Cheers of viva Chavez could be heard under the gold dome today as the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO) lobbied to make March 31st Cesar Chavez day. Lawmakers' Minoo Hosseini has more
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Tonight on Lawmakers, the legislature passes a measure to create more funding for Georgia’s Trauma Care Network, the Senate votes to give greater control to local school systems and a bill designed to help protect consumers from identity theft draws closer to final passage.
The Senate passes a bill to provide long term funding for the State's Trauma Care Network. House Bill 1158, which was amended in committee, would allow voters to impose a $10 fee per vehicle to pay for trauma care funding. Unlike a House version which was tied to tax reform, this bill does not eliminate car ad valorem taxes. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish reports.
Lawmakers continue to work towards a compromise on legislation allowing consumers to freeze their credit reports. The Senate today passed its version of House Bill 130, which aims to prevent identity theft by allowing consumers to block credit reporting agencies from giving out their information. No new credit accounts could be opened unless the credit holder gave the credit reporting agency permission to unfreeze his or her credit report. While House and Senate members agree that consumers should be able to freeze their credit, they can't seem to agree to how much the credit reporting agencies should be able to charge for this service. HB 130 now heads back to the House for approval of the Senate changes. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp has that story.
Home school students may soon have a way to become eligible for the HOPE scholarship. House Bill 152 passed the Senate today and now goes to Governor Perdue. The Senate also passed House Bill 969, a home school program for driver's education training. That bill did receive Senate Committee changes, so it goes back to the House.
Two bills that aim to boost the Georgia winery business received final passage in the Senate today. Senator Rene Unterman explained House Bills 393 and 1061 open the door for internet and out–of–state wine sales. Both wine bills passed with only six dissenting votes and both now go to Governor Perdue.
Cheers of viva Chavez could be heard under the gold dome today as the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO) lobbied to make March 31st Cesar Chavez day. Lawmakers' Minoo Hosseini has more
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
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