2021 Legislative Update – Week 10
The Georgia General Assembly was in session for three days this week. Monday was legislative day 36, Tuesday was legislative day 37, and Thursday was legislative day 38. The General Assembly will reconvene next week for the final two days of the session on Monday, March 29 for legislative day 39 and Wednesday, March 31 for legislative day 40, Sine Die.
Bills under consideration are:
House Bill 68, by Representative Heath Clark (R-Warner Robins), relates to certain military certifications that entitle persons to obtain certain professional licenses, so as to extend the time a member of the military has to qualify for the issuance of a license or certification as an electrical contractor, plumber, conditioned air contractor, low-voltage contractor, or utility contractor using his or her military specialty or certification passed the Senate on Thursday.
House Bill 76, by Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), modifies percentage limitation as to the amount of the investments an electric membership corporation may make and maintain in a gas affiliate had a hearing in Senate Transportation on Tuesday.
House Bill 81, by Representative David Ralston (R-Blue Ridge), provides the budget for the State Fiscal Year July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2022. It passed the Senate on Tuesday and a conference committee was appointed and met on Wednesday.
House Bill 134, by Representative Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia), excludes meetings relating to cybersecurity contracting and planning from open meeting requirements is on the Senate Rules calendar for Monday, March 29th.
House Bill 149, by Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), allows certain elections to be made by subchapter “S” corporations and partnerships for the filing of tax returns and imposition of taxes. It passed in the Senate on Monday.
House Bill 150, by Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), prohibits governmental entities from adopting any policy that prohibits the connection or reconnection of any utility service based upon the type or source of energy or fuel. It passed in the Senate on Monday.
House Bill 290, by Representative Ed Setzler (R-Acworth), provide policy during a declared public health emergency that limits patients’ abilities to be visited by designated family members and friends. It passed through Senate Health and Human Services on Wednesday and will be on the Senate Rules Calendar on Monday.
House Bill 306, by Representative Stan Gunter (R-Blairsville), provide that corporations may hold shareholders’ meetings by means of remote communication passed through the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday and will be on the Rules Calendar on Monday.
House Bill 317, by Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), relates to excise tax on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations passed through Senate Finance on Wednesday and will be on the Rules calendar for Monday.
House Bill 334, by Representative Joseph Gullet (R-Dallas), relates to superior courts; clerks; notaries public passed through the Senate Judiciary on Wednesday and will be on the Rules Calendar on Monday.
House Bill 383, by Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), prohibits the state from entering into certain contracts with an individual or company unless such contracts contain a certification that such individual or company does not presently conduct a boycott of Israel and will not conduct such a boycott for the duration of such contract passed in Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.
House Bill 449, by Representative Vance Smith (R-Pine Mountain), enhance the processes for locate requests and to require that 9-1-1 be contacted if an excavator damages a gas or hazardous liquid pipeline passed in the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities on Thursday and will be on the Senate Rules Calendar on Monday.
House Bill 479, by Representative Bert Reeves (R-Marietta), to provide for arrests by a law enforcement officer outside of the jurisdiction of his or her employing law enforcement agency under certain circumstances is on the Senate Rules Calendar for Monday.
House Bill 532, by Representative Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville), authorize the Commissioner of Labor to designate peace officers to carry out and enforce provisions relating to labor and industrial relations passed through Senate Insurance and Labor on Wednesday and will be on the Rules Calendar on Monday.
Senate Bill 95, by Senator Frank Ginn (R-Danielsville), provides for conditions for meetings and public hearings to be held by teleconference in emergency conditions. It was on the House Rules calendar for Thursday but was recommitted to Rules before being voted on.
Senate Bill 142, by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), provides for lottery game of sports wagering in this state. It was on the House Rules calendar for Thursday but was recommitted to Rules before being voted on.
Senate Bill 165, by Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), exempts autonomous vehicles from certain vehicle equipment requirements. It passed the House as amended on Thursday.
Senate Bill 255, by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), provides for the “OneGeorgia Authority Act,” a grant program to support border region retail and tourism projects. It passed through Economic Development & Tourism on Monday and is waiting in House Rules.
Senate Resolution 135, by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), provides a constitutional amendment for sports betting. It was on the House Rules calendar for Thursday but was recommitted to Rules before being voted on.
Information courtesy of Lauren Fralick, GeorgiaLink on behalf of the RBC – March 26, 2021.