2017 Legislative Update
Week 7 – February 21-24, 2017
 
The General Assembly completed Day 24 of the 2017 Legislative Session on Friday, February 24.  The legislature re-convened on Monday, February 27 for Legislative Day 25. The legislature will be in session Monday through Wednesday, off Thursday, and reconvene on Friday, March 3 for Crossover Day.  Crossover Day is the last day a bill can pass the chamber it originated in to still be eligible for passage this session.
 
Business & Industry
 
HB 199 sponsored by Rep. Trey Rhodes (R-Greensboro), is an income tax credit incentive to entertainment companies such as video game and postproduction. The bill is intended to jumpstart emerging companies by making capital more readily available when they may need it most.  HB 199 passed the House on February 24 and is now in the Senate.
 
HB 336 sponsored by Rep. Don Parsons (R-Marietta), known as the Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia Act, creates broadband deployment incentives to expand internet access in rural Georgia.  The bill passed out of the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee on February 21 and awaits action in House Rules Committee.
 
HB 372 sponsored by Rep. Don Parsons (R-Marietta) creates a sales tax exemption for certain equipment used in the deployment of broadband technology.  The bill was heard in the Sales Tax Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee on February 24.
 
SB 232 sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), the Facilitating Internet Broadband Rural Expansion (FIBRE) Act aims to provide broadband service throughout the state through planning, deployment and incentives.  SB 232 was introduced on February 22 and was referred to the Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee where it will be heard on February 27.
 
Economic Development
  
SB 2 sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R–Carrollton), the FAST Act - Fairness, Accountability, Simplification and Transparency - empowering our small businesses to succeed, aims to reduce regulations and licensing requirements on small businesses.  SB 2 passed the Senate and was referred to the House Small Business Development Committee on February 21.
 
Education and Workforce Development
 
HB 338 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R- Dawsonville), provides for a system of supports and assistance for low-performing schools identified as being in the greatest need of assistance. The bill also looks to provide for and create an Education Turnaround Advisory Council and a Joint Study Committee on the Establishment of a State Accreditation Process.  HB 338 passed the House Education Committee on February 23 and awaits action in the House Rules Committee.
 
SB 3 sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R- Marietta), known as the CONNECT Act, expands credentialing for vocational and skilled labor education in secondary schools.  SB 3 bill was read in the House on February 21 and assigned to the House Education Committee.
 
Healthcare
 
SB 8 sponsored by Sen. Renee Unterman (R-Buford) aims to help consumers against surprise billing by providers, hospitals and insurers for out-of-network services. Under this legislation, surprise bills for emergency services would be disputed through a resolution process within the Department of Insurance.  It also requires that a database with usual and customary cost of services be created and maintained by the Department of Community Health.  SB 8 passed the Senate on February 24 by a vote of 52-0.
 
Transportation
 
SB 6 sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), would form the Georgia Regional Transit Council.  The Council will work to create plans to reduce travel times, road congestion, improve access to highways and develop ideas for transportation innovations.  The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 48 - 0 on February 22 and has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.
  
HB 134 sponsored by Rep. Bubber Epps (R-Dry Branch) allows for greater flexibility in the administration of single county T-SPLOSTs and grants cities the authority to bond their T-SPLOST projects, which will aid local officials in developing a transportation network necessary to attract business growth and support their citizens’ needs.  HB 134 passed the House on February 23 by a vote of 106-58.
 
For detailed information on specific legislation visit: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx

I had eaten, connected with people, ate more food, and stopped at Sarah Jessica Parker's new shoe store before I  noticed that 2 hours had passed, and I still had not seen this casino that had been mentioned on the news several times as I was getting ready in my hotel room. I went to Washington DC in December, and forgot to tell my body that winter in DC was nothing like the last 13 winters we survived in Atlanta.  We were both happy when our driver finally arrived to the new MGM National Harbor Site. My driver was an immigrant and loved his job. He mentioned how much more he loved it because his wages and bonuses had increased because of the new MGM Resort property at National Harbor.  I had just switched out my handbag to a much smaller purse, because a VIP night awaited me and I didnt want to carry a monstrosity of a bag. I only had a few dollars left and thought I can't tip him 3 bucks. I told him I really wanted to give him a tip and as any good business person would do he gave me an alternative payment method. That my friends are innovation, commerce, and electronic payment systems at work.
 
Now back to the main reason I am writing this post.  He shared with me that he completed high school but no other formal education and his job as a driver allowed him to feed his family and have a quality of life he believed we are all entitled too.  I think he loves America as much as I do.

We ended our very pleasant conversation as he handed me back my check card. I entered the room and was amazed by the beauty and grandeur of it all.  Then I smelled food which is my second favorite pastime, so I followed my nose, but the artwork, the people, and the service were things that didn't go unnoticed as I found my way to the Asian restaurant that had the best food, until I reached the steakhouse, the seafood restaurant, and then the best burger I'd ever eaten. 

Finally my feet were killing me, nothing a new pair of SJP's wouldn’t have fixed, but it was time to go back to my hotel room. I was stuffed full of amazing creations, by some of the world's greatest chefs, and that DC cold air was winning a fight I didn't know I was in.  One last stop before I call my Uber. You got it ...the actual casino. Hmmm.. It’s nice, clean, orderly, and buzzing with people.  Ok great now I need ice for my feet and put on a fur coat I don't have.  It was truly a great experience minus the plane ride and the cold DC winter.       

I did wonder a few days later what would happen, what would the impact be on the Atlanta region and the this Bible Belt state if a casino of this magnitude was in this market. However, it’s not for me to decide.                                

On Thursday February 23rd, 2017 the DeKalb Chamber celebrated its 79th Annual Meeting with more than 350 plus business members, community leaders and friends. Our keynote address was delivered by Bill Hornbuckle the President of MGM Resorts International. A topic in Georgia that everyone wants to know more about. Senate Bill 79 sponsored by Senator Brandon Beach is something you all should read and pay attention to. You will find it in many of my previous blogs, on Gold Dome Updates. A promising presentation by Hornbuckle and a timely topic Georgia businesses should keep their eye on. It was also presented in committee on February 23rd to legislators at the capitol. We waited and today was the day for this Destination Resort bill. My employer has not taken a position and nor have I. We will leave that up to those elected to serve, and they have decided. But what do you think? Do you think we have heard the last of SB79? Take the survey below.    

The opinions in my blog are my own, this is my platform to share my experiences and I hope you respect my right to free speech as much as I respect ​yours.​

Katerina "Kat" Taylor    

​The General Assembly completed Day 20 of the 2017 Legislative Session on Friday, February 17.  The legislature will be in recess on Monday and will re-convene on Tuesday, February 21 for Legislative Day 21.  The legislature will be in session Tuesday through Friday of next week and crossover day remains scheduled for March 3.
 
Budget
 
The Governor signed the supplemental budget, HB43 on Wednesday, February 15, a link to his press release can be found here.  The 2018 Budget, HB44, was voted out of the House today with a 167-1 vote.
 
Business & Industry
 
HB 61 sponsored by Rep. Jay Powell (R- Camilla), allows the state to collect sales tax on online purchases through either direct collection by the retailer or by notification of the tax amount to the consumer and the state.  The bill passed the House today and moves to the Senate.
 
HB 192 sponsored by Rep. Beth Beskin (R-Atlanta), aims to return Georgia to an environment that facilitates reasonable decisions by corporate directors and officers. It also encourages companies to incorporate in Georgia, thereby creating opportunities for further economic growth.  HB 192 will be heard in the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Monday, Friday 20.
 
HB 199 sponsored by Rep. Trey Rhodes (R- Greensboro), is an income tax credit incentive to entertainment companies such as video game and postproduction.  The bill is intended to jumpstart emerging companies by making capital more readily available when they may need it most.  The bill passed out of the Ways and Means Income Tax Subcommittee on Thursday and will be heard on Tuesday, February 21 in full committee.
 
SB 85 sponsored by Sen. Rick Jeffares (R – McDonough) is a compromise reached between the Georgia Beer Wholesalers and the craft beer industry which will allow breweries in Georgia to make limited direct sales of their product to their customers. The bill caps the total amount of direct sales by each brewer to 3000 barrels per year and allows a customer to purchase a case of beer per day directly from the brewery for take-out from the premises.  On-site sales of beer are allowed as well. This effort is designed to help the craft beer industry to continue to grow in Georgia and should be beneficial to both the wholesalers and brewers.  The bill passed out of the full House Regulated Industries Committee on Tuesday and awaits action in the House Rules Committee.
 
Economic Development
 
HB 336 sponsored by Rep. Don Parsons (R- Marietta), known as the Broadband Strategy for All of Georgia Act, creates broadband deployment incentives to expand internet access in rural Georgia. The bill passed out of subcommittee and will be heard in the full Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee on Tuesday.
  
SB 2 sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton), the FAST Act - Fairness, Accountability, Simplification and Transparency - empowering our small businesses to succeed, aims to reduce regulations and licensing requirements on small businesses.  The bill unanimously passed in the Senate today.
 
SB 116 sponsored by Sen. Frank Ginn (R- Danielsville) relates to provisions applicable to counties and municipal corporations prohibiting the assessment of storm-water utility fees on water-neutral properties.  The bill awaits a hearing in the Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.
 
Education and Workforce Development
 
HB 338 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R- Dawsonville) provides for a system of support and assistance for low-performing schools identified as in the greatest need of assistance.  The bill looks to provide for and create an Education Turnaround Advisory Council and a Joint Study Committee on the Establishment of a State Accreditation Process.  The bill also looks to assist all charter schools throughout the state.  The bill was introduced this week and heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, where it awaits further action.
 
SB 3 sponsored by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R- Marietta), known as the CONNECT Act, expands credentialing for vocational and skilled labor education in secondary schools.  The bill passed unanimously out of the Senate on Friday, February 17.

Healthcare
 
SB 70 sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), would renew the Hospital Provider Payment Program also known as the hospital Medicaid financing program that provides for the continuation of a charge by hospitals statewide which will be pooled to assist in drawing down federal Medicaid matching funds.  The current program is set to sunset on June 30, 2017 so this bill extends the program until June 30, 2020.  The Governor signed SB 70 on Tuesday, February 14.  A link to his press release can be found here.
 
Transportation
 
HB 160 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R – Dawsonville), creates the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding to study and address the needs of mass transportation.  The bill passed out of the House on Thursday, February 16.
 
For detailed information on specific legislation visit: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx
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2017 Legislative Update
Week 4 – February 3, 2017
 
The General Assembly completed Day 12 of the 2017 Legislative Session on Thursday, February 2nd.  The legislature will re-convene on Tuesday, February 7th for Legislative Day 13.  The House and Senate passed a resolution setting the schedule for the remainder of the session that calls for Sine Die to be on March 30th.  While this date could change, the General Assembly has followed their adjournment resolution schedules very closely the past few years and March 30th seems to be a realistic goal for ending the session.  The pace of activity quickened this week as Committees began to pass out bills for action on the floor.
 
Budget
 
HB 43, the supplemental budget, is now in the Senate and HB 44, the 2018 budget, has hearings scheduled.  Both bills are sponsored by Speaker David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge).
 
Business & Industry
 
SB 85 sponsored by Rick Jeffares (R – McDonough) is a compromise reached between the Georgia Beer Wholesalers and the craft beer industry which will allow breweries in Georgia to make limited direct sales of their product to their customers.  The bill caps the total amount of direct sales by each brewer to 3000 barrels per year and allows a customer to purchase a case of beer per day directly from the brewery for take-out from the premises.  On-site sales of beer are allowed as well.  This effort is designed to help the craft beer industry to continue to grow in Georgia and should be beneficial to both the wholesalers and brewers.  The bill passed the Senate on Thursday.
 
Economic Development
 
SB 2 sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R – Carrollton), titled the FAST Act - Fairness, Accountability, Simplification and Transparency - empowering our small businesses to succeed, aims to reduce regulations and licensing requirements on small businesses.  The bill was heard in the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee on Tuesday and another hearing is expected this week.
 
Healthcare
 
SB 70 sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), would renew the Hospital Provider Payment Program also known as the hospital Medicaid financing program that provides for the continuation of a charge by hospitals statewide which will be pooled to assist in drawing down federal Medicaid matching funds. The current Hospital Provider Payment Program is set to sunset on June 30, 2017 so this bill extends the program until June 30, 2020.  The bill passed the Senate on Thursday.
 
Transportation
 
SB 6 sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), creates a statewide regional transit council to address regional solutions to issues of infrastructure for transit.  The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee on Thursday.
 
HB 160 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R – Dawsonville), creates the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding to study and address the needs of mass transportation.  The bill was heard in the House Transportation Committee, a second hearing is expected this week.
 
For detailed information on specific legislation visit:  http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx

Information provided by Georgia Link
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What's Happening Under the Gold Dome?
 
The General Assembly completed the third week of the 2017 Session on Thursday, January 26, marking day 8 of the 40 day legislative session.  The legislature will reconvene on Monday, January 30 and will be in session through Thursday, February 2 for days 9 - 12.  A number of bills were introduced this week.
 
Budget
 
The House passed the amended State Fiscal Year 2017 budget on Thursday.  HB 43 sponsored by Speaker David Ralston (R – Blue Ridge). The House continues to work on HB 44 also sponsored by Ralston - the budget for State Fiscal Year July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018.
 
Business & Industry
 
SB 60 sponsored by Sen. Horacena Tate (D – Atlanta), the “Georgia Equal Pay Act” seeks to have all employees paid at the same rate for equal work on a job which requires equal skill level regardless of sex.  The bill was first read on January 25 and assigned to the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.
 
Economic Development
 
SB 2 sponsored by Sen. Mike Dugan (R - Carrollton), the “FAST Act - Fairness, Accountability, Simplification and Transparency - Empowering Our Small Businesses to Succeed” seeks to reduce regulations and licensing requirements on small businesses.  The bill was first read on January 12 and assigned to the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
 
SB 67 sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R – Roswell), the “Bring Small Businesses Back to Georgia Regulatory Reform Act” seeks to reduce regulations and costs to businesses.  The bill was first read on January 26 and assigned to the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
 
SB 79 sponsored by Sen. Brandon Beach (R – Alpharetta) and HB 158 sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens (R – Savannah) are similar casino bills which aim to allow two “destination resorts” in Georgia and create the Georgia Gaming Commission. The legislation requires the two billion dollar minimum investment in Atlanta with 450 million dollars required for the unspecified second location.  Both bills were filed on Thursday, January 26 and have not yet been read or assigned to committee.
 
Healthcare
 
SB 70 sponsored by Sen. Butch Miller (R – Gainesville), would renew the Hospital Provider Payment Program also known as the hospital Medicaid financing program and extend the program until June 30, 2020.  The current Hospital Provider Payment Program is set to sunset on June 30, 2017.
 
Transportation
 
SB 6 sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch (R – Dahlonega), creates a statewide regional transit council to address regional solutions to issues of infrastructure for transit.  The bill was first read on January 25 and assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee.
 
HB 160 sponsored by Rep. Kevin Tanner (R – Dawsonville), creates the Georgia Commission on Transit Governance and Funding to study and address the needs of mass transportation.  The bill was filed on Thursday, January 26 and has not yet been read or assigned to committee.
 
 
For detailed information on specific legislation visit:  http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx
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