By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
For the second time during the 2014 session of the Georgia General Assembly, winter weather drastically adjusted the legislative schedule. Senate business concluded on Tuesday to ensure everyone could return home safely, and we were in adjournment throughout the rest of the week.
Well in advance of the storm, Governor Nathan Deal was a vocal and visible leader, and his decisiveness encouraged others to be proactive about safety. The preparation and response to this storm was impressive. A coordinated effort from elected leaders, emergency staff and school officials quickly applied lessons learned from merely a few weeks ago. Georgia Department of Transportation crews have worked long hours in the last few weeks. We should all be thankful for their service.
In response to the weather, the House and Senate passed a calendar resolution that puts the 40th and final day of this session, also known as Sine Die, on Thursday, March 20. The resolution sets Crossover Day, the last day for Senate bills to transfer to the House for consideration and vice versa, on Monday, March 3.
Even with the shortened week, the Senate took legislative action on a number of bills that are now in the House for consideration or on the Governor’s desk awaiting his signature. Some of the more notable bills include:
Senate Bill 294
SB 294 allows an individual licensed as an Electrical Contractor Class II to perform low-voltage contracting without obtaining a statewide low-voltage contractor class license.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
Senate Bill 301
This bill permits the use of certain wood materials in school construction as long as it is in compliance with state fire and building codes.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
Senate Bill 305
SB 305 authorizes a fire marshal, state inspector or code official to deny a permit or issue a stop-work order by written notification if it is determined that building construction or plans are not in compliance with state fire safety standards.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
Senate Bill 329
SB 329, also known as the Work Based Learning Act, will change the provisions of and rename the Youth Apprenticeship Program to the work based learning program.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
House Bill 494
HB 494 requires private airstrip owners and utilities companies to work together during the installation of safety markers on utility lines to provide adequate visual warning in use of private airstrips.
Status: On Governor’s desk.
I also had the honor of co-sponsoring Senate Resolution 889, which commends U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss for his many Congressional achievements. Sen. Chambliss was elected to the U.S House of Representatives in 1994 and subsequently elected to serve in the United States Senate in 2002. He has faithfully served on the Committees on Intelligence, Homeland Security, Agriculture and Rules.
I encourage anyone with questions about the bills mentioned above, or any other legislation, to contact my office at any time. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent District 53 at the Georgia State Capitol.
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Sen. Jeff Mullis serves as Chairman of the Rules Committee. He represents the 53rd Senate District, which includes Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties and portions of Chattooga County. He can be reached at his office in Atlanta at 404.656.0057 or by email at jeff.mullis@senate.ga.gov.
FOR INFORMATION CONTACT
Jennifer Yarber, Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028