By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
In a week without the snow, the Senate worked through day 26 of the 40 day 2014 legislative session. We addressed a number of important reform bills to improve the lives of everyday Georgians, small business owners and children in our foster care system.
To improve the quality of care children receive from our Department of Family and Children Services, the Senate passed SB 350. Far too often, children in Georgia fall through the cracks. This bill would allow for well qualified private partners to join with our DFCS system in service to those who need our help the most.
The Senate also passed House Bill 809 to better protect Georgia’s small business owners from a deceptive legal practice called “patent trolling.” This bill protects hard-working citizens who are more concerned with the day-to-day operations than a potentially expensive, frivolous lawsuit.
This week was a full work week in the Georgia General Assembly in every way. Committees met to determine which bills are worthy of consideration before legislative day 30, also known as Crossover Day. That is the last day a bill could pass in the Senate and be sent to the House for approval, or vice versa, before legislative day 40 on March 20. Appropriations Chairman Sen. Jack Hill also called Appropriations sub-committee meetings to review the state budget for Fiscal Year 2015.
On top of all of the committee work, the Senate took legislative action on a number of other bills and resolutions that will pass to the House for consideration, or to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Some of the more notable bills include:
Senate Bill 318
This bill would allow alcohol sales in bars on the Sunday immediately before St. Patrick’s Day.
Status: Failed Senate; Reconsidered; Re-committed to Senate Rules Committee.
Senate Bill 95
Senate Bill 95 requires the non-partisan election of chief executive officers in counties that use a CEO or county commission form of government.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
Senate Bill 350
SB 350 allows for child welfare services such as foster care, adoption and case management to be bid upon through contracts with community-based providers, including non-profit and faith-based groups. This legislation will provide a greater level of community-based services for Georgia’s children and families while also improving access to specialized care, resources, and support through an increased public-private partnership.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
Senate Bill 299
SB 299 provides minimum standards for watershed protection and empowers local government to draft customized watershed protection plans. The bill ensures full compliance of the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Act and continues to protect the beautiful trout streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Status: Passed Senate; under consideration in House.
House Bill 809
House Bill 809 strengthens the Fair Business Practices Act to prohibit a deceptive practice called “patent trolling”– bad faith assertions of patent infringement. It also explains the process for determining if a bad faith claim has been made.
Status: On Governor’s desk.
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.
Column:
February 21, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028