By Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming)
The Georgia General Assembly is only three business days away from Crossover Day – the last day bills can transfer between the Senate and House. Traditionally, this day is inundated with legislation, which can be hard to keep track.
Let me update you on my sponsored legislation. The Senate passed SB 140 on Thursday to allow certain auto services and repairs to be offered as an extended warranty and, therefore, as a form of property insurance. Specific services involved include certain repairs to interior fabric or carpet, the cosmetic repair of exterior plastic surfaces, the cosmetic repair to aluminum or painted wheels, and exterior recondition of headlights to restore clarity and luster.
The House of Representatives has taken up my bill to protect the identity of children who report abuses within the Department of Juvenile Justice. SB 69 would prevent officials and employees of the DJJ from disclosing children’s identities and information supplied by children who report wrongdoings in the juvenile justice system, unless the reporting child or their representatives request the information. At least once per year, the DJJ commissioner will issue a public report that summarizes the amount and nature of reported abuse and wrongdoings.
Noteworthy bills in the House
The Senate also passed HB 266, which would update Georgia’s IRS code and clarify measures from 2012’s tax reform overhaul. The bill was amended from its original version to reconcile unintended financial repercussions from last year’s comprehensive tax reform package. As passed by the Senate, HB 266 will offer a $179 million tax cut over a four-year period and prevent a considerable tax hike on Georgia taxpayers. Included in these updates are the removal of sales tax on leases and the exemption of TSPLOST from car purchases. HB 266 was immediately transferred back to the House, to expedite the legislative process to protect Georgia’ automobile industry from unintentional tax increases.
Also noteworthy, the House passed HB 242, a comprehensive rewrite of juvenile justice code to focus on rehabilitating troubled youths through community based programs. I look forward to taking this legislation up in the Senate.
Senate Bills Traveling to the House of Representatives
SB 136 reduce the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.10 to 0.08 for hunting or boating while under the influence, increase the penalties for boating while under the influence, and require certain individuals to complete a boating education course prior to operation of a vessel.
SB 70 would change the types of projects eligible for design build contracts and procurement processes by allowing bids from the private sector. Additionally, the design bill would allow Georgia to choose bids which are of the best value, not just the lowest priced.
SB 68 would Celebrate Freedom Week the week of September 17th in Georgia’s Public Schools. During this week, students would be required to receive at least three hours of instruction regarding our nation’s founding principles.
SB 139 would allow lenders and sellers to charge closing fees on money advances or credit extensions up to 4 percent of the loan or contract but not more than $50. This legislation only applies to certain industrial loans, retail installment and home solicitation sales contracts, motor vehicle financing contracts, and insurance premium finance agreements.
Bills that have become Law
This week, the Senate passed HB 57 to expand the definition of Schedule I controlled substances to include compounds used to manufacture synthetic marijuana. The Governor signed HB 57 into law on Tuesday to strengthen the ban on synthetic marijuana and narcotic bath salts.
As the speed of the legislative process increases on the race to the finish line, Day 40, it is even more important to stay informed. To track legislation as it travels through the committee process and between Chambers, go online here: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx.
Please let me know if I can answer any of your questions on legislation impacting Forsyth County, and how I can better represent you at the Capitol.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 1, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028