ATLANTA (March 4, 2014) | Senator Brandon Beach (R- Alpharetta) led the passage of two bills and a resolution on Crossover Day at the State Capitol. Crossover Day is the last day a bill can pass to the opposite chamber; if the bill does not receive a passing vote in its original chamber, then it cannot move on in the legislative process and must be revived in the next legislative session.
“This legislation will extend privileges to certain bodies in order to provide better efficiency and service to all Georgians,” said Sen. Beach. “By allowing first informer broadcasters more resources, they will be able to report up to date information during turbulent times, like the most recent winter storms. Senate Bill 353 and Senate Resolution 1027 will seek to provide more economic development by improving pro-business tax incentives while also improving our transportation system.”
Senate Bill 381, otherwise known as the “First Informer Broadcasters” bill, would direct the unified incident command system and the Georgia Emergency Operations Plan to establish planning for first informer broadcasters. By implementing a plan during emergencies, first informer broadcasters will have more access to fuel, food, water and other materials necessary for maintaining a broadcast signal. The bill passed 41-11.
Senate Bill 353 would revise the definition of a “project” as it relates to Development Authorities to allow hotel and motel facilities that are constructed in connection with convention, sports or trade shows tax exempt status. The bill passed 35-13.
Senate Resolution 1027 will create a 17 person SPLOST Reform Joint Study Committee to further research more options in structuring existing local option sales taxes to better meet local needs. The committee will hold at least three public hearings and at least one meeting to discuss and finalize findings; the findings will be reported to the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House and Governor on or before Dec. 1, 2014. The resolution was adopted 45-3.
SB 381, SB 353 and SR 1027 were all transferred to the House of Representatives where it will await a vote before the Day 40 deadline.
For Immediate Release:
March 4, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028