This week in the Senate, the Crossover Day deadline was passed as we officially completed days 27, 28 and 29 of the legislative session. While there were many important pieces of legislation passed on the floor on Crossover Day, arguably the biggest piece of legislation to come before the Senate in years, House Bill 918, passed the day after. This legislation will reduce the current 6 percent top income tax rate in Georgia to 5.75 percent in 2019 and 5.5 percent in 2020. It will also double the standard deduction from $3,000 to $6,000.
This is exciting news for everyone, as families of four whose household income is $50,000 per year could see a 16 percent decrease in their tax burden. What this means is Georgians will have more money to spend on the things they want and need. This will in turn foster more economic growth and ensure that Georgians are living prosperous lives.
This monumental change is because of the leadership we have seen at the federal level through the tax reduction bill introduced and passed earlier this year. Because of this, there was the chance that some Georgians could actually see more taken out of their income tax on the state level because the federal percentage rate was lowered. We were proactive in lowering the tax rate to ensure that Georgians were not overburdened unintentionally. This does not affect the balanced budget and we made sure that the reduction in income tax would not affect the amount of revenue we bring in to make up the budget. In all, this was a win-win for everyone and something I am tremendously excited to support and see pass the Senate. It’s been a long time coming, since 1937 in fact, but I am glad to finally see monumental income tax cuts at both the state and federal level.
Over the past few days, we had 72 bills and resolutions on the Senate floor. Here are highlights of a few of them that I believe will impact or interest citizens in District 20:
These first three bills address initiatives for veterans and active duty military members in our state. With almost 90,000 active duty and more than 700,000 veterans, it’s imperative that we keep our military community at the forefront of our priorities. I am happy that all three of these bills passed with bipartisan support.
Expanding HOPE Scholarship Grants to National Guardsmen
Sen. Lester Jackson sponsored Senate Bill 82 which would expand the eligibility for HOPE scholarship grants to members of the Georgia National Guard and reservists in Georgia who meet certain residency criteria.
Creating the Georgia Joint Defense Commission
Sen. Ben Watson sponsored Senate Bill 395 which would create the Georgia Joint Defense Commission. Under this legislation, the commission would seek advice and prepare for any potential base realignments, in addition to making recommendations regarding the development of military in the state.
Residency Requirements for Active Duty Service Members
Senate Bill 354, sponsored by Sen. Lester Jackson, would allow certain active duty military service members to be classified as in-state residents for tuition purposes for the Technical College System of Georgia.
Rural broadband has been a big topic over the last several months and this week we made huge strides at finding a solution. These three bills outline the plan:
Facilitating Internet Broadband Expansion (FIBRE) Act
Sen. Steve Gooch sponsored Senate Bill 232 which would expand access to public rights of way and set regulations for Georgia’s electric membership cooperatives wishing to deploy broadband services, VoIP or wireless services. EMCs who are currently offering the services like the two in north Georgia would be grandfathered in under this legislation.
Broadband Infrastructure Leads to Development (BILD) Act
Sen. Steve Gooch sponsored Senate Bill 426 which would address local government’s ability to place regulations, fees and taxes on private companies seeking to use the public rights of way to expand broadband access. Under SB 426, construction of small wireless technology on existing utility poles and other broadband supporting structures is addressed as well as construction of new utility poles where ones do not exist containing electrical or communications capabilities.
Achieving Connectivity Everywhere Act
Senate Bill 402, sponsored by Sen. Steve Gooch, would lay the groundwork for expanding broadband access to rural Georgia. SB 402 promotes public-private partnerships and gives authority to the Georgia Technology Authority to evaluate communities and create plans for broadband expansion. The bill would also offer incentives for local communities, including a new community designation of “broadband ready,” which will allow them to qualify for grant programs and the opportunity for tax exemptions in certain areas. Under the legislation, SB 402 would use existing Department of Transportation right-of-ways to lay fiber. SB 402 passed with a vote of 52-0. – SB 402
“Surprise Billing”
Senate Bill 359, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler, would increase transparency in medical billing by requiring hospitals and physicians to clearly post notices and standard charges on their respective websites. The bill would requires insurers to provide enrollees with criteria for in-network and out-of-network coverage. Under SB 359, the legislation would also allow for the mediation of a bill greater than $1,000 for an elective medical procedure.
Senator Thorborn ‘Ross’ Tolleson, Jr. Act
Sen. Renee Unterman sponsored Senate Bill 444, also known as the “Senator Thorborn ‘Ross’ Tolleson, Jr. Act,” which would create the Georgia Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia State Plan Advisory Council. Under SB 444, the membership makeup of the 17 member council is outlined along with its duties. I was honored to offer an emendment renaming this act the “Senator Thorborn ‘Rosso Tolleson, Jr. Act” in honor of my good friend and one of the hardest working legislators to ever represent us, Sen. Ross Tolleson.
Changing Authority of Water Metering Program
I sponsored Senate Bill 451 which would place the responsibility for agricultural water metering under the Environmental Protection Division. Under the legislation, SB 451 provides provisions for surface water and groundwater withdrawals. The legislation would require all people who are permitted to withdraw ground or surface water in excess of 100,000 gallons per day for farm use to install a water metering device which would be overseen by the Environmental Protection Division.
Let me know if you have any questions about any of these bills or anything that is passing to our chamber from the House!
# # # #
Sen. Larry Walker serves as an Administration Floor Leader. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Laurens, Pulaski Counties and most of Houston County. He may be reached at his Atlanta office at 404.656.0081 or by email at larry.walker@senate.ga.gov.