By: Sen. Jeff Mullis (R – Chickamauga)
This week was a busy one for the Georgia Senate. With five legislative days planned and a full committee schedule, the pressure was on meet the crossover day deadline. Only one legislative day remains for bills to pass the Senate floor and transfer over to the House for consideration. The last 10 legislative days will be used to review House bills in the Senate, as well as finalize and pass the FY 2017 general budget.
I presented three bills this week that caused quite the “explosion” in the Senate. Not really, but all three were related to the sale and use of fireworks. While people were initially excited with the consumer fireworks bill passed last year, it quickly became clear that the law needed some clarification. Senate Bill 369 follows up on the consumer fireworks bill that was passed in 2015 and corrects a number of problems with the original legislation, including time periods of use, seller licensing procedures and locations for ignition. The legislation received Senate approval and will now be reviewed by the House.
The other two fireworks bills will strengthen Georgia’s trauma care network, if approved by both the General Assembly and voter referendum. Senate Bill 350 would allocate the proceeds from consumer fireworks excise taxes towards public safety purposes, including funding for the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission and the Georgia Firefighter Standards and Training Council. However, Senate Bill 350 cannot become law without the approval of Georgia voters. Senate Resolution 558 is the constitutional amendment that must be approved in order to enact the provisions of Senate Bill 350. The resolution also clarifies that revenues deposited under Senate Bill 350 will not go into the general fund. These bills have also been transferred to the Georgia House for consideration.
Although there is a still lot of work to be done this legislative session, I want you to know I am never too busy to answer your questions or hear your concerns about proposed legislation. As always, it is an honor and a privilege to represent Senate District 53 at the Georgia State Capitol.
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For Immediate Release:
February 29, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028