Today’s actions included a lot of farewells as members who plan on not running for office or intend to seek other offices gave their goodbye speeches. In the House, Representative Tom Kirby gave his farewell speech.

The Senate roasted outgoing Senate Rules Chairman Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) today - the Senate’s actions had Chairman Mullis in tears and the tissue box was kept close at hand as his current, and many former Senate colleagues, came to acknowledge his work to the State and his district for more than 20 years.  Chairman Mullis, often a prankster and jokester, enjoyed his colleagues' remarks, including former Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson’s comments from the rostrum to wish him well.

The good news - the House and Senate are playing ball.  Each body is now moving bills through their Rules Calendars after a short stalemate. More details in this #GoldDomeReport.

In this Report:

• Floor Action

• Committee Reports

• New Legislation

• What’s Next

Floor Action

The house took up the following measures on Legislative Day 33:

• SB 211 - Probate Court of Crisp County; office of judge; future elections; provide - PASSED (101-63)

• SB 331 - "Protecting Georgia Businesses and Workers Act"; enact - PASSED (99-67)

• SB 340 - Hospital Authorities and Designated Teaching Hospitals; definitions; revise - PASSED (161-0)

• SB 346 - Department of Administrative Services; companies owned or operated by China to bid on or submit a proposal for a state contract; prohibit - PASSED ( 119-45)

The Senate took up the following measures on Legislative Day 33:

• HB 275 - Fire protection and safety; random drug tests for certain firefighters, emergency medical services personnel, paramedics, and cardiac technicians; require - PASSED (51-0)

• HB 385 - Teachers Retirement System of Georgia; employ beneficiaries; permit public school systems - PASSED (50-1)

• HB 1049 - State Board of Nursing Home Administrators; revise composition - PASSED 49-2)

• HB 1086 - Health; influenza vaccinations for discharged patients; lower age to 50 - PASSED (52-0)

• HB 1303 - Education; transition a pilot program for elementary agricultural education to an ongoing program - PASSED (51-0)

• HB 1346 - Courts; clerks of superior courts; provide for construction - PASSED (52-0)

Committee Reports

Senate Health and Human Services Committee

The Senate Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Senator Ben Watson (R-Savannah), met to consider the following measures on Tuesday afternoon:

• HB 412, authored by Representative Katie Dempsey (R-Rome), amends Title 43 to provide for the licensure of individuals in the practice of applied behavior analysis.

  Representative Dempsey presented the bill to the Committee as a Substitute (LC 33 9199S), and Chairman Watson noted that the bill has been reviewed by the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council. According to the author, 33 states already license the practice of ABA therapy.

  Dr. Michelle Zeanah, a pediatrician from the Statesboro area, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Colin Muething, a psychologist and board member of the Georgia Association of Behavior Analysis also spoke in support of the legislation. Jamila Pope expressed support on behalf of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Marcus Autism Center. Several parents also appeared in support.

  Tom Bauer of the Georgia Occupational Therapy Association expressed concern that registered behavior technicians under the proposed licensure framework lack sufficient training requirements and supervisory ratios. Mr. Bauer also expressed concern that these technicians are unknown by the state licensure body. The author explained that some of these issues are addressed in the current language (like a link to the national registration database), but there is no supervisory ratio.

  Senator Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) proposed an amendment to strike lines 80-81 relating to required diversity on the board, and the Committee adopted the amendment by a 5-4 vote. The Committee recommended the bill DO PASS by Committee Substitute as amended and be sent to the Rules Committee. Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan) will carry the bill in the Senate.

• HB 1069, authored by Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), is known as the “Adult Mental Health Services Licensing Act”. The bill amends Title 37 to establish a license for residential centers for adult mental health programs, which are currently licensed as personal care homes. Personal care homes are primarily used to manage elderly, physically, or intellectually disabled people and the standards do not meet the needs for therapeutic residential facilities with programming. HB 1069 would rectify this discrepancy and allow care providers to treat patients accordingly without insurance denials.

  Representative Williamson presented the bill to the Committee, which recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

• HB 1425, authored by Representative Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville), amends Title 16 to authorize the Governor to issue initial Class 1 and Class 2 production licenses for a limited time period.

  Representative Werkheiser appeared to present his bill, but he was preempted by Chairman Watson, who announced that the content of HB 1425 would be replaced with the content of SB 609, noting that the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission “needs to do its job.” The Committee recommended the bill DO PASS by Committee Substitute and be sent to the Rules Committee. Chairman Watson will carry the bill in the Senate.

Senate Insurance and Labor Committee

The Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, chaired by Senator Dean Burke (R-Bainbridge), met on Tuesday afternoon to consider the following propositions:

• HB 733, authored by Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), amends Title 33 to  revise the definition of a guaranteed asset protection waiver. The legislation addresses consumer finance agreements in the event of total physical damage loss or unrecovered theft of a motor vehicle.  It also permits a credit for the purchase of replacement vehicles.

  Representative Smith presented the bill to the Committee, which recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee.

• HB 1276, authored by Representative Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), amends Title 31 to require that statistical reports containing data relating to state health plans be posted on the Department of Community Health website. The data reporting covers Medicaid, PeachCare for Kids, and the State Health Benefit Plan, and the bill also provides requirements of content for the reports.  In particular, it is addressing many of the questions that the legislature has asked about the CMOs. This effort is not to compete with the All Payer Claims Database which has been funded.

  Representative Hawkins presented the bill to the Committee, and the Committee recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Senate Rules Committee. Senator Larry Walker (R-Perry) will carry the bill in the Senate.

• HB 1297, authored by Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), amends Title 33  to provide an insurance premium discount or reduction for home or commercial property owners who build a “fortified standard” (a new home or commercial property that better resists tornado or other catastrophic windstorm events).

  Representative Gambill presented the bill to the Committee, noting that several states have passed laws recognizing this “fortified standard” of building. Insurers will be allowed to determine what is considered fortified and what incentive is provided to policyholders. Jimmy Cotty of the Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association spoke in support of the bill. Bobby Potter of State Farm also expressed support for the legislation.

  The Committee recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Senate Rules Committee. Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula) will carry the bill in the Senate.

• HB 1409, authored by Representative Bill Werkheiser (R-Glennville), amends Title 34 to change certain provisions related to workers' compensation benefits. The bill also increases the weekly compensation benefits for total disability and temporary partial disability and the total compensation payable to a surviving spouse as a sole dependent at the time of death. The bill has been requested by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.

  Representative Werkheiser presented the bill to the Committee, which recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Senate Rules Committee. Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta) will carry the bill in the Senate.

  The Committee was scheduled to hear HB 389, but the author was unable to attend. It will be heard at the next committee meeting.

House Insurance Committee – Life & Health Subcommittee

The Life & Health Subcommittee of the House Insurance Committee, chaired by Representative Darlene Taylor (R-Thomasville), met on Tuesday morning to consider the following measures:

• SB 487, authored by Senator Sheila McNeill (R-Brunswick), amends Title 33 to provide that diagnostic breast examinations shall not be treated less favorably than screening mammography for breast cancer with respect to insurance cost-sharing requirements.

  Senator McNeill presented the legislation alongside Senator Michael Rhett (D-Marietta) as a Substitute (LC 52 0128S). The author explained that the Substitute clarifies the definition of “medically necessary” and adopts language relating to high-deductible health plans. Leah Barber of the Susan G. Komen Foundation, the key proponent of this bill, spoke in support. Becky Ryles expressed support for the bill on behalf of the Georgia Radiological Society. The Subcommittee took no vote on the bill.

• SB 566, authored by Senator Dean Burke (R-Bainbridge), amends Title 33 to clarify that, under the Surprise Billing Consumer Protection Act, a medical or traumatic condition, sickness, or injury which includes a mental health condition or substance use disorder and that emergency medical services include post-stabilization services.

  Chairwoman Taylor presented the bill in the absence of the author as a Substitute (LC 52 0127S). Georgians for a Healthy Future and the Georgia Hospital Association spoke in support of the legislation. The Georgia Association of Health Plans asked for a clarifying amendment to Section 2 of the bill, which the Chair confirmed is already in the Substitute. The Subcommittee took no vote on the bill.

House Health and Human Services Committee

Chairman Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta) and her Committee had the following measures on their agenda this afternoon:

• SB 342, authored by Senator Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), amends Chapter 24 of Title 33 so as to provide for annual reporting regarding mental health parity and treatment limitations, including non-quantitative treatment limitations, in certain healthcare plans offered in the individual, small group, and large group markets; to require an insurer to post current, accurate data on treatment limitations, including non-quantitative treatment limitations, on the insurer's public-facing website; to provide for the Commissioner to compile and release summary reports and data summaries on the department's website; to provide for definitions; to establish penalties and enforcement mechanisms. The legislation is to provide transparency for mental health parity.  The legislation only applies to commercial carriers - it does not apply to Medicaid and CMOs. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation and now moves to the House Rules Committee.

• SB 338, authored by Senator Dean Burke (R-Bainbridge), amends O.C.G.A. 49-4-159 to increase postpartum coverage under Medicaid from six months to one year following the end of the pregnancy.  The Committee worked from LC 33 8795.  Senator Burke explained it was a simple bill; one-year of post-partum coverage for pregnant women was funded in the budget; the Governor was thanked for his financial support. DPH also was present and in support of the legislation.  There were individuals who spoke to their support of the legislation.  These included Tina Marie Marsten who spoke about her own experience developing cardiomyopathy post-partum. She now requires a mechanical heart pump. Bethany Sherrer, MAG, supports the legislation, tackling maternal mortality in Georgia and ensuring women have the care they need.  Elizabeth Moseley, Ph.D., spoke to the legislation and supported the legislation. 32 percent of deaths occur after six months. African-Americans are more likely to suffer maternal mortality than other women.  The measure received a DO PASS recommendation.

• SB 496, authored by Senator Dean Burke (R-Bainbridge), amends Chapter 16 of Title 45 to require a medical examiner's inquiry when death occurs of a pregnant woman or woman who was pregnant within 365 days of her death. It also adds that an individual shall be deemed to have died unattended by a physician when any such individual has not been seen or treated by a physician within the 180 days prior to such individual's death for a condition or illness likely to have caused or contributed to such individual's death. Bethany Sherrer, MAG, supported this legislation.  The number two recommendation on addressing maternal mortality is to establish a system on causes of death. The medical examiner will send the female body for an autopsy when death is unknown (referring the body to the perinatal center).  There is an attempt underway, in the Senate, to get state funding for the perinatal centers for grants to be overseen by the Department of Public Health. Also working on a pilot program to address issues around cardiomyopathy (prenatal and postpartum). Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) asked for points of clarification on the 30 percent of deaths that will likely require an autopsy. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation.

• SB 345, authored by Senator Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga), adds at O.C.G.A. 50-1-11 to prohibit state and local governments from mandating COVID-19 vaccine passports. Representative Shelly Hutchinson (D-Snellville) objected to the legislation, arguing that there are new variants of COVID-19. Representative Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain) also raised questions about the mandate. Private entities are allowed to decide their own fate. Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) asked for clarity about the private sector. Representative Karla Drenner asked if this is a preemption bill - yes.  There is a one-year sunset on the legislation. Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) asked about vaccinations and noted that those are personal decisions and with discussions with their medical providers. If folks are excluded from entry to their courthouses or other public government buildings by requiring a vaccine passport, that would be discriminatory. Representative James Beverly (D-Macon) followed up - where someone acts out and produces imminent harm to others. If we allow individuals to do what they want, per Representative Beverly, we should be cautious.  We now require schools to vaccinate children before they can attend school. The bill only localizes COVID-19.  Representative Hutchinson asked if this was the first time that Georgia has banned a passport like this.  A new variant with a combination of Omicron and Delta has now emerged. Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) asked about the school mandate and the requirement of long-proven vaccines. There have been many who have been reluctant to be vaccinated with its development. Senator Mullis brought the legislation as a reaction to his constituents’ concerns. The Governor still retains emergency powers if the legislation becomes law to override the ban. Representative Dexter Sharper (D-Valdosta) asked why the legislature was entertaining the bill when there is not a current problem. Representative Rebecca Mitchell (D-Snellville), a Ph.D. epidemiologist, spoke to the Committee, noting that if her colleagues voted for this legislation that they could not unring the bell -she asked that they look at the ban of the requirement later - wait a year.  She urged that members put the legislation on the table, noting that she understands the anti-vaccine movement which is underway.  Taylor Hawkins, Front Line Policy Action, does not prevent individuals from getting vaccines and his entity supports the legislation.  It is not an anti-vaccine bill. It does not pose a significant risk to children.  Representative Hutchinson asked about Front Line Policy and it believes in “medical freedom.”   Representative Mike Cheokas (R-Americus) moved that SB 345 receive a DO PASS recommendation. Chairman Cooper believes in childhood immunizations; however, she noted the misinformation in the public for instance on masks. She also took issue with the mandate that healthcare workers be vaccinated or otherwise lose their jobs. SB 345 passed along party lines.

House Human Relations and Aging Committee

Chairman Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) and his Committee took up the following:

• SB 610, authored by Senator Sally Harrell (D-Atlanta), initially addressed NOW and COMP waivers for disabled individuals.  The legislation considered by the Committee was LC 33 9056.  The concern is about direct services’ pay levels who provide the work under the waivers, and the legislation proposes a rate study to have provider rates approved by CMS.  The last rate study was conducted in 2015.  This legislation requires that the Department conduct the rate studies every three years in O.C.G.A. 49-4-142.4 and will include all four waivers: NOW, COMP, ICWP, and EDWP. The rate increase is done through the appropriations process; this requires the study to understand what rate increases are needed. Representative Tommy Benton (R-Jefferson) indicated that a rate increase was provided last year for 5 percent and another rate increase was provided but no approval has been received by CMS.  Chairman Petrea noted that the rate increases were desperately needed, noting CMS has failed miserably in getting rates approved.  Representative Mary Robichaux (D-Roswell) asked for clarification about whether the rate studies were required for waivers to be in compliance. SOURCE and CCSP would be captured under the EDWP waiver.  Chairman Petrea also wants to add another waiver to this “study.”  Representative Erick Allen (D-Smyrna) asked if these studies were non-binding; that is correct - only data to make better decisions.  Mr. Phillip Woody, an advocate, spoke about funding for the NOW and COMP waivers, including the added 225 more slots in the budget.  Mr. Woody, a father of a son with a TBI, and he discussed available day programs and the difficulties around the workforce shortages for the staff for these programs.  They make less than $10 per hour or less than what an individual makes at a fast food restaurant. A one percent rate increase is nothing for the paid workers according to Mr. Woody.  Further, he noted that Georgia does a poor job at taking care of these individuals. The waiting list of 7,000 for those who are qualified for services; the General Assembly, however, rations services to the most vulnerable. Representative Donna McLeod noted that taxpayers deserve to receive services.  The  Committee also made remarks around the fact the magic pay scale of $10 is insufficient; that is why individuals work two and three jobs and the Committee should look at some minimum pay.  Brian Whitmire addressed the Committee as a member of SPADD and the long-suffering of the workforce shortage for IDD folks.  He told the Committee that folks cannot live on $10 per hour; the folks who are most vulnerable need more.  There is a need for routine rate adjustments - quality, health and safety, and provider capacity are impacted as a result of no adjustments. SB 610 makes huge strides in making sure there is a good wage.  Lauren Pollow also spoke in support of SB 610. Whitney Fukes, another member of SPADD, spoke to the legislation; his organization alone serves 1500 people in the Atlanta area. Mr. Fukes noted that all change is incremental and priorities for serving IDD folks are sometimes lower, and this legislation is an incremental step for the direct support professionals. His agency pays $12 per hour, and it has more than 150 job openings. Georgia has done a remarkable job in de-institutionalizing individuals so that they can get care in the community according to Chairman Petrea.  Ginny Helms, Leading Age Georgia, also spoke in favor of the legislation. Representative John LaHood (R-Valdosta) noted the costs of regulation which drives up administrative costs for the providers.  Michael Polacek, with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, thanked the Senator and Chairman for working on the legislation.  Brandy Sylvan, with the Department of Community Health, also spoke in support of the legislation and the extension of the study to four years. The last increases requested have required a rate study to be submitted to CMS.  The Department of Community Health believes that the study should be done every four years and agrees with the addition of the Georgia Pediatric Program to be included in the study (skilled services for medically fragile children). The committee gave the legislation a DO PASS recommendation; amendments were offered by the Chairman, moves the study to be done every four years to allow enough time to conduct the studies, and adds the Georgia Pediatric Program.  Representative Allen noted that this issue has been a problem for a long time; he previously worked for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.  He noted too that he hoped that once studies are conducted that the General Assembly responds to what the studies tell the General Assembly. The Committee passed the legislation with the amendments offered by Chairman Petrea. It now moves to the House Rules Committee.

Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee

The Senate Regulated Industries & Utilities Committee, chaired by Senator Bill Cowsert (R-Athens), met Tuesday afternoon to consider the following measures:

• HB 1441, authored by Representative J. Collins (R-Villa Rica), amends Title 43 to exempt a certified peace officer employed by a licensed private detective business or private security business as an independent contractor from licensure under Chapter 38.

  Representative Collins presented the bill to the Committee, which recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee. Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan) will carry the bill in the Senate.

• HB 1481, authored by Representative Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), amends Title 40 to provide for standards for issuance of dealer license plates. Specifically, the bill freezes the number of used car dealer license plates as the number earned in 2020 due to market conditions.

  Representative Jasperse presented the bill to the Committee, which recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee. Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) will carry the bill in the Senate.

Prior to hearing the occupational licensure bills on the Committee’s agenda, Chairman Cowsert directed members to the sections of the Georgia Code relating to the Georgia Occupational Regulation Review Council that require GORRC review of new licensure statutes. Chairman Cowsert advised Committee members that he was not aware that any of the licensing bills on the agenda had been reviewed by GORRC and that his recent conversations with the Governor’s staff indicated that the Governor’s Office believes that the bills should go to GORRC.

• HB 972, authored by Representative Dave Belton (R-Buckhead), amends Title 43 to update the licensure statute for licensed professional counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists.
  Representative Belton presented the bill to the Committee, explaining that he has done 27 substitutes of this legislation. He further explained that a staff member at OPB told him that GORRC review was not necessary, and, even if it were, there is time to complete it before the end of the Governor’s signing period after session.

  Chairman Cowsert reserved action on the bill, encouraging Representative Belton and interested advocates to have conversations with the Governor’s Office to see if there are any parts of his bill that could move forward without GORRC review. The Chairman expressed openness to calling the bill back up at a later meeting.

• HB 1193, authored by Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), amends Title 43 to provide for reinstatement of a lapsed funeral director's license under certain conditions. Specifically, the bill allows for reinstatement of such a license so long as the individual passed the examination for licensure as a funeral director and has not been subject to disciplinary action by the board.

  Representative Gambill presented the bill to the Committee, explaining that he has received legal opinions that GORRC review is not necessary since it is not licensing a new profession. Representative Rick Williams (R-Milledgeville), a licensed funeral director, spoke in support of the measure. The Committee recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee. Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan) will carry the bill in the Senate.

HB 1483 was withdrawn at the author's request since it was not reviewed by GORRC.

Senate Appropriations - Compensation Subcommittee

Chairman Brandon Beach (R-Alpharetta) called the Appropriations Subcommittee to order to discuss two House Compensation Resolutions, HR 593, by Representative Don Hogan (R-St. Simons), for Dennis Perry and HR 626, authored by Representative Scott Holcomb (D-Atlanta), for Kerry Robinson. Both resolutions received a DO PASS recommendation.

House Regulated Industries - Occupational/Professional Licensing Subcommittee

Chairman Jason Ridley (R-Chatsworth) called the Subcommittee to order to discuss one measure.

• SB 352, authored by Senator Bruce Thompson (R-White), is a bill to work towards addressing workforce issues in the state by amending Chapter 1 of Title 43.  It provides for the issuance of expedited license processes for specific licenses of spouses of firefighters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers.  Senator Thompson noted that it was a tool to encourage folks to move to Georgia.

  Representative Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta) asked about definitions of healthcare providers and wondered if the author was amenable to adding a licensed professional counselor definition.  Representative Tom Kirby (R-Loganville) asked if, in Line 52, established residency was defined already in law.  The Legislative Counsel's lawyer mentioned she would review the code.

  The following expressed support for the legislation: Charles Craig, Dental Hygienists Association; Tripp Cofield, GHA; Buzz Brockway, Georiga Center for Opportunity; Terry Norris, Sheriff's Association; and Tony West, Americans for Prosperity.

  Chairman Ridley held the bill until final amendments could be presented to the full Committee.

House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee

The House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee was called to order by Chairman James Burchett (R-Waycross) to discuss several bills.

• SB 565, by Senator Brain Strickland (R-McDonough), amends Article 1 of Chapter 10 of Title 17 of the OCGA. A substitute was presented (LC 49 0971S). A previous bill was passed, which created a path for those who committed a crime due to human trafficking. The measure cleans up the law. It eliminates the waiting period. The original bill provided for reimbursement of fines and fees. In the substitute, Senator Strickland added that he and others had cleaned up the version passed by the Senate.

  Chairman Burchett amended the legislation relating to payments made by the fund to remove ambiguity. After the amendment was passed, the legislation received a DO PASS recommendation.

• SB 360, authored by Sheila McNeil (R-Brunswick), also known as "Colton's Law," amends Code Section 16-5-102. The bill would set a ten year minimum and a 30 year maximum for someone convicted of cruelty to children in the first or second degree against a disabled minor. The measure also defines a disabled minor as an individual under 18 who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the individual's life activities with a record of impairment.

  Representative Martin Momtahan (R-Dallas) asked the exact difference between first and second degrees.

  Robert Smith, from PAC, explained the history of the bill as it moved through the Senate. He also defined first and second degree for the non-lawyers in the room. He further explained that this would create a separate sentencing structure if someone is convicted of such a crime.

  Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen) asked if a disabled minor was defined somewhere else in the code. Mr. Smith noted he was unsure, but he knew the intent was to follow the ADA guidelines.

  Chairman Burchett held the bill until the language could be cleaned up.

• SB 461, by Senator Clint Dixon (R-Gwinnett), amends Code Section 17-6-1, a part of the First Lady's efforts with the Grace Commission. The bill brings the offense of human trafficking to a list only bailable by a Superior Court Judge.

  Representative Smith made a DO PASS recommendation.

House Special Rules Committee

Chairman Dave Belton (R-Buckhead) called the Special Rules Committee to order.

• HB 1035, authored by Representative Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn), amends Chapter 4 of Title 1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.  This measure would designate March 10th as Harriet Tubman Day.  The Committee recommended the bill DO PASS.

• HR 625, authored by Representative Carl Gilliard (D-Savannah), would create the Georgia Gullah Geechee Heritage Society.  This resolution would focus on preserving the Gullah Geechee culture to keep the history alive.  Passing this resolution would allow the Georgia portion of the Gullah Geechee to benefit from the corridor, which South Carolina currently benefits from.  The Committee recommended the resolution DO PASS.

• HR 667, by Representative Mesha Mainor (D-Atlanta), would create House Study Committee on a State Digitization Act.  This study committee would research ways the timber industry could be used more effectively, how much paper is being used and recycled, and how other state legislatures manage paper waste and use sustainable measures.

  Chairman Benton asked what other states the author had researched.  Representative Mainor noted that Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and many others had tackled this issue. Representative Mary Robichaux (D-Roswell) suggested adding connectivity issues.

  The measure received a DO PASS recommendation.

New Legislation

The following legislation of potential interest has been introduced:

What’s Next

The General Assembly will reconvene for Legislative Day 34 on Tuesday, March 23 at 10AM.

The House has not yet set a Rules Calendar for Legislative Day 34:

The Senate is expected to consider the following measures on Legislative Day 34:

• HB 305 - Professions and businesses; massage therapy; revise a definition

• HB 343 - Game and fish; rebuttable presumption of violation by individuals in possession of hunting paraphernalia while on others' lands; provide

• HB 1011 - Motor vehicles; amber strobe lights; permitting requirements; exempt low speed vehicles

• HB 1021 - Insurance; minimum nonforfeiture interest rate for individual deferred annuities; decrease

• HB 1148 - Game and fish; possession of cervid carcasses; remove definitions; provisions

• HB 1195 - Local government; audits of funds may be conducted in accordance with statutory accounting principles; provide

• SR 507 - Coleman-Benton, Kerri; recognize