​Tuesday was Georgia's Primary Runoff Election.  A runoff is required by law in all contests where no single candidate received more than fifty percent of the vote in the May 24 Primary.

Two incumbent House members were drawn into the runoff.  Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) bested his opponent by eight points.  Sheri Gilligan (R-Cumming) was defeated by Carter Barrett.  Seven other open House races required runoffs.
 
In southeast Georgia, Mike Hodges won the Republican nomination for Georgia Senate and Rick Townsend the Republican nomination for Georgia House over Bob Duncan. 

All of the statewide action was focused on Democrats.  Rep. Bee Nguyen cruised to victory in the runoff for Secretary of State.  She will face Republican Brad Raffensperger in November.

Charlie Bailey bested Kwanza Hall in the Lt. Governor's race, while Janice Laws Robinson won out over Raphael Baker to be the Democratic nominee for Insurance Commissioner.  The victors will face Sen. Burt Jones and incumbent Commissioner John King, respectively.

Slates for the critical November 8 General Election are now set.  With a high profile Governor's race and significant races at the federal level, Georgia is likely to be front and center nationally as we move into the next phase of the 2022 midterm election.

Primary Election Recap
Tuesday, May 24 was Primary Election Day in Georgia.  As of this morning on May 25, roughly 98% of precincts statewide had completed their reporting; current vote tallies may not include absentee or provisional ballots.  Here are highlights from yesterday’s contests.

Governor
Shortly after 8:30pm, less than two hours after polls closed, media outlets called the Republican Governor’s race for incumbent Brian Kemp.  His win over former US Senator David Perdue was stronger than recent polling suggested, with Kemp amassing 74% of the vote.  Stacey Abrams secured her spot as the Democratic Party’s nominee without an intraparty contest, setting up a rematch of Georgia’s 2018 General Election.

Lt. Governor
A mind-boggling 14 candidates qualified for the state’s second-in-command after Geoff Duncan announced he would not seek a second term.  Trump-backed state Senator Burt Jones narrowly avoided a runoff against former Senate President Pro Tempore Butch Miller.  On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Councilman Kwanza Hall and lawyer Charlie Bailey will face off in a June 21 runoff, after neither secured more than half of the votes cast yesterday.

Secretary of State
Incumbent Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger bested three challengers yesterday, including Trump-endorsed Congressman Jody Hice.  Current House member Bee Nguyen and former House member Dee Dawkins-Haigler will go head-to-head in a Democratic Primary Runoff to determine who will face Raffensperger in November.

Attorney General
Incumbent Republican Chris Carr survived a challenge and will face Democrat Jen Jordan in the General Election.

Insurance Commissioner
Insurance Commissioner John King faced voters for the first time yesterday since being appointed to his post by Governor Kemp in 2019.  He won with 70% of the vote.  The top two Democratic candidates are headed for a runoff; notably, House member Matthew Wilson received the fewest votes and will not complete in the runoff.

State Senate
In the state Senate, sixteen incumbents faced a challenger.  None were drawn into a runoff or outright defeated yesterday.  The real action was in the ten open seats, which featured six current or former House members making a run for the upper chamber, including Democrat Derek Mallow in Savannah and Republicans Ed Setzler and Shelly Echols in Acworth and Gainesville, respectively.  Republicans Mike Hodges and Jeff Jones will compete in a Runoff to represent the Brunswick area.  27 seats are contested in November’s General Election.

State House
Six incumbent legislators were drawn into the same district following reapportionment in 2021, guaranteeing at least three incumbents would lose.  The highest-profile loss is Republican Bonnie Rich, who serves as Majority Caucus Chair and was Chair of the House’s reapportionment committee in 2021.  Rich lost to David Clark.  Other victorious paired incumbents include Shelly Hutchinson in Snellville and Danny Mathis in Cochran.  Incumbents Sheri Gilligan (R-Cumming) and Roger Bruce (D-Atlanta) were both drawn into a June 21 Runoff.  Tim Fleming, former Chief of Staff to Governor Kemp, and Doug Stoner, former state Senate member and PSC candidate, were both successful in yesterday’s primary and will go on to compete in the General Election.

Public Service Commission
Incumbent Republican Commissioners Fitz Johnson (District 3) and Tim Echols (District 2) both avoided challengers in yesterday’s primary race.  Johnson will face Shelia Edwards in November.  A last-minute ruling by a Fulton County Superior Court Judge caused some confusion in the District 2 Democratic race, although it appears Patty Durand is headed to the General Election to face Echols.

Federal: US Senate
Democrat US Senator Raphael Warnock was victorious in a January 2021 runoff to complete the remainder of former Senator Johnny Isakson’s term.  Warnock stands for reelection again this cycle for a new six-year term.  Trump-endorsed UGA football legend Herschel Walker routed the competition and will go head-to-head with Warnock in the General Election, in what is sure to be one of the most-watched (and expensive) US Senate races in the country.

Federal: US House
Incumbent Democrat Lucy McBath was drawn into incumbent Democrat Carolyn Bourdeaux’s congressional seat during reapportionment.  McBath challenged her colleague and won by a wide margin in District 7.  Two open Congressional seats are headed for a runoff.  Republicans Jake Evans and Rich McCormick will compete for the nomination in District 7.  In District 10, both parties require a runoff; the Republican runoff will include Trump-endorsed Vernon Jones.

April 4, 2022
 
After a day full of debate, motions, votes, and emotional farewells, the House and Senate adjourned sine die in the early moments of April 5. 
 
Measures approved by both chambers now head to the second floor of the Capitol for review by the Governor and his team.  Governor Kemp has already signed more than 280 items into law this year, most of them local bills necessitated by the 2020 census and resulting local redistricting.  He has forty days, until mid-May, to act on legislation from the 2022 General Assembly.
 
Legislators now return home and move to campaign mode.  Sixteen Senators and 48 Representatives face an opponent in the May 24 Primary.  A dozen others are seeking higher, statewide office.  They will spend the 50 days engaging voters and raising funds.
 
The final days of the General Assembly are frenetic.  This report represents our best effort to accurately describe relevant legislation.  We will send notice should we discover an error or omission.  

Eligible for Enactment by the Governor
H.B. 1437 Income Tax Rate Reform by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.  As introduced, HB 1437 created a flat income tax of 5.25%, increased the standard exemption, and eliminated many deductions.  In the version agreed to by both chambers, the tax rate reduction is phased in over several years, subject to annual performance benchmarks.  It also revises personal exemptions and itemized deductions.  Approving this historic tax cut was one of the final actions taken by the General Assembly in the 2022 session.
 
H.B. 974 Electronic Filing of Deeds, Mortgages, and Lines by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), Dallas.  The final version requires clerks of the superior court to offer electronic filing but does not require all documents to be filed electronically.  Lawmakers expressed concern about how an electronic mandate could impact smaller counties and impede individuals from filing documents.
 
H.B. 620 Settlements involving Claims of Minors by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton.  It increases the maximum amount of value of a minor’s personal property or anticipated settlement that may be received by the minor’s guardian without becoming a conservator from $15,000 to $25,000.
 
H.B. 916 Superior and State Court Appellate Practice Act by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton.  The Senate adopted the bill unanimously on April 4, sending it to the Governor.  HB 916 represents a significant revision to the procedure to appeal from a lower judicatory to superior or state court.  It requires courts to render decisions on merits rather than procedural grounds except in certain circumstances.
 
H.B. 733 Guaranteed Asset Protection Waiver by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R), Bremen.  HB 733 revises the definition of a Guaranteed Asset Protection waiver to allow a waiver contract to be issued with or without a separate fee.  The waiver may also provide a benefit that waives an amount or provides the borrower with a credit toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle.  The bill was amended by the Senate Rules Committee to include language from SB 487 dealing with breast cancer screenings.  The House agreed to the Senate changes.
 
S.B. 96 Veteran Health ID Cards for Notaries by Sen. Lester Jackson (D), Savannah.  The bill is now eligible for enactment by the Governor.
 
H.B. 586 Georgia Economic Recovery Act of 2021 by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  As introduced last year, HB 586 was a tax exemption omnibus, touching everything from concrete mixers to projects of regional significance.  Much of that language was stripped from the version considered this year.  It now extends a sales tax exemption on tickets to certain fine arts performances and extends a tax credit for the qualified donation of real property.
 
H.B. 389 Change Definition of Employment by Rep. Todd Jones (R), South Forsyth.  HB 389 defaults most workers to “employees” unless the Department of Labor makes a contrary determination.  The bill has exemptions for gig workers and certain music industry professionals.
 
H.R. 1149 Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing by Rep. Dale Washburn (R), Macon.  HR 1149 authorizes the creation of the House Study Committee on Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing.  Rep. Washburn championed unsuccessful legislation on behalf of build-to-rent developers (HB 1093).  While study committee resolutions typically enjoy unanimous support, the vote to authorize HR 1149 was 114-43.
 
S.B. 319 Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021 by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas.  The House adopted an amended version of the bill on March 30.  The Senate agreed to the changes on April 1, sending it to the Governor.
 
S.B. 116 Maternity Supportive Housing by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.  It allows for the registration of residences that provide housing for pregnant and postpartum women.  The Senate agreed 32-22 to the House version of the bill on April 4.
 
S.B. 345 Prohibit Vaccine Passport by Rep. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  It prohibits state and local governments from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of receiving government services or accessing government facilities.  The House included language to exempt certain federal contractors.  On a party-line vote, the Senate agreed to the changes on April 4, sending it to the Governor.
 
 
LOST
H.B. 1350 Notices to Beneficiaries Regarding Probate Wills by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.
H.B. 1352 Disposition of Unclaimed Property and Certain Wills by Rep. Vance Smith, Jr. (R), Pine Mountain.
H.B. 428 Computer Equipment Sales Tax Exemption by Rep. Chuck Martin (R), Alpharetta.
H.B. 681 Financial Literacy by Rep. Bill Yearta (R), Sylvester.
H.B. 899 LIBOR by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R). Monroe. 
H.R. 1026 Economic Development Opportunities and Sources of Investment Funding by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Jonesboro. 
S.B. 364 Telephone Solicitations by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.
S.B. 374 Data Analytic Center by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.
S.B. 45 Licensing by Sen. Bruce Thompson (R), White. 
 
 
New Bills
H.B. 1640 Debtor-Creditor Overhaul by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.  Introduced on the final day of session, H.B. 1640 proposes several changes to various laws dealing with the debtor-creditor relationship, including:

• Requiring creditors to verify a lender’s ability to repay for certain loans.
• Makes a creditor’s failure to provide certain information connected to a debt collection an unlawful trade practice.
• Requires a bank to immediately send a notification an explanation of overdraft fees.
• Establishes a new procedure for debt collection arising from revolving credit agreements.
• Establishes a statute of limitations expiration regarding consumer debt collection actions.

March 28, 2022 to April 1, 2022
 
Push to the Finish
 
The House and Senate have two legislative days left in the 2022 session.  Barring any derailments with the budget or leadership’s priority legislation, the General Assembly will conclude its business in the waning hours of Monday, April 4.
 
The primary threats this time of year are amendments and committee substitutes.  Often, entire bills are stripped and language from another measure inserted, leaving only the original bill number.  As the second in a two-year legislative cycle, measures leftover from 2021 that have not been active this year find new life.  Bills that were defeated before Crossover attempt a revival.  It takes constant vigilance to ensure amendments do not sneak through unnoticed.
 
The procedural quirks of each chamber are also on full display.  The Senate, for example, held a three-hour Rules Committee meeting on Thursday to set a single debate calendar with more than 80 measures to govern the final two days.  While it would be unusual for the committee to reconvene, a recent change to procedural policies makes it possible.  The House Rules Committee, on the other hand, will meet multiple times during each of the remaining days, setting short supplemental debate calendars each time.  Both chambers have their own way of muscling through key language as they make their final push towards the finish line.

H.B. 1610 Local Government Investment Policies by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R), Monroe.  The bill requires local governments to adhere to an investment policy describing the objectives, including the safety of capital, sufficient liquidity, management, and reduction of portfolio risks.  CBA has spoken with the author of the bill to express concerns with the section 36-83A-7 of the bill as it relates to bank deposits held for investment purposes.  We will continue to work with the author of the bill if the bill progresses.
 
H.R. 1149 House Study Committee on Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing by Rep. Dale Washburn (R), Macon.  The resolution was assigned to the Small Business Development Committee.
 
S.B. 644 Inspection of Converted Motor Vehicles by Sen. Clint Dixon (R), Buford.  The bill requires that the Department inspect converted motor vehicles before a certificate of registrations is issued.  Converted motor vehicles means “any unconventional motor vehicles that has been altered from the original manufactured condition by an owner or third party”.  The bill was assigned to the Public Safety Committee.
 
S.R. 741 Study Committee on the Creation of a Georgia Cybersecurity Force by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas.

​All updates are current as of the writing of the blog.
 
Eligible for Enactment by the Governor
 
H.B. 477 Qualified Donations of Real Property by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The substitute bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 47-0.  The House agreed to the Senate substitute with a vote of 97-73.
 
H.B. 961 Apportionment of Awards of Damages by Rep. Chuck Efstration (R), Dacula.  The bill was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 52-0.
 
H.B. 997 Ad Valorem Timber Exemption by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 50-1, sending it to the Governor’s desk.
 
H.B. 1088 Nonjudicial Foreclosure for Time-Share Estates by Rep. Stan Gunter (R), Blairsville.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 51-1.
 
S.B. 332 Inform Consumers Act by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The bill was passed by the House on March 28 with a vote of 155-4.  On March 30, the Senate agreed to the House substitute with a vote of 51-0.  The bill is now eligible for the Governor’s signature. 
 
S.B. 363 Solicitations for Corporate Filings or Labor Posters by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 169-0.
 
S.B. 470 Felony Convictions for Mortgage Lenders and Brokers by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.  This bill allows convicted felons to be employed by mortgage lenders or mortgage brokers if they are not involved in mortgage loan-related activities.  According to the author, this more closely aligns Georgia code to federal laws.  Similar language already applies to several other industries licensed by the Department of Banking and Finance.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 142-1 and is now eligible for the Governor’s signature.
 
 
Needs Agreement
 
For a bill to be eligible for enactment, it must pass both chambers in exactly the same form.  It is very common for the second chamber to adjust bills.  Whether it adds one word or replaces the content entirely, the bill must return to the original chamber for approval.  In most cases, agreement represents final action and will send the measure to the Governor.  However, agreement is not guaranteed; many bills make it to day 40 only to fall short for lack of an “agree.”
 
H.B. 586 Georgia Economic Recovery Act of 2021 by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The Senate Finance Committee added language regarding a fine arts sales tax exemption a tax credit for qualified donations of real property.  The substitute bill was passed by the Senate on March 29 with a vote of 50-1. It now returns to the House for an agree.
 
H.B. 620 Settlements involving Claims of Minors by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton.  The Senate’s version contemplates situations when the gross settlement is more than $25,000.  The substitute bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 46-4 and requires an additional vote in the House.
 
S.B. 319 Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021 by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House with a vote of 100-67.  The Senate must now agree to the changes made in the House.
 
S.B. 345 Prohibit Vaccine Passports by Rep. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  The House added language to carve federal contractors out of the prohibition.  A substitute bill was passed by the House with a vote of 99-67.  It now returns to the Senate for agreement.
 
S.B. 374 Data Analytic Center by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House Judiciary Committee after it added language to clarify the collection and remittance of certain fees paid to state departments and agencies.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 163-0.  The Senate must now agree to the changes made in the House.
 
 
Scheduled for Debate in the Senate on Day 39 or Day 40
 
H.B. 389 Change Definition of Employment by Rep. Todd Jones (R), South Forsyth.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee.  After adoption by the Senate, it needs an “agree” in the House.
 
H.B. 428 Aquarium and Civil Rights Museum Sales Tax Exemption by Rep. Chuck Martin (R), Alpharetta.  The Senate Finance Committee completely gutted this bill.  It originally granted a sales tax exemption for certain computer equipment; it now contains a sales tax exemption on materials used in the renovation or expansion of the Georgia Aquarium and the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta.  This new language will require approval in the House.
 
H.B. 681 Financial Literacy by Rep. Bill Yearta (R), Sylvester.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Education and Youth Committee.  The committee struck the language that had been inserted to make the bill about Homeschool Sports and reverted it to its original subject matter.  It requires the Professional Standards Commission to establish appropriate requirements for a mandatory course of instruction in financial literacy for students in high school.
 
H.B. 916 Superior and State Court Appellate Practice Act by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton. The bill was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Passage by the Senate will send the bill to the Governor.
 
H.B. 974 Deed Requiring Electronic Filing by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), Dallas.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The bill was changed to make electronic filings optional for all counties and allows for mailed documents.
 
H.B. 1008 Georgia Achieving a Better Life Experiment (ABLE) by Rep. Lee Hawkins (R), Gainesville.  In 2016, the author pushed legislation to establish the ABLE program.  It is modeled after 529 education savings plan and allows disables individuals to save private funds in tax-exempt accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses without being ineligible for disability benefits for possessing in excess of $2,000 in assets.  This year’s legislation makes changes to program governance and removes the maximum contribution amount currently allowed per beneficiary. 
 
H.B. 1437 Income Tax Rate by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.  As introduced, the bill cut the income tax rate from a maximum of 5.75% to a flat 5.25% and increased the standard deduction.  The Senate Finance Committee has opted for a more cautious approach, phasing the tax rate reduction in gradually subject to annual benchmarks.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Finance Committee.  This bill has the potential to become a major sticking point in the final days of session.
 
Pending in the House Rules Committee
 
H.R. 1026 Economic Development Opportunities and Sources of Investment Funding by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Jonesboro.  The resolution was passed by the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. 
 
S.B. 45 Licensing by Sen. Bruce Thompson (R), White.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House Regulated Industries Committee and is now a combination of SB 561 dealing with licensed trades and HB 430, relating to the licensure of advance practice registered nurses.
 
S.B. 96 Veteran Health ID Cards for Notaries by Sen. Lester Jackson (D), Savannah.  The bill was passed by the House Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. 
 
S.B. 116 Maternity Supportive Housing by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House Health & Human Services Committee.
 
S.B. 364 Telephone Solicitations by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House Judiciary Committee.

March 21, 2022 to March 25, 2022
 
Squabbling and Mental Health Scrutiny
There’s always a level of gamesmanship and infighting within the legislative branch.  Like squabbling siblings, the House and Senate will quarrel and undermine the other.  This behavior comes to a head following Crossover, when one sibling is responsible for checking the other’s work.  Ambiguities or imperfections that went unnoticed in the first chamber are highlighted and corrected by the second.  More substantive shortcomings are generally shelved for another year.
 
This, of course, is the natural process for a bi-cameral legislative branch.  And just like siblings, the House and Senate generally sort out their differences and present a unified front before the end of the session.
 
One issue threatens the likelihood of cooperation.  A singular focus of House Speaker David Ralston is legislation making wholesale changes to mental healthcare in Georgia.  The bill is vast, focusing on insurers, workforce development, the judicial and corrections systems, and juvenile behavioral health.  While it passed the House with strong bipartisan support, it has run into roadblocks in the Senate.  State Troopers were called in to help maintain order in a Senate Health and Human Services Subcommittee this week as protestors rallied against the measure.  The Senate’s failure to advance this mental health legislation has the potential to derail the remaining five days of the 2022 session.

While H.B. 1413 Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resilience Act by Rep. Trey Rhodes (R), Greensboro did not crossover during this session, proponents of this legislation are looking for ways to move this legislation during this session.  CBA and the other trade groups representing financial institutions have been in multiple discussions with several proponents of the bill to discuss this topic and to explore questions about how the program works.  

All updates are current as of the writing of the blog.
 
Floor Updates
 
H.B. 334 Remote Online Notary by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), Dallas.  On Tuesday, the Senate appointed their conferees to a conference committee to resolve differences between the two chambers’ versions of HB 334.  Preliminary compromise language has been circulating and CBA will continue to stay engaged as we review any future versions of this bill for potential impact and/or benefit.  Both CBA and ICBA provided letters of support for the concept of Remote Online Notary to the author of the bill. 
 
S.B. 331 Employee Work Hours by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The House adopted the bill 99-67, largely along party lines.  Democrats motioned to reconsider the bill, but the motion failed with a vote of 67-95.  The bill is now eligible for the Governor’s signature.
 
S.B. 493 Nonjudicial Foreclosure for Time-Shares Estates by Rep. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 159-2.  The bill is now eligible for the Governor’s signature.  Identical legislation (HB 1088) is pending in the Senate Rules Committee and may now become an attractive vehicle for an unrelated measure.
 
Committee Actions
 
H.B. 586 Georgia Economic Renewal Act of 2021 by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Finance Committee.
 
H.B. 620 Settlements Involving Claims of Minors by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
 
H.B. 733 Guaranteed Asset Protection Waiver by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R), Bremen.  The bill was passed by the Senate Insurance and Labor Committee. 
 
H.B. 997 Ad Valorem Timber Exemption by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie. The bill was passed by the Senate Finance Committee.
 
H.B. 1294  Dereliction Notices for Abandoned Mobile Homes by Rep. John Corbett (R), Lake Park.  The bill was passed by the Senate Special Judiciary Committee.
 
H.B. 1350 Notices to Beneficiaries Regarding Probate Wills by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Senate Special Judiciary Committee.  On line 51 of the bill, the words “bank or trust company” were changed to say “financial institution as defined in O.C.G.A. 7-1-911”.
 
S.B. 332 Inform Consumers Act by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the House Judiciary Committee. 
 
S.B. 345 Prohibit Vaccine Passports by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  The bill was passed by the House Health & Human Services Committee. 
 
S.B. 363 Solicitations for Corporate Filings or Employment or Labor Posters by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was passed by the House Judiciary Committee. 
 
Hearings Only
 
H.B. 1352 Disposition of Unclaimed Property and Certain Wills by Rep. Vance Smith, Jr. (R), Pine Mountain.  The bill was presented to the Senate Special Judiciary Committee.  There were numerous questions about the bill as it relates to the Department of Revenue and the implementation of the program.
 
S.B. 227 Blighted Properties by Sen. Harold Jones II (D), Augusta.  The bill was presented to the House Governmental Affairs Subcommittee.
 
S.B. 364 Telephone Solicitations by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was presented to the House Judiciary Committee. 
 
S.B. 374 Data Analytic Center by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.  The bill was presented to the House Judiciary Committee.

March 15, 2022 to March 18, 2022
 
Crossover Day Passes
​Tuesday, March 15 was the critical Crossover Day milestone.  It was the final day for Senate Bills to pass the Senate and House Bills to pass the House.  The House worked until 11pm in an effort to consider as much legislation as possible.  While only bills that made Crossover remain active, entire contents of “dead” bills can be added to unrelated active legislation. 
 
Now that Crossover has passed, the focus shifts back to committees, which must vet legislation from the opposite chamber.  With only nine legislative days remaining, the pace of activity will continue to increase after a brief post-Crossover respite.
 
On March 15, 2022, President Biden officially signed the 2022 omnibus spending bill into law, which included solutions to address LIBOR contracts and outlined rules for how private companies report cyber incidents.  Since the President signed the bill that includes a federal LIBOR fix, there is no reason for the State to pursue H.B. 899 LIBOR Discontinuation by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R), Monroe.  While the bill was passed by both the House and Senate Banking & Financial Institutions Committee, no further action will be taken on the bill in its current form.

S.R. 741 Senate Study Committee on the creation of the Georgia Cybersecurity Force by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas.

All updates are current as of the writing of the blog.
 
Floor Updates
 
H.B. 891 Department of Banking Housekeeping Bill by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R), Monroe.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 50-0.  The bill is now eligible for the Governor’s signature.
 
H.B. 1350 Notices to Beneficiaries Regarding Probate Wills by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 169-0; however, the version that passed the House did not contain agreed-upon language to define a “financial institution.”  Therefore, the sponsor will introduce a substitute to correct the language in the Senate.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Special Judiciary Committee.
 
S.B. 470 Felony Convictions for Mortgage Lenders and Brokers by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 47-1.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Banks & Banking Committee.
 
S.B. 491 Down Payment Savings Program by Sen. Gail Davenport (D), Jonesboro.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 49-2.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Ways & Means Committee
 
H.B. 931 Taxes on Vehicle Upgrades by Rep. Wes Cantrell (R), Woodstock.  After several revisions, the bill excludes upgrades or enhancements meant to enable or accommodate individuals who use wheelchairs from the title ad valorem tax on the fair market value of the vehicles.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 167-0.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Finance Committee. 
 
H.B. 1478 Electronic Submission of Certificates of Title by Rep. Jason Ridley (R), Chatsworth.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 165-2.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Science and Technology Committee.
 
H.B. 733 Guaranteed Asset Protection Waiver by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R), Bremen.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 166-0.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Insurance and Labor Committee.
 
H.B. 997 Ad Valorem Timber Exemption by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 171-0.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Finance Committee.
 
H.R. 686 Ad Valorem Tax Rate Reduction for Timber by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The resolution was adopted with a vote of 166-0.  The resolution was read in the Senate and assigned to the Finance Committee.
 
H.B. 1358 Handgun in Parks, Historic Sites, Recreational Areas by Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R), Canton.  The bill was passed by the House mostly along party lines with a vote of 94-57.  Democrats motioned for the House to Reconsider the vote; however, the motion lost.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Judiciary Committee. 
 
S.B. 96 Veteran Health ID Cards for Notaries by Sen. Lester Jackson (D), Savannah.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 51-0.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Defense & Veteran Affairs Committee.   
 
S.B. 227 Blighted Properties by Sen. Harold Jones, II (D), Augusta.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 35-17.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Governmental Affairs Committee.
 
Committee Actions
 
S.B. 332 Inform Consumers Act by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The bill was given an initial hearing in the House Judiciary Committee on March 17 but was held for additional work.  It is scheduled to be considered again on March 21.
 
S.B. 493 Nonjudicial Foreclosure for Time-Share Estates by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  The House Judiciary Committee favorably reported the bill on March 17 and it will be eligible for placement on an upcoming House debate calendar.

While these bills are not eligible to advance on their own, their content can be added to unrelated active legislation.  That remains a primary threat in the final weeks of session.
 
House Bills
 
H.B. 19 Due Process in Civil Forfeiture Act by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 22 Homeless Veterans Housing Authority by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 29 Annual Report on Wealth of Georgians by Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D), Lithonia.
H.B. 74 Unlawful to Defraud a Creditor’s Rights by Rep. Dale Washburn (R), Macon.
H.B. 104 Tax on Rental Agreements for Equipment by Rep. Ron Stephens (R), Savannah.
H.B. 116 Increase Minimum Wage by Rep. Dewey McClain (D), Lawrenceville.
H.B. 137 Tax Credit for Property Condemnation by Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (R), Cartersville.
H.B. 142 Education Tax Credits for Insurance Companies by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R), Dalton.
H.B. 147 License Endorsement for Establishing Residency by Rep. Heath Clark (R), Warner Robins.
H.B. 151 Terminate Tax Exemption on Public Property by Rep. Rhonda Burnough (D), Riverdale.
H.B. 181 Workplace Notices for New Employees by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 184 Unfair Trade Practice for Rental Property by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 197 Sick Leave for Employee Family Care by Rep. Regina Lewis-Ward (D), McDonough.
H.B. 198 Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan by Rep. Philip Singleton (R), Sharpsburg.
H.B. 204 Prohibit Discrimination in Housing & Employment by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 229 Fair Business Practice Act and Digital Applications by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R), Dalton.
H.B. 230 Protection from Discrimination on Hairstyles by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 235 Temporary Bonus Depreciation of Business Assets by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.
H.B. 243  Local Government Annexation of Property by Rep. Brad Thomas (R), Holly Springs.
H.B. 257  Maternity Supportive Housing Act by Rep. Ed Setzler (R), Acworth.
H.B. 260  Cybersecurity Liability Protections by Rep. Todd Jones (R), South Forsyth.
H.B. 299  Military Fair Housing Act by Rep, Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 301  Landlord to Tenant Notices by Rep. Sam Park (D), Lawrenceville.
H.B. 311  Insurance Tax Credits by Rep. Viola Davis (D), Stone Mountain.
H.B. 332  Restrict Employment Non-Compete Clause by Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D), Lithonia.
H.B. 337  Tangible Personal Property Tax Extension by Rep. Ron Stephens (R), Savannah.
H.B. 344  Landlord & Tennant General Warranty Rights by Rep. Josh McLaurin (D), Sandy Springs.
H.B. 350  Employee Jury Duty Participation Benefits by Rep. Viola Davis (D), Stone Mountain.
H.B. 352  Property Tax Bill Assessments by Rep. Martin Momtahan (R), Dallas.
H.B. 356  Prohibit Employment Age Discrimination by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 379 Employment Salary Information Disclosure by Rep. Renitta Shannon (D), Decatur.
H.B. 380 Employment Security Benefits by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 391 Employment Policies Against Bullying by Rep. Mandisha Thomas (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 393 Tax on High-Technology Data Center by Rep. Ron Stephens (R), Savannah.
H.B. 399 Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan by Rep. Heath Clark (R) Warner Robbins.
H.B. 408 Property Dispossessory Initiation Procedure by Rep. Sharon Cooper (R), Marietta.
H.B. 416 Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculation by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.
H.B. 417 Real Estate Transfer Tax Calculation by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.
H.B. 422 Conservation Use Property by Rep. David Knight (R), Griffin.
H.B. 426 Property Sales with Tax Levies by Rep. David Knight (R), Griffin.
H.B. 427 Conservation Use Property by Rep. David Knight (R), Griffin.
H.B. 429 Business Property Tax by Rep. David Knight (R), Griffin.
H.B. 467 Landlord Consent Proof for Tenant Home Business by Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (D) Lithonia.
H.B. 482 Valuation of Land for Agricultural Incentive Zones by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 483 Owners Rights to Install Solar Energy Device by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 487 Destination Marketing Organization Tax Refund by Rep. David Dreyer (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 504 GA Agribusiness & Rural Jobs Act 2nd Round by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R), Monroe.
H.B. 510 Nonrefundable Earned Income Tax Credit by Rep. Houston Gaines (R), Athens.
H.B. 522 DBF Conduct Community Reinvestment Evaluations by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 524 Landlord to Tenant Rights and Responsibility Notice by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 527 Tax Credit for Retaining 90% of Employees by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Jonesboro.
H.B. 549 Georgia Safe Workplace Act by Rep. Bee Nguyen (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 550 Unfair Trade Practice for Failure to Disclose License by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 561 Condominium Bulk Owner Termination Agreement by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 563 Tax Exemption for High-Technology Data Centers by Rep. Todd Jones (R), South Forsyth.
H.B. 573 Public Restriction of Property Tax Records by Rep. Philip Singleton (R), Sharpsburg.
H.B. 581 Insurance Consumer Bill of Rights Act by Rep. Martin Momtahan (R), Dallas.
H.B. 584 Daily Overtime Pay for Eligible Employees by Rep. William Boddie (D), East Point.
H.B. 592 Gross Negligence Standard for COVID-19 by Rep. Matthew Wilson (D), Brookhaven.
H.B. 594 Tax on Transactions of Digital Goods & Services by Rep. Kasey Carpenter (R), Dalton.
H.B. 598 Insurer Liability for Refusing to Cover Losses by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), Dallas.
H.B. 607 GA Veterans Work Opportunity Tax Credit by Rep. Karen Bennett (D), Stone Mountain.
H.B. 616 Potential Unique ID’s for Business & Entities by Rep. Timothy Barr (R), Lawrenceville.
H.B. 618 Elder Abuse Protection for Wills by Rep. Bert Reeves (R), Marietta.
H.B. 636 Employee Rest Break by Rep. William Boddie (R), East Point.
H.B. 643 Terminate Tax Exemption on Public Property by Rep. Rhonda Burnough (D), Riverdale.
H.B. 656 COVID-19 Credit Report Protection Act, by Rep. Penny Houston (R), Nashville.
H.B. 664 Georgia Industrialized Buildings Act by Rep. Mesha Mainor (D), Atlanta.
HB. 674 Financial Institutions Earned Wages Access Service by Rep. Tom Kirby (R), Loganville.
H.B. 679 Mobile Homes Display Tax Decals by Rep. Mike Cameron (R), Rossville.
H.B. 698 Paid Parental Leave for Employees by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 699 COVID-19 Worker Protections by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 700 COVID-19 Occupation Disease for Essential Workers by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 736 Office of State Inspector General by Rep. Timothy Barr (R), Lawrenceville.
H.B. 746 Safe Place of Employment by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 816 Judgments Reported by Consumer Reporting Agencies by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 818 Eviction Diversion Program by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.B. 819 Foreclosure Resolution Program by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross
H.B. 829 Threshold for Jury Request by Rep. James Burchett (R), Waycross.
H.B. 843 Low-Income Property Tax Exemption by Rep. Betsy Holland (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 847 Time Off Work for Domestic Violence Victims by Rep. Michael Smith (D), Marietta.
H.B. 856 Commission on the Disparate Impact of COVID-19 by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 858 Innocent Georgia Process Improvement Act by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 859 Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 860 Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 869 Prohibit Vaccination Requirement by Local Governments by Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), Woodstock.
H.B. 875 Unemployment Insurance Working Group Act by Rep. William Boddie (D), East Point.
H.B. 894 Evictions During Pandemic by Rep. William Boddie (D), East Point.
H.B. 940 Electronic Wills by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.
H.B. 965 Crimes on Premises by Rep. Meisha Mainor (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 977 Prohibition of Age Discrimination by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 995 Mandatory Sick Leave by Rep. William Boddie (D), East Point.
H.B. 1091 Firearms by Rep. Martin Momtahan (R), Dallas.
H.B. 1093 Use Restrictions on Residential Dwellings by Rep. Dale Washburn (R), Macon.
H.B. 1149 GA Evictions Records Restriction Act by Rep. Rhonda Burnough (D), Riverdale.
H.B. 1152 Require Merchants to Accept Cash by Rep. Mesha Mainor (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 1177 Seeking Applicant’s Salary History by Rep. Debra Bazemore (D), Riverdale.
H.B. 1221 Lien Filings of $10,000 or Less by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R), Cartersville.
H.B. 1278 Sales Tax Exemption for Renovation or Expansion of Museums by Rep. Patty Bentley (D), Reynolds.
H.B. 1296 Inheritance by an Abandoning Spouse by Rep. Greg Kennard (D), Lawrenceville.
H.B. 1310 Require Appraisal Provision for Fire Coverage Policies by Rep. Emory Dunahoo, Jr. (R), Gillsville.
H.B. 1334 Tiny Home on Wheels by Rep. Stan Gunter (R), Blairsville.
H.B. 1360 Intangible Recording Tax by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.
H.B. 1389 Safe Workplaces Act by Rep.
H.B. 1395 Electronic Copies of Certificates of Title by Rep. Josh McLaurin (D), Atlanta.
H.B. 1400 Revise Number of Class 1 and Class 2 Medical Cannabis Production Licenses by Rep. Alan Powell (R), Hartwell.
H.B. 1413 Commercial Property Clean Energy and Resilience Act by Rep. Trey Rhodes (R), Greensboro.
H.B. 1458 Source of Income by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.
H.B. 1480 Unemployment Benefits Eligibility by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R), Cartersville.
H.B. 1530 HOPE Small Business Grants by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Morrow.
H.B. 1532 Hemp Farming by Rep. Jason Ridley (R), Chatsworth.
 
 
House Resolutions
 
H.R. 53 COVID-19 Pandemic Credit Reporting Moratorium by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.R. 72 COVID-19 Negative Credit Reporting Moratorium by Rep. Kim Schofield (D), Atlanta.
H.R. 164 Open-Space Land for Agricultural Incentive Zone, by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross.
H.R. 249 Enact Legislation Related to Cannabis, by Rep. Micah Gravely (R), Douglasville.
H.R. 579 GA Commission on Sustainability and Economic Opportunity by Rep. Don Parsons (R), Marietta.
H.R. 581 Lottery Games To Support Economic Development by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Morrow.
H.R. 627 Bureaucratic Hindrances to Businesses by Rep. Bill Yearta (R), Sylvester.
 
Senate Bills
 
S.B. 1 Georgia All-Payer Claims Database by Sen. Dean Burke (R), Bainbridge.
S.B. 14 Employment Security Benefits for Personal File by Sen. Tonya Anderson (D), Lithonia.
S.B. 24 Raise Minimum Wage Law by Sen. Gloria Butler (D), Stone Mountain.
S.B. 58 Refundable Earned Income Tax Credit by Sen. Elena Parent (D), Atlanta.
S.B. 63 Fair Business Practice Act and Digital Applications by Sen. Matt Brass (R), Newnan.
S.B. 136 Repeal Arrest by Private Persons, by Sen. Gloria Butler (D), Stone Mountain.
S.B. 139 Civil Forfeiture upon Criminal Conviction, by Sen. Gloria Butler (D), Stone Mountain.
S.B. 151 Organized Retail Crime Prevention Act, by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.
S.B. 154 Property Owners Association Property Assessment Cap, Sen. Donzella James (D), Atlanta.
S.B. 156 Chief Labor Officer by Sen. Marty Harbin (R), Tyrone.
S.B. 206 Landlord & Tenant Past Evictions During COVID-19, by Sen. Nikki Merritt (D), Grayson.
S.B. 243 Revise the Offense of Improper Sexual Contact, by Sen. Jennifer Jordan (D), Atlanta.
S.B. 278 Employee Protections for Reporting Violations of Law, by Sen. Nikki Merritt (D) Grayson.
S.B. 323 Repeal State Income Tax by Sen. Butch Miller (R), Gainesville.
S.B. 329 Apportionment of Awards of Damages by Rep. Bo Hatchett (R), Cornelia.
S.B. 371 Credit Repair Services Organization by Rep. Larry Walker III (R), Perry
S.B. 394 Computer Data Privacy Act by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R), Alpharetta.
S.B. 439 Property Owner Appearance in Dispossessory Proceedings by Sen. Lindsey Tippins (R), Marietta.
S.B. 471 Online Public Sales Under Tax Levies by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.
S.B. 485 Statute of Frauds by Sen. Greg Dolezal (R), Alpharetta.
S.B. 494 Use Restrictions on Residential Dwellings by Sen. Steve Gooch (R), Dahlonega.
S.B. 502 Definition of Employment by Sen. Brian Strickland (R), McDonough.
S.B. 524 Call Centers by Sen. Nikki Merritt (D), Grayson.
S.B. 582 Unsolicited Written Inquiries Relating to Sale of Real Estate by Sen. Horacena Tate (D), Atlanta.
S.B. 585 Telephone Solicitations by Sen. Horacena Tate (D), Atlanta.
S.B. 593 Motor Vehicle Title Loan Act by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.

March 8, 2022 to March 11, 2022
 
Critical Crossover Day Approaches
Next Tuesday is Crossover Day, a critical procedural milestone in Georgia’s forty-day legislative session.  March 15 is the last day for Senate bills to pass the Senate and House bills to pass the House if they are to have a chance at making it to the Governor’s desk this year.  Session typically stretches well into the evening to pass as many bills as possible.
 
As a result, this has been an exceptionally busy week as committees work to move bills into position for consideration by the full chambers before the deadline.  Legislation that does not crossover is technically dead as a standalone measure, although contents of entire bills are often added to other germane legislation in an effort to keep an issue alive.

More than 570 individuals qualified for federal, statewide, and legislative seats this week.  Hundreds more have thrown their name in the hat for local offices.  As is always the case, vacancies at the top of the ticket create an upswell.  At least fifteen lawmakers have left the comforts of incumbency to seek higher office, many of them running for the open Lt. Governor, Agriculture Commissioner, or Labor Commissioner posts.
 
Other lawmakers have decided it’s time to call it quits and have announced they will not seek reelection.  At least 17 incumbents will return to their life as full-time citizens at the end of this term.  The General Assembly is losing more than 200 years of institutional knowledge and experience with these departures, highlighted by the retirement of Senator Jeff Mullis, chairman of the powerful Senate Rules Committee, and Representative Terry England, longtime chair of the House Appropriations Committee.  Rep. Calvin Smyre will not seek reelection, having been appointed ambassador to the Dominican Republic by President Joe Biden; he has served in the House since 1975.
 
For those seeking reelection, opponents are plentiful.  Given the impact of new legislative maps, most districts are drawn to heavily favor one party or the other.  The practical implication is that the critical vote happens in the Primary election; the victor will often cruise to victory in the General, if they have an opponent at all.  At least 13 senators and 41 representatives will face a challenger in the May 24 Primary.

H.B. 1530 was introduced in the House by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Jonesboro.  The bill establishes HOPE small business grants.  Under the program, participating students enrolled in authorized programs at participating institutions would complete designated courses leading to a diploma or certificate, develop a student business plan as part of those courses, and be awarded investment funds for a small business.  It also establishes the Small Business Incubator, Apprenticeship, and Work-study Program by the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia.  The bill was assigned to the Regulated Industries Committee.  The bill was passed by the Lottery Oversight-Gaming Subcommittee and moves to full Committee. 
 
H.B. 1532 was introduced in the House by Rep. Jason Ridley (R), Chatsworth.  The bill relates to hemp farming and updates the license and permit fees and provides for retail and wholesale hemp food establishment licenses.  It was assigned to the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee.  The bill was presented to the Committee on March 10; however, no action was taken. 
 
S.B. 609 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  It revises the Medical Cannabis Commission Oversight Committee.  Notably, it requires the Commission to complete the post-award protest process by July 1 and ties the quantity of available production licenses to the number of patients on the Low THC Oil Patient Registry.  The bill was assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee on March 8 and given a hearing that same day.  After a lengthy debate, it passed as a substitute.

Floor Updates
 
H.B. 1352 Disposition of Unclaimed Property and Wills by Rep. Vance Smith, Jr. (R), Pine Mountain.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 115-47.  The bill was read in the Senate and assigned to the Special Judiciary Committee. 
 
H.B. 1437 Income Tax Rate Reduction by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.  The bill was passed by the House with a vote of 115-52.  Most Democrats opposed the measure, citing analysis that says it would increase taxes on more than 500,000 Georgians.
 
S.B. 345 Prohibit Vaccine Passports by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  It prohibits state and local governments from requiring proof of COVID-19 as a condition of providing service or access to a facility.  The Senate adopted the bill with a vote of 31-19 on March 4.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Health & Human Services Committee.
 
S.B. 371 Credit Repair Service Organizations by Sen. Larry Walker III (R), Perry.  After several members of the Senate Republican Caucus questioned the merits of the bill, it was Tabled on March 9.  It can be removed from the table at any time.
 
S.B. 493 Nonjudicial Foreclosure for Time-Shares Estates by Rep. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga.  The bill was passed by the Senate with a vote of 47-0.  The bill was read in the House and assigned to the Judiciary Committee.
 
 
Committee Actions
 
H.B. 733 Guaranteed Asset Protection Waiver by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R), Bremen. The bill was passed as a substitute by the Insurance Committee.   
 
H.B. 997 Ad Valorem Timber Exemption by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Ways & Means Committee.
 
H.B. 1152 Require Merchants to Accept Cash by Rep. Mesha Mainor (D), Atlanta.  In the substitute version passed by the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee, all “merchants” must accept legal tender when offered as payment.  It exempts sole proprietors, sales made online or through an automated machine, and merchants at large events.
 
H.B. 1350 Notices to Beneficiaries Regarding Probate Wills by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Judiciary Committee. 
 
H.B. 1358 Handgun in Parks, Historic Sites, Recreational Areas by Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R), Canton.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. 
 
H.B. 1478 Electronic Submission of Certificates of Title by Rep. Jason Ridley (R), Chatsworth.  The bill was passed by the Motor Vehicles Committee. 
 
S.B. 227 Blighted Properties by Sen. Emanuel Jones (D), Decatur.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Judiciary Committee. 
 
S.B. 491 Down Payment Savings Program by Sen. Gail Davenport (D), Jonesboro.  The bill was passed as a substitute by the Banking and Financial Institutions Committee. 
 
 
Hearings Only
 
S.B. 323 Repeal State Income Tax by Sen. Butch Miller (R), Gainesville.  The bill was presented to the Finance Committee.

​February 28, 2022 to March 4, 2022
 
Income Tax and Qualifying
They say the best defense is a good offense.  Members of the House Republican Caucus have taken this adage to heart.  Several leading legislators stood shoulder to shoulder with Speaker David Ralston on Tuesday as he unveiled a proposed $1 billion tax cut.  HB 1437 calls for a flat 5.25% state income tax and more than doubles the amount of income exempt from taxation.
 
While the changes would not apply until the 2024 tax year, the timing of the proposal is not an accident.  Next week is qualifying – a time when both incumbent lawmakers and those wishing to unseat them – journey to the Capitol to prove their residency, pay their fees, and officially enter the race.  This high-profile tax reform measure may help stave off challengers and shore up support at home in fiscally conservative small-government districts.
 
Next week lawmakers will be active each day.  Qualifying begins Monday at 9am and runs through noon on Friday.  Next week’s legislative report will include a separate qualifying analysis.

HB 1437 was introduced in the House by Ways and Means Chairman Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire.  The bill creates a flat income tax with a 5.25% rate and increases the standard exemption.  The bill was assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee and received its first subcommittee hearing on Mar-3.
 
HB 1458 was introduced in the House by Rep. Spencer Frye (D), Athens.  It prohibits housing discrimination based on source of income, which would include Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers.  The bill was assigned to the House Judiciary Committee.
 
HB 1478 was introduced in the House by Rep. Jason Ridley (R), Chastworth. It provides for the electronic submission of certificates of title to the Department of Revenue by motor vehicle dealers.  The bill was assigned to the House Motor Vehicles Committee.
 
HB 1480 was introduced in the House by Rep. Matthew Gambill (R), Cartersville.  It allows individuals to seek unemployment benefits for voluntary separation from employment if they are immunocompromised or have opted not to comply with employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of continued employment.  It was assigned to the House Industry and Labor Committee.
 
SB 582 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Horacena Tate (D), Atlanta.  It requires certain language on unsolicited written inquiries or mailings relating to the sale of real estate and allows for class action suits and for damages for violating these requirements.  It was assigned to the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee.
 
SB 593 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula.  It requires the Department of Banking and Finance to license and regulate motor vehicle title lenders.  It further removes provisions relating to liens of pawnbrokers regarding motor vehicles or their titles.  It was assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.