Weekly Update

​This week, the legislature was back from the break last week and completed days 13 through 16 of the 40 day session.  The break was designed to allow House members the time to thoroughly review the budget during appropriations meetings.  The supplemental budget was presented to the House on Wednesday and HB 792 passed with a vote of 126-46. 
 
HB 865 was introduced in the House by Rep. Mitchell Scoggins (R), Cartersville.  While the majority of this bill relates to code revision of the “Revised Probate Code of 1998”, there is a section in the bill that impacts Title 7 as it relates to deposits of deceased intestate depositors  CBA has discussed our concerns with the author of the bill.  The author and the Georgia Bar have worked to revise the bill to address our concerns related to the process for paying out funds pursuant to an affidavit from heirs, a funeral home, or a medical provider. However, the latest draft of the bill still contains provisions that would alter a bank’s duties upon receipt of notice from a court or other parties. This is a substantial change from the current law.  The bill is not yet on the Committee schedule for a hearing.  We will continue to monitor the progress of the bill. 
 
HB 969 was in the House Hopper on Friday.  The author of the bill is Rep. Chuck Efstration (R), Dacula.  The bill relates to fair housing and pertains to the unlawful practice in selling or renting dwellings and the procedures, remedies, and judicial review related to this.  CBA will monitor this bill. 


HB 978 was in the House Hopper on Friday.  The author of the bill is Rep. Bee Nguyen (D), Atlanta.  The bill relates to the “Disabled Adults and Elder Persons Protection Act”.  The bill prohibits retaliation against a person relating to a report that a disabled adult or elder person is in need of protective services or has been the victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.  CBA will be  monitoring the bill to make sure this does not cause a private cause of action for our bankers. 
 
HR 1093 was introduced in the House by Rep. Don Parsons (R), Marietta.  This Resolution establishes a Joint Study Committee on Cybersecurity.  CBA will monitor the progress of this resolution.
 
SB 315 was presented to the Senate Judiciary Committee by Senator Lindsey Tippins (R), Marietta.  This bill relates to mechanics and materialmen liens and rights.  The bill was passed by the Senate on Friday with a vote of 53-0. 
 
SB 390 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Steve Gooch (R), Dahlonega.  This bill is a tort reform bill that would streamline the process of litigation and reduce costs for Georgia’s industries, small businesses, and citizens.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee.
 
SB 415 was introduced in the Senate by Senator Steve Gooch (R), Dahlonega.  This bill is a tort reform bill that would streamline the process of litigation and reduce costs for Georgia’s industries, small businesses, and citizens.  This bill is virtually the same as SB 390; however, Part I, Section 1-1 of SB 390 was deleted.  This is the priority bill for NFIB that was discussed at CBA’s Small Business Day at the Dome.  The bill was assigned to the Insurance Committee.

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