Floor Action
The Senate took up the following measures on the floor today:
HB 90 - Torts; certain persons, firms, or corporations who are buyers of land for conversion of timber shall be exempt from certain liabilities; provide PASSED 47-0
HB 245 - Professions and businesses; podiatry; amend a provision relating to fingerprint and criminal background checks PASSED 46-0
HB 367 - Controlled substances; Schedules I, II, III, IV, and V; change certain provisions PASSED 47-0
The House did not have a Rules Calendar today.
Committee Reports
House Health and Human Services Committee
The House Health and Human Services Committee, chaired by Representative Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), met to consider the following measures today:
Floor Notes
House
Modified Structured Rule
HB 68 Professions and businesses; certain military certifications; extend time to qualify (RegI-Clark-147th) Bill PASSED 163-0.
HB 119 Professions and businesses; chiropractors may own professional corporations with physicians; provide (RegI-Hawkins-27th) Bill PASSED 163-0.
HB 161 Local government; downtown development authorities; remove provision providing perpetual existence to such authorities (GAff-Tankersley-160th) Bill PASSED 165-0.
HB 241 Insurance; revise meaning of property insurance; change parameters under which certain contracts or agreements may be canceled (Substitute) (Ins-Gambill-15th) Bill PASSED166-0.
HB 286 Local government; restrict ability of county governing authorities to reduce funding for county police departments(Substitute)(GAff-Gaines-117th) Bill was postponed.
Committee Reports
Senate Health and Human Services Committee
Chairman Ben Watson (R-Savannah) and the Health and Human Services Committee took up one proposal, SB 116, authored by Senator Randy Robertson (R-Cataula). The legislation seeks to enact in Chapter 5 of Title 49 the “Maternity Supportive Housing Act.” The legislation would allow nonprofits to own and operate housing for women who are ages 18 and older and who need a place to live while pregnant and for up to 18 months after the child is born; pregnant women can bring their existing children to these homes. These facilities would be different than homes provided to younger girls (typically those in foster care who become pregnant). Senator Robertson noted that it was to exclude government interference; there is a need for these homes as waiting lists exist. Senator Robertson reminded the Committee as a former law enforcement officer he knew well the pipeline to prison and this would perhaps help alleviate some of this
House Insurance Committee Property and Casualty Subcommittee
Chairman Steve Tarvin (R-Chickamauga) and members of the Property and Casualty Subcommittee took action on some legislation this morning:
HB 241, authored by Representative Matthew Gambill (R-Cartersville), seeks to amend O.C.G.A. 33-7-6, relating to property insurance, contract requirements, rules and regulations, and exemptions, so as to revise the meaning of property insurance and also to change the parameters under which certain contracts, agreements, or instruments may be canceled. The legislation attempts to streamline service contracts like statutes are done in 49 other states and the District of Columbia and provide for the opportunity for cancellation of those contract with a refund permitted to unused premiums. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation, moving the bill to the House Rules Committee.
Committee Reports
House Insurance Committee
The House Insurance Committee, chaired by Representative Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee) met this morning to consider a single measure.
HB 205, authored by Representative Noel Williams (R-Cordele) relates to new standards for travel insurance. The bill is a NAIC model act for travel insurance endorsed by the Georgia department of Insurance. It clarifies standards for permitting consumers to opt out of coverage offered by travel agents or carriers. The bill passed unanimously.
House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs
Newly named Chairman of the House Agricultural and Consumer Affairs, Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella), held his first Committee meeting stating from the outset that he had large shoes to fill with recently retired Chairman Tom McCall (R-Elberton). Other members of leadership of this Committee are Representative Susan Holmes (R-Monticello) and Representative Steven Meeks (R-Screven). This large, 28-member committee overs