Democrats in Action

May 10, 2013

Volume 2, Issue 12
Whats Inside:

GOOD, BAD,
UGLY BILLS
Pages
2-7
Spotlights of
the Month
Page 8
Community
Corner
Page 9
H
ouse Democrats have been out of the Leg-
islative Session for 40 days. All bills that
past out of both Chambers of the Georgia
General Assembly, were
waiting for the Governors signature during these
days out of the Session. All Acts will be effective on
July 1, 2013 unless otherwise noted. The following
Democratic sponsored and co-sponsored bills were
signed by Governor Nathan Deal to be
enacted into law:

HB 189 (D. Buckner) The Rural Tourism
Protection Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
May 6. Now known as Act 201.

HB 21 (M. Oliver) Adoption: Post-adoption
contract agreements. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 337.

HB 517 (C. Williams/R; S. Frye/D) Downtown
Grocery Store Act. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 294.

HB 150 (R. Bruce) Law enforcement officers; the
reproduction of arrest booking photographs.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now
known as Act 188.

HB 283 (B. Coleman/R; M. Kaiser/D)
Education; update and revise terminology;
provisions. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
May 7. Now known as Act 335.

HB 338 (J. Wilkinson/R; S. Abrams/D)
Georgia Council for the Arts includes HB 297
(D. Buckner/D) State Wild Flower: Designate the
Azalea. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May
7. Now known as Act 327.

HB 372 (C. Coomer/R; S. Evans/D) HOPE; grant at
technical college or university institutions;
revise eligibility. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on April 24. Now known as Act 38.

HB 451 (C. Smyre) Chattahooche Judicial Circuit;
provide for additional judge and
HB 506 (C. Smyre) Chattahoochee Judicial
Circuit; provide for selection of chief judge.
STATUS: HB 451 Signed by Governor on May
6. Now known as Act 177. HB 506 signed by
the Governor on May 7. Now known as Act
293.

HR 73 (C. Hugley) Mr. Lathan Rydell Word
Compensation Resolution STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 319.

SB 122 (Sen. H. Hill/R; D. Douglas/D)
Drivers' Licenses; authorize the issuance of a
temporary driving permit; noncitizen applicant
whose license has expired. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 1. Now known as Act 125.
Effective date: 1/1/2014.

Governor Deal Signs
Democratic Bills into Law
Governor Nathan Deal signs HB 150, the Mugshot Bill sponsored by
Rep. Roger Bruce (HD 61). Photo Credit: Chairman Virgil Fludd.
GOOD bills received the support of most
Democrats or were sponsored by Democrats. BAD
bills were opposed by most Democratic legislators,
but no caucus position was taken. UGLY bills were
opposed by Democratic legislators through a
formal caucus position.

HB 78 (W. Willard/R) Crimes and
offenses; protection of disabled adults
and elder persons (Elder Abuse): Expands
criminal protection for elder and disabled adults
against sexual abuse and exploitation by
updating the relevant language in Georgia law.
Enhances law enforcements ability to respond
to reports of abuse by moving relevant crimes
against elder and disabled adults into the
criminal code section most frequently used by
law enforcement. Expands and clarifies the
mandatory reporting requirements for abuse
and exploitation of elder and disabled adults in
order to provide a better reporting process and
better response by adult protective services and
law enforcement. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 3. Now known as Act
132.

HB 105 (D. Ralston/R) (Supplemental
Appropriations): The Amended Fiscal Year
2013 budget totals $19.3 billion in state funds
and provides for a Mid-year adjustment for
Education of $172.7 million. The revenue
estimate for this cycle has been reduced by
$26.3 million in state funds to reflect an
estimated 3.9% growth in revenues for the year
ending June 30, 2013. Several cuts, including
ones to school nutrition programs and medical
education, were restored. STATUS: Signed by
the Governor on March 27. Now known as
Act 11. Effective date: 3/27/2013.

HB 106 (D. Ralston/R) General
appropriations (FY 2014 Budget):
The Fiscal Year 2014 budget appropriates $19.8
billion in state funds. The budget fully funds
Quality Basic Education for the first time and
restores the sparsity grants for education. It also
funds elder protective services and child
protective services at higher levels than
originally proposed in the Governor's budget.
However, it fails to address the continued
$1 billion deficit in education funding that has
led to more than 60% of classrooms having
shortened school days and years and over-sized
classes. It also continues to increase the
employee share of healthcare costs while failing
to authorize a cost-of-living adjustment for the
5th consecutive year. The conference committee
approved additional funding for several colleges
and universities, as well as funding for Grady
Hospital and the Morehouse School of Medicine.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7.
Now known as Act 309.

HB 141 (E. Lindsey/R) Kidnapping;
certain business and establishments post
a model notice to enable certain persons
who are the subject of human trafficking
to obtain help and services (Human
Trafficking): Requires certain businesses
(bars, primary airports, bus stations, truck stops,
etc.) to post a national human trafficking hotline
number. If an establishment fails to comply, law
enforcement may notify them and allow 30 days
for compliance, or the establishment is fined.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6.
Now known as Act 191.

HB 142 (D. Ralston/R) (Georgia
Government Transparency and Campaign
Finance Commission):
Allows the Georgia Government Transparency
and Campaign Finance Commission to adopt
any rules and regulations necessary and
appropriate except they cannot require the
reporting or disclosure of more information than
required by law. HB 142 prohibits lobbyists from
making expenditures for tickets to admission to
athletic, sporting, recreational, musical concert
or other entertainment events, unless
consideration of equal or greater than face value
Blue Star Report
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GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support
is received. It also prohibits lobbyists from a
reimbursement or payment of expenses for
recreational or leisure activities. A lobbyist can
make expenditure for food and beverages to the
House or Senate, standing committees and
subcommittees, caucuses of members of the
majority or minority political parties of the
House or Senate and other approved caucuses.
Limits expenses for meals and gifts to $75 per
occurrence. HB 142 permits lobbyists to
reimburse or pay for actual and reasonable
expenses for the member or support staff related
to transportation except airfare, lodging, travel,
registration, food, and beverages for attending
meetings that directly relate to the office duties
of a public officer. HB 142 permits lobbyists to
pay for admission for members of the General
Assembly to a collegiate athletic event if the
team is part of the University System of Georgia
or a private university or college accredited in
Georgia and the event is offered to all members
of the General Assembly. HB 142 defines
lobbyist as someone for compensation or pro
bono advocates a position or agenda on behalf of
someone else at a state building, for the purpose
of influencing the decision maker who receives
compensation or reimbursement in excess of
$250. The registration fee for a lobbyist is
eliminated. STATUS: Signed by Governor
on May 6. Now known as Act 134.

HB 143 (D. Ralston/R) (Campaign
contributions, disclosure reports):
Changes the signing and filing requirements for
candidates for county or municipal offices.
Instead of filing them with the commission,
candidates for county office will now file the
required disclosure reports with the election
superintendent in the county and candidates for
municipal office will file the reports with the
municipal clerk in the municipality or the chief
executive officer of the municipality if there is no
clerk. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
April 24. Now known as Act 35.

HB 150 (R. Bruce/D) Law enforcement
officers; the reproduction of arrest
booking photographs (Mugshot
Restrictions): Prohibits companies from
charging for removal of mugshot photos from
websites or other media. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 6. Now known as Act
188.

HB 156 (J. Neal/R) Electronic
pornography; certain acts amounting to
unlawfully seducing or enticing a child
through use of computer online service
(Electronic Pornography): Fills a gap in the
Code whereby any person having custody or
control of a child who is solicited online for the
sexual exploitation of that child will be held
criminally liable. STATUS: Signed by
Governor May 6. Now known as Act 206.

HB 189 (D. Buckner/D) (The Rural
Tourism Protection Act): Requires the
Department of Natural Resources to notify cities
and counties when considering the closure of a
state park or historical site.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6.
Now known as Act 201. This bill was part
of the Democratic Caucus Agenda.

HB 242 (W. Willard/R) (Juvenile
Proceedings): The Juvenile Justice Reform
bill substantially, revises, supersedes and
modernizes provisions relating to juvenile
proceedings and enacts comprehensive juvenile
justice reforms recommended by the Council.
Specifically, the legislation supports programs
that focus on early intervention and effective
alternatives to automatic detention.
Also upgrades two specific areas of the law.
Status offenders are those children who skip
school, run away from home or violate curfew.
These are crimes only because of the age of the
children. The new law would limit the
circumstances under which these children would
be held in a detention center and expand the
Blue Star Report
Page 3

GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support
services to help them find a path in life other
than crime. In addition, in delinquency cases,
which can involve serious offenses, the courts
will be given wider latitude to determine
appropriate next steps for each child.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 2.
Now known as Act 127.

HB 244 (R. Nix/R) (Elementary and
Secondary Education; annual
performance evaluations): Revises certain
provisions relating to annual performance
evaluations. It provides for the development of
an evaluation system, no later than the 2014-
2015 school year, for teachers, assistant
principals and principals. This bill lists the
evaluation measures as well as a rating system
the State Board of Education shall adopt.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7.
Now known as Act 336.

HB 266 (A. Peake/R) Internal Revenue
Code (Car Tax Fix): Persons who buy a new or
used car as of March 1, 2013 no longer pay an
annual personal property tax on the vehicle. New
purchases will be subject to a one-time title tax,
which includes the sales tax and a title
registration fee. HB 266 amended a provision
that required drivers who lease a car to pay both
the title fee and a monthly sales tax on the lease.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on March 5.
Now known as Act 8.

HB 283 (B. Coleman/R) Education (Title
20 Clean-up; SSO Transparency): Makes
several adjustments and additions to the laws
affecting education. Removes the middle grades
program in favor of the middle school program,
including an adjustment of the QBE formula to
account for the removal. Expands how funds
could be used in the guidance counselor
category. Creates a grant program to provide
internet-based learning tools in schools.
Increases the reporting and recordkeeping
requirements of the parents of homeschooled
children. Allows the Office of Student
Achievement to create a non-profit corporation
to accept donations. Establishes certain
transparency rules for the student scholarship
organizations (SSOs), which fund private
education through state-funded tax credits.
Increases SSO cap from $50 million to
$58 million but removes the automatic escalator
that increased the available funds each year.
Makes it a misdemeanor for a board of education
member to fail to comply with the requirements
of the Voting Rights Act. Prohibits public funds
from being used for defense costs against such
charges. Establishes a safe harbor for schools
and school systems that are not in compliance
with its contract. If, at the end of a five year
period, the school or school system is able to
meet its performance goals, the school is deemed
to be in compliance. Provides that a charter
school may enroll children who matriculated
from a pre-kindergarten program associated
with the charter school. Increases the annual
reporting requirements for charter systems to
include, among others things, a discussion of its
authority, training programs, use of funds, and
school performance. Provides an additional
reason for the termination of the charter of a
charter system if it fails to promote school level
governance. STATUS: Signed by Governor
on May 7. Now known as Act 335.

HB 284 (J. Pruett/R) (Return to Play):
Requires public and private schools as well as
nonprofit organizations that provide youth
athletic activities to provide information to
parents on the nature and risk of concussion and
head injury and to establish concussion
management and return to play policies.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on April 23.
Now known as Act 25 .





Blue Star Report
Page 4

GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support
HB 287 (M. Hatchett/R) (Division of
Archives and History): Reassigns the
Division of Archives and History from the
Secretary of State's office to the Board of
Regents of the University System of Georgia.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6.
Now known as Act 184.

HB 350 (A. Peake/R) (Group-care Facility
Operators): Subjects all day care employees to
national and state fingerprint checks. Current
law only requires day care directors to be subject
to national fingerprint checks and exempts
employees altogether. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 1. Now known as Act
126.

HB 372 (C. Coomer/R) (HOPE Grant for
Technical Colleges): Reduces the required
grade point average from a 3.0 to a 2.0 to qualify
for the HOPE grant. Restores 2010 standards.
This bill was originally introduced by the
Democratic Caucus as part of its legislative
agenda. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
April 24. Now known as Act 38.

HB 389 (D. Taylor/R) (Insurance
Conversion Rights and Coverage): As of
the Affordable Care Act (ACA) effective date,
health insurers or managed care organizations
shall not be required to offer health care policies
under the Georgia Health Insurance Assignment
System and Georgia Health Benefits Assignment
System. Said insurer may terminate any existing
policy provided that they provide at least 90
days notice to the insured and the
Commissioner. An insurer may not terminate,
cancel or not renew any policy under this
paragraph if, at the end of the 90 day
cancellation period, the insured would not have
at least 90 days of remaining open enrollment to
obtain insurance coverage through an ACA
exchange. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
May 7. Now known as Act 278.


HR 73 (C. Hugley/D) (Compensation for
Mr. Lathan Rydell Word): Compensates Mr.
Lathan Ryndell Word for his wrongful
incarceration and establishes a 20-year annuity
valued at $400,000. STATUS: Signed by
Governor on May 7. Now known as Act
319.

HR 107 (D. Sheldon/R) (Joint Study
Committee on Medicaid Reform): Creates
a joint 18-member study committee for the
purposes of evaluating the state's Medicaid
program, examining other states' best practices
and planning for future actions necessary to
sustain appropriate levels of services and
funding. STATUS: Signed by Governor on
May 7. Now known as Act 315.

SB 24 (C. Bethel/R) (Hospital Medicaid
Financing Program Act): Provides the Board
of Community Health the authority to set the
rate, to assess and to collect a provider
payment from hospitals. The funds will be kept
in an account separate from the General Fund
and may only be used to qualify for federal
Medicaid financial assistance. While the General
Assembly retains appropriation authority over
the provider payment account, any
appropriations are limited to use for federal
Medicaid financial assistance. The Boards
authority sunsets on June 30, 2017.
The authority also ends if the federal Medicaid
financial assistance is no longer available, or he
Department of Community Health reduces
Medicaid payments to hospitals.
STATUS: Signed by Governor on
February 13. Now known as Act 1.

Blue Star Report
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GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support
BAD bills were opposed by most Democratic
legislators, but no caucus position was taken:

HB 115 (T. Dickson/R) Local boards of
education; suspension and removal of
members under certain circumstances
(School Board Lawsuits): Mandates that no
tax funds from school districts can be used by
school board members to challenge removal by
the Governor. Interferes with the right of
elected officials to challenge the actions by the
state through the judicial process if no crime
has been committed. Status: Signed by
Governor on May 6. Now known as Act
244.

HB 123 (E. Lindsey/R) Parent and
Teacher Empowerment Act
(Parent Trigger Bill):
Enacts the Parent and Teacher Empowerment
Act to convert existing schools to charter
schools or to impose turnaround models for low
achieving schools. This bill lists those who are
able to submit petition to the local school board
and the turnaround models that can be imposed.
STATUS: Did not pass.
SB 160 (previously HB 125) (Immigration
Changes): Redefines the 'physical performance
of services' and allows for an exception from
E-verify reporting for contracts smaller than
$2,499.99. Streamlines the business license
process for renewals by only requiring the
business to submit its federal work authorization
user number. It adds to the definition of public
benefit by adding retirement benefits and state
issued drivers licenses. Updates the citizenship
verification process for government benefits by
only requiring that verification be provided upon
initial application for a government benefit or
service. Prohibits use of foreign passports
without additional documentation. Creates a
new Code section to establish guidelines for the
annual immigration compliance report which
each agency and political subdivision is required
to send to the Department of Audits and
Accounts. The additional documentation
required for foreign passports conflicts with
several federal visa waiver programs and is not
necessary. STATUS: Signed by the
Governor on April 24. Now known as Act
27.
Blue Star Report
Page 6


BAD BILLS: Informal Democratic Opposition
UGLY bills were opposed by Democratic
legislators through a formal caucus position.

HB 361 (E. Lindsey/R) Labor
organizations and membership (Right to
Work): Reaffirms Georgia as a "right to work"
state. It provides that no employer shall deduct
from the wages or other earnings of any
employee any fee assessment or other sum of
money whatsoever to be held for or to be paid
over to a labor organization except on the annual
written authorization from the employee, which
shall not exceed a period greater than one year.
Such authorization may be revoked at any time
at the request of the employee. Was amended in
Senate to prohibit unemployment benefits for
seasonal workers. Provision removed in House.
Was amended in Senate to prohibit unemploy-
ment benefits for seasonal workers. Provision
removed in House. Attacks the rights of labor
unions. STATUS: Signed by Governor May
6. Act 192

HB 362 (E. Lindsey/R) Public works
contracts; governmental entities and
Department of Administrative Services;
provide certain contracting and bidding
requirements (Public Works Contracts):
Provides that no state agency, authority,
department, commission, board or similar entity
that contracts for public works construction
shall require the use of unionized labor by the
entities with which they contract. Restricts local
control and the ability to hire local workers for
taxpayer funded projects. STATUS: Did not
pass.

SB 101/HB 512 (F. Ginn/R) Safe Carry
Protection Act (Expansion of Concealed
Carry Locations): Amends multiple sections
of Georgias weapons Code to allow for expanded
carry rights for license holders and to clean up
and clarify language regarding weapons law in
this state. Allows for carry in places of worship,
bars, on college campuses, in certain
government buildings and in K-12 schools for
certain school personnel. It also gives more
discretion to determine eligibility of an applicant
after a mental health waiver is signed. The
legislation makes unknowingly carrying a
weapon in a non-restricted area of a commercial
airport a misdemeanor offense. Finally, the bill
gives the power to regulate weapons law to the
state legislature. This Act is known as the Safe
Carry Protection Act. Expands concealed carry
rights into public areas traditionally restricted
due to the vulnerability of the populations and
the increased likelihood of harm. STATUS: Did
not pass.

The Governor had the power to veto a bill, which
requires two-thirds of members of each
Chamber to override. During these 40 days
following the end of the Legislative Session.
Governor Deal only vetoed 5 Bills.

The beginning of the next Legislative Session is
scheduled for the second Monday in January.
For any questions or concerns about the signing
of these bills, contact the Governors Office at
404-656-1776.
Your participation in the legislative process
makes a difference. For more information on
these bills and to see the full Citizens
Participation Guide, please visit
www.gahousedems.com.
Blue Star Report
Page 7


UGLY BILLS: Formal Democratic Opposition
Blue Star Report
Page 8
Spotlights Of the Month
Rep. Spencer Frye (HD 118) was featured
in an Athens Banner-Herald article for
holding a town meeting on the Downtown
Grocery Act.

The AJC reported on the passage of HB 150,
sponsored by Rep. Roger Bruce (HD 61) .
The bill would prohibit websites from
charging an individual to remove any online
mugshots if the person is not convicted.

The Athens Banner-Herald reported on a bill
that would create a monopoly for solar power
in Georgia, and featured Rep. Carol
Fullerton (HD 153) describing her support
for the proposal.

The Huffington Post reported on the failure
of Georgias campus carry gun legislation.
The article featured comments by
Rep. Scott Holcomb (HD 81) in
opposition to the bill.

Rep. Karla Drenner (HD 85) and Rep.
Keisha Waites (HD 60) were featured in
an article in The GA Voice for their support
of HB 427, which would extend employment
discrimination protections to LGBT
individuals.

The Macon Telegraph reported on the Macon
and Bibb County consolidation task force,
featuring Rep. Nikki Randall (HD 142)
addressing concerns about the power of the
task force.

An article by WMGT Macon covered the First
Annual Poverty Summit, which was hosted
by Rep. James Beverly (HD 143).

CrossroadsNews.com reported on the
passage of HB 284, sponsored by Rep. Billy
Mitchell (HD 88). The bill establishes the
amount of time an athlete must wait before
returning to action after a concussion, and
will also educate instructors, parents and
coaches on the risks of youth concussions.

Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (HD 82)
was featured in an article by
ReporterNewspapers.net voicing concern on
behalf of her constituents over the new
formation of two cities in North DeKalb.

Gainesville Times featured an article on
Rep. Stacey Evans (HD 42) and the
HOPE Grant Bill, which was signed by the
Governor on April 24, 2013.

Rep. Wayne Howard (HD 124) was
highlighted in an article by The Augusta
Chronicle about the signing of HB 139, which
will allow candidates for sheriff to submit
transcripts in place of a diploma to prove
high school graduation.

Coverdell Legislative Office Building
Suite 408
Phone:
Office: 404-656-5058
Fax: 404-656-0114
Blue Star Report
@gahousedems /gahousedems www.gahousedems.com
Page 9
Community Corner
A list of upcoming events in our
House Districts:

House District 168
May 11, 2013
Mothers Day Tea in Midway
1:00 pm 3:00pm
Midway Museum
491 North Coastal Hwy
Midway, GA 31320
RSVP: 912-884-5837

House District 96
May 18, 2013
Secret Garden Tour
10:00 am 4:00 pm
2956 Buford Highway
Duluth, GA 30096
770-232-7584
http://www.duluthhistorical.org/



House District 53
May 18, 2013
Shoupade Park Tours
9:00 am
4770 Oakdale Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
678-797-2551

House District 66
May 18, 2013
Taste of Douglasville
11:00 am-5:00 pm
Historic Downtown Douglasville
6695 Church St.
Douglasville, GA 30134
770-949-2787
Did You Know?

The GI Rights Hotline provides accurate, helpful counseling
and information on military discharges, AWOL and UA, and
GI Rights. The GI Rights Network is a private, nonprofit,
nongovernmental organization that answers thousands of
calls from military personnel.
1-877-447-4487
http://girightshotline.org/en/