This weekly legislative review is provided by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and passed on by the Conyers-Rockdale Chamber of Commerce as a service to the community.

Governor Deal Signs Medicaid Funding Plan into Law  

Governor Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 24 into law this week — legislation that would allow the Georgia Department of Community Health to fill a shortfall in the state Medicaid program, protect hospitals from having to cut important services, and assist many rural hospitals across the state in avoiding possible closure. The Georgia Chamber took a formal support position of the measure which also has widespread support from health care providers across the state.

SB 73: Changes to Transportation Investment Act

Sponsor: John Albers, District 56

Status: Senate Read and Referred to Transportation Committee

The Georgia Chamber testified before the Senate Transportation Subcommittee on Roads and Bridges in opposition to Senate Bill 73 — legislation that would make significant changes to the Transportation Investment Act legislation passed in 2010 in which three regions passed the referendum based on the original measure, and will generate more than $1.8 billion in new transportation dollars over the next 10 years. The bill is still awaiting a full vote by the subcommittee. While the Georgia Chamber believes that the state needs to identify additional opportunities to address our state’s transportation needs, it should not be done in a way that backtracks on the commitment made to voters in those regions that passed the referendum last year. 

SB 125: Landowner Protection against Liability from Trespassers

Sponsor: Jesse Stone, District 23

Status:  In Senate Judiciary Committee

Senate Bill 125 offers landowners liability protection against lawsuits brought upon by trespassers that were unintentionally harmed and injured on the property. The Chamber believes this legislation is an essential tool to protect property owners from unfair and unwarranted litigation brought by criminals.

HB 327:  Flexibility and Accountability Act for Student Achievement

Sponsor: Brooks Coleman, District 97

Status: In House Education Committee

House Bill 327 replaces Georgia’s current flexibility options for local school districts with a new statewide flexibility and accountability structure. It also helps identify and support struggling schools and systems around the state. The First Readers summary states “A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the O.C.G.A., relating to elementary and secondary education, so as to enact the ‘Flexibility and Accountability Act for Student Achievement;’ to provide for legislative intent; to categorize each school system as a Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3 school system; to establish requirements; to provide for specified flexibility and accountability for Category 1 school systems; to provide for full flexibility for Category 2 school systems; to provide for Category 3 school systems as charter systems; to provide for statutory construction; to provide for grants; to provide for mediation; to provide for rules and regulations; to revise provisions relating to waivers to improve student performance; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.”

SB 113: Clarifying Laws for Issuing Summons to a Corporate Entity

Sponsor: Emanuel Jones 10th

Status: In Senate Judiciary Committee 

Senate Bill 113 seeks to amend Georgia law by codifying an official process as to how a claimant can serve a corporate entity with a legal summons.