Nelson Mullins - Gold Dome Report - Legislative Day 22 (2025)

Cadets from the Georgia Military College pose for a photo during GMC Day at the Georgia State Capitol on Monday.

Lawmakers and lobbyists watching the Georgia State Senate on Monday saw a lot of green and red, but it wasn’t exactly Christmas. While some state agencies and contractors stand to see a few extra greenbacks in the Senate version of the Amended FY25 Budget, which was revealed at an early morning meeting, others saw red from reductions proposed in all corners of the spending plan. That trend continued on the Senate floor as legislators took up the Lt. Governor’s “Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025”, which stands to put agency rules and regulations on the chopping block. Also in red: cadets from the Georgia Military College celebrating GMC Day at the Capitol. So, actually just a lot of red under the Gold Dome on Monday.

That stands to change on Tuesday when green will reign again with Georgia 4-H Day at the Capitol. It’s also a Committee Workday, so we’ll have all the details from Tuesday’s meeting in Wednesday’s #GoldDomeReport.

In this Report:

• Floor Action
• Committee Notes
• New Legislation
• What’s Next

Floor Action

The House took up the following measures on Legislative Day 22:

• HB 34 - Professional licensing boards; continuing education tracking solution to monitor compliance of licenses with applicable continuing education requirements; establish (Substitute)(RegI-Washburn-144th) - PASSED 171-2
• HB 78 - Employees' Retirement System of Georgia; total percentage of funds invested in alternative investments; raise limit (Substitute) (Ret-Franklin-160th) - PASSED 161-9
• HB 124 - Insurance; require coverage for healthcare services for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders; provisions (Ins-Scoggins-14th) - PASSED 173-0
• HB 136 - Income tax; contributions to foster child support organizations; expand tax credit (Substitute)(W&M-Newton-127th) - PASSED 170-2
• HB 153 - Sales and use tax; maintenance and replacement parts for certain machinery used to mix or transport concrete; extend exemption sunset date (W&M-Camp-135th) - PASSED 168-3
• HB 164 - Highways, bridges, and ferries; allowable variance for weight limitations upon a vehicle or load; repeal automatic repeal provisions (Trans-Meeks-178th) - PASSED 164-9
• HB 182 - Life insurance; excluding or restricting liability for certain deaths occurring while an individual is an active duty service member; prohibit (Ins-Lumsden-12th) - PASSED 171-0
• HB 232 - Interstate Massage Compact Act; enact (RegI-Silcox-53rd) - PASSED 165-5
• HB 287 - Environmental Protection Division; Environmental Advisory Council; update reference date to standards, rules, and regulations (GF&P-Rhodes-124th) - PASSED 171-0
• HB 352 - Georgia Gestational Diabetes Management Act; enact (Substitute) (P&CH-Seabaugh-34th) PASSED 169-2
• SR 7 - State Highway System; dedicate certain portions (Substitute) (Trans-Jasperse-11th) Dolezal-27th Modified Structured Rule - PASSED 174-0

The Senate took up the following measures on Legislative Day 22:

• SB 13 - Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; finance and perform certain duties in connection with projects relating to natural gas facilities; authorize (RI&U-13th) - PASSED 42-11
• SB 28 - "Red Tape Rollback Act of 2025"; enact (Substitute) (ED&T-27th) - PASSED 33-21
• SB 72 - "Hope for Georgia Patients Act"; enact (Substitute) (H&HS-6th) - PASSED 56-0
• SB 125 - Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; decouple the sequential order of experience and examination requirements (RI&U-20th) - PASSED 56-0

Committee Notes

House Education Committee

The House Education Committee, chaired by Representative Chris Erwin (R-Homer), met on Monday afternoon to consider the following measures:

• HB 198, authored by Representative Johnny Chastain (R-Blue Ridge), amends Title 20 to provide for the use of school facilities by certain youth groups. Specifically, the bill requires schools to allow “patriotic societies”, as defined in federal law, to use school facilities and provide a written reason for any denial of such use.

Representative Chastain presented the bill to thecommittee, noting that it is focused on providing access to groups like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Representative Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville) asked whether the bill actually creates a mandate, to which Legislative Counsel said yes, but the bill is ambiguous in that it contemplates circumstances when a school might not live up to the mandate. Representative Karen Lupton (D-Chamblee) noted that there are patriotic societies geared toward adults and asked whether they would be allowed to use school facilities. Legislative Counsel opined that if schools begin letting one type of group in through the bill, they would be obliged to allow other types of group in. According to Legislative Counsel, “[o]nce you open the door, you open it for all.” Nevertheless, the committee recommended the bill DO PASS by an 8-8 vote (with the tie broken by the Chair) and be sent to the Rules Committee.

• HB 307, authored by Representative Ballard, amends Title 20 to address a number of literacy issues. Specifically the bill mandates the development of support plans for such students and requires the Department of Education to disseminate relevant information on dyslexia. The bill also prohibits the use of the three-cuing systems model in instructional materials for kindergarten through third grade and repeals the provision related to reading recovery programs. It also revises definitions and repeals expired deadlines for the State Board of Education and the Department of Education.

Representative Ballard presented the bill to the committee, explaining that it is an extension of the General Assembly’s work through the Georgia Early Literacy Act passed in 2023.The committee recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee.

• HB 340, authored by Representative Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners), is the “Distraction-Free Education Act.” The bill amends Title 20 to require local school systems and public schools to enact policies and procedures for use of personal electronic devices at school and school sponsored events by students in kindergarten through eighth grade. By August 1, 2025, all local school systems and public schools are required to establish policies that prohibit the use of such devices during instructional time, with exceptions for legal requirements. These policies must include methods for storing devices, procedures for off-site events, and communication protocols for emergencies, ensuring that parents contact the school directly if needed. The legislation also specifies that these provisions cannot be waived by strategic waivers, charter systems, or other special school designations.

Representative Hilton presented the bill to the committee. Representative Rick Townsend (R-St. Simons Island) asked about the author’s thoughts on local control, to which Representative Hilton said he has been asked by school districts to take it out of their hands, and the bill allows leeway in the specific forms of implementation. The committee adopted an amendment delaying implementation by six month, requiring local districts to adopt cell phone policies no later than January 1, 2026, to prohibit use of cell phones no later than July 1, 2026. The committee then recommended the bill DO PASS and be sent to the Rules Committee.

House Public and Community Health Committee

Representative Sharon Cooper’s (R-Marietta) full committee met to consider two measures on Monday:

• HB 500, by Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), seeks to make changes in Chapter 4 of Title 49 and raise temporary assistance for needy family (TANF) payments and adds the cost of an automobile up to $4,250 as a permitted asset that does not count against the income limits qualifications. Several groups supported passage of the bill, including Voices for Georgia’s Children and the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute. The bill’s new amounts will be the first change in 28 years. The substitute for the bill received a unanimous DO PASS recommendation from the committee.
• HB 89, by Chairman Sharon Cooper (R-Marrietta), had passed the committee previously, but was recommitted by the Rules Committee. It amends Titles 31, 37, and 45 and permits psychiatric and other clinical records to be shared with the Maternal Mortality Review Committee on a confidential basis to serve its purpose to analyze maternal deaths and their causes. The Rules Committee had thought that additional changes were necessary and remanded the bill. NO changes were forthcoming, so the committee unanimously sent it back to the Rules Committee for floor consideration.

House Health Committee

Chairman Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville) hosted a House Health Committee meeting this afternoon after the conclusion of the House Chairmen’s luncheon. Measures taken up this afternoon were as follows:

• HB 54, authored by Representative David Clark (R-Buford), originally sought to amend Titles 16, 31, and 43 to authorize advanced practice registered nurses and physician’s assistants (PAs) to order home healthcare services to patients of a home healthcare agency. The bill was brought last year. The legislation now is limited to physician’s assistants; 4,000 PAs are in the state and this allows them to sign for home health services.The Medical Association of Georgia has also been consulted about the legislation. Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) asked about the PAs who work under the supervision of physicians. Tim Davis, with the Georgia Nurses Association, supported the legislation. Representative Jesse Petrea (R-Savannah) also supported the legislation.Shelia Humberstone also supported the legislation on behalf of the physician’s assistants. The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation, moving [520073S]
• HB 87, authored by Representative David Clark (R-Buford), proposes to add a new Code section at O.C.G.A. 33-24-59.34 to require health benefit policy coverage for medically necessary orthotic and prosthetic devices. A new substitute was before the committee for consideration, working alongside the GAHP and Society of Orthotics and Prosthetics.There is a section added regarding the State Health Benefit Plan (lines 109-110) and about unexpected costs.The legislation received a DO PASS recommendation [LC 52 07770 S]
• HB 298, authored by Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown), seeks to provide for requirements of nurse staffing in hospitals in Chapter 7 of Title 31. A substitute {LC 46 1145 S} was before the committee. Kelley indicated it was to help codify best practices occurring in Georgia hospitals now. It outlines requirements for nurse staffing plans, nurse staffing committees, and a statewide committee which will be appointed by the Governor, Lt. Governor, and Speaker.Tim Davis, with the Georgia Nurses Association, spoke to the legislation which is supported by 170,000 nurses in the state who are members of his organization. Changes were offered at Line 76 — 75%; lines 147, 152, 156 — two representatives rather than “a representative." The amendments passed; the legislation then received a DO PASS as amended.
• HB 323, authored by Representative Karen Mathiak R-Griffin), is the Bridging the Gap for ALS and Chronic Kidney Disease Act in O.C.G.A. 33-43-3. The legislation before the committee was to allow for a“medigap” plan to level the playing field for those who are 65 and under years of age. Similar bills have been passed in 17 states.It is to allow these individuals to participate in medigap plans so that they can afford a kidney transplant. Premiums can be very expensive and 200% of the caps may be too unaffordable.

Several testified in favor of the measure: Christine Flynn from Augusta spoke about her rare genetic disease and how life changed with a kidney transplant. There are 4,000 with end-stage renal failure in the state. Christopher Richards also spoke to the legislation and his experience on dialysis. While on Medicare, he uses private insurance to pay the 20% that he needs to pay. $2.00 per month extra would be cost for the Medigap insurance.Elizabeth Lively with Dialysis Patient Citizens supported the bill (which is like language from Indiana legislation); it is a compromise with the insurance industry. Lively explained why it was necessary for the legislation and how patients could avoid the Medicaid “spend down” of assets. The impact to the insurance pool would be minimal for the coverage. Richard McDaniel with the American Kidney Fund shared his own personal story with kidney failure and the costs associated with his medical treatments. He recited that it averages $17,000 out of pocket costs annually for these patients.His Medigap plan costs $3,500 every three months. One in six patients actually receive transplants. The ALS Association also supported the legislation and how those patients also have to spend down their assets in order to access Medicaid and the 20% “gap.” Now, the law penalizes younger folks from getting sick and this bill would help correct that. It was mentioned that 960 Georgians have ALS. Premiums would increase the pool costs about 1% per year.AARP is neutral on the bill because they see very little impact with the bill.Representative Jesse Petra (R-Savannah) asked about the legislation and bringing “parity” for folks who are under the age of 65. Patients after transplants are also back to work within three years.Representative Jasmine Clark (D-Lilburn) also asked questions around disabilities as many of those folks get services via Medicaid waivers.

Jesse Wethington with Georgia Association of Health Plans (“GAHP”) opposed the legislation. In other markets, there may have been negligible increases but an impact when individuals drop their entire policies. GAHP has offered the Nebraska language as a compromise. Not all plans in GAHP offer Medigap policies. He was asked of the 65 and older, how many are on these plans — there are 300,000 Georgians. The 4,900 additional folks would have rate impacts (maybe as much as 16% per year).Nebraska has a single plan, and it excludes end-stage renal disease. The state of Washington bases premiums on community-rating but it ends up being a more expensive option. A motion was made DO PASS; the motion carried. [The version LC 461064 cleared the Committee.]

• HB 428, authored by Representative Lehman Franklin (R-Statesboro), proposes to codify the right to in vitro fertilization in O.C.G.A. 31-1-26. LC 46 1090 was before the committee. Representative Franklin outlined the legislation. He and his wife used IVF treatment and also considered adoption. There was passionate testimony by individuals who had used the treatment and had successful results. The bill received a DO PASS recommendation, moving it forward to the House Rules Committee.
• HB 139, authored by Representative Todd Jones (R-Cumming), addresses 340B drug pricing arrangements in O.C.G.A. 36-4-120. This legislation was before the committee in “hearing only” posture withLC 46 1023 reviewed by thecommittee.He explained covered entities and covered pharmacies in the federal statute. Lines 15-18 are the covered entities (hospitals and clinics and federal grantees).There are 70 hospitals in Georgia which take advantage of 340B.The intended benefits are to provide reduced cost drugs to providers and consumers. If money is made, then it must go to a public benefit. Covered entities enter into agreements with contracted pharmacies. This, per Representative Jones, is a conversation about Georgia; only 1% of the benefits are going to intended populations; 340B is not being applied as intended.Opponents will say there are 1,500 contract pharmacies and the law is being perverted in Georgia; big box/brand pharmacies are participating; and suppliers have one contract pharmacy per covered entity. Proponents will say nine states do this protecting 340B contract pharmacy relationships and there are 500 discrete contract pharmacies; the Board of Pharmacy preserves the right of the patient to choose his/her pharmacy; there are over 25% independent pharmacies; and the Arkansas statute, which this is based, was held up in the courts.Crisp Regional gets $2 million annually (that hospital has 70% of Medicare and Medicaid payer mix). Colquitt Regional has used the program for 18 years (community benefits are used for cancer services; dialysis; and repricing of medications for correctional facilities).Wellstar has saved $284 million in 2025 with 340B and $1.3 billion last year in charity and uncompensated care. The legislation directs the pharmacy companies to follow the law (federal law preempts Georgia). Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta) asked about lines 27-30 and the “transparency” involved as the legislation is missing this.

Several individuals testified to the proposal:

Michael Azzolin testified as to his work with rural hospitals. In a vacuum he disagrees with the program. EMTALA requires hospitals to see patients when they come to the emergency rooms.340B requires that hospitals be nonprofit facilities. The issue is how medications are distributed to patients. Patients have a choice of which pharmacy they can use. HRSA notes that this 340B program enables stretching scarce resources.Currently, there are limitations on how many pharmacies can contract with the 340B entities.

Perry Knight, a lawyer with Johnson & Johnson, testified in opposition to the proposal.340B plays an important role in the safety net; 340B has grown beyond the original intent with entities taking the benefits; she urged support for federal reform to drive accountability.It was intended to be a buy low; sell low program but that has changed. Patients do not benefit from the program by and large.Hospital markups should also be considered — many are higher than in a non-340B facility (as much as 5.4 times in one North Carolina study).Litigation like this has done nothing to address abuses in 340B. States that have passed the legislation have seen litigation arise, and now there are 22 active federal cases in states due to this type of legislation.Johnson & Johnson is committed to the 340B program as originally intended.

Becky Ryles spoke on behalf of community health centers (known as Federally Qualified Health Centers). Those were established to provide access to care in underserved communities (access to primary and preventative care). These centers were established 60 plus years ago. The patients that they see need access to medications; they pay ⅓ of the costs of their medications because 340B allows those patients a pass through costs.There are 35 health center organizations in the state in 330 clinical sitesand they saw 700,000 patients last year.These facilities are nonprofit and overseen by local leaders.Thus, they want to contract with their local, independent pharmacies.Selecting one pharmacy, however, is a burden.She supported HB 139 and asked the committee to give the legislation a DO PASS recommendation.

Travis Bucchello for Healthcare Distribution Alliance opposed the legislation and asked for an amendment to strike them from the bill. Wholesale distributors are included in the legislation and asked for those to be eliminated. For delivery of controlled substances, the wholesalers would be forced to follow federal or state law.

Sharon Lamberton with PHARMA talked on behalf of 30 drug companies. She opposed the legislation as it is the wrong answer for Georgia. The law was intended for the uninsured or underinsured. 340B is a $66 billion drug program — the second largest in the country. 340B provides discounts to medicine,not free medicines. The North Carolina study of the program showed that drugs were marked up 84% for state employees. She appreciated the effort by Representative Jones to look at what the program was doing.

Maria Thacker with Georgia Life Sciences also testified to the legislation. The intent is to expand access but her organization is concerned about the unintended consequences. Discounts are not reaching the patients who need them most. She also urged for transparency requirements and for the committee to take a more measured approach.

Mark Howell with Glaxo Smith also spoke to the proposal. Only 17% of the pharmacies getting 340B are in zip codes that have patients who benefit from the program.

The Pioneer Institute also provided testimony. He championed the need for transparency. Chain drug stores or PBMs are contracted now, and they are taking advantage of the 340B program in Georgia.

Dorothy Glasser leads a coalition of 50 organizations (Rxinreach) and she opposed HB 139. Most of the pharmacies are not in the neighborhoods where the patients need the drugs the most. She noted that the entire program needs to be reformed from the federal government down.

No action was taken today on HB 139.

Senate Health and Human Services

Chairman Ben Watson (R-Savannah) presided over the Monday afternoon meeting, where the committee heard just one bill.

• SB 195, by Senator Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), is a bipartisan bill that authorizes pharmacies to dispense pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), for HIV prevention, without a prescription (proper training required). The author noted that the Atlanta area has the 3rd or 4th highest rate of new HIV infections in the country (depending on whose statistics are used). It can cost up to $400k over a lifetime to treat HIV, but generic medications for prevention can be as low as $23-$60 per month, or free with some programs. Cindy Shepherd with the GA Pharmacy Association spoke in favor. The committee recommended DO PASS unanimously; the bill will move on to the Rules Committee.

House Regulated Industries

The House Regulated Industries Committee, chaired by Representative Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), heard seven bills on Monday.

• HB 314, by Representative John LaHood (R-Valdosta), revises and updates definitions relating to athletic trainers and their licensing board. The subcommittee substitute removes dry needling from the bill. The physician remains the gatekeeper to recommend services by athletic trainers. The bill substitutes “conditions”to “injuries” aseligible for services by licensed trainers. Representative Lahood urged that the substitute did not expand the scope of practice. Representative Karen Bennett (D-Clayton) disagreed and urged that the scope of practice was being expanded by its lack of specification of where the condition emerged. Lahood also reported that 10 other states have added permission for athletic trainers to treat conditions.After extensive discussion, there was a motion do pass. An amendment was then offered to strike “condition” and add “injury” on lines 12 and 15. The motion failed. The bill then received a DO PASS recommendation from the committee and will move on to the Rules Committee.
• HB 342, by Representative Mitchell Horner (R-Ringgold), refines advertising for medical marijuana and deletes the current prohibition. The bill allows more information to be distributed to patients. Companies from other states are currently advertising in Georgia. One question was asked by Representative Kasey Carpenter (R-Dalton) about guardrails to the advertising around areas such as schools and churches and what constraints were intended. Representative Horner responded that no mass advertising was intended, rather individual communications to eligible persons. The sponsor reported that Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee already permit advertising. Representative Ginny Ehrhart (R-Marietta) reinforced the concern about there being no restrictions contained in the bill and asked whether the manufacturers were open to some guidelines. Representative Horner reported that they are. They want to make patients aware of their locations for selling medical marijuana. Social media and billboards are not cost effective because of the size of this small market (there are 13 locations permitted in Georgia now).Representative Rick Jasperse (R- Jasper) suggested the commission regulate the advertising and joined Representative Ehrhart’s motion to table the bill for further work. Representative Billy Mitchell (D-Stone Mountain) then joined the chorus. Chairman Powell jumped in to hold the bill but suggested that the Medical Cannabis Commission have approval of advertising.
• HB 219, by Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), related to impaired nurses to add a treatment regimen to allow a nurse to temporarily surrender his or her license and then enter a program. The licensee can keep the license upon successful completion of the program. The bill passed last year and received a DO PASS vote from the committee today.
• HB 391, by Representative Brent Cox (R- Dawsonville) relating to regulation of boxing, wrestling, and martial arts. It received a DO PASS recommendation without discussion.
• SB 81, by Senator Matt Brass (R-Newnan), was presented by Chairman Powell. The bill related to motor vehicles franchise practices, seeking to protect dealers’ data and facilitate consumer and dealer use of information from manufacturer chips to report on parts performance. The bill has multiple other sections and is essentially an update to the franchise act. The measure received a unanimous DO PASS recommendation.
• HB 455, by Chairman Alan Powell (R-Hartwell), amends the number of allowable bingo sessions and the payment to the conductors of the game. The current limitation of 31 sessions per month is amended to permit more than one session per day, rather than one per day. The payment to operate the session is increased up to $150 per session.

Representative Al Williams (D-Hinesville) asked Chairman Powell about gaming issues broadly and Powell elaborated on his support for destination casinos and sports betting and reiterated his support for a broad constitutional amendment that permits a vote on both types of gaming. The committee then moved to recommend that the bill DO PASS.

• HB 251, by Rep. Lauren McDonald (R-Cumming), provides certified nurse anesthetists a wider scope: to order an anesthesia plan (in addition to anesthesiologists). Representative McDonald emphasized its benefits to speeding up scheduling of surgeries in rural areas. It allows hospitals to choose the newer model for surgical performance using CRNAs under the physician conducting his or her practice who needs anesthesia, such as surgeons and cardiologists. A CRNA can perform service when there is no anesthesiologist available. McDonald indicated the bill would help hospitals in 20 to 25 rural counties. The extensive questioning reflected considerable division on the issue, in both parties.No vote was taken, and the committee will meet again on Tuesday, February 25, to hear opposition testimony and vote on the measure.

House Ways and Means Committee - Income Tax Subcommittee

The subcommittee on income tax, chaired by Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), met Monday afternoon to hear three bills.

• HB 144, by Representative Mark Newton (R-Augusta), is a continuation of a program on preceptor tax credits. It streamlines the program to provide a flat amount, up to 10 rotations per year, and adds dental schools to the list. The will have a $6 million aggregate cap, and the bill extends the sunset to 2030. The subcommittee recommended DO PASS, and the bill will move on to the full Ways and Means Committee.
• HB 290, by Representative John Carson (R-Marrietta), is the annual revenue code update to ensure Title 48 is in conformity with federal Internal Revenue Code. The committee voted DO PASS.
• HB 360, by Representative Chuck Efstration (R-Mulberry), relates to historic preservation tax credits so that any taxpayer that was pre approved by the commissioner to claim such tax credits for certified structures other than historic homes before December 31, 2026 and obtains a certificate of occupancy for such on or before December 31, 2026, shall be authorized to claim the tax credits allowed in the first taxable year for such taxpayer beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The author explained that current redevelopment efforts in Atlanta are critical knowing that the World Cup is approaching, which will have a huge economic impact. This will encourage rehabilitation of buildings if they will be ready to use in time for these major events. Does not increase the cap, but those who have already applied would be able to utilize it if the facilities are open timely. The substitute limits the application of this bill to downtown Atlanta only, which was the impetus and intent of the original bill. The subcommittee voted DO PASS.

House Ways and Means Committee - Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee

Chairman Vance Smith’s (R-Pine Mountain) subcommittee was next in the line-up, meeting to hear three bills.

• HB 129, by Representative Chas Cannon (R-Moultrie), provides flexibility to the Conservation Use Valuation Assessment (CUVA) statute. It will allow family-owned farms under a CUVA agreement to be leased to non-family farms. The author noted that the use of the land is the key component of the conservation covenants, not who is operating the enterprise. The bill passed the House last year but did not make it out of the Senate. Bryan Tolar spoke in support on behalf of Georgia Urban Ag Council. The committee recommended DO PASS, and the bill will move on to the full committee.
• HB 297, by Representative Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia), defines multipurpose off-highway vehicles (side-by-side ATVs) for the purpose of exempting such vehicles from ad valorem taxes. The measure passed the House last year, was amended in the Senate, but didn’t make it back to the House floor in time. The subcommittee recommended DO PASS.
• HB 445, by Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), is another measure that passed the House last year but not the Senate. It seeks to change the appeal process through boards of equalization for tangible personal property in aggregate excess value of $200,000 by giving owners the ability to appeal straight to a professional hearing officer. The goal is to keep these appeals out of superior court, which is where they’ll end up if they appeal a decision of the equalization board. Decision of a hearing officer can still be appealed to superior court, but in practice taxpayers are less likely to need to appeal the decision of a professional hearing officer versus that of an equalization board constituted of other citizens who may not be experts. The subcommittee recommended DO PASS.

Ways and Means Committee - Sales Tax Subcommittee

Chairman Chuck Martin’s (R-Alpharetta) subcommittee on sales tax followed the subcommittee on ad valorem tax. This committee considered three bills.

• HB 66, by Representative Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), expands the definition of rental motor vehicle. For specially modified vehicles primarily used for film industry, the title ad valorem tax (TAVT) model is not best. This measure will treat these vehicles like other rental vehicles (charter buses, etc.), where 50% of the tax is paid up front, and the other half is paid after one year. There is no tax discount, simply a delay of collection so that such vehicles can start generating revenue before the total tax is due. The subcommittee recommended DO PASS, and the bill moves on to the full committee.
• HB 229, by Yasmin Neal (D-Jonesboro), seeks to exempt materials used in construction of capital outlay projects for educational purposes, which were approved and funded through a constitutionally authorized education special purpose local option sales tax (E-SPLOST). Representative Neal brought this legislation on behalf of Clayton County Public Schools, which wants to use E-SPLOST funds to service bonds to build new school facilities. In the first hearing, Representative Trey Kelley (R-Cedartown) asked why we should do this for Clayton County and not for every school district across the state. The current substitute to the bill does provide for the entire state. The committee recommended DO PASS.

New Legislation

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the House:

The following new legislation of interest has been introduced in the Senate:

What’s Next

The General Assembly is in adjournment on Tuesday, February 25 for a Committee Workday. The legislature will reconvene for Legislative Day 23 on Wednesday, February 26 at 10 a.m.

The House Rules Committee is scheduled to meet Tuesday, February 25 at 9 a.m.to set a calendar for Legislative Day 23.

The Senate is expected to consider the following on Legislative Day 23:

• SB 40 - Secondary Metals Recyclers; the definition of the term "used, detached catalytic converters" to said article; provide for applicability (Substitute) (JUDY-50th)
• SB 130 - Health; medical education funding and the service cancelable loan program; expand (H&HS-3rd)
• HB 67 - Supplemental appropriations; State Fiscal Year July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025 (Substitute) (APPROP-19th) Burns-159th
• SB 79 - "Fentanyl Eradication and Removal Act"; enact (JUDY-8th)
• SB 123 - Compulsory Attendance; provisions of the state's compulsory school attendance laws; update and revise (ED&Y-18th)