"Georgia Municipal Association"
01/16/2008 07:46 PM
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GMA Session Notes
GMA Session Notes
January 16, 2008
Today was day three of the 2008 Legislative Session. Thirty-seven legislative
days remain.
State of the State
Governor Sonny Perdue unveiled his $21.4 billion state budget today that
includes $11 million for the state's water plan this year, $120 million for
reservoirs and infrastructure and $50 million for a new State Transportation
Infrastructure Bank. The governor also announced he will seek a constitutional
amendment to do away with the state's .25 mils of property taxes and will look
at options for providing relief from rising property assessments. He also plans
to back a bill that will make the state Department of Transportation Director
the director of the State Road and Tollway Authority.
Under the Gold Dome
The Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee unanimously passed the
SR 701 , the State Water Plan by Sen. Ross Tolleson (R-Perry) yesterday. The
plan is expected to be voted on by the full Senate by Friday. GMA supports the
Water Plan.
http://www.legtracking.gmanet.com/BillDetail/default.aspx?RDBTN=SR701
The Senate Rules Committee passed HB 89, Carrying Firearm in Motor Vehicle , by
Rep. Tim Bearden (R-Villa Rica) yesterday. The original bill would have allowed
firearms to be carried anywhere inside a passenger vehicle, rather than inside
the console or in an open and obvious manner. The committee adopted several
changes to the bill, which is expected to be voted on by the full Senate
tomorrow.
http://www.legtracking.gmanet.com/BillDetail/default.aspx?RDBTN=HB89
HB 938, Franchise Fees by Rep. Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs) changes the
name of franchise fees to franchise taxes and prohibits cities from charging
franchise fees unless supported by a voter referendum. It would also prohibit
franchise fees from being applied to bills of users in unincorporated areas. HB
938 is in the House Ways and Means Committee. GMA opposes this bill.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb938.htm
HB 925, Townships by Rep. Mike Jacobs (D-Atlanta) would allow the state to
create townships which would have planning and zoning powers and code
enforcement powers. The bill also provides for a Local Option Sales Tax to fund
townships. HB 925 is the House State and Local Government Committee. GMA is
evaluating this bill.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb925.htm
Three bills related to red light cameras were introduced this week. HB 892,
Repeal Red Light Cameras by Rep. Mark Hatfield (R-Waycross) would repeal the
state authorization of the use of red light cameras. HB 833, Changing the
Penalty for Running Red Light Cameras by Rep. Bobby Franklin (R-Marietta) would
change the civil penalty for running a red light where there is a red light
camera from $70 to $15. HB 890 by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-) would reduce it
to a $50 fine. GMA opposes these bills.
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb892.htm
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb883.htm
http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2007_08/sum/hb890.htm
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