The General Assembly convened last week for Legislative Days 24-27 with Friday designated as a committee workday. Legislators will resume business this week for Legislative Days 28-31. Monday is Crossover Day, the last day a bill can passed out of one chamber to still be considered this session.
Tax Credit Review
Last week, Governor Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns, and Lt. Governor Burt Jones announced an extensive review of the state’s tax credits. The review will take place between the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions. One of the notable tax credits up for review is the state’s $900 million film tax credit.
Budget
The only constitutional requirement for lawmakers is to pass a balanced budget. A conference committee was formed to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the Amended Fiscal Year 23 budget (HB 18). Appointed members include: Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy, Majority Leader Steve Gooch, and Appropriations Chairman Blake Tillery, Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones, Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, and Appropriations Chairman Matt Hatchett. The general assembly will soon begin considering the FY24 budget.
Governor’s bills
HB 162, sponsored by Rep. Lauren McDonald (Governor’s Floor Leader), would provide a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals and $500 for married couples who filed taxes in Georgia in 2021 and 2022. The House passed the measure 170-2. The bill has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.
HB 128, sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong (Governor’s Floor Leader), would increase the representation of businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans in the procurement of state contracts for construction, services, equipment, and goods. The bill was postponed for a vote. It will likely up for a vote in the House on Crossover Day.
SB 42, sponsored by Sen. Mike Hodges (Governor’s Floor Leader), would increase the fines for businesses that fail to comply with model notice requirements for the human trafficking hotline. The bill passed the Senate 51-1 and has been assigned to the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.
Other notable bills
HB 30, sponsored by Rep. John Carson and co-sponsored by Majority Leader Chuck Efstration, would create a state definition of antisemitism in Georgia and would require state agencies and departments to consider discriminatory intent in investigations. The bill refers to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. This bill is complimentary to the Hate Crimes legislation that was passed and signed into law in 2020.
SB 93, sponsored by Senate Majority Caucus Chairman Jason Anavitarte would prohibit a state employee from installing or using a social media platform that is controlled or influenced by a foreign adversary recognized by the GEMA on state equipment. The bill would also require GEMA to maintain and update a list of foreign adversaries. The bill passed the Senate 50-0 and has been assigned to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee.
HB 406, sponsored by Rep. Rick Jasperse would create regulations for electric vehicle chargers. Last week, the House voted 161-0. It has been read in the Senate and referred to the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. The companion bill in the Senate, SB 146, passed out of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities and will be considered for a vote on Crossover Day.
HB 514, sponsored by Rep. Dale Washburn, would limit local moratoriums on single-family residential development to 180 days and gives exceptions during emergency situations. The bill passed out of the House Government Affairs Committee.
HB 517, also sponsored by Rep. Dale Washburn, would prohibit counties or cities from establishing building design standards and large lot size requirements. The bill did not get a vote in the House Government Affairs Committee and will not be considered for a vote this session.
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