Feb. 2, 2024 – Issue 03

All jokes aside about how long the month of January seemed, it’s finally February and there are only 26 days remaining in the legislative session. This past week at the Capitol was a somber one as news quickly spread Tuesday morning about the passing of House Rules Chairman Richard Smith of Columbus. A beloved lawmaker, floor and committee action paused on the House side, and tributes from across the state poured in from lawmakers, lobbyists, and staffers alike.

Due to the arrangements for Chairman Smith on Monday, February 5 in Columbus, the legislative calendar has been altered. Monday will be a recess day, and the General Assembly will convene for the next legislative day on Tuesday, Feb. 6. Friday, February 16 will no longer be a recess day and the rest of the adjournment resolution will remain the same.

Governor Signs Legislation

While the House and Senate continue to work a fast and furious pace of committee meetings and working on legislation, a few bills made it to the Governor’s desk and have been signed.

Sponsored by Cobb Rep. John Carson, Governor Kemp signed House Bill 30 into law. The legislation defines antisemitism in Georgia code for hate crime prosecution and cases of discrimination.

In addition, the Governor signed the newly drawn Cobb County School Board maps as introduced by Sen. Ed Setzler. SB 338 passed the state House on Mon., Jan. 30.

The Governor also swore in Cobb Chamber Executive Committee Member Joyette Holmes to the Georgia Parole Board. Holmes was surrounded by family, including her husband Bridges, friends, and parole staff. Holmes was appointed by Governor Kemp on January 5th.

Appropriations

In addition to the items that have been mentioned in previous issues of FTCS which have Cobb Chamber support, below are a few budget items that fall into our legislative priorities:

• Under the University System of Georgia’s budget, the total capital request of $198 million (including $6.2 million in funding for equipment for Interdisciplinary STEM Building at KSU’s Marietta Campus) was recommended by the Governor in the FY2025 budget. A groundbreaking for this building was held on the Marietta Campus on Fri., Feb. 2, 2024.
  
  
  
  
• In the Amended FY2024 budget, increase funds ($86,633) to purchase equipment for the Organized Retail Crime and Cyber Crime Prosecution Unit. (Total Funds: $103,500) and in the FY 2025 budget provide $1.4M for 11 positions to the Organized Retail Crime and Cyber Prosecution Unit.
  
  

Legislation of Interest

SB 398 by Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick
Legislation makes enhancements to the Georgia Joint Defense Commission by moving it administratively to the state office of Economic Development and expands the mission of the commission to “military, the defense industry, defense research and technology, military families, and veterans’ affairs.” In addition, it increases the number of appointees to the commission by adding the Chancellor of the University System, a representative from either the public or private sector in military or defense research and a representative from the defense industry contractor.

SB 422 By Sen. Clint Dixon
To modify the percentage limitation as to the amount of the investments an electric membership corporation may make and maintain in a gas affiliate.

This legislation has been re-introduced on behalf of Gas South and a letter of support has been submitted by Cobb Chamber leadership to the Senate Regulated Industries committee.

SR 527 by Sen. Chuck Payne
Legislation creates the Senate Study Committee on Veterans' Mental Health and Housing

SB 426 by Senator Blake Tillery
A legislative priority of Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, this legislation limits how individuals injured in accidents with big trucks can sue insurance companies. Lawsuits could still be brought against an insurance company in some instances, for example if the driver or the business is insolvent or bankrupt, or if the driver or company cannot be located to be served with the lawsuit. This is the first of several tort reform bills we anticipate moving this session.

SB 442 by Sen. David Lucas
This bi-partisan measure addresses the certificate of need program in rural areas. The bill states that after a certain date, certificate of need requirements shall not apply to institutional health services, health care facilities, clinical health services, or any other health care related service or expenditure in counties with a population of less than 35,000.

HB 617 by Rep. Rick Jasperse
Introduced in 2023, the House Transportation committee yesterday passed the bill which codifies Georgia Freight 2050 Program as released by GDOT. The bill relates to highways, bridges, and ferries for the development and maintenance of a state-wide freight and logistics implementation plan and identifying intended funding for the Georgia Freight 2050 Program.

HB 1033 by Rep. Rob Leverette
Under the proposed legislation, it would be considered a “misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature” for an individual to commit the offense of simple assault against a utility worker who is performing official duties at the time of the offense.

Next Week at the Capitol

As mentioned at the beginning of the document, next week will be altered so that members of the General Assembly can attend the funeral for Rep. Richard Smith in Columbus. The calendar has been altered so that Mon., Feb. 5 will be a recess day and Fri., Feb. 16 will now be a session day. The rest of the calendar remains the same.

Cobb Chamber leadership will join members of the Regional Business Coalition (RBC) on Tues., Feb. 6 for its day under the Gold Dome.

Crossover Day – Feb. 29, 2024 (Happy Leap Year!)
Sine Die – Day 40 – Thurs., March 28, 2024

If you have any questions about the Cobb Chamber Government Affairs Committee, the Cobb Chamber legislative priorities or legislative advocacy in general, please reach out to Amanda Seals, Executive Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations.