March 1, 2024 – Issue 07

As of March 1, Crossover Day has passed, marking the commencement of the genuine March Madness at the Gold Dome. Lawmakers now shift their attention to the next 12 legislative days, aiming to propel their bills to the ultimate finish line—the Governor's Desk for signature. Despite the legislative timeframe compressing 12 days into 28, there remains a substantial amount of work ahead for a bill to transition into law. A seasoned lobbyist aptly noted on Crossover Day, "now the real work begins." This sentiment resonates strongly with us.

As previously mentioned, Crossover Day is the last day for a bill to cross from its chamber of origin to the other and we always stress “in its current form.” Now is the time where “dead” legislation is resurrected in the form of committee substitutes and amendments as lobbyists and lawmakers alike have already begun the search for germane legislation to tack their cause onto.

Feb. 29 – The Senate finished its Crossover Day just before 9 p.m.
while the House pushed on, adjourning shortly after 11 p.m.

February 29 – An Extra Day of Work

While both the House and Senate took a lunch break on Crossover Day, many of them joined Governor and Mrs. Brian Kemp on the second floor for the signing of the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget. House Bill 915 adds an additional $5 billion in spending to the $32.4 billion lawmakers approved in 2023. It includes $6.2 million in equipment funds to complete KSU’s Interdisciplinary STEM Building on the Marietta campus, expansion of the Veterans Mental Health Services program, over $1.5 billion for Georgia Department of Transportation projects stateside and $250 million for local water and sewage projects. The House and Senate have already begun work on the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and expect to see that bill evolve in the coming weeks ahead.

Legislation of Interest

Below are just a few of the many bills that the Cobb Chamber has been tracking for the 2023 – 2024 term. For reference, the House currently has over 1400 introduced bills and the Senate has over 550 bills that have been introduced. This tally does not include resolutions for either chamber.

HB 30 by Rep. John Carson
Defines the term “antisemitism,” adds the term to the hate crimes statute, and requires state agencies to consider antisemitism for acts of discrimination. SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

HB 398 by Rep. Scott Hilton
Removes the ability for entertainment venues to restrict the resale of tickets. DID NOT CROSS

HB 843 by Rep. Ron Stephens
Defines “special entertainment district” and allows municipalities to authorize these districts to sell alcohol for consumption on Sundays. CROSSED OVER

HB 880 by Rep. Bethany Ballard
Allows military spouses to use an existing license in good standing from another state to obtain employment in an expedited manner. Service member is defined as an active or reserve member of the armed forces, including the National Guard. CROSSED OVER

HB 883 By Representative Devan Seabaugh
Would authorize county boards of health to conduct meetings via teleconference. CROSSED OVER

HB 909 by Rep. Leesa Hagan
Automatically restricts and seals the record of an offense by an individual who qualifies under first offender status. CROSSED OVER

HB 940 By Rep. Todd Jones
Legislation would require Georgia retail stores and restaurants to accept cash for purchases. DID NOT CROSS

HB 982 by Rep. Matt Gambill
Requires the development of statewide and regional High-Demand Career Lists. CROSSED OVER

HB 1010 by Rep. Jan Jones
Increases annual paid parental leave hours for state employees from 120 to 240 hours. CROSSED OVER

HB 1021 by Rep. Lauren Daniel
Increases the state child tax deduction from $3,000 to $4,000. CROSSED OVER

HB 1023 by Rep. Bruce Williamson
A bill to match the rate of the tax imposed on corporations to that imposed on individual taxpayers. CROSSED OVER

HB 1114 by Rep. Will Wade
This is Governor Brian Kemp’s initiative to spearhead multiyear tort reform. The legislation will create a study committee to track how tort reform affects insurance rates, attorney fees and case value. CROSSED OVER

HB 1121 by Rep. Bethany Ballard
Local government; suspending or prohibiting the continued use of property as a short-term rental unit by a property owner under certain circumstances. DID NOT CROSS

HB 1180 by Rep. Kasey Carpenter
This legislation makes changes to the current film tax credit law by increasing the minimum spend requirement for production along with other new requirements to obtain the tax credit. CROSSED OVER

HB 1181 by Rep. Chuck Martin
This bill would reduce the carryforward period for dozens of tax credits and places a sunset on several of the tax credits by December 31, 2029. CROSSED OVER

HB 1192 by Rep. John Carson
The bill makes changes to Georgia’s data center tax exemptions currently in law. CROSSED OVER

HB 1228 by Rep. Tyler Smith
The proposal would require local governments to utilize Qualifications Based Selection (QBS) for the procurement of engineers and architects (A/E). DID NOT CROSS

HB 1339 by Rep. Butch Parrish
Comprehensive Certificate of Need reform. CROSSED OVER

HB 1371 by Rep. James Burchett
A bill to clarify liability regarding third-party criminal activity. CROSSED OVER

SB 26 by Sen. Greg Dolezal
Authorizes workforce boards and other agencies to conduct meetings via teleconference. Signed by the Governor

SB 163 by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler
This bill would allow craft brewers to sell directly to consumers. DID NOT CROSSOVER

SB 180 by Sen. Ed Setzler
Incorporates the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act into statute. CROSSED OVER

SB 349 by Sen. Chuck Hufstetler
This legislation would improve the notice requirements for tax assessments and millage rate adjustments to be more transparent but would also allow for a statewide floating homestead exemption with a cap of 3 percent. CROSSED OVER

SB 362 by Sen. Mike Hodges
Prohibits companies from accepting economic development incentives for new projects if they recognize union membership without first holding a secret ballot rather than a card check. CROSSED OVER

SB 386 by Sen. Clint Dixon
Legalizes and regulates sports betting as a lottery game underneath the Georgia Lottery Corporation. CROSSED OVER

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. CROSSED OVER

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. CROSSED OVER

SB 426 by Sen. Blake Tillery
This legislation would reduce the use of “direct action” against insurers in commercial trucking lawsuits. It limits parameters as to when it is appropriate to directly name an insurer in a trucking lawsuit. CROSSED OVER

SB 429 By Sen. Greg Dolezal
This legislation enables the general assembly to evaluate pending legislation and rules that may impact small business and creates a more direct path for reviewing agency regulations. The Small Business Protection Act of 2024 also requires each agency to work to engage in zero-base rulemaking and to a top-to-bottom review of all rules periodically. Finally, it provides for a new definition of “small business” raising the employee threshold from 100 to 300. CROSSED OVER

SB 435 and SR 533 by Sen. Frank Ginn
Subject to approval of a constitutional amendment (SR 533), this bill creates the statutory framework for Community Development Districts (CDDs) to build and maintain public infrastructure and to levy ad valorem tax to bond and to pay for such infrastructure. DID NOT CROSS

SB 440 by Sen. Matt Brass
Simplifies dual enrollment processes into a single pathway called Accelerated Career and clarifies two defined diploma tracks for students: general diploma and Accelerated Career diploma. CROSSED OVER

SB 472 by Sen. John Albers
Amends the "Combating Organized Retail Crime Act" that passed during the 2023 legislative session and was supported under the Cobb Chamber’s legislative priorities. This is cleanup legislation needed after its first year of implementation and maintains the Cobb Chamber’s approval. CROSSED OVER

SB 473 by Sen. John Albers
Dubbed the "Georgia Consumer Privacy Protection Act," the legislation is a comprehensive overhaul of protections for consumers and their personal data. CROSSED OVER

SR 538 by Sen. Carden Summers
Proposes a constitutional amendment to allow for the legalization of sports betting and casino gambling. DID NOT CROSS

SR 579 by Sen. Bill Cowsert
Proposes a constitutional amendment to allow for the legalization of sports betting and for proceeds to be used for PRE-K, HOPE scholarships, gambling addiction services, and the advancement and promotion of sports in Georgia. CROSSED OVER

Chamber Members Under the Gold Dome

Monday, Feb. 26 marked Kennesaw State University’s Day at the Capitol. Joined by alumni, the Student Government Association, and student interns at the Capitol, President Kat Schwaig and her team met with legislative partners and the Governor to say thank you for all that they do for KSU and higher education in Georgia.

The delegation from KSU gets a selfie with Governor and Mrs. Brian Kemp
during their Day at the Capitol.

Next Week at the Capitol

Mon., March 4 – Legislative Day 29
Tues., March 5 – Legislative Day 30
Wed., March 6 – Committee Work Day
Thurs., March 7 – Legislative Day 31
Fri., March 8 – Legislative Day 32

Secure Your Seat: Legislative Wrap Up on April 25

Mark your calendars - after the dust settles and our lawmakers have a chance to catch their breath, join us for our annual Legislative Wrap-Up Luncheon where key policymakers will share with us what passed, what stalled and what might be on tap after the 2024 election cycle. Speakers and program information to come. New for 2024: We’re offering admission to signature and premier chamber members, but seats are limited! Reserve your seat today! This event remains a Chairman’s Circle benefit.

For an archive of previous From the Capitol Steps editions covering the 2024 Legislative Session, click here.

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.