Legislative Update – Week 1

Thank you to the Regional Business Coalition for the update!

2014 Weekly Legislative Update

January 13-17 – Week One

Legislature Introduces Flurry of Election Year Legislation and Recognitions

The Georgia House and Senate got a quick start to this year’s political season with the introduction of a number of politically motivated bills to appease voters back in their districts.  Some of the more interesting bills introduced included:

Clarifying that being a spectator where “fighting of chickens” took place was only a misdemeanor,

Allowing public school students and staff’s right to “offer traditional greetings” of “winter celebrations,”

Allowing for the transportation of up to a gallon of “home-brew” for special events.

There was also a long list of condolences and commendations recognizing everything from Miss Georgia Teen USA, archery and football teams to inviting Phil Niekro to address the legislature.

Bill would Redefine Establishment of a Transit Authority

Legislation introduced by Rep. Carson (R-East Cobb) would redefine what constitutes a metropolitan area for the establishment of a transit authority.  Present law allows for the establishment of a transit authority in a metropolitan area with a central city population over 43,617.  Sixteen cities presently fall under this definition, which includes Dunwoody and all larger cities.  The legislation, if passed, would allow for the establishment of a transit authority in any community in the state, upon designation by the legislature.

Budgets for Fiscal Year 2015 and Amended Fiscal Year 2014

The amended budget for the fiscal year ending in June 2014 as well as the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2015, that begins July 2014 and ends June 2015, were submitted this week.  Both budgets will be subject to hearings over the coming weeks.  By law, the budget is the only piece of legislation that has to pass during a legislative session.

Legislation would Incorporate Remainder of Fulton County

Legislation was introduced by Rep. Bruce (D-Atlanta) that would incorporate all the remaining portions of Fulton County into a new city called “South Fulton.”  The Fulton Industrial Park would be included in the new city of South Fulton.  If passed, Fulton County would be totally incorporated into 15 municipalities.

Thirty-five Legislative Days Remain in 2014 Legislative Session

This week, the legislature is in session from January 21 through January 24, and will have used nine of their allotted 40 legislative days.

Have a great week.

For detailed information on specific legislation visit:   www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/Search.aspx