Legislative Update – Week 4

2014 Weekly Legislative Update

February 3-7, 2014 – Week Four

Legislation to Establish New TSPLSOT Funding Districts Heard

Legislation introduced last year that would allow the establishment of multi-county transportation districts for transportation projects was heard in a House Transportation subcommittee this week.  A number of organizations and legislators expressed concerns with the legislation. Objections to the proposed funding mechanism primarily came from the regions that already passed the regional TSPLOST using the existing TIA rules.  The Georgia Chamber also opposes this legislation in support of those regions who adopted their own regional TSPLSOT. While this legislation is not expected to receive additional consideration during this legislative session, the Regional Business Coalition and other organizations continue to seek additional transportation funding options.

Fractional Penny SPLOST Legislation Receives Support from Subcommittee

Legislation to allow counties to levy a “fractional penny” SPLOST was heard in a House Ways and Means subcommittee this week.  The fraction would have to be in .2 increments and agreed upon by city officials in a county before it could go before the voters.  The bill received a favorable recommendation and will be heard by the full Ways and Means committee at a future date.

A similar bill has ready passed the Senate. If this bill passes the House by the 30th legislative day, or Crossover Day, its chances of becoming law are good. The Georgia Municipal Association remains opposed to the bill as they support a full penny only. The proposed bill does not take away the ability to levy a full cent but adds the option of doing a fractional cent. As one subcommittee member quipped, “If you like your penny, you can keep your penny!”  The Regional Business Coalition supports the fractional penny legislation and spoke in support of its passage during the subcommittee hearing.

Surprise Legislation Impacting Economic Development Authorities introduced

Proposed legislation called the “Development Authority Transparency and Accountability Act” would require development authorities to provide quarterly reports to county or municipal governments AND local boards of education on the projects being considered, the progress on those projects and “any other information that would assist the governing body” in developing their plans (budgets, taxes, bonds, etc.). While the bill says confidential information would not have to be divulged, opponents say the language opens the door for interpretation, which could severely impact local economic development efforts to compete with neighboring states.

Flint River Drought Protection Act passed by House Agriculture Committee
The House committee substitute to the Flint River Drought Protection Act, which passed the Senate last year, passed the House Agriculture Committee this week.  The legislation would establish water efficiency requirements for farmers in the lower Flint River basin, give the Georgia Environmental Protection Division director more flexibility to protect water flows impacting wildlife and authorize studies necessary to have more scientific data for determining future rules, regulations or laws. The legislation is supported by the Regional Business Coalition, the Georgia Farm Bureau, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Agribusiness Council. If the legislation passes the House it will most likely be agreed to by the Senate.

Two Shortened Legislative Weeks Coming

The General Assembly will be in session Monday, February 10 through Thursday, February 13 for legislative days 20 through 23.  The legislature will return to the Capitol on Tuesday, February 18 at which time they will determine the calendar for future legislative days.  If the session would continue on a pace of five legislative days per week, the session could end as soon as March 13.

Have a great week.

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