Legislative Update – Week 5

Full Accountability and Collection of Taxes (FACT) Act Getting Attention

Advocates and opponents of the Full Accountability and Collection of Taxes (FACT) Act have begun heavy lobbying on the legislation presently in the House Ways and Means Committee. The FACT Act would allow counties to research and analyze sales tax collections at the local level to determine if sales and use taxes are being collected correctly. Supporters argue that municipalities already have this authority under existing Georgia law and would place counties on the same footing. Opponents argue that they believe this legislation could potentially be a first step in an effort to have multi-county businesses file their sales tax returns at the county level instead of a single tax return with the State, as is presently done. For the legislation to be considered in 2014, it must pass out of the Ways and Means Committee, the Rules Committee and the House floor during the next nine legislative days. At this time, no full Ways and Means Committee or subcommittee meetings are scheduled for next week.

Legislature sets Calendar for Remainder of 2014 Legislative Session

Even though last week was shortened due to the snow storm, both the House and Senate agreed to end the 2014 legislative session on March 20. The 30^th legislative day, when bills must pass their respective chamber for consideration this year, will be on March 3.

Georgia General Assembly Completes Legislative Day 21 – 19 Legislative Days Remain

After legislative day 21, the House has introduced 320 bills and 309 resolutions. The House has approximately 750 bills in total from 2013 and 2014 eligible for consideration. This year the Senate has introduced 96 bills and 211 resolutions with approximately 300 bills in total eligible for consideration.

Have a great week.

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