Weekly Legislative Update – Week 3

Legislature Gets Back to Work

The Georgia General Assembly returned to their legislative activities full time last week.  To date, with only 9 legislative days having transpired, almost 600 bills and resolutions have been introduced.

House subcommittee Holds Hearing on House Ethics Reform Legislation

A subcommittee of the House Rules Committee met to discuss proposed legislation to codify regulation of lobbyist’s practices and elected official’s activities.  Most of the discussion during the public hearing centered around the definition of who is a “lobbyist” and who is an ordinary citizen.  Those persons who are considered a “lobbyist” would be required to pay a minimum $300 registration fee annually and file numerous reports with the state ethics office. The RBC provided testimony and suggested legislative language during the hearing to clarify that members of chambers of commerce visiting the capitol or talking with their elected officials at home does not designate them as a “lobbyist”.

The House Rules subcommittee is expected to meet during the coming weeks to adopt final legislation for consideration by the full House of Representatives.  If legislation is adopted, it will be sent to the Senate for their consideration. The Senate version of ethics reform was to adopt rules of behavior for senator’s; which has no impact on a House members behavior.

RBC writes Op-Ed in Support of Continued State Funding of Xpress Bus Services

The Atlanta Journal and Constitution printed an Op-Ed by the Regional Business Coalition calling for the continued state investment in Xpress Bus services.  The RBC stated that Xpress bus services had over 2 million boardings in 2012.  That’s the equivalent of removing about 4,500 cars a day, or over 20 miles or cars bumper to bumper, from metro Atlanta’s highways.  The governor has recommended $8 million for partial funding for Xpress bus services in fiscal year 2014.

Thirty-one days remain in 2013 Legislative Session.

Have a great week.