Lawmakers completed four more legislative days under the Gold Dome this week as we inch closer to Crossover Day on March 6, when bills must clear out of their respective chambers to remain alive.
Here is a recap of what else happened this week:
- The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills addressing tort reform, which is a top priority for Gov. Brian Kemp. Senate Bill 68 would address several aspects of tort reform, including but not limited to reevaluating premises liability, requiring a truthful calculation of damages in personal injury cases (thereby eliminating “phantom damages”), and allowing a jury to know whether a plaintiff was wearing his or her seatbelt in an auto accident. The bill also proposes changes seeking to eliminate loopholes and amend certain procedures to ensure a fairer legal environment. SB 69 seeks to regulate third party litigation financing with the hope of limiting outside influence on trials, which includes that from foreign governments, and predatory lending practices. Both bills are sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem John F. Kennedy, R-Macon. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.
- Legislation to reduce the state’s income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19%, and to provide another round of rebates up to $500, advanced in the House Ways & Means Committee. House Bill 111, the income tax reduction, is sponsored by Rep. Soo Hong, R-Lawrenceville. And HB 112, which would provide the rebate, is sponsored by Rep. Bubba McDonald, R-Cumming.
- Legislation to expand the state’s tax credit scholarship program has been introduced by Rep. Kasey Carpenter, R-Dalton. HB 328 would raise the cap from $120 million to $200 million. As it stands, the program regularly hits its cap within the first few days that the rebate is opened.
- SB 152, sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, R-Cumming, would make the children of foster parents eligible for the Georgia Promise Scholarship program.
- Legislation to create a sales tax holiday for purchases of guns and ammunition passed the Senate this week. SB 47 is sponsored by Sen. Jason Anavitarte, R- Dallas.
- Legislation has been introduced to prohibit the use of cell phones by students through eighth grade. HB 340, known as the Distraction-Free Education Act, is sponsored by Rep. Scott Hilton, R-Peachtree Corners. “Our schools should be places of learning, free from the distractions of social media and non-educational screen time,” said Rep. Hilton. “This legislation ensures that Georgia students can focus on what matters most— their education, personal development and mental health.”
- On that issue, the Senate Children and Families Committee held a hearing on the use of cell phones in schools.
- The Senate advanced a resolution to name the forthcoming legislative office complex after former Gov. Sonny Perdue. Senate Resolution 95 is sponsored by Sen. Dolezal.
- The End Local Taxation by Citation Act advanced out of the House Government Affairs Committee. HB 140, sponsored by Rep. Joseph Gullet, R-Dallas, would cap the amount of funds derived from court fines or forfeiture action that local governments may use as part of their yearly budgets.
The legislature will be in adjournment on Monday for Presidents’ Day and return for Legislative Day 18 on Tuesday.
