Legislative Calendar
Friday was legislative day 30, or "Crossover Day," for the Georgia General Assembly; any bill or resolution that has not been voted out of its chamber of origin by midnight today is no longer eligible for final passage this year.  Since this is the first year of a two-year session, any legislation that does not cross over can still be considered in 2016.
 
The General Assembly will be in session Wednesday through Friday next week.  April 2 is scheduled to be Sine Die, or the final day of the 2015 legislative session.
 
Action on Key Business Legislation
The General Assembly took action on the following Georgia Chamber priorities last week. 

HB 57: Solar Financing Bill
Chamber Position: Support 
Yesterday, HB 57, sponsored by Representative Mike Dudgeon (Johns Creek), was favorably reported by the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.  The bill would allow for the financing of solar panels for both residential and commercial customers. The Georgia Chamber recognizes the importance of renewable energy sources as a part of a balanced portfolio for consumers.  HB 57 is the product of Georgia's utility and solar industries reaching an agreement that allows for solar development in a responsible, cost effective way that preserves the integrity and reliability of the electric grid in Georgia and does not burden non-solar customers.  Click here to view the bill.
 
HB 170: Transportation Funding Act of 2015
Chamber Position: Support
Yesterday, HB 170, sponsored by Representative Jay Roberts (Ocilla), was discussed in Senate Transportation Committee hearing.  The Georgia Chamber remains vigilant in our commitment to the $1 to $1.5 billion solution that is the minimum we need to ensure safety, transparency, and economic growth well in to the future.  Safe, efficient, multi-modal transportation is critical to the success of our economy and our communities.  
 
As a business community, we need to let our elected leaders know that we support HB 170.  We expect the Senate to vote on HB 170 within the next couple weeks.  Click here to email your Senator to encourage them to support for the bill when it comes to the Senate floor for a vote.  Find out more about HB 170 on the Georgia Chamber's Transportation Funding Act of 2015 resource webpage.
 
HB 237: Angel Investor Tax Credit
Chamber Position: Support; Scorecard
On Wednesday, HB 237, sponsored by Representative Bruce Williamson (Monroe), passed the House by a vote of 170-0.  The Chamber supports efforts to identify and create means to improve the availability of capital in Georgia, attract more venture capital firms to our state and create a healthy ecosystem for keeping Georgia-grown companies in our state.  Angel groups in Georgia have seen an increase in angel activity, as well as partnerships with venture capital firms.  Georgia is competing with other states for start-up companies, many of which get their start in our very own publicly funded research institutions.  The program began in tax year 2011, was extended in 2013 and expires at the end of 2015. HB 237 extends the credit for five years and allows eligible investors to claim 35% of their investment against their taxable income, but no more than $50,000. The extension caps the aggregate statewide tax credit amount at $5 million per year.  Click here to view the bill.
 
HB 303: Increased Penalties on Insurers Involving Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Chamber Position: Oppose; Scorecard
On Wednesday, HB 303, sponsored by Representative Dustin Hightower (Carrollton), passed the House by a vote of 153 to 14.  Currently, an insurer has 60 days to process and fulfill a policyholders claim on uninsured motorist coverage.  After 60 days, the policyholder can file a lawsuit claiming the insurer is acting in "bad faith" on their claim.  If the court finds that the insurer did act in "bad faith," the court can award a penalty up to 25% of the policyholders uninsured motorist coverage limit.  HB 303 is changing the penalty to $25,000 or 25% of the uninsured motorist coverage. If HB 303 were to become law, insurance companies would likely process all claims without a thorough review to avoid the possibility of the court finding them in bad faith.  Click here to view the bill.
 
HB 414: Collection and Disclosure of Student Data
Chamber Position: Support
On March 5, HB 414, sponsored by Representative Buzz Brockway (Lawrenceville), was favorably reported by the House Education Committee.  The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee and could be considered by the House as late as midnight.  HB 414 directs the Georgia Department of Education to enact safeguards and procedures regarding individual student data. It places restrictions on how vendors can utilize individual student data. It creates new procedures for parents to gain access to individualized data for their children. It also prevents schools from collecting personal data that is unrelated to educational outcomes.  Click here to view the bill.
 
SB 101: Coastal Marshland Buffers
Chamber Position: Support
Yesterday, SB 101, sponsored by Senator Ben Watson (Savannah), was favorably reported by the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee.  SB 101 seeks to establish a 25 foot buffer along coastal marshlands and provide variances for activities associated with existing infrastructure, proposed new activities within the buffer zone and the activities of utilities.  The bill clarifies permitting requirements for business and private activities within the marshes and will reduce permitting time, complexity and costs for businesses and utilities with infrastructure and other developments located within the marsh environment.  Click here to view this bill.
 
SB 132: "Quality Basic Education Act"
Chamber Position: Support; Scorecard
On Monday, SB 132, sponsored by Senator Mike Dugan (Carrollton), passed the Senate by a vote of 53-0.  SB 132 revises and updates regulations regarding dual enrollment options, giving students new opportunities to receive associate and technical degrees and certifications in high demand industries. It creates a revised funding system, subject to general appropriations, that finances student tuition and related costs for attending colleges through the program. It also authorizes the Department of Education to decide which courses offered by colleges are eligible for high school credit.  Click here to view the bill.