WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT—March 7, 2008

Senate votes to expand health care marketplace

By Sen. Tim Golden

The Senate voted Thursday to approve legislation that would make less expensive health insurance plans available to people who are presently uninsured.

SB 404, the Georgia Health Marketplace Act, would allow consumers and small business owners to shop online and compare the features of a range of health insurance plans, including deductibles, co-payment requirements, benefits and premiums. Georgians can then purchase the policy that meets their needs and budgets.

The measure, which was proposed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle as a means of giving consumers more health insurance choices and reducing the 1.7 million Georgians who are not covered, received bipartisan support and now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Under SB 404, insurance plans would still be required to cover some state-mandated screenings, such as those for ovarian and colorectal cancer, diabetes, Pap smears, mammograms and prostate tests. Companies that offer catastrophic coverage would also be required to provide at least one health insurance policy with all the state’s mandated benefits.

The Senate also approved House changes to SB 276, which would allow insurance companies to change rates for automobile policies without going through the state Insurance Commissioner’s office for approval. The commissioner would still have authority over rate changes for mandatory liability coverage.

Supporters of the legislation called the provision “rate modernization” and said the change will inspire competition in the insurance industry, which would be beneficial to consumers. SB 276 now goes to the governor for his signature.

The Landowners Protection Act of 2008, which would limit the liability Georgia property owners who allow people to hunt, fish or visit their property for the purposes of agritourism, was also approved by the Senate on Thursday.

SB 449 is intended to shield property owners from lawsuits, unless they are found to be guilty of gross negligence or wanton misconduct should someone become injured on their property when hunting, fishing or there for agritourism purposes.

As a member of the influential Senate Finance Committee, I will be supporting HB 237, which would expand the sales tax exemption for machinery and parts used in the manufacturing process. This “integrated plant theory” exemption would encourage manufacturers to invest in new facilities and to upgrade existing plants, allowing Georgia factories to remain competitive with those in other states and continue to create jobs.  As a long time advocate for this legislation, I salute Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) for introducing and promoting this measure in the House. 

HB 272, by Rep. Jeff Lewis (R-Cartersville), has yet to pass the House.  I am working with Rep. Lewis to pass this legislation that would place a “cap” on spiking energy costs for manufacturers.  Hopefully this legislation will pass the House next week and come to the Senate Finance Committee along with HB 237. 

These proposals work hand-in-hand with my legislation (SB 359), which would create a “Made in Georgia” campaign to promote the sale of Georgia products and is due for a vote in the House.

Also this week, Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and I co-authored and together introduced SR 1097, calling for the appointment of a Senate study committee on the “Future of Manufacturing” in Georgia. 

Over my opposition this week, a slim majority of Senators adopted SB 458, which would authorize school vouchers for students who are attending public schools deemed to be “failing.” Although I agree the state should require our schools to retain accreditation and achieve established standards, I do not believe the remedy is to use tax dollars to send students to private schools through vouchers. Hopefully this legislation will meet its demise in the House.

I was pleased to help welcome Leah Massee, Miss Georgia for 2007, to the Capitol on Wednesday. A graduate of Valdosta State University, Leah made our state proud as a top 10 finalist in the Miss America pageant. The Senate adopted SR 1045, which I co-sponsored, to honor and recognize Leah for her achievements and outstanding representation of Georgia during the past year.

Tuesday, March 11, will be the 30th day of the 2008 legislative session. Day 30 is known as “cross-over” day, meaning the final opportunity for legislation to be passed and sent from the Senate to the House, or vice versa, and still be considered for adoption by the other house this session. It is expected to be a long day, with many legislators working to make sure their proposals beat that deadline.

• Sen. Tim Golden represents the 8th District (Brooks, Cook, Lowndes, and Thomas counties) in the Georgia State Senate.  Contact him at 121-A State Capitol, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-7580; or by e-mail at tim.golden@senate.ga.gov.