WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT—March 21, 2008

Sen. Golden’s 'Made in Georgia' legislation passes Georgia House of Representatives

By Sen. Tim Golden

I am very pleased to report that SB 359, “Made in Georgia” legislation that I introduced and passed in the Senate cleared the Georgia House of Representatives on Thursday by a vote of 160-1.    The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

The bill, which has broad bi-partisan support in the Legislature, creates a “Made in Georgia” campaign designed to promote the sale of products manufactured in our state.

The bill is intended to raise the profile of Georgia’s manufacturing impact on plants, people and products. 

The legislation has been endorsed by the Georgia Traditional Manufacturers Association, National Federation of Independent Businesses, Georgia Forestry Association, Georgia Mining Association, Georgia State Chamber of Commerce, as well as numerous labor organizations, among others. 

I am particularly appreciative of Rep. Jay Shaw (D-Lakeland) and Rep. Ron Stephens (R-Savannah), for their key support in passing my bill.  Rep. Shaw moved the bill out of the Rules Committee on Wednesday and Rep. Stephens handled the bill on the floor of the Georgia House. 

On Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Economic Development passed SR 1097, legislation co-authored and introduced by Sen. Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and me, creating a Senate Study Committee on the “Future of Manufacturing in Georgia”. 

The legislation calls for a six person, bi-partisan Senate study committee appointed by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle to undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the condition of manufacturing in Georgia.  The focus of the study will range from energy and taxation issues to transportation to plant renovation to workforce education.  The Committee is to report its findings to the 2009 General Assembly. 

On Thursday, it was my pleasure to introduce and honor Billy Langdale before the State Senate for his many years of unselfish and effective work as a member of the Georgia Department of Transportation Board of Directors.   He is retiring this year after 20 years during which time he never missed a single meeting of the Board.

Billy Langdale is a former Chairman of the Lowndes County Commission from 1961-76, and is World War II decorated hero.  He served his country honorably in the United States Marines from 1942 until 1950, receiving the Bronze Star in the Battle of Piva Forks, Bougainville, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Also, on Thursday the 2008 class of Leadership Lowndes visited the State Capitol as well as students from Hahira Elementary School.  We were glad to welcome them to the State Capitol

The following bills were among those passing the Senate this week:

• HB 1019 creates the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank within the State Road and Tollway Authority. 

• HB 1111 changes certain requirements and fees to obtain a Georgia driver’s license.

• HB 921 allows the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance to participate in a nationwide licensing system for mortgage brokers and lenders.

• HB 945 authorizes certain persons to access vehicle tag and title information in order to provide notice to the owners of towed or impounded vehicles. 

• HB 1014 expands the Georgia Higher Education Savings Plan to include qualified tuition programs. 

• HB 1026 exempts utilities from notice and hearing requirements when the Department of Transportation removes facilities that are obstructing road projects. 

• HB 983 authorizes law enforcement agencies from neighboring states that are in fresh pursuit of a suspect who crosses into Georgia to arrest and hold such person in custody. 

• HB 1222 allows licensing boards to take disciplinary action to reprimand health care providers who are participating in the Health Share Volunteers in Medicine Act or the Georgia Volunteers in Health Care Specialties Act when such providers engage in inappropriate behavior.  

• HB 989 Known as the General Appropriations Act, this bill appropriates funds for the FY08 budget.  The Governor has 5 days in which to either sign or veto.

• HB 1245 makes changes to the current indigent defense system in Georgia with the goal of maintaining solvency. 

• HB 77 gives the Department of Transportation regulating authority over red-light cameras. 

• 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.