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Found 317 matching passages in 209 documents.
Meeting transcript · Georgia State Senate · March 20, 2026
Senate floor session, March 20, 2026 (legislative day 35)
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The Senate passed measures on extended-stay hotel removals, nursing grants, high school completion programs, portable benefits for independent contractors, firefighter safety, mental health facility background checks, utility inventory tax exemptions and other topics. The longest debate concerned HB 61, which passed 32-18 after senators adopted a compromise on notice before removal and eviction records, but rejected proposals to give long-term hotel residents tenant rights. The Senate also adopted two state-property resolutions, approved reconsideration of two previously rejected constitutional amendments, and received committee reports and bill readings. A proposed amendment protecting patients from midyear insurance network changes was ruled unrelated to the bill under consideration. Senators honored a retiring committee chair and heard remarks from the U.S. Treasurer. The Senate adjourned until 10 a.m. Monday, March 23.
Families, single moms perhaps who can't afford the high security deposit. Maybe they don't have the, the money to put down two months or three months rent in a place. Um, extended stay is an option for them as a bridge to get them from point A to point B. Uh, in many cases, people need temporary lodging. They might have a lease that's ending on a certain...
As I alluded to earlier in my questioning with the senator from the 14th, the landlord-tenant relationship is a covenant. Um, tenants put down a security deposit, one month, two months, in some cases, three months, uh, and they, they sign agreements, uh, that they're gonna be there typically for a longer period of time. Typically, although there are...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 12, 2025 · Passed
Reckless Stunt Driving; a motor vehicle involved in a second offense of reckless stunt driving; replace the forfeiture penalty
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 160 creates a new limited driving permit that lets some Georgia drivers whose licenses are suspended for reckless stunt driving keep driving legally if they install a speed-limiting device in their car, and sets up licensing rules for the companies that install and monitor those devices.
SECTION 5. Said title is further amended in Chapter 8, relating to probation, by adding a new article to read as follows: "ARTICLE 8 42-8-130. (a) As used in this article, the term: (1) 'Intelligent speed assistance device' means a constant monitoring device certified by the commissioner to be installed within a motor vehicle to actively monitor and prevent...
(3) Provide a continuous surety bond in the principal sum of $10,000.00 for the protection of the contractual rights of individuals required to maintain an ignition interlock device or intelligent speed assistance device in such form as will meet with the approval of the department and written by a company authorized to do business in this state; provided,...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 26, 2025 · Introduced
Department of Human Services; adopt and implement affordable family housing assistance programs; authorize local governments
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would let counties, cities, and consolidated governments create local affordable housing assistance programs, funded through dedicated trust funds and overseen by the state Division of Family and Children Services.
(1) Construct, rehabilitate, or otherwise make available to the public multiple single-family residential dwellings, each of which will constitute affordable family housing, or one or more multifamily structures whose individual residential dwelling units will constitute affordable family housing; (2) Reserve at least 40 percent of such constructed or...
(10) 'Multifamily structure' means a building, other than a townhouse, that contains four or more individual residential dwelling units, each of which is designed exclusively for use and occupation by one family. (11) 'Single-family residential dwelling' means: (A) A building that contains one residential dwelling unit and that is designed exclusively for...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 26, 2025 · Introduced
Landlord and Tenant; requiring tenants to provide income information; prohibit
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would rewrite landlord-tenant law to bar landlords from requiring high income levels from voucher holders, let tenants withhold rent for unrepaired conditions, and ban retaliation and housing discrimination.
(2) Prohibited actions under this Code section include, but are not limited to: (A) Using different provisions in leases or contracts of sale, such as those relating to rental charges, security deposits, and the terms of a lease and those relating to down payment and closing requirements, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status,...
SECTION 4. All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee · February 19, 2026
Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee, February 19, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved HB 945, covering suspected financial exploitation, cryptocurrency kiosks and litigation financing oversight, and SB 441, requiring state approval of certain local government investment pools. The committee also held a hearing on SB 424, which would recognize gold and silver as legal tender and establish oversight for storage and electronic payments. Supporters described it as a way to protect purchasing power and make gold easier to use. Opponents questioned the need for state involvement and raised concerns about competition, taxpayer risk and consumer confusion. No vote was taken on that proposal. The chair planned further consideration and a vote on Tuesday.
Yes, it will. Under current scenario, yes. Because that is an account that's in your- Federal taxes? Federal and state taxes. Okay, so if we do this, then y- you wouldn't have to pay federal taxes? State tax. Federal tax. State. We would have to pay federal still under current scenario. It would be long-term capital gains, depending upon how long you kept...
And wouldn't it be the same thing as if we- Oh, and one more, one more. I'm sorry. Yeah. Okay. The third is- Okay ... we, why establish a new hierarchy to oversee this when you've got a perfectly good banking department right now? If we were to pass this, the banking department, you'd have to give them some money to do it, but they're already set up. Why...
Meeting transcript · Georgia State Senate · March 6, 2026
Senate floor session, March 6, 2026 (legislative day 28, part 2)
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The Senate passed bills on home inspector licensing, gold and silver payments, cancer care, school funding and consolidation petitions, firearm silencers, veterans’ park fees, military retirement credit, and notices in civil lawsuits. Proposed constitutional amendments on data center property taxes and statewide grand juries failed to receive the required two-thirds support. A bill changing voting equipment and election procedures also failed. The Senate tabled a monument protection bill after two amendments were presented. A senator gave notice of plans to seek consideration of House changes to SB 179 on the next legislative day. The Senate adjourned until 1 p.m. Monday, March 9.
So this bill allows individuals, if they choose, to hold value in gold or silver through a secure depository and electronic payment system backed by physical assets. That is like the gold standard that, uh, we always had in place through 1971. It does not require anyone to use it, but it does provide another tool for hardworking families who wish to hedge...
Chair recognizes the senator from the 16th for a motion. Mr. President, I ask that you would pull SB424 off the table. Secretary, read the caption. Senate Bill 424 by Senator Harbison of the 16th and others, a bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 5A of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to the Office of State Treasurer so as...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Insurance and Labor Committee · March 19, 2026
Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, March 19, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee unanimously approved three bills: a substitute for HB 323 concerning providers’ access to insurance payment information, HB 1015 raising funding limits for the Georgia Self-Insurers Guaranty Trust Fund, and a substitute for HB 87 concerning disclosure of insurance premium taxes and deductibles. During discussion of HB 87, a county government representative described differences in county and city reporting requirements for premium-tax revenue, prompting a member to suggest further review. The chair also announced that HB 250 would be the first bill considered at the next meeting.
So you wanna be able to keep assessing them, and you're about to s- lose that ability because you've already hit the cap. Correct. That's right. Okay. But that doesn't mean you're gonna necessarily raise that- We're not changing- ... pot up to f- 25 million. Yeah. We're not changing anything as far as the- Yeah ... yearly assessments. It's gonna be the same...
Okay ... and, uh, Roadways. What did that cost you? It hasn't cost us anything yet. They were properly secured. Okay. Um, you know- Just- ... the, the system works. Uh, it looks like we're gonna come in. We've got maybe eight to 10 claims left, and, you know, we're making sure they have their benefits. We're resolving them as we can. I think we'll be about...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee · March 24, 2026
Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, March 24, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered three bills. It held action on HB 1027, which would allow longer electric-power contracts, after questions about whether added pricing restrictions would put municipal utilities at a competitive disadvantage. It approved a substitute for HB 187 establishing rules for optional vehicle value protection agreements, voting 5-4 to send it to Rules. The committee also considered replacing HB 34 with hemp-product restrictions, including THC limits and driving-impairment warnings. A convenience-store industry witness opposed that proposal, while members discussed product safety and impaired driving. After an initial 5-4 vote against passage, the chair voted to create a tie and said the proposal would remain alive for discussion at the next meeting.
Again, number three, a mandatory 30-day free look cancellation. Uh, so that's the 30 days to cancel for a refund. Number four, uh, rules if the provider cancels. If the company cancels, they must give notice, refund unearned fees, and, uh, can charge up to a $75 administrative fee. Financial solvency requirements. A provider cannot sell these agreements...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · January 27, 2026 · Engrossed
"Transactional Gold and Silver Act"; enact
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would recognize gold and silver as legal tender in the state, create a Bullion Depository Commission to run a storage and electronic payment system, and exempt gold and silver transactions from state taxes.
(6) 'Gold and silver coin' means gold or silver metal in bars or other physical form that are coined, stamped, or imprinted with its weight and purity. (7) 'Gold and silver specie' means gold or silver bullion that has intrinsic value and is used or is intended to be used as legal tender. (8) 'Legal tender' means a recognized medium of exchange for the...
(2) All vacancies for an unexpired term shall be filled by the original appointing official. (c) The commission shall elect a chairperson from among its members. A quorum for transacting business shall be a majority of the members of the commission. (d) All members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for their actual...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Insurance and Labor Committee · February 24, 2026
Senate Insurance and Labor Committee, February 24, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered three insurance bills. Members voted to advance SB 503, concerning property-damage guarantees offered through rental-home marketplaces, although discussion after the vote left the final count unclear. The committee heard SB 528, which would extend orthotic and prosthetic coverage requirements to state-sponsored health plans, and SB 509, which would require chest imaging coverage after a mastectomy or other cancer treatment. Neither health coverage bill received a vote. The chair said both would return for consideration Thursday. Questions focused on consumer protections, insurance oversight, coverage costs and who determines whether additional imaging is medically necessary.
Thanks, Senator. We, we don't see it as weaker protections. Um, and, and you, you mentioned, uh, the understanding there. It is required in the bill that it's, uh, clearly stated that this is not insurance, so everyone understands that. That's one of the consumer protections in the bill as well. But it would work, it really works alongside your homeowner's...
... to get people to use their platform 'cause they're, it's a, it, it's a added benefit for the renter. The person renting the property through their platform, it's an added benefit. Yes, Senator. We see it as giving peace of mind to a homeowner. I know I would like to have that peace of mind. And, and, uh, you, you've touched on this as well in your...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 13, 2025 · Introduced
State Depository Board; allow the state treasurer to invest in Bitcoin; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 178 would let Georgia's State Depository Board allow the state treasurer to invest a portion of state funds in Bitcoin, capped at 5 percent of any fund, with rules for secure storage.
SECTION 1. Article 3 of Chapter 17 of Title 50 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to state depositories, is amended by revising subsection (b) of Code Section 50-17-63, relating to deposit of demand funds, investment of funds, reports, remittance of interest earned, motor fuel tax revenues, as follows: "(b) All departments, boards, bureaus,...
country and for which the full faith and credit of such government has been pledged for the payment of principal and interest, provided that such securities are listed as investment grade by a nationally recognized rating agency; Bitcoin, as such term is defined in Code Section 50-17-68; or obligations issued, assumed, or guaranteed by the International...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 11, 2026 · Engrossed
Georgia Charter School Facilities Authority; establish
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): A Georgia Senate bill would create the Georgia Charter School Facilities Authority, a new state body that could make loans and provide financial assistance to charter school organizations for building, renovating, and repairing school facilities.
(e) Any lease agreement directly between the state or authority and a qualified charter school organization may contain provisions requiring the qualified charter school organization to perform any or all of the following: (1) Create and maintain a special fund or funds as additional security for the payment of any amounts becoming due under any agreement...
(5) To acquire by purchase, lease, or otherwise and to hold, lease, and dispose of real or personal property of every kind and character, or any interest therein, in furtherance of the public purpose of the authority; (6) To make loans to qualified charter school organizations to finance projects and to pay the cost of any project by qualified charter...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 5, 2025 · Passed
Guardian and Ward; county conservators; provide
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 98 creates a new role of county conservator in Georgia probate law, splitting duties currently held by county guardians so that a separate county official handles property and financial matters for wards under conservatorship.
SECTION 11. Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 29-8-4, relating additional security on bond, as follows: "29-8-4. (a) If in the opinion of the court it shall become necessary for the good of any conservatorship placed or about to be placed in the hands of the county guardian conservator for the county guardian conservator to give...
SECTION 9. Said title is further amended by revising Code Section 29-8-2, relating to bond requirements, as follows: "29-8-2. In addition to the bond required in Code Section 53-6-41, county guardians conservators shall give another bond an additional bond with good security, to be judged by the court, in the sum of $5,000.00. The Such additional bond shall...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee · February 3, 2026
Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee, February 3, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered two bills carried over from last year. It approved SB 86, which would allow alcohol discounts and expand in-store tastings, by a 9–5 vote and sent it to the Rules Committee. Supporters described consumer savings and opportunities for smaller brands, while opponents warned about increased drinking and related harms. The committee also held a hearing on SB 34, intended to keep electricity costs associated with very large customers from shifting to other customers. Members discussed which customers and costs it should cover, existing Public Service Commission protections, and risks if data centers close. No vote was taken on that bill. The sponsor agreed to work on revisions, and the chair promised another opportunity for public testimony before action.
If they're late, if they use less, if they're in a maintenance period, they're going to pay the minimum bill if their usage charges are not higher than the minimum bill. This is the one of the main engines, uh, of these rules that the commission has ordered us to follow that ensure no costs are being passed on to any other customer. Um, we also require...
Meeting transcript · Georgia State Senate · March 4, 2026
Senate floor session, March 4, 2026 (legislative day 27)
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The Senate passed measures on outdoor conservation funding, retirement benefits, rental-home guarantees, condominium insurance, student political expression, school discrimination complaints, campus police protections, specialty license plates and cursive instruction. It also passed SB 406, establishing oversight of property owners associations, after adopting two amendments. Senators rejected amendments addressing broader religious-discrimination language, excused absences for civic events and local rent regulation. A road-naming resolution was adopted, while SR 668, concerning property taxation of data-center equipment, was set aside. The Senate confirmed a group of governor’s appointments 44-7 and tabled one nomination. Numerous bills received first or second readings. The chamber adjourned until 9 a.m. Friday, March 6.
Secretary will read SB 503. Senate Bill 503 by Senators Harbison of the 16th and others, a bill to be entitled an act to amend Chapter 7 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated relating to kinds of insurance, limits of risk, and reinsurance so as to exempt rental home marketplace guarantees from the definition of property insurance, to require...
You do have one question, Senator. I'm sorry. Recognize the senator from the 41st. Thank you, Mr. President. B- Back here, Senator, do you yield? Yes. Thank you. Was trying to figure out where you were. Yes. Um, thank you, sir. I just wanna make sure, is it true that this is requiring the homeowner to have an additional insurance, um, product to protect...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 24, 2026 · Passed
Professions and Businesses; repeal Chapter 14, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low voltage contractors, and utility contractors and enact a new Chapter 14
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 553 rewrites Georgia's licensing system for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, low voltage, and utility contractors, replacing the old chapter of law with a new one and creating a 27-member state licensing board with five specialty divisions.
Any person aggrieved by 1406 an action of a local authority shall be entitled to an appeal to the appropriate division of the 1407 board and a hearing. 1408 (b)(1) Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to prohibit the governing authority 1409 of any county or municipality in the state from adopting and enforcing codes at the local 1410 level;...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Health and Human Services Committee · March 18, 2026
Senate Health and Human Services Committee, March 18, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee approved HB 1096 on public health employees’ leave benefits, SR 927 creating a prescription access study committee, HB 471 on newborn water safety education, and HB 717 regulating psychedelic treatment clinics, all unanimously. A substitute for HB 154 proposing a move to Atlantic Standard Time year-round passed 11 to 2 after discussion of health benefits, darker mornings and interstate scheduling concerns. The committee also heard testimony on HB 350, which would add ambulance services as infant surrender locations and allow infant safety devices. Members raised questions about safety, oversight, anonymity and alternatives to the devices. The committee voted 8 to 4 to table that bill until the following week, with the chair promising more information and follow-up.
I would say that- Yeah ... probably is true. So the, the vast majority of those. So, um, but we are giving them, um, um, protection from, from civil action, right? If something were to happen and s- a baby were to pass away in one of these boxes, correct, in this legislation. We're, we're giving, we're giving them a type of immunity that's normally reserved...
Bill or resolution · Georgia State Senate · February 24, 2026 · Passed
"Ellaville-Schley County Parks and Recreation Authority Act"; enact
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): Senate Bill 567 creates the Ellaville-Schley County Parks and Recreation Authority, a new public body that can build and run parks and recreation facilities across Schley County starting in 2026.
(12) To accept and administer gifts, devises and grants of money, materials, or property of any kind and to administer trusts; (13) To borrow money for any of its corporate purposes and to execute and deliver notes, revenue bonds, and other evidences of such indebtedness and to use the proceeds thereof to pay all or any part of the cost of any project or...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Education and Youth Committee · March 3, 2026
Senate Education and Youth Committee, March 3, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee considered four bills. Members approved SB 589 after removing proposed school-entry cutoff changes and retaining a parental choice provision for pre-K enrollment. They also approved an amended substitute for SB 445, covering Georgia Promise Scholarship eligibility, administration and oversight. After debate over removing discipline data from school climate ratings, the chair postponed action on SB 557 until Thursday. Witnesses supported SB 554, a proposed childcare facilities grant program, describing repair needs, waiting lists and difficulty financing expansion. The committee adjourned without voting on that bill.
Um, that is current practice, but we had to move it, uh, based on those changes we made about when we could accept applications. Um, the next sections here you'll see, uh, where we're talking about allocating funds and quarterly payments, uh, quarterly basis. So, uh, in our relationship with the Office of Planning and Budget, all of our finances are...
Meeting transcript · Georgia Senate Urban Affairs Committee · February 26, 2026
Senate Urban Affairs Committee, February 26, 2026
Summary by Georgia Commons (AI-written): The committee heard testimony on homeowners’ and condominium associations, including foreclosure practices, unpaid dues, access to financial records, elections and board oversight. The sponsor presented SB 580, which would raise the foreclosure threshold from $2,000 to $20,000, and said the amount could be adjusted. Witnesses supported homeowner protections but raised concerns about associations’ ability to collect dues and meet expenses. Discussion of SB 406 focused on the proposed oversight commission’s independence and how homeowner payments are applied. The chair also reviewed the status of several association-related bills and discussed seeking hearings and possible changes before the deadline for bills to pass their first chamber. No committee votes or formal amendments were recorded.
You're never gonna reach $20,000 because... And then everybody's gonna play the system like that, and these big corporations are actually gonna take over and not, and run the community down. The same thing happens to, imagine living in a high-rise condo where you got electricity, wa- one water bill, uh, um, amenities, the elevator, insurance, and all this...
This is not for companies who owe you money. It's another way that they owe you. They're not part of your HOA. They owe you, the HOA, uh, your, your group, the money, but they're not, th- this has nothing to do with them. But we can't, we cannot, we cannot- Oh, sorry ... we cannot make an arbitrary decision to say, "We like you. We don't like you." We have...
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