The 2014 Session of the Georgia General Assembly ended Thursday, March 20 at midnight. Several highlights include:
Bills passed and waiting action by the Governor
Bills not vetoed by the Governor will become law on Tuesday, April 29, 2014.
HB 744 The 2015 Budget at $20.8 billion in state dollars reflects a 4.6% ($916 million) increase over the prior year. K-12 education received 72% ($660 million) of all new revenue; Health and Human Services including Medicaid, PeachCare and Department of Justice received 22% ($203 million) of new revenue. I voted YES.
SB 365 Continues the multi-year Criminal Justice Reform efforts that have resulted in annual savings in excess of $20 million thus far. The bill provides added flexibility for judges regarding non-violent and juvenile offenders. I voted YES.
SR 415 Voters will have the opportunity to cap the state's income tax rate at the current 6% via passage of this Constitutional Amendment authored by Gwinnett Senator David Shafer. I voted YES.
HB 60 Expands Second Amendment rights where law-abiding citizens who have had a background check, fingerprinted, and licensed may carry a firearm. I voted YES.
HB 697 Pays full tuition for the state's highest achieving technical college students. I voted YES.
HB 1080 Authorizes a privately funded monument of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. placed on the grounds of the state Capitol. I voted YES.
Bills failing to pass this Session
HB 885 Allowing the use of cannabis oil to treat certain seizures failed to pass with the addition of an autism health insurance coverage provision. I voted YES.
SB 167 Prohibited testing based on national Common Core standards. Did not reach House floor for a vote.
HB 153 Authorizing fractional SPLOST - sales taxes at varying increments of less than one cent. I voted NO.
Bills I sponsored this Session
HB 412 Electronic property tax billing passed House, added to HB 295 a comprehensive ad valorem tax reform bill in Senate, passed Senate amended, conference committee failed to reach agreement, bill died. I voted YES on both HB 412 and HB 295.
HB 762 Adds sanitation vehicles and workers to current law improving public safety, passed House, passed Senate committee, died in Senate Rules. I voted YES.
HB 900 Saves state and manufacturing industry money by exempting "consumables" from sales tax - passed. I voted YES.
HB 954 Improves definition of Fair Market Value for residential properties constructed using state housing tax credits - passed. I voted YES.
SB 286 Permitted Georgia wineries to fortify wine within the state rather than having to ship the product out of state - passed. I voted YES.
SB 325 Strengthened Fire Safety Commissioner's ability to regulate fire suppression sprinkler systems - passed. I voted YES.
Obviously, numerous other bills passed and failed this year. Should you have interest in any legislation before the General Assembly and/or my position, please contact me.
Fundraising
Like all candidates and elected representatives, I too require funds to actively communicate with my constituents and mount a campaign for re-election to enable me to continue advocating for our shared values at the state Capitol. Please take a moment to click this link and make an online contribution today - $10 goes further than you may believe and $50 buys 50 campaign signs. I need your support today.
Legislation Authored or Co-Sponsored
Should you be interested in the legislation that I have authored or co-sponsored and the current status, you may review those bills here.
As always, I remain appreciative that you allow me to serve as your state Representative. I encourage you to contact me with any comments or questions you have about the legislation being considered at the state Capitol. Now that we are out of session, you can reach me on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett@voteharrell.com
Thank you,
Brett Harrell
In the District
Please call, email, or write Brett in the District.
Representative Brett Harrell P.O. Box 1135 Snellville, GA 30078
404-966-5804
brett@voteharrell.com |
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