2015 Capitol Update Week 11 - Two days remain

Two days remain in the 2015 Session

Tuesday and Thursday this week are the final voting days of the 2015 Session of the Georgia General Assembly. Before mentioning what remains, please find a brief update on several items voted this past week.

On the way to the Governor these bills received final passage:

SR 287 and SB 133 proposed by Governor Nathan Deal provide via voter referendum a Constitutional Amendment to create an Opportunity School District to address chronically failing schools. I voted YES and in November 2016 you will have the opportunity to vote on this measure as well.

On Thursday the House and Senate Insurance Committees reached an agreement to provide Autism coverage for children age 6 and under. (Has not received final passage yet, however, should be on the way to the Governor next week.)

HB 1 passed the Senate and Governor Deal signed the bill into law on Friday beginning the process of providing medical cannabis oil for treatment of several debilitating conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, seizure disorders, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, mitochondrial disease, and sickle cell disease.

HB 57 the Solar Power Free Market Financing Act making it easier and more affordable for homeowners to generate solar power for their homes.

SB 63 the Beer Jobs Bill permits visitors to breweries and distilleries to leave with ‘souvenirs’ that may include up to 72 oz of beer or 750 ml of spirits. Brewpubs may choose to offer cans and bottles as well.

Remaining issues that may or may not make it to the finish line this year:

SB 129 the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act will be heard again Monday at 10 a.m. in the House Judiciary Committee.

HB 535 the Brunch Bill providing local governments the ability to expand Sunday sales hours for restaurants, brewpubs, and hotels.

Hey Dad, look who I met this week!

Former Atlanta Falcon greats Tommy Nobis (Mr. Falcon) and Jeff Van Note.

 .

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.  You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov.Thank you,

Brett Harrell

2015 Capitol Update Week 7 - Budget, Cannabis, Transportation

A busy two weeks

The Georgia General Assembly passed the half way mark for the 2015 Session this week. Crossover day, the 30^th day of the Session and the last day a bill must pass one chamber for consideration by the other, is Friday, March 13. Sine Die, our last day of the Session, is April 2.

The House passed two pieces of legislation frequently making the news - the Fiscal Year 2016 Budget (HB 76) and Medical Cannabis Oil (HB 1). I voted YES on both pieces of legislation.

FY 2016 Budget at $21.7 Billion

The budget effective July 1, 2015 reflects an increase of $946 million, or 4.5%, over the prior year. K-12 education receives 60% of all new spending, over $570 million. The House budget also maintains State Health Benefit Plan coverage for non-certified school employees while transitioning the cost to the local school systems as these individuals are not state employees. Higher education received approximately 12% of the increase.

The House increased investment in transportation as well with an infusion of both $55 million in cash and $210 million in bonds. In fact, 20% of the entire bond package funds transportation improvements including $100 million to repair replace and renovate bridges and another $100 million allocated to statewide transit systems. Finally, $10 million in bonds will pay for rail rehabilitation, seawall construction and dike improvements along the Savannah River.

Including agency transfers, special funds, and federal funds, the total state budget exceeds $40 billion.

My seatmates listening to budget presentation. L to R: Margaret Kaiser, Wes Cantrell, me, and Tom Rice.

  

HB 170 the Transportation Funding Act

House Transportation Chairman Jay Roberts continues to work with all interested parties to modify the proposal to provide significant resources to our state's transportation infrastructure. Next week, the House Transportation Committee will again consider the bill - I welcome your input as a member of the committee and your state Representative - email me your thoughts Brett@VoteHarrell.com 

Is HB 170 a tax increase? Yes and transportation is a core government function rightly funded via taxation. That said, as one that has demonstrated time and again to be a low tax advocate, I am, thus far, supportive of the initiative as it includes several policy positions I believe beneficial for our state's future.

On January 23, 2015, prior to introduction of HB 170, I wrote advocating for the following policy positions reflected in both HB 170 and the FY 2016 budget:

• Redirecting the fourth percentage of sales tax on motor fuels to GDOT
• Systematically removing debt service from GDOT departmental budget
• Eliminating the electric vehicle tax credit and redirecting to transportation
• Allocating a portion of revenue growth to transportation

While reserving the discretion to cast your vote in opposition, I recognize that whatever form HB 170 might pass the House will not be the final form once reviewed by the Senate. I believe we should continue the process to reach an agreeable means to increase transportation funding.

Income Tax Cuts - HB 435 and HB 445

Representative B. J. Pak of Lilburn and I introduced HB 435 this week that wouldreduce the top state income tax bracket from 6% to 5.25% by eliminating all itemized deductions save charitable contributions and mortgage interest up to $20,000 per year.

Representative John Carson of Marietta introduced HB 445 that would reduce the top state income tax rate further to 4% by increasing the statewide sales tax to 5% and imposing that tax on a greater number of goods and services including food.

I do not anticipate either bill will become law this year, however, I believe it is well past time the General Assembly begins the discussion on reducing income taxes for all Georgians.

My letter of January 23, 2015 advocating for increased transportation funding and state income tax cuts. 

Next week

I have authored four bills that have passed the House and are now pending before Senate committees: HB 49, HB 85, HB 206, and HB 261. 

If there is a bill or issue that is important to you or your family, send me a quick
email at Brett@VoteHarrell.com and let me know your opinion.  

Committee calendars

House committee meeting calendar:

http://calendar.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?Chamber=House

Senate committee meeting calendar:

http://calendar.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=senate  

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.  You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov. 

  

 Thank you,

 Brett Harrell  

2015 Capitol Update - Week 5 - Solar Power and Education

Solar Power and Education bills unanimously pass the House

The House began this week of the session by unanimously passing HB 57, the Solar Power Free Market Financing Act. Authored by Rep. Mike Dudgeon, this legislation makes it easier and more affordable for Georgians to fund solar power installations through third-party financing plans. Upon approval by the Senate and Governor Deal, this measure will increase options for residents to use innovative technologies to ultimately lower their power bills.

Education remains the priority for the General Assembly and the unanimous passage of HB 91 in the House this week makes it easier for some deserving students to obtain their high school diplomas. Gwinnett’s Rep. Brooks Coleman, Chairman of the House Education Committee, authored the bill that permanently eliminates the Georgia high school graduation test that has fallen out of favor and practice over the past several years.

Doctor of the Day

Lee Grose, M.D. – Doctor of the Day L to R: Brett, Dr. Grose, Speaker Ralston

It was my great pleasure to introduce Dr. Lee Grose, M.D. as our Doctor of the Day in the House this week. Dr. Grose is a graduate of the University of Georgia, former Medical Director at the Gwinnett County Detention Center and a resident of my District. Thanks for your service Dr. Grose.

Next week

The House Rules calendar is beginning to accumulate various bills that have passed through the Committee process and are available for consideration of a floor vote.

HB 49 that I authored provides for optional “paperless” property tax billing passed the full Ways & Means Committee on Thursday and may be before the Rules Committee on Wednesday. Gwinnett County estimates that voluntary participation may save over $140,000 per year in billing costs.

The Ways & Means Committee also accepted an amendment to HB 202 that I proposed to postpone charging interest on property tax bills until 60 days after the taxpayers has received notice of the final valuation and taxes due.

House Bills of Interest

Several citizens have asked about these bills that are making their way through the House legislative process:

HB 1  Medical Marijuana – I support concept, evaluating legality regarding the transportation and immunity for citizens.

HB 208  State Fair Tax – I support concept, oppose bill containing significant errors.

HB 218  Religious Freedom Act – Evaluating unintended impacts on business.

HB 220  Income Tax Credits for Low Emission Vehicles – I support ending the government subsidy for electric vehicles this year. As an interim position, I would support the phase out in HB 220 if unable to achieve full repeal this year.

HB 244  Safe Harbor – I support ‘safe harbor’, oppose bill as it expands government and mandates substantial fees on business.

If there is a bill or issue that is important to you or your family, send me a quick email at Brett@VoteHarrell.com and let me know your opinion.

Committee calendars

House committee meeting calendar:
http://calendar.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?Chamber=House

Senate committee meeting calendar:
http://calendar.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=senate

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.  You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov.

2015 Capitol Update - Week 2 - Budget Preparations

Budget Week – Governor proposes $21.8 billion state budget

Budget docs here.

The General Assembly took no official action during our second week of the 2015 Session. The Senate and House met in Joint Session to begin the process of reviewing the Governor’s budget proposals for the Amended FY 15 and FY 16 fiscal years.

The Governor’s FY 16 budget proposes over one half billion dollars in new education spending and approximately five million dollars for cannabis oil clinical trials for children with certain seizure disorders. While the proposed FY 16 budgets continues a strong focus on education and required healthcare investments, the House and Senate will be considering adjustments to fund transportation improvements.

Chosen to Chair the Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee of House Ways & Means

I was very pleased that House Ways & Means Chairman Jay Powell selected me to Chair the Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee. The Ways & Means Committee is the chief tax-writing committee in the House and derives a large share of its importance from our state Constitution that declares “All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House.”

The Ad Valorem Tax Subcommittee typically considers bills dealing with property issues. As a staunch advocate for your private property rights, I am especially pleased to Chair this subcommittee.

Next Week

The House is in session Monday – Thursday next week and committees will hold their organizational meetings. Bills will be assigned to committees and members will begin research and review of the various proposals in anticipation of beginning legislative hearings the following week.

Committee calendarsHouse committee meeting calendar:
http://calendar.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?Chamber=House

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.  You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov.

Thank you,

Brett Harrell

At the Capitol

Please call, email, or visit Brett at the Capitol.

Representative Brett Harrell601-D Coverdell Legislative Office Building
18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-0254
brett.harrell@house.ga.gov

Committee assignments:

Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Regulated Industries, Transportation, and Ways & Means

2014 Capitol Update - Week 2 - Supplemental FY 2014 Budget

House passes supplemental FY 2014 budget  
We concluded our second week at the Georgia General Assembly on Friday passing  HB 743 in the House - the amended FY 2014 budget at $20.2 billion. As our economy strengthens, state revenues have increased by approximately $300 million (1.5% increase) as compared to the projection at the start of this fiscal year. AsGovernor Deal proposed, the House allocated over half of the increase to K-12 education ($180 million). In addition, a portion of these new funds will go to economic development and job creation incentives ($51.5 million) through the OneGeorgia, Regional Economic Business Assistance grants and transportation projects ($27 million). The House also supported Governor Deal's request to add $25 million to pay for increased enrollment in Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids health care programs.    

The amended FY 2014 budget now goes the the Senate for consideration. Once passed by the Senate, a Conference Committee will likely reconcile any differences in the proposed budgets prior to final passage and the Governor's signature.

Committee meetings at full speed next week
With two key priorities (May 20 Primary Election and amended FY 2014 budget) already voted by the House, next week committees begin meeting to debate numerous pieces of legislation. I am grateful to serve on four committees this year that consider issues of interest to me personally and importance to not only those I represent in District 106, but all Georgians - Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Regulated Industries, Transportation, and Ways & Means. You may view committee meeting dates, times, and agendas at the links below.

House committee meeting calendar:
http://webmail.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=house

Senate committee meeting calendar:
http://media.legis.ga.gov/Calendar/?chamber=senate

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.  You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov. 

At the Capitol

Please call, email, or visit Brett at the Capitol.

Representative Brett Harrell
601-D Coverdell Legislative Office Building

18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, GA 30334

404-656-0254
brett.harrell@house.ga.gov

Committee assignments:

Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Regulated Industries, Transportation, and Ways & Means

2014 Capitol Update - Week 1 - State of the State, New Election Dates

The 2014 Session of the Georgia General Assembly began this week

As you may know, the 2014 Session of the Georgia General Assembly began on Monday, January 13.

On Wednesday, January 15, Governor Nathan Deal presented his State of the State address. Governor Deal reported that the state is doing well as we begin to climb out of the recent recession. In addition to adding 217,000 new private sector jobs since taking office, Governor Nathan Deal's conservative budgets have maintained the AAA bond rating, increased the rainy day fund by 518%, and downsized state government by reviewing over 40% of all budgetary programs through zero based budgeting. Governor Deal recommends in the FY 2015 over $8 billion in funding for education. The Governor is allocating more than 80% of new state revenues to education. You may read the Governor's address at the link below:

http://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2014-01-15/deal-deep-freeze-over-georgia%E2%80%99s-economy-warms

We concluded our first week passing HB 310 that establishes earlier primary election dates to provide additional time for our overseas service men and women an improved opportunity to vote.

2014 Election Calendar

Qualifying: March 3 - 7

Additional Campaign Report Due: March 31

Primary Election Day: May 20

Primary Run-Off: July 22

General Election: November 4

Additional information available at Secretary of State Brian Kemp's website:http://sos.ga.gov

Please take the opportunity to review updates like this one and stay informed about legislative matters that affect you, your family, business and community. You may visit the Georgia House website at http://www.house.ga.gov to view live and archived committee meetings and review proposed legislation.

Gwinnett House delegation members ready for 2014 Session

L to R: Reps Tom Rice, Joyce Chandler, Chuck Efstration, Brett Harrell, B. J. Pak, Buzz Brockway, Timothy Barr, Brooks Coleman

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. You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0254 or on my cell at 404-966-5804 or via email at brett.harrell@house.ga.gov.

Thank you,

Brett Harrell

At the Capitol:
Please call, email, or visit Brett at the Capitol.

Representative Brett Harrell
601-D Coverdell Legislative Office Building
18 Capitol Square
Atlanta, GA 30334
404-656-0254

brett.harrell@house.ga.gov

Committee assignments:
Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Regulated Industries, Transportation, and Ways & Means

It is legal – just un-American

I had another enjoyable opportunity to hear U.S. Congressman Rob Woodall speak recently at the Snellville Commerce Club lunch (a group of local business owners – most small businesses). The Congressman suggested our ire ought not be focused on the National Security Administration (NSA) for “spying” on Americans, rather, the U.S. Congress and President that enacted the law making their activities legal. He said the agency reports each year to Congress their activities and findings so our elected representatives knew or ought to have known of their actions. Therefore, the activities are legal, but legality does not necessarily mean wise or prudent. The same is true regarding the Patient Protection and Affordable Care (PPAC) Act or “Obama Care”. It is the law of the land upheld by our highest court. It is legal; however, many would agree that a government take-over of nearly one sixth of our economy is anathema to our nation's free enterprise system.

For the past several years, I have been advancing an argument at the Georgia General Assembly that would prohibit local governments from billing non-tax fees on your personal ad valorem tax returns. Never have I suggested the practice was illegal – the Georgia Supreme Court has now confirmed it is legal; however, I do believe such an assault on one’s private property in the name of efficient government is unjust.

Recent local news reports several school systems, including Gwinnett County Public Schools, are installing cameras on school buses to aid in enforcing traffic laws. In as much as the school systems do not have traffic enforcement jurisdiction, local governments are necessary partners. Again, the legality is not in question; however, this is yet another encroachment by government into our lives at the same time creating a time and money distraction from the core business of school systems to educate our children. Yes, it is legal, but should governmental agencies continue the installation of cameras monitoring our every move?

Perhaps the most egregious to me, local news reports that Gwinnett County Police have unwillingly strapped one hundred citizens to a gurney, placed them in a headlock, and forcefully withdrawn their blood based on a Magistrate’s warrant to aid in securing what is most often a misdemeanor driving under the influence conviction. Yes, it is legal – just un-American.

Most would agree we must have a safe and secure national defense and providing a healthcare safety net for our poor and disabled is without question. Efficient government operations and citizens that pay their bills is required of all in a civil society. We all desire a safe environment to, from and during school for our children, and DUI’s are a serious offense. That said, our nation has grown and prospered in large degree because government has remained relatively limited in our lives. In my view, each of these seemingly well-intentioned government intrusions are rapidly moving our nation over the tipping point where government will dominate our lives and that most certainly is un-American.

2013 Capitol Wrap Up

2013 Session Wrap Up 

The 2013 Session of the Georgia General Assembly began late (January 14) and ended early (March 28) – usually indicating good news for taxpayers. The session was largely uneventful, addressing several major items and leaving others for discussion another day. I’ve listed some of the highlights below; please contact me with any questions, concerns, ideas, or suggestions you may have regarding our state.

HB 106 – Fiscal Year 2014 Budget
The FY 2014 budget is balanced at $19.9 billion in state revenues (a 2.8% increase) and $37.1 billion overall. Our investment in education greatly improved this year at 53.4% of state spending or $10.6 billion. HB 106 fully funds Quality Basic Education enrollment growth and Equalization Grants. The pre-K school year is restored to 180 days and Georgia Gwinnett College received the necessary funding to continue its’ strong growth. I voted YES.

HB 142 and HB 143 – Ethics Reform

These measures strengthen Georgia’s ethics laws by placing limitations on lobbyist spending, granting rule-making authority to the Ethics Commission, and ease the burden on local officials. The reforms also prohibit providing sporting event tickets or paying for recreational outings and establishes limits on travel expenses. I voted YES.

HB 178 – Georgia Pain Management Clinic Act

This bill addresses the abuse of legal pain medications by regulating and licensing pain management clinics. The GBI estimates that since 2010, the number of pain management clinics in Georgia has risen from 10 to 125. Passage of HB 178 requires all pain management clinics register with the Georgia State Board of Pharmacy and be owned by a licensed physician or hospital. I voted YES.

HB 242 – Juvenile Justice Reform

This bill implements many of the recommendations of Governor Deal’s Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform as it relates to juvenile offenders. The bill attempts to improve public safety, outcomes, rehabilitation of non-violent juveniles, and reduce the costs of services. I voted YES.

HB 372 – HOPE Grant Program for Technical Schools

The HOPE grant program is different from the HOPE scholarship program. The bill lowers the eligibility threshold to 2.0 for HOPE grant recipients and mandates that our Technical College System change from an enrollment-driven formula to an outcome-driven formula in annual budget requests. I voted YES.

HB 487 – Increases the Lottery Commissions supervision of Class B games

This is a comprehensive reform bill aimed at eliminating illegal gambling via coin-operated games often located within convenience stores. In addition to transferring oversight from the Department of Revenue to the Lottery Commission, this legislation also permits players to redeem coupons for lottery tickets – the only game method in Georgia that may legally offer cash payouts. I voted YES.

SB 24 – Provider Payment Fee

The “Hospital Medicaid Financing Program Act” often referred to as the “Hospital Bed Tax” authorizes the Department of Community Health to establish a fee on hospitals to utilize to secure additional federal Medicaid funds that are returned to hospitals to offset costs associated with providing Medicaid services. The General Assembly retains the authority to override the DCH Board’s assessment and the bill is automatically repealed on June 30, 2017 unless reauthorized by the General Assembly. I voted YES.

SB 136 – BUI/DUI Alignment

SB 136 lowers the legal limit for Boating Under the Influence to .08 grams – the same as DUI in an automobile. I voted YES.

HB 99 – Homebrew Beer Competitions

This bill increases to 200 gallons (matching the federal limit) the amount of home brewed beer one may produce (in any home with two people of legal age), establishes legal transportation methods, and permits home brew beer completions. I voted YES.

Two measures that did not pass that will be considered again next session are:

HB 512 / SB 101 – Safe Carry Protection Act
This bill will greatly expand our personal freedoms for licensed weapons permit holders to carry a firearm of their choosing in more places including bars, churches, and campuses. Private property owners maintain their right to restrict firearms on their property.

I strongly support passage.

HB 159 – Property Protection Bill

This legislation simply states that taxes and only taxes appear on your property tax bill. Support continues to grow for this strong Constitutional private property measure that will remove non-tax fees from your property tax bill.

I am the author.

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

Capitol Update Week 5 - Title Fees and the Tennessee River

This week at the Cap

After over six hours in Ways & Means Committee hearings, the House passed HB 80 by Representative Tom Rice modifying the new auto Title Fees that take effect March 1, 2013. The revisions take into account concerns voiced by those in the auto leasing industry as well as those that are avid auto enthusiasts and collectors of older and hobby automobiles. HB 80 passed 159-4 and is now pending in the Senate Finance Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the new Title Fee and other helpful information is available at the Gwinnett County Tax Commissioner's webpage. 

The House also passed HR 4 seeking to resolve the Georgia / Tennessee boundary dispute and allow Georgia access to the Tennessee River for drinking water and other purposes. The Tennessee River generates fifteen times the water flow as the Chattahoochee River and I believe is our only realistic 100-year water solution.

   

Next Week

The pace of proposed legislation presented on the House floor for a vote will begin to quicken next week. On Tuesday, the House will consider the following bills:

HB 35

Firearms; carrying and possession of by an administrator within a school safety zone

HB 71
Georgia Municipal Employees Benefit System; total percentage of investments permissible in real estate investments; increase

HB 122
Sexual Offender Registration Review Board; review and utilize records of Board of Pardons and Paroles in making assessments; authorize - I am a co-sponsor.

HB 123
Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act; enact - sometimes called Parent Trigger

HB 124
Local elections; votes cast for disapproval of Sunday alcohol sales by retailers shall not nullify prior election results; provide - I am the author. 

HB 160
Mortgages; vacant and foreclosed real property registries; revise provisions

HB 178
Georgia Pain Management Clinic Act; enact

HB 235
Optometrists; revise definition of optometry; remove certain exemption  

HB 290
Labor; employees use sick leave for care of immediate family members; allow  

In Committee

HB 159 my Property Protection Bill will be heard for the first time before the Public Finance and Policy Subcommittee of Ways & Means. For a detailed summary of the bill that would prohibit billing non-tax fees on your property tax bill click here.

FB: http://www.facebook.com/voteharrell

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/brettharrell