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 Session Wrap Up

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 737 Permits home brewers to transport up to one gallon of their creation - passed.  I voted YES.

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

Capitol Update Week 7 - Preparing for 'Crossover' Day

Last week

Last week was a very busy week completing necessary committee work in preparation for "Crossover Day" on Monday. Crossover is the 30^th day of the 40-day legislative session and the date by which a bill must pass one chamber to permit enough time to complete the process in the other chamber and become law. The House has seventeen bills on the first calendar for Monday and we will likely have one or more supplemental calendars prior to adjourning for the day.

Three bills I either authored or co-sponsored passed the House last week and are now pending committee hearings in the Senate. HB 412 permits voluntary electronic property tax billing. Gwinnett County estimates it may save up to $140,000 a year in billing costs.HB 731 included an Amendment to repeal an unconstitutional article from Georgia Code.HB 658 by Representative B. J. Pak removed the last remnants of the Estate Tax from Georgia statute.

The House voted down HB 153 a proposal to permit a "fractional" SPLOST of less than 1-cent. I voted No. The author has asked the House to reconsider the bill on Monday. Initially the idea of a SPLOST at less than 1-cent may sound like a good idea - lower taxes. I see it differently. I view the idea as a tax increase from zero up to the fraction rather than from 1-cent down to the fraction. I also agree with the Department of Revenue that multiple rates at multiple fractions in multiple counties may result in a number of administrative burdens. Finally, SPLOST should sunset when the need is fulfilled. I view the implementation of a fractional SPLOST as an attempt to continue taxes when the voters would otherwise let the penny lapse.

Finally, the House passed HB 459 by Representative Bill Kitchens, a former State Patrol Commander, commonly referred to as the "Slow Poke" law to require drivers in the left lane to move over when approached by a faster moving vehicle.

It was also my great pleasure to welcome students from the Grayson Elementary School Cluster on Monday and the Choir from Snellville Middle on Tuesday to the Capitol.

SMS Choir with Governor Nathan Deal

The SMS Choir toured the Capitol and performed two songs at noon
to the great enjoyment of all.  

Next week

Among the more noteworthy bills the House may consider next week are:

HB 885 - would permit medical cannabis treatments for certain seizure disorders

HB 707 - would prevent any state resources used to implement the Affordable Care Act

HB 990 - would require a vote of the Legislature prior to expanding Medicaid

Committee calendars
House committee meeting calendar:
http://calendar.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. 

  

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

Capitol Update Week 6 - Budget, Garbage, Guns

This week at the Capitol

This was an incredibly busy and interesting week at the Georgia General Assembly. I thank you so much for allowing me to serve as the representative for the 106th District. Here are several of the day-by-day highlights:

Monday

I presented and the House passed by a 165-2 margin HB 762 that adds ‘active’ sanitation workers and vehicles to existing law requiring motorists to exercise due caution and care when approaching and passing sanitation vehicles. You may not know that sanitation worker is the fourth most dangerous job in America as measured by deaths per 100,000.

Tuesday

The House passed the Fiscal Year 2015 budget HB 744 at $20.8 billion. This budget is 4.6% larger than the 2014 budget and dedicates 72% of new revenues to education – over $900 million.

On Tuesday, the House also passed HB 875 an expansion of our Second Amendment rights. This bill addresses among other things where citizens with legally permitted weapons carry licenses may carry a firearm. The bill preserves the primacy of private property rights as property owners may prohibit guns on their own premises.

Wednesday

Wednesday was non-stop activity all day long – up and down the stairs, back and forth across the street, meeting-to-meeting, presentation after presentation. At the end of the day, the issues I was advancing all moved forward. A very special thanks to William McKeen, an outstanding young man serving as my Legislative Aide this Session that not only keeps me on schedule, but also writes outstanding bill summaries to better prepare me to discuss the issues presented in our committee meetings.

I presented and the Senate Regulated Industries Committee passed HB 737 Homebrew Transportation bill. The House Code Revision Committee adopted a repeal Amendment I offered and included it in HB 731. Two Ways & Means Subcommittees favorably considered and passed bills I authored. HB 412 permitting electronic property tax billing (at taxpayer request) and HB 900 providing the final exemption for inputs into the manufacturing process (saves the state money).

Thursday

The full Ways & Means Committee passed both HB 412 and HB 900 and they are now pending in the House Rules Committee – the last stop before a vote on the House floor.

Friday

HB 834 passed the House removing an unconstitutional population requirement, but also allowing Gwinnett County to hold bond debt referendums on dates other than the November General Election date – dates with traditionally lower voter turnout. I voted No and I am now working on a “fix;” so that, the greatest number of Gwinnett citizens’ voice is heard on critical referendums such as the issuance of millions of dollars of bond debt or raising millions of dollars via SPLOST.

Next Week

Our community comes to the Capitol next week. I look forward to welcoming many students, parents, and teachers from Grayson Elementary on Monday. On Tuesday, the Snellville Middle School Choir will perform on the North steps inside the Capitol at noon.

Committee calendars

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.

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

Twitter: brettharrell
Facebook: voteharrell

Capitol Update - Week 4 - Justice Reforms, Second Amendment, Cannabis

This week at the Capitol 

The 2014 Session of the Georgia General Assembly reached full speed this week. Members participated in dozens of committee hearings, votes each day on the House floor and the State of the Judiciary on Wednesday.

In his address, Chief Justice Hugh Thompson applauded a series of criminal justice reform bills signed into law over the past few years.  The primary goal of criminal justice reform was to increase accountability courts in Georgia to improve rehabilitation and reduce incarceration.  Chief Justice Thompson proclaimed that 93% of these court graduates remain free of criminal charges and 85% have found and maintain employment.  With fewer people in prison, these courts save Georgia more than $20 million in prison costs each year. Congratulations to Governor Deal for championing these reforms that are saving lives and saving taxpayer dollars.

The Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee secured the most attention this week with hearings on HB 875. HB 875 would expand Second Amendment rights for Georgia Weapons Carry License holders by increasing locations where licensed individuals may carry their weapons while protecting the primacy of private property rights.  The bill would expand access to government buildings, absent active security at entrances, and allow private property owners to permit or prohibit weapons on their property including churches and bars. HB 875 also allows honorably discharged veterans under age 21 to receive a weapon carry license, eliminates the re-fingerprinting requirement for renewals, prohibits the creation of a license holder database, and lessens the penalty for license holders found carrying a weapon on public college campuses. 

While HB 875 would expand rights for responsible, law-abiding citizens, it also takes measures to improve mental health regulations for Georgia Weapons Carry License applicants.  Under HB 875, licenses would be denied to any person who has been deemed "mentally incompetent to stand trial" or any person who is been deemed "not guilty by reason of insanity" at the time of the trial.  Additionally, HB 875 would provideschool boards the flexibility to arm an employee under certain guidelines and supervision. Finally, should the Governor declare a state of emergency, this bill wouldprevent the confiscation of weapons or ammunition by the state, which is currently allowable.  The committee favorably reported out HB 875 and the bill now awaits further action in the Rules Committee.   

Upcoming bills of interest

The House Health and Human Services Committee will hear on Monday afternoon HB 885 permitting use of a cannabis oil derivative to treat certain severe medical conditions. While I support proceeding with debate on this issue, there remain a number of hurdles that the legislature must address including the current Schedule I classification of the drug and impediments to transportation.   

HB 762 adding sanitation workers to the Spence Pass Law is pending before the House Rules Committee and I will ask for a vote by the full House.

The Ways & Means Public Policy Subcommittee heard HB 412 and HB 648 for the first time last week and I anticipate a second hearing this week. I will ask for passage to the full Committee and then the full House on HB 412 allowing electronic transmission of property tax bills. HB 648 returning the fourth penny of sales tax on motor fuels to transportation began a worthwhile discussion; however, I will ask that the debate continue in preparation for action upon our return in 2015.

Committee calendars
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. 

  

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