Your Georgia Desk:
HARPER: Update from the Capitol
By: Sen. Tyler Harper (R- Ocilla)
The Georgia General Assembly is approaching the very last days of the 2014 Legislative Session. Although many people simply refer to the last day as Day 40, it is also known as Sine Die. The last day of the legislative session can be very long, but it is also full of tradition.
During the remaining two days of session – and in some cases, the last few hours of session – bills that will significantly impact Georgians statewide will be debated and adopted in both Chambers. While there is a sense of urgency to pass bills prior to the 40 day deadline, it is extremely important to ensure bills are not rushed through the process or result in any unintended consequences.
Since we’ve now completed day 38 of the 40-day session, I would like to provide a recap of the Senate’s business from the past week. Many of you have written me asking for updates on specific pieces of legislation, so I’d also like to take some time to specifically address the status of these bills.
Earlier this week, both Chambers came to an agreement on Senate Bill 213 which allows the Georgia Environment Protection Division (EPD) to modify water permits to require irrigation efficiencies. Additionally, SB 213 requires EPD to notify specified permit holders downstream of any state funded augmentation project of certain flow requirements. Current law requires EPD to establish acceptable Flint River basin stream flows. This bill clarifies that such stream flows do not include tributaries that include field drainage systems, wet weather ditches, or other water bodies. Originally passed last session, SB 213 is essential in the conservation and preservation of the Flint River and other natural resources. Furthermore, this is yet another tool in our toolbox to protect Georgia citizens from frivolous law suits and excessive intrusion from the federal government.
House Bill 702 received a vote of 40 – 10 in the Senate this week. HB 702 approves the placement of a historic granite monument featuring the Preamble to the Georgia Constitution, the Ten Commandments and a portion of the Declaration of Independence. This monument will stand outside the hallowed walls of the Gold Dome as a continual reminder of our founding principles of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness while also highlighting our conservative Christian values that make this country great.
Senate Resolution 804 recognizes February 27, 2014 as Georgia Young Farmers Association Day. The resolution commends the association on the invaluable service to Georgia through classes, field demonstrations and school tours. It was honor to welcome fellow GYFA members to the Capitol who share my passion for agriculture.
The Honorable Sen. John “Dickey” Crosby was recognized by Senate Resolution 1172. Sen. Crosby has served in the General Assembly since 2008 with a deep personal commitment to the welfare of all Georgians. The resolution commends his invaluable leadership and acknowledges his impending retirement. We wish him a long, happy and healthy retirement as he spends time with his family. I couldn’t be more proud to serve the people of this great state with Sen. Crosby and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his life of public service to our great state.
House Bill 658 repeals the Georgia estate tax in its entirety and passed the Senate by substitute with a vote of 42 to 8. The death tax is one of Georgia’s most despised taxes and places a significant burden on the families of the deceased. The passage of this legislation further reiterates the Georgia General Assembly’s ongoing commitment to the taxpayers of this state.
House Bill 790 passed by substitute with a vote of 52 to 0. HB 790 expands the responsibility of the Georgia Forestry Commission to enforce timber theft laws by allowing commission foresters and firefighters, along with investigators, to issue citations for cutting or carrying away of timber of another landowner.
Senate Resolution 1076 commends the Satilla District for being named the Georgia Forestry Commission’s 2013 District of the Year. Satilla District was selected on merit of high customer satisfaction, public outreach, seedlings sold, among other factors. Most of our Senate district is served by the GA Forestry Commission’s Satilla District. I would like to thank the Forestry Commission employees of the Satilla District who traveled to Atlanta to allow us to honor them for their hard work and dedication to our state.
I am humbled you have placed your faith in me to represent the constituents of District 7 at the Georgia State Capitol. Please feel free to contact my office at any time to talk about pending legislation or address other concerns in our district – my door and phone lines are always open. I encourage groups who are interested in visiting the Capitol to call my office at 404.463.5263 to set up a date and time. I look forward to personally welcoming you to the Capitol!
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