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LEGISLATIVE NEWS Legislative Update 2023 T he General Assembly concluded their first year of the two-year legislative session after midnight, Thursday, March 30th. This year’s legislative session was unique, with new leadership in both the House and Senate and more diversity than ever before. Lieutenant Gover nor Burt Jones and Speaker Jon Burns quickly fell into their new roles as leaders of their respective chambers. For taxpayers, highlights of this year’s session include property tax and income tax rebates, thanks to a $6.6 billion record surplus from 2022. The state’s $32.4 billion budget included raises for teachers, law enforcement and state employees, 100% funding of the HOPE scholarship for eligible students, and free breakfast and lunch for children. Transportation issues were front and center, and we anticipate this will continue for the next few years. Bills passed allowing for the retail sale of electricity for electric vehicles, and a compromise bill to increase truck weights on some state roads. As the Federal Public Health Emergency concludes in May, we were pleased to see legislation passed allowing for the expansion of duties for pharmacy technicians. Governor Brian Kemp has 40 days to decide whether to sign or veto a bill that has been passed. After 40 days with no action, a bill passed by the legislators becomes law. This year’s legislative session, however, might be remembered more for what didn’t pass than what did cross the finish line. Many leftover bills will remain viable in the 2024 legislative session. High-profile bills that were unsuccessful include sports betting, men tal health expansion and school vouchers. GFIA members were very disappointed with another unsuccessful attempt to see any real tort reform in Georgia. The trial bar continues to show their strength at the capitol. A special thank you to Senate leadership, who passed several pro-business bills out of committees but could not get enough votes in the full Senate. While most bills are not brought up without the votes to pass them, one piece of tort legislation died on the Senate floor. SB196, by Sen. Ben Watson (R-Savannah), would have allowed into evidence as to whether a plaintiff in a civil action was wearing their seat belt and other factors contributing to their injuries and thus, damages. As you look at the legislation that is still pending for next year, please educate your legislator on how these issues can affect your business. For a full tracking sheet and link to legislation, please visit our website at www.GFIA.org

Which Bills PASSED This Session?

Retail Sale of Electricity SB146 by Senator Steve Gooch (R-Dahlonega), allows for the resale of electricity by the kilowatt hour for the purposes of charging electric vehicles. Retailers may begin selling electricity for the purposes of recharging electric vehicles beginning July 1, 2023. The Department of Agriculture will have the authority to inspect chargers and the Department of Revenue to tax the electricity used beginning January 1, 2025. Status: Passed Negotiated Truck Weights After months of deliberation, a negotiated truck weights bill HB189 , by Rep. Meeks (R-Screven), passed both the House and the Senate. The conference committee bill allows a temporary 10 percent variance of the truck weight restrictions for certain agricultural products traveling within 150 miles from the farm or point of origin to the first point of marketing or processing. This increase from 84,000 to 88,000 will sunset in two years.

These higher weight trucks will not be allowed in the nonattain ment area of Metro Atlanta. (The bill does not include fuel.) There was a great deal of discussion on the impact on our roads and bridges, including the financial impact. Additionally, there were numerous occasions during the session where legislators suggested that an additional $1B was needed to support roads and freight logistics. We should expect to see additional move ment on transportation funding next year. Status: Passed The Senate version of increased truck weights, SB165, by Russ Goodman (R-Homerville) was heard in committee with no action taken. Study Committee Addresses Truck Driver Shortage SR155 by Sen, Anavitarte, (R-Dallas), a resolution creating a Senate study committee on the truck driver shortage. Status: Passed

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