GFIA_Vol23No1.indd

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Notable bills that did NOT pass, but are viable for the 2024 legislative session

Expanded Alcohol Delivery Stalls While HB170 by Rep. Carpenter (R-Dalton), began as a bill to tax certain digital products and services, the legislation was amended in a Senate tax committee to also allow home delivery of alcohol within 25 miles of the licensed establishment. SB194 by Sen Still, (R-Norcross), would expand alcohol delivery within 25 miles of licensed establishment. HB407 by Rep. Smith (R- Bremen) and SB163 by Sen Chuck Hufstetler (R-Rome), would remove some restrictions on brewer ies, including allowing them to deliver products to retailers within 100 miles. Number of Liquor Licenses Increased? SB215, by Sen. Still, (R-Norcross) would increase the maximum number of liquor licenses that an entity can have from two to six. Banking- Limited Swipe Fee Relief SB126, introduced by Sen. Hickman (R-Statesboro), would pro hibit interchange fees being charged on the sales tax portion of a transaction. After several meetings with leadership and two hear ings in the Senate Banks and Banking Committees, the committee did not bring the bill up for a vote. We are up against substantial opposition from the banks, credit card processing companies, credit unions, and other powerful voices at the Capitol. Food Insecurity/Healthy Food Initiatives SB177 by Senator Jones (D-Augusta), establishes the Geor gia Food Security Advisory Council within the Department of Agriculture. The 16-person group would make recommendations to eradicate food insecurity, including tax benefits for retailers to expand in food insecure areas; recommend regulatory solutions to obtaining a WIC license. HB570 by Rep.Cameron (R-Rossville), establishes the Healthy Food Development Program to expand access to healthy foods in eligible areas, and providing assistance to retailers through grants, loans, tax credits. HB321 , Introduced by Rep Scott (D-Rex), establishes the Healthy Food Development Program, to bring grants, loans and tax incen tives for retailers selling healthy foods. HR185, Introduced by Rep. Karen Bennett (D-Stone Mountain), would create the House Healthy Food Study Committee

Labor Relations There continues to be legislation introduced to prevent discrimina tion in hiring practices as well as increases in the minimum wage. HB78 , Rep. Alexander (D-Hiram), mandates sick pay for busi nesses with over 25 people SB25, Sen. Butler (D- Stone Mountain) and HB241, Rep McCain (D-Lilburn), increases the minimum wage to $15 per hour SB82 , Sen. Tonya Anderson (D-Lithonia), anti-discrimination legislation regarding protected hairstyles HB26 , Rep Mandisha Thomas (D-South Fulton), proposes amending minimum standard codes for clean air standards in new construction HB149 , Rep. Mesha Mainor (D-Atlanta), requires merchants to provide store credit if exact change is not available Lottery/COAM/Gaming While three bills related to COAM were introduced, and an addi tional 6 plus drafts were “shopped”, the last bill standing ran out of time. We should expect COAM issues to continue next year. If you are contemplating getting into COAM or renewing your contract, GFIA can provide a list of best practices to ensure your rights are protected. Thanks to our friends at the GA Association of Convenience Stores for their expertise. Pharmacy HB546 by Rep. Jasperse (R-Jasper), would authorize pharmacists to modify a patient's prescription in certain circumstances. Public Assistance HB565 by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R-Bremen), increases access to TANF (cash assistance) from a lifetime maximum of 48 to 60 months. Solid Waste/Recyling/Plastic Bans SB49 by Senator James (D-Atlanta), would prohibit certain re tail establishments from distributing bags made of plastic film and items made from polystyrene foam. The bill would make it a misdemeanor for each offense. There are exemptions for bags used for food packaging and prescription drugs, among others. Recycling Study Committee Introduced SR308 by Sen. Anderson (R- Grovetown), creates the Senate Study Committee on Recycling Efficiency and Economic De velopment to incentivize more material recovery facilities in the state.

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