GFIA_Vol24No1.indd

LEGISLATIVE NEWS

HB 1021, by Rep. Lauren Daniel (R-Locus Grove), increases the child tax deduction from $3,000 to $4,000 per child. HB 581, by Rep. Shaw Blackmon, (R-Bonaire) caps how much home assessments may be increased and allows local governments to use revenue from a 1-cent sales tax hike to offset the lower property taxes. Transportation HB 617 , by Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), develops & maintains a statewide freight and logistics implementation plan. There is notable language directing the department to look at “projects of significant economic impact.” Status: Passed SB 203, by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas), provides tuition-free CDL training for veterans. Status: Passed HB 516, by Rep. Derrick McCullum (R-Chestnut Mountain), involves the taxation on the sale of electricity for electric vehicles. The implementation date will be extended to Jan. 1, 2026. This replaced the original bill HB 1312. Status: Passed General Business HB 1073, by Rep. Dale Washburn (R- Macon), passed on the last day of the session with language that prohibits local governments from requiring any retailer that sells gas to install cameras. Sta tus: Passed

HB 206, by Rep. Steven Sainz (R-St.Marys), is a voluntary financing structure, known as C-PACE, in which commercial building owners borrow money for energy efficiency, renewable energy, or other projects and make payments via an assessment on their property tax bill. The financing agreement remains with the property even if it is sold, aiding in the facilitation of long-term investments in building performance. Status: Passed HB1073, by Rep. Washburn (R-Macon), is a perfect example of language added in the final hours of the session. The bill restricts a municipality’s ability to create video surveillance ordinances for retail establishments that sell gasoline. The bill would also allow Sunday sales for consumption on the premises in locally designat ed special entertainment districts. Status: Passed SB370, by Sen. Mike Hodges (R-Brunswick), requires that human trafficking signage be posted in convenience stores and medical offices. Because the bill does not include a definition of medical office, companies with pharmacies and clinics will need to watch for more details. Status: Passed Health/Pharmacy HB 546, by Rep. Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), would have allowed a pharmacist to “adapt” a prescription drug in certain circumstanc es. Status: Did NOT pass HB1072, by Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), creates a drug repository for needy families, and added language from SB 491

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