Legislative Update

Each week, we will outline new bills that have been introduced in either the House or the Senate that we are tracking that may impact community banks in Georgia.  As the bills proceed through the process, we will provide updates to you and outline any important changes that are made to the bill as they occur.  For your reference, we have a tracking document that can be accessed at anytime on our website that will show ALL legislation that is moving through the legislative process with bills we are tracking/monitoring highlighted for your convenience. 
 
H.B. 829 was introduced in the House by Rep. James Burchett (R), Waycross.  The bill raises the threshold at which a civil litigant can request a jury from $25,000 to $1 million.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee. 
 
H.B. 847 was introduced in the House by Rep. Michael Smith (D), Marietta.  The bill allows victims of domestic violence or sexual assault to take time off from work without being subjected to termination or other adverse employment action; provides for certain prerequisites and procedures for taking such time off.  The bill was assigned to the Industry and Labor Committee.

H.B. 859 was introduced in the House by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.  The bill provides that certain property is exempt from seizure or forfeiture under the Uniform Civil Forfeiture Procedure Act, including real property subject to a homestead exemption, currency totaling $541 or less, and cars valued at less than $5,000.

H.B. 860 was introduced in the House by Rep. Sandra Scott (D), Rex.  The bill requires the reporting of property seized and forfeited; establishes a case tracking system and searchable public website.

H.B. 869 was introduced in the House by Rep. Charlice Byrd (R), Woodstock.  The bill prohibits the following: 

• Prohibits state or local governments from requiring individuals to submit to vaccinations
• Prohibits state or local governments from issuing vaccination passports
• Prohibits state or local governments from requiring face masks
• Prohibits business in the state from requiring patrons or customers to provide proof of vaccination or masking

H.B. 894 was introduced in the House by Rep. William Boddie (D), East Point.  The bill Prohibits a prospective tenant from being refused a rental or lease agreement solely based upon a previous eviction during the COVID-19 public health emergency.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee.

H.B. 899 was introduced in the House by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R), Monroe.  The bill Provides for the legal effects of the discontinuance of LIBOR on contracts, securities, or instruments.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee.

S.B. 319 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas.  The bill implements "constitutional carry" (legal for gun owners to carry firearms without a permit); allows "private property owners or persons in legal control of private property through a lease, rental agreement, licensing agreement, contract, or any other agreement to control access to such private property to exclude or eject a person who is in possession of a weapon or long gun."  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee. 

S.B. 329 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bo Hatchett (R), Cornelia.  The bill provides for the apportionment of awards of damages among one or more persons in certain actions.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee.

S.B. 331 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The bill prohibits the regulation of employee work hours, scheduling, and output by local government entities.  The bill was assigned to the Insurance and Labor Committee.
 
S.B. 332 was introduced in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R), Roswell.  The bill requires online marketplaces to collect and verify basic seller information and sellers to provide that information to consumers in an effort to prevent criminals from selling stolen or counterfeit goods.  The bill was assigned to the Judiciary Committee.