Updates on Legislation CBA is Tracking

Eligible for Enactment by the Governor

H.B. 1437 Income Tax Rate Reform by Rep. Shaw Blackmon (R), Bonaire. As introduced, HB 1437 created a flat income tax of 5.25%, increased the standard exemption, and eliminated many deductions. In the version agreed to by both chambers, the tax rate reduction is phased in over several years, subject to annual performance benchmarks. It also revises personal exemptions and itemized deductions. Approving this historic tax cut was one of the final actions taken by the General Assembly in the 2022 session.

 
H.B. 974 Electronic Filing of Deeds, Mortgages, and Lines by Rep. Joseph Gullett (R), Dallas. The final version requires clerks of the superior court to offer electronic filing but does not require all documents to be filed electronically. Lawmakers expressed concern about how an electronic mandate could impact smaller counties and impede individuals from filing documents.

 
H.B. 620 Settlements involving Claims of Minors by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton. It increases the maximum amount of value of a minor’s personal property or anticipated settlement that may be received by the minor’s guardian without becoming a conservator from $15,000 to $25,000.

 
H.B. 916 Superior and State Court Appellate Practice Act by Rep. Rob Leverett (R), Elberton. The Senate adopted the bill unanimously on April 4, sending it to the Governor. HB 916 represents a significant revision to the procedure to appeal from a lower judicatory to superior or state court. It requires courts to render decisions on merits rather than procedural grounds except in certain circumstances.

 
H.B. 733 Guaranteed Asset Protection Waiver by Rep. Tyler Paul Smith (R), Bremen. HB 733 revises the definition of a Guaranteed Asset Protection waiver to allow a waiver contract to be issued with or without a separate fee. The waiver may also provide a benefit that waives an amount or provides the borrower with a credit toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle. The bill was amended by the Senate Rules Committee to include language from SB 487 dealing with breast cancer screenings. The House agreed to the Senate changes.

 
S.B. 96 Veteran Health ID Cards for Notaries by Sen. Lester Jackson (D), Savannah. The bill is now eligible for enactment by the Governor.

H.B. 586 Georgia Economic Recovery Act of 2021 by Rep. Sam Watson (R), Moultrie. As introduced last year, HB 586 was a tax exemption omnibus, touching everything from concrete mixers to projects of regional significance. Much of that language was stripped from the version considered this year. It now extends a sales tax exemption on tickets to certain fine arts performances and extends a tax credit for the qualified donation of real property.

 
H.B. 389 Change Definition of Employment by Rep. Todd Jones (R), South Forsyth. HB 389 defaults most workers to “employees” unless the Department of Labor makes a contrary determination. The bill has exemptions for gig workers and certain music industry professionals.

H.R. 1149 Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing by Rep. Dale Washburn (R), Macon. HR 1149 authorizes the creation of the House Study Committee on Regulation, Affordability, and Access to Housing. Rep. Washburn championed unsuccessful legislation on behalf of build-to-rent developers (HB 1093). While study committee resolutions typically enjoy unanimous support, the vote to authorize HR 1149 was 114-43.

 
S.B. 319 Georgia Constitutional Carry Act of 2021 by Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R), Dallas. The House adopted an amended version of the bill on March 30. The Senate agreed to the changes on April 1, sending it to the Governor.

 
S.B. 116 Maternity Supportive Housing by Sen. Randy Robertson (R), Cataula. It allows for the registration of residences that provide housing for pregnant and postpartum women. The Senate agreed 32-22 to the House version of the bill on April 4.

S.B. 345 Prohibit Vaccine Passport by Rep. Jeff Mullis (R), Chickamauga. It prohibits state and local governments from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of receiving government services or accessing government facilities. The House included language to exempt certain federal contractors. On a party-line vote, the Senate agreed to the changes on April 4, sending it to the Governor.


LOST
H.B. 1350 Notices to Beneficiaries Regarding Probate Wills by Rep. Will Wade (R), Dawsonville.
H.B. 1352 Disposition of Unclaimed Property and Certain Wills by Rep. Vance Smith, Jr. (R), Pine Mountain.
H.B. 428 Computer Equipment Sales Tax Exemption by Rep. Chuck Martin (R), Alpharetta.
H.B. 681 Financial Literacy by Rep. Bill Yearta (R), Sylvester.
H.B. 899 LIBOR by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R). Monroe.
H.R. 1026 Economic Development Opportunities and Sources of Investment Funding by Rep. Yasmin Neal (D), Jonesboro.
S.B. 364 Telephone Solicitations by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.
S.B. 374 Data Analytic Center by Sen. Blake Tillery (R), Vidalia.
S.B. 45 Licensing by Sen. Bruce Thompson (R), White.


New Bills
H.B. 1640 Debtor-Creditor Overhaul by Rep. Marvin Lim (D), Norcross. Introduced on the final day of session, H.B. 1640 proposes several changes to various laws dealing with the debtor-creditor relationship, including:

• Requiring creditors to verify a lender’s ability to repay for certain loans.

• Makes a creditor’s failure to provide certain information connected to a debt collection an unlawful trade practice.

• Requires a bank to immediately send a notification an explanation of overdraft fees.

• Establishes a new procedure for debt collection arising from revolving credit agreements.

• Establishes a statute of limitations expiration regarding consumer debt collection actions.