Governor Perdue Signs Eighty-Four Bills Into Law
| Friday, May 30, 2003 |
Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774
|
Atlanta - Governor Sonny Perdue today signed the following legislation into law:
| House Bills House Bill 54 |
A BILL to amend Chapter 23 of Title 31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to eye banks, so as to change the provisions regarding who may operate eye banks; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 108 | A BILL to amend Article 4 of Chapter 9 of Title 16 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to fraud and related offenses, so as to change certain provisions related to failing to pay for natural products or chattels; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 177 | A BILL to amend Chapter 39A of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to real estate appraisers, so as to change certain definitions; to change the manner in which appraiser classification criteria are determined; to change certain provisions relating to the surrender or lapse of a license; to change certain provisions concerning hearings and service of orders; to provide certain sanctions for violations; to amend Chapter 40 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to real estate brokers and salespersons, so as to add certain definitions; to provide requirements for nonresident licenses; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 189 | A BILL to amend Code Section 48-8-39 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the effect of use other than retention, demonstration, or display by the giver of certain certification or by processor, manufacturer, or converter of tangible personal property, so as to provide for fair market value of certain carpet samples for sales and use tax purposes; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 215 | A BILL to amend Chapter 24 of Title 33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to insurance generally, so as to provide definitions; to provide for the use of credit and credit scoring information in underwriting or rating risks by insurance companies; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 225 | A BILL to amend Article 2 of Chapter 9 of Title 10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the Geo. L. Smith II Georgia World Congress Center Authority Overview Committee, so as to change certain provisions relating to the creation, composition, officers, and duties of the committee; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 236 | A BILL to amend Code Section 16-14-3 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to definitions, so as to include insurance fraud within the definition of racketeering activity under the "Georgia RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) Act"; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 265 | A BILL to amend an Act establishing the Municipal Court of Columbus, so as to change the compensation of the judge, clerk, and marshal of that court; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 288 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the Ware County Water and Sewer Authority, so as to change the name of the authority; to change the number of persons initially appointed to the authority; to change the method of appointing successors to and filling vacancies on the authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 309 | A BILL to amend Code Section 36-62-5.1of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to joint development authorities, so as to authorize the creation and activation of a joint development authority between a county of this state and a contiguous county of an adjoining state; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 370 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the State Court of Cobb County, so as to change the compensation of the solicitor-general; to change the provisions relating to the compensation of assistant solicitors; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 375 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the State Court of Cobb County, so as to change the compensation of the judges and associate judges of the state court; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 385 | A BILL to amend Chapter 5 of Title 18 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to debt adjustment, so as to limit the maximum charge that may be imposed for the provision of debt adjustment services; to provide for exemptions from those provisions related to debt adjustment; to require persons engaged in the business of debt adjustment to obtain an annual audit of all accounts and to maintain a certain amount and type of insurance coverage; to provide for the disbursement of a debtor's funds within 30 days of receipt; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 391 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for the Board of Education of Glynn County, so as to change the composition of such board and abolish certain positions and create new positions; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 512 | A BILL to amend an Act placing the Sheriff of Glynn County on an annual salary, so as to authorize the appointment of an undersheriff; to provide for the qualifications of the undersheriff; to provide that the undersherriff shall succeed to the office of sheriff upon vacancy in said office; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 600 | A BILL to amend an Act relating to the Magistrate Court of Berrien County, so as to provide for the position of magistrate; to provide for the selection and service of the magistrate; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 602 | A BILL to amend an Act making provisions for the Magistrate Court of Cobb County, so as to provide for the compensation of the chief magistrate of said court; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 623 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for the Board of Education of Bartow County, so as to change the method of filling vacancies on said board; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 646 | A BILL to amend an Act creating a Board of Commissioners of Roads and Revenues for Cobb County, so as to repeal certain provisions relating to the requirement of a referendum to approve the expenditure of funds in excess of $25,000.00 in a contract with a transit authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 659 | A BILL to amend an Act consolidating the Offices of Tax Collector and Tax Receiver into the office of tax commissioner of Cobb County, so as to change the compensation of certain employees of such office; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 673 | A BILL to create the City of LaGrange Gas Authority and to provide for the appointment of members of the authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 690 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the State Court of Cobb County, so as to change the compensations of the clerk and the chief deputy clerk of the State Court of Cobb County; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 691 | A BILL to amend an Act changing the compensation of the Clerk of the Superior Court, the sheriff, and the judge of the Probate Court of Cobb County from the fee system to the salary system, so as to change the compensation of the chief deputy sheriff, the chief investigator, and the executive assistant to the sheriff; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 694 | A BILL to create the Cartersville Building Authority as a public corporation and an instrumentality of the State of Georgia; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 698 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the Cobb Judicial Circuit, so as to provide for the supplement to be paid to each of the judges of the superior court of said circuit and an additional supplement for the chief judge of said circuit; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 702 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for the election of members of the Board of Education of Cobb County, so as to change the description of the education districts of such board; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 764 | A BILL to amend an Act creating and establishing the Recorder's Court of DeKalb County, so as to repeal a certain provision that allows a person arrested for violation of a county ordinance to make a cash deposit with the county Chief of Police in lieu of bond; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 768 | A BILL to amend an Act to reconstitute the Board of Education of Marion County, so as to change the description of the education districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 779 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Miller County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 781 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Clay County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 782 | A BILL to provide for a homestead exemption from Toombs County ad valorem taxes for county purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead; to provide for definitions; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 783 | A BILL to provide for a homestead exemption from City of Vidalia independent school district ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 784 | A BILL to provide for a homestead exemption from City of Vidalia ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead; to provide for definitions; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 785 | A BILL to provide for a homestead exemption from City of Santa Claus ad valorem taxes for municipal purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 786 | A BILL to provide for a homestead exemption from Toombs County School District ad valorem taxes for educational purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the base year assessed value of such homestead; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 787 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Pelham, so as to change the municipal election dates and terms of municipal officers and members of the board of education; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 789 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Quitman County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 795 | A BILL to amend an Act known as the "Ellijay-Gilmer County Water and Sewerage Authority Act," so as to change the number of members of the authority; to provide for the appointment and terms of office of the members; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 796 | A BILL to amend an Act relating to the Board of Education of Newton County, so as to reconstitute the board of education; to change the description of the education districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 801 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Chief Magistrate of Effingham County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 802 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Effingham County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 805 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of McIntosh County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 825 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the Office of Commissioner of Roads and Revenues in the County of Atkinson (now the board of commissioners of Atkinson County), so as to change the description of the commissioner districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 826 | A BILL to amend an Act to reconstitute the Board of Education of Atkinson County, so as to change the description of the education districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 830 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for election of members of the Board of Education of Tattnall County, so as to change certain district descriptions for purposes of electing members of the board; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 831 | A BILL to amend an Act entitled "An Act to provide a new charter for the City of Ball Ground," so as to remove the limitation on the number of terms a person may serve as mayor; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 835 | A BILL to amend an Act reconstituting the Board of Education of Warren County, so as to provide for the election of members of the board in nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 837 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the Board of Commissioners of Cobb County, so as to reconstitute the board of commissioners; to change the description of the commissioner districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 840 | A BILL to authorize the City of Avondale Estates to exercise all redevelopment and other powers under Article IX, Section II, Paragraph VII of the Constitution and Chapter 44 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the "Redevelopment Powers Law," as amended; to provide for a referendum; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 841 | A BILL to create a Board of Elections and Registration for Upson County and provide for its powers and duties; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 842 | A BILL to amend an Act creating the Board of Commissioners of Tattnall County, so as to change certain district descriptions for purposes of electing members of the board; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 847 | A BILL to amend an Act creating a Board of Education of Jones County, so as to change the description of the districts from which members of such board are elected; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 848 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Chief Magistrate of Bulloch County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 853 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for a homestead exemption from certain Banks County ad valorem taxes for county purposes for certain residents of that county who are senior citizens or disabled, so as to increase the amount of such exemption; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 856 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Hampton, so as to repeal a provision prohibiting persons holding elective office from serving on boards, commissions, and authorities; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 857 | A BILL to create the City of Hampton Public Facilities Authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 861 | A BILL to provide a new charter for the City of Abbeville; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 874 | A BILL to amend an Act re-creating and establishing a Board of Commissioners of Barrow County, so as to provide for technical corrections with respect to reapportionment of districts for the election of members of the board of commissioners; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 876 | A BILL to amend an Act providing authority for members of the Board of Education of Barrow County, so as to provide for technical corrections with respect to reapportionment of districts for the election of members of the board of education; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 888 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of McDuffie County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 904 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Chief Magistrate of Screven County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 910 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Lavonia, so as to change the provisions regarding the city's boundaries; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 922 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a charter for the unified government of Athens-Clarke County, so as to provide for nonpartisan elections for certain officers thereof; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 925 | A BILL to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Early County shall be nonpartisan elections; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 938 | A BILL to create the Oconee County Public Facilities Authority and to provide for the appointment of members of the Authority; to confer powers upon the Authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 947 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Commerce, so as to reconstitute the governing authority of the city and its independent school district, and provide for districts, elections, terms, qualifications, powers, duties, rights, and liabilities; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 948 | A BILL to amend an Act establishing a public school system in the City of Jefferson, so as to require the governing authority of that city to levy the tax certified for such system and grant the board of education of such system the power to issue obligations for such system; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 958 | A BILL to provide that the Tax Commissioner of Lee County shall retain a percentage of educational funds collected by said officer and remit the same to the governing authority of Lee County to reimburse the county for the cost of collecting school taxes; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 971 | A BILL to amend an Act providing a new charter for the City of Gordon, so as to change certain provisions regarding the number of votes required to remove a city officer; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 973 | A BILL to amend an Act creating a new charter for the City of Alma, so as to change the number and the description of the council districts; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 997 | A BILL to provide authority for the City of Douglasville to expend public funds to include a specific nonbinding referendum as a question on the ballot; to provide that such question shall relate to the regulation of smoking in public places; to provide for approval of the question by the governing authority; and for other purposes. |
| House Bill 1000 | A BILL to amend an Act providing for the manner of appointment of members of the board of the Chatham County Hospital Authority, so as to provide for the appointment, terms, and number of members of the board of the Chatham County Hospital Authority; to provide for appointment of members of the Chatham County Commissioner to the board; to provide for the election of a chairman of the board; and for other purposes. |
|
Senate Bills Senate Bill 9 |
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act creating the State Court of Chatham County, approved December 18, 1819 (Ga. L. 1819, p. 16), as amended, so as to provide for an additional judge of the State Court of Chatham County; to provide for the election, powers, duties, jurisdiction, privileges, immunities, and compensation of said additional judge; to authorize the governing authority of Chatham County to provide facilities, office space, supplies, equipment, and personnel for said judge; to provide for other matters relative to the foregoing; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 85 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 43-30-14 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to practicing optometry without a license, so as to increase punishment; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 167 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 34-8-155 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to benefit experience and variations from standard rate of employer contributions during certain periods, so as to provide for an extension of the reduction in contribution rates through December 31, 2004; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 208 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act changing the compensation of the clerk of the superior court, the sheriff, and the judge of the Probate Court of Cobb County from the fee system to the salary system, approved February 9, 1949 (Ga. L. 1949, p. 427), as amended, particularly by an Act approved April 25, 2002 (Ga. L. 2002, p. 4792), so as to change the compensation of the deputy clerk of the superior court; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 222 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act creating the Cobb County Commission on Children and Youth, approved February 24, 1988 (Ga. L. 1988, p. 3569), as amended particularly by an Act approved April 19, 2000 (Ga. L. 2000, p. 3630), so as to re-create the Cobb County Commission on Children and Youth; to provide for the manner of appointment of members; to provide for duties and powers; to authorize the commission to receive and expend funds; to provide for all related matters; to provide for an annual report; to allow the commission to qualify for treatment under the Internal Revenue Code as a tax exempt organization; to provide for a termination date; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 233 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 9 of Title 34 of the O.C.G.A., relating to workers' compensation, so as to delete the requirement that notice to nonresident parties be sent by certified mail; to change procedures regarding an employee's cooperation with authorized medical treatment; to provide that the granting or denial of social security disability creates no presumption in the determination of whether or not a case is deemed to be catastrophic; to provide time limitations on the submission of medical bills; to provide for when an employee is entitled to receive permanent partial disability benefits; to place the temporary total benefits maximum at $425.00 per week and to place the minimum at $42.50 per week; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 245 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act creating the Board of Commissioners of Cobb County, approved June 19, 1964 (Ga. L. 1964, Ex. Sess., p. 2075), as amended, particularly by an Act approved April 25, 2002 (Ga. L. 2002, p. 4614), so as to change the provisions relating to the compensation of the chairperson of the board; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 289 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Franklin County and for the office of chief magistrate of Franklin County shall be nonpartisan elections held at the time of certain November general elections; to provide for submission of this Act under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 290 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act entitled "An Act to create a new Board of Commissioners of Franklin County," approved April 4, 1991 (Ga. L. 1991, p. 4681), as amended, particularly by an Act approved February 2, 2000 (Ga. L. 2000, p. 3501), and an Act approved April 29, 1997 (Ga. L. 1997, p. 4588), so as to change certain provisions relative to the county attorney; to repeal a provision that the county commission shall meet only in the county courthouse; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 321 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Meriwether County shall be nonpartisan elections; to provide for submission of this Act under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 332 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend an Act creating the Board of Commissioners of Troup County, approved March 25, 1958 (Ga. L. 1958, p. 3068), as amended, particularly by an Act approved February 27, 1992 (Ga. L. 1992, p. 4796), so as to reconstitute the Board of Commissioners; to change the description of the commissioner districts; to provide for definitions and inclusions; to provide for continuation in office of current members; to provide for election and terms of office of subsequent members; to provide for submission of this Act for approval under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide effective dates; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |
| Senate Bill 373 | A BILL to be entitled an Act to provide that future elections for the Office of Probate Judge of Madison County and for the office of chief magistrate of Madison County shall be nonpartisan elections; to provide for submission of this Act under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. |