NEWS

Friday, March 3 was the 28th legislative day, also known as Crossover Day, which is the last day a bill can go from one house to the other. Legislative day 40 is set for Thursday, March 30.
 

SPECIFIC LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES:

Chamber Priority: Defend against legislative measures that would negatively impact Savannah’s business climate, appear discriminatory in nature, or would harm the ability to create, attract, retain and expand jobs.

·        SB 233 “Religious Freedom Restoration Act”: This Bill incorporated by reference the federal version known as the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993. This Bill did not get past Crossover.

Chamber Priority: Support enhancement of Georgia’s historic preservation incentives to encourage investment of historic landmarks.

·        HB 59, introduced by Rep. Ron Stephens, passed the House on Crossover Day. It has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.

Chamber Priority: Support the passage of legislation to assure a level playing field regarding the taxation of parts installed on large watercraft registered in other states. Making Georgia competitive for this work will directly lead to increased maritime repair and service jobs throughout the Georgia coast. 

·        HB 125, introduced by Rep. Ron Stephens, passed the House on February 16. The Bill passed through the Finance Committee in the Senate; It may be on the Senate floor as early as Friday.

Chamber Priority: Support initiatives to limit the unanticipated, large percentage swings of annual commercial property tax incentives.

·        HB 325, sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens, was approved unanimously by the House on Crossover Day. It is assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.

Chamber Priority: Update laws governing the Georgia International Maritime and Trade Center to modernize governance and improve their marketability.

·        HB 354, introduced by Rep. Ron Stephens and co-sponsored by Rep. Jesse Petrea and Rep. Carl Gilliard, passed the House on Crossover Day. It has been assigned to the Economic Development and Tourism Committee in the Senate.

Chamber Priority: Reform transparency by requiring more thorough notifications and communication to allow local communities to have significantly greater knowledge and input when offenders are being considered for pardons and/or paroles.

·        HB 34 did not make it past Crossover.

For more information on the Chamber’s legislative agenda, contact Ansley Threlkeld at AThrelkeld@SavannahChamber.com.