State Legislation

by Rep. Charlice Byrd

HB 456: Georgia’s Government Accountability Act [aka Sunset Bill]. This bill allows the state to determine whether there is a continued need for existing state-run programs and agencies. The Joint Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee provides a regular review process of all state departments/agencies that receive state appropriations with an additional mechanism for government oversight and accountability.  Any state agency under review would be required to provide the committee with a report outlining its efficiency, productivity, and ability to utilize state resources in the best interest of the public.  The committee would make recommendations for abolishment, new mission, merger with another agency or department, cleanup measures or suggest no changes at all.  Passed 108-50

HB 641: Courts; juvenile proceedings; substantially revise provisions.  This bill is a comprehensive revision of the Georgia’s Juvenile Court provisions which govern the state’s response to children and their families in case of abuse, neglect, violations of the law by children and other circumstances requiring court intervention.

HB 692: Educational professional; reduce salary if test scores were falsified.  This bill provides for automatic decrease in salary of a teacher or certified professional personnel falsifying standard test scores. Passed 142-0

HB 776: Archives and History, Division of; law regarding Foundation of American Law and Government displays.  This bill revises the provisions of law regarding Foundations of American Law and Government displays. Passed 161-0

HB 954: Abortion; criminal abortion; change provisions.  This bill is a pro-life measure that would ban abortions after 20 weeks and thereby protect the lives of unborn children at the stage of development where medical evidence indicates a fetus is capable of feeling pain.  Passed 102-65