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State House approves numerous bills
Legislative update
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In session for three days this week, the General Assembly finished its sixteenth legislative day on Thursday. The legislation heard on the House floor continues to increase and much of our time is consumed with committee meetings and preparing for the bills awaiting our vote in the House. Things are moving along as we are already more than a third through with the 2011 legislative session.
Numerous bills were voted upon this week. Tuesday, the members voted on HB 46, and it passed unanimously. This legislation would enact the Uniform Interstate Depositions and Discovery Act and would allow a domestic subpoena to be issued to the clerk of court upon the presentation of a foreign subpoena. This act would apply to all types of evidence and testimony, not only depositions.
Wednesday, four bills passed the House. HB 40 passed by a vote of 141-23 and would enact “chief’s law.” This bill would mandate that antifreeze manufactured after July 1 2012, containing more than 10 percent ethylene glycol be required to include a certain amount of bitter-tasting denatonium benzoate in the mix. This is an attempt to ensure that antifreeze is unpalatable. The bill would be a mandate for manufacturers, packagers, distributors, recyclers or sellers of antifreeze.
In an effort to lower some of the costs associated with Superior Court fees, the House passed HB 41 by a vote of 162-1. This bill would apply to some of the fees charged for records and transcripts. Also, this legislation would exempt notaries from the fee recently implemented under the Judicial Operations Fund fee.
This week we also passed legislation to allow disabled people with service or guide dogs to have access within all schools – public, private, colleges and universities. This legislation, HB 52, would also prohibit a fee being charged for this and passed 154-1.
HB 112 passed 159-5 and would make certain that our state regulations are compatible with the federal guidelines in relation to the federal motor carrier safety regulations.
Thursday, there were also four bills that passed through the House. As a protection, HB 99 was passed 156-9. It would require all people applying to practice as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) to submit to background checks and fingerprinting.
HB 101 passed 93-73 and would change some of the provisions relating to bicycles to ensure the safety of both bicyclists and motorist. HB 130 passed unanimously and changes the provisions relating to the Career and Technical Education Advisory Commission meetings by stating the commission shall meet at least once a year.

Stephens, R-Savannah, serves the 164th District, which includes South Bryan and can be reached at ron.stephens@house.ga.gov.

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