In 2009, Georgia Watch monitored more bills that affect your wallet and rights as a consumer than in any previous year.
Our work on key issues was bolstered by help from legislators, media outlets and other organizations that share our goals of fairness and accountability as legislation is drafted and signed into state law.
The Georgia Watch 2009 Legislative Reference is intended as a useful guide in gauging the consumer protection performance of Georgia’s elected officials. This is just a sample of the many measures we tracked in 2009. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Georgia Watch toll-free at 1-866-33-WATCH or through our website, www.GeorgiaWatch.org.
Senate Votes
HB 169 – Vote to pass Senate version of flood plain notifications
FEMA makes periodic updates to the national flood plain map used by the National Flood Insurance Program. Updates are important for two reasons: to give property owners notice that they should purchase flood insurance, and because property drawn into the flood plain typically experiences a reduction in value.
HB 169, sponsored by Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Pooler), would require the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to notify landowners if their property is being affected by revisions to the flood plain map, as well as information on how to appeal.
Two different versions of the bill passed the House and Senate, but it will be eligible for full passage next year.
Georgia Watch position: support
Outcome: The bill passed 52-0.
HB 509 – Vote to pass Medical Board upgrade
HB 509 was a comprehensive rewrite of Georgia’s Medical Practice Act introduced by Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta). The bill included language to add a second consumer member to the State Medical Board, the panel responsible for licensing and disciplining doctors. Georgia Watch has supported this addition since 2005. Most boards in the southeast have two or more consumer members, and HB 509 sought to bring Georgia in line with our neighboring states. HB 509 passed the House and Senate.
Georgia Watch position: support
Outcome: The bill passed 52-0.
SB 31 – Vote to pass prepaid nuclear financing
This controversial bill allows Georgia Power to collect from ratepayers their finance charges, profits, and corporate income taxes on the construction of nuclear power generators – before the reactors are online, producing any power. With the help of Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams (R-Lyons), Georgia Watch was successful in making an important improvement requiring Georgia Power to take a fair approach to the financial accounting for the plant. This bill passed the House and Senate.
Georgia Watch position: oppose
Outcome: The bill passed 38-16.
SB 57 – Vote to pass mortgage origination reform
SB 57 was part of a package sponsored by Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) to address the mortgage and foreclosure crisis in Georgia. SB 57 would make subprime loans less risky by banning prepayment penalties and broker kickbacks, as well as requiring that lenders verify a borrower’s ability to repay the loan. SB 57 passed the Senate and will be eligible for full passage next year.
Georgia Watch position: support
Outcome: The bill passed 43-9.
House Votes
HB 169 – Vote to pass flood plain notifications
This bill passed easily when it first came up for a vote. But the House could not reach agreement with the Senate changes, which included a Georgia Watch amendment to expand notification to landowners in the flood plain and flood way. For more info on HB 169, see description under Senate Votes.
Georgia Watch position: support
Outcome: The bill passed 141-2.
HB 509 – Vote to pass Medical Board upgrade
This bill to improve the Medical Board’s membership received minimal opposition in two trips to the House floor. (The vote chart references the first vote). For more info on HB 509, see description under Senate Votes.
Georgia Watch position: support
Outcome: The bill passed 140-24.
HB 568 – Vote to change PSC structure
Sponsored by Rep. Don Parsons (R-Marietta), HB 568 would change the leadership structure at the Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates electricity, gas and other consumer services. As originally drafted, HB 568 would shift the PSC from a one-year rotating chairmanship, to a chair that is elected every three years by PSC members – with no term limits. After initially failing, the bill narrowly passed the House once the Speaker cast the deciding vote. It did not get a floor vote in the Senate. (In early May, the PSC voted a two-year term for the next chair, a clear violation of the current law.)
Georgia Watch position: oppose
Outcome: The bill passed 91-85.
Georgia Watch position: oppose
Outcome: The bill passed 107-66.