Clark Capitol Report

Transcription

1 Clark Capitol Report The race is on as we all work hard to pass legislation prior to the last day, scheduled for March 29th. This session has been very productive as debate continues in committee and on the House floor. Last weeks "Crossover Day" deadline meant long days, which are well worth it when working for our great district and state! All measures passing the House, are now under consideration in the Senate. This issue: Rural Revitalization Medical Cannabis Oil Expansion Hidden Predator Act Distracted Driving Fraud Protection Military Measures Mass Transit

2 Rural Revitalization For a number of years, we have been working hard to figure the best ways to assist our rural communities. Last week, we continued these efforts by passing House Bills 951 and 887. House Bill 951 HB 951 would create the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation (CRPI) to serve as a central information and research hub for rural leadership training. CRPI will take the lead in assisting and researching rural programs such as: Community planning Best practices industry-specific assistance Cooperative efforts / partnerships This bill also creates a 12-member Georgia Rural Development Council which will be responsible for guiding the center on needs to address issues and problems affecting rural economic development, education, unemployment and infrastructure. House Bill 887 Broadband access concerns have been a major issue for the less populated areas of our state. We are hopeful that HB 887 can assist in these issues by expanding broadband and other communication services through the establishment of the Georgia Communications Services Tax Act. The act would require public communication providers to meet certain criteria prior to working

3 in underserved areas. The bill also allows municipal corporations and electrical membership corporations (EMCs) to provide broadband service in unserved areas within its corporate limits. Finally, HB 887 would regulate an authority's pole attachment rate. Medical Cannabis Oil Expansion House Bill 764 is a major victory for Georgian's in pain wishing to obtain medical cannabis oil treatments. This bill received bipartisan support and adds PTSD and intractable pain to the current list of qualifying medical conditions allowed to be treated under the low THC oil program. Upon a doctor s recommendation, eligible individuals must sign-up under our state s THC Oil Registry to receive treatment. Patients can legally possess a maximum of 20 fluid ounces of cannabis oil with a maximum of 5 percent THC. Hidden Predator Act House Bill 605 works to hold accountable negligent persons or organizations, who conceal the act of sexual child abuse. As we have learned, most children do not come forward until well into adulthood. This bill allows for an expansion in current law. Expansions under the bill are as follows: Extends the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases from age 23 to age 38. Lengthens the discovery period from two years to four years for victims experiencing psychological or emotional problems because of sexual abuse.

4 Establishes a one-year period for an abuse victim to file civil actions against an entity if: the entity was responsible for the victim s care; knew or should have known of the conduct that brought about the civil action; or intentionally or consciously concealed evidence of sexual abuse. Distracted Driving As many of you know, I had the honor of serving on the Distracted Driving Study Committee. Over the course of the last year, we traveled the state, meeting with law enforcement agencies, local officials and citizens to discuss the ongoing issue of distracted driving due to increased cell phone usage. After careful consideration, and discussion within the committee, House Bill 673 was brought forth and works to address public safety concerns by establishing Georgia s hands-free driving law. HB 673 prohibits drivers from holding, supporting or reaching for a wireless telecommunication device or a stand-alone electronic device while operating a vehicle. The law would also ban the following: Texting Browsing the internet Watching videos Recording videos Drivers will be permitted to use GPS navigation and voice-to-text. Violation of this law will result in a misdemeanor and fine. First-time offenders would receive a 2-point deduction on their driver s license and the bill also establishes a staggered point deduction system for repeat offenders. The law would not apply to:

5 Those in a vehicle lawfully parked Those reporting an emergency or a hazardous road condition Utility service providers, law enforcement officers or first responders operating who are working Fraud Protection To further protect our citizens from experiencing more distress upon learning their identity has been stolen- we passed House Bill 866. This bill incentivizes citizens to participate in fraud protection programs by prohibiting credit reporting agencies from charging a fee to freeze or unfreeze consumer accounts. Military Measures I cannot thank my colleagues in the General Assembly enough for recognizing the importance of supporting our military communities and installations. Last week, we passed House Bill 718, which will allow schools to grant students up to five excused absences to attend a military event if a student s parent or guardian currently serves or previously served in the armed forces, Reserves or National Guard. Students are required to present proper documentation prior to the absence. Further, each Georgia school system will be able to determine whether they accept the additional excused absence policy under the bill.

6 Mass Transit Those in favor of expanding and improving metro-atlanta transit are pleased with the passage of House Bill 930. This bill would facilitate the regions transit coordination, integration and efficiency through the creation of the Atlanta-region Transit Link (ATL) Authority. The ATL would be responsible for the planning, funding and operation of transportation efforts within a 13-county metro Atlanta region. This comprehensive package is a product of the House Commission on Transit Governance and Funding, which was tasked to find the most effective ways to bring world class transportation options to our state s Capital city. Beginning this week, we will review all Senate legislation sent our way! As we head into the final days of the 2018 session, I will continue to update you. If you need anything at all, please don t hesitate to contact me anytime. It is an honor and pleasure to represent our district, as we continue to work together for the betterment of our great state!

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9 Went to the well to speak on a serious problem in our State, Distracted Driving. I presented an Amendment that I believe more appropriately addresses the issue and provided equity on penalties for driving distracted. Questions, ideas or concerns? I encourage you to reach out to me anytime regarding Georgia's legislative issues. I can only represent your interests if I hear from you. I

10 am open to all suggestions and ideas. Thank you for allowing me the humbling opportunity to serve you under the Gold Dome! Contact Rep. Heath Clark Copyright * 2018 * * Heath Clark, Representative * All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: heath.clark@house.ga.gov