The session wrap up of key bills that passed the legislature and await Gov. Nathan Deal's signature are listed below. Most of last year and the 2013 session was taken up with working on improvements and corrections to the new Title Ad Valorem Tax that went into effect March 1, 2013.   House Bill 80 addressed 17 needed changes representing an effort to ensure that the potential for unintended consequences of HB 386 (2012) would not negatively affect vehicle buyers, sellers, leasing or rental companies.   HB 80 received some changes in the Senate and was incorporated into HB 266. Its importance…

These are the bills that are considered most interesting to watch after cross over day. Cross over day is the last day for House bills to move to the Senate and vice versa. Personally I have been at work on several bills the most important of which was HB 80. HB 80 improved several provisions of last year's Title Fee bill. It passed the House near unanimously and was passed via Conference Committee report and then signed by Gov. Deal on the same day.   SB 24 - Provider Payment Fee The "Hospital Medicaid Financing Program Act", authorizes the Department of Community Health (DCH) to establish, …

On Friday the House passed HB 105 which is the 2013 amended budget.  Since the fiscal year starts July 1 the Legislature has the opportunity to address issues like school enrollment growth which occurred after the 2012 session.  The 2013 amended budget is set by the revenue estimate from the Governor.  The Governor offers their budget to the legislature, who in turn, makes changes and bring it to the floor for a vote.  This year’s amended budget is set at $19.3 billion in state funds. Comparatively the state is spending 15 to 20 percent less per capita than we did 10 years ago. That is a …

Greetings from the Capitol! The 2013 Session of the Georgia General Assembly kicked off on Monday, Jan. 14, and this Session will prove to be a pivotal one for the State of Georgia. I am humbled to be the Representative from our great district and appreciate the opportunity to represent the people of Peachtree Corners, Berkeley Lake and parts of Norcross, Duluth and Johns Creek. Monday was an important day for the State of Georgia as the House of Representatives re-elected, by an overwhelming majority, Speaker of the House David Ralston. I am thankful to continue to work with Speaker Ralston …

Editor's note: Georgia State Representative Tom Rice (R-Dist. 95) will provide periodic reports during the 40-day legislative session. Here is his first report. On Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, the members and members elect of the Georgia House and Senate will be sworn in at 10 a.m. and thus will begin the 40-day session of the Georgia General Assembly. I am greatly indebted to the voters of House District 95 to allow me to serve again.  It is my desire to hear from the voters on any issue and they can do that simply by going to my web site at www.tomrice.org and keying the contact tab. You can also…