Governor Brian P. Kemp signs FY 2022 Amended Budget
Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by Lt. Governor Geoff Duncan, House Speaker David Ralston, House and Senate Appropriations Chairman Terry England and Blake Tillery, and leaders from several Georgia state agencies, this week signed the Amended Fiscal Year 2022 Budget, HB 910, for the State of Georgia.
Included is $5 million in funds for the design of a Research Tower at Georgia State University. The research tower will be located behind Georgia State University’s Research Science Center along Jesse Hill Drive. The signed bill includes $5,000 raises for state and university employees, a $2,000 salary supplement for teachers and school employees, including, bus drivers, nurses, school nutrition workers, and custodians.
Needs Based Financial Aid
HB 1435, sponsored by Rep. Chuck Martin
(R-Alpharetta), would provide for needs- based financial aid programs for students, part-time and full-time undergraduates, with a financial aid gap. A “financial aid gap” is defined in the bill as the monetary amount remaining after other funding for the cost of attendance certified by a qualified institution. The bill clarifies the maximum award amount to be $2,500 in total per each eligible student. The bill passed the House by a vote of 171-3 and has been assigned to the Senate Higher education Committee.
Tuition Equalizations Grants
HB 1515, sponsored by Rep. Patty Bentley
(R-Butler), would in reference to tuition equalization grants at private colleges and universities include schools that were previously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and who are now accredited by the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools if they meet all other requirements to be considered an approved school. The bill passed the House by a vote of 167-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Literacy Instruction
HR 650, sponsored by Rep. Matthew Gambill
(R-Cartersville), would create the House Study Committee on Literacy Instruction. In 2019, only one-third of Georgia fourth graders could read at or above proficient levels in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The committee will be tasked with determining the definition of evidence-based instruction, the impact of low literacy on Georgia’s economic and workforce competitiveness, and the extent of different programs in Georgia that work in birth through retirement literacy instruction. The resolution passed the House by a vote of 130-0 and has been adopted.
Coin Operated Amusement Machines
HB 1424, sponsored by Rep. Alan Powell
(R-Hartwell), the Georgia Lottery for Education
Act, sets a maximum redemption award on a per-play basis for a Class A machine to the wholesale value of $50. This will also allow operators to offer non-rechargeable gift cards worth up to $50 as prizes. 10% of the proceeds go for educational purposes for HOPE Scholarships and Pre-K. The bill passed the House by a vote of 100-67 and has been assigned to the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee.
Film Tax Credit
HB 1053, sponsored by Rep. Ron Stephens
(R-Savannah), extends the sunset on the tax credit for the ‘Georgia Entertainment Industry Postproduction Investment Act’ by four years from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2027. The bill also requires each company that claims the post-production tax credit or film tax credit to be subject to Georgia income tax for income that is derived from residual payments due to employment, trade, business, profession, or other activity performed within Georgia with respect to a state-certified production. The bill passed the House by a vote 140-25 and has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.
Tax Refunds for Georgia Citizens
HB 1302, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner
(R-Fayettville), would provide a one-time tax credit for eligible Georgia taxpayers who filed income tax returns in both 2020 and 2021. Based on your 2020 tax filer status, single tax filers would receive a $250 refund, head-of-household filers would receive $375, and those who file jointly would receive a $500 refund once 2021 tax returns are processed by the state. The refund is not available for non-resident alien individuals, individuals who were claimed as a dependent for the 2020 or 2021 tax years, nor estates or trusts. The refund is automatically credited once a taxpayer files an individual income tax return for 2021, and any refunds due shall be credited against outstanding income tax liability prior to being either electronically transmitted or sent by check to the taxpayer. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 47-4 and now goes to Governor Brian Kemp for his signature and final approval.
Fostering Success Act
HB 424, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Wiliamson (R-Monroe), would create a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit that generates funds for youth who have recently aged out of the foster system. With an initial annual cap of $20 million, donations received through the program will directly support critical areas of assistance, such as education, housing, counseling, medical and transportation services. The bill passed the House by a vote of 166-0 and has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.
Recess for Elementary Students
HB 1283, sponsored by Rep. Demetrius Douglas (D-Stockbridge), would provide for recess for students in kindergarten and grades one through five every day beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. Recess shall not be required on any school day on which a student has had physical education or for other reasons. Each local education board shall establish written policies on recess and ensure it is not withheld for disciplinary or academic reasons. The bill passed the House by a vote of 155-12 and has been assigned to the Senate Education and Youth Committee.
College Entrance Exam
HB 1484, sponsored by Rep. Al Williams
(D-Midway), would allow each local school system, state chartered special school, state charter school, and the Department of Juvenile Justice to provide for up to three administrations of nationally recognized college entrance exam to public school students enrolled in grade 11 who choose to participate. Each exam administration is to take place during normal school hours and shall be system or school-wide. The bill passed the House by a vote of 166-4 and has been assigned to the Senate Education and Youth Committee.
Sporting Event Tickets
HB 1034, sponsored by Rep. Marcus Weidower
(R-Watkinsville), extends the sunset provision for a sales tax exemption on certain sporting event tickets through 2031. The bill proposes a 9-year extension which is necessary to secure major events like the Super Bowl, World Cup, and other professional sports championships. The bill passed the House by a vote of 15-15 and has been assigned to the Senate Finance Committee.
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Helpful Links
Information on legislative activities including bills and resolutions as well as webcast of daily sessions in both Chambers and committee meeting are available via the General Assembly website at www.legis.ga.gov (http://www.legis.ga.gov)
Upcoming Events
Day 32: The House and Senate will convene on Monday, March 21, 2022 at 10:00am.
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