Senate Committee on Economic Development & Tourism 2023-2024 Roster and Minutes (Georgia)
Summary
Roster, committee rules and minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism for 2023-2024, with Chairman Beach presiding. At the February 1, 2023 meeting the committee adopted its rules, and a bill on teleconference meetings of development authorities and community improvement districts received a DO PASS recommendation. On February 13, 2023, SB 112, the Workforce EXCELeration Act, received DO PASS while SB 55, on businesses of persons under 18 years of age, had no action taken. The final pages record a DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE recommendation on HB 353.
Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used
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THE SENATE COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM
2023-2024 ROSTER
Sen. Brandon Beach, Chairman Sen. Donzella James
District 21 District 35
3100 Brierfield Road P.O. Box 311225
Alpharetta, GA 30004 Atlanta, GA 30331
Sen. Mike Dugan, Vice-Chairman Sen. Derek Mallow
District 30 District 2
P.O. Box 1260 P.O. Box 14034
Carrollton, GA 30112 Savannah, GA
Sen. Emanuel Jones, Secretary Sen. Josh McLaurin
District 10 District 14
P.O. Box 370244 P.O. Box 567297
Decatur, GA 30037 Atlanta, GA 31156
Sen. Tonya Anderson Sen. Sheikh Rahman
District 43 District 5
P.O. Box 1026 779 Simon Way
Lithonia, GA 30058 Lawrenceville, GA 30045
Sen. Clint Dixon, Ex-Officio Sen. Carden Summers
District 45 District 13
P.O. Box 802 108 East 13th Avenue
Buford, GA 30515 Cordele, GA 31015
Sen. Billy Hickman Sen. Ben Watson, Ex-Officio
District 4 District 1
P.O. Box 25 325-A CLOB
Statesboro, GA 30459 Atlanta, GA 30334
Sen. Mike Hodges Sen. Sam Watson (as of 2/6/23)
District 3 District 11
3410 Cypress Mill Rd P.O. Box 3914
Brunswick, GA 31525 Moultrie, GA 31776
1
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Wednesday, February 1, 2023 at
2:00 p.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
NOTE: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd), Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m.
The proposed Committee Rules were reviewed. Sen. Summers (13th) made a motion to Adopt the Rules.
Sen. Jones (10th) seconded the motion. The Rules of the Committee were adopted and appear on the
following page.
SB 26 (Sen. Dolezal, 27th, LC 46 0507) State Government; meetings and public hearing of
development authorities and community improvement districts to be held by teleconference; permit
The Chair recognized Sen. Greg Dolezal (27th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dolezal
(27th), presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Ann Hanlon, Perimeter Community Improvement District (CID)
Grant Cagle, Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA)
Neill Herring, Georgia Chapter Sierra Club
Barry Schrenk, Tucker North CID
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 27 DO PASS (LC 46 0507). Sen.
James (35th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 27 DO PASS (LC 46 0507)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 2:18 p.m.
2
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
3
SENATE COMMITTEE RULES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM
2023
1. A quorum for the Committee shall be seven (7) members.
2. The Chair shall determine bills and resolutions to be considered and the order in
which such are called. The Chair also has the discretion as to which amendments
to accept and as to their germaneness.
3. A bill, resolution, or other matter will be considered only after presentation by the
principal author or a legislator whom he/she may designate. In the event more
than one member of the Georgia General Assembly has signed a measure, the
principal author shall be the one whose name appears first in the list of authors.
4. The Committee shall convene, recess, and adjourn upon the order of the Chair.
5. The Rules of the Senate shall prevail in all matters not covered by Committee
meeting.
6. These Rules may be amended upon motion duly made and subsequently approved
by three-fourths of the Committee, provided that written notice has been given 48
hours prior to the Committee meeting.
7. Any member(s) of the Committee who disagree(s) with the majority of the
Committee shall have the privilege to file a minority report.
8. The Chair shall have the authority to refer bills and resolutions to Subcommittees
for study. Such Subcommittees shall have the authority to make recommendations
to the full Committee; but no measure will be returned to the full Senate, except
after consideration by the full Committee.
4
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Monday, February 13, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Monday, February 13, 2023 at
3:30 p.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th) (Left Early)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio) (Left Early)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th) (Arrived Late)
NOTE: Sen. Sam Watson (11th) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and
Tourism by the Committee on Assignments effective immediately. The Committee on Assignments held
this meeting on February 6, 2023. A copy of the letter of appointment is attached on the following page.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 3:36 p.m.
SB 112 (Sen. Anavitarte, 31st, LC 49 1240) "Workforce EXCELeration Act"; enact
The Chair recognized Sen. Jason Anavitarte (31st), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Anavitarte
(31st), presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 3:38 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) arrived at 3:39 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for debate.
NOTE: Sen. Sam Watson (11th) arrived at 3:40 p.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Ben Watson (1st) who made a motion that SB 112 DO PASS (LC 49 1240).
Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 112 DO PASS (LC 49 1240)
SB 55 (Sen. Parent 42nd, LC 54 0126) Counties, Municipal Corporations, and other Governmental
Entities; regulation of businesses of persons under 18 years of age; prohibit
The Chair recognized Sen. Elena Parent (42nd) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Parent (42nd),
presented the bill to the Committee.
5
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Ryan Gnomer and his two children, constituent
Chairman Beach (21st) recognized Ryan Gnomer and his two children, for the purpose of presenting the
“Lemonade Stand” presentation.
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
NOTE: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) left at 3:49 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Rahman (5th) arrived at 3:56 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) arrived at 3:57 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Summers (13th) left at 3:59 p.m.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 55 (LC 54 0126) No action was taken
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 4:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
6
7
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday, February 14, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at
8:00 a.m. in Room 450 of the Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Dixon (45th) was absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
SB 57 (Sen. Hickman, 4th, LC 36 5401) 'Georgia Sports Betting Integrity Act'; regulation and
taxation of sports betting in this state; authorize and provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Hickman (4th)
presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. McLaurin (14th) arrived at 8:08 a.m.
NOTE: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) arrived at 8:10 a.m.
The Chair opened the floor for debate and amendment. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Josh Belinfante, Robbins Government Relations (RGR)
Bo Moore, Georgia Racing & Entertainment
NOTE: Sen. Dugan (30th) left at 8:21 a.m.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 8:23 a.m.
John Walraven, Caesars Enterprise Services
NOTE: Sen. Dugan (30th) returned at 8:24 a.m.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) arrived at 8:24 a.m.
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
Mack Parnell, Georgia Faith & Freedom Coalition
8
John Kindt, Constituent
Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
Peggy McCarthey, GA Pet Coalition
Anne Marie Albough, Georgia Companion Animal Advocacy
Donna Brovein, American Equine Awareness
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who offered amendment (AM 36 0910) to be presented. Sen.
Hickman (4th) presented the amendment.
NOTE: Sen. Rahman (5th) arrived at 8:42 a.m.
The amendment presented is the insert the following between lines 266 and 267 to the substitute to SB 57
(LC 36 5485S):
(i.1) Providers of statistics, results, outcomes, and other data related to a sporting event;
By replacing lines 552 through 554 with the following:
(E) Applicants for an online sports betting services provider license shall pay a nonrefundable application
fee in the amount of $10,000.00 and an annual licensing fee of $100,000.00;
(E.1) Applicants for a sports betting supplier license shall pay a nonrefundable application fee in the
amount of $5,000.00 and an annual licensing fee of $10,000.00;
By inserting between lines 744 and 745 the following:
50-27-144.1.
(a) A sports betting supplier license authorizes a sports betting supplier to provide its services to online
sports betting services providers and retail sports betting platform licensees. Such services may be
provided under a fixed fee or revenue-sharing agreement.
(b) Upon the request of an applicant for a sports betting supplier license, the division may issue a
provisional license to the applicant, so long as the applicant has submitted a completed application for a
sports betting supplier license, including paying the application fee as provided in subparagraph
(c)(10)(E.1) of Code Section 50-27-140. The division may prescribe by rules and regulations the
requirements to receive such a provisional sports betting supplier license.
c) In addition to the requirements of subsection (c) of Code Section 50-27-140 and except as provided in
subsection (d) of this Code section, an applicant for a sports betting supplier license shall disclose the
identity of:
(1) The applicant's principal owners who directly own 10 percent or more of the applicant;
(2) Each holding, intermediary, or parent company that directly owns 15 percent or more of the applicant;
and
(3) The applicant's chief executive officer and chief financial officer or their equivalent as determined by
the division.
(d) The applicant shall not be required to disclose any direct or indirect shareholders that are:
(1) Governmentally created entities, including statutorily authorized pension investment boards and state
owned or quasi-state corporations; or
(2) Investment funds or entities registered with the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission, including investment advisers and entities under the management of a registered
entity of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
By replacing lines 1032 through 1036 with the following:
9
(a) A licensee shall be required to use a sports betting supplier for determining the results of any tier 1
sports wager or tier 2 sports wager. Except as provided in subsection (b) of this Code section, a sports
betting supplier may use any data source for determining such results.
(b)(1) A sports governing body or sporting events operator with headquarters located in
The United States may notify the division that it desires to require sports betting suppliers to use official
league data or official event data for determining the results of tier 2 sports wagers.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 57 (LC 36 5401) No action was taken
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 8:53 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
10
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, February 16, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday, February 16, 2023 at
3:00 p.m. in Room 125 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Greg Dolezal (27th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) (Left Early)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, Sen. Ben Watson (1st), and Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) were
absent.
NOTE: Sen. Dolezal (27th) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and
Tourism, as Ex-Officio, by the committee on Assignments for the meeting held on February, 16, 2023. A
copy of the appointment is attached.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
SB 136 (Sen. Dugan, 30th, LC 44 2257) Impact Fees; required revenue source for a development
project involving workforce housing; modify
The Chair recognized Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dugan (30th),
presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) arrived at 3:04 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for debate.
NOTE: Sen. Rahman (5th) arrived at 3:08 p.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who made a motion that SB 136 DO PASS (LC 44 2257). Sen.
Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
NOTE: Sen. Summers (13th) arrived at 3:10 p.m.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 136 DO PASS (LC 44 2257)
SB 183 (Sen. Dolezal, 27th, LC 36 5445) Ticket Brokers; exception permitting certain resale
restrictions; remove
11
The Chair recognized Sen. Dolezal (27th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dolezal (27th),
presented the bill to the committee.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) left at 3:13 p.m.
Chairman Beach (21st) opened the floor for debate. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Chris Vandehoef, Fan Freedom Project
Laura Dooley, StubHub
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) returned at 3:20 p.m.
Josh Humphries, Mayor Dickens Housing Policy Advisor, City of Atlanta
Bruce Morris, TicketNetwork
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
Earl Ehrhart, Atlanta Braves
Peter Conlon, LiveNation
Sam Olens, Atlanta Falcons
Victoria Von Szeliski, AXS
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion that SB 183 DO PASS (LC 36 5445).
Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
NOTE: Sen. McLaurin (14th) left at 3:37 p.m.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 183 DO PASS (LC 36 5445)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 4:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
12
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Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Monday, February 20, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Monday, February 20, 2023 at
6:00 p.m. in Room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The following Committee Members
were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sonya Halpern (39th), (Ex-Officio) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd), Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd),
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th), and Sen. Ben Watson (1st) were absent.
NOTE: Sen. Halpern (39th) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Economic Development and
Tourism, as Ex-Officio, by the committee on Assignments for the meeting held on February, 20, 2023. A
copy of the appointment is attached.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Halpern arrived at 6:03 p.m.
SB 57 (Sen. Hickman, 4th, LC 36 5401) ‘Georgia Sports Betting Integrity Act’, regulation and
taxation of sports betting in this state, authorize and provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Hickman (4th),
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 57 Do Pass by Substitute (LC
36 5516S). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed 9-1. Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
voted against the bill.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 57 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 36 5516S)
SB 174 (Sen. Dixon, 45th, LC 28 0564) “Georgia Lottery for Education Act”; administrative
procedures and actions; bona fide coin operated amusement machines shall be subject to Chapter
13 of Title 50; provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Dixon (45th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dixon (45th) spoke
briefly on the bill without material to provide.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 174 (LC 28 0564) No action was taken
14
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
15
16
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, February 23, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at
4:00 p.m. in Room 450 of the Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Left Early)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd) (Left Early)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st) (Ex-Officio) (Arrived Late) (Left Early)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, and Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
SB 55 (Sen. Parent, 42nd, LC 54 0211S) Counties, Municipal Corporations, and other
Governmental Entities; regulation of businesses of persons under 18 years of age; prohibit
The Chair recognized Sen. Elena Parent (42nd) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Parent (42nd)
presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 4:03 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for debate and amendment.
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion to amend the substitute to SB 55 by
inserting the words “Or pre-package Foods” between lines 24 and 25 after the words “sells non
consumable goods”. Sen. Mallow (2th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
NOTE: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) arrived at 4:17 p.m.
The Chair indicated his preference that the adopted amendment be included in a perfected committee
substitute.
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion that SB 55 Do Pass by Substitute. Sen.
James (35th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 55 DO PASS BY SUSTITUTE (LC 50 0543S)
SB 127 (Sen. Hickman, 4th, LC 47 2163) Excise Tax; procedures for certain local governments to
change the designated private sector nonprofit organization; provide
17
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Hickman (4th)
presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) left at 4:26 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Christopher Hardman, Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association
Lee Hughes, Georgia Association of Convention & Visitors Bureaus
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who made a motion that SB 127 Do Pass (LC 47 2163). Sen.
McLaurin (14th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 127 DO PASS (LC 47 2163)
SB 171 (Sen. Burns, 23rd, LC 47 2172) Development Authorities; the length of a director’s hold-
over period following expiration of term of office; limit
The Chair recognized Sen. Max Burns (23rd) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Burns (23rd)
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) left at 4:30 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Ben Watson (1st) left at 4:31 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Mark Woodall, Associated General Contractors of Georgia, INC.
Grant Cagle, Georgia Economic Developers Association
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 171 (LC 47 2172) No action was taken
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 4:45 p.m.
18
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
19
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at
8:00 a.m. in Room 310 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The following Committee Members
were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman (Left Early)
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, Sen. Carden Summers (13th), and Sen. Sheikh Rahman
(5th) were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
SB 171 (Sen. Burns, 23rd, LC 47 2172) Development Authorities; the length of a director’s hold-
over period following expiration of term of office; limit
The Chair recognized Sen. Max Burns (23rd), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Burns (23rd),
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
NOTE: Sen. McLaurin (14th) arrived at 8:10 a.m.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
William “Bill” Dorris, Kilpatrick Townsend
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
Chairman Beach (21st) recognized Sen. Hodges (3rd) who made a motion that SB 171 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 47 2284S). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 171 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 47 2284S)
20
SB 235 (Sen. Halpern, 39th, LC 50 0525) “HBCU Innovation and Economic Prosperity Planning
Districts Act”; enact
The Chair recognized Sen. Halpern (39th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Halpern (39th),
presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 8:21 a.m.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Antonio Lewis, Atlanta City Council
Nathaniel Smith, Partnership for Southern Equity
Roy Hadley, Adams & Reese
James Woodall, Interdenominational Theological Center
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
NOTE: Sen. Dugan (30th) left at 8:31 a.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. James (35th) who made a motion that SB 235 Do Pass by Substitute (LC 50
0552S). Sen. Dugan (30th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 235 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 50 0552S)
SB 174 (Sen. Dixon, 45th, LC 28 0564) “Georgia Lottery for Education Act”; administrative
procedures and actions; bona fide coin operated amusement machines shall be subject to Chapter
13 of Title 50; provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Dixon (45th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dixon (45th),
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
David Jaffer, United C-Stores
Mark Phelan, Bulldog Gaming
Les Schneider, Georgia Amusement & Music Operators Association
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) left at 8:52 a.m.
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) returned at 8:58 a.m.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: SB 174 (LC 28 0564): No action was taken
21
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 9:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
22
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, March 16, 2023
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday, March 16, 2023 at
9:00 a.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Mike Dugan (30th), Vice Chairman (Left Early)
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th) (Left Early)
NOTE: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) was absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 9:03 a.m.
HB 128 (Rep. Hong, 103rd, LC 36 5387-EC) Revenue and taxation; representation of minority
business enterprises, women and veteran owned businesses in procurement of state contracts;
provide
The Chair recognized Rep. Soo Hong (103rd), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep. Hong (103rd),
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair recognized Sen. Hodges (3rd), who made a motion that HB 128 Do Pass (LC 36 5387-EC).
Sen. Dixon (45th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: HB 128 DO PASS (LC 36 5387-EC)
HB 514 (Rep. Washburn, 144th, LC 47 2338S) Housing Regulation Transparency Act; enact
The Chair recognized Rep. Dale Washburn (144th), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep. Washburn
(144th), presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Austin Hackney, Home Builders Associations of Georgia
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Brad Mock, Georgia Realtors
Kenyatta Mitchell, City of Atlanta
Clint Mueller, Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG)
Daniella Perry, Georgia Chamber
Haydon Stanley, Atlanta Apartment Association
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Dugan (30th), who made a motion that HB 514 Do Pass (LC 47 2338S). Sen.
Sam Watson (11th) seconded the motion.
Amendment 1
The Chair recognized Sen. Jones (10th), who made a motion to Amend the bill by changing language at
the end of line 19 and line 22 to say “180 days plus one 90 day extension”. Sen. Ben Watson (1st)
seconded the motion. Motion to amend failed 5 to 6.
Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. Ben Watson (1st), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Jones (10th), and Sen. Sam
Watson (11th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Dugan (30th), Sen. Dixon (45th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. Hickman (4th), and
Chairman Beach (21st) voted against the motion.
Amendment 2
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th), who made a motion to amend the bill substitute by striking
the words “single family” on both lines 17 and 19. Sen. Summers (13th) seconded the motion to adopt the
amendment. The motion passed by a vote of 10-2
Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Dixon (45th), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. James (35th), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen.
McLaurin (14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. Ben Watson (1st), and Sen. Sam Watson
(11th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Dugan (30th) and Sen. Hodges (3rd) voted against the motion.
Amendment 2A
Chairman Beach (21st) recognized Sen. Jones (10th), who made a motion to amend the adopted
amendment by on adding language to line 35 at the end of “third party contractor” and insert “or in house
planner”. Sen. McLaurin (14th) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 11-1.
Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Dugan (30th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), Sen. Dixon (45th), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen.
James (35th), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), and
Sen. Sam Watson (11th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Ben Watson (1st) voted against the motion.
The Chair indicated his preference that the adopted amendments be included in a perfected committee
substitute.
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The Chair called for a vote on HB 514 as amended. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS: HB 514 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 36 5578S)
HB 237 (Rep. Hagan, 156th, LC 54 0144) State government; Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby as
official soap box derby of the State of Georgia; designate
The Chair recognized Rep. Leesa Hagan (156th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep. Hagan
(156th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Hodges (3rd) left at 9:44 a.m.
The Chair opened the floor for questions and amendments.
NOTE: Sen. Hodges (3rd) returned at 9:48 a.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who presented a committee substitute to HB 237.
The Chair recognized Rep. Hagan (156th) who requested original “Georgia Soap Box Derby” language
be removed from the bill.
NOTE: Sen. Dugan (30th) left at 9:50 a.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th), who made a motion to amend the substitute by striking lines
29-50. Sen. Ben Watson (1st) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair called for a vote on HB 237 as amended. Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion
passed 9-1.
Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), Sen. Dixon (45th), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. James (35th), Sen.
Mallow (2nd), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), and Sen. Sam Watson
(11th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Sam Watson (11th) voted against the motion.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: HB 237 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 36 5577S)
HB 353 (Rep. Powell, 33rd, LC 52 0296S) “Georgia Lottery for Education Act: administrative
procedures regarding coin operated amusement machines shall be subject to Chapter 13 of Title
50; provide
The Chair recognized Rep. Powell (33rd), for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep. Powell (33rd)
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for questions.
The Chair opened the floor for testimony.
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Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Mark Phelan, Bulldog Gaming
Les Schneider, Georgia Amusement & Music Operators Association
NOTE: Sen. Sam Watson (11th) left at 10:03 a.m.
Testimony in opposition of the Bill:
Ed Lindsey, Dentons
Jamie Boyden, Lucky Bucks
Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
The Chair recognized Sen. Dixon (45th), who made a motion that HB 353 Do Pass by Substitute. Sen.
Summers (13th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th), who made a motion to reconsider. Sen. Mallow (2nd)
seconded the motion. The motion to reconsider passed unanimously.
The Chair presented amendment (AM 52 0017) to the Committee. Chairman Beach (21st) offers the
following amendment:
Amend HB 353 (LC 52 0296S) by replacing lines 203 and 204 with the following:
Relating to unfair methods of competition and unfair and deceptive acts, as subsection (a), revising
paragraphs (3) and (4) of said subsection (a), and adding new subsections to read as follows:
By inserting between lines 204 and 205 the following:
"(3) A location owner or location operator asking, demanding, or accepting anything of value, including
but not limited to a loan or financing arrangement, gift, procurement fee,
lease payments, revenue sharing, or payment of license fees or permit fees from a manufacturer,
distributor, or master licensee, as an incentive, inducement, or any other consideration to locate bona fide
coin operated amusement machines in that establishment. A location owner operator that violates this
subsection paragraph shall have all of the location owner's operator's state business licenses revoked for a
period of one to five years per incident. The location owner operator also shall be fined up to $50,000.00
per incident and required to repay any incentive fees or other payments received from the operator; and
(4) A manufacturer, distributor, operator, master licensee, or individual providing anything of value,
including but not limited to a loan or financing arrangement, gift, procurement fee, lease payments,
revenue sharing, or payment of license fees or permit fees to a location owner or location operator, as an
incentive, inducement, or any other consideration to locate bona fide coin operated amusement machines
in that establishment. A manufacturer, distributor, operator, master licensee, or individual who violates
this subsection paragraph shall have all of his or her state business licenses revoked for a period of one to
five years per incident. The individual, manufacturer, distributor, owner, or master licensee also shall be
fined up to $50,000.00 per incident.
By deleting the quotation marks at the beginning of line 205 and at the end of line 214 and inserting
between lines 214 and 215 the following:
(c) Location owners may freely negotiate with any master licensee for the placement of bona fide coin
operated amusement machines without limitations as to incentives and considerations which apply to
location operators that do not own the premises where they propose to locate such machines. It is the
intent of this subsection to allow prospective or current location owners to contract for the placement of
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such machines without limitation as to the terms upon one or more locations; provided, however, that
each location is subject to only one contract with only one master licensee."
By deleting "owner or" on line 259.
The Chair recognized Sen. Dixon (45th), who made a motion that (AM 52 0017) be adopted as amended.
Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion.
The Chair recognized Sen. Jones (10th), who made a motion to amend the amendment (AM 52 0017) by
striking the words “without limitation” from line 31. Sen. McLaurin (14th) seconded the motion. The
motion passed unanimously.
The Chair recognized Sen. Dixon (45th), who made a motion that HB 353 Do Pass by Substitute. Sen.
Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION: HB 353 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE LC 52 0296S
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 10:32 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
/s/
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
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