Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, 2023-2024
Summary
Roster, committee rules and minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism for 2023-2024, with Chairman Beach presiding. On January 30, 2024 the committee recommended SB 386, on sports betting, DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE by a vote of 8-2, and SB 396, creating a Georgia State-wide Music Office, DO PASS. On February 7, 2024 SB 171 received DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE and SB 430, on COVID-19 liability claims, received DO PASS. Later minutes record SB 496 and HB 625 as DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE, while SR 602 and SR 754 had no action taken.
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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“Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, 2023-2024.”
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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. Billy Hickman, Vice-Chairman Sen. Derek Mallow
District 4 District 2
P.O. Box 25 P.O. Box 14034
Statesboro, GA 30459 Savannah, GA 31416
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. Shelly Echols (as of 1/9/24) Sen. Ben Watson, Ex-Officio
District 49 District 1
P.O. Box 908441 325-A CLOB
Gainesville, GA 30501 Atlanta, GA 30334
Sen. Mike Hodges Sen. Sam Watson
District 3 District 11
3410 Cypress Mill Rd Box 101 P.O. Box 3914
Brunswick, GA 31525 Moultrie, GA 31776
1
SENATE COMMITTEE RULES ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM
2023-2024
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.
2
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday, January 30,
2024 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in
attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) and Sen. Shelly Echols (49th) were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
NOTE: Sen. Shelly Echols (49th) 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 January 9, 2024. A copy of the letter of
appointment is attached on the following page.
SB 386 (Sen. Dixon, 45th, LC 36 5638) State Government; regulation and taxation of sports
betting in this state; authorize and provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Dixon
(45th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) arrived at 8:03 a.m.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Nick Fernandez, Metro Atlanta Chamber
Stuart Wilkerson, PrizePicks
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
Mack Parnell, Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition
Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
3
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who made a motion that SB 386 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 36 5693S). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a
vote of 8-2.
Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Dixon (45th), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. McLaurin
(14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), and Sen. Watson (1st) voted in favor of the
motion.
Sen. Watson (11th) and Sen. Hodges (3rd) voted against the motion.
Committee Recommendation: SB 386 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 36 5693S)
SB 396 (Sen. Halpern, 39th, LC 54 0270) Economic Development; Georgia State-wide
Music Office; create
The Chair recognized Sen. Sonya Halpern (39th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen.
Halpern (39th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 8:18 a.m.
The Chair opened the floor for debate.
Testimony in favor of the bill:
Randy Davidson, Georgia Entertainment
Matt Still, Georgia Grammy winning Producer and Engineer
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 396 Do Pass (LC 54
0270). Sen. James (35th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 396 DO PASS (LC 54 0270)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 8:28 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
4
5
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Wednesday, February 7,
2024 at 1:00 p.m. in Mezzanine 1 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were
in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd)
Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
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)
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 1:00 p.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 comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Grant Cagle, Georgia Economic Development Association (GEDA)
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Watson (11th) who made a motion that SB 171 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 47 2655S). Sen. Summers (13th) seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 171 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 47 2655S)
6
SB 430 (Sen. Dolezal, 27th, LC 49 1501) COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety; provisions
for rebuttable presumptions of risk by claimants in certain COVID-19 liability claims;
revise
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 debate.
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 430 Do Pass (LC 49
1501). Sen. Hodges (3rd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 430 DO PASS (LC 49 1501)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
7
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday, February 13,
2024 at 8:00 a.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in
attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd), Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), Sen.
Donzella James (35th), and Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd) were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
SB 235 (Sen. Halpern, 39th, LC 50 0525) "HBCU Innovation and Economic Prosperity
Planning Districts Act"; enact
The Chair recognized Sen. Sonya Halpern (39th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen.
Sonya Halpern (39th) presented the bill to the Committee.
Chairman Beach (21st) opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Helene D. Gayle, President of Spelman College
Andrew Long, AR Long Company
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who made a motion that SB 235 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 50 0695S). Sen. Echols (49th) seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 235 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 50 0695S)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 8:34 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
8
s/s
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
9
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, February 22, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday, February 22,
2024 at 4:00 p.m. in Room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The following
Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late and Left Early)
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
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) (Arrived Late and Left Early)
NOTE: Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) and Sen. Donzella James (35th) were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
SB 543 (Sen. Brass, 28th, LC 36 5768) Bingo; certain provisions relating to bingo games
operated by nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations; change
The Chair recognized Sen. Matt Brass (28th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Brass
(28th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
None
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) arrived at 4:11 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Watson (11th) arrived at 4:12 p.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who made a motion that SB 543 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 36 5794S). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a
vote of 10-1.
10
Sen. Watson (11th), Sen. Watson (1st), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. Jones
(10th), Sen. Anderson (43rd), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Rahman (5th),
and Sen. Hodges (3rd) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Echols (49th) voted against the motion.
Committee Recommendation: SB 543 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 36 5794S)
SB 503 (Sen. Brass, 28th, LC 36 5753) Residential and General Contractors; the general
contractor license as a commercial general contractor license; rename
The Chair recognized Sen. Brass (28th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Brass (28th)
presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for debate. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Austin Hackney, Home Builders Association of Georgia
Mark Woodall, Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc.
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 503 Do Pass (LC 36
5753). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 503 DO PASS (LC 36 5753)
SB 489 (Sen. Goodman, 8th, LC 44 2703) State Symbols; blueberry as the official state
berry; designate
The Chair recognized Sen. Russ Goodman (8th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen.
Goodman (8th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Watson (11th) who made a motion that SB 489 Do Pass (LC 44
2703). Sen. Anderson (43rd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 489 DO PASS (LC 44 2703)
SB 518 (Sen. Williams, 25th, LC 44 2614) State Symbols; state floral emblem to the
Sweetbay Magnolia; change
The Chair recognized Sen. Rick Williams (25th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen.
Williams (25th) presented the bill to the Committee.
11
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 518 Do Pass (LC 44
2614). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 518 DO PASS (LC 44 2614)
SB 496 (Sen. Burns, 23rd, LC 44 2689) Ad Valorem Taxation of Property; extension of
preferential assessment periods for certain historic properties; provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Max Burns (23rd) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Burns
(23rd) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Watson (11th) left early at 4:36 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Watson (1st) who made a motion that SB 496 Do Pass by Substitute
(LC 50 0896S). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 8-2.
Sen. Watson (1st), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. McLaurin
(14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), and Sen. Echols (49th) voted in favor of the
motion.
Sen. Mallow (2nd) and Sen. Anderson (43rd) voted against the motion.
Committee Recommendation: SB 496 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 50 0896S)
SR 602 (Sen. Beach, 21st, LC 49 1485) General Assembly; restrict, regulate, or prohibit the
Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia from approving any increase in
tuition; authorize -CA
Chairman Beach (21st) presented the resolution to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. Anderson (43rd) who made a motion that SR 602 Do Pass (LC 49
1485). Sen. Rahman (5th) seconded the motion.
The Chair made a motion to Amend the resolution. Sen. Anderson (43rd) seconded the motion.
The motion failed by a vote of 2-8.
Sen. Anderson (43rd) and Sen. Rahman (5th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Watson (1st), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. McLaurin
(14th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), Sen. Echols (49th), and Sen. Mallow (2nd) voted against the motion.
Committee Recommendation: SR 602 (LC 49 1485) No Action Taken
12
SR 623 (Sen. Rahman, 5th, LC 44 2705) Dept. of Natural Resources, Dept. of Economic
Dev., and Dept. of Community Affairs; cooperate in crafting strategies to promote outdoor
recreation; encourage
The Chair recognized Sen. Rahman (5th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Rahman
(5th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Echols (49th) who made a motion that SR 623 Do Pass (LC 44
2705). Sen. Summers (13th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SR 623 DO PASS (LC 44 2705)
SB 547 (Sen. Beach, 21st, LC 39 4272) Motor Carriers and Commercial Motor Vehicles;
the reference date to federal regulations regarding the safe operation; update
Chairman Beach (21st) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Echols (49th) who made a motion that SB 547 Do Pass (LC 39
4272). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) left early at 4:46 p.m.
Committee Recommendation: SB 547 DO PASS (LC 39 4272)
SR 538 (Sen. Summers, 13th, LC 55 0175) Sports Betting; Georgia General Assembly
provide by law for sports betting and casino gambling in this state by July 2, 2025;
authorize and require -CA
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Summers
(13th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Chairwomen Carlotta Harrell, Henry County Board of Commissioners
Jerald Mitchell, President, Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Justin Frazier, Liberty County Commissioner District 2
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
Mike Griffin, Georgia Baptist Mission Board
13
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion that SR 538 Do Pass (LC 55
0175). Sen. Rahman (5th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Beach (21st) made a motion to Amend the resolution. Sen. Rahman (5th) seconded
the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 7-2.
Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Jones (10th), Sen. Summers (13th), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen.
Rahman (5th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), and Sen. Mallow (2nd) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Echols (49th) and Sen. Watson (1st) voted against the motion.
Sen. McLaurin (14th) made a motion to further Amend the resolution. Sen. Mallow (2nd)
seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair indicated his preference that the adopted amendments be included in a perfected
Committee Substitute.
Committee Recommendation: SR 538 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 55 0260S)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
14
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Monday, February 26, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Monday February 26,
2024 at 8:30 a.m. in Room 450 of the Capitol. The following Committee Members were in
attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Greg Dolezal (27th) (Ex-Officio)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd), Sen. Donzella
James (35th), Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th), Sen. Clint Dixon (45th), Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th),
Sen. Sam Watson (11th), and Sen. Ben Watson (1st) were absent.
NOTE: Sen. Greg Dolezal (27th) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Economic
Development and Tourism, as an Ex-Officio member, by the Committee on Assignments for the
meeting held on February 26, 2024. A copy of the letter of appointment is attached.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:34 a.m.
SB 534 (Sen. Mallow, 2nd, LC 50 0766) "Fair Business Practices Act of 1975"; failure of a
marketplace innkeeper to provide a consumer with an itemized receipt detailing certain
taxes and fees is an unlawful business practice; provide
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Sen. Mallow
(2nd) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. Summers (13th) who made a motion that SB 534 Do Pass (LC 50
0766). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SB 534 DO PASS (LC 50 0766)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 8:38 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
15
16
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday, March 7, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday March 7, 2024
at 3:00 p.m. in Room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The following
Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio) (Left Early)
NOTE: Sen. Shelly Echols (49th), Sen. Sam Watson (11th), and Sen. Clint Dixon (45th) were
absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 3:07 p.m.
HB 1041 (Rep. Stephens, 164th, LC 44 2513) Savannah-Georgia Convention Center
Authority; maximum amount of bonded indebtedness of the authority; increase
The Chair recognized Rep. Ron Stephens (164th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Stephens (164th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. Summers (13th) arrived at 3:10 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who made a motion that HB 1041 Do Pass (LC 44
2513). Sen. Watson (1st) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Sen. Watson (1st) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1041 DO PASS (LC 44 2513)
HB 1410 (Rep. Efstration, 104th, LC 49 1862) State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless
Act; enact
The Chair recognized Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Efstration (104th) presented the bill to the Committee.
17
NOTE: Sen. Anderson arrived at 3:17 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Watson (1st) left at 3:18 p.m.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1410 (LC 49 1862) No Action Taken
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 3:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
18
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday March 12, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday March 12, 2024
at 8:00 a.m. in Room 450 of the State Capitol. The following Committee Members were in
attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Se. Donzella James (35th) (Arrived Late)
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)
NOTE: Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) and Sen. Dixon (45th) was absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 8:03 a.m.
HB 1410 (Rep. Efstration, 104th, LC 49 1862) State Housing Trust Fund for the Homeless
Act; enact
The Chair recognized Rep. Chuck Efstration (104th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Efstration (104th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Mack Parnell, Georgia Faith and Freedom Coalition
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) who made a motion that HB 1410 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 50 0842S). Sen. Hodges (3rd) seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick (32nd) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1410 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 50 0842S)
19
HB 1138 (Rep. Kendrick, 95th, LC 50 0722) Invest Georgia Fund; provide additional
factor that the fund administrator shall consider in the selection of venture capital funds
The Chair recognized Rep. Dar’shun Kendrick (95th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Kendrick (95th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Jones (10th) who made a motion that HB 1138 Do Pass (LC 50
0722). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Sen. Jones (10th) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1138 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 50 0722)
HB 1341 (Rep. Sainz, 180th, LC 46 0836) State symbols; white shrimp as official state
crustacean; designate
The Chair recognized Rep. Steven Sainz (180th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Sainz (180th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who made a motion that HB 1341 Do Pass (LC 46
0836). Sen. Hodges (3rd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Sen. Watson (1st) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1341 DO PASS (LC 46 0836)
HB 1034 (Rep. Franklin, 160th, LC 55 0163) State holidays; fourth Friday in November as
National Sugarcane Syrup Day; designate
The Chair recognized Rep. Lehman Franklin (160th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Franklin (160th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. James (35th) arrived at 8:25 a.m.
The Chair recognized Sen. Watson (11th) who made a motion that HB 1034 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 39 4364S). Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Sen. Watson (11th) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1034 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 39 4364S)
HB 1048 (Rep. Carpenter, 4th, LC 46 0777S) State symbols; cornbread as official state
bread; designate
20
The Chair recognized Rep. Kasey Carpenter (4th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Carpenter (4th) presented the bill to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion that HB 1048 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 46 0884S). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed
unanimously.
Sen. Halpern (39th) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1048 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 46 0884S)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 8:31 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
21
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Thursday March 14, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Thursday, March 14,
2024 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 307 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building. The following
Committee Members were in attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Donzella James (35th)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) (Ex-Officio)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Secretary, Sen. Sam Watson (11th), Sen. Shelly Echols
(49th), Sen. Carden Summers (13th), Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th), and Sen. Clint Dixon (45th)
were absent.
NOTE: Sen. Randy Robertson (29th) was appointed to the Senate Committee on Economic
Development and Tourism, as an Ex-Officio member, by the Committee on Assignments for the
meeting held on March 14, 2024. A copy of the letter of appointment is attached.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
SR 703 (Sen. Goodman, 8th, LC 128 0244) Federal Government; regulatory overreach
impacting the chemical industry and reevaluate proposed restrictions; urge
The Chair recognized Sen. Russ Goodman (8th) for the purpose of presenting the resolution.
Sen. Goodman (8th) presented the resolution to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Resolution:
Wes Robinson, American Chemistry Council (ACC)
Testimony in opposition to the Resolution:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who made a motion that SR 703 Do Pass (LC 128
0244). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4-3.
Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Watson (1st), Sen. Robertson (29th), and Sen. Hodges (3rd) voted in
favor of the motion.
22
Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. James (35th), and Sen. McLaurin (14th) voted against the motion.
NOTE: Sen. Anderson (43rd) arrived at 5:10 p.m.
Committee Recommendation: SR 703 DO PASS (LC 128 0244)
HB 1026 (Rep. Hagan, 156th, LC 54 0318) 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.
The Chair opened the floor for comments.
The Chair recognized Sen. Robertson (29th) who made a motion that HB 1026 Do Pass. Sen.
Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-3.
Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Robertson (29th), Sen. Watson (1st) and Sen.
Hodges (3rd) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Anderson (43rd), and Sen. James (35th) voted against the motion.
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion to Amend by replacing the
word “Kemp” with “Governors”. Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed by
a vote of 5-3.
Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen. Anderson (43rd), and Sen.
James (35th) voted in favor of the motion.
Sen. Robertson (29th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), and Sen. Watson (1st) voted against the motion.
Sen. Robertson (29th) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 1026 DO PASS BY SUSTITUTE (LC 49 1902S)
SR 727 (Sen. Mallow, 2nd, LC 54 0381) Georgia's Creative Economy Senate Study
Committee; create
The Chair recognized Sen. Mallow (2nd) for the purpose of presenting the resolution. Sen.
Mallow (2nd) presented the resolution to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Resolution:
Matt Campbell, Coastal Entertainment Alliance
23
David Sutherland, UGA Terry College of Business
Testimony in opposition to the Resolution:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. McLaurin (14th) who made a motion that SR 727 Do Pass (LC 54
0381). Sen. Anderson (43rd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SR 727 DO PASS (LC 54 0381)
SR 747 (Sen. Burns, 23rd, LC 39 4313) Historic Rural Church Trail; local governments
and regional commissions for Regions 5, 7, and 12; establishment; urge
The Chair recognized Sen. Max Burns (23rd) for the purpose of presenting the resolution. Sen.
Burns (23rd) presented the resolution to the Committee.
The Chair recognized Sen. Watson (1st) who made a motion that SR 747 Do Pass (LC 39 4313).
Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Committee Recommendation: SR 747 DO PASS (LC 39 4313)
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
24
25
Minutes of the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Tuesday March 19, 2024
The Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism met on Tuesday, March 19,
2024 at 12:00 p.m. in Room 450 of the Capitol. The following Committee Members were in
attendance:
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
Sen. Billy Hickman (4th), Vice Chairman
Sen. Tonya Anderson (43rd)
Sen. Shelly Echols (49th)
Sen. Mike Hodges (3rd)
Sen. Derek Mallow (2nd) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Josh McLaurin (14th) (Arrived Late)
Sen. Sheikh Rahman (5th)
Sen. Carden Summers (13th)
Sen. Ben Watson (1st), (Ex-Officio)
Sen. Sam Watson (11th)
NOTE: Sen. Emanuel Jones (10th), Sen. Donzella James (35th), and Sen. Clint Dixon (45th)
were absent.
Chairman Beach (21st) called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m.
HB 625 (Rep. Mathis, 149th, LC 47 2949S) Coroners; full-time county employees; provide
The Chair recognized Rep. Danny Mathis (149th) for the purpose of presenting the bill. Rep.
Mathis (149th) presented the bill to the Committee.
NOTE: Sen. McLaurin (14th) arrived at 12:07 p.m.
NOTE: Sen. Mallow (2nd) arrived at 12:18 p.m.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Bill:
Todd Edwards, ACCG
Testimony in opposition to the Bill:
None
The Chair recognized Sen. Hickman (4th) who made a motion that HB 625 Do Pass by
Substitute (LC 47 3073S). Sen. Mallow (2nd) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a
vote of 7-3.
Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Anderson (43rd), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen. McLaurin (14th), Sen.
Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), and Sen. Watson (1st) voted in favor of the motion.
26
Sen. Echols (49th), Sen. Watson (11th), and Sen. Hodges (3rd) voted against the motion.
The Chair recognized Sen. Hodges (3rd) who made a motion to Amend the substitute. Sen.
McLaurin (14th) seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
The Chair clarified that the underlying motion would now be Do Pass by Substitute to include
the amendment. Sen. Hickman (4th) seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 8-2.
Sen. Hickman (4th), Sen. Hodges (3rd), Sen. Anderson (43rd), Sen. Mallow (2nd), Sen.
McLaurin (14th), Sen. Rahman (5th), Sen. Summers (13th), and Sen. Watson (1st) voted in favor
of the motion.
Sen. Echols (49th) and Sen. Watson (11th) voted against the motion.
Sen. Hatchett (50th) was named the Senate sponsor.
Committee Recommendation: HB 625 DO PASS BY SUBSTITUTE (LC 44 2841S)
SR 754 (Sen. Anderson, 43rd, LC 44 2800) Senate Cumulative Impact of Pollution on
Economic Development and Growth Study Committee; create
The Chair recognized Sen. Anderson (43rd) for the purpose of presenting the resolution. Sen.
Anderson (43rd) presented the resolution to the Committee.
The Chair opened the floor for comments. He recognized the following:
Testimony in favor of the Resolution:
Andrea Jones, GA WAND
Amy Sharma, Science for Georgia
Renee Cail, Georgia Chase
Testimony in opposition to the Resolution:
None
Committee Recommendation: SR 754 (LC 44 2800) No Action Taken
Chairman Beach (21st) adjourned the meeting at 12:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
s/s
Sen. Brandon Beach (21st), Chairman
s/s
Paige McKenna, Recording Secretary
27
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