Gold Dome Update: June 12, 2020

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Georgia General Assembly was suspended on March 12 after Crossover Day and is set to resume its regular legislative session on Monday, June 15.

At this point, it is possible that the General Assembly may adjourn prior to completing the remaining 11 days left on the calendar. With strict COVID-19 protocols including social distancing, staggered voting of members and teleconference committee hearings, the legislature is likely to focus on passing a Fiscal Year 2021 budget, which includes drastic cuts to state government and a few key pieces of legislation before adjourning for the year.

During this unprecedented time of civil unrest amidst a global pandemic, municipal officials are leading in unprecedented ways and your actions have elevated the principles of home rule and the importance of municipal governance.

Cities are constantly facing the threat of preemption from the state legislature. It is important for each local official to communicate with state legislators that cities are united as they finish out the 2020 legislative session.

Georgia's City Officials Call for Passage of Hate Crimes Legislation

In light of the tragic death of Ahmaud Arbery and other recent events, city officials urge the General Assembly to swiftly pass House Bill 426 to establish a hate crimes law in the state. Georgia is currently one of four states in the nation without a hate crimes law. HB 426 would establish grounds for hate crimes and increased sentencing for criminal defendants found guilty of crimes involving bias or prejudice.

Assigned to Senate Judiciary Committee.

ISSUES AT A GLANCE

House Bill 779 – TAVT Distribution Adjustment
This legislation would recoup some of cities’ lost revenue from the July 1, 2019 allocation distribution change. Pending in the Senate Rules Committee.

House Bill 448 – Lodging Facilitator
This legislation would subject "lodging facilitators" to collect and remit hotel/motel taxes on behalf of innkeepers, such as short-term rental operators, using these facilitator platforms, thus effectively levels the playing field for brick and mortar hotels by taxing their online counterparts. Awaiting committee assignment.

STAY CONNECTED

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Reopening Guidelines: The reopening guidelines for the Senate and House are now available.