Rep. Parsons Legislative Update

The following is a letter from State Rep. Don Parsons (R-Northeast Cobb) to constituents:

The 2013 legislative session is well underway with committee hearings and floor debates in full swing.

We will reach a special benchmark in the 40-day Legislative Session later this week when we convene for Day 30 on Thursday, March 7th. The 30th Legislative Day is known as Crossover Day, the final day a bill can pass either the House or Senate and "cross over" to the other chamber in time to become state law. 

As Chairman of the House Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications Committee, and as a member of the Appropriations, Health & Human Services and Ways & Means Committees, I have been holding hearings and attending meetings in order to review and discuss proposed legislation.

I look forward to hearing comments and feedback on issues you find important. Please call, email, write, or visit me at the Capitol or in Cobb County. I am here to represent and serve you.

Sponsored Legislation

I have introduced two new bills since my last legislative update: HB 348 and HB 430

HB 348: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit

In an effort to incentivize alternative energy and encourage the market for cheaper natural gas, HB 348 would provide tax credits for vehicles that run off natural gas, propane, hydrogen fuel cells and similar technology.

HB 430: Solar Energy Tax Exemption Clarification

HB 176: Mobile BILD Act

HB 176 would streamline and standardize cell tower regulations in order to provide citizens with improved service, new technology and a solid economic development platform for wireless carriers to invest in Georgia.  For more information and a video explanation of HB 176, please visit my website at www.donparsons.org

HB 34: Clean Energy Tax Credit Update

HB 34 would expand existing tax credits to include heat pump systems that meet Energy Star Efficiency Standards. These credits help save energy, money and protect the environment by using clean resources.

For a complete list of legislation I have co-sponsored, please click HERE.

General Legislation

Governor Deal Signs Medicaid Funding Plan

In order to prevent a nearly $700 million shortfall in program funding, Governor Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 24, the Hospital Medicaid Financing Program Act on February 13th. This legislation protects hospitals from having to cut important services, and assists many rural hospitals across the state in avoiding financial hardship or closure.

HB 285: Invest Georgia Fund

House Bill 285 creates a venture capital fund that would address the state's need for increased access to funding that will attract and retain growing businesses.

HB 154: Worker's Compensation Reform

House Bill 154 is the result of collective efforts between the state worker's compensation board and an advisory council made up of representatives from the business, medical, and legal communities to develop changes for improving the system.

HB 188: Aid to Military Families Seeking Employment Certification

House Bill 188 is designed to help military veterans and their spouses seeking employment that have been certified or trained in certain skilled trades to be allowed an expedited Georgia license or certification in certain professions.

HR 4: Georgia and Tennessee Boundary Dispute Settlement - Access to Tennessee River 

This proposal provides Georgia rights to the Tennessee River by gaining a thin strip of land situated on the riverbank. The measure would help prevent chronic flooding and provide extra water to Georgia, Alabama and Florida downstream of Atlanta.

SB 125: Landowner Protection Against Liability from Trespassers

In order to protect property owners from unwarranted litigation by criminals, SB 125 offers liability protection against lawsuits brought upon by trespassers unintentionally harmed or injured on a landowner's property.