[March 25, 2013] | This week ending March 22, committees continued to review legislation passed by the State Senate, and several bills made their way out of committee to receive a vote from the entire House of Representatives. We are continuing to work on the Budget as the Senate has made a few changes, and now we must work the differences out. The same is true with many bills that are changed by one body or another. We have to work out the differences so that all are in agreement before sending it to our Governor. Various interest groups have, as always gotten involved in many issues before us now, and you have to be very careful separating fact from fiction in these last days of the session. I have personal experience in this during the past two weeks with HB 512. We combined our HB 512 with a Senate Bill 101 to make a stronger 2nd Amendment bill. Some groups put out misinformation related to the joining of these two bills, but the truth is clear the new SB 101 is good for Georgians who have a Ga. Weapons Carry License.
It was good to see Stephen Hall from the 11th at the Capitol representing Americans for Prosperity on Friday.
One of the bills passed this week, Senate Bill 136, improves safety at Georgia?s lakes, rivers, and other waterways that are used for recreational purposes. When we were discussing this I thought of all my friends who boat on our many lakes. As Georgia?s population has increased over the years, so too, has the number of boating and jet ski accidents that occur each year in the State. Just last summer, three young boys died in accidents on Lake Lanier. Kile Glover was struck by a jet ski on Lake Lanier, and brothers Jake and Griffin Prince were killed when an intoxicated boater collided with their family?s pontoon boat on Lake Lanier.
To decrease the number of boating tragedies in Georgia, SB 136 would lower the legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit from 0.10 to 0.08 for Boating Under the Influence (BUI). This change will create uniformity in Georgia law by bring the state?s legal BAC limit for BUIs and Hunting Under the Influence (HUI) - both of which are currently 0.10 - into compliance with its Driving Under the Influence BAC limit of 0.08. Georgia is currently 1 of only 8 states that allows a higher BAC limit for boating under the influence than driving under the influence.
SB 136 would also enact other boating safety regulations aimed at increasing safety on Georgia?s lakes, rivers, and coastal waters. The bill states that children between the ages of 12-15 may not operate a boat larger than 16 feet in length, but may drive smaller personal water craft if accompanied by an adult or if the child has successfully completed a boating education course approved by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Children under 12 may operate a boat or other personal water craft only if it has a motor with less than 30 horsepower, and is smaller than 16 feet in length. SB 136 would also require anyone under the age of 15 wishing to operate, as well as anyone renting a boat or personal water craft with more than 10 horsepower, to watch a free 12 minute boater safety video offered on the Georgia Department of Natural Resource?s website. In addition, SB 136 would raise the age from 10 to 12 for children that are required to wear life jackets while on a boat or when personal water craft is in motion. Finally, SB 136 would update the regulations for navigation lights to meet current industry standards and allow navigation lights to be placed on the sides of boats. These changes will help ensure that generations of Georgians and visitors alike can continue to safely use our state?s water resources for recreation.
This week we also passed House Resolution 529, which will create the Georgia Music Industry Study Committee. Many successful artists have started in Georgia, including James Brown, REM, the B-52?s, Otis Redding, Third Day, , Drivin N Cryin, Delta Moon, (Marcia?s favorites!!): Luke Bryan and Zach Brown, and Lady Antebellum. Unfortunately, most of Georgia?s musical talent leaves the state to produce their music. The Georgia Music Industry Study Committee will look for ways that we can help encourage these talented musicians to stay in Georgia. The committee will research the entertainment programs and infrastructures of other states, study the issues facing Georgia?s music industry, and explore strategies that will ensure growth in the state?s existing music industry. HR 529 recognizes our Georgia artists for the economic value they bring to our communities, and seeks to inspire others to take advantage of the many opportunities the Georgia Music Industry has to offer.
This is the last week of the 2013 session that will end on Thursday. Lots of news stories will be put out as to what might or may happen. I hope you will please feel free to call me if you have any questions or comments about legislation being considered in the General Assembly. You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0188 or by email at rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov.
Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Representative.