July 1 Laws
July is always a busy time of year for Georgia government. Not only does July mark the beginning of a new fiscal year for our state, but it is also when most laws passed during the previous session go into effect for our Georgia citizens. Below is a quick reference of laws that went into effect on July 1.
Transportation funding: The sales tax on gasoline was converted to a per-gallon excise tax and will not fluctuate with the sale amount. The law imposes a $5 nightly tax on hotel/motel rooms and a $200 yearly user fee on electric vehicles while eliminating the tax credit for purchasing them.
Airlines will no longer be exempt from the sales tax on jet fuel. The funding act is expected to raise nearly a billion dollars that will go directly to Georgia’s transportation and infrastructure needs.
Fireworks Legalization
New business and industry has popped up around the Peach State due to this change. Fireworks are now taxed, and shops selling them will be regularly inspected by local and state fire marshals. There is a possibility that this issue will return during the 2016 session to look at aspects of the current law that may need changing.
Solar Financing Available
Third party solar panel financing is now available for homeowners, small businesses and non-profits. This law allows private companies to own the rooftop panels, paying the property owner with electricity while selling the rest to the local electric utility.
Abuse Crackdown
There were numerous laws passed during the 2015 session which are intended to crack down on abuse offenders against children and the elderly. Three sexual abuse laws were passed. The first extends the statute of limitations for prosecution to the former child victim’s age to 25. The second law extends the period in which a former child victim can sue a perpetrator. The third outlaws lewd texting and emailing of photographs.
In an effort to cut down child abuse and neglect, Georgia has created a statewide registry of convicted child abuse offenders. The registry is expected to be helpful for our social workers who will now be able to better track when offenders move from county to county. We also passed legislation protecting our aging community. Prosecutors will now be able to charge suspects with racketeering for physical abuse or financial exploitation of the elderly or disabled.
Speed Trap Elimination
The law is designed to discourage revenue-producing speed traps. Local law enforcement agencies receiving more than 35 percent of their budget from traffic citations, within 20 mph of speed limits, will have a more difficult time winning court challenges.
Tests for Pregnant Women
Health care providers are now required to test women in the final three months of pregnancy for HIV and syphilis. Women have the right to refuse the tests.
Driver’s Licenses
The state can now issue licenses with black-and-white photos. Driver’s licenses will also be non-revocable for most non-driving offenses. The law also allows for temporary licenses in certain circumstances.
Van Seat Belts
All vehicles that seat 15 passengers or fewer must include seat belts that passengers will be required to wear. The new requirement also changes the capacity limits to include church vans and small buses.
Feral Hogs
The law removes certain restrictions on hunting feral hogs. This is great news for our farmers as these animals are known for damaging crops. Transporting any feral hog will now require a state-issued permit.
Veterans
Employers can now give preferences to military veterans in hiring and promoting.
State Mammal
The white-tailed deer is now Georgia’s official state mammal.
As always, it is a pleasure to serve you and the citizens of District 129. If you ever need anything at all, please feel free to contact me at anytime. God bless you and may God continue to bless our great state!