Georgia Chamber
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Bill on Electronic Discovery Expected to Increase Costs, Burdens for Litigants
House Bill 1017, sponsored by Barry Fleming (R-Harlem), was proposed legislation governing the discovery process in civil litigation. The bill addresses electronic discovery, but will increase costs and burdens of all kinds of discovery for all litigants. Although ultimately endorsed by the Georgia Bar, the bill contains provisions strongly opposed by over 40 leading Georgia companies, significant portions of the Georgia Bar, the Georgia Chamber…
Law to Reduce Frivolous Lawsuits; Grow Film Industry Awaits Governor’s Signature
The legislature approved HB 513 and it now awaits signature by Governor Deal. HB 513 expands the existing Anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) statute to matters of public interest and is a major deterrent in halting the filing of frivolous lawsuits. Modeled from legislation in other states such as California, HB 513 will be a key component in supporting a large and growing movie,…
Congressional Delegation Pushing to Remove Appropriations Bill Harmful Language
Georgia’s congressional delegation is working to remove potentially harmful language from a Justice Department appropriations bill that is being pushed by Senators from Alabama and Florida. The language is similar to that which was successfully defeated by the Georgia delegation in the omnibus 2015 appropriations bill.
Director of Georgia Environmental Protection Division Steps Down
Governor Deal announced the Director of Georgia Environmental Protection Division, Jud Turner, would be stepping down from his role on June 1. Turner has served as the state’s top environmental regulator since 2012. Turner worked on several issues over the last four years including the Flint River Drought Protection Act of 2014, compliance with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, and the tri-state water wars…
Annual IRS Update Bill Signed Into Law
The annual IRS update bill, which was signed into law midway through the session, ensures the continued stability and compliance of the Georgia Revenue Code that is vital to the operation of businesses of all sizes. The law incorporates the now permanent Section 179 of the IRS Code that allows small businesses to deduct up to $500,000 on new and used equipment and software.
Revision Proposed to Quality Jobs Tax Credit
This session, the policy committee proposed a revision to the definition of taxpayer with regards to the Quality Jobs Tax Credit. HB 922, sponsored by Rep. Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe) and awaiting the Governor’s signature, ensures that corporations creating more than 50 jobs in the state through disregarded entities are eligible to qualify for the Quality Jobs Tax Credit.
Innovation & Technology Committee Hosts Reception; Interactive Polling
The Innovation & Technology Committee hosted a reception at Google Atlanta on April 13, 2016. Georgia Chamber President & CEO Chris Clark facilitated an interactive polling experience to determine innovation and technology issues affecting companies in the state and gain insight on where the Chamber should focus policy efforts.
Business & Industry Committee Tours Georgia Ports Authority
In April, the Business & Industry Committee began its first of 5 meetings around the state with a tour of the Georgia Ports Authority, the fourth busiest port in the U.S. and fastest growing
Bill Will Benefit Employers and Students
Both employers and students stand to benefit from a bill passed this session that incentivizes employers to provide work based learning opportunities. Sponsored by Eddie Lumsden (R-Armuchee), HB 402 authorizes insurers to grant up to a 5 percent workers’ compensation rate reduction to employers who offer work-based learning opportunities.
Protecting Georgia Small Business Act Awaits Governor’s Signature
An effort to protect small businesses from onerous federal overreach successfully passed this session and awaits the Governor’s signature. The Protecting Georgia Small Business Act (SB 277), sponsored by Senator John Albers (R-Roswell), clarifies that under state law neither a franchise nor an employee of that franchise can be considered employees of the larger franchisor.