New Laws Now in Effect in Georgia

We're well into a new year in Oconee County, and the Georgia General Assembly is already under way with a and some to tackle. Before legislators write a bunch of new laws, here's a look at some of last year's legislation that's now in effect.

Act 670, SB 346 requires annual notices of assessments for property subject to ad valorem taxation regardless of changes. The new law will provide every homeowner with an annual notice of his or her property's tax appraisal as well as information regarding ways to appeal the tax valuation.

Act 554, HB 277 enacts the "Transportation Investment Act of 2010." Among other provisions, this bill authorizes the imposition of a statewide 1 percent sales tax to fund transportation projects.  The new tax – or TSPLOST – is scheduled to go before the voters in a special referendum in 2012.

Act 386, HB 788 prohibits the use of gas chambers to euthanize dogs and cats.

Act 419, SB 368 makes it unlawful for a non-local business to list a phone number in a local directory that is forwarded to a location outside of the calling area covered by the directory.

Act 504, HB 1105 preserves an exemption from taxation for watercraft held in inventory for resale for a limited period.

Act 483, HB 1198 changes the definition of taxable non-resident for income tax purposes.

Act 680, SB 17 provides for the electronic reporting of campaign disclosure reports. The Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act of 2010 creates the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission as the successor to the State Ethics Commission. Among other provisions, the act increases the penalty for the late filing of certain disclosure statements, expands disclosure requirements for lobbyist expenditures and increases the penalties for abuse of public office and influencing a public official.

Act 549, SB 310 provides for regulation and licensure of pharmacy benefits managers by the Commissioner of Insurance. The act also revises the regulation and licensure of multiple employer self-insured health plans.

Act 671, HB 168 changes provisions relating to rates for basic telephone local exchange services. The act also makes changes to the Universal Access Fund.

Act 381, HB 1005 provides a definition for "limousine" and "taxicab" in the general provisions relating to motor vehicles and provides for the registration and licensing of taxicabs and limousines. The act also provides for an "In God We Trust" decal on license plates and authorizes a special license plate supporting Zoo Atlanta.

Act 507, HB 1221 provides for the comprehensive revision of sales and use tax provisions for streamlined sales tax purposes.