ACU FOUNDATION'S RATINGS of GEORGIA 2019acuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/... · 2 ACU FUAS atings of eorgia 2019 C F LSLA ACCUAL Dear Fellow Conservative, The American

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from the Chairman .......................................................2

Selecting the Votes .......................................................................3

2019 Winners & Losers ................................................................4

Georgia Senate Statistics .........................................................5

Georgia Senate Scores .............................................................. 6

Georgia Senate Vote Descriptions ................................. 10

Georgia House Statistics .........................................................14

Georgia House Scores ...............................................................15

Georgia House Vote Descriptions ..................................25

The nation’s gold standard to hold nearly 8,000 lawmakers accountable for their voting records.

/acuconservative

/acuconservative

conservative.org/ratings

GEORGIA2019

ACU FOUNDATION'S RATINGS ofGEORGIA2019

ACU FOUNDATION'S RATINGS of

2

ACU FOUNDATION'S Ratings of Georgia 2019 | CENTER FOR LEGISLATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY

Dear Fellow Conservative,

The American Conservative Union Foundation’s Center for Legislative Accountability is proud to present our Ratings of the Georgia legislature for 2019. Like our Ratings of Congress, which date back 48 years, ACU Foundation’s Ratings of the States are meant to reflect how elected officials view the role of government in an individual’s life. We begin with our philosophy (conservatism is the political philosophy that sovereignty resides in the person) and then apply the correct purpose of government (its essential role is to defend Life, Liberty and Property).

As a 501(c)(3) educational endeavor, these Ratings serve as a retrospective analysis to explain to voters, the media, scholars and activ-ists how consistently lawmakers apply conservative principles when casting votes. ACU Foundation evaluates over 100,000 bills and ultimately selects around 2,000 bills to produce scorecards for Congress and all 50 states.

Our American Experiment in self-governance depends on our ability as citizens to evaluate whether our elected officials implement policies that help people live happier, healthier, more productive lives. ACU Foundation’s Ratings of the States equips citizens with clear and effective analysis to hold the nation’s 8,000 lawmakers account-able for their votes.

The Left has renewed its commitment to advance socialism in their zeal to fundamentally transform America. With such an important fight ahead, it’s never been more important for our elected officials to understand the proper role of government and for Americans to defend our conservative values and take action to preserve liberty.

Matt Schlapp Chairman American Conservative Union Foundation

LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

TO SEE MORE ACU RATINGS, PLEASE VISIT: conservative.org/ratings

/acuconservative /acuconservative conservative.org/ratings

3

CENTER FOR LEGISLATIVE ACCOUNTABILITY | ACU FOUNDATION'S Ratings of Georgia 2019

SELECTING THE VOTES

ACU Foundation researched and selected a range of bills before the Georgia legislature that determine a member’s adherence to conservative principles. We selected bills that focus on Ronald Reagan’s philosophy of the “three-legged stool”: 1) fiscal and economic: taxes, budgets, regulation, spending, healthcare, and property; 2) social and cultural: 2nd amendment, religion, life, welfare, and education; and 3) government integrity: voting, individual liberty, privacy, and transparency. This wide range of issues are designed to give citizens an accurate assessment that conveys which of Georgia’s elected leaders best defend the principles of a free society: Life, Liberty and Property.

Center for Legislative Accountability Staff

Fred McGrath DirectorLuke Schneider Public Affairs & Policy Analyst

Francis Finnegan Data Analyst and ManagerLarry Hart Senior Policy Fellow

Abigail Draiss Policy FellowJoseph Johns Policy Fellow

Jonathan Moy Policy Fellow

Matt Schlapp Chairman Charlie Gerow Vice ChairmanCarolyn D. Meadows 2nd Vice ChairBob Beauprez Treasurer

Ron Christie SecretaryEd Yevoli At-LargeDan Schneider Executive Director

ACUExecutive Committee

Jackie ArendsLarry BeasleyKimberly BellissimoMorton C. BlackwellJamie BurkeJosé CárdenasMuriel ColemanSean FielerAlan M. GottliebVan D. Hipp, Jr.Dr. M. Zuhdi Jasser

KT McFarlandPriscilla O’ShaughnessyRon RobinsonMike RosePeter SamuelsonTerry SchillingMatt SmithChris TurnerBill WaltonThomas Winter

Board Members

ACUFExecutive CommitteeMatt Schlapp ChairmanMillie Hallow Vice ChairVan D. Hipp, Jr. TreasurerKimberly Bellissimo Secretary Dan Schneider Executive Director

Board Members

José CárdenasGordon ChangJonathan GarthwaiteCharlie GerowNiger InnisAdam LaxaltWilles K. LeeCarolyn D. MeadowsRandy NeugebauerThomas Winter

4


2019 WINNERS & LOSERS

SENATE

n/a

90-100% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE EXCELLENCE

HOUSE

GILLIGAN, SHERI

80-89% AWARD FOR CONSERVATIVE ACHIEVEMENT

Republicans in ALL CAPS, Democratics in initial capitals, asterisk indicates independent/libertarian/other

SENATE

LIGON, WILLIAM

HOUSE

CALDWELL, MICHAEL

MOORE, COLTON

PULLIN, KEN

HOUSE

STOVER, DAVID

TURNER, SCOT

10% COALITION OF THE RADICAL LEFT≤

SENATE

n/a

HOUSE

n/a

5


GEORGIA SENATE STATISTICS

51%OVERALL AVERAGE

KIRKPATRICK, KAYROBERTSON, RANDY

47%

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

61%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

34%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

JACKSON, LESTER

44%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

GEORGIA SENATE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

2019 ACUF PERCENTAGE

# OF STATE

SENATORS

90-100%0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%0

5

10

15

20

6


GEORGIA SENATE SCORES

GEORGIA SENATE VOTE DETAILACU Foundation Position Y N Y Y Y Y N N N Y N Y N Y N N N Y Y Y

Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

SB 66

SB 153

SB 163

HB

316

HB

501

HB

481

SB 56

SB 162

HB

83

HB

39

SB 118

HB

266

HB

346

HB

33

SB 122

HB

242

HB

321

HB

345

SB 72

SB 120

ALBERS, JOHN R 56 70% 79% 77% + + + + + + - + - + - + + + - - - + + +

ANDERSON, LEE R 24 55% 71% 63% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

Anderson, Tonya D 43 35% 7% 28% + - - - - - - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

BEACH, BRANDON R 21 60% 79% 67% + - + + + + - - - + - + + + - - - + + +

BLACK, ELLIS R 8 65% 79% 75% + - + + + + - + - + - + + + - - - + + +

BRASS, MATT R 28 65% 71% 68% + - + + + + - - - + - + + + - + - + + +

BURKE, DEAN R 11 53% 71% 68% + - + + + + - - - x - + - + - - - + + +

Butler, Gloria D 55 26% 14% 20% + - - - - - - - - + x - - + - - - + - +

COWSERT, BILL R 46 60% 86% 77% + - + + + + - - - + - + + + - - - + + +

Davenport, Gail D 44 30% 15% 17% + - - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - + + +

DOLEZAL, GREG R 27 75% n/a 75% + + + + + + - - - + - + + + - + + + + +

DUGAN, MIKE R 30 63% 77% 65% + - + + + + - - - + x + + + - - - + + +

GINN, FRANK R 47 55% 86% 75% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

GOOCH, STEVE R 51 70% 83% 87% + + + + + + - - - + + + + + - - - + + +

HARBIN, MARTY R 16 71% 85% 78% + x + + + + - + - + x + x + - - - + + +

Harbison, Ed D 15 33% 38% 34% x - - - - - - - - + - + - + - - x + + +

+ = Member voted with ACU’s position- = Member voted against ACU’s positionx = Member was absent for vote

† = Legislator did not vote on enough of the selected bills and as a result did not receive a rating for the 2019 session. Two-thirds of the selected bills must be voted on to receive a score.R = RepublicanD = Democrat

• SB 66 Advancing the Next Generation of 5G Technology.

• SB 153 Driving up Costs for Crime Scene Cleanup by Imposing Licensure Mandates.

• SB 163 Allowing Homeschool Students to Participate in Extracurricular Activities.

• HB 316 Increasing Ballot Integrity through Electronic Voting Machines.

• HB 501 Legalizing Oyster Farming. • HB 481 Protecting the Lives of Unborn Children

by Banning Abortions upon Detection of a Heartbeat.

• SB 56 Increasing Health Insurance Costs by Forcing Reimbursement for Out-Of-Network Care.

• SB 162 Providing Local Governments Excessive Authority to Regulate Short-Term Rentals.

• HB 83 Undermining Local Control over Education by Mandating Recess for Grades K-5.

• HB 39 Expanding Employment by Providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity to Physical Therapists.

• SB 118 Driving up Health Care Costs by Mandating Insurers Cover Telehealth.

• HB 266 Expanding School Choice by Increasing Deductions for Contributions to Savings Trust Accounts.

• HB 346 Interfering in Tenant-Landlord Contracting Rights and Fostering Frivolous Litigation.

• HB 33 Providing a Grace Period for Military to Renew Licenses to Carry Firearms.

• SB 122 Interfering in Automobile Data and Franchise Agreements and Violating Intellectual Property Rights.

• HB 242 Restricting Competition by Imposing Additional Regulations on Massage Therapy.

• HB 321 Interfering in the Marketplace through Hospital Subsidies and a Medicaid Gimmick.

• HB 345 Protecting the Safety of Pregnant Inmates and their Infants.

• SB 72 Expanding Hunting Rights on Public Lands. • SB 120 Improving Legislative Transparency

through Economic Analyses.

7



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

SB 66

SB 153

SB 163

HB

316

HB

501

HB

481

SB 56

SB 162

HB

83

HB

39

SB 118

HB

266

HB

346

HB

33

SB 122

HB

242

HB

321

HB

345

SB 72

SB 120

HARPER, TYLER R 7 67% 77% 74% + - x + + + - x + + - + + + - - - + + +

Harrell, Sally D 40 42% n/a 42% + - + - - - - - - + - + - + - + - + + x

HEATH, BILL R 31 75% 85% 83% + - + + + + - + + + - + + + - - + + + +

Henson, Steve D 41 25% 8% 19% + - - - - - - - - + - - - + - - - + - +

HILL, JACK R 4 55% 77% 72% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

HUFSTETLER, CHUCK R 52 53% 86% 73% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - x + +

Jackson, Lester D 2 44% 46% 29% + - - - - x x + - + - + - + - - - + + +

James, Donzella D 35 32% 23% 27% + - x - - - - - - + - - - + - - - + + +

JONES, BURT R 25 61% 85% 79% + - + + + + - - + x - + + + - - - x + +

Jones, Emanuel D 10 40% 45% 31% + - - - - - - + - + - + - + - - - + + +

Jones, Harold D 22 24% 7% 24% + - - - - - - - - + - - - x - - x + + x

Jordan, Jen D 6 39% 36% 37% + - - - - - - + - + - + - x - - x + + +

Karinshak, Zahra D 48 40% n/a 40% + - + - - - - + - + - + - + - - - + - +

KENNEDY, JOHN R 18 60% 71% 63% + - + + + + - - - + - + + + - - - + + +

KIRK, GREG R 13 63% 67% 65% + - + + + + - + - x x x x + - - - + + +

KIRKPATRICK, KAY R 32 47% 71% 59% + - - + + x - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

LIGON, WILLIAM R 3 80% 86% 83% + + + + + + - + - + x + x x - x x + + +

Lucas, David D 26 40% 40% 28% + x - - - - x x - + x + - + - - - + x +























8



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

SB 66

SB 153

SB 163

HB

316

HB

501

HB

481

SB 56

SB 162

HB

83

HB

39

SB 118

HB

266

HB

346

HB

33

SB 122

HB

242

HB

321

HB

345

SB 72

SB 120

MARTIN, P.K. R 9 60% 85% 66% + - + + + + - - x x x x x + - - - + + +

MILLER, BUTCH R 49 61% 83% 69% + - + + + + x - - x - + + + - - - + + +

MULLIS, JEFF R 53 56% 79% 73% + - + + + + - x - + - x - + - - - + + +

Orrock, Nan D 36 25% 23% 21% + - - - - x - - x + - x - x - - - + - +

Parent, Elena D 42 37% 21% 31% + - - - - - - - - + - + - + - x - + + +

PAYNE, CHUCK R 54 60% 71% 69% + - + + + + - - - + - + + + - - - + + +

Rahman, Sheikh D 5 40% n/a 40% + - + - - - - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

Rhett, Michael D 33 35% 14% 26% + - - - - - - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

ROBERTSON, RANDY R 29 47% n/a 47% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - - x +

Seay, Valencia D 34 26% 29% 27% + - - - - - - - - + - - - x - - - + + +

Sims, Freddie D 12 32% 31% 25% x - - - - - - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

STONE, JESSE R 23 60% 77% 73% + - + + + + - + - + - + - + - - - + + +

STRICKLAND, BRIAN R 17 55% 92% 66% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

Tate, Horacena D 38 38% 15% 20% + - - - x x x - x + - + - + - - - + - +

THOMPSON, BRUCE R 14 67% n/a 70% + - + + + + - + - + - + + + x - - + x +

TILLERY, BLAKE R 19 65% 71% 70% + - + + + + - - + + - + + + - - - + + +

TIPPINS, LINDSEY R 37 63% 70% 83% x - - + + + - + x + x + x + - - - + + +

UNTERMAN, RENEE R 45 55% 77% 77% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +























9



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

SB 66

SB 153

SB 163

HB

316

HB

501

HB

481

SB 56

SB 162

HB

83

HB

39

SB 118

HB

266

HB

346

HB

33

SB 122

HB

242

HB

321

HB

345

SB 72

SB 120

WALKER, LARRY R 20 56% 79% 65% + - + + + + - + - + - x - x x - - x + +

WATSON, BEN R 1 61% 79% 67% + - + + + + - - - + x + x + - - - + + +

WILKINSON, JOHN R 50 55% 71% 70% + - + + + + - - - + - + - + - - - + + +

Williams, Nikema D 39 32% 7% 19% + - - - x - - - - + - - - + - - - + + +























10


1. SB 66 Advancing the Next Generation of 5G Technology. This bill paves the way for the expansion of 5G broadband technology across the state. Under the bill, a regulatory framework is established which prevents localities from blocking 5G infrastructure deployment on public right of ways, while ensuring localities are compensated for their expenses and have a say in device placement. ACU supports the ability of private enterprise to provide the next generation of wireless services and a reasonable framework for deployment to ensure taxpayers won’t bear costs and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on February 25, 2019 by a vote of 53-0 and the bill was signed into law.

2. SB 153 Driving up Costs for Crime Scene Cleanup by Imposing Licensure Mandates. This bill restricts competition and drives up costs for individuals impacted by crime by forcing businesses which provide crime scene cleanup services to become licensed. Under the bill, businesses which provide these services must pay $100 registration fees every three years, post a $25,000 bond and carry liability insurance covering $100,000 in damages. ACU opposes licensure regimes which primarily restrict competition, opposes further victimizing those impacted by crime through this costly government mandate and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 4, 2019 by a vote of 50-4 but it was vetoed by the governor.

3. SB 163 Allowing Homeschool Students to Participate in Extracurricular Activities. This bill, also known as the “Tim Tebow Act,” allows homeschool students to participate in extracurricular and interscholastic activities at their local school public schools or schools accepting open enrollment. ACU supports school choice, opposes discrimination against homeschool students and barring them from participating in sports or the arts and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 35-19. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

4. HB 316 Increasing Ballot Integrity through Electronic Voting Machines. This bill is designed to reduce vote fraud by replacing the state's aging voting machines with new electronic systems. Under the bill, the new machines will allow eligible voters to vote electronically and print a paper ballot, providing a way to audit results. Additionally, the bill makes a number of other reforms to increase election integrity. ACU supports efforts to strengthen ballot integrity and accurately reflect the will of voters and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 13, 2019 by a vote of 35-21 and the bill was signed into law.

5. HB 501 Legalizing Oyster Farming. This bill expands entrepreneurship and allows consumers to enjoy “Georgia-grown” oysters by legalizing oyster farming in the state. The bill establishes a regulatory framework which includes a lottery system for leasing state waters. Unfortunately, the bill contains many overly restrictive provisions, including potential limits on summer harvesting and the lottery system which restricts competition. While ACU opposes some of the bill’s provisions, we support the responsible harvesting of oysters and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on March 18, 2019 by a vote of 35-19 and the bill was signed into law.

6. HB 481 Protecting the Lives of Unborn Children by Banning Abortions upon Detection of a Heartbeat. This bill, known as the “Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act,” protects the lives of the unborn by banning abortions once unborn children have a detectable heartbeat. Under previous law, abortions were prohibited only when an unborn child matured to 20 weeks’ gestation. Under this bill, abortions cannot be performed once a heartbeat is detected by ultrasound which typically occurs at six weeks’ gestation. The bill maintains exemptions in cases of rape, incest, and in medical emergencies when the life or major bodily functions of the mother are at risk. Additionally, the bill requires medical professionals to disclose to anyone considering abortion of the developmental stage of their unborn child and to provide medical care to children who survive abortion. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 22, 2019 by a vote of 34-18 and the bill was signed into law.

7. SB 56 Increasing Health Insurance Costs by Forcing Reimbursement for Out-Of-Network Care. This bill drives up health insurance premiums by forcing insurers to reimburse out-of-network hospitals based on price controls set by government. Specifically, the bill mandates that insurers reimburse out-of-network hospitals above the average rate charged by providers in the region. ACU supports the right to contract, opposes price controls and mandates which distort the health care market and are ultimately passed onto consumer through higher premiums and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 5, 2019 by a vote of 52-0. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

GEORGIA SENATE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

11


8. SB 162 Providing Local Governments Excessive Authority to Regulate Short-Term Rentals. This bill provides local governments excessive authority to restrict the property rights of individuals to rent their homes out for short periods of time through platforms such as AirBnB. Specifically, the vaguely worded bill authorizes local governments to regulate short-term rentals so long as they do not “completely prohibit” them. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to protect the property rights of all property owners. ACU opposes providing municipalities carte blanche authority to infringe the property rights of homeowners and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 39-14. (The bill failed to advance in the House.)

9. HB 83 Undermining Local Control over Education by Mandating Recess for Grades K-5. This bill mandates that all schools in the state include scheduled recess time which cannot be limited for disciplinary or academic purposes. ACU supports local control over education, opposes educational mandates such as this which may weaken the ability of schools to maintain productive learning environments and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 26, 2019 by a vote of 48-4 but it was vetoed by the governor.

10. HB 39 Expanding Employment by Providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity to Physical Therapists. This bill commits Georgia to the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, thus allowing physical therapists who are licensed to practice in other member states to also practice in Georgia without applying for a separate license. ACU opposes licensing regimes which are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2019 by a vote of 51-0 and the bill was signed into law.

11. SB 118 Driving up Health Care Costs by Mandating Insurers Cover Telehealth. This bill drives up health insurance costs by issuing a series of mandates forcing all insurance policies offered in the state to cover care provided by telehealth providers. Under the bill, insurers must reimburse health care providers for telehealth services (health care provided through internet, phone or other digital communication) at the same rate insurers reimburse traditional health care. While ACU supports new, innovative technology such as telehealth but we oppose government mandates which hinder their advancement and ultimately drive up health insurance costs and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2019 by a vote of 46-1 and the bill was signed into law.

12. HB 266 Expanding School Choice by Increasing Deductions for Contributions to Savings Trust Accounts. This bill expands school choice by increasing tax deductions for contributions to savings trust fund accounts. The bill is in response to a provision within the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (championed by Sen. Ted Cruz [ACUF Lifetime 98%]) which ultimately expanded school choice by changing the definition of “qualified education” under 529 accounts to include elementary education at all types of schools, including public, private and religious schools. Under the bill, contributions up to $4,000 to these accounts may be deducted from personal income taxes (previously $2,000). ACU supports strengthening school choice and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2019 by a vote of 44-7 and the bill was signed into law.

13. HB 346 Interfering in Tenant-Landlord Contracting Rights and Fostering Frivolous Litigation. This bill prevents landlords and tenants from freely contracting and opens landlords up to frivolous litigation. Under the bill, if a tenant complains that repairs are needed on the property, landlords are prohibited from raising rent for three months or reducing services or risk being taken to court for “retaliation.” If a court rules in the tenant’s favor, the tenant may be entitled to one month’s rent plus court and attorney fees and $500. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to ensure the property rights of both landlords and tenants are properly protected. ACU supports the right of landlords to collect rent that is rightfully owed to them, opposes subjecting landlords to lawsuit abuse by tenants who scheme to avoid rent payment or rent increases and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 28, 2019 by a vote of 34-16 and it was signed into law.

14. HB 33 Providing a Grace Period for Military to Renew Licenses to Carry Firearms. This bill provides military service members a grace period to renew licenses to carry firearms if their licenses to carry expired while on active duty outside the state. Under the bill, service members may carry firearms in accordance with the expired license for six months and may renew their licenses without paying the $30 fee required for new licenses. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 50-0 and the bill was signed into law.

12


15. SB 122 Interfering in Automobile Data and Franchise Agreements and Violating Intellectual Property Rights. This bill violates the right of automotive dealers to freely negotiate with automotive dealers and data companies. First, the bill forces data companies in the automotive industry, which already have contract agreements with auto dealers, to provide free and unlimited access to their data (maintained through Dealer Management Systems) to third parties. This provision is a maneuver to force data companies to provide access to third parties, such as dealership business partners, to data company systems without compensation. Second, the bill dictates numerous provisions within franchise agreements between dealers and manufacturers as part of an effort to benefit dealers. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to protect all property rights, including intellectual property and copyright software. ACU opposes this clear attack on intellectual property rights and the right to contract, and interference in private negotiations between manufacturers and dealers which will result in higher consumer costs and weaker consumer warranties and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 54-0 and the bill was signed into law.

16. HB 242 Restricting Competition by Imposing Additional Regulations on Massage Therapy. This bill further expands the state’s anti-competitive licensing regime regulating the practice of massage therapy. Specifically, businesses which provide massage therapy must abide by numerous new regulations, including carrying $3 million in liability insurance and be subject to on-site inspections by government. Additionally, the powers of Board of Massage Therapy are expanded and minimum penalties for noncompliance with board mandates are increased to $500 for first-time infractions and $5,000 or 6 months’ imprisonment for subsequent infractions. While ACU supports provisions in the bill prohibiting local governments from imposing certain anti-competitive regulations of massage therapy businesses, we oppose licensing regimes which are primarily designed to restrict competition and reduce available goods and services for consumers and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 51-3 and the bill was signed into law.

17. HB 321 Interfering in the Marketplace through Hospital Subsidies and a Medicaid Gimmick. This bill further extends two programs that interfere in the free marketplace and harm state and federal taxpayers. Firstly, the bill extends until 2024 a program which provides up to $60 million in subsidies to rural hospitals through a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for individuals and corporate donors. Secondly, the bill renews the hospital provider fee which is part of a gimmick to raise money to extract over $650 million in federal Medicaid funds. ACU opposes harming state and federal taxpayers, supports a free marketplace and opposes forcing residents of some areas to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to live in rural areas and opposed this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 50-2 and the bill was signed into law.

18. HB 345 Protecting the Safety of Pregnant Inmates and their Infants. This bill is designed to protect the safety of pregnant inmates and their infants by requiring that female inmates who are pregnant must be afforded the least restrictive restraints. Under the bill, any form of restraints is prohibited while a woman is pregnant or in the immediate postpartum period unless there are compelling grounds to believe she presents a flight risk or serious threat of danger to herself or others. The ACU Foundation’s Nolan Center for Justice is a leading authority on this and works to protect the dignity of incarcerated women and their children. ACU supports this reform to protect the safety and wellbeing of women who are pregnant and their infants and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 52-1 and the bill was signed into law.

19. SB 72 Expanding Hunting Rights on Public Lands. This bill makes a number of reforms to expand the ability of individuals to lawfully hunt on public lands. Some of the bill’s key provisions include the repeal of a licensure requirement to hunt in wildlife management areas and the expansion of the firearms individuals may use to hunt. ACU supports the right to hunt responsibly, supports improving public use of public lands and supported this bill. The Senate passed the bill on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 48-5 and the bill was signed into law.

13


20. SB 120 Improving Legislative Transparency through Economic Analyses. This bill improves legislative transparency by providing the chairpersons of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee the ability to request economic analyses of tax bills. Under the bill, these legislative members may request up to three economic analyses of proposed law each session. Additionally, the analyses must estimate net changes in state revenue, expenditures, economic activity and public benefit. ACU supports all efforts to increase fiscal responsibility and improve government transparency and supported this minor improvement as a step in the right direction. The Senate passed the bill on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 54-0 and the bill was signed into law.

14


GEORGIA HOUSE STATISTICS

51%OVERALL AVERAGE

GREENE, GERALD

44%

LOWEST REPUBLICAN

62%REPUBLICAN AVERAGE

36%DEMOCRAT AVERAGE

STOVALL, VALENCIA

53%

HIGHEST DEMOCRAT

GEORGIA HOUSE CONSERVATIVE RATINGS

RED = REPUBLICANS BLUE = DEMOCRATS

# OF STATE REPS

2019 ACUF PERCENTAGE

90-100%0-9% 10-19% 30-39% 40-49% 50-59% 60-69% 70-79% 80-89%20-29%0

10

20

30

40

50

15


GEORGIA HOUSE SCORES

GEORGIA HOUSE VOTE DETAILACU Foundation Position Y Y Y N N Y Y Y N Y N N Y N N Y Y N Y N Y

Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Alexander, Kimberly D 66 38% 11% 18% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Allen, Erick D 40 48% n/a 48% + - + - + - + - - + - + + - - - + - + - +

Anulewicz, Teri D 42 50% 17% 33% + - + - + - + - x + - + + - - - + - + - +

BALLINGER, MANDI R 23 61% 77% 70% + + + - - + + + - + x x x - - + + - + - +

BARR, TIMOTHY R 103 71% 88% 86% + x + - - + + + x x - + + - + + + + + - x

BARTON, MATT R 5 60% n/a 60% + + + - x - + + - + - - + - - + + + + - +

Bazemore, Debra D 63 30% 0% 13% + - - - x - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - +

Beasley-Teague, Sharon D 65 41% 14% 16% + x + - + - x - x + - - + + - - x - - - +

BELTON, DAVE R 112 57% 53% 58% + + x - x - x + - + - - x x x x + + + - +

Bennett, Karen D 94 30% 19% 12% + - - - - - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - x

Bentley, Patty D 139 n/a† 36% 32% + x x x x x x x - + x x x x x - + - - - +

BENTON, TOMMY R 31 57% 53% 60% + - + + - - + + - + - - + - + + + - + - +

Beverly, James D 143 33% 6% 16% - - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

BLACKMON, SHAW R 146 56% 60% 65% + + + - - + + + - x - - + - - + + - + x x

Boddie, William D 62 40% 11% 24% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - x +

BONNER, JOSH R 72 70% 78% 73% + + + - + + + + - x - - + - + + + - + + +





• HB 501 Legalizing Oyster Farming. • HB 83 Undermining Local Control over Education

by Mandating Recess for Grades K-5. • HB 84 Increasing Unreasonable Regulatory

Burdens on Health Care Providers and Insurers. • HB 198 Reforming the Certificate of Need Law to

Provide Hospitals Slight Regulatory Relief.

• HB 337 Advancing the Next Generation of Car Rentals.






• SB 120 Improving Legislative Transparency through Economic Analyses.



• HB 481 Protecting the Lives of Unborn Children by Banning Abortions upon Detection of a Heartbeat.


• HR 48 Obstructing Job Creation and Affordable Energy by Opposing Offshore Energy Initiatives.

• SB 72 Expanding Hunting Rights on Public Lands. • HB 242 Restricting Competition by Imposing

Additional Regulations on Massage Therapy. • HB 345 Protecting the Safety of Pregnant Inmates

and their Infants.

16



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Bruce, Roger D 61 38% 12% 16% - - + - x - + - - x x x + + - - + - + - x

Buckner, Debbie D 137 35% 25% 19% + x - - - - + - - + - - + - - - + - + - +

BURCHETT, JAMES R 176 n/a† n/a n/a x x x x x x x x - x - - + - - + + - + - +

Burnough, Rhonda D 77 33% 22% 26% + - - - + - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - +

BURNS, JON R 159 60% 65% 67% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + x +

CALDWELL, MICHAEL R 20 81% 83% 84% + + - + + + + + + + - - + + + + + + + - +

Cannon, Park D 58 22% 6% 13% - - - - x - - - - + - - x + x - + - - - +

CANTRELL, WES R 22 71% 88% 76% + + + - + + + + + + - - + - - + + + + - +

CARPENTER, KASEY R 4 53% 72% 62% + + + - - + x + - + - - + - - + + - x - +

CARSON, JOHN R 46 59% 63% 69% x + x - x - + + x + - - + - - + + + + - +

Carter, Doreen D 92 29% 22% 18% - - - - + - + - - + - - - + - - + - - - +

CHEOKAS, MIKE R 138 67% n/a 68% + + + x - + + + - + - x + - - + + x + - +

CLARK, DAVID R 98 62% 82% 69% + + - - - + + + - + - - + - + + + + + - +

CLARK, HEATH R 147 62% 81% 75% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - + + + - + - +

Clark, Jasmine D 108 24% n/a 24% - - - - + - + - - + - - - - - - + - - - +

COLLINS, J. R 68 60% 65% 63% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - + + + - + - x

COOKE, KEVIN R 18 75% 75% 83% + + x - - + + + - + - - + + + + + + + + +

COOPER, SHARON R 43 50% 71% 67% x x + - x + + + - + - - + - - - + - + - +

CORBETT, JOHN R 174 62% 63% 52% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +























and their Infants.

17



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Davis, Viola D 87 29% n/a 29% + - - - - - + - - + - - - + - - + - - - +

DEMPSEY, KATIE R 13 52% 76% 71% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Dickerson, Pam D 113 37% 24% 18% + - - - + - + - x + - - + x - - + - - - +

DICKEY, ROBERT R 140 57% 71% 68% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

DOLLAR, MATT R 45 72% 81% 77% + + + - - + + + - + x x + - x + + - + + +

Douglas, Demetrius D 78 38% 17% 20% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Drenner, Karla D 85 35% 33% 19% x - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Dreyer, David D 59 33% 6% 18% - - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

DUBNIK, MATT R 29 70% 82% 76% + + + + - - + + - + - x + - + + + + + - +

Dukes, Winfred D 154 32% 19% 17% + - - - + - x - - + - - + x - - + - - - +

DUNAHOO, EMORY R 30 69% 71% 78% + + + + - - + + - + - + + - + + x x x x x

EFSTRATION, CHUCK R 104 63% 88% 71% + + + - - + + + x + - - + - - + + - + x +

EHRHART, GINNY R 36 52% 82% 73% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

ENGLAND, TERRY R 116 62% 71% 67% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + + + - +

ERWIN, CHRIS R 28 n/a† n/a n/a x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

Evans, Becky D 83 29% n/a 29% + - - - - - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - +

FLEMING, BARRY R 121 61% 63% 63% + + + - - + + + - - - - + - x + + x + x +

Frazier, Gloria D 126 37% 18% 28% - - + - - - + - x + x - + + - - + - - - +

Frye, Spencer D 118 38% 17% 25% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +























and their Infants.

18



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

GAINES, HOUSTON R 117 60% n/a 60% + + + - x + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

GAMBILL, MATTHEW R 15 55% n/a 55% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + x + - +

Gardner, Pat D 57 25% 18% 27% + - - - - - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - x

Gilliard, Carl D 162 37% 35% 31% + x + - - - + - - + - - + - - - + - + - x

GILLIGAN, SHERI R 24 90% 72% 75% + + - + + + + + + x - + + + + + + + + + +

Glanton, Mike D 75 38% 73% 45% x x x - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - x - x

Gordon, J. Craig D 163 40% 13% 23% + x - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

GRAVLEY, MICAH R 67 71% 71% 76% + + + - - x + + - + x x + - + + + + + - x

GREENE, GERALD R 151 44% 63% 54% + - + - - - + + - + - - x - x x + - + - +

GULLETT, JOSEPH R 19 74% n/a 74% + + + - + - + + - x - + x - + + + + + + +

GURTLER, MATT R 8 71% 78% 76% + + - - + - - + + - + + + + + + - + + + +

HARRELL, BRETT R 106 59% 72% 74% + + + - x + + + - + - - + - x x x - + - +

HATCHETT, MATT R 150 71% 65% 68% + + + - x + + x - + - - + - x + + + + x +

HAWKINS, LEE R 27 52% 72% 63% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Henson, Michele D 86 37% 18% 16% + - - - + - + - - + - x + + - - + - - - x

HILL, DEWAYNE R 3 62% 67% 64% + + + + - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

HITCHENS, BILL R 161 52% 59% 61% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

HOGAN, DON R 179 57% 67% 63% + + + - + - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +























and their Infants.

19



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Holcomb, Scott D 81 38% 19% 26% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Holland, Betsy D 54 33% n/a 33% - - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Holly, El-Mahdi D 111 37% n/a 37% x - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - x - +

HOLMES, SUSAN R 129 n/a† 73% 78% + + x x x x + + - + - - x - x + + - x - x

Hopson, Camia Whitaker D 153 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

HOUSTON, PENNY R 170 68% 63% 69% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - x + + - + x +

Howard, Henry D 124 40% 21% 22% + - + - x - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Hugley, Carolyn D 136 35% 17% 15% + - x - - - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Hutchinson, Shelly D 107 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - - - - + - - + + - - + - + - +

Jackson, Derrick D 64 29% 18% 20% - - - - + - + - - + - - - + - - + - - - +

Jackson, Mack D 128 40% 39% 29% + - + - x - + - - + - - x - x + + x x - x

JASPERSE, RICK R 11 60% 71% 74% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + + + x +

JONES, JAN R 47 58% 73% 75% + + + - - + + + - x - x + - - + + - + - +

JONES, JEFF R 167 50% 71% 56% + + - - - + + + - + - - x - x x + - + - +

Jones, Sheila D 53 33% 33% 23% + - x - + - x - - + - - x + x - + - x - x

JONES, TODD R 25 n/a† 73% 67% + + + - + + + + + + - + x x x x x x x x x

Jones, Vernon D 91 42% 41% 49% + - - - - - + + - + - - + - - - + x + x +

Kausche, Angelika D 50 42% n/a 42% + x - - + - + x - + - - + + - - + - - - +

KELLEY, TREY R 16 65% 71% 76% + + + - - + + + - x x x - - - + + + + x +























and their Infants.

20



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Kendrick, Dar'Shun D 93 43% 29% 21% + - + - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Kennard, Gregg D 102 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

KIRBY, TOM R 114 58% 88% 77% x + x - - + + + - + - - + - - + + + + - +

KNIGHT, DAVID R 130 65% 71% 73% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + + + x +

LAHOOD, JOHN R 175 62% 63% 62% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

LARICCIA, DOMINIC R 169 67% 61% 54% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - + + + - + - +

Lopez Romero, Brenda D 99 30% 12% 21% - - - - + - + - - + - - - + x - + - - - +

LOTT, JODI R 122 57% 75% 66% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

LUMSDEN, EDDIE R 12 52% 67% 66% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Marin, Pedro D 96 39% 21% 18% + x - - x - + - - + - - + + - - + - - x +

MARTIN, CHUCK R 49 50% 60% 76% + + + - x + x + - - - x + - - - x x + - +

MATHIAK, KAREN R 73 62% 72% 66% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + + + - +

MATHIS, DANNY R 144 62% n/a 62% + + + + - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

MCCALL, TOM R 33 63% 65% 65% + + + - - + + + - + - - x - x + + + + - +

Mcclain, Dewey D 100 39% 13% 17% - x x - + - + x - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Mclaurin, Josh D 51 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Mcleod, Donna D 105 29% n/a 29% - - - - + - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - +

MEEKS, STEVEN R 178 56% n/a 56% + + + - + - + x x x - - + - - + + - + - +























and their Infants.

21



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Metze, Marie D 55 33% 18% 18% + - - - - - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Mitchell, Billy D 88 43% 29% 26% + - + - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

MOMTAHAN, MARTIN R 17 74% n/a 74% + + + - + x + + - x - - + - + + + + + + +

Moore, Beth D 95 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

MOORE, COLTON R 1 86% n/a 86% + + - - + + + + + + - + + + + + + + + + +

MORRIS, GREG R 156 60% 59% 70% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - + + + - + - x

MORRIS, MARC R 26 70% 69% 69% + + + - + + + + - + - - + x - + + + + - +

Nelson, Sheila D 125 38% 7% 20% - - + - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

NEWTON, MARK R 123 60% 63% 65% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - x

Nguyen, Bee D 89 32% 6% 19% - - - - + - + - - + - - x + - - + x - - +

NIX, RANDY R 69 57% 67% 67% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Oliver, Mary Margaret D 82 38% 29% 23% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Paris, Miriam D 142 33% 6% 22% - - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Park, Samuel D 101 35% 25% 25% + - - - + - + - - x - - + + - - + - - - +

PARRISH, BUTCH R 158 52% 65% 65% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - - + - + - +

PARSONS, DON R 44 57% 69% 65% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - - + + + + - +

PETREA, JESSE R 166 67% 69% 64% + + + - + - + + - + - + + - x + + - + x x

PIRKLE, CLAY R 155 74% 75% 72% + + + + - + + + - + - - + - + + + + + x x























and their Infants.

22



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

POWELL, ALAN R 32 60% 72% 70% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + x + - +

POWELL, JAY R 171 52% 87% 69% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - - + - + - +

Prince, Brian D 127 40% 28% 24% + - + - + - + - - + - - + - - - + - x - +

PRUETT, JIMMY R 149 67% 59% 73% + + + + + + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

PULLIN, KEN R 131 80% n/a 80% + + - - + - + + + x - + + + + + + + + + +

RALSTON, DAVID R 7 n/a† n/a n/a x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

REEVES, BERT R 34 55% 75% 58% + + + - - x + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

RHODES, TREY R 120 63% 56% 58% + + + - + + + + - + - - x - - + + - + x +

RICH, BONNIE R 97 57% n/a 57% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - - + + - - - +

RIDLEY, JASON R 6 62% 65% 66% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - + + + + + - +

Robichaux, Mary D 48 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

ROGERS, TERRY R 10 63% 75% 73% + + + - x + + + - + - - + - x + + - + - +

RUTLEDGE, DALE R 109 n/a† 94% 78% + + x - + + + + - x - + x x x x x + x + +

RYNDERS, ED R 152 65% 75% 74% + + + - - + + + - + - - x - + + + + + - +

SAINZ, STEVEN R 180 56% n/a 56% + + + x - x x + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Schofield, Kim D 60 32% 17% 24% - x x - + - - - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

SCOGGINS, MITCHELL R 14 55% n/a 55% + + + - - - + + - + - - + - x + + - + - +

Scott, Sandra D 76 33% 11% 17% + - - - + + - - - + - - - + - - + - - - +























and their Infants.

23



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

SETZLER, ED R 35 50% 78% 77% + x + - - + + + - + - - + - - + x - + - x

Shannon, Renitta D 84 24% 17% 18% - - - - - - - - - + - - - + + - + - - - +

Sharper, Dexter D 177 30% 22% 18% + - - - + - + - - + - - + - - - + - - - x

SILCOX, DEBORAH R 52 47% 63% 60% + x + - - x + + - + - - + - - - + - + - +

SMITH, LYNN R 70 56% 80% 70% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + x x x x x

Smith, Michael D 41 37% 11% 23% - x + - + - + - - + - - + - - - + x - - +

SMITH, RICHARD R 134 57% 67% 68% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

SMITH, VANCE R 133 67% n/a 67% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - + + + + + - +

Smyre, Calvin D 135 28% 40% 21% + - x - - - x - - + - - + - - - + - - x +

Stephens, Mickey D 165 n/a† 22% 21% + - x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x

STEPHENS, RON R 164 67% 63% 67% + + + - x x + + x + x x + - - x + - + - +

Stephenson, Pam D 90 16% 13% 16% x - - - - - - - - + - - - + - - + - - - x

Stovall, Valencia D 74 53% 61% 43% x + + - + + + + - + - - + - - - + x - - +

STOVER, DAVID R 71 81% 78% 85% + + - - + + + + + + - - + + + + + + + + +

TANKERSLEY, JAN R 160 58% 73% 67% + + + - x - + + - + - - + - x + + - + - +

TANNER, KEVIN R 9 75% 83% 76% + x + x x + + + x + - - + - x + + + + - +

TARVIN, STEVE R 2 76% 76% 80% + + + - - + + + - + - - + + + + + + + + +

TAYLOR, DARLENE R 173 58% 67% 68% + + + - - x + + - + - - + - - + + x + - +























and their Infants.

24



Party Dist.2019

%2018

%LIFETIME

AVG

HB

33

HB

266

HB

501

HB

83

HB

84

HB

198

HB

337

HB

316

SB 122

SB 66

SB 118

SB 153

SB 120

HB

321

HB

346

HB

481

HB

39

HR

48

SB 72

HB

242

HB

345

Thomas, Erica D 39 29% 21% 23% - - - - + - + - - + - - x x x - + x - - +

Thomas, Mable D 56 35% 25% 19% + - x - - x x - - + - - + x - - + - + - +

Trammell, Robert D 132 38% 6% 19% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

TURNER, SCOT R 21 83% 88% 84% x + - + + + + - + + - + + + + + + + + x x

WASHBURN, DALE R 141 57% n/a 57% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

WATSON, SAM R 172 60% 67% 67% + + + - - + + + - x - - + - - + + + + - +

WELCH, ANDREW R 110 63% 71% 74% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - x + + - + x +

WERKHEISER, BILL R 157 62% 60% 60% + + + + - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

WIEDOWER, MARCUS R 119 62% n/a 62% + + + - + + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

Wilensky, Michael D 79 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Wilkerson, David D 38 35% 13% 16% - - - - + - + x - + - - + + - - + - - - +

Williams, Al D 168 44% 41% 27% + x + - x - + - - + - - x + - - + - + - +

Williams, Mary Frances D 37 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +

WILLIAMS, NOEL R 148 55% n/a 55% + x + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

WILLIAMS, RICKY R 145 57% 71% 66% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - - + + - + - +

WILLIAMSON, BRUCE R 115 63% 88% 78% + + + - - + + + - + - - + - + + + x + - x

Wilson, Matthew D 80 38% n/a 38% + - - - + - + - - + - - + + - - + - - - +























and their Infants.

25


1. HB 33 Providing a Grace Period for Military to Renew Licenses to Carry Firearms. This bill provides military service members a grace period to renew licenses to carry firearms if their licenses to carry expired while on active duty outside the state. Under the bill, service members may carry firearms in accordance with the expired license for six months and may renew their licenses without paying the $30 fee required for new licenses. ACU supports the founders’ belief in the Second Amendment and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on February 27, 2019 by a vote of 148-20 and the bill was signed into law.

2. HB 266 Expanding School Choice by Increasing Deductions for Contributions to Savings Trust Accounts. This bill expands school choice by increasing tax deductions for contributions to savings trust fund accounts. The bill is in response to a provision within the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (championed by Sen. Ted Cruz [ACUF Lifetime 98%]) which ultimately expanded school choice by changing the definition of “qualified education” under 529 accounts to include elementary education at all types of schools, including public, private and religious schools. Under the bill, contributions up to $4,000 to these accounts may be deducted from personal income taxes (previously $2,000). ACU supports strengthening school choice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 4, 2019 by a vote of 95-64 and the bill was signed into law.

3. HB 501 Legalizing Oyster Farming. This bill expands entrepreneurship and allows consumers to enjoy “Georgia-grown” oysters by legalizing oyster farming in the state. The bill establishes a regulatory framework which includes a lottery system for leasing state waters. Unfortunately, the bill contains many overly restrictive provisions, including potential limits on summer harvesting and the lottery system which restricts competition. While ACU opposes some of the bill’s provisions, we support the responsible harvesting of oysters and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on March 5, 2019 by a vote of 102-60 and the bill was signed into law.

4. HB 83 Undermining Local Control over Education by Mandating Recess for Grades K-5. This bill mandates that all schools in the state include scheduled recess time which cannot be limited for disciplinary or academic purposes. ACU supports local control over education, opposes educational mandates such as this which may weaken the ability of schools to maintain productive learning environments and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 160-11 but it was vetoed by the governor.

5. HB 84 Increasing Unreasonable Regulatory Burdens on Health Care Providers and Insurers. This bill drives up health care costs by imposing unreasonable regulations on the billing practices of insurance companies, health care providers and hospitals. The bill forces the disclosure of private contractual arrangements and billing procedures between insurance companies, health care providers and hospitals. Additionally, the bill imposes new regulations on how physicians make patient referrals. ACU opposes this additional government interference in the marketplace which drives up health care costs and place invasive and unreasonable regulatory burdens on insurers and health care providers and opposed this bill. The House defeated the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 77-78.

6. HB 198 Reforming the Certificate of Need Law to Provide Hospitals Slight Regulatory Relief. This bill reforms the state’s certificate of need (CON) law to provide health care providers slight regulatory relief. The CON law reduces competition by forcing health care providers to demonstrate a “need” if they want to construct a new facility or expand an existing one. Under the bill, health care providers are exempt from CON laws as long as the improvements made to their facilities cost less than $10 million (previously $2.5 million) and the value of the medical equipment they require is less than $4 million (previously $1 million). Additionally, the bill makes it easier for cancer treatment facilities to expand their services without government approval. Unfortunately, the bill also included some negative provisions, including one regarding medical use rights which weaken the property rights of hospitals. ACU opposes certificate of need schemes which limit patients’ accessibility to health care and protect government-favored health care providers from competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House defeated the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 72-94.

GEORGIA HOUSE VOTE DESCRIPTIONS

26


7. HB 337 Advancing the Next Generation of Car Rentals. This bill ensures that individuals are able to rent their personal vehicles through peer-to-peer carsharing programs such as Turo. Under the bill, a minimally restrictive regulatory framework is established and local governments are prohibited from imposing certain additional regulations. ACU supports free market solutions to expand transportation services and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 7, 2019 by a vote of 159-7. (The bill failed to advance in the Senate.)

8. HB 316 Increasing Ballot Integrity through Electronic Voting Machines. This bill is designed to reduce vote fraud by replacing the state's aging voting machines with new electronic systems. Under the bill, the new machines will allow eligible voters to vote electronically and print a paper ballot, providing a way to audit results. Additionally, the bill makes a number of other reforms to increase election integrity. ACU supports efforts to strengthen ballot integrity and accurately reflect the will of voters and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 14, 2019 by a vote of 101-69 and the bill was signed into law.

9. SB 122 Interfering in Automobile Data and Franchise Agreements and Violating Intellectual Property Rights. This bill violates the right of automotive dealers to freely negotiate with automotive dealers and data companies. First, the bill forces data companies in the automotive industry, which already have contract agreements with auto dealers, to provide free and unlimited access to their data (maintained through Dealer Management Systems) to third parties. This provision is a maneuver to force data companies to provide access to third parties, such as dealership business partners, to data company systems without compensation. Second, the bill dictates numerous provisions within franchise agreements between dealers and manufacturers as part of an effort to benefit dealers. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to protect all property rights, including intellectual property and copyright software. ACU opposes this clear attack on intellectual property rights and the right to contract, and interference in private negotiations between manufacturers and dealers which will result in higher consumer costs and weaker consumer warranties and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 18, 2019 by a vote of 158-9 and the bill was signed into law.

10. SB 66 Advancing the Next Generation of 5G Technology. This bill paves the way for the expansion of 5G broadband technology across the state. Under the bill, a regulatory framework is established which prevents localities from blocking 5G infrastructure deployment on public right of ways, while ensuring localities are compensated for their expenses and have a say in device placement. ACU supports the ability of private enterprise to provide the next generation of wireless services and a reasonable framework for deployment to ensure taxpayers won’t bear costs and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 25, 2019 by a vote 159-3 and the bill was signed into law.

11. SB 118 Driving up Health Care Costs by Mandating Insurers Cover Telehealth. This bill drives up health insurance costs by issuing a series of mandates forcing all insurance policies offered in the state to cover care provided by telehealth providers. Under the bill, insurers must reimburse health care providers for telehealth services (health care provided through internet, phone or other digital communication) at the same rate insurers reimburse traditional health care. While ACU supports new, innovative technology such as telehealth but we oppose government mandates which hinder their advancement and ultimately drive up health insurance costs and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 26, 2019 by a vote of 168-1 and the bill was signed into law.

12. SB 153 Driving up Costs for Crime Scene Cleanup by Imposing Licensure Mandates. This bill restricts competition and drives up costs for individuals impacted by crime by forcing businesses which provide crime scene cleanup services to become licensed. Under the bill, businesses which provide these services must pay $100 registration fees every three years, post a $25,000 bond and carry liability insurance covering $100,000 in damages. ACU opposes licensure regimes which primarily restrict competition, opposes further victimizing those impacted by crime through this costly government mandate and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 26, 2019 by a vote of 152-13 but the governor vetoed the bill.

27


13. SB 120 Improving Legislative Transparency through Economic Analyses. This bill improves legislative transparency by providing the chairpersons of the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Senate Finance Committee the ability to request economic analyses of tax bills. Under the bill, these legislative members may request up to three economic analyses of proposed law each session. Additionally, the analyses must estimate net changes in state revenue, expenditures, economic activity and public benefit. ACU supports all efforts to increase fiscal responsibility and improve government transparency and supported this minor improvement as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 150-9 and the bill was signed into law.

14. HB 321 Interfering in the Marketplace through Hospital Subsidies and a Medicaid Gimmick. This bill further extends two programs that interfere in the free marketplace and harm state and federal taxpayers. Firstly, the bill extends until 2024 a program which provides up to $60 million in subsidies to rural hospitals through a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for individuals and corporate donors. Secondly, the bill renews the hospital provider fee which is part of a gimmick to raise money to extract over $650 million in federal Medicaid funds. ACU opposes harming state and federal taxpayers, supports a free marketplace and opposes forcing residents of some areas to subsidize the amenities of individuals who choose to live in rural areas and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 107-61 and the bill was signed into law.

15. HB 346 Interfering in Tenant-Landlord Contracting Rights and Fostering Frivolous Litigation. This bill prevents landlords and tenants from freely contracting and opens landlords up to frivolous litigation. Under the bill, if a tenant complains that repairs are needed on the property, landlords are prohibited from raising rent for three months or reducing services or risk being taken to court for “retaliation.” If a court rules in the tenant’s favor, the tenant may be entitled to one month’s rent plus court and attorney fees and $500. ACU Foundation’s Center for 21st Century Property Rights is a leading voice on this issue and works to ensure the property rights of both landlords and tenants are properly protected. ACU supports the right of landlords to collect rent that is rightfully owed to them, opposes subjecting landlords to lawsuit abuse by tenants who scheme to avoid rent payment or rent increases and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 125-28 and the bill was signed into law.

16. HB 481 Protecting the Lives of Unborn Children by Banning Abortions upon Detection of a Heartbeat. This bill, known as the “Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act,” protects the lives of the unborn by banning abortions once unborn children have a detectable heartbeat. Under previous law, abortions were prohibited only when an unborn child matured to 20 weeks’ gestation. Under this bill, abortions cannot be performed once a heartbeat is detected by ultrasound which typically occurs at six weeks’ gestation. The bill maintains exemptions in cases of rape, incest, and in medical emergencies when the life or major bodily functions of the mother are at risk. Additionally, the bill requires medical professionals to disclose to anyone considering abortion of the developmental stage of their unborn child and to provide medical care to children who survive abortion. ACU believes abortion is a human tragedy, supports restrictions on the practice and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on March 29, 2019 by a vote of 92-78 and the bill was signed into law.

28


17. HB 39 Expanding Employment by Providing Occupational Licensing Reciprocity to Physical Therapists. This bill commits Georgia to the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact, thus allowing physical therapists who are licensed to practice in other member states to also practice in Georgia without applying for a separate license. ACU opposes licensing regimes which are primarily designed to restrict competition and supported this bill as a step in the right direction. The House passed the bill on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 168-1 and the bill was signed into law.

18. HR 48 Obstructing Job Creation and Affordable Energy by Opposing Offshore Energy Initiatives. This resolution declares opposition to expanding Georgia’s energy portfolio through exploration and drilling in Georgia’s coastal waters. ACU supports all sources of energy, believes government should not favor one source over another, supports efforts to reduce consumer energy costs by increasing production, and opposed this resolution. The House adopted the resolution on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 125-36.

19. SB 72 Expanding Hunting Rights on Public Lands. This bill makes a number of reforms to expand the ability of individuals to lawfully hunt on public lands. Some of the bill’s key provisions include the repeal of a licensure requirement to hunt in wildlife management areas and the expansion of the firearms individuals may use to hunt. ACU supports the right to hunt responsibly, supports improving public use of public lands and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 105-61 and the bill was signed into law.

20. HB 242 Restricting Competition by Imposing Additional Regulations on Massage Therapy. This bill further expands the state’s anti-competitive licensing regime regulating the practice of massage therapy. Specifically, businesses which provide massage therapy must abide by numerous new regulations, including carrying $3 million in liability insurance and be subject to on-site inspections by government. Additionally, the powers of Board of Massage Therapy are expanded and minimum penalties for noncompliance with board mandates are increased to $500 for first-time infractions and $5,000 or 6 months’ imprisonment for subsequent infractions. While ACU supports provisions in the bill prohibiting local governments from imposing certain anti-competitive regulations of massage therapy businesses, we oppose licensing regimes which are primarily designed to restrict competition and reduce available goods and services for consumers and opposed this bill. The House passed the bill April 2, 2019 by a vote of 144-12 and the bill was signed into law.

21. HB 345 Protecting the Safety of Pregnant Inmates and their Infants. This bill is designed to protect the safety of pregnant inmates and their infants by requiring that female inmates who are pregnant must be afforded the least restrictive restraints. Under the bill, any form of restraints is prohibited while a woman is pregnant or in the immediate postpartum period unless there are compelling grounds to believe she presents a flight risk or serious threat of danger to herself or others. The ACU Foundation’s Nolan Center for Justice is a leading authority on this and works to protect the dignity of incarcerated women and their children. ACU supports this reform to protect the safety and wellbeing of women who are pregnant and their infants and supported this bill. The House passed the bill on April 2, 2019 by a vote of 152-0 and the bill was signed into law.

Documents

ACU FOUNDATION'S RATINGS of GEORGIA 2019acuratings.conservative.org/wp-content/uploads/... · 2 ACU FUAS atings of eorgia 2019 C F LSLA ACCUAL Dear Fellow Conservative, The American