The following is an update on bills being tracked in the Georgia General Assembly.

1. House Bill 919 reduces the “title tax” on church-owned vehicles.
*We are working on better language so it can pass this year. It will be written as an amendment and attached to a bill which passed the House by crossover day.

2. Two similar bills would protect the religious liberty of business owners (Senate & House bills), and put the burden on the government to prove discrimination, rather than on the business owner to prove they were not discriminating.
*House bill stalled; senate bill is not moving. We need to keep contacting Gov. Deal, Lt. Gov. Cagle and House and Senate leaders to let them know this bill is too important to put off.

3. Federal Abortion Mandate Opt-out Act (SB 98). Prevents taxpayer subsidies for abortion through Obamacare, and prevents taxpayer subsidies for abortion coverage through state employee health plans.
*Passed Senate, moves to House.

4. Senate Bill 167 would establish an advisory council to review the Common Core Standards and propose changes that are “in the best interest of students, their parents, teachers, and taxpayers.”
*Passed Senate, moves to House.

5. House Bill 702 allows for privately funded monuments containing the Ten Commandments, a portion of the Declaration of Independence, and a portion of the Georgia Constitution to be placed on the grounds of the State Capitol.
*Passed House, moves to Senate.

6. House Bill 810 changes HOPE requirement for home school students from 85th percentile to 80 percentile on standardized college admission test, such as the SAT or ACT.
*Passed House, moves to Senate.

7. GA Virtual School update is part of larger bill (HB 897). Sets funds aside for private school and home school students.
*Passed House, moves to Senate.

8. Legalizing medical cannabis for pediatric treatment of seizures. It only allows very restive use, and cannot be obtained merely with a doctor’s prescription, but a more stringent process.
*Passed House, moves to Senate

9. House Bill 875 allows churches decide whether to allow firearms on church property, including concealed carry permit holders to bring a firearm into church.
*Passed House, moves to Senate.

10. The Children’s Hope for Family Act amends Georgia’s divorce law when minor children are in the home.
*Only had a hearing. It will not move this session.