Dear Friends, The 2012 The Georgia General Assembly adjourned on March 29, 2012. Many key pieces of legislation were passed, however, some issues remain active for further debate in 2013. Governor Deal has 40 days to either sign or veto bills passed by the General Assembly. As a whole, we passed more than 200 major state-wide bills and 300 local bills during this year's legislative session. For a up-to-date list of bills signed by the Governor, please click HERE It is an honor and a priviledge to serve you - the citizens of Cobb County. I look forward to continuing that service and humbly ask for your continued support. Respectfully, Don Parsons State Representative District 42, East Cobb County Outlined below are some significant pieces of legislation passed during the 2012 session HB 868: Job Incentives and Tax Credits Program - Increases Georgia's economic competitiveness by modifying job incentives and tax credit programs. The measure includes but is not limited to the research and development tax credit and the port tax credit bonus. HB 711: Family Violence Prevention - Georgia is the sixth highest ranked state in the nation for individuals killed by family violence. HB 711 makes it easier for prosecutors to obtain the necessary evidence to convict abusers and provide privacy protections for victims of abuse. HB 386: Comprehensive Tax Reform - Benefits Georgia families and businesses by eliminating the state sales tax on energy used for manufacturing, mining and agriculture. It also clarifies Georgia's current online sales tax laws to include purchases from out-of-state companies, leveling the playing field for local stores and shops. HR 1162: Charter School Constitutional Amendment - This constitutional amendment referendum will go before voters in November and if passed, will restore an alternative route for creating charter schools across the state. HB 1176: Criminal Justice Reform - Enables the criminal justice system in Georgia to distinguish the treatment of criminals, specifically allowing the treatment of drug offenders to include alternative sentencing programs that focus on rehabilitation and recovery. SB 427/SB 428: Regulatory Reform - Streamlines government and helps Georgia companies create jobs. SB 427 requires timely processing of permits required by the Environmental Protection Division and SB 428 requires an annual federal rules and regulations report from each agency. HB 822: Georgia Taxpayer False Claims Act - Allows private whistleblowers to work with the state attorney general to identify individuals and companies engaging in fraudulent business activities. Similar laws around the country have helped recover hundreds of millions in illegally obtained taxpayer dollars. HB 872: Metals Theft Regulation - Increases regulation of the secondary metals recycling industry to help cut down on metals theft by increasing penalties on those convicted of stealing various types of scrap metal for sale to recyclers. HB 48: Local Inventory Tax Exemption - Provides local governments the option to lower or waive their local inventory tax on businesses if they believe it will spur economic development. HB 100: Creation of a Georgia Tax Court - Allows Georgia taxpayers with a state tax dispute the option to request a hearing before an administrative law judge with an expertise in tax issues without having to file a lawsuit in superior court. HB 1049: Emergency 911 Service Act - Requires providers of voice over Internet service to register their company's information with the Director of Emergency Management.

Georgia Tradition: Paper Toss at Midnight to Celebrate Sine Die!