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We are approaching the end of the 2022 legislative session with the last day being April 4. Normally, we do not adjourn from the last day of the session until midnight.

Tuesday, this past week, was Crossover Day. It was the 28th day of the Session, and it means House bills that pass out of the House, by adjournment on the 28th day, go to the Senate. The House will only take up Senate bills the remainder of the session. The same holds true for the Senate. During the last 12 days, the Senate will only hear House bills.

I was fortunate to pass four bills in the House by the end of Crossover Day;

• HB 1089 — a penalty increase for not registering a motor carrier in Georgia
•  HB 1291  — extending the sunset for tax credits for “high technology purchases”
•  HB 1352  — update to code to help citizens recover unclaimed property at DOR
•  HB 1372  — code update to “call before you dig legislation” to increase safety and efficiency

I have passed two of these bills, HB 1089 and HB 1372, out of the respective Senate Committees and now go to the Senate Rules Committee to try and get these bills on the Senate Floor. I will report on these bills in a future newsletter.

I am looking forward to Art Day at the Capitol. A number of students from Harris County have been chosen to present their art work. I always enjoy seeking students from home visit the Capitol.

I appreciate the calls and emails and continue to contact me at 404-656-0254 or Vance.smith@house.ga.gov.