Lawmakers Blow Out Candles on Birthday Tax

Lawmakers in the state House Thursday voted to eliminate two taxes, including the so-called Birthday Tax, when buying a car.

The annual ad valorem tax, along with the state sales tax, would be replaced with a 7 percent fee whenever a car's title changes hands. The fee would be capped at $2,000.

Republican Tom Rice from Norcross says under the proposal, people will save money when buying at the dealership.

"Anybody that buys a car off the lot, is gonna gain dollars back as soon as they drive it off the lot."

Supporters say the measure would help bring in more money to the trauma-care network across the cash-strapped state. They also say it makes buying from a dealer fair, because no sales tax is collected when buyers purchase from an individual.

But that has House Minority Leader Dubose Porter from Dublin concerned. He says the fee could burden those who are already hurting.

"We're creating a brand new tax that's gonna generate a heck of a lotta new money off of working folks in this state."

If the bill does become law, the tax won't go away for current car owners until they buy another one.

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Crossover Day Arrives

Crunch-time has arrived for state lawmakers in the General Assembly session. Today is 'Crossover Day', the final chance for a bill with a start in one chamber to pass to the other chamber for a vote.

Among the issues and legislation to watch: In the House, a battle is on-tap over the proposal to do-away-with the yearly property tax on cars and trucks. Over in the Senate, it's gearing for a fight over legislation to restrict embryonic stem cell research in Georgia.

To follow the dozens of bills on this frenzied Day-30 of the Session, be sure to check back with state news this afternoon and on tonight’s Georgia Gazette on GPB Radio. You can also check our Georgia News Blog anytime by going to gpb.org.

Lawmakers move many bills in busy Crossover Day

Yesterday was the 30th day of the legislation session--the final day for lawmakers to pass bills in one of the chambers.

In the House, Speaker Glenn Richardson got an altered tax reform plan approved with the help of Democrats--a vote of 166-5. The revised version would do away with the car tag tax and limit property tax assessments. Democrats jumped on board when a provision was dropped that would have restricted local spending of tax money.

Other measures out of the House yesterday--approved by a 164-7 vote was legislation to help fortify Georgia's struggling trauma system by adding a 10-dollar vehicle registration fee. Winning approval was a measure to deliver tougher penalties against students who falsely accuse teachers and school employees of inappropriate behavior.

A measure concerning billboard regulation was twice voted down however. It would have compensated billboad owners when they have to move their signs.

From the Senate, there was unanimous passage of legislation to give scholarships to students who have a parent killed or wounded in military combat. The program would cost the state up to 1.3 million dollars. A Governor Sonny Perdue-backed bill won passage that allows voters to oust school board members if that district loses accreditation. This came in the wake of Clayton County's troubles.

The sports of ultimate fighting and mixed martial arts would be regulated by the same panel that covers boxing. The Senate bill however doesn't put the money-making wrestling industry in Georgia under the same oversight.

Crossover Day for state lawmakers

Today promises to be a long one for lawmakers at the State Capitol. This 30th day of the legislative session is known as Crossover Day, where bills must pass at least the one chamber to have a chance at becoming law. Not yet agreed upon between House and Senate members are mid-year revisions to the budget for the fiscal year. Bills to be debated include those for billboard regulations and extending foreclosure notices for homeowners in trouble. Among legislation that's been passed in the Session? The two chambers passed a statewide water plan and bills for charter schools.