NFIB Georgia Small Business Victories

June 1, 2023

NFIB Georgia Small Business Victories

Here’s a look at some of the small business victories in this year’s session of the General Assembly:

SB 55: Georgia Lemonade Stand Act – preempt a local government’s ability to establish or require any form of regulation for businesses owned by those under the age of 18 who sell less than $5,000 of non-consumable, prepackaged food item, lemonade, or other non-alcoholic beverages, and who conduct their business on private property with the knowledge and consent of the property owner. NFIB supports legislation that limits onerous regulation while fostering young entrepreneurship in our state.SB 55 was signed by the Governor on May 3rd.
HB 408: Sales and use tax; exemption for competitive projects of regional significance – extends the sunset period to 2026 on the sales tax exemption on tangible personal property used for the construction of a competitive project of regional significance. A “competitive project of regional significance” is defined in code as “the location or expansion of some or all of a Business Enterprise’s operations in this state where the Commissioner of Economic Development determines that the project would have a significant regional impact.” NFIB prioritizes legislation that supports the current tax incentives and economic development policies that have proven to attract investment and create jobs in the state.HB 408 was signed by the Governor on May 5th.
SB 203: Trucking Opportunity Act of 2023 – takes several steps to make improvements to Georgia’s trucking laws. First, upon the appropriation of funds, the bill would allow veterans to access tuition-free training programs. Second, the bill repeals a provision that allows for lawsuits to be brought against motor carriers and their insurance companies as co-defendants. Third, the bill provides standard maximum driving hours for motor carriers in intrastate commerce. And fourth, the bill makes clear that a person issued a commercial driver’s license in accordance with state law is considered to have the necessary qualifications for such commercial vehicle operation. NFIB supports efforts to develop the state’s transportation network, which bolsters economic growth and greater quality of life for all Georgians.SB 203 passed the Senate on Crossover Day and will move on to the next legislative session.
HB 343: Lowering Prescription Drug Costs of Patients Act – would require that 50% of all rebates typically passed back to the health plan sponsor to offset costs of the health plans, be used instead to offset out-of-pocket price of medication paid. What the bill does not do is help reduce the overall price of these plans. This bill would take away your ability to make health plan choices that best suit small group employers.NFIB was able to help stop this bill in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee but will still be live for next year.