05
LC 34 0133
Senate
Bill 49
By: Senators Kemp of the 46th, Thompson of the 33rd, Grant of the 25th and Zamarripa of the 36th
By: Senators Kemp of the 46th, Thompson of the 33rd, Grant of the 25th and Zamarripa of the 36th
AS
PASSED
AN
ACT
To
amend the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, so as to provide for notification
to the members of the General Assembly of the availability of annual reports,
budgets, and audits; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws;
and for other purposes.
BE
IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION
1.
Code
Section 8_5_8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the annual
report relative to art in state buildings, is amended by striking said Code
section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"8_5_8.
In
consultation with the director of the Office of Planning and Budget, the council
shall prepare an annual report relative to the art in state buildings program
pursuant to this chapter. The council shall not be required to distribute copies
of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to
be most effective and efficient. Such report may be submitted as part of a
report on the activities and programs of the
council."
SECTION
2.
Code
Section 10_4_58 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual report of the state warehouse commissioner, is amended by striking said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"10_4_58.
(a)
The state warehouse commissioner shall make an annual report to the General
Assembly, setting forth:
(1)
Number and location of each warehouse where cotton has been received for storage
by the state;
(2)
Cotton on storage and that delivered on presentation of receipts;
and
(3)
Such further information as the commissioner may think would be of benefit to
the public.
(b)
The state warehouse commissioner shall not be required to distribute copies of
the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which he or she
deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
3.
Code
Section 10_10_7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
publishing of an annual report by the Advanced Technology Development Center, is
amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"10_10_7.
The
center, on behalf of the board, shall publish an annual report which shall be
made available to the Governor, the General Assembly, the Department of Economic
Development or any successor agency, the chairperson of the House Committee on
Economic Development and Tourism, the chairperson of the Senate Economic
Development and Tourism Committee, and the board setting forth in detail the
operations and transactions conducted by it pursuant to this chapter. The annual
report shall specifically account for the ways in which the needs, mission, and
programs of the center described in this chapter have been carried out. The
center shall distribute its annual report by such means that will make it widely
available to those innovative enterprises of special importance to the Georgia
economy. The center shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual
report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most
effective and
efficient."
SECTION
4.
Code
Section 12_3_1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duties
and powers of the Department of Natural Resources as to recreational policies
and programs, is amended by striking paragraph (7) of subsection (a) of said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(7)
To submit an annual report of activities and recommendations to the Governor and
to notify the General Assembly of the availability of the annual report in the
manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient;".
SECTION
5.
Code
Section 12_5_212 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual report relative to coastal waters, beaches, and sand dunes, is amended by
striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"12_5_212.
The
department shall make an annual report to the General Assembly which shall
include a report on all funds and properties received or disbursed under this
part. The department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual
report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to be most
effective and
efficient."
SECTION
6.
Code
Section 12_5_287 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to leasing
of state owned marshland or water bottoms, is amended by striking subsection (i)
of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(i)
The department shall make an annual report of its activities each calendar year
to the General Assembly. The report shall include a summary of all applications
received and leases granted, including length of terms, rentals, and locations.
Copies of the annual report shall be provided to the director of the State
Properties Commission, the chairperson of the House Natural Resources and
Environment Committee, the chairperson of the House Committee on State
Institutions and Property, the chairperson of the Senate Natural Resources
Committee, and the chairperson of the Senate Committee on State and Local
Governmental Operations. The department shall not be required to distribute
copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall
notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which
it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
7.
Code
Section 12_5_402 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers
and duties of the Department of Natural Resources with regard to the development
of the Chattahoochee River Basin, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of
subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"(2)
To submit an annual report of its activities under this part and recommendations
to the Governor and to notify the members of the General Assembly of the
availability of the annual report and recommendations in the manner which it
deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
8.
Code
Section 12_5_422 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers
and duties of the Department of Natural Resources with regard to the development
of the Altamaha River Basin, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of subsection
(b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(2)
To submit an annual report of its activities under this part and recommendations
to the Governor and to notify the members of the General Assembly of the
availability of the annual report and recommendations in the manner which it
deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
9.
Code
Section 12_6_139 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audit of
accounts of the Herty Foundation, is amended by striking said Code section in
its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"12_6_139.
It
shall be the duty of the state auditor to audit the books and accounts of the
foundation and to submit such audit to the Governor, who shall notify the
members of the General Assembly of the availability of the audit in the manner
which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
10.
Code
Section 12_8_31 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the state
solid waste management plan, is amended by striking the introductory language of
subsection (d) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"(d)
In monitoring and reporting on the implementation success of the state solid
waste management plan required under this Code section, the Department of
Community Affairs, with the cooperation of the division and the Georgia
Environmental Facilities Authority, shall report annually to the Governor and
the General Assembly on the status of solid waste management in Georgia. The
Department of Community Affairs shall not be required to distribute copies of
the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the annual report in the manner which it deems to
be most effective and efficient. The annual report shall include but not be
limited
to:".
SECTION
11.
Code
Section 12_8_33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Recycling Market Development Council, is amended by striking subsection (b) of
said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(b)
The council shall meet as necessary and shall determine what actions, if any,
are needed to facilitate the development and expansion of markets for recovered
materials in Georgia and shall prepare an annual report with recommendations to
the Governor and General Assembly. The council shall not be required to
distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the
manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
12.
Code
Section 15_9_101 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers
of the Probate Judges Training Council, bond of personnel employed by council
and empowered to handle funds, and audits, is amended by striking subsection (c)
of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(c)
The training council shall establish such auditing procedures as may be required
in connection with the handling of public funds. The state auditor is authorized
and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and doings of the training
council and to make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The
state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the
members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability
of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the training council
and all expenditures made by the training council, including administrative
expense. He or she shall also make an audit of the affairs of the training
council at any time required by a majority of the training council or the
Governor of the
state."
SECTION
13.
Code
Section 15_18_44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers
and duties of the Prosecuting Attorneys´ Council, employees´ bonds,
audits, and that certain retired personnel are not to be compensated, is amended
by striking subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in
its place the following:
"(c)
The council shall establish such auditing procedures as may be required in
connection with the handling of public funds. The state auditor is authorized
and directed to make an annual audit of the transactions of the council and to
make a complete report of the same to the General Assembly. The state auditor
shall not be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the
General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report
in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The
report shall disclose all moneys received by the council and all expenditures
made by the council, including administrative expense. The state auditor shall
also make an audit of the affairs of the council at any time when requested to
do so by a majority of the council or by the
Governor."
SECTION
14.
Code
Section 20_2_740 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
report by local boards of education regarding disciplinary and placement actions
and annual study by Department of Education, is amended by striking subsection
(c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(c)
The Department of Education shall conduct a study for each school year based
upon the statistical data filed by local boards pursuant to this Code section
for the purpose of determining trends in discipline. The department shall also
utilize existing demographic data on school personnel as needed to establish
trends in discipline. Nothing in this Code section shall be construed to
authorize the public release of personally identifiable information regarding
students or school personnel. The department shall prepare a report for the
General Assembly on the study annually and notify the members of the General
Assembly of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be
most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
15.
Code
Section 20_3_239 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
audits and distribution of audit reports of the Georgia Student Finance
Commission, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"20_3_239.
The
state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and
records of the commission. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit
report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for
inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the
commission, to members of the board of commissioners, and to the Governor and
shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the availability of the
report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
16.
Code
Section 20_3_268 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
audits of the Georgia Higher Education Assistance Corporation and distribution
of audit reports, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"20_3_268.
The
state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and
records of the corporation. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit
report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for
inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the
corporation, to members of the board of directors of the corporation, and to the
Governor and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the
availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most
effective and
efficient."
SECTION
17.
Code
Section 20_3_320 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audits
of the Georgia Student Finance Authority and distribution of audit reports, is
amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"20_3_320.
The
state auditor shall make an annual financial audit of the books, accounts, and
records of the authority. The state auditor shall maintain a copy of the audit
report on file in his or her office, make copies of the report available for
inspection by the general public, and furnish a copy of the report to the
authority, to members of the board of directors of the authority, to the
Governor, and to such other persons as may be required pursuant to Subpart 2 of
this part and shall notify the members of the General Assembly of the
availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most
effective and efficient. The authority is further authorized to have independent
audits made of such books, accounts, and records of the authority as may be
required pursuant to Subpart 2 of this
part."
SECTION
18.
Code
Section 20_12_8 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
reports by the board of regents regarding marine resources and oceanographic
studies, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting
in its place the following:
"20_12_8.
The
board of regents shall make an annual report to the General Assembly which shall
include a report on all funds and properties received or disbursed under this
chapter. The board of regents shall not be required to distribute copies of the
annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be
most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
19.
Code
Section 20_14_27 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to required
reports and publication format for the Office of Education Accountability, is
amended by striking subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"(b)
Each report provided for in this Code section shall be published in a format
that can be easily understood by parents and other members of the community who
are not professional educators. Such reports shall be distributed to the
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the
chairpersons of the Education and Higher Education committees of the Senate and
House of Representatives, members of the state education governing boards or
commissions, and members of the council. The office shall not be required to
distribute copies of such reports to the members of the General Assembly but
shall notify the members of the availability of the reports in the manner which
it deems to be most effective and efficient. In addition, such reports shall be
posted on the website of the
office."
SECTION
20.
Code
Section 20_14_28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
reporting on effect of nationally certified teachers on student performance, is
amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"20_14_28.
When
the state_wide comprehensive educational information system provided for in
Code Section 20_2_320 becomes functional, the office shall conduct a
longitudinal study of the effect of nationally certified teachers on student
performance in Georgia. Thereafter, the office shall prepare an annual report
addressing the question of whether nationally certified and Teacher Alternative
Preparation Program teachers have improved student performance in Georgia. The
office shall submit such report to the State Board of Education and shall notify
the members of the General Assembly of the availability of such report in the
manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
21.
Code
Section 25_4_6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
meetings, quorum, and annual report of the Georgia Firefighter Standards and
Training Council, is amended by striking paragraph (2) of said Code section in
its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(2)
The council shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to
the General Assembly and shall include in the report its recommendations for
appropriate legislation. The council shall not be required to distribute copies
of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be
most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
22.
Code
Section 28_5_5 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Budgetary Responsibility Oversight Committee, and members, duties, entities to
cooperate with the committee, annual report, allowances, and performance audits,
is amended by striking subsection (f) of said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"(f)
The committee shall make an annual report of its activities and findings to the
membership of the General Assembly and the Governor within one week of the
convening of each regular session of the General Assembly. The chairperson of
the committee shall prepare written executive summaries of such report prior to
the adoption of the General Appropriations Act each year. The committee shall
not be required to distribute copies of the annual report or the executive
summaries to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the materials in the manner which it deems to be most
effective and
efficient."
SECTION
23.
Code
Section 28_5_24 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual reports of the fiscal affairs subcommittees, is amended by striking said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"28_5_24.
The
fiscal affairs subcommittees of the Senate and the House jointly shall make an
annual report to the General Assembly of matters coming to their attention,
together with such
recommendations
to improve the efficiency in the operation and management of the various
departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, institutions, and other agencies of
state government as they see fit. The subcommittees shall not be required to
distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the
manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
24.
Code
Section 31_6_20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Health Strategies Council, is amended by striking subsection (h) of said Code
section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(h)
The council shall prepare an annual report to the board and the General Assembly
which presents information and updates on the functions outlined in subsection
(g) of this Code section. The annual report shall include information for
Georgia´s congressional delegation which highlights issues regarding
federal laws and regulations influencing Medicaid and medicare, insurance and
related tax laws, and long_term health care. The council shall not be required
to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report in the
manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
25.
Code
Section 33_2_8.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
preparation by the Commissioner of Insurance of a supplemental report on
property and casualty insurance, contents of the report, and request for
information, is amended by striking subsection (b) of said Code section in its
entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(b)
On July 1 of each year, the Commissioner, as a supplemental report to the annual
report provided in Code Section 33_2_8, shall compile a report containing the
information specified in this Code section. The Commissioner shall not be
required to distribute copies of the supplemental report to the members of the
General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the
supplemental report in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
26.
Code
Section 33_46_14 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual report to be issued by the Commissioner of Insurance regarding
utilization review programs, is amended by striking said Code section in its
entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"33_46_14.
The
Commissioner shall issue an annual report to the Governor and the General
Assembly concerning the conduct of utilization review in this state. Such report
shall include a description of utilization review programs and the services they
provide, an analysis of complaints filed against private review agents by
patients or providers, and an evaluation of the impact of utilization review
programs on patient access to care. The Commissioner shall not be required to
distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner
which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
27.
Code
Section 37_2_33 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
duties of the state ombudsman for mental health, mental retardation, and
substance abuse, is amended by striking paragraph (6) of said Code section in
its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(6)
Make an annual written report, documenting the types of complaints and problems
reported by service recipients and others on their behalf and include
recommendations concerning needed policy, regulatory, and legislative changes.
The annual report shall be submitted to the Governor and General Assembly and
other appropriate agencies and organizations and made available to the public.
The state ombudsman shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual
report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most
effective and
efficient."
SECTION
28.
Code
Section 38_4_11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
commissioner of veterans service, annual reports, content, and recipients, is
amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"38_4_11.
The
commissioner of veterans service shall furnish to the Governor, the members of
the General Assembly, the Veterans Service Board, veterans´ organizations,
and the public generally an annual report with reference to claims presented on
behalf of veterans of this state, concerning veterans aided under federal,
state, or local legislation, and otherwise to report the activities and
accomplishments of the Department of Veterans Service. The
commissioner of veterans service shall not be required to distribute copies of
the annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to
be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
29.
Code
Section 45_6_4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to mailing of
annual reports to General Assembly members, is amended by striking said Code
section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"45_6_4.
(a)
Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official directed by
law to file or electing to file an annual report shall notify each member of the
General Assembly in the manner which the reporting entity deems to be most
effective and efficient that such report is available upon request on or before
June 1 of each year, unless another date is provided for by law.
(b)
Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official directed by
law to provide or electing to provide the members of the General Assembly with
any annual report, budget, or audit other than those referred to in subsection
(a) of this Code section shall not be required to distribute copies of such
materials to the members but shall notify the members of the availability of
such materials in the manner which the reporting entity deems to be most
effective and efficient.
(c)
Each state agency, authority, office, board, department, or official shall be
required to furnish to any member of the General Assembly any such annual
report, budget, or audit referred to in this Code section upon request of any
member of the General
Assembly."
SECTION
30.
Code
Section 45_12_75.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual continuation budget report, is amended by striking subsection (c) of said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"(c)
The committee shall prepare a list of all programs included in the continuation
budget report for each department examined as well as actions recommended, if
any, by the committee. Within one week of the convening of each regular session
of the General Assembly, the committee shall notify the members of the
availability of the list in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
31.
Code
Section 45_20_1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to purposes
and principles of the state merit system, is amended by striking paragraph (9)
of subsection (c) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its
place the following:
"(9)
Audit agencies´ processes as referred to in paragraph (8) of this
subsection and report findings annually to the Governor and the General Assembly
in conjunction with an annual report on the overall status of the state work
force. The state merit system shall not be required to distribute copies of the
findings or annual report referred to in this paragraph to the members of the
General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the
materials in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient;".
SECTION
32.
Code
Section 45_20_11 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to audits
of the state merit system and reports of audit findings, is amended by striking
said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"45_20_11.
The
state auditor shall perform periodic operational audits of the state merit
system. Such audits shall also be performed at the request of the Governor, the
commissioner, or the General Assembly. Reports of audit findings shall be filed
with the board, the commissioner, and the Governor. The state auditor shall not
be required to file copies of the audit findings with the members of the General
Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of audit findings in
the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
33.
Code
Section 47_11_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
audit of the Board of Commissioners of the Judges of the Probate Courts
Retirement Fund of Georgia and power of state auditor to conduct audit when he
or she sees fit or at the request of the Governor, is amended by striking said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"47_11_26.
The
state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and
doings of the board and to make a complete report of the same to the General
Assembly in such detail as he or she may see fit. The state auditor shall not
be required to distribute copies of the report to the members of the General
Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the
manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. The state
auditor shall also have the right to audit the affairs of the board and any of
its employees at any time that he or she may see fit or at any time that he or
she may be requested to do so by the board or by the
Governor."
SECTION
34.
Code
Section 47_14_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duty
of the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the Board of
Commissioners of the Superior Court Clerks´ Retirement Fund of Georgia,
audit upon request of the board or the Governor, and contents of the annual
report, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting
in its place the following:
"47_14_26.
The
state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and
doings of the board and to make a complete report of that audit to the General
Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the
report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most
effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the
board and all its expenditures, including administrative expenses and payments
made as annuities and benefits. The state auditor shall also make an audit of
the affairs of the board at any time when requested by a majority of the board
or the
Governor."
SECTION
35.
Code
Section 47_16_28 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to duty of
the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the operations of the
Board of Commissioners of the Sheriffs´ Retirement Fund of Georgia, right
of the state auditor to audit the affairs of the board, and contents of the
annual report, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"47_16_28.
The
state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the
operations of the board and to make a complete report of that audit to the
General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies
of the report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems
to be most effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys
received by the board and all expenditures made by it, including administrative
expenses and payments of benefits. The state auditor shall also have the right,
in his or her discretion, to audit the affairs of the board at any time, and he
or she may also audit the affairs of the board at any time, upon request of a
majority of the members of the
board."
SECTION
36.
Code
Section 47_17_25 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the duty
of the state auditor to make an annual audit and report of the Board of
Commissioners of the Peace Officers´ Annuity and Benefit Fund, audit upon
request of the board, and contents of annual report, is amended by striking said
Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"47_17_25.
The
state auditor is authorized and directed to make an annual audit of the acts and
doings of the board and to make a complete report of the same to the General
Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the
report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of
the availability of the report in the manner which he or she deems to be most
effective and efficient. The report shall disclose all moneys received by the
board and all its expenditures including administrative expenses and payments
made as annuities and benefits. The state auditor shall also make an audit of
affairs of the board at any time he or she is requested to do so by a majority
of the
board."
SECTION
37.
Code
Section 48_2_7 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers and
duties of the state revenue commissioner, is amended by striking paragraph (5)
of subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its
place the following:
"(5)
Submit to the Governor and to each regular session of the General Assembly an
annual report of the conduct of his or her office. The commissioner shall not be
required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General
Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the annual report
in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and efficient. As the
chief revenue official of the state, he or she shall advise the Governor and the
General Assembly on all matters relating to
revenue."
SECTION
38.
Code
Section 49_3_3.1 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
annual report from the county director of the department of family and children
services and appearance before legislative delegation, is amended by striking
said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"49_3_3.1.
(a)
The county director of the department of family and children services of each
county shall provide an annual report no later than December 31 of each year,
beginning in the year 2000, to the county board, county commission, and the
director of the Division of Family and Children Services. The county director
of the department of family and children services of each county shall notify
each member of the General Assembly whose legislative district includes any part
of that county of the availability of the annual report but shall not be
required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members. The report
shall include the following information for the 12 month period ending June 30
of that year:
(1)
The number of children for whom the county department has received a complaint
of child abuse pursuant to Code Section 19_7_5;
(2)
General demographic data such as gender, race, and age regarding children
specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection;
(3)
The number of children taken into county department custody;
(4)
The number of placements of children in county department custody by the type of
placement;
(5)
The length of time in county department custody by the number of children;
and
(6)
Any other information required by the director of the Division of Family and
Children Services.
(b)
A majority of the legislative delegation whose members are required to receive
notification pursuant to subsection (a) of this Code section shall be authorized
to require the director of the department of family and children services of the
county which provided that report to appear before that delegation and to answer
questions regarding that report and other matters relating to issues of child
abuse and child protective
services."
SECTION
39.
Code
Section 49_4_183 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
administration of assistance program by department, promulgation of rules and
regulations by board, and duties of the department, is amended by striking the
introductory language of paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of said Code section in
its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(3)
Publish an annual report and such interim reports as may be necessary. The
annual report and such interim reports shall be provided to the Governor and
members of the General Assembly. The department shall not be required to
distribute copies of the annual report or the interim reports to the members of
the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the
reports in the manner which it deems to be most effective and efficient. The
annual report and interim reports shall contain the
following:".
SECTION
40.
Code
Section 49_5_153 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
report of the Children and Youth Coordinating Council, is amended by striking
said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"49_5_153.
The
council shall prepare an annual report on the progress of the community based
programs of this state which shall include the most current institutional and
out_of_home placement populations of children being served by the various
departments of state government and which shall include comparative costs of all
children_serving agencies. Such report shall be submitted to the Governor and
the various state departments providing services to children. The council shall
not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the
General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability of the report
in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
41.
Code
Section 49_5_273 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to creation
of PeachCare, availability, eligibility, payment of premiums, and enrollment, is
amended by striking subsection (j) of said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"(j)
The department shall publish an annual report, a copy of which shall be provided
to the Governor setting forth the number of participants in the program, the
health services provided, the amount of money paid to providers, and other
pertinent information with respect to the administration of the program. The
department shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to
the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the
availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
42.
Code
Section 49_6_6 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
report by the Department of Human Resources with regard to services for the
aging, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting in
its place the following:
"49_6_6.
It
shall be the duty of the department to submit an annual report to the Governor
and to notify the General Assembly of such report on or before January 1 of each
year, setting forth the results of its studies, accomplishments, and
recommendations, if any, for legislation. The department shall not be required
to distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner
which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
43.
Code
Section 50_5_136 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to powers
and authority of the State Use Council, is amended by striking paragraph (6) of
subsection (b) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place
the following:
"(6)
To make an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly concerning its
activities under this part and the activities and contracts provided by the
central nonprofit agency. The State Use Council shall not be required to
distribute copies of the annual report to the members of the General Assembly
but shall notify the members of the availability of the report in the manner
which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
44.
Code
Section 50_5_196 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
membership and powers and duties of the Distance Learning and Telemedicine
Network Governing Board, is amended by striking subsection (f) of said Code
section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(f)
The governing board shall prepare and submit annually to the Governor and the
General Assembly a report detailing its activities and operations for the prior
year, to include but not be limited to information as to the number of
applications received, the identities of the applicants, the identities of those
applicants awarded funding, and the respective award amounts. The governing
board shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to the
members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability
of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
45.
Code
Section 50_12_48 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
report of the Georgia State Games Commission, is amended by striking said Code
section in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"50_12_48.
The
commission shall make an annual report of its activities to the Governor and to
the General Assembly, with any recommendations which it may wish to make. The
commission shall not be required to distribute copies of the annual report to
the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the
availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
46.
Code
Section 50_17_26 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to evidence
of indebtedness, accrual of interest, paying agent, executory contracts, audits,
and legal services, is amended by striking subsection (g) of said Code section
in its entirety and inserting in its place the following:
"(g)
The commission, together with all funds established in connection with public
debt, shall be audited no less frequently than annually by an independent
certified public accountant to be selected by a majority of the commission.
Copies of such audit shall be given to both houses of the General Assembly and
shall be available upon request to interested parties, including, specifically
but without limitation, the holders of evidences of indebtedness. The
commission shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the
members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability
of the audit in the manner which it deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
47.
Code
Section 50_25_7.10 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to
reports of the Georgia Technology Authority to be submitted to the director of
the Office of Planning and Budget and the state auditor, is amended by striking
said Code section in its entirety and inserting in its place the
following:
"50_25_7.10.
The
executive director shall submit to the director of the Office of Planning and
Budget and the state auditor on an annual basis a report of all activity
regarding technology and technology resources for each agency and the authority.
The report shall accurately represent all financial details including current
cash balances, line item detail on expenditures including systems development,
personal services, and equipment from the previous fiscal year and
anticipated expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, projected year_end
balance, depreciated value of capital equipment, and balances of reserve funds
established for capital equipment, as well as a status report on personnel
position changes including new technology related positions created and existing
technology related positions eliminated. The authority spending reports shall
comply with the state accounting system object
codes."
SECTION
48.
Code
Section 50_25_7.12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the
Georgia Technology Authority and development of a budgeting and accounting
system, is amended by striking said Code section in its entirety and inserting
in its place the following:
"50_25_7.12.
The
authority, the Office of Planning and Budget, and the state auditor shall
jointly develop a system for budgeting and accounting of expenditures for
technology resources. This system must integrate seamlessly with the technology
portfolio management system. Annual reports regarding technology shall be
coordinated by the authority with the Office of Planning and Budget and the
state auditor and submitted to the Governor, General Assembly, and the board on
or before October 1 of each year. The authority may adopt an accrual method of
accounting. The authority shall not be required to distribute copies of the
annual report to the members of the General Assembly but shall notify the
members of the availability of the report in the manner which it deems to be
most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
49.
Code
Section 50_26_15 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
and periodic audits and reports of the Georgia Housing and Finance Authority, is
amended by striking subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and
inserting in its place the following:
"(a)
The state auditor shall make an annual audit of the books, accounts, and records
of the authority with respect to its receipts, disbursements, contracts,
mortgages, leases, assignments, loans, and all other matters relating to its
financial operations. The state auditor shall place the audit report on file in
his or her office, make the report available for inspection by the general
public, and shall submit a copy of the report to the General Assembly. The
state auditor shall not be required to distribute copies of the audit to the
members of the General Assembly but shall notify the members of the availability
of the audit in the manner which he or she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
50.
Code
Section 50_34_13 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual
and biannual audits and reports of the OneGeorgia Authority, is amended by
striking subsection (a) of said Code section in its entirety and inserting in
its place the following:
"(a)
The state auditor or an independent public accountant retained by the authority
shall make an annual audit of the books, accounts, and records of the authority
with respect to its receipts, disbursements, contracts, leases, assignments,
loans, and all other matters relating to its financial operations. The state
auditor shall place the audit report on file in his or her office, make the
report available for inspection by the general public, and submit a copy of the
report to the General Assembly. The state auditor shall not be required to
distribute copies of the audit to the members of the General Assembly but shall
notify the members of the availability of the audit in the manner which he or
she deems to be most effective and
efficient."
SECTION
51.
All
laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.