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Rep. Peake Welcomes Denmark Consul to Georgia House of Representatives

ATLANTA – State Representative Allen Peake (R-Macon) led the Georgia House of Representatives today in welcoming to the House Floor Denmark Honorary Consul Christopher N. Smith and Trade Council representative, Signe Sorensen. As introduced by Rep. Peake, House Resolution 1466 recognized the outstanding relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the State of Georgia.

“In today’s tough economic environment, it is critical to focus on the strong international partners we have, like the Kingdom of Denmark,” said Rep. Peake. “It was an honor to recognize Honorary Consul Christopher Smith, and we appreciate his continued efforts to build on our strong relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark.”

The Kingdom of Denmark has long been an important trading partner of the United States, and in particular with Georgia. Not only does the state rank seventh among U.S. states in exports to Denmark, but Georgia also proudly claims more than 65 Danish companies that have established operating facilities here. These trade relations are just the latest sign of the unbroken diplomatic relations shared between the United States and the Kingdom of Denmark since the 18th century. In fact, the Kingdom of Denmark has maintained a consulate in the State of Georgia for over 200 years.

For more information about the House Resolution recognizing the outstanding relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the State of Georgia, please click here.

Representative Allen Peake represents the citizens of District 137, which includes portions of Bibb County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2006, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Small Business Development and Jobs Creation, Appropriations, and Ways & Means committees. Rep. Peake also serves as Secretary/Treasurer of the House Republican Caucus.

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Legislation Introduced to Increase Transparency in Augusta-Richmond County

ATLANTA – State Representatives Quincy Murphy (D-Augusta), Henry “Wayne” Howard (D-Augusta), Earnest Smith (D-Augusta) and Gloria Frazier (D-Hephzibah) announced today the introduction of House Bill 1235, also known as the “Augusta-Richmond County Transparency in Government Act.” This legislation would require the Augusta-Richmond County Commission to cooperate with the state auditor in his mission to ensure proper use of taxpayer dollars at the local level.

“As state legislators, we must ensure government is held accountable,” said Rep. Murphy. “HB 1235 does this by ensuring the Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government maintains all proper records and provides taxpayers with access to those records.”

HB 1235 would require all Augusta-Richmond County departments, agencies, and private contractors, who are responsible for $500,000 or more in public funds, to have a forensic accounting audit at least every four years. Upon completion, the audit would be available to the commission and public. Failure to comply with the mandatory audit would result in the removal of the head of the agency or termination of contract for the delinquent private entity.

The representatives were led to sponsor HB 1235 after receiving a letter from the State Auditor, Russell W. Hinton, which stated that the Department of Audits and Accounts had not yet received the annual audit report from the Augusta-Richmond County Board of Commissioners.

“While I am sure that the Board of Commissioners will submit the necessary paperwork before their required deadline, this letter served as an opportunity for us to review our current laws governing local oversight,” said Rep. Howard, Chairman of the Augusta-Richmond County Delegation. “We found that we lack the tools necessary to ensure compliance with oversight policies. HB 1235 fixes that, so that we may assure taxpayers that their hard-earned money is put to proper use.”

For more information on HB 1235, please click here.

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Rep. Houston’s Amendment Will Increase Public Safety from Dangerous Dogs

ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 685, legislation that clarifies state law regarding dangerous and vicious dogs in Georgia. Sponsored by State Representative Gene Maddox (R-Cairo), HB 685 included language that was first introduced by State Representative Penny Houston (R-Nashville) through House Bill 717.

“I am proud to be a part of this important legislation that will ultimately save lives,” said Rep. Houston. “Although Georgians are free to own any breed of dog they choose, dog owners must be responsible in ensuring their dog doesn’t cause harm to another person.”

In accordance to an amendment offered by Rep. Houston, HB 685 will penalize negligent dog owners whose failure to secure their dog results in a dog attack causing severe injury or death to a human being. HB 685 also establishes a classification system for dangerous and vicious dogs. According to the bill, “dangerous dog” means any dog that causes substantial puncture of a person’s skin without causing serious injury or who kills a pet animal while off the owner’s property. “Vicious dog” refers to any dog that inflicts serious injury on a person.

Upon the report of a dangerous or vicious dog, HB 685 would allow an animal control officer to verify the dog’s dangerous or vicious classification. That officer would then mail a notice to the dog’s owner, requesting the owner to appear for a hearing, which would officially determine the dog’s classification and potentially allow for the euthanasia of that dog.

HB 685 also requires owners of dangerous or vicious dogs to have a certificate of registration. This registration would automatically be issued to owners of dangerous dogs. Owners of vicious dogs would receive a certificate of registration if they are able to follow a number of provisions which include maintaining an enclosure to confine the vicious dog, clearly marking the enclosure with warning signs, obtaining a microchip for the dog, and maintaining adequate liability insurance.

Rep. Houston was led to introduce HB 717 and the amendment to HB 685, after a dangerous dog attacked and killed a local Lowndes County woman in December 2011. As the woman, Misti Wyno, was leaving her neighbor’s home, the neighbor’s male pit bull either broke its chain or was unchained and attacked, leaving mortal wounds to Wyno’s legs, neck, and head.

According to the American Humane Association, an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and nearly 800,000 of these require medical care. These bites total more than $1 billion in damage each year. Approximately 58 percent of attacks that caused human deaths involved unrestrained dogs on their owners’ property.

HB 685 was passed by the Georgia House of Representatives on March 7, 2012, by a vote of 170 to 0. For more information on HB 685, please click here.

Representative Penny Houston represents the citizens of District 170, which includes portions of Berrien, Colquitt, and Cook counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1997, and is currently a Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee. She also serves on the Banks & Banking, Budget and Fiscal Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, and Ways & Means committees.

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Rep. Tom Kirby Sworn in as Georgia’s Newest State Representative

ATLANTA – State Representative Tom Kirby (R-Loganville) was sworn into office today as the state representative for House District 107, which includes portions of Gwinnett and Walton counties. Rep. Kirby won a special election to fill the seat vacated by Rep. Len Walker on Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

“I am excited to be sworn into office and eager to get to work for the people of House District 107,” said Rep. Kirby.

During this morning’s ceremony, Georgia Superior Court Judge Mack Crawford gave the oath of office to Rep. Kirby, as his wife, Rosemary Kirby, held the Bible and stood next to him in support.

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Rep Emory Dunahoo Appointed Subcommittee Chair

ATLANTA – State Representative Steve Davis (R-McDonough), chairman of the House Information & Audits Committee, recently appointed State Representative Emory Dunahoo (R-Gainesville) as chairman of the Information and Audits Subcommittee on Education.

“I am honored that Chairman Davis would appoint me to chair to this important subcommittee,” said Rep. Dunahoo. “In this position, I will be responsible for providing oversight for the state’s education system and ensuring children across the state receive the education needed to begin a successful career. This is a heavy responsibility, which I do not take lightly.”

The Information and Audits Committee maintains administrative oversight over the Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts and is responsible for maintaining House Journals. The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts audits the administration of state, county, and city governments.

“Representative Dunahoo’s dedication and commitment to this great state will make him an outstanding leader in the Information and Audits Committee. That is why I have asked him to serve as the chair of the Education Subcommittee,” said Chairman Davis.

For more information about the House Information & Audits Committee, please click here.

Representative Emory Dunahoo, Jr. represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Hall County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2011, and currently serves on the Banks & Banking, Game, Fish, & Parks, and Information and Audits committees.

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