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Senate Committees:
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• Special Judiciary (vice-chairman)
• Appropriations
• Natural Resources
• Rules and Ethics
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Other Committees:
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• Joint Commission on Mental
Health, Mental Retardation and
Substance Abuse
• Southern Legislative Conference’s
Economic Development,
Transportation and Cultural Affairs
Committee
• Joint Comprehensive Water Plan
Study Committee
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Governor’s Appointments:
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• Workforce Investment Board
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Supreme Court Appointments:
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• Indigent Defense Commission
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How To Contact Michael:
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In Atlanta:
Michael Meyer von Bremen
121-I Legislative Office Building
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
404-656-0037
mvbsen@bellsouth.net
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In Albany:
Michael Meyer von Bremen
P.O. Box 72045
Albany, Georgia 31708
229-439-7504 or 229-436-4665
mvbsen@bellsouth.net
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Michael’s Legislative Accomplishments:
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TAXES
SB
177 (1999): (Co-Sponsored). Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Requires appeals
of property tax assessments to be conducted between 8 AM and 7 PM on
business days, making process more available to those who work. One
time rescheduling allowed. Tax assessors must prove the validity of
their assessment value in appeals and taxpayers are allowed to recover
court costs and attorney fees. Protects taxpayers from receiving back
door tax increases through heightened property values when millage rate
is lowered. If rates are raised, three public hearings must be held
giving taxpayers an opportunity to be heard.
HB
553 (1999): (Supported). Property Tax Cut Plan. Introduces mechanism
for lowering what Georgia Homeowners must pay to satisfy property tax
levied on his or her homestead. Also provides means for compensating
local entities for lost revenue. Has resulted in savings of tens of
millions of dollars to the Georgia Homeowner.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/ HIGHWAYS
SB
134 (2001): (Co-Sponsored). This most significant legislation for
Southwest Georgia enables Georgia to utilize federal funding to
complete the Governor’s Road Improvement Project within approximately
seven years instead of twenty (as it stood before the legislation was
enacted). This means Highways 19 and 27 will be four laned at a rapid
pace.
SB
398 (2000): (Supported). Creates the OneGeorgia Authority to promote
the health, welfare and economic security of the citizens of SW
Georgia.
CRIME
SB
316 (2000): (Authored). Makes it a crime to use video cameras to record
another without permission (gyms, locker rooms) and then post or sale
the film (on the internet as an example). Deals with what one National
Publication dubbed, “Video Voyeurism”.
SB
307 (2000): (Co-Sponsored). Creates Felony Shoplifting Offense when a
person takes property from three separate stores in one county within
seven days when property of each theft exceeds $100.00.
SB
390 (2000): (Co-Sponsored). Enhances sentences if a Judge or Jury
determines beyond a reasonable doubt that a defendant intentionally
selected his or her victim as the object of an offense based on bias or
prejudice.
SB
22 (2001): (Authored). In response to problems relayed by the
Office of the District Attorney from Dougherty County, this legislation
enhances penalties for tampering with evidence. Old law involved a
misdemeanor penalty and, as a result, no true deterrent existed to
prevent individuals from destroying evidence that could be critical in
major felonies.
ETHICS
SR
411 (2000): (Co-Sponsored). Proposed Constitutional Amendment which
passed subsequently on November 2000 Ballot. Allows for the election of
a replacement for a General Assembly member who was suspended from
office due to a felony conviction.
EDUCATION
HB
139 (2001): (Supported--on Education Appropriations subcommittee).
Provided $468 million in cash for additional funding for school
construction needed due to smaller classroom ration passed in 2000.
SB
252 (2001-2002 pending): (Authored). Further reduces maximum
class size for middle schoolteachers without averaging and based on
number of students in academic classes per day.
SB
291 (2001-2002): (Authored). Disciplinary procedures set up for
physical violence against a teacher or school employee. Includes
alternative school and expulsion as penalties.
CONSUMERS
SB
130 (1999): (Authored). Protects citizens from companies that buy up
structured settlements for a fraction of the value of the settlement
value. Disclosure of actual value and waiting periods before
transaction takes place are required. Penalties for violations imposed.
SB
162 (2001): (Authored). Abatement of Nuisances. If property is not in
compliance with codes and is a nuisance (which could create danger to
citizens), then renovation or demolition can take place, with local
governments having the option of accomplishing the same and then
asserting a lien against the owner of the property. Among others is one
more step to help eliminate dilapidated buildings.
AGRICULTURE/NATURAL RESOURCES
HB
1362 (2000): (Introduced in Senate). Flint River Drought
Protection Act. A drought protection program for the Flint River Basin
was established through this legislation authored by Reps. Royal and
Hanner. Among others, it provides incentives to ensure that certain
irrigated lands are temporarily not irrigated during severe droughts.
This landmark legislation helps maintain water levels and assists
farmers who make sacrifices in regard to their irrigation systems.
SB
331 (2000): (Sponsored) Helps Cotton ginners who sustained losses while
dealing with cotton buyers that declared bankruptcy. Is under the
Cotton Producer’s Indemnity Fund.
MISCELLANEOUS
SB
149 (2000-2001 did not pass due to budget. Reintroduced with new number
in 2003 and eligible for vote in 2004.): (Authored). This
employee retirement bill is targeted to State Law Enforcement officers
in the GBI, State Patrol and Department of Natural Resources. Will
increase benefits. Employees will also contribute to help offset.
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