Section 45-12-92.2. Definitions; procedures; conditions; appropriation

   (a) As used in this Code section, the term:

   (1) "Base amount" means the amount of fee proceeds collected during the complete fiscal year which immediately precedes the fiscal year for which the new appropriation amount is determined with respect to each fee under paragraph (3) of this subsection. When a fee amount has been reduced pursuant to any provision of this Code section, then for purposes of calculating amounts as required under this Code section for the next fiscal year, base amount shall mean the amount of fee proceeds that would have been collected during a specified fiscal year under the original amount of the fee unreduced by this Code section.

   (2) "Collecting agency" means the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources.

   (3) "Fee" means the:

      (A) Solid waste disposal surcharge fee provided for under subsection (e) of Code Section 12-8-39 for the hazardous waste trust fund; and

      (B) Tire disposal fee provided for under subsection (h) of Code Section 12-8-40.1 for the solid waste trust fund.

   (4) "New appropriation amount" means the total amount of funds which are appropriated for a purpose or function described under paragraph (3) of this subsection for the newly commencing fiscal year for which the calculations are required under subsection (b) of this Code section.

(b) Effective for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, and each fiscal year thereafter, for paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section:

   (1) The Office of Planning and Budget shall determine the base amount for the purpose or function as described under a subparagraph of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section;

   (2) The Office of Planning and Budget shall determine the new appropriation amount;

   (3) If the new appropriation amount is equal to or greater than the base amount, then the amount of the fee shall not be reduced under this Code section;

   (4) (A) If the new appropriation amount is less than the base amount, then the amount of the fee shall be reduced automatically by 25 percent for the fiscal year beginning on July 1; provided, however, that in no event shall the reduction ever be less than an amount which would be equal to the new appropriation amount;

      (B) Immediately following the date the General Appropriations Act for the newly commencing fiscal year is approved by the Governor or becomes law without such approval, the Office of Planning and Budget shall notify the collecting agency of the adjusted fee amount; and

   (5) (A) Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, for any fiscal year following a fee reduction under paragraph (4) of this subsection, if the new appropriation amount is equal to or greater than the base amount, then the fee amount shall be increased back to the fee amount in place immediately prior to the most recent such reduction.

      (B) If the new appropriation amount is equal to or greater than the base amount as determined in the fiscal year in which such fee amount was first reduced under this subsection, then such fee amount shall be increased back to the amount in place immediately prior to such first reduction.

(c) (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, calculations under subsection (b) of this Code section shall continue in effect for a fee for each fiscal year until the new appropriation amount is equal to or greater than the base amount.

   (2) If, in any subsequent fiscal year, the new appropriation amount is less than the base amount, then there shall be a commensurate fee reduction applicable to that fee amount effective the first day of the subsequent fiscal year in such amount as may be necessary to offset the difference between the new appropriation amount and the base amount in such fiscal year.

(d) (1) During any session of the General Assembly, prior to the adoption of the Supplemental Appropriations Act amending the current fiscal year budget or prior to the adoption of the General Appropriations Act providing for the succeeding fiscal year's budget, the General Assembly shall be authorized to waive and suspend the operation of this Code section with respect to each fee identified under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section in the manner specified in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

   (2) Each such waiver and suspension shall be accomplished by a joint resolution, enacted with the force and effect of law, the duration of which shall not exceed a single fiscal year and which shall apply only to a single fee identified under paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of this Code section.

(e) No provision of this Code section providing for the determination of any amount shall preclude the appropriation of greater amounts for purposes or functions covered by this Code section.

(f) The collecting agency and the Office of Planning and Budget shall promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary and appropriate to implement and administer this Code section, including, but not limited to, appropriate public notification of any change in a fee amount and the effective date of such change required by any provision of this Code section.

Code 1981, § 45-12-92.2, enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 856, § 5/HB 276.