State House OKs overhaul of judges’ salaries

ATLANTA - Legislation reforming the salary structure for superior court and statewide judges in Georgia overwhelmingly cleared the state House of Representatives Feb. 20.

Republican-controlled state Senate passes tort reform

ATLANTA - A sharply divided Georgia Senate passed a comprehensive tort reform bill Feb. 21 that is Republican Gov. Brian Kemp’s top priority for the 2025 General Assembly session.

State Senate panel approves $40.5B mid-year budget

ATLANTA - The state Senate is upping the ante on funding to help victims of Hurricane Helene recover from the massive storm that marched through South Georgia and east Georgia from Valdosta to Augusta last September. The Senate Appropriations Committee signed off Feb. 24 on a $40.

State Senate passes farmland preservation constitutional change

ATLANTA - Legislation doubling the acreage Georgia farmers can set aside for conservation in exchange for a property tax break easily cleared the state Senate Feb. 19.

Senate passes measure to review and revoke state agency rules

The Georgia Senate adopted legislation Feb. 24 that would enhance lawmakers’ authority to overrule the results of the process that agencies use to enact laws.

Agencies investigating accident on Royston Highway

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO), with assistance from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), are investigating an early morning multi-vehicle accident on Royston Highway Feb. 23.

Georgia lawmakers target fentanyl

Legislation that would enhance the criminal penalties for trafficking fentanyl cleared a state Senate committee Feb. 20.

The Blotter

The Hart County Sheriff’s Office reported the following arrests:   The following is a list of names entered into the booking computer at Hart County Jail for Feb. 18-24, 2025. Names, ages and towns are listed as they appear in the computer. Offenses listed are charges; guilt has not been proven.

Georgia lawmakers seek more regulation of drones

Drones would be subject to more restrictions under a couple of pieces of legislation that passed the Georgia House of Representatives Friday. House Bill 58 would prohibit flights over public gatherings.

Senior center seeing upgrades thanks to community support

The Hart County Senior Center has been undergoing some much-needed upgrades for nearly two years thanks to support from around the community.