State Senate passes bill aimed at no-cash bail

The Republican-controlled state Senate passed legislation Thursday that would mostly do away with the granting of no-cash bail to criminal suspects in Georgia.

Legislative newsletter – week 8

My colleagues and I went straight to work on Tuesday, February 21, to ensure that good, sound legislation could pass before the clock runs out. On Wednesday, we had a special guest on the House Floor.

House panel approves ‘pared back’ bill raising truck weights

A watered-down version of legislation increasing the weight limit on commercial trucks in Georgia cleared a state House committee this week.

State House approves Kemp’s income tax refund

The Georgia House of Representatives Thursday approved Gov. Brian Kemp’s proposal to provide Georgia taxpayers with state income tax refunds this year. Single taxpayers or married taxpayers filing individually are set to receive $250.

House approves “Safe Schools Act”

The state House of Representatives handily passed a bill Monday aimed at bolstering school safety in Georgia. The “Safe Schools Act,” which has the strong support of Gov. Brian Kemp, passed on a 148-20 vote. The bill, sponsored by Rep.

Georgia Power got the ‘gold mine’ … we got the ‘shaft’

The headline read: “Southern Co. reports huge rise in profits.” The subhead reported: “$1.1 billion jump noted despite big financial hit from Vogtle delays.” I am not against seeing Georgia Power or its parent, the Southern Company, make ample money. Profits are essential for staying in business.

Legislative newsletter – week 7

On Feb. 21, the Georgia General Assembly returned to the State Capitol for Legislative Day 21.   We only have 20 legislative days left to complete our business, and the “Crossover Day” deadline, March 6, is rapidly approaching.

New bill is “next chapter” in mental health reform effort

The state legislature is set to consider a wide-ranging  mental health reform bill that aims at improving services for Georgians struggling with mental-health or substance-abuse challenges. House Bill 520 has bipartisan support and is cosponsored by state Reps.

Legislative newsletter – week 5

Monday, January 30, marked the start of the fourth week of the 2023 legislative session.

Okefenokee tug-o-war is long way from over

The opposing sides are not barefoot on Jekyll Island’s beach, but there’s a definite line drawn in the sand. Feet are dug in, and muscles are straining. On one side is an Alabama mining company and its fleet of high-powered lobbyists.