Lawmakers will not be seen tonight because the legislature is not in session. Join us at 7 PM on Tuesday, March 4 when the Georgia General Assembly convenes for the 27th legislative day.
In case you're wondering how to find out when a new episode of Lawmakers will be produced, we wanted to explain our schedule. Lawmakers is broadcast every night at 7 PM on Georgia Public Broadcasting when the Georgia General Assembly is in session. The Georgia General Assembly meets for no more than 40 legislative days each spring. The session commences on the second Monday after the first Tuesday in January. The legislature does not necessarily meet on consecutive days and the session often extends through March and well into April.
The House and Senate set their schedule by Resolution, so, we at Lawmakers are often unaware of what the schedule will be until the Resolution is brought to the floor in one of the chambers for a vote. When a Resolution is passed, it generally sets the schedule for up to two weeks at a time. We will continue to update the schedule here on our blog when a new resolution is passed by both chambers!
Friday, February 29, 2008
Day 26- February 29, 2008
Watch Online!
Tonight on Lawmakers, the SHAPE Act causes controversy in the Senate, an accounting of some expenses in the Brian Nichols case is made available to a House Committee and a look back at this week under the gold dome.
The Student Health and Physical Education, or SHAPE Act, got a workout this morning before passing the Senate. According to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, one in three Georgia children is obese, or at risk for obesity. Senate Bill 506 aims to bring awareness to the problem by requiring Georgia schools to report the aggregate body mass index, or BMI, of their students on the Department of Education website. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp reports.
New information in the efforts of a House Committee charged with looking into the expenditures of the Brian Nichols case. The new judge in the case of accused Fulton County Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols has agreed to the Committee's request to release some of the expense reports in the case. So far, $2 million has been spent on the 3 year old case which hasn't even seated a jury yet. Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish has the latest.
The Senate passed legislation that could add a few more Georgia residents to HOPE scholarship eligibility. Senate Bill 492 would open the door for the few Georgia residents who attend Florida schools. Sen. John Wiles offered an amendment that he explained would help students who attempt challenging high school courses apply for HOPE a semester earlier than current regulations. The Wiles Amendment was adopted
It’s the end of another week under the gold dome. That means it’s time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com.
Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson takes a look back at the big events that shaped this week at the Georgia General Assembly.
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave a do pass recommendation yesterday to legislation that would penalize motorists who cause serious injury due to right of way violations. Lawmakers Dana Abercrombie has the details of Senate Bill 438.
The Clarke County DUI court has been selected as one of the four best DUI courts in the nation for targeting repeat drunk drivers. In a ceremony at the State Capitol this morning, the court was designated as one of four “Academy Courts” in the country. Lawmakers’ Keocia Jackson has more.
Former State Senator Donzella James announced her candidacy in the Democratic Primary for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District at the State Capitol today. Democratic Congressman David Scott is the current occupant of that seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The State’s General Primary is July 15, 2008.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Tonight on Lawmakers, the SHAPE Act causes controversy in the Senate, an accounting of some expenses in the Brian Nichols case is made available to a House Committee and a look back at this week under the gold dome.
The Student Health and Physical Education, or SHAPE Act, got a workout this morning before passing the Senate. According to the Georgia Department of Human Resources, one in three Georgia children is obese, or at risk for obesity. Senate Bill 506 aims to bring awareness to the problem by requiring Georgia schools to report the aggregate body mass index, or BMI, of their students on the Department of Education website. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp reports.
New information in the efforts of a House Committee charged with looking into the expenditures of the Brian Nichols case. The new judge in the case of accused Fulton County Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols has agreed to the Committee's request to release some of the expense reports in the case. So far, $2 million has been spent on the 3 year old case which hasn't even seated a jury yet. Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish has the latest.
The Senate passed legislation that could add a few more Georgia residents to HOPE scholarship eligibility. Senate Bill 492 would open the door for the few Georgia residents who attend Florida schools. Sen. John Wiles offered an amendment that he explained would help students who attempt challenging high school courses apply for HOPE a semester earlier than current regulations. The Wiles Amendment was adopted
It’s the end of another week under the gold dome. That means it’s time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com.
Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson takes a look back at the big events that shaped this week at the Georgia General Assembly.
The Senate Judiciary Committee gave a do pass recommendation yesterday to legislation that would penalize motorists who cause serious injury due to right of way violations. Lawmakers Dana Abercrombie has the details of Senate Bill 438.
The Clarke County DUI court has been selected as one of the four best DUI courts in the nation for targeting repeat drunk drivers. In a ceremony at the State Capitol this morning, the court was designated as one of four “Academy Courts” in the country. Lawmakers’ Keocia Jackson has more.
Former State Senator Donzella James announced her candidacy in the Democratic Primary for Georgia’s 13th Congressional District at the State Capitol today. Democratic Congressman David Scott is the current occupant of that seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. The State’s General Primary is July 15, 2008.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Day 25- February 28, 2008
Watch Online!
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House votes to allow the seizure of vehicles driven by illegal immigrants involved in traffic accidents, Democrats outline their opposition to current tax proposals and the Senate approves more tools for parents in the fight against internet predators.
The House today voted to allow the seizure of vehicles driven by illegal immigrants involved in traffic accidents. House Bill 978 would also give law enforcement the power to seize vehicles of illegal immigrants who are pulled over for traffic violations. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the details.
House and Senate Democrats held a press conference today to voice their opposition to current tax proposals before the House dealing with the elimination of ad valorem taxes. House Bill 979 and House Resolution 1246 are initiatives introduced by House Speaker Glenn Richardson. Formerly known as the GREAT Plan, the legislation favors an expanded State sales tax rather than property taxes. Democrats say the plan would put the new tax on 175 new things- including groceries and lottery tickets. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.
The Senate today passed legislation designed to give more tools to parents trying to block inappropriate internet content. Senate Bill 474 also gives judges power to place restrictions the use of internet social networking sites by convicted sexual predators.
Permanent car wash facilities could be exempted from outdoor watering restrictions under a measure passed by the Senate today. Senate Bill 466 would require such facilities to either recycle their water or be connected to a public sewer system. The bill was amended to include a provision to allow individuals to fill their swimming pools in an effort to avoid health hazards.
A Joint Senate-House Transportation Committee heard about commuter rail options today. Included in the presentation: Magnetic Levitation and the “Brain Train”.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today held a public hearing about several pieces of legislation dealing with proposed development of Jekyll Island. Senate Bills 426, 227 and 428, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Chapman, seek to preserve the island and limit new development. After encountering opposition from the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, none of the three bills received the necessary do-pass to move on in the legislative process. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has more.
We’ll also have highlights from the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention’s legislative reception last night. G-CAPP announced that teen pregnancy rates rose slightly in 2006, in opposition to a multi-year trend of decline.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House votes to allow the seizure of vehicles driven by illegal immigrants involved in traffic accidents, Democrats outline their opposition to current tax proposals and the Senate approves more tools for parents in the fight against internet predators.
The House today voted to allow the seizure of vehicles driven by illegal immigrants involved in traffic accidents. House Bill 978 would also give law enforcement the power to seize vehicles of illegal immigrants who are pulled over for traffic violations. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the details.
House and Senate Democrats held a press conference today to voice their opposition to current tax proposals before the House dealing with the elimination of ad valorem taxes. House Bill 979 and House Resolution 1246 are initiatives introduced by House Speaker Glenn Richardson. Formerly known as the GREAT Plan, the legislation favors an expanded State sales tax rather than property taxes. Democrats say the plan would put the new tax on 175 new things- including groceries and lottery tickets. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.
The Senate today passed legislation designed to give more tools to parents trying to block inappropriate internet content. Senate Bill 474 also gives judges power to place restrictions the use of internet social networking sites by convicted sexual predators.
Permanent car wash facilities could be exempted from outdoor watering restrictions under a measure passed by the Senate today. Senate Bill 466 would require such facilities to either recycle their water or be connected to a public sewer system. The bill was amended to include a provision to allow individuals to fill their swimming pools in an effort to avoid health hazards.
A Joint Senate-House Transportation Committee heard about commuter rail options today. Included in the presentation: Magnetic Levitation and the “Brain Train”.
The Senate Economic Development Committee today held a public hearing about several pieces of legislation dealing with proposed development of Jekyll Island. Senate Bills 426, 227 and 428, sponsored by Sen. Jeff Chapman, seek to preserve the island and limit new development. After encountering opposition from the Jekyll Island State Park Authority, none of the three bills received the necessary do-pass to move on in the legislative process. Lawmakers’ Andi Dixon has more.
We’ll also have highlights from the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention’s legislative reception last night. G-CAPP announced that teen pregnancy rates rose slightly in 2006, in opposition to a multi-year trend of decline.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Day 24- February 28, 2008
Tonight on Lawmakers, the House reconsiders it’s action on a measure seeking to declare English the official language of Georgia, the “border war” takes a comic turn and Secretary of State Karen Handel speaks about the investigation of the Clayton County School Board.
The House this morning voted to reconsider it’s action on House Resolution 413. Because the measure seeks to amend the State Constitution to declare English the official language of the State of Georgia, it requires a 2/3 majority vote. The reconsideration motion succeeded and the legislation returns to House Special Rules.
The “border war” with Tennessee took on a comic note this morning. Mayor Ron Littlefield of Chattanooga sent a truckload of bottled water to the State Capitol. The so-called "gift" is intended to poke fun at resolutions passed last week seeking to change the state line to get a stretch of the Tennessee River. Senate Resolution 822 and House Resolution 1206 both create a Boundary Line Commission to study to accurately survey and correctly mark Georgia's borders with Tennessee and North Carolina. It all started back in 1818 when a faulty survey set Georgia's border, not at the 35th parallel where Congress set it, but one mile south. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the latest.
Legislation that opens the door for Cancer Treatment Centers of America to open a metro Atlanta facility passed the Senate today. 23 Senators voted against Senate Bill 433, although none spoke against it. Because the provision would make destination hospitals subject to certificate of need requirements, there is a fear that these types of treatment centers will take resources from existing hospitals.
Secretary of State Karen Handel has opened an investigation of the Clayton Count
y School Board after allegations of impropriety. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools said two weeks ago that Clayton County Schools are "fatally flawed" and recommended the 52,800 student district lose its accreditation September 1, unless it makes some serious changes. The 9 member school board has come under accusations of foul play and Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed Secretary Handel to investigate its actions. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.
The Senate Education and Youth Committee unanimously passed a bill that they believe could decrease the dropout rate among Georgia high school students. Senate Bill 257, the "Dropout Deterrent Act" is sponsored by Senator Vincent Fort.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle was “roasted” last night by colleagues for the benefit of the TEAM Georgia Foundation and the Herb Emory Victim’s Assistance Fund. We’ll have the highlights.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers. Watch Online!
The House this morning voted to reconsider it’s action on House Resolution 413. Because the measure seeks to amend the State Constitution to declare English the official language of the State of Georgia, it requires a 2/3 majority vote. The reconsideration motion succeeded and the legislation returns to House Special Rules.
The “border war” with Tennessee took on a comic note this morning. Mayor Ron Littlefield of Chattanooga sent a truckload of bottled water to the State Capitol. The so-called "gift" is intended to poke fun at resolutions passed last week seeking to change the state line to get a stretch of the Tennessee River. Senate Resolution 822 and House Resolution 1206 both create a Boundary Line Commission to study to accurately survey and correctly mark Georgia's borders with Tennessee and North Carolina. It all started back in 1818 when a faulty survey set Georgia's border, not at the 35th parallel where Congress set it, but one mile south. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has the latest.
Legislation that opens the door for Cancer Treatment Centers of America to open a metro Atlanta facility passed the Senate today. 23 Senators voted against Senate Bill 433, although none spoke against it. Because the provision would make destination hospitals subject to certificate of need requirements, there is a fear that these types of treatment centers will take resources from existing hospitals.
Secretary of State Karen Handel has opened an investigation of the Clayton Count
y School Board after allegations of impropriety. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools said two weeks ago that Clayton County Schools are "fatally flawed" and recommended the 52,800 student district lose its accreditation September 1, unless it makes some serious changes. The 9 member school board has come under accusations of foul play and Governor Sonny Perdue has appointed Secretary Handel to investigate its actions. Lawmakers Bridget Snapp reports.The Senate Education and Youth Committee unanimously passed a bill that they believe could decrease the dropout rate among Georgia high school students. Senate Bill 257, the "Dropout Deterrent Act" is sponsored by Senator Vincent Fort.
Lt. Governor Casey Cagle was “roasted” last night by colleagues for the benefit of the TEAM Georgia Foundation and the Herb Emory Victim’s Assistance Fund. We’ll have the highlights.All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers. Watch Online!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Day 23- February 26, 2008
Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate passes two measures to expand alcohol sales. The House fails to pass a resolution to declare English the official language of the State of Georgia and the Lawmakers Tuesday Leadership Interview series continues with Representative Jerry Keen, House Majority Leader.Fans of the Braves farm team expected to locate in Gwinnett County need not fear for Sunday beer. Senate Bill 454 passed today. The measure would expand the sales of alcohol on Sundays for public stadiums located in counties that already allow Sunday sale of alcohol. In a related measure, Senate Bill 385 was also passed. That legislation allows limousine carriers to sell alcohol. Lawmakers Sandra Parrish has that story.
The House today failed to gain the 2/3 majority necessary to to declare English the official language of the State of Georgia. House Resolution 413 would have amended the State Constitution.
Legislation designed to curb “prescription shopping” also passed the House today. House Bill 455 would require pharmacists to report prescriptions they fill into a statewide database to be monitored by the Georgia Board of Pharmacy. The bill's sponsor, Representative Ron Stephens, says Georgians are currently able to obtain multiple prescriptions from different doctors and pharmacists because there is no such monitoring device in place. Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp reports.
Our Tuesday Leadership Interview series continues with House Majority Leader Representative Jerry Keen.
Legislation that could expand the use of school vouchers in Georgia passed out of Committee today. Senate Bill 458 provides that if a school system fails to attain accreditation, loses said accreditation, or is designated a needs improvement school for 7 consecutive years, the student would be allowed to attend another public school or receive a scholarship to a private school. Lawmakers Andi Dixon has the details.
In what has been called an unorthodox move, the House Governmental Affairs Committee today resurrected legislation that would create the City of Dunwoody. Senate Bill 82 failed to gain a do-pass recommendation from this same committee just three weeks ago.
A coalition of human rights activists, known as the Georgia Moratorium Campaign, held a press conference today in support of Senate Bill 255, which calls for a moratorium on the death penalty and House Bill 997, a measure that they say could improve the process of eyewitness identification. House Bill 997 is currently in the House Rules Committee. Senate Bill 225 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers. Watch Online!
Monday, February 25, 2008
Lawmakers Returns Tuesday, February 26
Lawmakers will not be seen tonight because the legislature is not in session. Join us at 7 PM on Tuesday, February 26 when the Georgia General Assembly convenes for the 23rd legislative day.
In case you're wondering how to find out when a new episode of Lawmakers will be produced, we wanted to explain our schedule. Lawmakers is broadcast every night at 7 PM on Georgia Public Broadcasting when the Georgia General Assembly is in session. The Georgia General Assembly meets for no more than 40 legislative days each spring. The session commences on the second Monday after the first Tuesday in January. The legislature does not necessarily meet on consecutive days and the session often extends through March and well into April.
The House and Senate set their schedule by Resolution, so, we at Lawmakers are often unaware of what the schedule will be until the Resolution is brought to the floor in one of the chambers for a vote. When a Resolution is passed, it generally sets the schedule for up to two weeks at a time. We will continue to update the schedule here on our blog when a new resolution is passed by both chambers!
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