Day 8- January 30, 2008

Tonight on Lawmakers, a measure designed to help Georgians combat identity theft passes the House, Gov. Perdue announces plans to insure more Georgians, the Joint Commission on Standards releases a report that tackles Georgia’s transportation challenges, Rep. Barry Fleming speaks out on today’s developments in the Brian Nichols trial, and the Senate Science and Technology Committee hears testimony on the EPA’s proposal to tighten air quality restrictions.

The House passed House Bill 130 today, which will allow for consumers to freeze their credit reports with one of the three credit reporting agencies. Amendments were passed that set the price for consumers instituting a freeze and require the agencies to offer the service by phone, fax, or the web. If passed, Georgia would become the 40th state in the nation to offer credit freezes to consumers.

Governor Sonny Perdue held a press conference today to announce a healthcare plan that will lead to more Georgians being insured. The plan would allow holders of some high-premium policies to deduct the cost of their premiums from their state income taxes if they have not already taken the deduction on their federal income taxes.


The Joint Commission on Standards released a report today that tackles Georgia’s transportation problems. Some solutions offered include private funding and transportation taxes. The recommendations will be included in upcoming legislation this session.

Representative Barry Fleming addressed reporters today on new developments in the Brian Nichols trial. Judge Hilton Fuller is stepping down from the trial after making comments on Nichols’s guilt to a reporter. Rep. Fleming has been a critic of Judge Fuller and the millions of dollars spent on defense for the trial.

The Senate Science and Technology Committee heard testimony on the effects of the new EPA ozone level regulations today. Former North Caroline governor, James Martin, told the committee that the lower levels of ozone emissions that are proposed could cost the metro Atlanta economy billions of dollars if implemented.


All that and more, tonight on Lawmakers. Watch Online!