Day 14- February 8, 2008

Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes the 2008 Supplemental Budget, a DNA testing bill is announced, the State Ethics Commission launches an investigation into expenditures of Representative Sharon Beasley-Teague. The Senate passes a bill giving Georgians an extra month to file homestead tax exemptions, Senator Judson Hill explains his healthcare legislation, it’s time for our weekly talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com, and the Week Wrap.

The House today passed House Bill 989, the 2008 Supplemental Budget. The bill adds over $332 million to state spending for the 2008 fiscal year. Representative Steve Davis took the well to complain about overspending in state government.

Senator Bill Hamrick introduced a bill today that would allow for DNA samples to be taken from any suspect in a known case. Currently the law only allows for DNA to be taken from convicted felons. Sen. Hamrick says Senate Bill 430 will aid law enforcement in to solve more cold cases.

Lawmakers learned late this afternoon that the State Ethics Commission has launched an investigation into campaign disclosures of Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague. More on this story Monday on Lawmakers.

A bill that will give most Georgians extra time to file their homestead tax exemptions passed the Senate today. Senate Bill 159 changes the deadline for filing from March 1st to the close of the calendar year. The bill now moves to the House.

Lawmakers’ Bridget Snapp spoke with Senator Judson Hill today about his new healthcare legislation. Sen. Hill says Senate Bill 383 will help the 1.7 million Georgians who don’t currently have health insurance by offering tax breaks and incentives to small businesses.

And it’s the end of the week, so that means it’s time to talk with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. David and Nwandi talked with Tom about repercussions for the DOT Board elections, the continuing water issues in the state, and the budget.

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