Day 18- February 14, 2008

Tonight on Lawmakers, House Speaker Glenn Richardson testifies before a House Ways and Means subcommittee on his proposed property tax legislation, Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams expresses concerns over cancer treatment, “Made in Georgia” legislation passes the Senate, a measure that would revoke some minors’ driver’s licenses or instructional permits passes the House, House Democrats announce foreclosure reforms, and we check in with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com to look back at this week under the Gold Dome.

House Speaker Glenn Richardson testified before a House Ways and Means subcommittee today on his proposed property tax legislation. Speaker Richardson is the sponsor of House Resolution 1246, which proposes a constitutional amendment that would abolish ad valorem property taxes for education. Lawmakers’ Sandra Parrish has the story.

Senate Majority Leader Tommie Williams took a point of personal privilege in the Senate today to remind senators of the importance of bringing Cancer Treatment Centers of America to Georgia. Senator Williams took issue with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, which opposed the private company coming to Georgia. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce had not responded with a statement as of this posting.

The Senate passed “Made in Georgia” legislation today. Senate Bill 359 directs the Department of Economic Development to promote products designated “Made in Georgia,” and to inform the public about the diverse products available in the state. SB 359 passed without opposition, and now moves to the House.

A bill that would revoke some minors’ driver’s licenses and instructional permits passed the House today. House Bill 1111 would require minors who have not completed high school or have committed offenses like assaulting a teacher to return their licenses or permits. Minors would have the option to appeal. HB 1111 passed by a vote of 153 to 3, and now moves to the Senate.

A group of House and Senate members today announced plans to deal with the rash of foreclosures that has cropped up following the sub-prime mortgage meltdown. Among the bills announced was HB 1190, which will provide a homestead exemption for Fulton County ad valorem taxes. HB 1190 was read in the House for the first time yesterday.

Lawmakers’ co-anchor David Zelski spoke with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com today. David and Tom talked about the various tax bills that are currently before the House and Senate, as well as the recent concerns raised over the statewide water management plan.

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