Session Review 2010

The 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly has drawn to a close. Wondering how the actions of the legislature might affect you and your family? Be sure and tune in for “Lawmakers: Session Review 2010” at 7 PM tonight. Hosted by Lawmakers’ co-anchor Susan Hoffman, this special journalists’ roundtable features Tom Crawford of The Georgia Report, Sandra Parrish of WSB-Radio and Jim Galloway, the AJC’s Political Insider. Only on GPB.

Day 40- April 29, 2010

Tonight on Lawmakers, the FY 2011 budget conference committee report gains final passage; two bills restricting the use of cell phones while driving- texting for adults and all use for those under 18- receive final passage; and we’ll check in live with Tom Crawford of The Georgia Report for the latest from under the gold dome. All that and more tonight.

Day 39- April 27, 2010

Tonight on Lawmakers, a bill requiring the use of seatbelts in all vehicles- including pickup trucks- gains final passage; two bills restricting the use of cell phones while driving pass the House and Senate; and a measure requiring state documents to be issued only in English generates debate in the House. All that and more tonight.

Day 37- April 20, 2010

Tonight on Lawmakers, the FY 2011 Budget passes out of the Senate Appropriations Committee; House Democratic leaders challenge the legality of last week’s passage of the Fees bill; and a conference committee meets to work on a transportation funding plan. All that and more tonight.

New Legislative Schedule

The Georgia General Assembly today voted to adopt a new adjournment resolution. Senate Resolution 1322 sets the following schedule for the legislature in the coming weeks:

Monday, March 22 LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 23 IN RECESS
Wednesday, March 24 LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 25 IN RECESS
Friday, March 26 LEGISLATIVE DAY 30 (Crossover Day)

Monday, March 29 IN RECESS
Tuesday, March 30 LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 31 LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, April 1 LEGISLATIVE DAY 33
Friday, April 2 IN RECESS

Monday, April 5 IN RECESS
Tuesday, April 6 IN RECESS
Wednesday, April 7 IN RECESS
Thursday, April 8 IN RECESS
Friday, April 9 IN RECESS

Monday, April 12 LEGISLATIVE DAY 34

Be sure and tune in to Lawmakers on GPB every night that the General Assembly is in session for Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Day 40- April 3, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM, a joint Conference Committee works to come to an agreement on the $18.6 billion budget; negotiations on a transportation funding solution go down to the wire; compensation for the wrongly convicted John Jerome White narrowly passes the Senate; National Editor of Capitol Impact dot com, Tom Crawford, joins us live for the latest Capitol news and the Senate attempts to amend House legislation to require the use of seatbelts in pickup trucks. Also tonight at 11 PM, the Lawmakers Sine Die Special!

It’s the 40th and final day of the Georgia General Assembly’s 2009 session. Join David Zelski and Nwandi Lawson at 7 PM for our half hour Lawmakers program as we review the day's action thus far and return to GPB at 11 PM for a one hour live presentation of the Lawmakers Sine Die Special.

Many issues remain unresolved as we approach the end of the session, perhaps most importantly the 2010 budget and transportation funding solutions. We’ll have the latest from the Conference Committees on HB 119, the FY 2010 budget and HB 277, the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act.

We’ll also be wrapping up this legislative week in fine Lawmakers fashion by checking in with the venerable Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on the action under the gold dome as the clock ticks down to midnight.

All that and the latest Capitol news- including live coverage of the House and Senate- tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Day 39- April 1, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, Georgia’s $18.6 billion budget passes the Senate with some changes, a Conference Committee is next; a bill that restructures the State’s transportation agencies narrowly passes the House; a bill allowing for the children of military personnel to transfer into local schools passes the House; the Senate passes a measure allowing for the adoption of embryos; and a bill that cuts raises for National Board Certified teachers passes the Senate.

Day 38- March 30, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate Appropriations Committee passes its version of the 2010 budget; looking for a compromise on the Transforming Transportation Investment Act; the Senate approves a bill that would allow parents to send their children to any public school provided there is adequate space at the school; an amendment is offered to a House bill to legalize Sunday sales of alcohol; and, final passage of the Governor’s initiative to increase salaries for Georgia’s math and science teachers.

The Senate Appropriations Committee today approved its version of the 2010 State budget. The $18.6 billion spending plan is expected to go to the full Senate for a vote on Wednesday, the 39th legislative day. With the final day of the legislature scheduled for Friday, leaving roughly 48 hours for House and Senate negotiators on the expected Conference Committee to reach a compromise.

On Friday, the House Transportation Committee said no to a proposal backed by the Governor to re-align the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Act did pass the Committee by substitute, but with substantial changes. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

Legislation dealing with several alcohol sales provisions was debated but eventually tabled in the Senate today. The issues within House Bill 115 include alcohol sales at the Gwinnett County Braves stadium and opening a new package store within 500 yards of an existing package store. However, today’s debate centered on an amendment by Senator Seth Harp which would allow local municipalities to vote on whether to allow alcohol sales on Sundays.

An education initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue received final passage today. House Bill 280 hopes to address Georgia’s shortage of math and science teachers by increasing compensation levels. This measure would move a teacher certified in math or science up in salary equal to six years of credible service.

The State’s 2,500 National Board Certified Teachers will continue to receive a 10% salary bonus when the State can afford it. But House Bill 243, would eliminate the incentive for future recipients of the certification. That legislation failed to pass the Senate today, but will be reconsidered. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.

A bill that would allow parents to send their children to any public school, provided there is adequate space at that school, passed the Senate this afternoon. House Bill 251 is sponsored by Representative Alisha Morgan. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

The House today voted to require foreclosure deeds to be recorded within 90 days. Representative Mike Jacobs’ explained the need for Senate Bill 141 in the current economic climate.

The House also approved a new option for property tax assessment appeals. Supporters of Senate Bill 240 say the current process is “unfriendly to tax payers”. Under provisions of the legislation, taxpayers would get the option of a “binding arbitration appeal” of their property tax assessment. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has that story.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 37- March 26, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate approves a measure that would allow a state income tax credit for a single family home purchase; more compensation for Georgia’s math and science teachers; a new income eligibility verification requirement for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids passes the House; Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill shares the challenges of plugging holes in the State’s 2010 budget and we talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com about this week under the gold dome.

Legislation aimed at boosting home purchases in a sagging real estate market passed the Senate today. House Bill 261 provides homebuyers with a tax credit of 1.2% of the purchase price or $3600- whichever is less- for the purchase of a qualifying single-family residence. Changes made in the Senate send that bill back to the House.

An education initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue passed the Senate today. House Bill 280 hopes to address Georgia’s shortage of math and science teachers by increasing compensation levels. This measure would move a teacher certified in math or science up in salary equal to six years of credible service.

The House today approved a measure that would require a new income eligibility verification process for those applying for Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids. Senate Bill 165 will authorize the Department of Community Health to obtain income verification from the Department of Revenue.

Voting has been delayed once again on Senate Bill 200, the Transforming Transportation Act. That legislation is the Governor’s reorganization of the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Transportation Chair Jeff Mullis explains the ongoing negotiations between the House and Senate on transportation funding measures. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

The House today approved a measure aimed at bringing attention to the ongoing genocide in the Darfur region of the Sudan. Senate Bill 155 keeps Georgia businesses with certain ties in the Sudan from bidding on state contracts.

It’s no secret that Georgia’s revenue picture is bleak and cuts to the 2010 budget are quite drastic, even with over $1 billion in federal stimulus funds. Senate Appropriations Chair Jack Hill took the well in the Senate this morning to explain why he is being conservative with using the State’s reserve funds and also looking forward a year or two when making these decisions.

Legislation that aims to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors passed the House today. Senate Bill 69 expands the definition of sexual exploitation. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.

Legislation that expands the definition of child molestation to include the internet passed the Senate today by committee substitute. Currently, child molestation laws do not include electronic devices such as webcams or streaming video found online. House Bill 123 will change that. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.

Today marks the end of the tenth legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. Nwandi talks with Tom about transportation, the restructuring of the Department of Human Resources, Super Speeder legislation and funding for the State’s trauma care network.

A bill that would allow parents to send their children to any public school, provided there is adequate space at that school, takes another step toward becoming law. House Bill 251 passed the Senate Education and Youth Committee by substitute this morning. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 36- March 25, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, legislation that would impose strict fines for excessive speeding passes the Senate, but without a provision to direct those monies to trauma; a measure that would have increased the homestead exemption fails to pass the House; a bill that creates the sentence of life without parole passes the House; legislation aimed at improving Georgia’s graduation rate clears the Senate and changes in the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act in the House send those bills back to the Senate.

House Bill 160, legislation known as the “Super Speeder” bill targets those who drive excessive speeds passes in the Senate, but not without controversy. And, from the House, a compromise is reached on a transportation funding mechanism. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

A second chance in the House for a measure that would double the homestead exemption ends with Senate Bill 83 again going down in defeat. Representative Edward Lindsey is pushing for the tax reform that would have increased the exemption by $2,000 by 2012 and then added a cost of living increase in subsequent years. Lindsey told the House that the homestead exemption has not been increased since 1937. Senate Bill 83 failed by a vote of 109 to 63.

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers took the lead today in passing two tax bills that aim to create jobs in Georgia. House Bill 481, known as the Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009, and House Bill 482, which creates a ballot vote to exempt ad valorem taxation for property constituting the inventory of a business.

Two bills concerning post secondary education for high school students are being considered by the General Assembly this session. House Bill 149, the Move on When Ready Act passed the Senate today, while House Bill 400, the BRIDGE Act remains in the Senate Education and Youth Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.

House Bill 23, a bill that bans cell phone and text messaging for drivers under 18 passed the Senate Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee today. Lawmakers’ Evan Seitz has that story.

The Senate Veterans, Military and Homeland Security Committee passed legislation that would place limits on cash rewards from bingo games held by veterans’ organizations. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has more.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 35- March 23, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, transportation takes center stage as the Senate passes legislation aimed at a funding fix; Governor Perdue wants the federal government out of Georgia’s reapportionment process; legislation backed by the Governor to restructure the Department of Human Resources passes the Senate; a bill that requires certain inmates to undergo HIV testing before release clears House committee, but with changes; and our leadership interview series continues with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Tim Golden.

The Senate took up House Resolution 206, the Transportation Trust Fund and House Bill 277, the Georgia 2020 Transportation Act today. However, the versions of those bills that passed out of Senate Committee were quite different from the House’s statewide transportation tax. In fact, the substitutes to those bills are the regional T-SPLOST or transportation special local option sales tax that passed the Senate earlier this session. We’ll have the highlights of that debate.

Hearings continue as the House Transportation Committee considers the Transforming Transportation Investment Act or Senate Bill 200, the Governor Perdue-backed measure creating a new State Transportation Agency. The Governor has made I clear that he wants this new management infrastructure in place before he’ll sign off on any transportation funding plan- be it the Senate’s regional approach with a T-SPLOST or the House’s statewide sales tax. One sticking point in the new plan: the role of the Board of the Department of Transportation and who decides how transportation monies are allocated. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

The Senate also voted today to create a Department of Health in the State of Georgia. House Bill 228 creates this agency as the lead planning agency for all health issues in the state, and is a part of Governor Perdue’s plan to restructure the Department of Human Resources.

Georgia may one day have a “Comprehensive Community College System” similar to the Technical College System of Georgia. The Senate Higher Education Committee today gave Senate Resolution 627 a do pass recommendation. That resolution would create a study committee to investigate merging technical colleges and two-year colleges into a Community College System. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has that story.

Governor Sonny Perdue wants the federal government out of Georgia’s reapportionment process. Late last month, the Governor filed an amicus brief in a current suit that is predicted to come before the U.S. Supreme Court next month. The Governor states that the results from President Barack Obama’s election are evidence that Georgia should no longer be subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which requires federal oversight of Georgia’s reapportionment process. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson spoke with the House Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Committee Chair, Representative Roger Lane and Senate Reapportionment and Redistricting Chair, Senator Judson Hill.

Legislation that would require HIV testing for certain inmates prior to their release received a do-pass recommendation from the House State Institutions and Property Committee late this afternoon, but not without changes. Senate Bill 64 is sponsored by Senator Kasim Reed. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has the latest.

Our leadership interview series continues with Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Tim Golden. David Zelski had a chance to interview Senator Golden about transportation, federal stimulus dollars and the need for a statewide trauma care network.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 34- March 20, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the House votes to compensate John Jerome White, who was wrongfully convicted and served over ten years in prison; the Senate votes to give state income tax credits for scholarship fund donations; our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams; our legislative scorecard as of day 34; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week under the gold dome.

A man who served 10 years in prison after being wrongfully convicted of rape, burglary and aggravated assault is one step closer to receiving compensation from the State. But passage of House Resolution 161 was preceded by serious questions about whether John Jerome White deserves an annuity package valued at over $700,000.

The House today also passed Senate Bill 193, legislation which would allow inmates to transfer to transitional centers or work release programs during the offender’s final year of incarceration.

Legislation giving individuals and corporations the option to donate to student scholarship organizations for tax credit passed the Senate today, but not without heavy opposition from Democrats. Senator Steve Thompson says House Bill 100 is just another step closer towards a statewide school voucher system.

The Senate today passed House Bill 71; legislation that supporters say removes a loophole used a defense by producers of false identification or documents. Under this bill, having the word “novelty” printed on false ID will no longer be a defense for charges of manufacturing, selling or distributing false identification documents. Changes in Senate Committee send that bill back to the House.

The Senate today failed to pass House Bill 550. This measure, which relates to the conversion of a mutual insurer to a stock insurer, seeks to provide an additional method of payment by a mutual insurer of the equity, namely, a paid-up life insurance policy with a cash value equal to 100% of the policyholder’s equity.

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers spoke out yesterday about Georgia’s rising unemployment, which is now at a record 9.3%. He spoke about the JOBS Act, House Bill 481, which he says will help create jobs. Today, Senator Nan Orrock spoke out about the cost associated with that job creation. She says it will cost the State an average of $265,000 per job created- that figure from the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute.

Our leadership interview series continues with Senate President Pro Tem Tommie Williams. David Zelski had a chance to interview Senator Williams about his transition from Majority Leader to Senate President Pro Tem in challenging economic times. They also spoke about transportation, the budget and federal stimulus dollars.

Only 6 legislative days remain in the 2009 session. Tonight we bring you the Lawmakers’ legislative scorecard. Where in the process are the big issues? Tune in for our synopsis.

Today marks the end of the ninth legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. David talks with Tom about the budget, funding for Medicaid and the controversy in the House over a resolution that would have made President Barack Obama an honorary member of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers Monday morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM.

Day 27- March 5, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate approves the amended FY 2009 state budget, crediting federal stimulus funds with cushioning the blow of declining revenues; the Governor Perdue-backed plan to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies clears its first legislative hurdle; House Speaker Glenn Richardson amends marriage license legislation to allow Georgia’s Constitutional officers to conduct wedding ceremonies; controversy over allegations that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their State income taxes touches off debate on the Senate floor; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week of the session.

The Senate has passed its version of the midyear budget. House Bill 118, the Supplemental Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2009, is an $18.9 billion spending plan that uses hundred of millions of dollars of federal stimulus money to soften the blow of deep spending cuts. Declining tax revenues have forced the Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate to cut almost $2 billion in state spending to avoid a deficit situation. Senate changes to the bill send it back to the House, a Conference Committee will likely work out the final version.

The Senate today also approved the Governor Perdue-backed plan to overhaul the State’s transportation agencies. Senate Bill 200, The Transforming Transportation Investment Act, would abolish the State Road and Tollway Authority, establish a new State Transportation Authority and restructure the funding and powers of the Department of Transportation. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

In a rare appearance in the well of the House, Speaker Glenn Richardson amended marriage license legislation to allow Georgia’s constitutional officers to conduct wedding ceremonies. House Bill 184 is legislation that would require information about the importance of being tested for sickle cell disease be made available in an electronic format to all persons applying for a marriage license. The legislation passed with Speaker Richardson’s amendment and now heads to the Senate.

The Senate today failed to pass legislation that could have removed a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes today. Senate Resolution 452 was authored by Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson shortly after the Georgia Department of Revenue announced that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their income taxes. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

Patrons of strip clubs in Georgia could soon find themselves paying a surcharge. Senate Bill 91, sponsored by Senator Jack Murphy, proposes to impose a “sin tax” on visitors to adult entertainment clubs in the form of a $5 fee to enter such a venue. The additional revenue would not go towards the State’s general budget; rather, it would go towards the rehabilitation of victims of sexual exploitation. The legislation received a do pass recommendation from the Senate Finance Committee. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini reports.

It’s the end of the seventh legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. Nwandi talks with Tom about the FY 2010 state budget, legislation requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, the fate of Sunday sales and pass the buck legislation, and the failure of the House yesterday to increase statewide homestead exemption from $2000 to $4000.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 26- March 4, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes legislation that would increase pay for math and science teachers; the Senate passes an extension of a tax break on jet fuel for Atlanta-based airlines like Delta and AirTran; a measure that would require State Senators to be current on their state income taxes passes out of Rules Committee; the Senate Special Committee on Stimulus visits an economically disadvantaged community; and our leadership series of interviews continues with House Speaker Pro Tem Mark Burkhalter.

Legislation backed by Governor Sonny Perdue to increase compensation for Georgia’s math and science teachers passed the House today. House Bill 280 is sponsored by House Education Chair Brooks Coleman. The legislation would add about $4,500 per year to highly qualified entry-level math and science teachers in public high schools.

The passage of House Bill 212 could mean two more years of jet fuel tax exemptions for Atlanta based airlines like Delta and AirTran. The bill received bipartisan support in the Senate, passing 47-5. No changes were made in the Senate so that bill heads to Governor Sonny Perdue.

Legislation that could remove a Senator from office for failure to pay income taxes received a do-pass recommendation by substitute from the Senate Rules Committee today. Senate Resolution 452 was authored by Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson shortly after the Georgia Department of Revenue announced that 22 state legislators are delinquent on their income taxes. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

The House today passed 14 bills on the floor. Among those successful pieces of legislation was House Bill 422, a measure that would allow children under the age of 12 to ride their bicycles on sidewalks and House Bill 220, legislation that would require all Superior Courts in Georgia to uniformly decide motions within 90 days. Although designed to remove a population restriction, the bill also strikes language in that same code section regarding judicial impeachment. Debate on the House floor centered on the role of the General Assembly in the impeachment of Superior Court judges.

The Senate passed 11 pieces of legislation on the floor this morning beginning with Senate Bill 15, a measure from Senator John Douglas which provides certified clean up for sites where methamphetamine has been manufactured. Senator J.B. Powell’s “Made in Georgia” legislation also passed. Senate Bill 117 directs the Department of Economic Development to create and maintain a website that informs the public of Georgia manufacturers and their goods or products. Senate Bill 136, which provides deportation measures of illegal aliens who have been convicted of crimes, passed. Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Chair Bill Hamrick presented Senate Bill 141, which deals with home foreclosure procedures and fees. That legislation also passed and all those bills now head to the House.

A bill that would double the current statewide homestead exemption failed to pass the House today. Senate Bill 83 would increase the current $2000 ad valorem tax exemption to $4000. The legislation requires that the exemption be approved by voters in a special election held on June 16, 2009. That provision had some legislators speaking up for their cash-strapped communities that would have to pay for the election. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has more.

As you may recall, yesterday the Senate passed a bill that would create new standards for registering to vote. This afternoon, the House passed an almost identical bill. House Bill 45 would require voters show proof of citizenship when they register to vote. Bill sponsor Representative James Mills defended the legislation against House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter who called the bill “un-American”. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks reports.

The Senate Special Committee on Stimulus took their message on the road last week. The committee is working with communities to find out how Georgians feel the federal stimulus monies should be spent. GPB Radio’s Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado was there when the committee visited Sparta in Hancock County.

Our leadership series of interviews continues with House Speaker Pro Tem, Representative Mark Burkhalter. Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson had a chance to speak with Representative Burkhalter this afternoon about his legislation to re-create Milton County out of north Fulton; the importance of balancing the State’s budget so that no tax increases are necessary and avoiding creating a deficit like the one being created at the federal government level.

A bill that would require that all drivers license exams be administered in Georgia be given in English received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate Public Safety Committee yesterday. The committee had heard testimony on Senate Bill 67 last week as well. We’ll have the highlights of yesterday afternoon’s committee action.

And it was PB and J Day under the gold dome. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman takes us on a taste adventure of sandwiches, peanuts and other assorted Georgia-grown goodies.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 25- March 3, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, Governor Sonny Perdue announces an additional $1.6 billion cut to the fiscal year 2010 budget; the House passes their version of a statewide transportation plan, the 2020 Transportation Act; the Senate Appropriations Committee passes the fiscal year 2009 amended budget with $1 billion in cuts to State agencies; Senate Ethics Chair Eric Johnson announces a measure to require state legislators to keep current on their state income taxes; and the Georgia Music and Sports Halls of Fame fight to remain open, Josephine Bennett of GPB Radio’s WMUM in Macon reports.

Governor Sonny Perdue held a press conference this afternoon to announce $1.6 billion in cuts to bring FY 2010 budget to a total of $18.5 billion– that's down from the FY 2009 budget total of $20.2 billion. He says that Georgia will accept $150 million in federal stimulus dollars to boost the unemployment trust fund as well as $1.1 billion in new federal dollars for education, Medicaid, public safety and social services. State employees will be expected to pay 5% more in health insurance costs. The Governor also said that any state employee furlough decisions will be made by agency heads.

The House has passed its version of a statewide transportation plan, The Georgia 2020 Transportation Act establishes a 1% statewide sales tax which will fund a transportation trust fund that will overseen by a committee of 11 members. The legislation, House Bill 277 and House Resolution 206, is sponsored by House Transportation Chair Vance Smith. House Democratic Leader, Representative DuBose Porter, had a few amendments that were addressed in an impromptu Rules Committee meeting: one that a member of the minority be appointed to the oversight committee; one that DOT remain the agency to receive federal funds until the agency is set up and another to insure one cent of the four cent motor fuel tax be designated for transportation projects. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

The Georgia Commissioner of Revenue says that when it comes to state income taxes, some legislators aren’t paying up. Although unnamed, a report generated by the Revenue Department says 19 state legislators are delinquent on their taxes. Senator Eric Johnson, Chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, is introducing a measure that would require all Senators to be current on their State income taxes. Representative Joe Wilkinson, Chair of the House Ethics Committee, says that the House is also looking to take action. Wilkinson is consulting with legislative counsel to explore options. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.

In the last few years the Georgia Sports and Music Halls of Fame have seen their budgets cut. During the last legislative session, several lawmakers called for them to be self–sufficient. Now museum officials are worried they might not have time to make that happen. Josephine Bennett of GPB Radio station WMUM in Macon has more on the fight to keep the two museums open.

Representative Ron Stephens’ proposed one dollar excise tax increase for a pack of cigarettes has yet to go before a full committee. Today at the Capitol members of Faith United Against Tobacco urged legislators to take action on House Bill 39, also known as the “Pass the Buck” legislation. The additional tax would fund tobacco prevention and health care.

A measure that would require testing for and treatment of HIV for incarcerated individuals received a do-pass recommendation from the Senate State Institutions and Property Committee today. Senator Kasim Reed is the sponsor of Senate Bill 64.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 24- February 26, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the House passes the FY 2009 amended budget; legislation that would allow utility companies to charge current customers for future nuclear energy projects receives final passage; the Senate votes to strengthen the State’s Trauma Care Network and a leadership shakeup at the Georgia Department of Transportation, GPB Radio’s John Sepulvado has the details; and we’ll talk with Tom Crawford of CapitolImpact.com for his thoughts on this week of the session.

The House has passed the midyear budget. House Bill 118, the Supplemental Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2009, is an $18.9 billion spending plan that uses hundred of millions of dollars of federal stimulus money to soften the blow of deep spending cuts. Declining tax revenues have forced the Appropriations committees in both the House and Senate to cut $2.6 billion in state spending to avoid a deficit situation. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected on the floor next Thursday.

The House also gave final legislative passage to the Georgia Nuclear Financing Act, Senate Bill 31 today. The controversial legislation sponsored by Senator Don Balfour was the subject of hours of debate in the House today. The measure would allow utility companies like Georgia Power to charge current ratepayers for future nuclear construction projects. Lawmakers' Brittany Evans has that story.

Nine bills passed on the Senate floor today, including one House bill. We’ll have the highlights of today’s floor action. Senate Bill 68 would revise the guidelines of alcohol sales restrictions when it comes to proximity of certain housing authorities; Senate Bill 69 would expand the definition of sexual exploitation; Senate Bill 164 sets a 75 foot height regulation for highway billboards and creates a $4000 fee for vegetation removal; Senate Bill 165 creates an extra layer of evaluation for Medicaid and PeachCare applicants; and wrapping up today’s debate was House Bill 233, a measure that would place a two year moratorium on assessment increases for property tax purposes.

The Senate today also overwhelmingly passed a measure creating a new statewide trauma care agency. Senate Bill 156 does three main things: 1) extensively revises the duties of the State’s existing Trauma Care Network Commission, 2) abolishes the Georgia Trauma Trust Fund and 3) establishes a new agency- the State Office of EMS/Trauma. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards reports.

It’s the end of the sixth legislative week under the gold dome, a perfect time to check in with Tom Crawford, National Editor of CapitolImpact.com. David talks with Tom about federal stimulus funds headed to Georgia, tort reform and the proposed State Transportation Authority.

And a shakeup at the Georgia Department of Transportation. GPB Radio's Rome Bureau Chief John Sepulvado was there when the announcement came about the removal of Gena Evans as DOT Commissioner. He talks with Lawmakers’ Nwandi Lawson.

Governor Sonny Perdue backed legislation last year that would waive landowners’ liability for any death or injury to a hunter or fisherman on their property. Time ran out on the legislation last session, but today, the Senate Judiciary Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 75, The Landowners Protection Act. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has more.

The Senate Ethics Committee gave a do-pass recommendation to Senate Bill 96 today. Sponsored by Senator Kasim Reed, the bill contains several measures intended to provide ethics reform in local and State government, particularly in relation to lobbyists.

Students from local elementary schools joined forces with senior citizens to show their support for the Parent Protection Act. House Bill 37 would allow 24 hours of unpaid leave for employees to attend their child’s school events, their own medical appointments to an elderly parent’s doctor appointments without fear of losing their job. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 17- February 11, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, a bill that would allow Georgia Power to charge consumers for the construction of future power plants passes the Senate, legislation aimed at preventing another school board crisis like the one in Clayton County is heard in Senate committee and a look at “Loser Pays” tort reform legislation the Governor says will reduce what he calls “frivolous lawsuits”.

The Senate votes to approve the Georgia Nuclear Energy Financing Act. Senate Bill 31 would allow utility companies to charge customers to cover the cost of building nuclear power plants- before the plants are built. Opponents say the legislation ties the hands of the Public Service Commission, which usually makes utility rate decisions. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

The House today passed three bills. House Bill 71 seeks to close a loophole that provides a defense for use of false identifications; House Bill 116 extends the sales tax exemption for the sale or use of engines, parts, equipment and other tangible personal property used in the repair or maintenance of aircraft not registered in Georgia but that are being repaired or maintained in Georgia; and House Bill 231 which would allow interior designers to design non-load–bearing walls in structures other than offices.

In addition to passing Senate Bill 31 today, the Senate also passed Senate Resolution 107, which urges Congress to facilitate the building of reservoirs upstream from Lake Sidney Lanier.

Legislation designed to cut down on what Governor Sonny Perdue has termed “frivolous lawsuits” is being met with resistance. Perdue announced the initiative last month at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast. Senate Bill 108, sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert, provides for what has been called a “loser pays” system, which opponents say should be termed a “victim pays” system. Lawmakers Valarie Edwards continues her look into proposed tort reform legislation.

The Senate Education and Youth committee this afternoon heard discussion on Senate Bill 84, legislation aimed at preventing another school board crisis like the one in Clayton County. An initiative of Governor Sonny Perdue, the bill is sponsored by Senator Bill Heath and seeks to revise elections provisions for school boards.

For the third year in a row, the Georgia General Assembly is considering revising the State’s criminal code to include a life without parole sentence for murder. Senate Bill 13 sponsor, Senator Preston Smith, says that the bill would close a gaping hole in Georgia law. The bill received a do-pass from the House Judiciary Non-Civil committee this morning.

Senate Democrats today introduced of another piece of legislation designed to help veterans in areas from education to financial aid. Senator Robert Brown sheds light on what has been termed the “Five for Fighting” agenda.

House Bill 123 would change the offense of child molestation to include direct contact by electronic means, the internet or telephone. A subcommittee of the House Judiciary Non–Civil committee gave the legislation a do-pass recommendation this afternoon. Representative Matt Ramsey is the sponsor of the bill and the chair of the Subcommittee.

Senator Greg Goggans introduced legislation today that would add a $10 fee to tags purchased for passenger vehicles in Georgia to fund the State’s Trauma Care Network. He took a point of personal privilege to invite his fellow Senators to sign on to the legislation.

And Licensed Practical Nurses or LPNs from across Georgia came to the Capitol today. Several legislators and Secretary of State Karen Handel joined the celebration of careers in the medical field. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez has that story.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Day 16- February 10, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, the Senate votes not to reconsider the passage of the Homeowners Tax Relief Grant legislation; Governor Sonny Perdue tells County Commissioners that now is not the time for those property tax grants; Senate Democrats say that they’re developing a plan to carefully consider how the State should move forward in these difficult economic times; Valarie Edwards take a look at proposed tort reform legislation and our leadership interview series continues with Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown.

The fate of House Bill 143 was finally decided today when the Senate chose not to reconsider their action in passing the legislation on Friday. The bill funds Homeowners Tax Relief Grants (HTRGs) for years when there is a budget surplus and has garnered opposition from Democrats and Republicans who called the bill both unconstitutional and obsolete. In the end, House Bill 143 was engrossed, which means no changes were made. The legislation now heads to Governor Sonny Perdue.

Governor Perdue today told the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia that now is not the time for homeowners tax relief grants, but stopped short of saying that he would not sign House Bill 143. We’ll have the highlights of his luncheon address.

Senate Democrats say they’re developing a plan to carefully consider how the State should move forward in these difficult economic times. The development of the plan depends on two factors: 1) using a base of knowledge about federal stimulus plans from Democratic colleagues serving in Congress, and 2) meeting with State agency directors and commissioners to get a clearer picture of Georgia’s needs.

House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter and House Democrats today announced their introduction of House Bill 356. They claim that the legislation would streamline government, crack down on fraud and put over $1 billion back into State coffers by improving the sales tax collection process.

Legislation designed to spur biotech business growth in Georgia is being met with skepticism from some consumer groups. Governor Sonny Perdue announced the initiative last month at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s Eggs and Issues breakfast. Senate Bill 101, sponsored by Senator Bill Cowsert provides blanket immunity to drug manufacturers and makers of medical devices that have FDA- federal Food and Drug Administration- approval. Lawmakers' Valarie Edwards reports.

The Senate today passed three pieces of legislation. Senate Bill 14 which would prohibit those on the National Sex Offender Registry from serving on a school board. Senate Bill 24, the Probation Management Act and Senate Resolution 96, which urges the board of the Georgia Military College to maintain current military programs.

The House passed two pieces of legislation today. House Bill 212 extends an existing sales tax exemption for sales or use of jet fuel by qualifying airlines at qualifying airports and House Bill 194 would require the inclusion of additional information when a generic drug is substituted for a brand name prescription.

State and federal law already requires directors and owners of day care centers to have background checks, but if House Bill 70 becomes law, all day care employees and adults who live homes that are also day care centers would have their fingerprints taken for background checks. Lawmakers’ Emily Banks has more on committee action regarding this legislation.

On the heels of a recent salmonella outbreak across the nation emanating from a peanut processing plant in Georgia, the House Agriculture Committee today announced the creation of the Consumer Protection Investigation and Oversight Subcommittee. The task before the committee: to oversee the safety of agricultural products in Georgia.

Our leadership series of interviews continues with Senate Democratic Leader Robert Brown. Lawmakers' David Zelski had an opportunity to sit down with Senator Brown this afternoon to discuss the budget, education and transportation.

Teens may soon find that holding a cell phone in one hand and a steering wheel in the other is not a legal combination. The Driver Safety and Services Subcommittee of House Motor Vehicles heard testimony on House Bills 21 and 23 Friday afternoon. Both bills look to ban teenage cell phone use while driving but the specifics differ. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

Today was Foster Youth and CASA Day at the Capitol. CASA is the organization of Court Appointed Special Advocates which serve abused and neglected children in the State’s justice system and social programs. Lawmakers’ Alan Friedman has that story.

And the National Association of Social Workers trained their members to advocate for legislation at their “Student Lobby Day” under the gold dome. House Bill 37, the Parent Protection Act, is at the top of the agenda. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez reports.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and tomorrow morning on GPB television at 5:30 AM. You can also watch a repeat of Lawmakers tomorrow morning on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.

Georgia General Assembly Adopts Legislative Schedule

The House and Senate today adopted House Resolution 238 which sets the following upcoming schedule for the Georgia General Assembly:

Tuesday, February 10.......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 16
Wednesday, February 11..... LEGISLATIVE DAY 17
Thursday, February 12........ LEGISLATIVE DAY 18

Tuesday, February 17........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 19
Wednesday, February 18...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 20
Thursday, February 19......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 21

Tuesday, February 24........... LEGISLATIVE DAY 22
Wednesday, February 25...... LEGISLATIVE DAY 23
Thursday, February 26......... LEGISLATIVE DAY 24

Tuesday, March 3................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 25
Wednesday, March 4.............. LEGISLATIVE DAY 26
Thursday, March 5................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 27

Monday, March 9.................... LEGISLATIVE DAY 28
Tuesday, March 10................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 29
Thursday, March 12............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 30

Tuesday, March 17................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 31
Wednesday, March 18............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 32
Thursday, March 19............... LEGISLATIVE DAY 33

Tuesday, March 24.................. LEGISLATIVE DAY 34
Wednesday, March 25............ LEGISLATIVE DAY 35

Representative Jerry Keen and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers both indicated that the last 5 legislative days will be reserved for the final week of the fiscal year in June, but that the General Assembly intends to complete their work by the 35th legislative day. It could be interpreted that the General Assembly is providing options while the country waits for Congress to act on the federal stimulus package.

Day 9- January 29, 2009

Tonight on Lawmakers, Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle speaks out on the homestead exemption cut, a proposed “sin tax” on adult entertainment venues and we begin our leadership interview series with House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter.

Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle is throwing his support behind maintaining the Homestead Tax Relief Grant (HTRG). Cagle added that he believes government programs should be cut or state employee furloughs should be considered instead of taking away the tax relief for property owners.

House Majority Leader Jerry Keen says that the state can no longer subsidize local governments to give the homestead tax relief grant. He says that the House Republican leadership is introducing tomorrow two pieces of legislation regarding property tax. House Resolution 1 would place a 3% cap on raising millage rates. House Bill 143 would offer the HTRG only when the State has a surplus.

State legislators want to reduce the incidents of sexual exploitation of minors. Members of the Joint House and Senate Commission on Sexual Exploitation of Minors announced their legislative agenda today. The plans include what could be referred to as a “sin tax”- a $3 to $5 fee assessed on every visitor to an adult entertainment venue. Lawmakers’ Minoo Hosseini has that story.

Governor Sonny Perdue is backing legislation that would add hundreds of dollars to the cost of a speeding ticket. House Bill 160, the so-called Super Speeder bill would add an additional $200 fee to speeders caught going 85 miles per hour or over. The super speed drops to 75 MPH on a two-lane road. Lawmakers’ Valarie Edwards has more.

Seniors’ rights groups gathered at the Capitol today to protest budget cuts that they say will adversely affect the delivery of services to Georgia’s senior citizens. Bright green “Be There for Seniors” stickers could be seen under the gold dome as advocates, legislators and seniors rallied for continued funding. Lawmakers’ Brittany Evans reports.

WMUM Macon Reporter Josephine Bennett continues GPB Radio’s “Money Crunch” series. She’ll give us a preview of her report about reaction to the proposed $30 million budget cut that would eliminate school nurses.

Talks about the safety of peanut products continued under the gold dome today after yesterday’s revelation that a Blakely peanut plant had knowingly shipped peanut product containing salmonella. Senator John Bulloch of Ochlocknee took the well this morning to vouch for the safety of peanuts and peanut butter.

Our leadership interview series begins this week with House Democratic Leader DuBose Porter of Dublin. Representative Porter sits down with our Nwandi Lawson to talk about his priorities for the 2009 session.

The House and Senate passed their first bills of the 2009 legislative session today. In the Senate, it was Senate Bill 1, Senator David Shafer’s zero-based budgeting initiative. In the House, it was House Bill 117, an organizational bill.

The revitalization of Jekyll Island has raised new concerns for Senator Jeff Chapman of Brunswick. Chapman has been closely involved with the progress of the project. While the Jekyll Island Authority is focused on increasing visitation, Senator Chapman says this renovation could cost taxpayers $100 million. Lawmakers’ Tiana Fernandez reports.

Senator Kasim Reed and members of the Atlanta delegation want voters to decide whether to bolster the city’s police and fire departments by approving an additional millage on their property tax bill. Reed says the Atlanta City Government has been slow to respond to growing concern about public safety.

All that and more tonight on Lawmakers at 7 PM.

Lawmakers repeats on GPB Radio at 8 PM tonight and on GPB television at 5:30 AM tomorrow morning. You can also catch a repeat of Lawmakers on GPB Knowledge at 7 AM tomorrow. GPB Knowledge is available to those with digital television receivers at .3 of your local GPB transmitter, for example 20.3 in Augusta, or 8.3 in Atlanta.