Tag: 2011 Georgia General Assembly

  • Deal signs illegal immigration bill

    ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal on Friday signed into law a controversial measure that aims to crack down on the state’s illegal alien population. HB 87 requires that most businesses in the state verify the citizenship status of potential employees. The law, often described as similar to the one Arizona previously passed, would also allow…

  • Column: The buzz from the Gold Dome

    By Sen. Johnny Grant The 2011 Legislative Session came to a close late Thursday night after nearly 14 hours of action in the Senate Chamber. The headlining issue from the last day of session was the passage of HB 87, an illegal immigration reform package. Also this week, the General Assembly adopted a balanced spending…

  • Column: A city in crisis

    By State Sens. Emanuel Jones, Rick Jeffares and Gail Davenport ATLANTA  – Throughout its storied history, the City of Stockbridge has built a reputation as a thriving suburban town; a place where people want to live, work and raise a family. However, political infighting among city officials has thrown this prominent community into turmoil.After Mayor…

  • Feds green light state’s proof of citizenship law

    Brian Kemp ATLANTA – The Justice Department on Monday gave the green light to the state’s requirement that voters show proof of citizenship before registering to vote. Act 143 or Senate Bill 86, the state’s voter verification process requires that first-time, would-be voters confirm they are in fact U.S. citizens – the proof could include…

  • UPDATE: State House tackles celebratory gunfire

    ATLANTA – The state House has taken a stand against celebratory gunfire. State representatives on Monday voted in favor of HR 341, which encourages governments and businesses “to promote an increased public awareness of the dangers of celebratory gunfire and further urges state and local governments and law enforcement agencies to better educate Georgians regarding…

  • State House tackles celebratory gunfire

    ATLANTA — The state House has taken a stand against celebratory gunfire. State representatives voted in favor of HR 341, which encourages governments and businesses to teach the public about the dangers of celebratory gunfire. “The loss of an innocent human life is always tragic, but it seems even more so when it is caused…

  • State senate votes to streamline compensation process

    The Georgia State Senate last week passed legislation proponents say will streamline compensation to families of public emergency workers who are killed in the line of duty. “Georgia’s emergency personnel put their lives on the line every day for the safety and security of the people of this state,” state Sen. Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell,…

  • Bill would require DNA samples from suspected felons

    ATLANTA — Anyone arrested on a felony charge in Georgia would be required to submit a DNA sample to a database under a bill the state Senate passed on Wednesday. The measure now heads to the state House for consideration. Officials contend the DNA samples, which would likely be collected via oral swab, could be…

  • Judge: Health care case should be expedited

    ATLANTA — A federal judge on Thursday declined to block the controversial health care from taking effect, but said the case should “move forward as soon as practically possible.” In January, U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson said the federal government cannot force people to buy health care insurance. But, in response to a motion from…

  • Lawmaker: No ‘nontax fees’ on tax bills

    ATLANTA – A state lawmaker wants to ban “nontax fees” from appearing on property tax bills. Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, introduced HB 291, which would ban the non tax fees, such as waste removal and storm water fees, from appearing on tax bills. Harrell estimates 15-20 percent of some people’s tax bills come from nontax…