Senators vote to expand Georgia’s ‘stand your ground’ laws
ATLANTA — The Georgia Senate approved a bill Friday that broadens “stand your ground” self-defense protections, a proposal that critics said would help protect defendants such as those who murdered Ahmaud Arbery. The 30-23 vote fell along party lines, with Republicans...
Legless Georgia detainee featured in congressional hearing that preceded Noem’s ouster
ATLANTA — Before she was ousted by President Donald Trump, then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem got grilled by a Georgia congresswoman about the way her agency had treated a Loganville man with severe disabilities. Double amputee Rodney Taylor had been in...
Georgia lawmakers cross the aisle to help children see and read
ATLANTA — Bryce Berry could not understand why his student was misbehaving. The youth excelled on his assignments, but he disrupted the classroom. Eventually, the student explained that he could not see the board. Thus enlightened, Berry arranged an eye exam and a...
Georgia House passes bill to let pharmacists dispense birth control without prescriptions
ATLANTA — Women could get birth control drugs directly from pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription, according to a bill that cleared the Georgia House on Wednesday. The proposal would expand availability of contraceptives in Georgia, where state law bans...
Georgia House passes bill to ban nondisclosure agreements about child sexual abuse
ATLANTA — The Georgia House of Representatives passed legislation that would void any lawsuit settlements that seek to silence victims of childhood sexual abuse. The bill, called Trey’s Law, is named for Trey Carlock, a child who was sexually abused at a Missouri...
Georgia House votes to limit charges for ambulance rides
ATLANTA — Accident victims who have insurance would be able to worry a little less about the cost of an ambulance ride under legislation approved by the Georgia House Wednesday. House Bill 961 would require that insurers bill their customers the same whether or not...
Georgia lawmakers advance legislation to punish protesters who get in the way
ATLANTA — Protesters became a target of Georgia lawmakers this week as both the state House and Senate passed legislation to enhance punishment against people who get in the way of police or of drivers. "The danger is real," said Rep. Ginny Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs,...
Republicans in Georgia House fail first attempt at property tax cuts
ATLANTA — The Georgia House of Representatives rejected a proposal to nearly eliminate homeowner property taxes. The Republican-driven measure would have put a constitutional amendment to voters. To get on the ballot, it required support from some Democrats to win the...
Georgia senators seek increased fine for blocking roads
ATLANTA — The Georgia Senate adopted legislation Tuesday that would increase the fine for protesting in streets. Senate Bill 443 started as a measure that would have allowed felony charges against protesters who block roads. But the author, Sen. Carden Summers,...