Utility Worker Protection Act clears Georgia House committee
ATLANTA - Criminals who attack utility workers in Georgia would be subject to stiffer fines and prison sentences under legislation that cleared a state House committee Wednesday. The House Judiciary Committee unanimously approved the Utility Worker Protection Act,...
Kemp signs antisemitism bill
ATLANTA - Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation Wednesday defining antisemitism and incorporating it into Georgia’s hate crimes law. "There is no place for hate in this great state," Kemp said during a ceremony at the state Capitol. "In Georgia, we stand with our Jewish...
Port of Brunswick sets record for autos
ATLANTA - The Port of Brunswick enjoyed a banner year in 2023, but it was an off year for the Port of Savannah. Brunswick handled a record 775,565 units of autos and machinery last year, an increase of 15.6% over 2022. The increased traffic at Brunswick came at the...
State House committee approves coastal marshland ownership bill
ATLANTA - Legislation that would make it easier for owners of marshland property in Georgia under grants that date back to the 1700s to establish that ownership narrowly cleared a state House committee Tuesday. The House Judiciary Committee voted 6-5 to send House...
Georgia House Rules Committee Chair Richard Smith dies at age 78
ATLANTA - Longtime state Rep. Richard Smith died suddenly overnight at the age of 78 after fighting the flu. Smith, R-Columbus, was chairman of the House Rules Committee, the "traffic cop" that decides which bills make it to the floor of the chamber. "This morning,...
State Senate committee approves sports betting bill
ATLANTA - A state Senate committee overwhelmingly approved legislation Tuesday legalizing sports betting in Georgia. Under Senate Bill 386, which the Senate Economic Development and Tourism Committee passed 8-2, the Georgia Lottery Corp. would award 16 licenses to...
Okefenokee Swamp supporters pitch anti-mining bill
ATLANTA - Supporters of legislation banning mining near the Okefenokee Swamp held a news conference at the Georgia Capitol Monday to urge Georgia lawmakers to pass the measure. "The threat of mining is very real," said Alice Miller-Keyes, vice president of coastal...
Prosecutors oversight bill clears Georgia House
ATLANTA - The Republican-controlled Georgia House of Representatives approved legislation Monday that would let a newly created oversight board for prosecutors set its own rules. House Bill 881, which passed 95-75 along party lines, is a follow-up to legislation the...