Bill requiring harsher penalties for gang recruitment clears General Assembly
State Sen. Josh McLaurin, D-Sandy Springs, speaks against a bill imposing tougher penalties for gang recruitment. (Photo credit: Rebecca Grapevine) ATLANTA – The state Senate gave final passage Wednesday to legislation imposing mandatory minimum prison terms for gang...
State Senate sends elections bill to Kemp’s desk
ATLANTA - The Republican-controlled Georgia Senate gave final passage Wednesday to legislation prohibiting local elections offices from receiving private donations to help run their operations. Senate Bill 222 cleared the Senate 32-21 along party lines. The House...
General Assembly passes two bills aimed at improving Georgia’s reading rates
ATLANTA – The state legislature has passed two bills aimed at boosting early literacy rates in Georgia. The Georgia Early Literacy Act (House Bill 538), sponsored by Rep. Bethany Ballard, R-Warner Robins, a former teacher, aims to improve the quality...
Georgia Supreme Court hears arguments in abortion ban case
A protest against Georgia's abortion ban outside the state Capitol. (Photo credit: Rebecca Grapevine) ATLANTA – The state Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case challenging a Georgia law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. The...
State House bans private funds to local elections offices
ATLANTA - Local elections offices in Georgia would not be allowed to accept donations from private sources to help run their operations under a Republican-backed bill that has passed the state House of Representatives. Senate Bill 222 cleared the lower chamber along...
Bill requiring counties to enforce local bans on homeless campers clears General Assembly
Georgia Sen. Carden Summers (Photo credit: Rebecca Grapevine) ATLANTA - Georgia cities and counties must enforce local ordinances prohibiting homeless people from camping and sleeping in public arenas under legislation that has gained final passage in the General...
General Assembly passes GOP-backed oversight board for prosecutors
State Rep. Houston Gaines (Photo by Beau Evans) ATLANTA - The General Assembly voted largely along party lines Monday to create an oversight board for Georgia's district attorneys and solicitors general. The Republican-backed Senate Bill 92 passed in the Georgia House...
Medical cannabis bill closer to passing General Assembly
ATLANTA - A bill that seeks to fix the problems that have long plagued Georgia's medical marijuana program is a step closer to passing the General Assembly. The state Senate voted 53-3 in favor of legislation the House passed earlier this month, but with a series of...