House Bill 859, which would allow guns in most areas controlled by the University of Georgia system except for student housing and athletic events, passed the House this afternoon following an hour of spirited debate between pro-carry Republicans and anti-carry Democrats. The final vote was 113 in favor, 59 against, 3 not voting, and 5
On Friday, the Senate passed its substitute for House Bill 757, the Pastor Protection Act. The substitute added language from Senator Greg Kirk’s First Amendment Defense Act that forbids government interference with a natural person’s or faith based organization’s belief that marriage is reserved to two people. The measure is headed back to the House,
Gwinnett County Commission Chairwoman Charlotte Nash cited five attributes that contribute to the success of the county in her annual State of the County address on Thursday, including its schools, a quality public safety services, amenities such as parks and libraries, and the county’s investment in water infrastructure. But for many in attendance, it was
Ahead of Saturday’s South Carolina primary, Ohio Governor John Kasich picked up the endorsement of several Georgia lawmakers. State Senator Chuck Hufstetler, State Representative Tom Taylor, and State Representative Wendell Willard are joining the Kasich leadership team. In a press release, Rome Sen. Hufstetler said, I am proud and excited to support Gov. John Kasich.
We often hear about how good legislation is crafted. A legislator comes up with an idea, writes a bill, gets suggestions for improvements in committee, and passes it in one chamber, only to send it to the other side where the process repeats itself. Eventually, one hopes, a bill is perfected and becomes law. Such
Those attending a Tuesday Senate Rules Committee hearing believed it would consider two bills, the Pastor Protection Act, sent over from the House, and the First Amendment Defense Act, sponsored by Senator Greg Kirk of Americus. Instead, what they got was a substitute for the Pastor Protection Act that took the original, and added on
The growing spat between Speaker Ralston and Senator Josh McKoon of Columbus got a bit more tense today. To review, on Thursday, as the House was preparing to pass the Pastor Protection Act, Senator McKoon took to the well to lament that the Pastor Protection Act was in reality a Politician Protection Act. As the
Senator Greg Kirk of Americus introduced a substitute version of the Pastor protection Act in the Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday that combines the measure previously approved in the House with a modified version of the Pastor Protection Act, Senate Bill 284. After an hour-long hearing in the Rules Committee, the measure received a Do
Senate Bill 330 will receive a hearing this afternoon at a meeting of the Senate Transportation Committee. The measure, sponsored by Brandon Beach would allow the MARTA counties to levy a one half percent sales tax which would be used to pay for MARTA expansion. Should the bill pass in Fulton and DeKalb counties, it’s
Fresh off a strong performance in New Hampshire, the John Kasich presidential campaign now has someone to lead its efforts in the Peach State. Billy Kirkland has been named State Director for the Ohio governor’s bid. In a statement, Governor Kasich said, What a big win this is for us, to have Billy Kirkland on
