Gov. signs 1st bill as session hits midpoint

ATLANTA - Nathan Deal signed his first bill as governor Thursday, wrapping up the first half of the 2011 General Assembly session.

February 25, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Commission wants complaint about Cagle dismissed

The Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission recommends an ethics complaint against Lt.

February 24, 2011 | Melissa Weinman | State government

Concerns raised over pre-K cuts under Deal's new plan

Gainesville resident Amy Stowers is one parent who doesn't want to see cuts to the state's pre-kindergarten program.

February 24, 2011 | Elizabeth Burlingame | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 18

Highlights The Georgia House of Representatives passed House Bill 192 Wednesday by a vote of 160-3. Introduced by Rep. Brooks Coleman, R-Duluth, the legislation aims to modernize Georgia's K-12 education funding formula by establishing the State Education Finance Study Commission. "This bill is critical for the future of Georgia education," Coleman said. "A thorough review and update of (quality basic education) is long overdue. Our schools shouldn't have to operate under an outdated ...

February 23, 2011 | Melissa Weinman | State government

Senate resolution would honor Gainesville State president

For Martha Nesbitt, it was a complete surprise. Four state senators drafted Senate Resolution 197 this week to honor the Gainesville State College president, her accomplishments and several recent awards. She's one of several local people to be recognized during the 2011 legislative session, including Gainesville Judge Sidney Smith and the North Georgia College & State University softball team. "It happens all the time. The chambers are always recognizing people, almost every day," said J.D. ...

February 23, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Deal's HOPE plan would raise grade standards

Georgia's high school and college students are evaluating their grades and finances after Gov. Nathan Deal announced changes to the lottery-funded HOPE scholarship Tuesday.

February 23, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 17

Highlights Georgia's school and hospital officials could be required to count the number of illegal immigrants they serve each year, according to new legislation introduced Tuesday. Rep. Josh Clark, R-Buford, sponsored House Bill 296, which would require the state Board of Education to tally the numbers by school district and publish it on the state board's website. Hospitals, nursing homes and other health care facilities would have to do the same with patients and publish ...

February 22, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Colleges, students brace for HOPE cuts

Gov. Nathan Deal and top state lawmakers are planning cuts to Georgia's HOPE scholarship program, leaving higher education officials and students curious about what's coming next.

February 19, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 16

Highlights State lawmakers held off voting on a bill that would require markings on identification for people convicted of felonies. House Bill 91 would show law enforcement officials that the person was charged with one of the state's seven violent crimes - murder, kidnapping, rape, armed robbery, aggravated sodomy, aggravated child molestation or aggravated sexual battery. After probation or parole, the person could apply for a traditional license or ID card without the ...

February 18, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Alcohol bill likely dead for this year

Despite an early start with little opposition, the issue of Sunday alcohol sales is likely dead for this year's legislative session.

February 17, 2011 | Melissa Weinman | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 15

Highlights The House and Senate held a joint session Wednesday to hear a State of the Judiciary report from Chief Justice Carol Hunstein. Hunstein recommended more alternative sentencing such as drug, DUI and mental health courts rather than incarceration for nonviolent criminals. She said these courts are less expensive and have a more successful record than jails. "We must reserve our prison beds for our most serious criminals," Hunstein said. "We can no ...

February 16, 2011 | Melissa Weinman | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 14

Highlights A state lawmaker introduced a human life amendment Tuesday that would ask voters to decide whether life begins at conception. Filed as Senate Resolution 153, the constitutional amendment sponsored by Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, needs a two-thirds vote in both the House and the Senate to be placed on the ballot. Mississippi voters will decide a similar amendment at the polls this fall. Colorado voters rejected one last year. The initiative would grant constitutional ...

February 15, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 13

Highlights During Thursday's legislative session, a Republican lawmaker filed a bill that would block illegal immigrants from collecting unemployment benefits. Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, introduced Senate Bill 65, which prohibits noncitizens from collecting benefits unless they were legally residing in the U.S. during employment. In the House, two representatives filed a bill that would allow counties to abandon local-option sales tax projects that have become unfeasible. House Bill 240 would allow counties to ...

February 11, 2011 | From staff reports | State government

Under the Gold Dome: Day 12

Highlights House representatives tabled House Bill 72, which would require the driver's license exam be given in English for permanent residents of the state. Instead, they voted 88-78 to adopt an amendment that requires the state to update its sign test to include the most common English words used on digital signs. The driving exam will continue to be given in 14 languages. Rep. James Mills, R-Chestnut Mountain, introduced House Bill 72 on Jan. 25, ...

February 09, 2011 | Carolyn Crist | State government

House to vote on driver’s license tests being English only

House representatives will decide today whether driver's license tests should only be given in English.