The 2011 General Assembly wrapped up by midnight Thursday, and the high profile/controversial bill of immigration reform was passed by the Legislature.

The bill must be signed by Gov. Nathan Deal to become law. His office Thursday would not say if the Republican governor would sign it. While in Congress, Deal supported tough immigration measures.

Lawmakers passed numerous other bills on the 40th and final day of the session.

Health Insurance Across State Lines - Georgians will be able to buy insurance policies across state lines under a bill that’s headed for Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature. Some lawmakers complained the bill will allow out-of-state insurance companies to sell policies without important mandates that Georgia requires. Supporters say the bill will lower insurance costs and expand the market for people who are uninsured.

Lawmakers Extend Jobless Benefits - State lawmakers at the 11th hour agreed to a small change in Georgia unemployment law. It allows 22,000 people to receive an additional 20 weeks of unemployment benefits.  

Assisted Living Home Bill Approved - A bill that would allow the elderly to remain in assisted living centers heads to Governor Nathan Deal for his signature.  Under current Georgia law, seniors are sometimes moved to nursing homes when they are no longer mobile or can’t take their medications.  The measure would allow assisted living facilities to provide some services that nursing homes provide. 

Ethics Law Loophole Closed - State lawmakers Thursday gave their final approval to a bill aimed at closing a loophole in the state's ethics law. The bill makes lobbyists report how much they spend on state employees and politicians' family members.It closes a legal loophole the state ethics commission noticed last week.

School Board Member Suspension Bill - A bill that would let the governor suspend school board memebers of systems currently in danger of losing accreditation awaits Governor Deal's signature. Supporters of the measure say its main intent is to put pressure on the members of the Atlanta Public Schools.

DNA Sample Collection - State legislators passed a bill in the Session’s final hours that will allow law enforcement agencies to collect DNA samples from convicted felons on probation. The collection of samples would take place after a judge or jury has convicted someone of a felony. Currently, only felons in state prisons can be asked to provide DNA samples. The bill’s sponsors say the new samples will help law enforcement solve cold cases and possibly exonerate people who have been falsely convicted of crimes.

Aviation Sales Tax Exemptions - A bill on its way to the Governor's desk extends a sales tax exemption on airplane parts. But an amendment to the measure also gives tax breaks to developers of malls, amusement parks and resorts. The last-minute addition would give sales tax breaks to developers who spend $1 million or more to develop tourist venues.

Contributors: Edgar Treiguts

Tags: Georgia, legislature, lawmakers, General Assembly, immigration, DNA, health insurance, jury, capitol, Gov. Nathan Deal, General Assembly 2011, law enforcement officers, convicted felons, breast cancer screenings