A conservative state lawmaker known for his plethora of “no” votes has died.

Rep. Bobby Franklin was found dead at his home in Marietta. He was 56. Franklin was elected to the statehouse in 1996.

Cobb County police spokesman Mike Bowman said Franklin's death is being treated "as a natural death" and foul play is not suspected.

Franklin worked as a business consultant. As a legislator, he regularly introduced bills to define abortion as murder in Georgia that never passed. He often stood as the only N in a sea of Y's for even minor legislation.

Gov. Nathan Deal said in a statement that he was “shocked and saddened” to hear about Franklin’s passing.

“Bobby served the people of Georgia as a representative from Cobb County for nearly 15 years, and he never wavered in his conviction to his principles,” he said. “He staunchly defended our Second Amendment rights, and he passionately promoted the sanctity of life.”

House Speaker David Ralston of Blue Ridge released a statement saying Franklin was "a dedicated public servant who held steadfast to his views."

"The Georgia House of Representatives will miss the gentleman from the 43rd district,” he said.

Franklin was a prolific filer of bills. During this year's legislative session, he filed a bill that would have removed places of worship from the list of locations where guns are prohibited. He also filed a bill that would have substituted the word "accuser" for "victim" in criminal proceedings.

Franklin graduated from Covenant College on Lookout Mountain, Ga., with a degree in Biblical studies and business administration.

Tags: state lawmaker, Representative Bobby Franklin