Section Branding
Header Content
Bills Meet Their Fate Ahead Of Crossover Day
Primary Content
Thursday signals the last day for bills to be passed out of one chamber, the House or Senate, to the other. It's known as crossover day. After that, legislators have about three weeks to get bills to the governor's desk.
So far, here are some bills that have been voted on:
Georgia’s House passed legislation that will allow for the growth and sale of medical marijuana in the state. Medical marijuana is legal, but it is currently illegal to grow, sale, or buy it here. Advocates say this bill expands access to low THC oil, which many families were having to cross state lines to get. Some critics worried this bill would lead to a push to legalize recreational marijuana, but the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Micah Gravley said he is opposed to that.
Georgia senators strengthened the penalty against any person or city who defaces or removes a memorial, including those honoring the Confederacy. Anybody that does, could face a fine of three times the amount of the cost to repair. Meanwhile, another bill in the House that would prevent them from being displayed on public property hasn’t received a vote yet.
A bill that would’ve essentially created a school voucher system was voted down in the Senate. The legislation would’ve paved the way for state dollars to follow a student to a private or charter school. But some Senators argued it would do more to harm students who couldn’t afford to leave public school.
Representatives approved a jet fuel tax break which helps major airlines like Delta. Last year, then Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle blocked the tax break after Delta announced it would no longer offer discounts to NRA members. Former Gov. Nathan Deal issued an executive order overruling Cagle’s decision. The tax break has a duration of 20 years.
The Senate approved legislation to make it illegal for people to use drones or unmanned aircraft to drop off contraband to inmates and to take pictures of jails or prisons. The bill toughens the penalty for those who are caught.
Other bills, such as hate crime legislation, one that would establish stricter laws for booting cars, and an attempt by the state to take over control of Atlanta’s airport are expected to be voted on Thursday.
Secondary Content
Bottom Content
