Today lawmakers in both chambers advanced controversial bills dealing with professional oversight. 

In the House, members re-ignited a fiery debate over House Bill 881, which deals with prosecutor oversight. 

The bill revises requirements for legislation passed last year that created a prosecuting attorney’s oversight commission.

The commission would be able to investigate and remove district attorneys and prosecutors for incompetence. 

The new bill removes the need for the Georgia Supreme Court’s approval, at the high court’s request.  

Supporters of the bill, including Reps. Joseph Gullett (R-Dallas) and Matt Reeves (R-Duluth), said it is necessary for accountability.  

But opponents including Reps. Tanya Miller and Stacey Evans, both Democrats from Atlanta, said the commission is politically motivated and unnecessary. 

HB 881 passed 95 to 75 in a party-line vote .

The Senate started the morning recognizing the circle of life. 

Sen. Russ Goodman (R-Valdosta) asked the chamber for a moment of silence to remember South Georgia native U.S. Army Spc. Kennedy Ladon Sanders, who was one of three Georgia Army Reservists who lost their lives in a drone attack on U.S. service members at an outpost near the Syrian border in Jordan. 

In addition to Sanders, the attack killed Sgt. William Jerome Rivers, 46, of Carrollton and Spc. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, of Savannah, the Defense Department said Monday. All three were reservists assigned to the 926th Engineer Brigade based at Fort Moore, Georgia.

Sen. Nabilah Islam Parkes (D-Duluth) brought happier news to the Senate floor: she and her husband are expecting a baby, due in August.

Afterward, beauty service licensing became a surprising bone of contention on the floor.

Sen. Larry walker (R-Perry) spoke in favor of Senate Bill 354, with Sen. Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta) coming out against it. 

SB 354 would no longer require licensing for people performing certain jobs, namely shampooing and blow-drying in the cosmetology and hairstyling profession. 

After much debate on the floor, the bill was passed 38 to 15. 

Also today, Senate Republicans gave an update on their priorities for the legislative session. They said they will focus on tort reform, reducing taxes, public safety and school choice. 

Lawmakers will return to the Capitol tomorrow for Day 12 where leaders in both chambers are expected to make an announcement on tax credits.

Join host Donna Lowry and capitol reporter Sarah Kallis at 7 p.m. on GPB-TV for the 54th season of GPB's Lawmakers.

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