Political Rewind: Lawmakers Talk COVID Visitations, Election Law And More Under Gold Dome

Credit: Sam Bermas-Dawes, GPB News

Friday on Political Rewind: New movement ensues on legislation in the Georgia General Assembly.

Bills regarding sports wagering and human trafficking were considered, and top Republican representatives pushed a bill to curtail absentee voting. But one of the more emotional debates in the legislature concerns visitation policies at nursing homes and hospitals. If passed, House Bill 290 would punish hospitals and nursing homes that have policy to keep visitors away from patients during a “declared public health emergency” such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our panel looked at the action in the state Capitol as the session continues.

In the U.S. Capitol, the impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump is likely to end with a vote by U.S. senators this weekend. It appears conviction will not receive enough support from Senate Republicans to pass.

Former Democratic congressman Buddy Darden said while their efforts seem destined to fail, House impeachment managers have done a good job making their case to the American public.  

"I can tell you that the Georgia prisons are full of people who have been convicted on less evidence than they have presented on Donald Trump," Darden said. "However, we all know that the votes are not there."

Panelists:

Buddy Darden — former Democratic Georgia Congressman

Patricia Murphy — Political Reporter and Columnist, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Edward Lindsey — former Republican State Representative

Mariela Romero — Regional Community Empowerment Director, Univision