Makers of home-made baked goods and jellies, who do so strictly as a hobby, will be exempted from the rigorous health department inspections that large scale manufacturers of food products must undergo under legislation which passed the house yesterday.

The bill is aimed to protect operators of road side stands, people participating in church bake sales and even kids operating a sidewalk lemon-aid stand who are now, at least theoretically subject to inspection and fines. The proposal does stipulate that a sign be posted which indicates the items for sale are not subject to inspection.

Also adopted was legislation which will allow voters in a portion of Fulton County to vote to incorporate as the City of Milton.  Additionally, a favorable vote was given to the establishment of a suicide prevention program.

Among the various components of the program will be the education of clergy, teachers, and corrections officers on early warning signs and counseling techniques.

There are more suicides in Georgia than homicides. Last year 850 Georgians committed suicide and it is one of the leading causes of death among teenagers.

The House also approved a War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission to coordinate with a similar commission on the federal level.  Supporters noted that no state funding will be needed to set up the commission and that any funding for its operation will come from the federal commission. 

I’m Representative _________________reporting from the capitol.