 Senate Passes 2008 Budget
The State Senate passed its version of the $20.2 billion Fiscal Year 2008 budget today 53 to 1 – funding PeachCare for Kids at its present level and fully funding the state’s education budget, returning nearly $50 million in previous austerity cuts to local systems.
|
 Senators introduce Deaf Child's Bill of Rights Act
State Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome) and Sen. Gloria Butler (D-Stone Mountain) filed legislation today to enact the Deaf Child’s Bill of Rights Act, to require local school systems to take into account the specific communications needs of hearing impaired students and to guarantee that deaf students are instructed in whatever communication mode or language is deemed necessary – such as sign language, oral, aural or with visual signs or clues. |
 Sen. Shafer introduces Saving the Cure Act
Together with 29 cosponsors, State Sen. David Shafer (R-Duluth) today introduced legislation that encourages "nondestructive stem cell research" involving stem cells from the umbilical cord, placental tissue and amniotic fluid.
|
 Sen. Smith files legislation to allow “life in prison without parole”
State Sen. Preston Smith (R-Rome) filed legislation Saturday to allow district attorneys to seek a “life without parole” sentence without first prosecuting a murder charge as a death penalty case. |
 Governor's Floor Leaders introduce Hope Chest Amendment
State Senators Joseph Carter (R-Tifton), Ronnie Chance (R-Tyrone) and Bill Heath (R-Bremen) have introduced legislation on behalf of Governor Sonny Perdue, which aims to protect Georgia’s HOPE Scholarship for future generations. |
Senate Passes Special Needs Scholarships Bill
Senate Bill 10, legislation that will allow the parents of special needs children to use scholarships to educate their children either in a public or private school passed the Senate today by a vote of 31 to 23. The bill, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) (1-31-07) |
Senator Staton introduces trauma bill
State Sen. Cecil Staton (R-Macon) filed legislation today to create the Georgia Trauma Care Network Commission, the group that will oversee the Georgia Trauma Care Fund. Sen. Staton co-chaired the Comprehensive State Trauma Services Joint Study Committee last year, and the recommendations included the creation of the Commission. All 56 state senators signed the bipartisan legislation. (1-25-07)
|
Senate begins 2007 Session
The Georgia State Senate opened the 2007 session in Atlanta under the gold dome.
Senator Eric Johnson was elected by the body to serve once again as the President Pro Tem.
The
session is historic, as it marks the first under Republican Lt. Governor Casey Cagle.
(1-9-07) |
