Last Monday, Feb. 28, marked the 20th legislative day, and halfway point, of the Georgia General Assembly’s 2011 legislative session.

While we have already succeeded in passing legislation improving our early voting system, and amending our Fiscal Year 2011 state budget, there is still much left to do before we reach legislative day 40 and adjourn sine die. That was clear over the past two weeks, as the House passed multiple pieces of legislation addressing some of the most important issues facing our state. Read More»

On Thursday, Feb. 10, the General Assembly adjourned for the week marking the end of the 13th day of the 40-day legislative session.

Over the past two weeks much of the focus has been on working on the Fiscal Year 2011 Supplemental Budget which was approved by the whole House on Thursday.

Each year the General Assembly must pass two budgets: the Supplemental Budget for the current fiscal year which provides for any necessary mid-year adjustments to ensure the budget remains in balance and the full budget for the next fiscal year that begins on July 1. Read More»

Two weeks ago saw the 2011 term of the Georgia General Assembly gaveled into session. However, it was certainly the most unusual start to a legislative session in my short career.

There was tremendous uncertainty with the weather on the eve of session as snow and ice began to fall. However, the Georgia Constitution does not have any provision for bad weather and states we SHALL convene on the second Monday in January. Read More»

With the recent flip of the calendar from 2010 to 2011, it is almost time for the Georgia General Assembly to convene again for its annual 40 day session beginning on Jan. 10.

I wanted to take the opportunity to give a preview of some of the prominent issues that will be considered by the state House and Senate this year. Before I do that, however, I would like to wish all of the readers of this column a very blessed and happy new year. I would also like to again say thank you to the citizens of Fayette County for giving me the opportunity to serve our home in the state House. Read More»

April 29 finally saw the gavel come down for good on the 2010 session of the Georgia General Assembly. This year was an incredibly challenging year due to our state’s budget issues; however, a number of important pieces of legislation were passed by the General Assembly and now await signature by the governor.

Among many others, the General Assembly addressed important water, economic development, tax reform, transportation, public safety and criminal justice issues this session. Read More»

Last week the House convened for legislative days 34-36. With only four days left in the legislative session the pace of bills on the floor has picked up tremendously. The time remaining where a bill can come out of committee and still be considered by the full House is almost at an end, so a tremendous amount of activity has occurred in recent days by members and committees alike attempting to move important legislation out of committee and on to the floor of the House. Read More»

By Sen. Ronnie Chance and Rep. Matt Ramsey

Thank you for the opportunity to provide additional information on HB 307, critical legislation aimed at shoring up our state’s healthcare system.

There is a great deal of misunderstanding and misinformation surrounding this measure, largely due to election year rhetoric, and we hope to provide some clarity regarding the specifics of this bill. Read More»

Last week the General Assembly convened for legislative days 31-33. Since we are now past cross-over day, House committees began the process of considering Senate bills that have passed out of the Senate and are now under consideration in the House.

One of the most noteworthy pieces of legislation taken up by one of my committees last week was SB 308, legislation aimed at clarifying Georgia’s ambiguous and confusing concealed carry laws.

The measure is being carried in the House of Representatives by Billy Horne (R-Sharpsburg), who is a Fayette County native. Read More»

Last week the House convened for legislative days 28 through 30. As I have previously mentioned, Day 30 of the legislative session is referred to as “Cross-Over Day,” as it is the final day of the session that a bill can move out of the House or Senate and still be considered by the other body before the end of the session on Day 40.

It is always a long and late day with dozens of bills being considered on the floor of the House, and this year was no different. Read More»

This past week the Georgia General Assembly convened for legislative days 25-27. With cross-over day (Day 30) looming, committee activity was incredibly busy this week with members seeking to move legislation to the Consideration Calendar to ensure it is eligible for consideration by the whole House on or before Day 30, the last day for consideration of House bills. Read More»