We returned to the
gold dome on Monday, March 12, to begin our 31st legislative day of
the 2012 session. With “Crossover Day”
(Day 30) behind us, bills passed by the state Senate have now “crossed over”
for consideration in the House. This
means that we will spend the last 10 legislative days of the session debating
and voting on Senate bills and resolutions that have already passed the
Senate. Before Senate bills can make their
way to the House floor, however, they must first go through the House committee
process. Just as we spent the first few weeks
of session in committee meetings examining House legislation, this week we spent
much of our time in committee meetings examining Senate legislation.
Senate Bill 312 is
one piece of legislation that “crossed over” from the Senate and is now under
review in the House Judiciary Committee.
SB 312 requires recipients of food stamps to engage in professional
development activities, such as furthering their education, enrolling in an
adult literacy class, or taking a job training course. This requirement would not apply to those
working more than 30 hours a week or part-time students, since they are already
furthering their professional development. With the Georgia unemployment rate above 9
percent, this measure will help ensure that those receiving public assistance
are taking the steps necessary to become successful, tax-paying workers.
Another piece of
Senate legislation discussed by the House Judiciary Committee this week was
Senate Bill 316. This bill extends the
statute of limitations up to 20 years for offenses that harm children. After this change, adults can come forward
and report cases of rape, molestation or incest that may have occurred when
they were children. With only half of
child abuse cases ever reported, this measure will allow prosecutors and
victims to seek justice against those that commit these deplorable acts. Reporting abuse can ultimately prevent future
abuse from occurring, so these adults may be able to save countless children by
coming forward. I encourage you to
report any instances of suspected child abuse by calling 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Senate Bill 469 also “crossed over” to the
House and is currently under review in the House Industrial Relations Committee.
SB 469 prohibits mass picketing on
private property. While all Americans
have a right to freedom of speech, this measure ensures that the rights of
property owners are respected during protests.
This week, the
House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee began discussing Senate Bill 441, another
bill that “crossed over.” This legislation
prohibits individuals from pointing lasers at aircraft and police officers. When pointed at an aircraft from many miles
away, a simple laser pointer can cause a large glare on the glass of a cockpit
windshield, temporarily blinding pilots and creating a serious safety concern
for passengers and people on the ground.
In 2010, more than 2,000 pilots reported being targeted by lasers. Although federal law already prohibits
individuals from pointing lasers at aircrafts, this measure will ensure an
extra level of protection for Georgia
citizens and pilots.
Also, in SB 441 is
a measure that prohibits people from pointing lasers at police officers. With many weapons containing laser sights,
lasers can cause police officers to believe that their lives are being
threatened. In 2005, this led to police
shooting and killing a 24-year old Florida
man after he pointed a laser at a group of deputies and refused to show his
hands. SB 441 would help prevent a similar
instance in Georgia,
and allow police officers to do their jobs without unnecessary distractions.
In addition to SB
312, SB 316, SB 469, and SB 441, the House also received more that 100 other Senate
bills and resolutions that are available for consideration. If you would like information on any of this
legislation, or any House legislation that is now in the Senate, please visit
the House website at www.house.ga.gov and click on the Clerk's
office/legislation link at the top of that page. Once there, you can use the “Legislation
Search” button on the left side of the screen to find bills and resolutions by
bill number, key words, or even the original sponsor of the legislation.
While much of this
week was spent studying Senate bills, I would like to update you on the status
of a House bill that I told you about earlier this session. As you may remember, House Bill 673 would
establish a “return to play” policy that requires youth sports coaches to take
an annual course on the signs of concussions so that they can prevent youth
athletes from continuing to play after receiving a concussion. As currently written, this legislation may unintentionally
open parents and volunteer coaches up to potential legal liabilities and discourage
parents and volunteers from coaching. HB
673 did not make it to through the House in time for Crossover Day and is thus
unlikely to become law this year.
However, my colleagues announced this week that the House will form a
study committee to continue working on this important legislation. This will allow us to consider the issue next
year, after the study committee completes its work and reveals its findings.
As we continue to
review Senate legislation during these last few weeks of session, I encourage
you to please contact me with any concerns you might have regarding Senate bills
or resolutions. Though the legislative
session may be coming to an end, I still need to know your opinion on the
issues that affect you and your family.
You can reach me at my Capitol office at 404-656-0126 or through email
at emory.dunahoo@house.ga.gov.
Thank you for
allowing me to serve as your representative.
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