The Cause at the Dome

CCGA Recap of Legislative Activity, Mar 2-6th

The General Assembly continued its 3-day week, with session days Tuesday through Thursday. Thursday March 5th was day 27. Satisfied that they knew everything they were gong to know about the federal stimulus package, they passed a resolution setting out the remainder of the calendar. The plan calls for the final 40th day to be Friday, April 3rd.  So, one month to go.

Pursuant to the board's direction, Common Cause joined several other groups to oppose the two proof of citizenship for voter registration bills going through their respective chambers. As expected, similar bills passed in each chamber, despite quite strong opposition voiced from the well. It is not clear what will happen at this point. One chamber or the other must now pass the other's bill for proof of citizenship to register to become law.

Regarding the bills on our legislative agenda this week.

Senate Bill 96, which requires local governments to instate ethics panels, was placed on the Senate Rules Calendar, but did not get passed through to go to the floor. Members of the Board have approached Casey Cagle to ask for his support to push this bill through crossover day.

Rep. Edward Lindsey's judicial election reform bill HB 601 has not yet been assigned a committee hearing, but we are working with him to move that forward.  

The enabling legislation for last fall's Constitutional Amendment 2 (The TAD amendment) passed out of full committee, went right to the top of the queue, and passed the House on Thursday. HB 63  provides some tightening effects to determining how projects would qualify for TAD funding. It will have to pass the Senate in some form, but could be softened, so we will continue to follow.

The Independent Redistricting legislation HR 229 had its first committee hearing on Monday. John Sours gave an outstanding presentation on the bill and its origin with the Governor's 2006 study committee. The bill was not planned for vote, and will stay in play into next year. This was a very good start in what for a long term effort. The press conference scheduled for March 5 had to be cancelled due to situation at the LOB.

CCGA joined several other groups to oppose the (HB 45) proof of citizenship for voter registration bills going through their respective chambers. As expected, similar bills passed in each chamber, despite quite strong opposition voiced from the well. It is not clear what will happen at this point.