State lawmakers have formed more than 40 special committees to study everything from health care reform to reproductive technology rights. Some of the committees are meeting about pressing problems, like the future of Grady, Georgia's largest public hospital.
Then there are the more offbeat topics. Senate Speaker Pro Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) is chairing a committee about property rights in the era of artificial insemination.
"What happens if you put your whole future procreation efforts into a freezer and the power goes out and it melts?" Johnson asks. "We want to find out how this works and whether or not there is a need for government."
Georgia currently does not regulate the market.
Many other committees are looking at complicated issues, including the state public defender system's finances and childhood obesity.
Most committees have to publish recommendations for new laws, but there is no guarantee of results.
Legislative staffers aren't positive, but they say this could be a record year. Participating lawmakers receive $173 each day they meet at the Capitol or across Georgia.
Then there are the more offbeat topics. Senate Speaker Pro Tem Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) is chairing a committee about property rights in the era of artificial insemination.
"What happens if you put your whole future procreation efforts into a freezer and the power goes out and it melts?" Johnson asks. "We want to find out how this works and whether or not there is a need for government."
Georgia currently does not regulate the market.
Many other committees are looking at complicated issues, including the state public defender system's finances and childhood obesity.
Most committees have to publish recommendations for new laws, but there is no guarantee of results.
Legislative staffers aren't positive, but they say this could be a record year. Participating lawmakers receive $173 each day they meet at the Capitol or across Georgia.
