A busy couple of weeks ahead for legislators as the General Assembly prepares to wind down its 2008 session. With the '08 amended budget out of the way, the House and Senate now turn their attention to moving several high profile bills.
They include a measure that would allow licensed gun-owners to openly carry firearms in their car. As well as a Senate bill which offers life without parole for some capital crimes. That bill was sent back to Committee after a House floor vote last week, amended the measure to allow judges to impose the death penalty even if two of twelve jurors vote against death.
A bill that would ban red light cameras as a money maker for local municipalities is before the House, while, curbing redevelopment on Jekyll Island remains a top priority for some lawmakers. And, Sunday alcohol sales is one of this session's most hotly debated measures, with Governor Sonny Perdue remaining staunchly opposed.
Still to be resolved is the '09 budget. Lawmakers hope to pass versions of that budget out of each chamber this week so it can go to a joint House/Seante conference committee.
Tax Reform
With statewide elections mere months away, lawmakers in both houses have been competing to see who can come up with a tax reform plan that's most attractive to voters.
Speaking to reporters at his weekly press briefing, Senate President Pro Tem Eric Johnson says he's confident both, the House and Senate, will be able to come up with a workable tax reform plan before the last day of the '08 session.
"Well, so far, we're in agreement on the quarter-mil property tax cut that the Governor has proposed. We're in agreement on an assessment cap. And, we're in agreement that there should be some sort of significant tax cut. So, we agree on a good portion of that tax reform. I believe we can find a final solution to a tax cut."Where the two sides differ is the car tag tax and a state income tax reduction. While the House seeks to eliminate the car tax altogether, Senate leaders would prefer a ten percent cut in state income taxes instead.
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Track the progress of bills introduced during the '08 Legislative session:
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2007_08/
