Crossover Day Winners

A controversial measure that would treat an embryo as a person passed the senate yesterday. The bill would prohibit Georgia embryos from being used for stem cell research. It would also treat an embryo legally as a child.

And the state House passed a bill that allows for the adoption of an embryo. Supporters say the bill is needed to avoid lawsuits over disputed adopted embryos, but opponents like say it could lead to the recognition of an embryo as a person.

Other bills that passed yesterday include

A plan to eliminate the so-called birthday tax on cars the measure would instead require car owners to pay a one-time fee of up to $2,000 or seven percent of the car’s value.
Teens caught using a cell phone while they drive could get the same punishment as drivers caught with an open container.

A salary bonus for teachers with national board certification would continue for at least this year under a house bill that passed. But it would leave the program open to changes in the future.

Businesses would get a $500 credit toward the unemployment tax and a $2,400 income tax credit for each new employee they put to work and retain for at least two years

And if you buy a house in the next six months, you could get a $3600 dollar tax credit under a bill that passed the house. Lawmakers hope to reduce Georgia’s growing inventory of unsold homes.

Senate Bill Bans Creating or Destroying Embryos for Research (audio)

A Senate panel today approved a bill that would ban the creation or destruction of an embryo for embryonic stem cell research.

The move comes on the same day that President Barack Obama lifted limits on using federal dollars for such studies.

Critics say the bill would hinder embryonic stem cell research, and harm the biotech industry.

Supporters say it would protect human life in its earliest form.

Click on the streaming media player below to hear Susanna Capelouto's report:

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