HB 456 Passes Final Legislative Test

ATLANTA (March 29, 2012) – Legislation that will create a mechanism to determine the continued need and existence of state-run programs and agencies has passed its final legislative test with the approval of a Senate substitute by the Georgia House of Representatives. HB 456 passed on the last day of the 2012 Legislative Session and will now travel to Governor Deal for signature into law. The bill was carried in the Senate by Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta), a long-time supporter of the measure.

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Senate Passes Responsible Welfare Legislation

ATLANTA (March 27, 2012) –The Georgia Senate passed HB 861, the Social Responsibility and Accountability Act, today by a vote of 36 to 15. Sponsored in the House by Rep. Michael Harden and carried in the Senate by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell), this legislation requires recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to undergo drug screening to receive welfare benefits.

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Georgia Senate Passes Landmark Criminal Justice Reform Bill

ATLANTA (March 27, 2012) – In a great show of bipartisan support today, the Georgia Senate passed HB 1176 by a vote of 51 to 0. The comprehensive sentencing and corrections reform bill promises to save Georgia taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars, move low-level offenders permanently out of the system, and improve overall public safety. Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton), a long-time supporter of criminal justice reform in Georgia, carried the bill.

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