Senate Passes Bill to Allow Victim Advocates Remain in Courtroom for Minors Testifying

ATLANTA (March 26, 2013) – The State Senate passed HB 480 to allow victim assistance coordinators, victims’ advocates, and such other victim assistance personnel to remain in the courtroom while a person under the age of 16 testifies as a victim in a sex offense case by a vote of  54-1.  Continue reading “Senate Passes Bill to Allow Victim Advocates Remain in Courtroom for Minors Testifying”

Measure to Bring Grocery Stores Closer to College Neighborhoods Passes Senate

ATLANTA (March 28, 2013) – Legislation that will allow grocery stores to operate within closer proximity to college campuses passed the Georgia State Senate today by a vote of 32 to 19. House Bill 517 was carried in the Senate by Sen. Frank Ginn (R – Danielsville) and sponsored in the House by Rep. Chuck Williams (R – Watkinsville). Continue reading “Measure to Bring Grocery Stores Closer to College Neighborhoods Passes Senate”

Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Developers from Charging Ripoff Fees on Future Transfers

ATLANTA (March 26, 2013) – The State Senate passed HB 160, carried by Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), by a vote of 53-1.  If HB 160 becomes law, it will eliminate the private transfer taxes that require a certain amount, typically one percent of the sale price, be paid every time property transfers. These private transfer taxes do not benefit anyone connected with the property and typically extends the cost and time required to close a real estate sale. Continue reading “Senate Passes Bill to Prohibit Developers from Charging Ripoff Fees on Future Transfers”