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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House Version of “Georgia Government Accountability Act” Passes Senate

ATLANTA (March 27, 2012) – The Georgia Senate passed HB 456, also known as the Georgia Government Accountability Act, by a vote of 38 to 6. The legislation provides a mechanism to determine the continued need and existence of state-run programs and agencies through the creation of the General Assembly Legislative Sunset Advisory Committee. Sen. Judson Hill (R-Marietta) carried the bill.

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