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Sen. Bill Hamrick Files Legislation to Revise Georgia’s International Commercial Arbitration Laws

ATLANTA (February 7, 2012) – Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) has filed SB 383, which aims to revise Georgia’s current laws regarding international arbitration and enhance the state’s visibility as a neutral location for commercial contract resolution. This legislation has received the support of the business community, local chambers of commerce, and the State Bar of Georgia.

“Amending Georgia’s current code to incorporate internationally recognized law is a step in the right direction towards becoming a prominent venue for international commercial arbitration,” said Sen. Hamrick. “Georgia boasts a strong legal community with an existing platform for this process, and our state is home to a large concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters. The infrastructure is in place, but we need to clarify and strengthen our existing laws in order for our state to be a leading center for dispute resolution.

“U.S. companies will be less hesitant to enter into international contracts, and foreign entities will be more agreeable to arbitrate in Georgia if they know it will be a fair process,” added Sen. Hamrick.

International arbitration is the leading method in solving disputes between companies entered into international commercial agreements. The process avoids the uncertainties of traditional litigation by allowing both parties to have wide liberties in the selection of the arbitrator(s) and the arbitration procedure. International arbitration also allows parties to be represented by the counsel of their choice, even if the attorney is not licensed in a U.S. jurisdiction, and provides a binding resolution along with a confidentiality not often received in the legal system.

Georgia stands to gain several benefits from revising its current international arbitration code. The state will receive an economic development and tourism boost through the presentation of an annual signature international arbitration conference, and international business costs for U.S. companies throughout the southeast will ultimately be reduced.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 7, 2012

Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Jennifer Yarber, Deputy Director
jennifer.yarber@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Bill Hamrick Applauds Launch of Needs-Based REACH Scholarship Program

ATLANTA (February 6, 2012) – Sen. Bill Hamrick (R-Carrollton) attended the launch of the REACH (Realizing Educational Achievement Can Happen) Scholarship program today on the Georgia Tech campus. Gov. Nathan Deal kicked off an aggressive fund-raising program and also announced the program’s first corporate sponsor, AT&T, who provided a $250,000 donation.

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Sen. McKoon Introduces Sweeping Ethics Reform

‘The Public Demands That We Must Do Better’

ATLANTA (February 6, 2012) –Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) introduced sweeping ethics legislation today to restore the taxpayer’s trust in government. The bill provides for limits on lobbyist spending and provides transparency for how legislators do business with the State. In a statement at the Capitol, Sen. McKoon expressed the need for definitive lines for legislative interaction.

“Today we take an important step toward restoring public trust in government by introducing comprehensive ethics reform for Georgia,” said McKoon.  “It is not enough for public officials to just disclose their dealings while doing taxpayer’s business.  We must set ironclad standards that prevent undue influence on the legislative process.  Not only is this the right thing to do, the public demands that we must do better.”

Senators David Shafer, Steve Gooch, Ronnie Chance, Jesse Stone, Butch Miller, Mike Crane, Frank Ginn and Judson Hill joined McKoon in their support for ethics reform.

Sen. McKoon is an attorney from Columbus, Georgia and serves portions of Muscogee, Harris, Troup and Meriwether counties.  He is a former Chairman of the Muscogee Republican Party and served on the State Committee for the Georgia Republican Party.

RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2012

For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Shawna Mercer,Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

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Sen. Tolleson Attends Ceremony for First Public CNG Pump in DeKalb County

ATLANTA (February 3, 2012) – Today, Sen. Ross Tolleson (R- Perry) attended a ribbon cutting ceremony in DeKalb County to celebrate the opening of the county’s first CNG pump open to the public. Other attendees included Livia Whisenhunt, CEO of the PS Energy Company and representatives from the Clean Energy Group.

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