ATLANTA (May 1, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue yesterday signed into law Sen. John Wiles’ (R-Kennesaw) legislation giving the general public access to juvenile hearings. Amid strong public concern to protect foster children in the juvenile court system, Sen. Wiles authored Senate Bill 207 to improve the lives of children in state custody and bring real reform to Georgia’s child welfare system. Under the bill, extended family members, friends, neighbors and others who are concerned about a child’s welfare will have the right to attend hearings.
State Parks are an Important Economic Tool
By Sen. Chip Pearson
ATLANTA (May 1, 2009) – Summer is quickly approaching, and this year the idea of planning a “staycation” at home is becoming a popular alternative to investing in pricey travel arrangements. At a time when money is tight and the luxuries in life seem few and far between, we need to consider what diversions our local communities have to offer.
Continue reading “State Parks are an Important Economic Tool”
Governor signs Sen. Adelman’s Darfur Contract Ban into Law
ATLANTA (April 29, 2009) – A bill that will impose financial sanctions on the Government of Sudan by prohibiting Georgia state government entities from entering into contracts with companies that have certain Sudanese business interests was signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue Wednesday at the State Capitol. State Senator David Adelman (D-Decatur) authored this bi-partisan legislation (Senate Bill 170) which is an important step toward stopping the mass genocide taking place in the Sudanese southern region of Darfur. Continue reading “Governor signs Sen. Adelman’s Darfur Contract Ban into Law”
Senator Rogers’ Streamlined Appeals Bill Becomes Law
Governor Perdue Signs Senate Bill 240
ATLANTA (April 30, 2009) – A measure to help Georgia property owners has been signed into law by Governor Sonny Perdue. The legislation authored by Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) allows property owners to take assessment disputes directly to arbitration. The law is designed to bypass lengthy government processes and finally put property owners and government on equal footing when determining valuation disputes. Continue reading “Senator Rogers’ Streamlined Appeals Bill Becomes Law”
Governor Signs Sen. Smith’s Life without Parole Bill
ATLANTA (April 29, 2009) – Governor Sonny Perdue today signed Sen. Preston Smith’s (R-Rome) legislation (SB 13) to expand sentencing options in murder cases. Prosecutors will now have the option to seek sentences of life imprisonment without parole in non-death penalty cases.
Continue reading “Governor Signs Sen. Smith’s Life without Parole Bill”