Background Check Requirements for Childcare Center Personnel Bill Passes Senate

ATLANTA (March 20, 2013) – House Bill 350, which was carried in the Senate by Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) passed the Senate today by a vote of 44-4. This bill requires all childcare center directors and employees as well as all Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) employees to pass a national fingerprint records check every five years.

Continue reading “Background Check Requirements for Childcare Center Personnel Bill Passes Senate”

Senate Passes Kile Glover Boat Education Law” and “Jake and Griffin Prince BUI” Law

ATLANTA (March 1, 2013) – Senate Bill 136, also known as the “Kile Glover Boat Education Law” and “Jake and Griffin Prince BUI Law,” passed the Georgia State Senate today with a vote of 50 to 0. Senate Bill 136 will reduce the legal blood alcohol limit from 0.10 to 0.08 and increases the penalties for hunting or boating while under the influence. Senate Bill 136 also requires individuals to complete a boating education course prior to operating personal watercraft. Continue reading “Senate Passes Kile Glover Boat Education Law” and “Jake and Griffin Prince BUI” Law”

Sen. Butch Miller Applauds Resolution to Limit Lobbyist Gifts

ATLANTA (January 14, 2013) – Senator Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) applauds the Georgia State Senate for boldly passing a resolution that will amend the Senate Rules and cap gifts from any registered lobbyist or group of registered lobbyists at $100 per item, event or meal. The new rule originates from proactive efforts by the Georgia State Senate to solicit input from both Senators and citizens on how to effectively address lobbyist expenditure concerns.

“From the very beginning of my service at the Gold Dome, I have supported measures that promote government transparency and uphold the highest of ethical standards,” said Sen. Miller. “In fact, I was one of only 8 or 9 legislators to sign last year’s $100 ethics bill. Incorporating the $100 gift cap into Senate rules today was a positive step toward restoring the public’s trust and increasing government accountability.”

Currently, Georgia is only one of three states that does not have a limit on the amount of gifts a lobbyist can give to a legislator. However, taxpayers sent a loud message to state lawmakers last July when a nonbinding question to limit lobbyist gifts on the 2012 primary ballot received overwhelming support from Georgians statewide.

Any violations of the $100 gift cap will be subject to review by the Senate Ethics Committee.

RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2013

For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028

 

Sen. Butch Miller to Serve as Republican Caucus Chair

ATLANTA (November 16, 2012) – Sen. Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) was recently elected to serve as Republican Caucus Chair of the Georgia State Senate, effective with the start of the 152nd Legislative Session of the Georgia General Assembly. The Senate Republican Caucus held leadership elections during a retreat at Little Ocmulgee State Park, where they will also debate and consider caucus rules and proposed Senate rules for the upcoming legislative session. Continue reading “Sen. Butch Miller to Serve as Republican Caucus Chair”