By: Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro)
ATLANTA (February 16, 2012) – We are now at the midway point of the 2012 session and only 10 days away from Crossover Day, the last legislative day for bills to move between the House of Representatives and the Senate. Many bills have already transferred and some are on their way.
I’ve co-sponsored metal theft legislation that will cross over if it passes the Senate floor. Senators Josh McKoon, Renee Unterman and I have collaborated on this effort. SB 321 is aimed at curbing the state-wide epidemic of metal theft. This bill will strengthen the current laws to protect businesses, farms, utilities, churches, other charities and citizens from becoming victims of metal theft. This crime is particularly bad in at least two ways. It causes tremendous property damage, and it is difficult to prove. The bill passed out of the Senate Regulated Industries and Utilities Committee last week with a vote of 10-2.
Some of the new requirements SB 321 will enact include prohibiting cash payments and establishing a 14-day waiting period for cash payments. This will inhibit metal thieves who don’t want to be paid by check. However, this stipulation does not apply to recognized organizations, government entities or non-profit companies that sell metal. SB 321 will also require owners to show the car title for vehicles up to 20 years old. Recyclers must also fingerprint all metal sellers to protect against repeat offenders. The goal is to prevent metal theft from occurring. SB 321 now travels to the Senate Rules Committee.
The Senate Judiciary Committee, where I sit as a member, passed out the Child Protection and Public Safety Act or SB 127. This comprehensive legislation will modernize and improve the Juvenile Code. SB 127 will also bring Georgia’s laws into compliance with the Federal laws regarding juvenile court proceedings.
In other legislative news, the House passed the Amended Fiscal Year 2012 Budget last week – HB 741 now moves to the Senate for examination and vote. In addition, a House subcommittee passed my bill on Notification of Foreclosure Property Sales on Wednesday – SB 333 crossed over from the Senate last Thursday.
Other bills and resolutions that have passed the Senate since last Thursday include:
- SR 715 to Urge Congress to Expand Eligibility Requirements for H-2A Guest Worker Program
- SB 246 on Increasing Employee Contributions for Public School Employees Retirement System
Back home, everyone is celebrating the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s decision to grant a combined construction and operating license for Units 3 and 4 at Plant Vogtle. Our part of Georgia is leading the national renaissance in nuclear energy as a green alternative source of power. At $14 billion, this is the largest construction project in Georgia. Its economic impact for our region is heightened by the fact that many of those involved in the first two units are nearing retirement, and a new generation is being trained to staff the power plant. Burke County welcomed Energy Secretary Steven Chu and the presidents of Georgia Power and Southern Company on this historic occasion. The new reactors are expected to produce electricity starting in 2016 or 2017.
In other matters, I testified against SR 801 that would have urged the State to stop local governments from establishing programs to train and utilize low risk inmates as firefighters. This would have inhibited innovative, cost saving and proven programs such as the one started by the Screven County Fire Department two years ago. With support from the county commissioners’ association, we were able to prevent action on this resolution.
As always, I look forward to hearing from my constituents as we move further into the 2012 session. Please contact me with your concerns via e-mail, phone or Face Book.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 16, 2012
For Information Contact:
Natalie Dale, Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
kate.greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028