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Blind vendors find independence at state Capitol and military bases
The drop in sales that comes with the holiday season is always tough for Dale King, the blind cafe manager of the James H. “Sloppy” Floyd Building across from the Georgia Capitol. But it’s far better than the days when no one would hire him due to his blindness, so he relied on odd jobs […]
Newly elected lawmaker files bill to restrict transgender athletes
A Republican lawmaker elected in October filed a bill this week that proposes to ban sports teams from using public facilities if transgender children are competing in single-sex events that differ from their biological sex assigned at birth. State Rep. Philip Singleton’s legislation proposes to prohibit people of different biological sexes from interscholastic competition in […]
Georgians react to federal appeals court ruling against Obamacare
A federal appeals court upheld a decision to strike down the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate Wednesday, prompting cheers from Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr and dismay from groups worried thousands of Georgians could lose health insurance. Judges on the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ruled 2-1 that the policy requiring […]
State lawmakers head to 2020 with potential gambling plans in pocket
Lawmakers in both the Georgia House and Senate appear poised to push for an expansion of some form of legalized gambling next year, most likely asking voters to decide at the ballot box. Study committees from both chambers weighed the revenue jackpot casinos might bring against the harsh political resistance wide-open gambling is likely to […]
Spaceport delayed as Camden County suddenly plans for smaller rockets
The launch date for Spaceport Camden is on indefinite hold after federal regulators held up an expected approval of Camden County’s license to operate the facility, prompting questions over the project’s future. County officials recently scrapped plans to launch larger rockets like the 230-foot-tall SpaceX Falcon 9 from a pad near the coast. Instead, the […]
Broad effort to reform Georgia’s mental health treatment underway
The state’s Behavioral Health Innovation and Reform Commission met for the first time Monday in Decatur to start a four-year examination of Georgia’s mental health treatment system, which remains under federal oversight following a 2010 court settlement. The 24-member commission is created by a bill sponsored earlier this year by state Rep. Kevin Tanner, a […]
Coal ash imports at Georgia landfills prompt push for disposal fee hike
Wary of a coal ash influx in Georgia, environmental groups and some local officials are pushing for a bill in next year’s legislative session to hike fees charged to store coal ash at landfills. The bill proposes to raise the fee for dumping coal ash from $1 to $2.50 per ton. That’s what dumping all […]
Georgia claims major legal victory in ongoing ‘water wars’ with Florida
Georgia won a major court victory Thursday in its ongoing legal battle with Florida over water rights as a federal judge studying the case recommended the U.S. Supreme Court dismiss the case. The opinion from special master Paul Kelly Jr. is a major milestone, with billions of dollars per year at stake for the economies […]
Ga. House health chair predicts e-cigarette restrictions ahead
An influential state lawmaker and gatekeeper for health-related bills is calling for Georgia to ban flavors in e-cigarettes and to raise the purchase age to 21 to keep the popular products away from children. State Rep. Sharon Cooper, the Marietta Republican who chairs the House Health and Human Services Committee, said she expects lawmakers to […]
Expect insurers, trial lawyers to battle over proposed state seat belt rules
A state Senate study committee that wants to require everyone in a car to buckle up is also recommending a new law to allow seat belt use to be presented as evidence in an injury court case. The debate over the seat belt evidence ban pits trial lawyers and crash victims suing for compensation for […]
Ga. Senate panel recommends statewide 20 mph scooter speed limit
Georgia lawmakers studying potential electric scooter regulations recommend that the state set speed limits and cap impound fees but allow local governments to decide if riding one on sidewalks is legal. A state Senate study committee produced a report to balance free market inclinations with public safety and sensibilities if legislation to regulate electronic scooters […]
Financial exec Kelly Loeffler named to fill Isakson’s U.S. Senate seat
Gov. Brian Kemp Wednesday appointed financial executive Kelly Loeffler to become the second woman in Georgia history to join the U.S. Senate. Soon after the announcement at the state Capitol, Loeffler staked her positions as staunchly anti-abortion and a strong supporter of President Donald Trump as she prepares to replace U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson. Isakson […]