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AJC.com > Legislature > Georgia Beat > Archives > 2005 > February > 07
Monday, February 7, 2005
Senate measure would create four-year university in Gwinnett County
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The State Senate likely will pick up the pace this week, as more bills pass out of committee and head to the floor for debate.
On Tuesday, the chamber will vote on a measure to create a four-year college in Gwinnett County. The resolution, introduced by Sen. Don Balfour (R-Snellville) would convert the Gwinnett University Center into a standalone, four-year institution of higher learning.
Several other bills are likely to come up for debate later in the week.
The Senate may vote on Gov. Sonny Perdue’s initiative to allow public funding of faith-based charities on Wednesday or Thursday. The Governor’s land conservation bill, approved by the House, also may arrive in the Senate for a vote this week. If it is approved, it would be the first bill of the 2005 session to be approved by both chambers.
A measure to require women seeking an abortion to speak to a doctor at least 24 hours before undergoing the procedure passed committee last week and may hit the Senate floor later this week. A similar bill passed the Senate in 2003 but stalled in the House.
Today, the Senate took up two non-controversial bills, both introduced by Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg).
Senate Bill 55 changes some of the definitions and rules relating to accountants in the state. The second measure, Senate Bill 68, would change some rules pertaining to real estate appraisers. Both bills passed with little debate.
In addition, several bills were introduced on first reading and assigned to committee.
Sen. Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) sponsored a bill that would beef up Georgia’s tourism program.
Senate Minority Whip David Adelman (D-Decatur) introduced a bill that would prohibit soliciting money or selling goods for a fee to operators and passengers on public buses and trains. The bill also would make it illegal for someone to distribute some written materials to public transportation passengers.
Sen. Brian Kemp (R-Athens) introduced a bill that would require the Department of Juvenile Justice to operate certain programs for kids who violate their probation. It also would require the department to offer some community-based alternative programs.
The Senate also passed a resolution commemorating the life of Mullis’s mother, who died last week. Mullis thanked Senate members for their love, support and kindness.
The Senate meets again at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
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House bill would block Atlanta’s fine of golf club
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Georgia House overwhelming approved legislation today that would bar the city of Atlanta from fining Druid Hills Golf Club for refusing to treat partners of gay members the same as spouses of married members.
The bill, sponsored by House Rules Committee Chairman Earl Ehrhart (R-Powder Springs), would have implications beyond Atlanta if it becomes law. It would stop any state agency or local government from imposing fines on any person or group that does not provide benefits equivalent to marriage to employees or members.
The measure passed the House 124 to 39, despite some protests from Atlanta area legislators that it was part of a “hidden gay-bashing agenda” and an erosion of the long-standing principle of local control.
The bill does not mention Atlanta or Druid Hills by name, but Ehrhart has said Mayor Shirley Franklin’s threats of fines against the golf club were the reason he drafted the bill.
Early last year, a city commission declared Druid Hills in violation of Atlanta’s human rights ordinance, which prohibits discrimination against gays.
The east side club objected, arguing that it provided marital benefits —such as allowing spouses to inherit club membership if a member dies — only to people who are legally married under Georgia law.
In December, Franklin announced she planned to start fining the club for violating the ordinance, up to a maximum of $90,000. The club responded by filing suit against the city, arguing the ordinance violates the state constitution.
On the floor of the House, Ehrhart argued today that: “You shouldn’t have to sue your political subdivision to get your constitutional rights.”
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House to take up budget Tuesday
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The state’s $16.5 billion mid-year budget will hit the floor of the Georgia House on Tuesday. The spending plan — which includes two new projects for Georgia State University, the alma mater of House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) — was put on the House calendar for Tuesday by the powerful Rules Committee this morning.
Rules Committee Chairman Earl Erhart (R-Powder Springs) only allowed two other bills on the calendar so there will be plenty of time for a floor debate of the budget, which also includes funds for a ports project in the hometown of Majority Leader Jerry Keen.
Legislators convene at 1 p.m. today.
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