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AJC.com > Legislature > Blog > Archives > 2007 > February > 23
Friday, February 23, 2007
Amendment aims to boost independence in redistricting
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Gov. Sonny Perdue’s legislation aimed at adding some independence to the process of drawing political boundaries was filed Thursday.
The proposed constitutional amendment would set up an independent panel, made up of people appointed by the governor and legislators from both parties, to draw political districts.
Currently, the highly partisan job of redistricting is left up to the General Assembly. Typically, the party in power draws boundaries to help ensure it retains power.
Perdue’s proposal faces tough sledding in the Legislature. It would need the approval of two-thirds of the General Assembly to be placed on the ballot. House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram), has already expressed reluctance to change the current system of redistricting.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: politics
Amendment proposed to safeguard English
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The English-first movement could be coming to a ballot near you.
Georgia voters would decide whether to amend Georgia’s constitution and declare English the state’s official language under a resolution filed Thursday by Rep. Timothy Bearden (R-Villa Rica).
English has been Georgia’s official language for more than a decade. But Bearden said he wants to give voters a chance to cement that declaration into the state constitution amid fears that illegal immigrants aren’t assimilating. into the American melting pot.
When it comes to enforcing immigration laws, “the federal government is derelict in its duties,” Bearden said. “ … It’s time to allow the people to vote.”
HR 413 would protect the use of other languages in certain circumstances. They include teaching English, treating medical patients, protecting the rights of crime victims and promoting economic development.
Bearden said he wants to move HR 413 through the committee process this session but wait to put it up for a vote before the General Assembly until next year. He envisions it appearing on the 2008 ballot.
Bearden said he’s going to put his energy behind the constitutional amendment rather than HB 21, which he submitted earlier this year. That measure would have barred state and local governments from issuing documents in languages other than English. But the bill failed to gain a vote before a House Judiciary subcommittee earlier this month after legal experts and immigrant advocates said it could jeopardize some criminal convictions and harm immigrants who are here legally.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Immigration
Lawmakers worried about potential terrorists
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Several state lawmakers want to set up a committee that would study the recruitment of terrorists in Georgia’s prison system.
House Resolution 375 refers to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, saying they “have changed our world and the ways in which we must assess and protect our security.”
The resolution also says there is evidence “indicating that there may be ongoing recruitment of terrorists from within our prison population,” though the resolution does not cite any specifics.
State Rep. Martin Scott (R-Rossville) filed the resolution with four cosponsors. It would create the House Study Committee on Prison System Terrorist Recruitment, a five-member panel that would be appointed by the House speaker.
The committee would potentially recommend legislation and issue a report by Dec. 31.
Permalink | | Categories: politics
Discussion of money pool used by Nichols’ lawyers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
10 a.m. — The Senate Judiciary Committee considers bills relating to the state indigent defense fund, which is the pool of money from which the defense lawyers are being paid in the death penalty trial of accused Fulton County courthouse killer Brian Nichols.
Permalink | | Categories: Today's Agenda
Discussion of money pool used by Nichols lawyers
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
10 a.m. — The Senate Judiciary Committee considers bills relating to the state indigent defense fund, which is the pool of money from which the defense lawyers are being paid in the death penalty trial of accused Fulton County courthouse killer Brian Nichols.
Permalink | | Categories: Today's Agenda
