Should Georgia exempt itself from federal law?

By Kristina Torres

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

A panel of Georgia lawmakers would have the power to review federal law and declare it illegal under a proposal in the state Senate.

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Special Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, has sponsored a bill that would allow a panel of Georgia lawmakers to declare federal laws illegal.

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Senate Resolution 889 would create a "joint commission on recommendation" to advise on which federal laws infringed on the state. If approved by two-thirds of the General Assembly, Georgia residents would be exempted from following them.

Sponsored by state Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, the proposal would also force lawmakers to "adopt and enact any and all measures that may become necessary to prevent the wrongful enforcement of any federal laws or regulations duly nullified within the boundaries and limits of this state."

The measure has the backing of the Senate's top two leaders -- President Pro Tem Tommie Williams, R-Lyons, and Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers, R-Woodstock -- who have signed on as co-sponsors.

"The federal government has excessively abused the authority of state and local governments for some time," Albers said, explaining why he sponsored the proposal.

SR 889 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee.