Gov. Nathan Deal has already signed most of the hundreds of pieces of legislation that reached his desk after this session. But he's got a few tough decisions left as he reaches the end of the 40-day window to sign or veto legislation.
Here's a look at five of the gutsier calls left at Tuesday's bill-signing deadline: (We updated the piece at 2 p.m. with word of Deal's vetoes, which you can find here.)
1. New Market Tax Credit. House Bill 439 is one of the most controversial pieces of legislation that passed the General Assembly this year. The plan would offer about $110 million in tax credits to investors who pump money into low-income communities and high-tech startups. About half the funding would go to the "New Markets" program, and the other part would go to Invest Georgia, a venture capital fund backed by Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle.But critics have said the "New Markets" part, which doles out tax credits to invest in struggling areas, is thinly-veiled attempt to benefit a few large capital firms.
Prediction: A likely veto. Word has spread that Deal has informed Cagle's office the project is kaput.
Verdict: Veto. In his statement, the governor said both the credits merit "serious discussion" but that the combination has too much of an impact on the budget.
2. Historic Preservation Tax Credit: Savannah lawmakers rallied behind House Bill 308, which would dramatically raise the tax credit available for rehabilitation projects in historic districts. The measure would allow developers to get up to a $10 million historic preservation tax credit, and was drafted with a proposal to convert a former power plant in Savannah into a luxury hotel in mind. But other projects would also benefit, adding up to a total of $125 million in lost revenue through 2022.
Prediction: Up in the air. This could be a game-time call.
Verdict: It made the cut. Deal spokesman Brian Robinson said the legislation will be signed.
3. A Division of Aging. The measure, House Bill 86, would create a new state Adult and Aging Services Agency to cater to the state's growing elderly population. Supporters contend it would help sharpen the state's focus on the needs of aging Georgians, though Deal's allies have questioned how much money the new agency would cost.
Prediction: A likely veto. State Rep. Tommy Benton, the bill's sponsor, has said he heard it would get the ax. And he's also not among Deal's favorite lawmakers.
Verdict: Veto. The governor said the legislation attempts to merge two agencies with "diverse missions" but that he wants to revisit the broader idea of restructuring the state Division of Aging Services.
4. Red likes and bikes. The motorcycle lobby scored a big win with legislation that allowed them to scoot through red lights when their bikes don't weigh enough to trigger pressure panels for traffic signals. Senate Bill 76 would allow riders riding above sensors not sensitive enough to register motorcycles to treat them like four-way stops.
Prediction: A likely veto. Safety advocates have raised alarms at the measure.
Verdict: Veto. The legislation is "confusing" for motorists, Deal said in his veto statement. And a late amendment that eliminates the current 15-inch height restriction on motorcycle handlebars could pose a safety hazard, it said.
5. Sports Commission Fund. State business leaders want to create a state-run fund to help cities and counties who want to entice sporting events to Georgia. House Bill 510 would create the Georgia Sports Commission Fund to help pick up the tab for a Super Bowl bid or a Little League tourney proposal.
Prediction: A tough call. Critics note that the Metro Atlanta Chamber already runs the Atlanta Sports Council, and a half-dozen other cities have their own sports commissions.
Verdict: Veto. The governor said there's already a similar mechanism in place to fund sports bids, and that he sees a "lack of necessity" for the bill.
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