The House and Senate convene at 9 a.m. today – an early assembly designed for a quick weekend getaway.

The Senate is set to pass the midyear budget.

The House intends to dabble in territory that would be familiar to Charles Dickens. Maybe you saw this recent piece by our AJC colleague Rhonda Cook:

[A] Human Rights Watch report underscores another criticism of private probation: The companies often order the arrest of those under their supervision who fail to pay fees owed to the company. And, when those misdemeanor offenders wind up in jail, taxpayers are on the hook, challenging the notion that private probation companies provide great savings to government.

This morning, lawmakers appear set to approve a bill that would strengthen the hand of private probation companies, by putting a client/offender’s sentence on pause until he/she comes up with the cash that’s owed.

On the House side, afternoon committee meetings will deal with an anti-Obamacare bill and two measures that would shield more information from public view. One relates to state government contracts for work on public building projects, and the other relates to 911 calls.

Finally, state Sen. Brandon Beach, R-Roswell, on Thursday auditioned for a job as Patrick Stewart's stand-in:

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In this file photo from October 2024, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jorge Soler and teammates react after losing to the San Diego Padres 5-4 in San Diego. The Braves and Soler, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels, face a lawsuit by a fan injured at a 2021 World Series game at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason.Getz@ajc.com