Number of working days until the end of the 2016 session of the Legislature: 30. We're a quarter-way through.
The House and Senate meet at 10 a.m. They then come together at 11 a.m. in the House for a joint session and the annual State of the Judiciary address. This promises to be more newsy speech than usual. Gov. Nathan Deal wants to increase the size of the state Supreme Court. And Chief Justice Hugh Thompson is expected to map out plans for an historic change in the type of cases the court handles.
Otherwise, it's a relatively quiet day, inside both chambers, with a first, non-controversial bill expected to hit the floor of the Senate. It's Senate Bill 137, dealing with property insurance.
That’s not to say it will be all quiet at the Capitol. Rapper Ludacris is slated to headline a school choice rally across from the state Capitol at noon. The rally’s part of National School Choice Week.
Another hearing on medicinal marijuana, scheduled for 1 p.m. today, was expected to draw a big crowd, but it was cancelled late Tuesday. Rep. Allen Peake, R-Macon, sponsor of HB 722 , is said to be working on language that might address opponents' concerns. The bill, which Gov. Nathan Deal has problems with, would allow government-regulated growing of marijuana for medical purposes. It also would expand the list of health conditions that qualify to receive the drug.
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