Legislators make plans for icy weather
Contingency plans approved Monday will allow Georgia lawmakers to cancel session days as needed if this week’s weather turns icy, as expected.
An amended calendar resolution passed by both the House and Senate gives leaders the authority to make the call if they think conditions are unsafe. Forecasts call for possible icy conditions overnight Monday into Tuesday, and then for freezing rain and snow Tuesday night into Wednesday.
House Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, R-Bonaire, said the resolution allows the Legislature to avoid “burning days” with no work getting done. Limited to 40 days a year, lawmakers are concerned that missing several more days due to weather will cause a crunch. They missed two days two weeks ago because of a snowstorm that iced up and jammed the region’s interstates.
Tuesday is scheduled to be Day 21 on the calendar. Leaders were hopeful they could get it in, although they also seemed resigned to the power of Mother Nature.
“I am doubtful we will be here on Wednesday,” said Senate Majority Leader Ronnie Chance, R-Tyrone.
House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge, said the first consideration in any decision “will be for the safety of the members of this body and our staff.”
— Kristina Torres
House support block on jobless benefits for some
Bus drivers, cafeteria workers and other people who work for private firms in public schools would lose access to unemployment benefits when school is out under legislation approved in the state House.
House Bill 714, by Rep. Mark Hamilton, R-Cumming, passed 111-60, largely along party lines.
In the first real partisan fight of the 2014 session, Republicans said a handful of firms are abusing a loophole that allows them to underpay employees and then coach them on how to apply for unemployment. Democrats said the bill punishes employees but does nothing to force employers to change.
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
Bill would legalize fireworks sales
Legislation filed this week in the state House could make this year’s Fourth of July a bit brighter.
House Bill 952, by Rep. Jay Roberts, R-Ocilla, would allow the sale of consumer fireworks at retail locations that meet certain requirements.
The idea has been considered the past several years but has never advanced. While there is talk of dedicating money raised through a fee retailers would pay for trauma care, HB 952 does not take that step.
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
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