Bill to test food stamp recipients for drugs advances
A Georgia Senate committee, by a one-vote margin, passed a bill Monday that would require people who receive food stamps to get drug-tested if food stamp workers suspect illegal drug use.
The bill, House Bill 772, passed the Health and Human Services Committee 5-4, with Chairwoman Renee Unterman voting in favor to break a tie.
HB 772 faces serious questions about its constitutionality. Its sponsor, Rep. Greg Morris, a Republican from Vidalia, said he had worked around those concerns. Unlike similar laws that have failed court challenges, HB 772 would apply only when a Department of Health and Human Services worker finds “reasonable suspicion” of illegal drug use, for example in a recipient’s “demeanor,” or if the individual has been previously drug-tested for a job.
If a recipient fails the test, he or she would lose benefits, but benefits for their children would be routed through another adult. The recipient would pay for the drug test.
— Ariel Hart
‘Revenge porn’ bill close to passage in Georgia
The Georgia Senate unanimously agreed Monday to criminalize “revenge porn,” in which private photographs are uploaded, without permission, to the Internet.
The photos targeted by House Bill 838 are typically accompanied by identifying information about the subject, including names, workplaces, social media accounts and emails. First-time offenders under the bill would be guilty of a misdemeanor. Those caught more than once would be guilty of a felony, including as much as five years in jail and a $100,000 fine.
Georgia is one of more than a dozen states that have considered such legislation this year. Sponsored by state Rep. Kevin Tanner, R-Dawsonville, the bill seeks to close a loophole that allows people to post embarrassing images without consent.
Because a Senate committee made some changes, HB 838 needs one more approval from the House for final passage.
— Kristina Torres
St. Patrick’s Day Sunday sales bill heads to governor
Legislation that would allow alcohol sales in bars on Sundays of a St. Patrick’s Day weekend overwhelmingly passed the state House on Monday and is headed to Gov. Nathan Deal’s desk.
The bill passed the House 147-7.
Senate Bill 318, by Sen. Lester Jackson, D-Savannah, would let local governments decide whether they want to allow alcohol sales in establishments other than restaurants in those particular years. Current law only allows sales of alcohol for on-site consumption on Sundays in restaurants — that is, places that derive a majority of their income from food sales.
Last year’s St. Patrick’s Day was on a Sunday. The holiday this year is on Monday, March 17. Under the bill, “St. Patrick’s Day weekend” means March 16-March 18.
Savannah hosts one of the country’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades and festivals, giving the issue added importance for the coastal city.
— Aaron Gould Sheinin
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