New laws of note in Georgia

• Unemployment benefits drop from 26 weeks to a sliding scale of between 14 and 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

• Businesses with more than 100 or more, but fewer than 500 employees must start using a federal work authorization program called E-Verify.

• Parents who apply for the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program must pay for and pass a drug test that would cost at least $17. TANF provides temporary financial help to low-income families with children. Passing the drug test once would be a condition of eligibility to receive benefits.

• Alternative sentencing for criminals with drug or mental health issues. The Judicial Council of Georgia will spend the next several months establishing standards for state drug and mental health courts.

• A bill eliminating the $1 charge for the optional “In God We Trust” decals for car license plates.

State Rep. Marcus Wiedower resigns from Georgia General Assembly

Wiedower, a Republican from Watkinsville, said he is leaving office to focus on his real estate business.

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

The federal government says the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will run out of money Nov. 1. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says there is nothing the state can do.

AJC poll: Republican support for Trump remains strong in Georgia

The AJC's poll results are a reminder that even though Trump’s name won’t appear on the ballot in next year’s midterms, his influence shapes Georgia’s political landscape.

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Credit: Arvin Temkar/AJC

State Rep. Marcus Wiedower resigns from Georgia General Assembly

Georgia isn’t redrawing districts despite Trump’s push. At least for now.

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

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Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Despite a $14.6 billion surplus, state leaders say they can’t bail out SNAP

The federal government says the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will run out of money Nov. 1. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp says there is nothing the state can do.

Husband of child services director fled DUI crash with kids in truck, GSP says

Authorities say the husband of Georgia's child protective services director had a blood alcohol level 4 times the legal limit when he left a crash with two kids in his truck.

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Georgia coach Kirby Smart understands the pressure at LSU, and how that combined with playoff expectations led to Brian Kelly being fired despite a .708 win percentage.