Panel passes tweaks to state immigration law

A bill aimed at preventing massive backlogs in state license renewals for thousands of nurses, insurance salesman and other professionals passed a key legislative committee Wednesday.

House Bill 125 would tweak Georgia’s sweeping immigration law so that people who have presented identification proving U.S. citizenship would not have to do so again when reapplying for such licenses and other public benefits.

The legislation — sponsored by Republican state Rep. Dustin Hightower of Carrollton — has cleared the House Judiciary Non-Civil Committee.

Officials in the Secretary of State and Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner offices say Georgia’s immigration law has been bogging down the processes they use to issue licenses.

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Georgia cities, counties included in feds’ list targeting ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’

Several Georgia localities on the Trump administration's list have rejected accusations that they are sanctuary jurisdictions, which are outlawed in the state.

OPINION

Republicans’ ‘big beautiful bill’ is a budget-busting boondoggle

Republicans promised for years to finally tackle the national debt and the deficit. This "Big Beautiful Bill Act" does the opposite, while adding perks for special interests.

Metro Atlanta PSC candidate is back on the ballot — for now

Daniel Blackman will remain on the ballot for now, as a Fulton County Superior Court judge weighs whether he is qualified to run for the Georgia Public Service Commission.

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Credit: Ben Hendren

Georgia cities, counties included in feds’ list targeting ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’

GOP race for Georgia lieutenant governor just got a little more crowded

Metro Atlanta PSC candidate is back on the ballot — for now

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Credit: Dan Anderson/AP

Trump’s pardons may backfire, former federal prosecutors warn

The president's actions could erode faith in the justice system and deter federal investigators and prosecutors, Atlanta attorneys say.

A Georgia kid placed 3rd in national spelling bee. He hopes to return in 2026.

Georgia fifth grader Sarv Dharavane placed third in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the youngest participant to make the final round.

South Georgia mayor among those arrested, indicted for election interference

Prosecutors say Owens and the 2 election officials improperly blocked voters from casting ballots in a special election. Polling places were locked the morning of the vote.