The Georgia Legislature finished its business early Friday morning with one last vote just after midnight on a tax break bill that included a deal for Mercedes-Benz. The final frenzy of the 2015 legislative session put an exclamation point on an unconventional year for politics under the Gold Dome. How unusual? GOP leaders OK’d a slew of tax increases, gave the state more control over local public schools and shot down “religious liberty” efforts — all while working hand in glove with Democrats to beat back rebellious Republicans who would otherwise split the majority caucus. Here’s what happened this year with some key bills:
Would legalize the possession of cannabis oil by patients suffering from certain disorders.
Did it pass? Yes.
The “Todd Gurley bill,” which would create new penalties for anyone causing a student-athlete to lose his or her scholarship or collegiate eligibility.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would make it easier for victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil charges against their attackers.
Did it pass? Yes.
Calls for new restrictions on state or local governments that move an existing monument, plaque or statue.
Did it pass? No.
Would add transparency to the Board of Pardons and Paroles.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would limit the ability of law enforcement to use data captured by license plate readers.
Did it pass? No.
Would legalize the sale of fireworks.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would crack down on bars that violate state and local alcohol laws.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would require ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft to carry higher levels of insurance.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would limit early voting to 12 days and make Sunday voting optional.
Did it pass? No.
Would grant tax breaks to Mercedes-Benz employees and others.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would end the requirement that MARTA spend half its money on maintenance and half on capital projects.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would require drivers for ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft to submit to background checks and for the companies to pay taxes.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would let parents use state dollars toward private school tuition.
Did it pass? No.
Would allow airports to sell alcohol earlier on Sundays.
Did it pass? No.
Would give raises to state judges.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would allow Tesla to sell cars directly to consumers without opening independent dealerships.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would provide $110 million in tax credits to entice investors to put money into businesses in low-income communities and high-tech startups.
Did it pass? Yes
Would allow the creation of the city of South Fulton.
Did it pass? No.
Would allow the creation of the city of Tucker.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would allow the creation of the city of LaVista Hills.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would allow local governments where Sunday alcohol sales are already legal to let restaurants sell drinks at 10:30 a.m. on Sundays — two hours earlier than current law.
Did it pass? No.
Would allow Atlanta to charge residents more for 911 services
Did it pass? Yes.
Would mandate that insurance companies provide coverage for young children with autism.
Did it pass? No, but its language was added to House Bill 429, which did.
Would allow the city of Atlanta to partner with private businesses to advance transit development.
Did it pass? Yes.
Constitutional amendment creating a new state fund to help sex trafficking victims.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would strengthen penalties for sex trafficking crimes.
Did it pass? Yes.
Would prohibit the injection of ground water into the Floridan aquifer near coastal Georgia.
Did it pass? No.
Would allow customers to get limited amounts of beer directly from craft breweries.
Did it pass? Yes, although distilleries are now part of the deal, too.
Another vehicle for House Bill 243, the school voucher bill.
Did it pass? No. Neither did HB 243.
Would place a greater burden of proof on the state ethics commission before assessing fines on local officials.
Did it pass? No.
The “religious liberty” bill.
Did it pass? No.
Would make it illegal to smoke in a car if another occupant is under 15 years old.
Did it pass? No.
Senate Bill 133 and Senate Resolution 287
Gov. Nathan Deal’s plans to create a special state-run district to take over failing schools.
Did they pass? Yes.
Would allow police to use body cameras on private property.
Did it pass? No.
Would require a four-star minimum safety rating on football helmets used by young players.
Did it pass? No.
Would legalize clinical trials for medical marijuana to treat children with epilepsy.
Did it pass? No, but most of its language was added to House Bill 1, which did.
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