Legislative session passes midway point

Charles Jenkins

By REP. CHARLES JENKINS

Thursday, February 15, was the 21st legislative day of the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly, meaning we are now past the halfway point. Frankly, very little has been completed so far on the major issues, but I would expect the pace to pick up this week.

Still up in the air is the fate of the funding issue for PeachCare for Kids, PeachCare for Kids, which will have a significant impact on finalizing both the midyear adjustment to the fiscal year 2007 state budget and the annual budget for fiscal year 2008.

This week, a majority in the House of Representatives voted to approve legislation that would allow motorists to

conceal loaded conceal loaded firearms in their cars without a permit. Under House Bill 89, motorists would be able to keep firearms within easy reach to defend themselves against carjackers and other criminals. State law now requires motorists who do not have

handgun permits to concealed handgun permits to keep their loaded firearms "fully exposed to view" or in the glove box, console or similar compartment. This bill would allow people to hide guns under seats or wedge them between seat cushions and center consoles. HB 89 now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House members unanimously passed HB 91, which would require each executive branch department and agency in state government to provide annual financial reports to the General Assembly. The bill would take effect September 30, 2007. Too often, some state agencies have become unresponsive to legislative inquiries into their use of taxpayer dollars. This legislation, which also goes to the Senate, would help ensure proper legislative oversight over departmental spending habits.

To help attract and retain the best and brightest legal minds in the state to serve as judges in our courts, House members overwhelmingly approved legislation that would implement the first state pay raise for judges since 1999. Under HB 119, state Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges would realize a 5 percent increase, and Superior Court judges would receive a 10 percent boost in their state pay. HB 120, also passed and sent to the Senate, would reimburse appellate judges who live outside metropolitan Atlanta for their weekly travel expenses when court is in session.

To enhance public accountability at the local government level, I introduced HB 346 this week. This legislation would prevent members of a joint authority of city and county governments from having the power to nominate or appoint their successors in office. This bill was referred to the House State Planning & Community Affairs Committee for its consideration.

State lawmakers paused this week to honor the life and service of Congressman Charlie Norwood. He represented Georgia's 10thDistrict, which now includes Rabun and Towns counties and counties on the eastern side of the state, to Augusta. Charlie was a strong voice for his constituents. He showed tremendous strength and courage during his battle with cancer, and his tenacity and enduring commitment toGeorgia values will remain an inspiration to us all.

Rep. Charles Jenkins (DBlairsville) represents the 8th District (Rabun, Towns, Union and White counties) in the Georgia House of Representatives. Contact him at 411 Coverdell Office Building, Atlanta, GA 30334; by phone at 404-656-0126 or by e-mail atcharles.jenkins@house.ga.gov