Politics & Government

Legislative Update: Passed Bill Would Make Illegal to Fire Guns Near Highways

2014 legislative update of week 5 from Ga. State Rep. Lynne Riley.

By Lynne Riley, Georgia State Rep. (R-Dist. 50)

February 15, 2014

Monday, February 10th was our 20th legislative day and marked the half-way point of the 2014 session.

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We were only able to convene for two days this week, as dangerous winter weather arrived again in Georgia.

House Bill 773 was one of the bills passed in the House this week. This bill, aimed at improving public safety, would make it unlawful for anyone to unjustly discharge a gun or pistol on or within 50 yards of a public highway or street. This measure may help to keep drivers and pedestrians safe while traveling on our state roadways.  Another measure taken up this week, HB 877, will modernize the code for golf carts on public paths and roadways, making Georgia a model for all states.  HB 877 sets rules of the road for those cities that have not already established their own golf cart laws. Georgia hosts the two leading manufacturers for golf carts, producing 90% of golf carts in the world. These bills have been transmitted to the Senate for their consideration.

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The House Appropriations Committee met on Tuesday, and approved the Fiscal Year 2015 (FY15) budget. Minor changes were made to Governor Deal’s FY15 budget proposal, which will invest revenue growth in education and economic development initiatives to further enhance the quality of life for all Georgians. The House will vote on this legislation (HB 744) on Monday, February 17th.

Georgia’s response to Winter Storm Pax was commendable. Immediately after the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch for Georgia, Governor Deal put emergency response agencies on alert.  Department of Transportation crews pre-treated roads in advance of the storm, and school districts closed schools to keep our children safe from harm.  Governor Deal declared a state of emergency for areas of Georgia in the path of the storm.  I am grateful to Governor Deal, state agency heads, and all emergency responders for their exhaustive efforts through these challenging weather conditions.

On Monday, we will get back to work under the Gold Dome.  We recently passed an adjournment resolution, which set our legislative calendar for the rest of the 2014 session.  The resolution calls for the 2014 session of the Georgia General Assembly to conclude on March 20th.  I invite you to visit the Capitol while we are in session to see your legislators at work. You can also stay in touch by visiting our website at www.house.ga.gov to watch the House in action, view live and archived committee meetings, and review legislation that we are considering.  I hope to hear from you on your ideas and opinions regarding the issues facing Georgia, and your suggestions on how we can enhance your quality of life. Please call my office at the State Capitol at 404-651-7737.


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