Georgia Legislature Adjourns: Which Bills Passed?

ATLANTA, GA — Georgia's General Assembly adjourned its annual 40-day session late Thursday, capping its efforts in an election year sure to bring changes under the Gold Dome before they reconvene next January.

This was the last legislative session under Gov. Nathan Deal, who is in the last year of his second term and prevented by state law from seeking a third. Several lawmakers are seeking to replace him, most notably Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, a fellow Republican who has presided over the state senate since 2007.

Friday morning, Cagle released a joint statement with House Speaker David Ralston, who made a rare Senate appearance on Friday to see Cagle off and wish him well.

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"Serving alongside Governor Deal and Speaker Ralston as Georgia’s lieutenant governor has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Cagle said in the statement. "Concluding my final day presiding over the Senate, it’s never been more clear to me that Georgia is rising – not only as the best state for business – but by every measure as a nationally dominant beacon of opportunity. Governor Deal’s legacy will be defined by his unending devotion to building a strong economy that includes everyone who is willing to work for something better – understanding that all Georgians deserve to live with purpose in a free and fair society where hard work is rewarded.

"Governor Deal leaves behind a hell of a legacy – and I couldn’t be prouder of everything we’ve accomplished together."

In the frenzied final hours of the session, the Republican-controlled legislature gave final approval to a number of bills that will now go before Deal to be either signed or vetoed. He has 40 days to veto legislation he doesn't like and hasn't been shy in the past — vetoing nine bills just last year.

Here's a look at some of the most significant legislation from the 2108 Georgia General Assembly session and where it stands now.

• Income Tax Cuts. Backed by Deal, the legislature approved doubling the standard income-tax deduction for Georgians and reduced the top income-tax rate from 6 percent to 5.75 percent. For a married couple filing jointly, the standard deduction would go from $3,000 to $6,000 under the plan. The plan passed overwhelmingly, even though an airplane-tax provision got dropped after an ugly spat between lawmakers and Delta Air Lines after the Atlanta-based carrier ended a seldom-used discount for NRA members. Deal has signed the bill.
• Brunch Booze. A years-old effort to allow restaurants to serve alcohol starting at 11 a.m. on Sundays finally passed this year. Currently, they can't start until after noon. Voters in cities and counties would have to approve the change first. Deal hasn't spoken for or against the effort, but has signed bills allowing votes on Sunday alcohol sales in the past.
• Adoption Reform. A compromise version of a plan to overhaul the state's adoption system passed in both chambers. Lawmakers say the bill is designed to make it easier for children to find homes. The bill shortens the time a birth mother may change her mind after an adoption and allows adoptive parents to pay living expenses for birth mothers during private adoptions and bans middlemen who profit from arranging adoptions. Earlier, the Senate had added language that would have let religious groups refuse to allow same-sex couple to adopt, but that controversial language was ultimately dropped. Deal has signed the bill.
• Transit In Metro Atlanta. On the last day, the legislature passed a bill that could dramatically expand mass transit in metro Atlanta. The bill would allow counties like Cobb, Gwinnett and Fulton to approve one-percent sales taxes to expand transit and creates a regional transit board. It also allows Gwinnett to join MARTA and authorizes a special transit district in Cobb. Deal has expressed support for the plan.
• Cellphone Driving. Sponsored by Marietta lawmaker Rep. John Carson, this bill toughens up Georgia's law about using cellphones while driving. It would prohibit drivers from holding, supporting or reaching for a cellphone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle, as well as texting, internet browsing or watching or recording videos. It would still allow them to use GPS navigation and voice-to-text features. Deal is expected to sign the bill.
• Internet Sales Tax. Online retailers who make more than $250,000 a year would have to collect sales tax from Georgia customers under this bill. It would pump hundreds of millions of dollars into the state treasury but, of course, cost Georgia shoppers a little more in the process. Deal has not spoken publicly about the legislation.
• Cash Bail. Lawmakers approved a push by Deal to ease up on judges being required to collect cash bail in non-violent crime cases. Supporters say the practice unfairly impacts poor suspects and clogs the state's costly penal system with non-violent offenders. The bill also gives local police more leeway to write citations, not make arrests, for non-violent crimes. The bill is part of Deal's criminal-justice reform effort and he almost certainly will sign it.

Photo courtesy State of Georgia