Near session’s end, lawmakers rush on taxes, education bills

Rep. Earl Ehrhart presents SB 71 Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in Atlanta. House leaders are trying to force a vote on a bill overhauling colleges' disciplinary processes in reports of sexual assault but opposed by advocates for victims of such crimes. A Senate committee halted the bill's progress last week, but the bill sponsor, Ehrhart, is using a legislative maneuver to bring it for a House vote and send it straight to the full Senate. (Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Rep. Earl Ehrhart presents SB 71 Tuesday, March 28, 2017, in Atlanta. House leaders are trying to force a vote on a bill overhauling colleges' disciplinary processes in reports of sexual assault but opposed by advocates for victims of such crimes. A Senate committee halted the bill's progress last week, but the bill sponsor, Ehrhart, is using a legislative maneuver to bring it for a House vote and send it straight to the full Senate. (Bob Andres/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

By Associated Press March 28, 2017 5 min read

ATLANTA (AP) – State lawmakers worked late into the evening Tuesday, rushing to pass legislation affecting Georgians’ income taxes, treatment for opioid addiction and a strategy to turn around the state’s lowest performing schools.

Tuesday marked the 39th day of the 40-day legislative session. Lawmakers plan to adjourn on Thursday. The rush to pass bills before the end of the 40th day can lead to dramatic last-minute changes to legislation – either accidental or intentional amid the chaos.

Here’s a look at some of the closely watched measures still moving through the legislature:

STRUGGLING SCHOOLS

House members sent legislation giving the state broader authority to intervene in struggling schools to Gov. Nathan Deal.