Rep. Matt Ramsey (R-Peachtree City), right, talks to Tommy Smith (R-Nicholls) after introducing House Bill 87, Thursday March 3, 2011, at the capitol in Atlanta. The immigration bill contains provisions to similar ones in a tough new law enacted in Arizona last year. (AP Photo/John Amis)ATLANTA – Georgia lawmakers are entering the home stretch of this year’s legislative session bearing a heavy load of legislation.
Today marks crossover day, the 30th day of the General Assembly and the deadline by which bills must pass at least one legislative chamber to have a shot at becoming law. At least 80 bills are set for debate in the House and Senate today, and that list could grow longer.
After weeks of handwringing, the Senate finally decided to take up a bill paving the way for Sunday alcohol sales. The bill – which would allow local communities to decide whether they may sell beer, wine and alcohol in grocery and liquor stores on the Sabbath – made it out of the Rules Committee on Tuesday.
Sen. John Bulloch, R-Ochlocknee, said the bill has bipartisan support and that some of his colleagues were ready to finally put the issue to rest.
“This is the fifth or sixth year that this piece of legislation has been debated,” Bulloch said. “Some people felt like … let’s get it over with, whether it wins or loses. It didn’t need to be something that we just needed to continue to have out there debating.”