Georgia

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Georgia

Bill would require DNA samples from suspected felons

March 16, 2011 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA — Anyone arrested on a felony charge in Georgia would be required to submit a DNA sample to a database under a bill the state Senate passed on Wednesday. The measure now heads to the state House for consideration. Officials contend the DNA samples, which would likely be collected via oral swab, could be used to help solve future crimes and/or cold cases. A judge or magistrate would first need to determine probable cause
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Georgia

Lawmaker: No ‘nontax fees’ on tax bills

February 24, 2011 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA – A state lawmaker wants to ban “nontax fees” from appearing on property tax bills. Rep. Brett Harrell, R-Snellville, introduced HB 291, which would ban the non tax fees, such as waste removal and storm water fees, from appearing on tax bills. Harrell estimates 15-20 percent of some people’s tax bills come from nontax fees. “Too often citizens across Georgia experience increased property tax bills, higher month mortgage payments, and in some cases even
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Georgia

Ga. rolls out criminal justice reform council

February 18, 2011 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA — Citing disconcerting numbers about Georgia’s prison population, state leaders on Wednesday announced the 2011 Special Council on Criminal Justice Reform for Georgia. Georgia’s prison population, which has grown by 4.6 percent during the past two years, is the fourth largest in the country, according to state officials. “With this new commission in place, we hope to uncover new approaches to make Georgia communities safer while increasing offender accountability, improving rehabilitation efforts and lowering
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Georgia

Measure would require use of federal verification system

February 4, 2011 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA – A new measure introduced today in the state Senate would require Georgia businesses to use the federal government’s E-Verify system to determine whether someone is in the country illegally. Under SB 40, law enforcement officers in Georgia would also be allowed to ask for immigration documents from anyone stopped for probable cause of a crime. The proposed law is similar to one that Arizona authorities passed last year. “I do not want to
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Georgia

Murphy: Immigration reform bill offers tweak to existing laws

January 28, 2011 Express Telegraph
By Sen. Jack Murphy My colleague, Sen. Bill Heath, possibly said it best. Georgians, he said, are known world wide for our hospitality and common sense. But when we look at the rising rates of illegal aliens and the staggering financial burden it places on our residents, it is time for our common sense to take precedence over our hospitality. This week, I am submitting legislation intended to make it more difficult for illegal aliens
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Georgia

A look back at 2010’s hotly contested elections

December 31, 2010 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA – Here is a brief recap of 2010 elections headlines in Georgia: Democrats jump ship, join GOP: A number of Democratic state lawmakers and a Hall County commissioner decided they could better serve their constituents if they were Republicans. Case in point: Rep. Doug McKillip from the state’s liberal stronghold of Athens switched sides, saying, “by joining the House Republican Caucus, I can best represent my community and help move beyond partisanship and the
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Georgia

Orrock honored by Progressive States Network

December 7, 2010 Express Telegraph
ATLANTA — State Sen. Nan Orrock, D-Atlanta, will be honored today by the Progressive States Network with the 2010 State Progressive Leader Award. Orrock will be presented with this award at the Legislative Leadership Retreat in Atlanta. “It's a true honor to be recognized by such a prestigious organization as the Progressive States Network. We must continue our work of supporting working families through effective policy,” Orrock said in a news release. “I look forward