The newly-passed bill restricts cities, counties from making deep budget cuts Author: Doug Richards Updated: 6:54 PM EST February 24, 2021
ATLANTA The Georgia House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prevent cities and counties from making deep cuts in local police budgets.
The measure highlighted divisions that drew protests in 2020, an emotional issue that mostly pitted Republicans against Democrats over police funding and police misconduct. Eric Gardner, Michael Brown, began state Rep. Renitta Shannon (D-Decatur), reading a list of 19 names connected to prominent cases associated with alleged misconduct by law enforcement. She was in the well of the House, was making the case against the Republican-sponsored bill.
Committee Reports
Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee
The Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy, Utilities, and Telecommunications Committee, chaired by Representative Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), met this morning to consider two measures.
HB 76, authored by Representative John Carson (R-Marietta), amends O.C.G.A. § 46-4-164 to increase the percentage limitation of EMC investments in a gas affiliate. Current law allows investments up to 15%. This bill increases that amount to 60%. The subcommittee took no testimony on the bill and moved the bill DO PASS.
HB 150, authored by Representative Bruce Williamson (R-Monroe), amends O.C.G.A. § 46-1-6 to prohibit local governmental entities from adopting policies that prohibit the connection or reconnection of any utility service based on the source of energy or fuel. Members of the committee including Reps. David Dryer (D-Atlanta) and Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates) expressed concern