| Day 24: Constitution Topic of the Day11882 on 2/26/2013 |
|
September came early as we seemed to be celebrating Constitution Day again under the Gold Dome. The Senate took up SB 68, requiring several things to Celebrate Freedom Week, today. One question that came up repeatedly was the cost. Sen. William Ligon said it would be nominal. After much discussion about the necessity of the bill as American history and our founding documents are already taught, the bill passed unanimously with one amendment. Added to the list of choices for recitation were the 15th and 19th amendments to the U.S. Constitution. For anyone rusty on the amendments, the 15th prohibits denying the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude; the 19th prohibits denying the right to vote on account of sex (yes, that is Constitutionally correct if a bit oddly worded in today's world).
The bill now goes to the House. On that side of the Capitol, the House Education Committee passed HR 218 which encourages superintendents to encourage teachers to teach the Constitution. Good idea to do the job for which one is hired.
The House Academic Support Subcommittee approved an amended version of HB 354, relating to early care and learning.
These bills now go to the House Rules Committee.
The Senate Education & Youth Academic Support Subcommittee gave a "Do Pass" to SB 189, allowing proprietary private postsecondary institutions to participate in career academy programs. SB 109, relating to tuition equalization grants and to accreditation was heard, and it may be used to amend another bill.
The Senate Education & Youth Committee had presentations from representatives from the Department of Education, the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education, and GE on the common core curriculum. This has become a very hot topic as misconceptions about the origin and effect continue to spread. It will undoubtedly be discussed again Thursday as SB 167, voiding actions taken by the state to adopt or implement the common core standards, is scheduled to be heard in this Committee. SB 189 was also passed and goes on to the Senate Rules Committee.
New Today HB 468 prohibits the use of public funds for attorney fees and litigation expenses relating to removal proceedings for local board members HR 502 creates a Joint Study Committee on Mental Health and School Violence SB 212 creates a new graduation requirement of training in CPR and the use of an automated external defribrillator
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 27th
The General Assembly will convene at 10 AM
8 AM Senate Finance Committee will meet in 450 CAP to hear HB 80, amending the motor vehicle title tax provisions.
1 PM Senate State and Local Operations Committee will meet in 310 CLOB to hear SB 160, one of two bills attempting to streamline requirements for verifying new employees and annual reporting. HB 183 is the other bill addressing this.
1 PM Income Tax Subcommittee of House Ways & Means will meet in 133 CAP. FYI, HB 140, expanding the tuition tax credit amount, is not on the agenda. The Chairman can add bills at his/her pleasure.
2 PM Senate Health and Human Services Committee will meet in 450 CAP to hear SB 195, a twin bill to HB 337 on stockpiling auto-injectable epinephrine.
3 PM Jacobs Subcommittee of House Judiciary Civil Committee will meet in 415 CLOB to hear HB 468 prohibiting local school board members from using public funds to defend themselves when being removed from office except for the State Board hearing.
|