FROM THE STATE CAPITOL
'Crossover Day' is one of session's longest

With only 11 meeting days remaining in the 2007 Session, the General Assembly continues to wrestle with several major issues. The Special Committee on Certificate of Need completed its work this week with the passage of House Bill 568. While there are some positive changes to the CON process in this legislation, I believe the overall impact will be very damaging to our hospitals. For this reason, I cast my vote in opposition to this bill.

The House considered and passed a bill that will give judges the option of imposing the death penalty in cases where at least ten of the twelve jurors vote to impose the death penalty. Prosecutors around Georgia are dealing with situations in which, prior to a death penalty case, jurors agree that they will consider imposing the death penalty if the defendant is found guilty. But when the time comes to make this decision, jurors reverse course, and refuse to consider the death penalty option. This legislation attempts to circumvent this problem by giving judges the option of imposing this sentence.

The House also passed the Consumer Choice for Television Act which aims to increase competition and reduce prices for cable television consumers. The bill provides for a statewide franchising process that will encourage more providers to enter the marketplace, while, at the same time, preserving revenue and control for local governments.

By a wide margin, the State House also passed a measure that lowers the percentage needed to prevail in a statewide primary or general election. Currently, if no candidate receives greater than 50% of the votes cast, a runoff must be held. This bill would lower that number to 45% and would avoid runoffs that cost counties thousands of dollars to administer. Another provision in that same bill will change Georgia's presidential preference primary to the first Tuesday in February, thus giving our citizens a greater say in the selection of Presidential candidates.

Tuesday, March 27, marked the 30th day in the 2007 Legislative Session. The 30th day is known as "Crossover Day." All bills must pass either the House or the Senate by the end of this day. If not, the bill must wait until next year's Session to be reconsidered. Day 30 promises to be one of the longest of the Session, with both houses scrambling to keep legislation alive. Among other things, the House is set to consider a provision that would revise eligibility for PeachCare, and another that would create incentives for individuals to insure using Health Savings Accounts.

I will continue to monitor these issues and keep you updated as the 2007 Session moves into the home stretch. If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. During the Session, I can always be reached at 404-656- 7855; mickey.channell@house. ga.gov; or 401 State Capitol, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.

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