The 2008 legislative session of the Georgia General Assembly has definitely gotten off to a busy start. In just three weeks of f loor action and committee meetings in the House of Representatives, we have already adopted a statewide water management plan, strengthened our sex offender laws, expanded the rights of gun owners, enacted tough new penalties for those engaged in dog fighting and given consumers a new tool to protect their identity. All of these matters are now in the Senate for their consideration.

In our first week, we took a giant step toward a balanced, long-term statewide water management plan. House Resolution 1022 would ratify the plan as prepared by the Water Council and was passed by the House Natural Resources Committee. The plan, adopted by the House by a vote of 131 to 37, will create regional water councils and provide for our long term water needs.

Protecting our children continues to be of great concern to me and that is why I supported the passage of House Bill 908. This year, we have expanded that restriction to include public libraries and also added a 1,000-foot restriction on places where convicted sex offenders can volunteer.

We adopted a measure last year expanding the second amendment rights of our citizens to allow licensed gun owners with a permit to carry a concealed weapon to carry their guns anywhere in their vehicle. That measure stalled in the Senate but an amended version was finally adopted. The House made further amendments that also allow those same gun owners to carry their concealed weapons in parks, historic sites, and recreational areas. I do want to point out that this measure only applies to those individuals who are licensed by the state to carry a concealed weapon.

Dog fighting has been a hot news item lately and in Georgia, our laws have been too lenient on those parties involved in this brutal and inhumane activity. House Bill 301 adds further criminal penalties for those individuals transporting dogs for fights, owning or selling dogs to fight, betting on dog fights, or attending dog fights. It is important to note that while this bill is aimed at those who maliciously participate in dog fighting, this legislation will not have any impact on hunters or those who train dogs to hunt.

In this age of identity theft, providing consumers the tools necessary to protect their credit is important. I fully support House Bill 130 which allows consumers to put a "freeze" on their credit report. With this freeze in place, would-be identity thieves are unable to receive credit in the consumer's name. I hope that once this legislation is signed by the Governor, every Georgian takes advantage of this simple protective measure.

I will continue to keep you up to date on our actions as the legislative session progresses. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at my Capitol officeat 404-656-7855. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

(Representative Mickey Channell may be contacted at: 401 State Capitol; Atlanta, GA 30334. Email: mickey.channell@house.ga.gov)