March 30, 2016: A4E President Tim Denson and Political Committee Coordinator Adam Veale discuss the 2016 Legislative Session:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqGVcktuuKc&w=500]Summary of the 2016 Legislative Session
HB 859, Campus Carry: A bill that allows concealed carry permit holders over the age of 21 to carry firearms on the campus of any public university in the state of Georgia.
A4E OPPOSES this bill because we believe it would erode academic freedom and lead to a more dangerous environment on college campuses.
HB 859 status: Passed both houses, but VETOED by Governor!
HB 757, First Amendment Defense Act: A “religious freedom” bill that protects faith-based organizations from being sued for acting (or refusing to act) in accordance with their religious beliefs, and from lawsuits resulting from discriminatory hiring practices in accordance with their religious beliefs.
A4E OPPOSES this bill because we believe it is a license to discriminate, particularly against the LGBT community.
HB 757 status: Passed both houses, but VETOED by Governor!
HB 764, Crosswalks: A bill that would require cars to stop when anyone approaches a crosswalk from the sidewalk, not only when someone is actually walking in the crosswalk itself.
A4E SUPPORTS this bill to help pedestrians stay safe while crossing the street.
HB 764 status: Passed the House, but died in the Senate.
HB 827 / SB 304, Justice for Rape Victims Act: A bill that would instruct police departments to process rape kits in a timely manner.
A4E SUPPORTS this bill because we believe a crime as serious as rape should never be ignored.
HB 827 / SB 304 status: Passed both houses, became law.
SB 330 / SB 369, MARTA Expansion: A bill that would allow a sales tax to be levied and applied towards a rail system expansion for MARTA.
A4E SUPPORTS this bill because we believe that public transportation should be accessible to all.
SB 369 status: Passed both houses, became law.