Should the Georgia Legislature Take Up Gun Rights in 2014?

The Georgia General Assembly was not able to pass a sweeping firearms bill that would have allowed gun owners to carry in churches, bars and on school campuses.

A proposal that would have allowed firearms to be carried in churches, college campuses and in bars died on the vine as the 2013 legislative session ended on Thursday. House Bill 512, which garnered much support across the state, sailed through the Georgia House of Representatives. However, its upper chamber counterpart, Senate Bill 101, could not muster enough support to pass before the close of the session. The issue over whether or not to allow firearms on the state's nearly 50 colleges and university campuses brought down the bill. However, supporters of the bill and the campus carry provision are confident the bill will return in 2014.

•  18 Comments
• Photos (1)

Alpharetta Opposes State Legislation Limiting Local Control

Legislation making its way through the Georgia General Assembly would limit some zoning controls cities have on cell tower construction and restrict municipal broadband Internet service.

Alpharetta City Council approved two resolutions Monday night that tell the state legislature to keep out of local government's business. The local elected officials want the General Assembly to drop one House bill that removes some zoning controls over cell tower installations, and another House bill that restricts a city's ability to provide municipal broadband Internet service. Councilman Chris Owens said he had several issues with House Bill 176, which deals with cell towers. The first issue he had was that the legislation was proposed by a retired communications executive who is now a consultant for the industry. The bill also appears to repeat or confuse regulations already set by the FCC, Owens said. "I'm also not in favor of …

• Photos (1)

Milton Leaders Oppose Cell Tower Bill

The Milton City Council approved a resolution opposing House Bill 176, which limits local governments' time to review cell tower applications.

A proposal to limit the time frame in which local governments can review and approve cell tower applications is not sitting well with Milton city leaders. The Milton City Council on Wednesday approved a resolution announcing its opposition to House Bill 176. If the legislation clears the Georgia General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Nathan Deal, it would give local governing bodies 150 days to review a cell tower application. If the application hasn't been decided on within the 150 days, the tower would automatically be approved.  Council members also approved 5-1, with council member Matt Kunz opposing, a rezoning request from Reunion Park, LLC.  The company requested the city to rezone .5 acres at 15260 Hopewell Road from AG-1 …

• Photos (1)

Question of the Week: What Should Be the Legislature's Priorities

What do you think Georgia legislators should tackle during its 40-day session?

With the Georgia General Assembly kicking off its legislative session today, which of these topics should be their priority, and why? Tell us what you think in the comments! 

•  11 Comments
• Photos (1)

Beach, Jerguson Raise Thousands in Campaign Cash

Candidates for the Georgia Senate District 21 have brought in tens of thousands of dollars into their campaign war chests.

Money is pouring into Tuesday's special election race for the Georgia Senate District 21 seat. The race, hotly contested between Holly Springs resident Sean Jerguson and North Fulton Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Brandon Beach, an Alpharetta resident, is the source of nearly $50,000 in contributions made in its short lifespan of one month. Jerguson has raised $20,158 and has spent $694.43, which leaves him with $19,463.57 cash on hand.  Beach has raised $25,250 during the short period, $11,038.14 of which he reports as being carried over from the July 2012 Republican primary.  That bring his total contributions to $36,813.14. The Alpharetta resident has nearly spent as much as he's taken in. Beach is reporting expenditures totaling $…

• Photos (1)

Town Hall: Are You For or Against School Choice?

A documentary screening of "Making the Grade" will provide a platform for discourse during the North Fulton Education Town Hall meeting Tuesday, May 1, from 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

The Americans for Prosperity Foundation, expect a lively discussion about school choice and the Georgia General Assembly action related to charter schools at tomorrow's town hall meeting in Roswell. Difficulties Fulton Science Academy Middle School has had getting a charter renewal brought the issue to the forefront in the Alpharetta area. The event will include a screening of the documentary film, “Making The Grade In GA: Educational Freedom & Justice for All”. Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, a charter school supporter, Rep. Jan Jones, R-Milton, author of the HR 1162 Charter School Constitutional Amendment that passed the legislature this year, GA Charter School Association President Tony Roberts, a foremost expert on Georgia charter schools…

•  2 Comments
• Photos (1)

From the Desk of Sen. John Albers

Restoring Hope to Georgia's Highest Achieving Students

Sen. Albers discusses Republican Caucus plans, including a balanced budget, HOPE Scholarship and safety for children in the accompanying video message.

Since its inception, the HOPE scholarship has provided a low-cost education for Georgia’s best and brightest students. Gov. Nathan Deal, legislative leaders and educational stakeholders are working tirelessly to pass legislation that will address the most appropriate and efficient way to restore funding to Georgia’s educational system. Maintaining the HOPE Scholarship and other key programs are crucial not just for our students, but for our state’s ability to develop a strong workforce and attract new businesses.  One of the main goals of the HOPE scholarship is to incentivize top students to attend a college or university within the state and become contributing members of Georgia’s workforce. The HOPE Scholarship should never be based on…

• Videos (1)

From the Desk of Sen. John Albers

Local Senator Rates Job Creation, Balanced Budget as Top Priorities

Sen. John Albers said improving education remains a goal for the Georgia General Assembly.

Sen. John Albers, R-Roswell, shares his weekly legislative update with Patch. His District 56 includes Roswell and parts of Alpharetta.

• Videos (1)