Monday brings a key deadline for Georgia lawmakers at the Capitol

The state Senate Finance Committee originated a bill Monday afternoon to decrease the state’s coal severance tax by two percent over two years in hopes of making West Virginia’s coal more competitive with other states.

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee quickly changed the sales tax expiration date before voting 10-1 to advance the proposal to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, said the House’s package of tax hikes and cuts still leaves this year’s budget short anywhere from $150 million to $200 million.

Bills that would require people to be arrested before police can seize their cars, money, homes or other property is ready for votes in the Florida House and Senate.

House members voted 162-0 to approve a bill sponsored by State Rep. Rich Golick, R-Smyrna, which follows wide national scrutiny of the use of deadly force by law enforcement.

Speaking on the floor before the vote, Peake, a Macon Republican, said, “I’d be remiss in presenting this bill if I didn’t express some tinge of disappointment, and mostly in myself”. House Speaker David Ralston then delayed a floor vote, urging members to gather feedback over the weekend.

Nevertheless, small businesses said it would be onerous to give sales tax to the state earlier than they do now. The legislation received Senate approval and will now be reviewed by the House.

But the sales tax hike being considered will also make Louisiana’s sales tax rate the highest in the country on average.

The Georgia House has ended the 30th day of its legislative session, likely leaving behind several high-profile bills that failed to make it out of the chamber. It hasn’t been raised in 18 years.

Lawmakers voted 152 to 8 on Monday to add seven medical conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder, to those already allowed to possess cannabis oil with a doctor’s permission and inclusion on a state registry.

House Bill 27 would raise the tax on beer, wine and liquor from one to four pennies.

Smith has supported the original concept of House Bill 1001 – now Senate Bill 333 – since the beginning of the session, saying he believes the increased gas tax should be viewed as a user fee drivers must pay to travel on IN roads. Second year of that term, and the revenue drops another $130 million or so.

During his years as a legislative leader, Alario has always been a close ally of the governor. Budget concerns are taking much of this year’s session. Now Alario is helping Edwards, a Democrat, undo that problem. Many legislators find these meetings helpful because lawmakers themselves do not have time to research every bill.

He did say he expects a “grab bag” of tax measures to win approval but added, “I’m sensing that my members would prefer to vote for the least number of instruments possible”.