Latest news with #SenateBill152
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Georgia voucher program could cover biological children of families that take in foster children
The Georgia Senate approved a bill that would expand the state's voucher program to include biological and adopted children of foster parents. Getty Images Senate Republicans passed a bill they say will help encourage residents to take in foster children by giving foster parents priority access to the state's school voucher program for their biological and adopted children. Democrats, who largely opposed the voucher plan when it passed last year, criticized the plan for not benefiting foster children themselves and said it could invite fraud, waste and abuse. Under Georgia's voucher system, officially called the Promise Scholarship, parents can apply for $6,500 for academic expenses, including private school, if they pull their kids out of public school. Participating families must have an income level below four times the national poverty level and be districted into the bottom quartile of public schools in Georgia. Public education advocates argue that vouchers take money from public schools that need it and send it to private schools, which are not subject to government scrutiny. The Governor's Office of Student Achievement keeps a list of eligible schools, and applications are set to begin on Saturday. If Senate Bill 152 by Cumming Republican Greg Dolezal becomes law, foster parents will not need to meet those requirements to be eligible. Democrats said it does not look proper that the bill would not apply to foster children themselves. Instead, the benefit would apply to any biological or adopted children of foster parents. 'As we all know, typically foster children feel ostracized,' said Atlanta Democratic Sen. RaShaun Kemp. 'They come into a household where there are already relationships developed where they may feel a little jealousy in terms of the environment in which they're in. And now we're telling them to come into this house, the children of the parents can go to the private school that's down the street, to the school that they have deemed to be the better school for their children. But we're telling the foster children, no, you have to go to the school that I have found to be ineffective for my own kids. This is wrong.' Dolezal said the bill's goal is to encourage more people to take in foster children. He said including foster kids did not make sense for this bill but added that he plans to look into the idea. 'We went through a number of steps to try to work this bill in its current form to include the foster families, but everything in the bill and in the Georgia Promise Scholarship program is executed and managed by parents, the biological parents or the adopted parents of children,' he said. 'And so we are going to work in the off session to do the work that needs to be done to have that included. I believe there may be a study committee.' Dolezal sparred with Atlanta Democratic Sen. Elena Parent, who said the voucher expansion could be rife for abuse. 'Are you aware that in Florida families have used this taxpayer money for annual passes to Disney World and Universal Studios?' Parent asked. 'I can tell you I am familiar that Florida's program was so successful that it was originally implemented under Governor (Jeb) Bush that just a couple of years ago Governor (Ron) DeSantis and the Florida legislature expanded it from its limited use to be a universal program in Florida, and they have appropriated about 10 times as much funding as we have to our current program,' Dolezal said. Parent said said families in other states have taken advantage of voucher programs to buy things like electronics, video game consoles and sporting equipment. 'Senator, it sounds like we might need Elon Musk to go down to Florida and look into what they're doing down there,' Dolezal said. 'I know that Governor DeSantis has implemented a DOGE Florida bill, and I would probably say that in all areas of government, we can find examples of misappropriation of funds, and I would link arms with you in finding ways to find those.' Under the bill, families could remain eligible up to 10 years after they care for a foster child. And once a child is in the program, they remain in it until they decide to reenroll in public school. Parent implied that could lead to significant fraud. 'Would you agree with me that the language in today's bill, the way it's written, does say that a family could have a foster child for a day, then say, 'you know, it didn't work out,' and then receive the taxpayer-funded voucher for the next 15 years?' 'Senator, I think we could imagine edge cases in which that would be the case, but I know that the 2,300 families who are currently fostering in the state of Georgia are not doing it for their daily stipend that they currently get paid, but they are doing it for love of the children and for a desire to see some of the most vulnerable children in our state be taken care of,' Dolezal said. The bill will next head to the House, where it will need to pass out of committee and the full chamber before the end of the session, April 4. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Today at the Roundhouse, Feb. 26
Feb. 26—It's almost March, and legislators are entering a decisive stretch of this year's 60-day legislative session. Here are a few things to watch out for on Wednesday, Feb. 26: Border security: A proposal to create a new state office of border security is scheduled for its first hearing in the Senate Rules Committee. The bill, Senate Bill 257, would authorize a total of $6 million for the new office, which would be tasked with working with the federal government and local governments to expedite construction of a border fence. Up in smoke? The Senate Judiciary Committee will hear a presentation from Todd Stevens, the director of the state's Cannabis Control Division, about marijuana enforcement in New Mexico. The committee could also debate a bill, Senate Bill 152, allowing county commissioners to approve a two-year pause in the issuance of new cannabis producer licenses within the county. Felons voting: New Mexico voters would be able to decide whether to scrap a constitutional prohibition barring individuals with a felony conviction from voting, under a proposal up for debate in the House Government, Elections and Indian Affairs Committee. Former inmates can vote under a 2023 state law, but the proposed change, House Joint Resolution 10, would also extend the ability to vote to certain incarcerated individuals. Behavioral health: It's Behavioral Health Day at the Roundhouse, and the state's Behavioral Health Planning Council will hold a celebration in the Capitol rotunda from 9 to 11 a.m.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Should Georgia Promise Scholarship Act be repealed, expanded? Democrats, Republicans clash
The Brief Rep. Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville) is sponsoring House Bill 436, which would repeal the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. More than 400 public schools statewide are eligible for the school voucher program, which provides a scholarship of $6,500 to pay for private school tuition or home school expenses. Critics say it does more harm than good. Senate Republicans have introduced legislation to expand the program. ATLANTA - Some parents of Georgia school children who attend low performing public schools in Georgia will soon begin applying for school vouchers to help them pay for private school. A Democratic state lawmaker wants to repeal the law. Senate Republicans want to expand the program. What we know The Georgia Promise Scholarship is a program that provides a school voucher worth $6,500 to the families of children who attend underperforming public schools in Georgia. State officials released a list of more than 400 eligible schools, including more than 30 Atlanta Public Schools, more than 40 schools in DeKalb County, 22 in Clayton County, 16 in Gwinnett County, 9 in Fulton County and 8 in Cobb County. RELATED: School list released for Georgia Promise Scholarship program Big picture view State Rep. Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville) is sponsoring House Bill 436. HB 436 would repeal the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act, which was signed into law last year. Critics say the program has been fraught with delays and unforeseen challenges, and disproportionately affects children in rural and urban school districts who can't afford private school, and lack transportation. What they're saying "Why should we be funding private schools? It's only going to help those individuals who can pay the additional funds to go to school," Rep. Griffin told reporters Tuesday. The other side Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Republicans in the Senate want to expand the program. State Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) has introduced Senate Bill 152, which would expand eligibility for the Georgia Promise Scholarship to biological and adoptive children of foster parents. "We worked very hard to create opportunities for children and parents in this state," Jones told FOX 5. "If you are in a failing public school system you ought to be able to, to be given the opportunity to, take a voucher and find a place that's more suited for your child." The Source FOX 5 Atlanta Deidra Dukes spoke to Rep. Floyd Griffin (D-Milledgeville), Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Sen. Greg Dolezal (R-Cumming) about the program, House Bill 436 and Senate Bill 152.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Buyback, safe storage, hunting: 20 gun bills proposed in Indiana
Gun safety, gun handling and gun records are all on the table as Indiana's 2025 General Assembly session is underway. Lawmakers have filed multiple bills tied to firearms with proposals targeting buyback programs, safe storage and deer hunting. The bills follow recent years of landmark legislation surrounding guns being signed in the Hoosier State, including permitless carry and the law defining Glock switches as machine guns. What the bill does: Senate Bill 27 requires that officers from a political subdivision's law enforcement agency are present during a gun buyback program to dispose of guns, conduct serial number searches, and to record identifying information from gun sellers. Such requirements are within the law enforcement agency's routine administrative functions and should be able to be implemented with no additional appropriations, assuming near customary agency staffing and resource levels. It also prevents the use of public funds for buyback programs. Authored by: Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville. Co-authored by Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen. Read more about the bill: What the bill does: Senate Bill 139 would restore the right to carry a gun to a person convicted of a serious violent felony involving a firearm if their charge is on track to be expunged and if a court finds they are not a danger to the public. Authored by: Sen. Michael Crider, R-Greenfield. Co-author: James Tomes, R-Wadesville. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 152 would prohibit a person from carrying a firearm near a polling entrance, at the poll areas where voters congregate and the room where ballots are counted. Violators will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor. The bill also calls for raising the minimum age to carry a handgun to 21. Authored by: Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 153 makes it a low-level felony to possess a privately made firearm, which the bill defines as a gun that is "completed, assembled or otherwise produced" by a person who does not have a valid federal firearms license. Authored by: Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago. What the bill does: Senate Bill 204 would allow a lobbyist to carry a handgun inside the state capitol and its property if they undergo training and licensing requirements. Authored by: Sen. James Tomes, R-Wadesville. Co-authored by Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 208 would require a child care home to disclose to parents or guardians if there is a firearm on the premises. Authored by: Sen. Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington What the bill does: What the bill does: Senate Bill 247 touches on several firearm-related matters. The bill first calls for firearm trades or sales to be transacted through a dealer and undergo a background check before the transaction. Violators could be charged with a low-level felony. Under the bill, a retail dealer would also be required to display a sign stating that failing to secure a firearm can pose a safety risk. The bill further prohibits "a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector from selling or delivering a: firearm that is not a handgun to a person who is less than 21 years of age; or semiautomatic assault weapon." Authored by: Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis. Co-authored by Sen. La Keisha Jackson, D-Indianapolis and Sen. Mark Spencer, D-Gary. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 280 would allow deer hunting rifles to be used on public property during hunting season. The bill would remove rifle cartridge and case length limitations in the current law. Authored by: Sen. Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville and Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 325 would increase the penalty of burglary or robbery to a higher felony if the crime is committed on the property of a retail firearm establishment. Authored by: Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: Senate Bill 404 would allow a juvenile charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, a felony, to be waived to adult court. Authored by: Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1039 would stop the online sale of ammunition unless steps are taken to prevent selling to minors. Violators face being charged with a Class A misdemeanor. Authored by: Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend. Read more about the bill here: More: Gun crime task force expands to better track suspects, illegal weapons in Central Indiana What the bill does: House Bill 1137 would require a court to expunge certain red flag law records if it's determined the person is no longer dangerous. Authored by: Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn. Co-authored by Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour and Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1170 would bar the state from regulating firearms, ammunition and accessories and the ownership, possession, storing, registration and transportation of guns. Authored by: Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour. Read more about the bill here: 'Gun-free' zones, bans: Indy Mayor wants to curb firearm access in city What the bill does: House Bill 1171 would specify that pointing a loaded or unloaded firearm during an arrest by police, to prevent escape or for self-defense among citizens is considered reasonable force. Authored by: Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1317 would make it a Class A misdemeanor if a person who's been convicted of a domestic violence-related crime knowingly carries a gun. Authored by: Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary What the bill does: What the bill does: House Bill 1482 would allow cities to create public safety plans for a designated entertainment zone, such as a restriction on firearms. Author: Rep. Edward DeLaney, D-Indianapolis Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1676 would bring a felony neglect charge against a person who fails to secure a loaded firearm if their dependent gets ahold of the gun and it causes injury or death. Bill author: Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1597 would offer a tax credit for safe gun storage expenses. The bill proposes 20% multiplied by the safe gun storage expenses incurred by the taxpayer or $200 (or $100 if a married person files a separate return). Author: Rep. Dave Hall, R-Norman. Co-authored by Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1653 would repeal parts of the state's law allowing the confiscation of guns from a dangerous person and compiling statistics related to confiscating firearms from dangerous people. Author: Rep. Zach Payne, R-Charlestown. Read more about the bill here: What the bill does: House Bill 1657 would bar any authority to enforce, or attempt to enforce, certain federal firearm laws against a law-abiding person. The bill calls for penalties against political entities or law enforcement agencies that attempt to enforce or implement federal firearm laws. Author: Rep. Lorissa Sweet, R-Wabash. Read more about the bill here: Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: These 2025 Indiana proposed bills could impact gun owners, sales
