Latest news with #SenateBill291
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
'America First' license plate approved by Georgia legislature
The Brief Georgia lawmakers have passed a bill to create a specialty license plate with the phrase "America First," sparking debate over its patriotic versus divisive political implications. Revenue from the "America First" license plate will go into the state's general fund, and production will be discontinued if 1,000 prepaid applications are not reached by January 1, 2028. Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Doreen Carter, criticize the bill for promoting exclusion and division, urging Governor Brian Kemp to veto it to foster unity and equity. ATLANTA - Georgia lawmakers have approved a bill that would create a specialty license plate emblazoned with the phrase "America First." Supporters say it promotes patriotism, but critics argue it carries divisive political undertones. The backstory Senate Bill 291, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and 24 other Republican senators, passed the House on April 2 by a vote of 95-68 after previously clearing the Senate in early March. The measure authorizes the Georgia Department of Revenue to begin issuing the "America First" plate without the standard requirement of 1,000 prepaid applications. If that threshold is not reached by Jan. 1, 2028, production of the plate would be discontinued. The design would feature the American flag alongside the "America First" slogan. Revenue from the plate would be deposited into the state's general fund. Dig deeper Gooch initially promoted the idea during the 2024 legislative session, when a similar proposal was introduced as Senate Bill 507. At the time, he described the plate as a symbol of national pride. "This license plate represents the tangible expression of patriotism and putting the needs of our country at the forefront," Gooch said in 2024. "It provides Georgians with an opportunity to express their national pride, and underscores the importance of emphasizing domestic concerns like economic stability, national security, strong borders, and the protection of the rights of our citizens." What they're saying The measure has sparked backlash from Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia, who issued a public statement condemning the bill and urging Gov. Brian Kemp to veto it. "Let me be clear—'America First' is not just a slogan. It carries a history rooted in exclusion, division and the marginalization of communities, especially Black Americans, immigrants and people of color," Carter said. "To place this phrase on a state-issued license plate is not merely symbolic—it is an endorsement of a narrative that has too often left many Georgians behind." Carter warned that the phrase's use on official state material could alienate large portions of the population and undermine efforts toward unity. "At a time when we should be working toward unity, equity and justice for all, this bill sends the wrong message," she said. "Georgia must choose a path that brings people together and affirms the dignity and belonging of every resident, regardless of race, background or political belief." Carter represents Georgia's 93rd House District, which includes parts of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. She has served in the legislature since 2015. What's next The bill now heads to Gov. Kemp's desk for consideration. If signed into law, it will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Source This story uses quotes from Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch, R-Dahlonega, and Rep. Doreen Carter, D-Lithonia. Details on the bill come from the Georgia General Assembly website.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New bill seeks to regulate short-term rentals in cities and towns
Homeowners in North Carolina could finally get clarity on the rights they have to rent out their homes or rooms on a short-term basis, like through websites such as Airbnb or VRBO. The short-term rental industry has led to lawsuits and divided neighborhoods, and confused local governments trying to navigate the complex legal ramifications of regulating rentals. North Carolina Senate Bill 291 provides homeowners clear guidance on what local governments can regulate, something the state does not currently have. The bill explicitly prohibits local governments from outright banning short-term rentals (STRs), while laying out what regulations those municipalities can adopt or enforce. The bill states cities and towns cannot limit the number of nights the property is rented, require the owner to stay at the property at any time, or classify rentals as commercial use. It does allow the regulation of short-term rentals, letting cities and towns limit the number of renters to two adults per bedroom, require a parking plan with one space per bedroom, restrict short-term rentals to residential zones, and require the host to be within a 50-mile radius while the property is being rented. That provision would make it illegal for someone in Charlotte to rent out their beach or mountain house. Local ordinances can also require a rental operator to obtain a permit for up to $25, which can be revoked if the rental incurs five health and safety violations within a 12-month period, as long as the host has an opportunity to contest and remedy the violations. The bill starts by addressing the constitutional rights of homeowners to do what they want to with their own property. It also criticizes the efforts of some local governments to restrict STRs, stating 'Cities often frustrate tourism and infringe on property owners' private property rights by adopting ordinances that inhibit property owners' right to use their property they see fit.' The bill also notes the positive impact STRs have on the state saying, 'Short-term rentals provide housing options for transitory workers, including nurses, tradespeople, and executives.' Cities and counties like Charlotte, Cornelius, Matthews, and Iredell have considered and attempted to regulate STRs. This is not the first time lawmakers have attempted to provide guidance through state law, but previous efforts have not come to fruition. The opinions on the legality and attempts the regulate industry continue to cause divide in communities. Federal judge rules on lawsuit that could decide future of NC short-term rentals Short-term rentals are not a new concept, but the quick and easy access to rentals through apps like Airbnb and VRBO have put STRs in the spotlight in recent years. The technology and simplicity have made it easier than ever for homeowners to offer their homes to travelers as an alternative to hotels. But unlike hotels, the lack of statutory regulations has opened the door to legal challenges and debates on the rights of homeowners. In North Carolina, the Vacation Rental Act – written years before the growth in popularity of online platforms like Airbnb – outlines the rights of tenants, but not the rights of homeowners. In the absence of clear requirements from the General Assembly, local governments have attempted to tackle the subject on their own, prompting lawsuits and contentious meetings for city councils and town commissions. A 2023 lawsuit brought by homeowners in Wilmington, N.C., ended with the court declaring the city's rental restrictions illegal, which has shaped how other cities across the state address regulations. If enacted, the bill would help both homeowners and local governments have uniformity when it comes to rental rights, removing the current patchwork regulations that often vary from community to community. On Monday, the bill passed its first reading in the N.C. Senate and was referred to the Committee on Rules and Operations of the Senate. Both chambers of the legislature would need to approve three readings of the bill before it could become law. VIDEO: Neighbors share concerns, criticism for hostel-style Charlotte Airbnb
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs 41 bills into law
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed 41 bills into law on Thursday. While the legislation included run-of-the-mill items like funding appropriations, it also included laws that would create changes for Arkansans. CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS House Bill 1369, now Act 270, re-sets the limits on campaign contributions to a base rate of $2,000. The limit will be raised on odd-numbered years based upon the percentage sent to the Federal Election Commission by the U.S. Secretary of Labor. The state Ethics Commission will round the figure to the nearest $100. Legislature filing mandates $1 billion fund for Arkansas prison construction MEDICAL MARIJUANA House Bill 1452, now Act 271, makes it illegal to use medical marijuana in such places as schools, drug treatment facilities, public transportation or any National Guard or military base. Drivers are also not allowed to smoke or have medical marijuana available for smoking while driving. ELECTION LAW Senate Bill 291, now Act 279, broadens the time window for complaint filing with the State Board of Election Commissioners. It also extends the time the board has to act on a complaint. WRITE-IN CANDIDATES Senate Bill 308, now Act 284, amends the Arkansas election code for write-in candidates, allowing them to be counted by hand or electronically. It also removes some of the requirements to be a write-in candidate. ALTERNATE FUEL Senate Bill 267, now Act 295, repeals the 2018 Arkansas Alternative Motor Fuel Development Act. That act encouraged using compressed or natural gas or electric motors by offering rebates to service stations supporting the technologies and vehicle owners. SCHOOL ELECTIONS Senate Bill 292, now Act 264, adds a provision that if a school election falls on a Tuesday that is a national holiday, it will be moved to the subsequent Tuesday. Arkansas legislature bills filed Tuesday include changes to the Arkansas Constitution, water bonds, human trafficking, more The Thursday signing marks 299 bills signed into law since the session's Jan. 13 beginning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Witnesses bring emotional testimony for, against Second Look Act
Anthony Muhammad talks to the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland about his support for the Second Look Act, which got a hearing later in the day Thursday from the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Deborah Haskins' son, Joseph, was shot and killed in Baltimore City in 2013. A year later, her nephew, Rueben, was killed in Baltimore County. But Haskins said she believes in second chances for everyone, which is one reason why she was in Annapolis on Thursday to testify in support of the Maryland Second Look Act. Senate Bill 291 would allow someone in prison to petition courts for a sentence reduction. 'Not all victims are the same. We are not monoliths,' Haskins, a licensed therapist, told the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. 'I decided that, for me, not to pass on generational trauma. I have to heal. Part of my healing includes forgiveness, and forgiveness is not an overnight process.' But for Dawn Collins, the bill would 'undermine the small justice' she won with the conviction of her son's killer. Collins gave tearful testimony as her husband, Richard Collins Jr., stood next to her and slowly turned 360 degrees to show committee members and the hearing audience a large, framed picture of their son, Richard W. Collins III. He was visiting a friend at the University of Maryland, College Park, when he was fatally stabbed in a racially motivated hate crime in May 2017, just days before he was set to graduate from Bowie State University. 'I am urging all lawmakers to oppose SB 291, and the no-limits approach to how it would benefit mass murderers, serial rapists, child sex offenders and those who have committed hate crimes, like the one who took my beloved son,' Dawn Collins said. 'The bill would undermine the small justice that was given in the case of my son's murder. I need to be able to continue to know that my son mattered.' Medical and geriatric parole bill back before Senate panel The bill, sponsored by Sen. Charles Sydnor III (D-Baltimore County), would allow a person who has served at least 20 years of a prison sentence to petition the court for a sentence reduction. If denied, they could petition again after three years. An inmate could not file more than three petitions. A written decision would have to include the inmate's age at the time of the offense, whether they had participated in any education or vocational programs and 'whether the individual has demonstrated maturity, rehabilitation and fitness to reenter society sufficient to justify a sentence reduction.' A victim or victim's representative would be able to attend a court hearing on the petition, or submit a written statement. 'Victims will have full agency and autonomy on whether or not they want to participate in this process. For some it is a part of their healing process,' Sydnor said. 'Not everyone just wants people to be thrown away and forgotten about or feel revictimized. For some people, it is a part of that process.' But Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger (D) called the bill 'The 14th Look Back Act,' since it would repeatedly force victims like Dawn Collins to come back to court and relive the tragedy of a loved one killed. 'There needs to be some finality. I need to be able to say to tell Mrs. Collins, 'It's over. You don't have to come to court anymore and tell your story,'' Shellenberger said. Sydnor asked Shellenberger if there's 'a true finality' under the current criminal justice system. 'The answer is no,' Shellenberger said, 'But that doesn't mean we should add another [post-conviction remedy] every three years.' Criminal justice advocates have said everyone deserves a second chance, especially those who've shown they are rehabilitated. Anthony Muhammad talked about his second chance at life Thursday morning to the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland in Annapolis. Muhammad, who was arrested in 1993 at age 15 on two homicide charges, was later convicted and sentenced to life in prison plus 20 years. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX After serving 29 years, 7 months and 29 days, Muhammad was released from prison in September 2022. Today, he's employed with the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland and is a youth mentor with an organization known as Baltimore Brothers. 'I am just one of many of long-term returning citizens, people who have served two, three and four decades of incarceration here in the state of Maryland that are now doing amazing and wonderful things,' he said at the caucus meeting. 'I want to thank this caucus for making this piece of legislation a priority.' The measure, sponsored last year by former Sen. Jill P. Carter, passed the Senate then but stalled in the House. Del. Cheryl Pasteur (D-Baltimore County), who presented the bill last year, is sponsoring the House version this year. It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee, but a hearing date has not been set.
