Felony thresholds – Work continues on HB1176, which would codify much of the work of the Criminal Justice Reform Commission including raising the dollar thresholds for felony crimes of shoplifting and theft-by-taking. The amount by which those limits were to be raised was reduced by legislators in the first draft of HB1176, and both legislators and the governor’s office have continued to work with GRA to address further concerns about those limits. We anticipate further action on this legislation in the coming week.

Read more: GRA Legislative Update - March 8, 2012

Felony thresholds – This week, legislative leaders introduced HB1176, which would codify much of the work of the Criminal Justice Reform Commission including raising the dollar thresholds for felony crimes of shoplifting and theft-by-taking. The amount by which those limits were to be raised was reduced by legislators in the first draft of HB1176, and both legislators and the governor’s office indicated willingness to work with GRA to address further concerns about those limits. GRA testified before the Special Criminal Justice Reform Committee the end of this week, and GRA commends both the governor and legislative leaders for their open-minded and thoughtful approach to this difficult issue. GRA fully supports the intent of the Criminal Justice Commission’s work to reduce drug and property crimes while controlling costs and looks forward to further discussions with leaders at the Capitol.

Read more: GRA Legislative Update - March 2, 2012

Felony thresholds – GRA did follow-up meetings with legislative leaders involved in drafting the Criminal Justice Reform Package. Those leaders confirmed to GRA that earlier proposals to raise thresholds dramatically were being scaled back, but those same leaders also indicated much work remains to be done. We expect legislative language to be introduced in the next two weeks.

E-Fairness – E-Fairness continues to be discussed in all parts of the Capitol, and it retains strong support from the governor and legislative leaders. Most tax legislation including E-Fairness will begin to move in the next week as we approach the “Crossover Day” of Day 30 on March 7.

Read more: GRA Legislative Update - February 24, 2012

E-Fairness: GRA met with senior officials in the governor’s office, House leadership and Senate leadership to push forward on language that would be acceptable to all parts of Capitol leadership. The governor’s office continues to play a key role in facilitating legislation that will be acceptable to all leadership at the Capitol. We expect final legislation to be introduced in a few days.

Criminal Justice Reform: GRA continued engaging with the Pew Research Institute this week. In addition, GRA met with legislative leaders who are writing a draft bill to implement the reforms proposed by Pew. Leaders have shown resistance to keeping the felony threshold levels for theft by taking and shoplifting at their current levels. However, GRA has begun to see signs of movement this past week, and more meetings are scheduling in the coming week.

Read more: Georgia Legislative Update for Week ending 2-03-2012