Georgia Legislature’s agenda packed for final lap of session

Georgia’s Legislature heads into its pivotal week Monday, with the number of bills on the agenda mounting and time running short.

With only a handful of bills receiving final approval so far, the 30th of 40 legislative days arrives Friday – “crossover day.” That’s the deadline for legislation to be sent from the House or Senate to the other chamber. Just a small fraction of the nearly 800 bills filed so far in both chambers will make it through.

One Senate proposal expected to receive attention this week sets up a state research program regarding the use of medical marijuana to help children suffering from epilepsy. Senate Bill 185, by Sen. Lindsey Tippins, R-Marietta, is seen as an alternative to Rep. Allen Peake’s well-publicized House Bill 1, which allows the use of cannabis oil for the treatment of several medical conditions, including cancer and sickle cell anemia. Families of children suffering from seizures appeared last week at a rally held by Peake, R-Macon, in support of the bill, which has passed the House.