The legislative spotlight now shifts to Gov. Nathan Deal, who will move into high gear signing bills passed by the Legislature.
Brian Robinson, Deal’s spokesman, told InsiderAdvantage Georgia that the governor’s office will have numerous bill-signing events, beginning this week. The governor has 40 days to decide whether to sign or veto a bill. If he takes no action, the bill automatically becomes law. Laws go into effect July 1.
Deal has already signed 18 bills, and the output will rise with the session over. Last week, Deal quietly signed a controversial bill that gives him more control over the state’s Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Environmental groups opposed House Bill 397, which puts the commission under the supervision of the state Department of Agriculture and increases the governor’s power in making appointments to the agency’s board.
The governor said the legislation would streamline environmental regulations for business development. But the Georgia Sierra Club said the law will make the commission less independent.
Along with the $21.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2016 and transportation spending and medical marijuana legislation, several other high-profile bills await Deal’s signature.
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