Gov. Deal’s legislature deadline is tomorrow
Georgia’s governor has only a few days left to decide whether to veto or sign the remaining bills sent to him by the state legislature.
By law, Republican Gov. Nathan Deal has 40 days to veto a bill or sign it into law, a deadline that ends Tuesday.
The governor can also decline to do either and let a bill automatically become law without his name attached.
The state budget, a transit expansion plan and a measure that bans drivers from holding a cellphone are major pieces of legislation Deal has already signed into law.
The term-limited Deal, who is likely considering his final round of legislation as governor, also has yet to make a determination on bills that expand access to medical marijuana oil, allow victims of domestic violence to break a housing lease and keep lottery winners anonymous.
Deal is considering a bill that would criminalize unauthorized computer access, a bill opposed by Google and Microsoft that also has received strong condemnation from Georgia’s booming cybersecurity industry.
The legislation follows the recent discovery by unauthorized independent cybersecurity experts of a vulnerability in the computer network where Georgia’s elections are managed.
Also, Georgia could widen access to medical marijuana oil if Deal signs a bill adding post-traumatic stress disorder and intractable pain to the list of ailments it can be used to treat.
Proponents say that adding PTSD and intractable pain to the list will help steer veterans and others away from addictive opioid painkillers.
Deal last year approved an expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program to include autism, AIDS, Tourette’s syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease.
Deal has yet to take final action on a bill that advocates say would help victims of domestic violence escape their abusers.
Those who win a big lottery jackpot could soon be able to remain anonymous under a bill awaiting Gov. Nathan Deal’s signature.
WNEG News will provide continued coverage as Deal signs more legislation into law.