The Georgia legislature has finished its business for the most recent session (unlike some states and the federal government, the legislature in Georgia has a finite period in which to meet and pass legislation). This session, among the host of other pieces of legislation proposed, presented and passed, two pieces really restore some personal freedoms.
First, after it looked like the bill was going to be relegated to legislative purgatory, the house and senate passed legislation allowing local communities to decide whether or not to allow retail sales of alchohol in their own jurisdictions. This removes Georgia from the shrinking list of states that do not allow Sunday retail purchases of alchohol. We will now be able to vote upon it ourselves. Yes, some communities will still disallow it, most likely in those counties that are still dry. But many others will allow it.
Second, Georgians are now allowed to purchase health insurance from insurer providers outside of the state Georgia. We have been able to do this with auto and home owners insurance for years, to the benefit of the insured (I get a tremendous price on both of those insurances compared to local insurance providers.) While those insurers will still be required to meet Georgia standards, in state providers will now have to compete which can only mean a cost benefit to consumers.
Kudos to the legislature, and to Governor Deal, for signing these new bills. BTW, Governor Deal is a teetotaler but believes that it is up to the local voters to determine their local alchohol rules.
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