Category Archives: State Sen. Charlie Bethel

No Knock Warrants Pass Out of Senate Committee

no knock vote

(APN) ATLANTA — On Wednesday, March 04, 2015, the Senate Judiciary Non-Civil Committee passed out of Committee, SB 159, by State Sen. Jesse Stone (R-Waynesboro), the No-Knock Search Warrant Bill, by a seven to one vote.   Only State Sen. Mike Crane (R- Newnan) opposed the bill.   As reported by Atlanta Progressive News, the stated intent of the bill […]

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Sen. McKoon Rushes Religious Freedom Bill without Notice, Transparency

religious freedom

(APN) ATLANTA — On Monday, March 02, 2015, the Senate Judiciary Civil Committee passed an amended version of SB 129, the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.   The amended version states in the legislative findings but not in the operative text of the bill that courts “have consistently held that government has a fundamental, overriding interest in eradicating discrimination.”   […]

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State Senate Committee Tables Religious Freedom Bill

sb 129

(APN) ATLANTA — SB 129, the Georgia Religious Freedom Restoration Act, was on a fast track until, on Thursday, February 19, 2015, the Senate Judiciary Committee tabled the bill with a 5 to 3 vote.   State Sen. Josh McKoon (R-Columbus) is the author of SB 129 and was also the author of last year’s SB 377 that did not […]

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