Deal, lawmakers return with long to-do list

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia's Legislature convenes Monday in Atlanta, and a rough list of legislative priorities still is shaping up. But it's clear Gov. Nathan Deal and legislative leaders have high hopes for the 40-day session.<br /> <br /> Both parties view the start of Deal's second and final term in office as an opportunity to get some work done.<br /> <br /> Here's a look at several topics likely to come up for discussion this session:<br /> <br /> TRANSPORTATION AND TAXES<br /> <br /> Though transportation funding is expected to be a top priority at the Capitol, Republican leaders are keeping their preferences quiet. A study committee that met throughout the summer laid out a variety of options in a report issued last month, including gas tax increases, a 1-cent sales tax or shifting money into transportation.<br /> <br /> The report estimated $1 billion to $1.5 billion is needed to maintain Georgia's existing roads, bridges and transit options. The document did push for more support for mass transit.<br /> <br /> House Speaker David Ralston, a Republican from Blue Ridge, this week declined to endorse any specific proposal but said he's hoping the House, Senate and Gov. Nathan Deal can reach a consensus instead of "bickering."<br /> <br /> The study committee's Republican co-chairs, Sen. Steve Gooch of Dahlonega and Rep. Jay Roberts, have previously said they expect to introduce legislation aimed at addressing the state's long-term transportation needs.<br /> <br /> EDUCATION<br /> <br /> Since his re-election in November, Deal has said examining the state's system for funding education is a top priority in his second term. Deal has said the complicated formula Georgia uses is outdated but also indicated he's focused on making better use of state money given to schools, not an overall increase.<br /> <br /> BUSINESS REGULATION<br /> <br /> Fights between established business interests and relative newcomers are expected to crop up again.<br /> <br /> Ride-sharing services including Uber and Lyft are gearing up to fight regulations of their driver background check system and subject the ride-hailing companies to the same taxes and fees on taxis or limo services in Georgia.<br /> <br /> The electric car company, Tesla, may take on the car dealer establishment in Georgia. The dealers' association challenged Tesla's direct car sales to customers before state revenue authorities. Dealers may turn to state lawmakers if the decision doesn't go their way.<br /> <br /> Craft breweries want to change state law to allow beer sales directly to customers at brewpubs or manufacturing sites. They've hired a full-time lobbyist. But they likely will face opposition from liquor distributors.<br /> <br /> `RELIGIOUS FREEDOM'<br /> <br /> State Rep. Sam Teasley pre-filed a bill preventing government entities at all levels from "burdening" an employee's religious expression, resurrecting legislation that failed to get a floor vote last year.<br /> <br /> Opponents say such proposals are aimed at LGBT people. The state's business community has warned that any such law would damage Georgia's reputation.<br /> <br /> The recent firing of the city of Atlanta's fire chief has re-energized supporters. Mayor Kasim Reed suspended and then fired former chief Kelvin Cochran after learning he had self-published a book that described homosexuality as a "perversion." Reed has said Cochran was fired for lacking judgment, not his faith.<br /> <br /> MEDICAL MARIJUANA<br /> <br /> A Republican lawmaker said Friday that he has Deal's backing for a bill to decriminalize possession of cannabis oil purchased in other states by people with certain medical conditions. The oil could contain between 3 and 5 percent THC, the chemical that can cause a high feeling.<br /> <br /> The bill scales back Republican Rep. Allen Peake's earlier hopes to introduce a bill allowing the sale cannabis oil in Georgia to people with certain disease who had their doctor's approval.<br /> <br /> Peake said Friday that the bill he now plans to introduce meets his goal of bringing home "medical refugees" who have relocated to other states where the oil can be legally purchased. It also would set up a committee to study growth and distribution of medical marijuana in Georgia and report to the legislature by the end of the year.<br /> <br /> Lawmakers failed to pass a bill aimed at treating children with seizure disorders last year after an unrelated issue was attached.<br /> <br /> A poll released Saturday by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows most Georgians favor legalizing medical marijuana. (See second link below). <br /> <br /> (Click on first link below to read how members of the Hall County state legislative delegation feel about some of the issues facing the state and the General Assembly.)<br /> <br /> (AccessNorthGa.com's Ken Stanford contributed to this report.)