General Assembly begins work on 2nd day of 2015 session

ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia General Assembly's session is in full swing following Monday's inaugural ceremonies. Here's a look at some of Tuesday's developments:<br /> <br /> `RELIGIOUS FREEDOM'<br /> <br /> Supporters of Atlanta's former fire chief plan to rally at the Capitol on Tuesday afternoon, while a group of clergy members said they will send a letter opposing so-called `religious freedom' proposals. Its backers say the legislation prevents government entities at all levels from "burdening" an employee's religious expression. They reject the argument by opponents that it targets lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.<br /> <br /> The recent firing of Kelvin Cochran has re-energized supporters after the bills failed to get a vote last session. Mayor Kasim Reed suspended and then fired Cochran after learning he had self-published a book that described homosexuality as a "perversion."<br /> <br /> Gov. Nathan Deal told reporters Tuesday that he doesn't believe the bills are discriminatory, while House Speaker David Ralston has said he's not convinced the bills provide protection beyond the Constitution.<br /> <br /> TECHNICAL SCHOOLS<br /> <br /> Deal said Tuesday morning that he wants the name of Georgia's Technical College System changed to the Georgia Career College System. Deal said the change better reflects the system's mission to train students for fields with job openings.<br /> <br /> FILM ACADEMY<br /> <br /> Deal also told attendees of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual "Eggs and Issues" breakfast that he will propose creating a film academy run jointly by the state's technical college and university systems to train people interested in in the film and TV industry. Deal said the addition will prevent another state from knocking Georgia off Hollywood's radar when choosing production locations.<br /> <br /> EARLY GRADUATION<br /> <br /> Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle told the breakfast attendees that a bill to be introduced this year will allow high school students to take an entry exam for state colleges or universities. If accepted, students could take college courses to count toward their high school and higher education degrees, Cagle said.<br /> <br /> MEDICAL MARIJUANA<br /> <br /> Deal told reporters that he plans to say more in Wednesday's State of the State address about long-term plans for medical cannabis. Republican state Rep. Allen Peake announced Friday that he would scale back planned legislation to give immunity to people possessing the oil purchased in other states.<br /> <br /> Peake had discussed allowing regulated growth and retail of medical marijuana in Georgia, and some families remain worried about being arrested with the oil while traveling across state lines.<br />