Lawmakers expected to talk transportation, schools, religion Thursday

ATLANTA (AP) Three provocative pieces of legislation are on track to floor votes in the General Assembly.

Georgia lawmakers' Thursday calendars include a multi-million dollar transportation funding package, Gov. Nathan Deal's proposal to allow state takeover of failing schools and a `religious freedom' bill.

House lawmakers are expected to take up the transportation bill. It converts the state's mix of taxes on gasoline to a 24-cents-per-gallon tax dedicated to transportation.

The state Senate is scheduled to consider Deal's plan to allow an appointed superintendent to select up to 20 schools each year for a management overhaul, conversion to charters or closure.

Senators also are scheduled to discuss a bill to prevent government infringement on religious beliefs. Opponents say the bill could excuse discrimination against LGBT people.

Both chambers convene at 10 a.m.