Legislative Notebook: Military bills march onward

Legislative Notebook:

MILITARY BILLS MARCH ONWARD

A federal Department of Defense initiative meant to persuade states to pass military family-friendly laws has inspired bills from both parties that are starting to move through the Legislature.

Just this week, the Georgia House unanimously approved a bill that would set up fast-track professional licensing for military spouses and those leaving the armed forces who have professional credentials from another state or military experience. That means a shorter time to start work in any of the dozens of professions that require a Georgia license.

House Bill 821 sponsor state Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, predicted the vote. At an earlier hearing, he said the bill is so good that its only opponents are "the Russians, the Taliban and ISIS."

Also this week, freshman state Sen. Larry Walker III, R-Perry, got committee approval on his Senate Bill 337. The bill would speed up Medicaid access for eligible military dependents who have previously been residents of Georgia and then return after a deployment elsewhere.

PERDUE HIGHWAY IN THE WORKS

Houston County's state senators are aiming to dedicate the portion of Interstate 75 in their county to one of their own.

A new Senate Resolution 892 would dub the roadway "Governor Sonny Perdue Highway."

Perdue, born in Perry and a graduate of Warner Robins High School, was elected in 2002 as Georgia's first Republican governor since Reconstruction.

Before moving to the governor's mansion, Perdue spent 12 years in the state Senate.

REPS UNITE TO STUDY BEER, LIQUOR

In a state House that spends a lot of time talking about how to improve Georgia's economy and cut red tape, a majority of members think it's time to check what's going on with the state's makers of libations.

Some 91 representatives have signed on to the new House Resolution 1345 by state Rep. Michael Caldwell, R-Woodstock, to create a House Study Committee on Georgia Craft Brewery and Distillery Competitiveness.

Sure, it's a great opportunity for five lucky lawmakers to take some post-session time to get familiar with breweries and distilleries and, if they like, perhaps sample some products. But the resolution does come amid a sharp fight between smaller brewers and the companies that, by Georgia law, they must use to distribute their products.

Small brewers have been agitating for a few years for legal changes to let them sell their products freely to visitors.

But distributors have fought off attempts to cut them out of the supply chain. Distributors say that Georgia's system helps ensure brewers have access to store shelves.

Telegraph writer Maggie Lee compiled this report.

This story was originally published February 12, 2016 at 3:30 PM with the headline "Legislative Notebook: Military bills march onward ."