Georgia: 'Sunset' panel bill changes sought

A spokesman for House Speaker David Ralston says the chamber is unlikely to take up legislation that would create a "sunset committee" to weigh whether to cut certain state agencies until changes are made to the bill.

Marshall Guest said the speaker would like the conference committee on Senate Bill 223 to add language making the proposed law effective upon the governor's signature, allowing the committee to start work sooner. Otherwise, upon passage by both chambers, the bill would not take effect until July 1.

The bill, approved Monday in the Senate, would create a 14-member committee that would make recommendations to the Legislature on whether to cut, consolidate, privatize or otherwise change state programs.

Alabama speaker visits Legislature

The speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives asked Georgia lawmakers for their prayers for no "fist fights on the floor" as his state begins work next week to redraw legislative district lines.

Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard, R-Auburn, visited the Georgia Legislature on Tuesday. Hubbard, a Georgia native and graduate of the University of Georgia, was invited by Georgia House Speaker John Ralston.