New Laws Taking Effect Jan. 1
State Sen. Bill Heath, R-Bremen, highlights some of the legislation that will take effect when the new year begins.
Dear Editor, During the 2012 legislative session, the General Assembly passed a wide range of legislation, from bills strengthening our criminal justice system to protecting the life of the unborn. Although many of these initiatives have already been implemented, let’s focus on several pieces of legislation that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2013. HB 1176 is a comprehensive sentencing and corrections reform bill that was signed into law on May 2 by Gov. Nathan Deal. The overall intention of HB 1176 is to strengthen penalties for violent and career criminals, while providing more effective punishments for low-level drug users and property offenders. This legislation also serves to protect Georgia’s young people by expanding the mandatory …
