4:50 p.m.
A bill that would limit the ability of neighbors to sue farms in Georgia advanced in the State senate.
The so-called "Freedom to Farm Act" would restrict the ability of nearby residents to sue over noises or smells.
"This change is needed to ensure that there's no ambiguity in our law. And it's needed to ensure that agriculture continues to be protected," said State Senator Tyler Harper. "We need to continue to find ways to ensure that we protect our number one industry."
"But in real life, nuisances can take many years to manifest themselves," said Sen. Freddie Sims, who delivered the minority report
Opponents argue that the bill doesn't level the playing field but instead puts neighbors at a disadvantage.
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2:00 p.m.
Senators voted 31 to 22 in favor of HB 1178, known as the "Parents' Bill of Rights." The bill, which was backed by Gov. Kemp, would grant parents greater access to their child's records, allow them to review the classroom materials, and opt their kids out of sex education.
"Parents have a right to be actively involved in their child's learning experience. " Gov. Brian Kemp said in a tweet on Friday. "This bill will ensure transparency in education by promoting a partnership between parents and educators."
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12:45 p.m.
The state senate approved a controversial piece of legislation that restricts certain ways of teaching race to K-12 students.
HB 1084 would restrict the teachings of certain "divisive concepts."
"We can teach U.S. history the good, the bad, the ugly without dividing children along racial lines," Sen. President Pro Tem Butch Miller (R-Gainesville) told the chamber. "CRT (Critical Race Theory) is wrong...[it] focuses on victimhood, not triumph."
Opponents argue that the legislation restricts conversations that need to happen.
Senators did make minor changes to the bill, which means the House will have to vote on the measure again. If approved, it will go to Gov. Kemp's desk for a signature.
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12:35 p.m.
The Georgia State Senate gave final passage to a bill that would allow Georgians to carry a gun without a permit.
Senate Bill 319 passed 34-22. The legislation became a political football when Gov. Kemp announced his support for the measure earlier this year.
According to the Associated Press: "Georgia currently requires people to obtain a license to carry a loaded handgun outside their own homes, businesses or cars, although people can carry rifles and shotguns in many places without a permit and carry unloaded weapons in gun cases."
Republicans argue that the fee associated with the permit and the process to get one hinders a citizen's Second Amendment rights. Democrats believe this will only put more guns on the street.
"Welcome to Georgia, where we make it really easy for criminals to get guns and send them all over the rest of the country," said Sen. Elena Parent (D-Atlanta).
"Let's stop blaming an inanimate object," said Sen. Randy Robertson (R-Cataula). "I'm proud to report that since I've been up here for almost three months, none of my weapons have broken out of my house and injured anyone."
