TOP ISSUES FOR GEORGIA'S GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN 2020
One of the major things that will pass through the General Assembly at first will be the decision of whether or not to cut the state’s income tax. Governor Kemp has also submitted a proposal to the federal government to get increased funding for Georgia health care.
GEORGIA FINALLY FIXING 911 SYSTEM, 5 YEARS AFTER WOMAN DIED WHILE WAITING FOR HELP
When a woman accidentally drove into a Cherokee County pond 5 years ago and called 911 to get help, her call got routed to the Alpharetta Police Department. They took over 19 minutes in finding her, resulting in her death. Due to this, Governor Nathan Deal created the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority (GECA) to oversee all 911 fees in the state and give more than $200 million a year to local 911 call centers. Now, Alpharetta 911 has Next Generation 911, which upgrades the system to an IP and digital-based 911 system.
REGULATING E-SCOOTERS TOUGH CHALLENGE FOR GEORGIA LAWMAKERS
Georgia lawmakers will need to balance concerns for public safety with a desire to encourage growth and innovation in an industry. A study committee found that it was best that local governments do not ban or cap the number of electric scooters in their areas. The committee also recommended that the state model its e-scooter rules to follow those of bicycles.
BIPARTISAN HFC LEGISLATION BOOSTS TECHNOLOGY LEADERSHIP FOR AMERICAN WORKERS
Two bipartisan bills in the US Congress will change the HFC industry (heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration) to new technology that will create jobs, stimulate investment, and boost exports. This will result in more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly appliances.
CONGRESS INJECTS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO ADVANCE NEXT-GEN COMBAT VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
For the fiscal 2020 budget, Congress will put more than $100 million to fund the advancement of next-generation combat vehicle technology. This is part of the Army’s priority to modernize its combat fleet. The goal is to create energy-smart autonomous ground vehicles. More metals are also being added to the vehicles to make them survive longer on the battlefield.
SENATE PASSES NEW LIMITS ON ROBOCALLS, SENDING LEGISLATION TO TRUMP
Spam calls rang consumers a record 54 billion times in 2019, resulting in Congress having to take swift action against robocalls. The law does not immediately cut down the calls but will limit it over time. The government can now prosecute criminals who place robocalls without permission. It also requires telecom carriers to adopt technology that will identify if calls are spam, allowing consumers and companies to ignore them.