Happy Sine Die, everyone! Prepare for chaos!
May God have mercy on our souls
Good morning! It’s Sine Die, the 40th and final day of the legislative session. By the time it’s gaveled to a close at midnight, laws will have been passed, sweetheart deals cut, and lots of paper tossed in the air.
All eyes will be on House Bill 87, a controversial measure aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration. Some lawmakers, including the bill’s sponsor state Rep. Matt Ramsey, R-Peachtree City, and illegal immigration activists, are none too pleased after senators on Monday stripped the bill of some harsh provisions. The House, which prefers a more stringent bill, has refused to agree to the changes and now awaits the Senate’s move. Nearly everyone agrees that some version of HB 87 will pass. So we’ll just have to see what lawmakers cobble together.
We’ll be down at the Legislature, providing updates to some of the goings-on, perhaps even liveblogging. (If you’re interested in seeing how dysfunctional your government truly is, consider stopping by the Gold Dome. Street parking near City Hall is unenforced after 7 p.m.) Regardless, check in here throughout the day for updates, observations, vicious gossip and the like.
And be sure to see if your favorite — or least favorite — lawmaker was recognized this year with a Golden Sleaze Award, CL’s annual accolade for outrageous behavior under the Gold Dome.