GDP Script/ Top Stories for March 22nd
Publish Date: March 22nd
PRE-ROLL:
From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.
Today is Saturday, March 22nd and Happy Birthday to William Shatner
I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia.
All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!
Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOG
STORY 1: 'Beyond heroic' — VALOR Awards Honor Gwinnett Public Safety Officials
The Gwinnett Chamber hosted its 20th Annual VALOR Public Safety Awards, honoring first responders for their dedication to keeping Gwinnett County safe. Held at the Gas South District, the event gathered over 360 attendees, including business leaders and community members. President Nick Masino highlighted the vital role of public safety in fostering a thriving community. Awards recognized exceptional service, including Major Michelle Anglin for Leadership, Corporal Sean Donahue as Public Safety Person of the Year, and the Behavioral Health Unit as Public Safety Unit of the Year. The ceremony celebrated the heroism and commitment of Gwinnett's first responders.
STORY 2: Tort reform bill squeaks through Georgia House
The Georgia House narrowly passed Senate Bill 68, a GOP-backed tort reform measure, with a 91-82 vote. The bill, a priority for Gov. Brian Kemp, aims to curb excessive jury awards and stabilize liability insurance costs by introducing premises liability guidelines, allowing seat belt evidence in auto cases, and limiting medical damage claims to actual costs. Supporters argue it will benefit businesses, while opponents, including many Democrats, claim it reduces access to justice and unfairly impacts crime victims. The bill includes a carveout for sex trafficking victims but faces criticism for excluding other crime victims. It now returns to the Senate for review.
STORY 3: Georgia Supreme Court takes up State Election Board rules changes
Civil rights and voting rights groups urged the Georgia Supreme Court to uphold a lower-court ruling invalidating seven election law changes made by the Republican-controlled State Election Board (SEB) last fall. The changes included hand-counting ballots, delaying result certification for fraud inquiries, stricter absentee ballot requirements, and expanded poll watcher areas. A Fulton County judge previously ruled the SEB overstepped its authority, violating the separation of powers. However, state and Republican lawyers argued the SEB acted within its rights and that the plaintiffs lacked legal standing to sue. The case centers on the balance of legislative and executive powers.
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Break 2:
STORY 4: Gwinnett Police Again Ask For Public's Help In Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation
The Gwinnett County Police Department is seeking new information about a hit-and-run that killed 24-year-old Mecha Woodard on September 27, 2024. Woodard was struck while walking on the eastbound shoulder of State Route 316 near Breckenridge Blvd. The suspect vehicle, a Lexus RX350 or RX450 (2019-2022), sustained damage to the front passenger-side bumper and headlight. Investigators urge anyone with information to contact Gwinnett Police Detectives at 678-442-5653 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477 or www.stopcrimeATL.com, with potential cash rewards for leads.
STORY 5: Senate measure to trim state agency rules advances toward a vote by the House
The Georgia House Budget and Fiscal Affairs Oversight Committee advanced Senate Bill 28, the "Red Tape Rollback Act," aimed at reducing outdated or burdensome state agency rules. Sponsored by Sen. Greg Dolezal, the bill requires agencies to review rules every four years and conduct impact analyses for proposed rules costing $3 million or more in compliance over five years. Republicans view it as a way to streamline bureaucracy, while Democrats argue it could burden agencies and taxpayers. Amendments raised the impact analysis threshold and required analyses to be posted online. The bill now heads to the House Rules Committee.
Break 3:
STORY 6: State Senate health committee approves IVF bill
House Bill 428, which codifies the right to in vitro fertilization (IVF) in Georgia, unanimously passed a Senate committee. Prompted by an Alabama ruling treating frozen embryos as children, the bill ensures IVF remains accessible in Georgia without introducing new regulations. Sponsor Rep. Lehman Franklin, who has personal experience with IVF, emphasized the bill simply formalizes current practices. Parents shared emotional testimonies about their IVF journeys, while some called for ethical regulations on embryo handling. The bill now heads to the Senate Rules Committee for a full Senate vote.
STORY 7: Teen fatally shot during 'Senior Skip Day' at Denny Dobbs Park
An 18-year-old Salem High School student, Justin Etienne, was fatally shot Wednesday at Denny Dobbs Park during an informal "Senior Skip Day" event involving students from Newton and Rockdale counties. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office described the incident as isolated, with no gang involvement or additional injuries. Grief counselors were made available at schools, and law enforcement increased patrols as a precaution. Authorities are urging witnesses or anyone with information to come forward. Both Newton and Rockdale school systems expressed condolences and emphasized the event was not school-sanctioned. The investigation is ongoing.
We’ll have closing comments after this
Break 4: Ingles Markets 4
Signoff –
Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com
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