(GA. NEWS NETWORK)
*State lawmakers worked late into the night Friday as a midnight deadline approached for passing bills from either the Senate or the House to remain alive. The chambers were successful in repealing the sales tax exemption for data centers, reducing the state income tax rate from 4.99% to 3.99%, strengthening the state’s ability to discipline district attorneys, cap property tax increases at 3% and rejecting a measure to overhaul the state’s voting system. Bills that failed to make the cut included ones that would legalize gun silencers, create statewide grand juries and make district attorney races non-partisan.
*Georgia is celebrating a surplus of more than $5 billion from tourism tax dollars. Tourism is Georgia’s second-largest industry behind agriculture. The state saw more than 175 million visitors in 2024.
*A local State of Emergency is underway in Henry County. Board of Commissioners Chair Carlotta Harrell says anyone under 18 will not be allowed on the streets unless it’s related to work, school and emergencies until Monday. This in response to a “teen takeover” event this weekend at the Henry Town Center. Officials say these events may lead to property damages, illegal weapons use and other related incidents.